Crafting a World of Pure Imagination

So, I promised I wouldn't overwhelm you with posts about wedding stuff. And, well, I suppose I haven't technically been overwhelming anyone since I've only posted once about my wedding since the proposal -- and that's the only blog post I've done in the last two months. Yikes!

Nevertheless, here is my attempt at bridging my wedding planning with bargain chic finds: the wonderful, inspiring, DIY online craft supply stores. And, nope, I'm not talking about Michael's or Joann's or Hobby Lobby. I'm talking wholesale -- crafts galore at seriously reasonable prices. I love it! Not only is it great for budget weddings, but for all sorts of other things -- parties, holidays, creating crafts to sell, to give as gifts, and the list can go on and on and on.

So, if you are like me, and have an affinity for all-things crafty (not in the literal sense of being devious, but in the handmade crafty sense), then keep reading and start clicking to discover a world of pure imagination...

Save On Craft: Everything under the sun for decorating parties, weddings, holidays, etc. There are some great bulk pricing on vases and jars, lighting and flowers (and so much more).

Factory Direct Craft: Another great site for all sorts of decorative and craft needs. You can browse their craft supplies, holiday decorations, home decor, and all kinds of wedding stuff -- from decorations to favors to bachelorette party supplies.

Koyal Wholesale: Not so much a purely craft store, as many of the products are ready-made for events and, more specifically weddings. All sorts of great options from an array of centerpieces to wedding reception supplies to catering and linen supplies.

Oriental Trading: A comprehensive craft website, that includes much more than wedding craft supplies, but also toys and gifts and teaching supplies and all sorts of craft items.

Go forth, and craft! (I've already started my list of projects and can't wait to get my craftiness on!)

A Celebration

So, it has been over a month since the big engagement news, and I’ve been busy trying to get the big-ticket wedding stuff squared away. I’m happy to report that my own personal timeline (screw you Martha Stewart and The Knot and all you other silly wedding websites) is right on schedule. We've set the venue. I have the dress. All the rest is just icing on the cake.  

And can I just say how amazed I am at the laser-like decisiveness I’ve shown in making decisions. Anyone who has known me long enough can attest to the fact that I can be rather indecisive when it comes to big decisions (and small ones too, I suppose). But for some reason, all of my decisions have been easy to make and have felt just right – with little to no hesitations and with a clam resolve that I don’t often display.  I chalk it up to the fact that, in the end, the place, the location, the decorations and the food really don't matter to me as much as just having a simple and honest celebration of our love and commitment with our family and friends.

And with that, here’s a collection of some of my favorite wedding ideas and inspiration so far. More to come – I promise!

Flowers: DIY storybook paper roses; baby's breath aisle decoration; paper flower centerpieces. Programs: program & confetti; print fans; fan program. Favors: cd favor; favor seed packets; button favors. Fun Stuff: photobooth; beer bar; i spy game.

I'm Back! With More Fall Finds

A lot, I mean, A LOT has happened since my last post. Like a BIG, HUGE, life changing moment. So, yeah, that's why I've been MIA. I've got too much going on inside this fiery little brain of mine, and not enough time to do everything I want. But, with some time to spare -- or rather, some set-aside-time I've carved out for this post -- I thought I'd share some fall finds I found during my hiatus.

[...oh, wait...did you want to know what the big news is...oh, I didn't think...well, OK...]

I got engaged! O-M-G. Yes, ladies (and gents, if the case may be), my wonderful, amazing, awesome, sweet, kind, generous, oh-so-handsome and romantic now-fiance surprised me with a week-early visit and proposal. My sister was in on it, and although I had some suspicion (that's me, though), it still was a total surprise and one that I will cherish forever. And of course, wedding planning is now underway, and while I may have a few posts about it here and there, I promise to keep the blog as is, with minimal references to wedding stuff.

So, without further ado. Here are some fun finds for fall. (Ah, don't you love a good alliterative sentence?)

