Beauty in Simplicity...

Acorn and Whale - Modern Letterpress

Back to the basics... I'm loving these beautiful, modern letterpress prints from Acorn and Whale. Designed by Lindsay Tingstrom, and printed by hand on an antique press, these are a part of her 'Resolution Series': Be Kind, Do the Work, Keep it Simple, Be Curious, Live Every Day.

Lisa Leonard Designs...

Where to begin? Several months ago, I was introduced to the beautiful pieces created by Lisa Leonard over on a couple of my favorite blogs (Joanna's and Melisa's). Her family crest pieces really had me all aflutter ... although I could seriously take home nearly everything in her online shop. Anywhooo, a few months ago, she purchased an item from my shop. (wow!) Unfortunately, as I was preparing the item for shipment, I noticed a problem with a button - and for the life of me, could not find a replacement for it. I was stumbling all over myself trying to make it right - eventually deciding to issue a full credit -- then mailed her item to her, along with a note explaining my unfortunate oversight. (oy vey!) A few weeks passed when an unexpected little package arrived in my mailbox - showing a return address belonging to Lisa Leonard. Oh my... the box was far too small to contain her item (if she was upset with me and returning it). What could it possible be?



Oh. My. Gosh.

So incredibly lovely! I was completely stunned. Who would have imagined? So completely kind, gracious and generous.... and totally unexpected. The epitome of "paying it forward", in a sense. (And by the way, I get compliments on it every single time I wear it. I love it!)

In addition, one of the things that really drew me to Lisa's work even more, was her blog! It is a visual treat for the eyes and fantastically inspiring on SO many levels. She is one amazing woman - and a wonderful mom.

Top six images via Lisa Leonard Online.

Mixing Patterns...

Another goodie from this months Country Living magazine. A peek inside Glenn Holley's Virginia home... loving the mix of patterns and pops of color.

images: via Country Living magazine

A Swedish Christmas ...

From this month's Country Living magazine... inside the home of interior designer Edie van Breems at Christmas time. Gorgeous!!

(And her book with Rhonda Eleish looks positively inspiring ... Swedish Country Interiors.)

images: Country Living magazine

Mine. All mine...

Seeing Double (above)

Medal of Honor (below)

Look at my latest Etsy purchases!! I'm beyond thrilled with these beautiful necklaces from Hannah at Yes You Maigh. And no lie, when I pulled the package from the mailbox, I was giddy with excitement ... ripping into the package before I had even stepped into the house. I found her shop last week - I think while I was browsing treasuries. (To be honest, her pretty little avatar made me click. Loving the hair. Aren't I lame?) She had them packaged beautifully in little craft boxes tied with twine - with some extra, handcrafted goodies thrown in - and mailed in a recycle-able mailer (made of 90% recyled content and plastic free).

By the way - you have to read her descriptions as well. They are very storylike, with a wonderful bit of humor. (Read Medal of Honor here, and Seeing Double here.)

By the way, Hannah has an equally delightful blog: Yes You Maigh (be sure to click on the link for her gorgeous wedding photo's!)
and a vintage housewares shop on Etsy, too: Mother Maigh I

The gorgeous, portrait style photo's (top of each collage) are by Jon Chandler Photography (or find him here on facebook, or here on flickr).

Good golly, it's Lonny ...

Over the summer, I had gotten woefully behind on reading my "blogroll" favorites (...I guess three boys will do that to a gal) ... so I had not heard about the launch of Lonny magazine. I nearly hyperventilated when I stumbled across it last night. Seriously. It's gorgeous! Created by some the same folks who had helped bring us our dearly beloved Domino magazine - it's a lovely, beautiful online magazine that is full of inspiration. (Take THAT, Conde Nast!) The layout is very user friendly -- there is a "scrolling/preview" function at the bottom that lets you skip around easily. And each image is "clickable" to take you to the product/person's website. After feeling completely deprived for months after Domino was shuttered, I'm more than happy with this wonderful new alternative. I love it!
All images via lonnymag.com