scissors paper glue

finding fall

The boy and I went looking for fall yesterday and here is what we found.

 

 

It's not much but it's there. Have a great Tuesday.

getting all wanty

  

I was going to post something completely different today.  Then my J. Crew catalog came in the mail yesterday.  And this jacket...oh this jacket has me getting all wanty.  I have been trying to behave myself on the shopping front but this jacket REALLY  makes me want to jump off the behaving wagon.  Size 8 please. :)

head in the clouds

 

I am having trouble staying focused lately. Especially here.  I definitely need to get out and take more photos. One reason is that work is getting more busy, which is great because it has been so slow for so long. 

Above is a beautiful postcard I received in the mail from an equally beautiful friend. Have a good weekend.

looking for inspiration

The last few days I have been looking for inspiration.  Literally.  I took a look in a Salvation Army on the way home from picking up about 100 vintage books (free).  I came away with more books, the above elephant and a few other things I will share soon.  I then went to an antique mall and found a typewriter and a cool old camera.  Then crossed the street to another antique store and came away with two more old cameras, one that is my favorite color blue.  All for really, really, really cheap.  So for the next few day I hope to be taking some photos.  I am also going to try and shoot for a shop update in the next week or so.  As much as I am sad to see summer end, it really is nice to get back into a rhythm.  Carving out creative time is not easy especially in an unstructured summer setting.

I feel a little out of touch lately.  I hope all my blog friends are well.  xoxo jen

wednesday's macro

 Bear with me as I get back into the swing of things.  The ONLY good news about layoffs is that I am definitely busier at work.   I have been meaning to say how happy I am that this chiquita is blogging again.  I have missed her voice.  Speaking of voices, I have just recently switched to google reader instead of clicking on my favorite blog individually.  I am not sure I like it.  I mean, yeah I have all my favorite reads at my fingertips but I find myself not commenting at all.  That feels wrong somehow.  For me part of the beauty of blogging is the interaction. What is your take on bloglines, google reader etc?

:: what's inspiring me - friends ::

First off let me just say thank you for all the new banner love.  I was really unsure about it.  I guess I just loved the boot banner so much I wasn't sure I would like anything else.  Your kind words have given me confidence, thank you.

In this blog world of mine, I have been lucky enough to have met some very inspiring ladies.  Ladies who send me inspired stuff in the mail.  Let's take a look at some of the things that have gotten my creativity going in the last month.

I received these adorable tags in the mail from my pal Mary Ann.  In her card she said, I hope these make you squeal a little.  Did they ever!  I am inspired by all the little details she put into these houses.  I don't think I will be able to use these tags.  They are destined to become inspiration wire fodder.  Let's make like a peeping tom and take a closer look.

Who wouldn't want to live here?  If you are lucky enough you could snag the last set in her etsy shop.

Next up is my talented friend Mary.  This girl can take a picture!  She is also working on opening up a paper shop online.  Woo Hoo can't wait for that.  I received inspiration two-fold when I talked her into asked her to do a photo swap with me.  I fell in love with one of her photographs during color week.  She not only sent the photo but also some amazing tags that will be available in her shop.  Check this bundle of inspiration out.

Now tell me that the orange picture just doesn't scream inspiration.  The tags are tres chic no?  Then she stitched up a little envelope to hold it all.  Brilliant.

Finally my friend Suann sent me a beautifully packaged birthday present.  If you don't know Suann you need to.  She is very talented in so many areas.  She has the cutest etsy shop.  Along with some personalized stationery and an adorable to do push pin, Suann sent this.

A little bundle of Matryoshka love.  There are so many creative possibilities here but I think I'll just sit and stare at this fabric and trim tape just a tad bit longer.

Thank you for keeping me inspired friends.

:: what's inspiring me - reads ::

So today I am sharing a few things I have been reading and of course been inspired by.

The first is volume two of the LINES & SHAPES series.  Just as inspiring as the first one.  Beautiful photos, talented line up. Block is the visual theme throughout. You can purchase it here.

The second I am not really reading per se, more like I am drooling over all the pictures because this beautiful magazine is ALL in french.  The latest issue just hit my mailbox last week and I have already gone through it several times.  If you are interested in a subsciption see my sidebar under cool stuff.

Lastly, I am looking through this

Have you seen these books?  There are several in the series and they feature great locally owned places.  One section is dedicated to places to eat and the other section is dedicated to shopping.  A fabulous tool for anyone that is interested in the local essence of the city you are visiting.  Or just to dream a little bit.  Which is why I have this book.  In the hope that I will travel to Paris before my polaroid film expires. Wish me luck!

That all I have today.  See you tomorrow.  Hopefully earlier than later.

:: what's inspiring me ::

This is one of my most favorite bouquet ever featured in Martha Stewart Weddings.  I buy ever issue for inspiration.  It never fails, the person at the bookstore always asks if I am getting married.  I find this extremely funny.  "No" I say, " I am just buying it for the ideas". While at the same time I am telling my four year old son to stop climbing on the bookcase. 

Inspiration, it's a very personal thing.  In the blog world though it is like we have found kindred spirits.  People who are inspired by a lot of the same stuff we are.  It's nice to not have to explain yourself isn't it?

I am going to try and dedicate this week to what is inspiring me right now. 

Here are a few links to get started.

Polaroids.  this amazing photographer.  this picture. can't wait for this book, it's almost here.

blue properly

Yesterdays post was an accident.  As a working mom of two I often use the post date feature available on typepad.  I have found it is the easiest way for me to blog almost daily.   Sometimes though,  i will do a mock post and add a photo that i don't plan on using.  When I have time or the inspiration later that day I revamp it with more text and a photo to go with it.  So what I am trying to say is I really meant to give blue much more love than i did yesterday.  That sorry, kinda blurry photo just wasn't tribute enough to one of the very best colors. (at least in my humble opinion)

Blue has always been a favorite of mine.  I prefer my blue with some green in it.  Aqua, turquoise or  robin's egg.  I do like baby blue in certain situations.  I have never been a fan of navy until I received my birthday present from this queen last week.  (More on that at a later date.)   Now I am a changed woman. 

Nothing is better than a clear blue sky and a sparkling blue ocean. 

So here is some blue.  Blue the way it was meant to be.

tear sheet

tear sheet

artwork by yours truly.

a recent etsy purchase (deer) and a vintage book.

There I feel better now.

alone

#14     30 day macro photo challenge

Not too many words today, just a photo.

Please check back tomorrow as I want to start a conversation and have some questions that I'd like to ask you all.  Your input is invaluable.  See you tomorrow.

xoxo jen