Cozy Sweaters (l to r): Textured Cropped Turtleneck, Banana Republic, $89.50; Zip Sweatshirt Jacket, The Loft, $98; Check Wool-Blend Sweatshirt, Mango, $39.99. Fancy Pants (l to r): Waxed Jeans, Banana Republic, no longer available; Faux Leather Trousers, Mango, $109.99; Straight Trousers, Zara, no longer available. Bold Dresses (l to r): Houndstooth Dress, The Limited, $89.95; Aleteo Dress, Anthropologie, $79.95; Dress with Belt, Zara, $79.90.

Fall Fashion: Part Three

Fall is my favorite season. Mostly because it means cooler temperatures and a prelude to all my beloved holidays. It's also a time for nesting, for being domestic, and enjoying the changing milieu of colors, of scents, and of visual cues that the Earth's yearly journey is reaching its conclusion. And it is in those sensory experiences that we tend to also shift our fashion perspective. And while the weather certainly plays a part in that transition, it's the hues that many of us are drawn to in the fall months that make everything feel richer and more inviting.

I love wearing the shades of autumn: orange, burgundy, forest green, gold, cobalt blue. They make everything look more sophisticated and luxurious. Really, you can't go wrong in the fall. Pick a piece with a pop of color, and you're instantly transformed into a bonafide fall fashionista. And to give you a little inspiration, here are just a few ideas for some coats and dresses that partake of the palette for fall.

1.Double-cloth car coat, J.Crew, $350. 2.Twill vegan leather coat, Tinley Road, $129. 3.Galan dress, Anthropologie, $138. 4.Quilted Tema dress, Anthropologie, $158.

Fall Fashion: Part Two

Moving on from fall {winter} sweaters, I'll regress slightly to the more accessible for fall fashion: blouses/tops. With the mercury slowly dropping, it often becomes a challenge to figure out what to wear during those in-between seasons, when it isn't quite hot enough to pull off sleeveless tops anymore, but not cool enough to don that favorite sweater you've being dying to wear. So it becomes a game of closet chess, where each style choice can make or break a sweat [or maybe just force you to turn up the A/C].

And this season, tops are all about keeping things interesting. With prints and patterns and texture and flowiness abounding, fashion labels are playing the perfect chess game to keep us all intrigued and inspired. The looks are whimsical and relaxed, refined and simple, and utterly chic and unique. So take a chance this fall - get in the game and make a move. Your closet will thank you.

1. Cartography Buttondown, Anthropologie, $78. 2. Jersey Jacquard Top, Boden, $88. 3. Border Dot Top, LOFT, $54.50. 4. Guipure T-shirt, Zara, $59.90.

Fall Fashion: Part One

While the temperatures in Phoenix are still in the sweltering 100s, the barrage of fall fashion has inundating my inbox and Pinterest feed for the last few weeks. I suppose my wish for less than double-digit temps and surfing the web for cool-weather stylings has added to my autumnal desires. And since there is no better way to look forward to Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes (I hear they are back on the menu already!), changing leaves, brisk mornings and chilly nights than to dive head first into all things fall, I will indulge myself - and my Bargain Chic friends - with some fall fashion essentials.

First up - and going for the ultimate it's-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-autumn feel - are sweaters. Yep, I'll say it again, the high today in Phoenix was 102, but I am thinking about sweaters. (Hey, whatever helps me get through the dog days of summer, right?) And this season, sweaters are all about the relaxed style with a dash of detail. Oversized sweaters, zipper sweaters, textured sweaters, and so on. And, of course, there's always room for a cardigan or two. Whatever sweater style you partake of (if not all), the one universal theme for all of them this season seems to be comfort - cozy, content and chic.

 Clockwise: Asymmetrical Zip Sweater, JCrew, $110; Textured Fine-Knit Sweater, Mango, $49.99; Corner Coffee Shop Cardigan, ModCloth, $59.99; Moto Sweater, Olive & Oak, $68.

