Feelin' Frosty

I don't know if I just haven't noticed, but it feels like we had our first frost of the season in Seattle today. Brrr...it has me thinking about new scarfs to keep me warm and fashionable as it gets colder and colder. I'm loving the short "neck warmers" as I call them...


This one from Homelab on etsy is so cute and feminine. I love the color and the big bow...


This darling neck tie is so simple. I think the bright pop of yellow would brighten up even the darkest Seattle day. Find it at Anthropologie. Then there are the real warmers, full of abundant knit. They just make me want to wrap up in them and get cozy!


This Tousled Scarf, also from Anthropologie is so elegant. I love the overflowing fabric...luscious! Finally, my favorite...




I love this hood from pixiebell on etsy. Doesn't it look so warm? Cute too. A perfect combo of hat and scarf. I can't wait to get one for myself. Stay warm out there!

Feeling Woody!

As I admire our new cedar fence that surrounds 80% of our house, I wonder at the beauty of wood. What an amazing natural resource with so many uses. Check out these designs...all of you guessed it: WOOD!



I love this mobile called Samara from Adrift Mobiles. My Dad had a cool mobile of various pinecones hanging in his living room as I grew up. This reminds me of it in a sleek, modern way. I can just envision it hanging in the corner of my office. You can pick your own up here.



These wooden USB Sticks from OOOMS Dutch Design Studio are ingenious. Who would have thought of that? I love the mix of nature and technology. Soo great!


I guess I'm inspired by my surroundings, because this wood stapler would work perfectly in my office as well. Do I feel a theme coming on? Pick it up at the Curiosity Shoppe.

I could go on all day, but this is my favorite...





How great is that wood clutch? I mean really, how do people come up with this stuff?! This groovy little number can be snatched up here and comes in ebony or zebra wood with white or black leather lining or maple and walnut with gorgeous screen printed details. Yummy!

Map Totes

How charming are these darling bags by MAPTOTE?







There are tons of cities represented (unfortunately, not Seattle!). They are cheeky and fun and are a great shopping bag option! Something about the campy log cabin font on the Portland bag speaks to me. What do you think?

Get Your Muse On!

In an update to my earlier Muse Coffee Co. post, I must share the shop's latest addition. An online merchandise store! They have a variety of shirts for men, women, kids and dogs as well as mugs, stickers, magnets and pins.





The products offered really are pretty cool. Check out their shop here and sport your own star! ...get your Muse on!

My New Arrival

A couple of weeks ago I ordered a custom purse from Laura Bee Designs. I decided to order a functional travel bag in grey suede with a peachy apricot lining. Quick as a bee herself, Laura whipped my custom travel purse together in a flash. I picked it up yesterday and love it. Here it is...




I'm really happy with the way it turned out. It is simple and durable and completely functional with its long cross body strap, zippers galore and plethora of internal pockets. The bright lining keeps it fun and adds a fantastic pop of color. I can't wait to tote this baby all over Holland & Spain!

It's in the bag, baby!

As I'm sure you've noticed, eco friendly shopping bags are popping up left and right. The plight of clearing out land fills is no longer just a question of values, it has become a fashion statement! Check out these fantastic shopping bags and let all of those around you know how you feel about saving the earth...


The Flora Shopper Bag by Envirosax is now available at Target! With a modern, somewhat Asian feel... for $9.99 who could go wrong?


The Betty Bag from b. happybags is so bright and fun. Definitely one for the hot summer months!


This fantastic tote from Basura Bags is made from recycled juice packs by a women's co-op in the Philippines. Completely unique and completely recycled!


OK, two more from Envirosax...they're just so dang pretty!


And don't forget Baggu! They come in a rainbow of fun colors...it's hard to just buy one!


What bag do I use? Well, my Harrod's bag of course. I adore it.

So, my friends, the answer these days to the age old question "paper or plastic?" is "none, I have my own thank you!" Make sure you stand out by finding a re-usable bag that is uniquely yours.

images courtesy of Target, b. happybags, reusablebags.com, Envirosax and apartment therapy

Bee Mine

While getting ready for my upcoming trip, I've been looking around for a fashionable shoulder bag to use as a travel purse. You know, one that can strap across your body, has lots of pockets, but doesn't look like it came from the Army Navy Surplus?! I received a gift certificate to Laura Bee Designs for my birthday and decided this weekend was the perfect time to cash her in and make the custom travel purse of my dreams!


Laura Bee's shop is located in the hip Seattle area of Ballard and is full of fun jewelry, accessories and custom purses. Yes, you heard me right, CUSTOM purses! Peruse the over 20+ styles of purses from clutches to laptop bags, then choose your own fabrics, accent leather, vintage ribbon & button accessories and custom pockets to make the perfect bag. Laura herself is almost always in the shop and any of her talented designers can help you pick the perfect combination if you're feeling overwhelmed by the plethora of options set before you. Then, once you're all designed, your bag is made by hand in their Ballard shop and is usually ready within a month.


I chose the Rachel shoulder bag. I love the ruching of the fabric...adding an elegant look to a very utilitarian bag. My perfect travel bag has been customized with a convertible strap that allows you to change from a long body crossing strap to a standard length shoulder strap and is filled with internal pockets for my cell phone, passport and sunglasses, plus still has room for any souvenir purchases I make along the way! To ensure my new beauty matched with all of my travel wardrobe, I went with a neutral ruched grey microsuede with fabulous tone on tone grey patton leather accents for the outside and a bright pop of peachy pink silk taffeta for the internal lining. I chose to omit the vintage button embellishment for a cleaner, more modern look, but there truly are a HUGE variety to choose from...all of which are very fun. Love it!


My perfect travel purse is going to be ready just before I leave and I can't wait. It is so fun to know I will have a fashionable, unique and utilitarian purse that will keep all of my valuables safe while I'm on the go. Visit Laura's shop sometime, it is worth the trip!
Live outside of the area? Visit www.laurabeedesigns.com and order online...have your custom creation shipped to you!

Photos courtesy of Soulstice Imagery and Laura Bee Designs.