Men's Fashion: The Final Frontier

Men’s fashion eludes me. It’s out there – don’t get me wrong. The skinny pants with rolled-up cuffs and no-socks loafers, the bow ties and beards, the slim fitting suits and wild-colored, patterned shirts, the obnoxiously creative socks and ridiculously expensive watches – I get it, gentlemen have as much style as ladies. But, when all is said and done, the average man has little in the way of real fashion options. Sure, if you live and work in the creative worlds of NYC, LA or San Fran, you can probably get away with wearing neon green pants and a seersucker blazer, but in the rest of America, it’s all about the button-downs, khakis and loafers. However, that’s not to say a little color and texture can’t be a part of every man’s style – it just takes a little effort and perhaps some risk-taking

With fall approaching, it's the perfect time for some risky fashion action. Go for some texture this season – a flannel or knit blazer or maybe even a knit tie. Or, introduce some new colors to your look – orange (it is the new black), eggplant (dark purple for you straight men) and green. And perhaps add a little twist, whimsy and uniqueness to your look, whether it’s playing with patterns – paisley, stripes, checks (just not all at once) – or adding some unexpected accessories – suspenders, bowtie, pocket squares, scarves, or even gloves. Whatever you do, just have fun with it. Fashion doesn’t have to be boring and it doesn’t have to be crazy, either. Just find what works for you, personalize it a bit, and viola – you’ve got a look!

Inspiration: Orange & multi-patterned suite & tie. Casual textured leather and jean.

Color: Merino Cable Elbow-Patch Sweater, J.Crew, $98

Texture: Heritage Houndstooth Knit Blazer, Banana Republic, $198

Pattern: Garrick Shirt, Boden, $84

Accessorize (clockwise): Italian Wool Knit Tie, J.Crew, $69.50; Party Bow Tie, Scotch & Soda, $19; Striped Scarf, Scotch & Soda, $65

Weekly Inspiration

There's quite a lot that has been inspiring these last few weeks, most notably the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. I'll admit at first I didn't get it - I didn't understand how they were making money off of it if everyone was dumping ice on their heads instead of donating. But then, I started seeing the good, the fun, the giving, the paying-it-forward message in these ice bucket videos. It became a phenomenon, picking up speed with each new challenge. Sure, a lot of people lambasted the challenge as self-serving, sheep-herding at its best, while others complained and bemoaned about having their Facebook feed cluttered with their friends and family videos. (Hmmm, what would they rather see? People ranting about politics, cat videos and open letters to whomever is pissing you off this week?) But what I love about it all - and what turned me around on the challenge's value - is that it shows how social media can be used for good. It inspires me. It gives me a sense of community in this vast and sometimes shut-off world we live in. We get to see our family and friend be silly and creative, thoughtful and generous - and all for a worthwhile cause. How can you not find inspiration in that?!



And what has been even more inspiring for me this week is a video created by an L.A.-based duo Dave and Devine. Dave Yaden is an amazing piano player - a friend of my sisters who I've had the pleasure to met and get to know as an amazing man, husband and father. And the other half of the group, Candace Devine, is equally talented with a voice that is magnanimous and powerful. But beyond their talents, their music speaks of love, of individuality, of creativity, and of peace. And the follow video shows just that. It is a message that is loud and clear and should be heard by everyone. In a time where division and differences seem to pervade our hearts, our minds and our politics, Dave and Devine's words remind us they can try but they'll never take our love away...



Yes, love - LOVE IS the answer. Let love guide you. Let love encourage you. Let love inspire you. Go out and love. Give it. Receive it. Be it.

Mid-Week Sales Crush

It's Wednesday and I've got a case of the middle-of-the-week ho hums. So, what better way to perk up my mid-week lull than to check out what's new on the sales front. It gives me a chance to window browse without leaving my office and putting on pants. And, it gives me some ideas on what kind of you-work-hard-for-the-money gift I can buy with my upcoming paycheck.

Without further ado, here are just a few mints I found while browsing my fav online stores. Oh, and with fall right around the corner, these items would totally work as transitional pieces - just throw on a jacket or cardi and you're all set for autumn's cooler temps (and I can't wait for those!). 

P.S. A lot of online stores (and brick and mortar ones too) are having some excellent sales right now - ya know, in preparation for all their fall stuff. 

      

   

 Clockwise: Cross Over Strappy Top, Zara, $19.99 (regularly $69.90); Siargao Tank, Anthropologie, $69.95 (no longer available...darn! But still cute.); Great Wavelengths Dress, ModCloth, $54.99; Sun Isle Dress, Madewell, $69.99 

Strum a Little Tune, Spread a Little Joy

My new Kala KA-S ukulele

So, yeah. I realize it has been over four months since my last post, and, well, the truth of it is that I've been preoccupied with other things. Poetry, travel, work, and daydreaming - lots and lot of daydreaming. My calendar has been pretty full, no?

Okay, enough excuses. It's time for me to get back in the saddle, get back on the wagon (um, wait, that's the wrong euphemism), get back on track (much better) and reinvigorate this old/new blog with some fresh and fun material.

And what isn't more fun than a ukulele?...

Give a Little Bit

Tomorrow, April 9th, is Arizona Gives Day - a day to give back to our community by encouraging Arizonans to donate to charities, programs, groups, or any nonprofit organization in the state. You may make donations through the Arizona Gives' website or you can chose to donate to any local organization of your choice.  (Note: If you donate through the Arizona Gives' website, only 93.1% of your donation will go to the nonprofit, with the remaining 6.9% going to the expenses for hosting this event. Visit here for more details.) And, hey, if you're reading this and you aren't from Arizona, why not still give to a nonprofit in your community. Or, better yet, maybe give of yourself by volunteering for the day. No matter what you do, the day is about giving back - not because it is the holiday season or some tragedy happened in the world, but simply because it's April 9th, and you want to do your part, even if i'ts just a little bit, to help out people in your community. ...

Lean Out Before Leaning In

Clockwise: German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Secretary of State
Condolezza Rice; Madonna; Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg:
Malala Yousafza; Venus Williams.

“Lean In” Sheryl Sandberg tells us. “Don’t be afraid to take a seat at the table.” “We must raise both the ceiling and the floor.” These are just a few of the feminist mantras that have made waves over the last year – thanks in part to Ms. Sandberg and her predecessors, who've paved a path of empowerment for women in the workplace and in the world. To many, these phrases may just be sound bites that have found their way onto numerous Facebook posts or Pinterest boards, but for others, they represent the building blocks of a revamped feminist philosophy.

Despite the bravado and progressive angle behind these sentiments, there are implied limitations that have been and continue to be debated. ...

A New Day. A New Blog.

So, I've been struggling for the last six months with what to do with my beloved (beloved by me, at least) Bargain Chic blog. I've been posting sporadically since 2007 and have had fun scouring the web for fashions on a budget and presenting them to my small but loyal blog followers here. But now -- especially after taking a year hiatus from the blog to finish up grad school -- I am trying to figure out how to transition the blog into something more than what it currently encompasses. I still want to write about fashion and style and bargains, but I also want to write about other important topics in my life and in my community and in the world, as well as share things I find inspirational and fun.

Fashion in a Box

The evolution of the World Wide Web has allowed humans the ability to find anything by simply typing in a word or phrase into that little rectangular search box and browsing around until something strikes our fancy and **click** there it is – right in front of us. The answer to a burning question, the solution to a nagging problem, the perfect gift for someone you love, an image, a song, a video to make you smile or weep – it’s all out there in the massive interwebs of our digitized world. 

And the breadth of the Internet’s abilities to help us, aid us and support us in all that we do keeps expanding and evolving into all sorts of services, products, and experiences that basically make living a little easier (or, at least, so it seems).

One new trend that I’ve noticed recently is the stylist-based subscription clothing websites. These time saving and fashion-saving e-commerce companies are all the rage now as they take the pain out of shopping for clothing, accessories, and shoes and trying to figure out what’s in style and what looks good on you.

Here are some of the sites I’ve investigated a little more, some that I’ve recently been introduced to, and others that I found after doing some research on – you, guessed it – the Internet. 

Stitch Fix
My cousin introduced me to this cool subscription-based clothing site. It offers affordable clothing and a whole range of style options to pursue. You fill out a somewhat extensive questionnaire that asks you all sorts of questions about your fashion dislikes and likes as well as questions about your physical characteristics to better hone in on what kind of clothes will work the best on you. I just recently signed up to receive my first delivery – which won’t arrive until the end of February (bummer!) – and am so excited to see what the stylists have picked out for me.  My only fear is that I will love it all and not want to return any (which my wallet may not be too pleased about).

Similar websites: Pop Basics, Style Mint

Frank & Oak

Another subscription-based clothing site introduced to me by another. This website is very similar to Stitch Fix, but specifically geared towards men (as is Stitch Fix for women). You answer a bunch of questions about your style and their stylists put together a package of clothes that they ship off to you to try on and buy if you so desire. And, again, like Stitch Fix, the clothing is relatively affordable, they ship you clothes to try and you pick what you like and send back what you don’t like. 

Similar websites: Trunk Club, Bombfell

Rivet & Sway
This eye wear company caught my attention on Facebook (Wow! Their ads actually work!) and since I was in the market for some new frames, I figured I’d give them a try. I signed-up, answered a few questions about my face shape, even entered in some cryptic numbers I didn’t know existed on my current frames, and viola – one of their stylists recommended four pairs of glasses. Some of the recommendations were good, while others were less than desirable. Nevertheless, you have the option to go with the stylist’s recommendations or just pick your own four frames and have them shipped to you. It took a while for me to get them because the frames I chose where quite popular and they didn’t have any more samples in stock. But, once I did get them, I had fun trying them on and deciding if any of them worked for me. Unfortunately, none of them worked, but the return process was painless and super easy. 

Similar websites: Warby Parker, Tortoise & Blonde

These are just a small sampling of the various subscription-based clothing and accessories websites that cater to those of us who are either too busy, too fashion-challenged, or just want to feel like every month it is their birthday. There are many more out there – and not just in the fashion arena. There’s also websites like Birch Box – you get samples of makeup and skincare sent to you each month for a monthly fee – and a new food one called Plated, which allows you to pick various chef-created recipes and get the ingredients mailed to you.

It looks like these types of personalized service e-commerce sites are the wave of the future, providing people with yet one more resource and time-saving tool to help them navigate their lives a little more easily and…well…fashionably.

The Light in 2013: A Year in Review

As the cycle of the year nears its end and the prospect of new life, new opportunities, and new adventures lay ahead, I find myself – like so many others – reminiscing and reflecting on the past year. The triumphs, the failures, the happy milestones and the sad ones, and all the in-between moments that somehow resurface when we realize how quickly time has escaped us.

This year has been one for the record books – well, at least my proverbial record book. Much has transpired in my life, my family’s life, and my friends’ lives. And if I zoom out of my own little world, there is an even larger net of people and communities, countries and cultures that have been affected in various ways this year. From political upheavals to global mass tragedies to war and death and tyranny, much of the year (and all too often every year) we have experienced a lot of dark turmoil.  However, without darkness, there cannot be an appreciation for light. And amidst the tragedies and the uncertainty of a changing and adapting world, there came forth a brilliant light in the form of people and communities banding together, helping one another, and encouraging the light to shine through all those dark moments. Ultimately, it is through the reflection of the good and the bad, the happy and sad that we decide how we'll value these last 365 days and how we will cherish them as we embark on a new cycle of life.

For me personally, I choose to value this year as an amazing journey of achievements, renewal, and love.  And my cherished memories for 2013 are solidified in those three elements.

Achievements

My journey of education -- of knowledge and enlightenment of passion and dedication -- was realized this year as I completed my Master's degree in English. After many, many years of struggling to figure out my educational path, I finally managed to get on the right one and made my way through the thicket and bracken that had suffocated my passions. It was a scary endeavor and one that was filled with moments of trepidation and weariness, but in the end, all of that darkness made way for the light of achievement and the beautiful feeling of success. Of all that I've accomplished in previous years, this is the one honor that will be a beacon for all others -- a reminder that all is not lost as long as you have a small glimmer of hope still glowing inside.

Renewal

And with achievement also came renewal. In the form of renewed creativity, inspiration, and dedication. I found my voice again and my desire to share it with others. A much anticipated vacation to the land of art and beauty and awakening stimulated my senses and ushered into my life a baptism of thoughts and ideas. Paris and London were my antidote to my mundane existence. The milieu of these decadent places enriched my soul with an artistic ambition, allowing me to return to my desert home with buoyancy in my imagination and eagerness to express it. And that is exactly what I did. I began writing poetry again, discovering music again, examining and thinking about art again -- all essential activities of renewal. And in those exploratory acts, I not only found myself again, but a slightly better version of myself that would lead me to discovering the most vital of all.

Love

This ubiquitous feeling all humans possess isn't one that comes entirely natural to me. Love is an intangible, and it comes in many forms. I love my family. I love my friends. I love dogs. I love mustard with my French fries. I love rainy days. I love the novel Catcher in the Rye. The amount and scope of my love seems limitless, but when confronted by this emotion's complexities and its simplicities, I often find myself bewildered and dumbfounded. This bewilderment and dumbfoundedness came to me twice this year. First, when my grandma passed away after a month struggle following a fall and many years of progressive Alzheimer's. Her death was unexpected, although it wasn't entirely a surprise. Nevertheless, the loss of someone who had been in my life for its entirety was a shock to my system -- a realization that love isn't just verbal or symbolic, but that it is a force -- an energy -- deep inside that must be nurtured and allowed to grow. Sadly, it took the death of a loved one to be reminded that although I often see love as an ethereal emotion for me, it is always there, right under the surface, right there in the midst of my life just waiting to be discovered and recovered.

And that is what led me to my second moment of astonishment and bafflement by love. It came in the form of a kind, generous, and handsome man who magically one day appeared like the Ghost of Christmas past -- except it wasn't quite Christmas yet. His reappearance into my life was the 21st century equivalent to the Victorian epistolary novels -- emails back and forth, long and delightful, filled with stories and ideas, thoughts and philosophies, discussions and analyses: something that most men (or women for that matter) have no time or desire to compose. But he did. He made time (and continues to make time) to talk to me about art, poetry, life, and, well, everything. He came to me like a long awaited rain shower -- a memory that was comforting and nurturing -- and that returned to me the exact moment I was about to give up on the hope of it ever reaching me. And it is that nourishment -- that love from this man from my past, whose essence never really left my mind or heart -- that has made everything this year and for years to come that much more beautiful and brilliant.

And with achievements, renewal, and love fresh in the air, may the end of 2013 bring everyone a sense of tranquility and contentment, and the desire for a new year filled with unlimited possibilities and new found hope.

Here's wishing everyone peace, happiness & love for 2014!

The Party Dress

The holidays are a time to celebrate with family and friends, to enjoy each others company with decadent food, inspiring music, and all of the traditions and customs of the season. It's also a time to join in a little revelry as the year is put to bed and the prospects of a new year are dancing in front of us.

And, well, speaking of revelry and dancing, this time of year often ushers in many a party -- whether it be the office shindig, the friend's fabulous holiday soiree, your family's traditional gathering, or that fancy New Year's Eve fete. All of these festivities mean an opportunity to shop for some chic party dresses. While some of these get-togethers might not require such fancy attire, it certainly doesn't hurt to look as wonderful as you feel or, at least, to wear a pretty dress to make you feel wonderful.

So, here are some spectacular party dresses that would most definitely make me feel wonderful and sexy and ready to ring in the new year!

And whether or not you attend any fancy parties this holiday season, may your final weeks of the year bring you happiness in whatever you wear and in whatever way you celebrate.

Cheers!

 Diane von Furstenberg, Achava Embellished Dress, $698 (Wow! I suppose if you a party where you need to dress to impress); ModCloth, Premier and Dear Dress, $157.99; Anthropologie, Effervescence Dress, $188; Zara, Lace Dress, $99.99.

'Tis the Season for Gifting

So, here we are, about two and a half weeks away from Christmas and I just started my gift shopping. I would never call myself a procrastinator, but somehow this holiday season sneaked up on me without me really realizing it. I suppose it might have something to do with my lack of motivation to brave the roads, the malls, the mass of people also scrambling to get their gift shopping completed. The holiday cheer and merry tidings are just now starting to develop - the Christmas music, decorations and much cooler temps have helped - but I'm feeling a little stuck on all those holiday tasks. 

But fear not, I tell myself, there's a magical place where you can go at your leisure -- in PJs with hot chocolate in hand and messy hair and no makeup. And that place is called the Internet. Yes! This holiday season Internet shopping will be my saving grace when it comes to saving my grace with the masses. Plus, it affords me the opportunity to find some unique gifts that I wouldn't otherwise find in your standard box-store-mall-shop-department-retailer. 

So, this holiday season I'll be taking my gift-shopping cues from the digital world, and hopefully finding most of what I can on online stores that focus on the unique, the quirky, and the affordable. And with any luck, I'll be able to make my shopping experience a little more entertaining rather than annoying, and discover some hidden gems that family and friends will be happy with come Christmas Day. 

Here's a sampling of some online shops and sites that might possibly win you the title of "coolest gift giver" and make you someone's "favorite." 

Etsy: The number one place on the web to find all-things handmade and vintage -- everything from soaps to chocolates to custom built furniture to haute couture clothing.

I have several go-to stores on here that I often buy gifts from for the holidays. InkSpot Workshop have the cutest calendars -- I've purchased their desktop version for the last three years -- or has it been four?

I also like Oh Dier -- a wood-craftsman from St. Paul, MN -- who makes clever cutouts of various words & sayings. I purchased this Think cutout last spring.

There's also a jewelry shop called PianoBenchDesigns, which creates unique wire jewelry. I believe I bought my first Etsy store purchase from them -- a "Love" necklace that I like to wear when I want to exude a little love to the world. 

There are so many other great shops on Etsy that you could probably spend all day perusing the site -- a much better place to spend than in traffic or in a crowded mall.

Besides Etsy, there are some other cool online shops that are worth checking out for their unique offerings. For the quirky fashionista in the family, there is ModCloth with its retro-inspired looks and rotating collection of vintage finds. 

Or, for that too-cool-for-J.Crew lad or laddie who wants a little European flair, there is Scotch & Soda and Zara.

Then there are all sorts of other online stores that provide a mix of goodies and gifts that could please any and all types of recipients. One King's Lane is a great place to find great limited-time & limited-edition deals and treasures for those design-loving friends and family members. 

There is also UnCommonGoods, a shop that carries an assortment of creative and novelty gifts for those uncommon-types. 

And, MollaSpace -- another creative, design-inspired online retailer that offers distinctive gifts for the hip and discerning.

So, these are just a few of the many shops hanging out in the digital world that might be worth checking out when you'd rather keep to your cozy computer chair than deal with the crazy holiday shoppers. And when all is said and one, you might just manage to get all your Christmas shopping done with a few clicks of the mouse and a nice screen-glow tan. 

Thanks & Gratitude

Looking back on 2013, I am astounded by all the things I am eternally thankful for. And being that Thanksgiving is tomorrow, I thought I would spend some time expressing my gratitude for all the little to big things that have occurred over the last 11 months. It’s amazing, really, how delightful this particular year has been. From finishing my Master’s degree in English (a goal that I have been pursuing for quite some time now) to visiting the magical and inspiring Paris and London to just recently reconnecting with a friend (+) who has awakened my mind, heart, and spirit, I’ve been blessed with quite the robust and lively year.

But even if those things hadn’t happened this year, there are still those minor everyday moments that I’m grateful for – an unexpected compliment from a co-worker, a stranger’s smile, a silly conversation with a friend, or a fun movie-dinner-night with my sister. It’s those things – combined – that have made the year full of meaning and grace.

And even when life unexpectedly brought me sadness, I tried my hardest to look for a glimmer of hope and gratitude that could buoy my soul when it needed it most. Losing my grandmother this summer was difficult, but what kept me afloat and resilient was knowing that we were all there with her near the end, kissing her, telling her how much we loved her, and keeping her memory alive. And now, with her soul firmly in the ether of heaven, I am grateful her spirit lives on in my dreams and in my heart.

So, here we are – Thanksgiving 2013. And, I am grateful – grateful for the insignificant moments, the milestone moments, the melancholy moments, and most importantly the hopeful moments that remind me how thankful I am to be surrounded by amazing family and friends. Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

And, just for some giggles, here are a few poignant, silly and outright random excerpts from my personal gratitude journal.

Gratitude for 1.7.13: I am grateful for love. Despite feeling lost and confused in this emotion, I readily allow it to enter my mind and soul as a hope and continually have faith that I will find it, whether through someone or more importantly in me.

Gratitude for 2.22.13 & 2.23.13: I am grateful for patience and keeping my mouth shut. 

Gratitude for 3.26.13: I am grateful I was raised to stand up for what I believe in and not be afraid to express it. 

Gratitude for 5.14.13 & 5.15.13: I am grateful that I enjoy cooking and, well…eating.

Gratitude for 7.4.13: I am grateful for the simple joy of saying “I love you” and hearing someone say it back. 

Gratitude for 10.18.13: I am grateful I didn’t get a ticket for talking back to a traffic cop today. 

Gratitude for 11.5.13: I am grateful for unexpected things in life.

Sweater Weather

Colder temperatures have finally arrived in Phoenix. After a rainy and cold weekend, it looks like the desert summer has finally bid the city adieu and fall into winter has settled comfortably into its cacti and creosote milieu. And with these cooler-than-normal mornings and pleasant afternoons, I now have the chance to change up my wardrobe a bit and add some real-winter wardrobe staples to my fashion repertoire.

The sweater -- the fashion equivalent to a warm cup of tea. They are a source of comfort, warmth, and sometimes even whimsy. They can be bold or nerdy, sexy or silly, and most importantly, they can be stylish and affordable. Here's just a small sample of the array of sweaters that run the gambit of styles and purposes.

 Clockwise: Gold Leaf Pullover, Anthropologie, $98; Leather Sleeve Pullover, Anthropologie, $328 (yikes! a bit pricey.); Tulip Riding Coat, Anthropologie, $168; Cozy Crafter Sweater, Tulle Clothing, ModCloth, $62.99.

Musicians, Artists, Inspirations & Delights

It has been an amazing week full of exciting news, inspiring moments, and renewed interests. In fact, the last five weeks after returning from my Paris/London trip has been a joyride of creative, lyrical and intellectual experiences that have left me feeling hopeful and impassioned about the things that are important to me.

I've been blessed to reconnect with friends from long ago and not so long ago, and learn about their lives, their interests, their dreams, as well as hear about their new adventures and goals. These last few weeks alone have been filled with so much newness and replenishment. From being introduced to a bevy of new-to-me musicians, artists and their work to being inspired to make a difference in the lives of young girls and to being informed that I'm going to be an auntie in about four months, it has been a whirlwind of happiness.

So, to commemorate and carry on the inspiration that all of these wonderful moments have provide me these last few fall weeks, here is a peek at some of what has stimulated, roused and delighted me.

Musicians

Artists

ROMANIA. 1975. In a train.

ITALY. 1951. Abruzze. Village of Aquila

SPAIN. 1933. Valencia

. (© Henri Cartier-Bresson/Magnum Photos)

Inspiration

Excerpt from Robert Frost's "Birches"

The Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus Pine Council

Delights

Hello I'm New Here Baby Gift Set, Egg-A-Go-Go

Olive & Sinclair Chocolates