Hello Again!

Hi there—it's been awhile! A lot has happened in a year! I met my current boyfriend not long after my last post and have been kept busy by a long distance relationship as well as several large but fun projects at work. (I'm a graphic designer at a non-profit organization). But the past few days, I've been downsizing a little bit as well as redecorating my room. I decided I would post a few close-up tid-bits, but I'll post more later!

My favorite color is still aqua, but I've toned it down a little bit and use it now more as an accent than an all-over color. It goes well with a palette of browns, grays, blacks and yellows! I found this awesome bedroom set, which upon research I discovered is called Broyhill Brasilia. They were produced in the 1960's and stopped production in 1970. The link I provided is to an organization that collects, restores and sells pieces from that collection. I love the modern qualities, especially the characteristic curves. The thing I like about the interior designs of the 50's-70's is that though it was simple and modern, it was also very cozy (example below), unlike a lot of today's designs that seem too sterile for me. Even IKEA can seem a bit too plain for me at times.

The second picture is of some artwork my boyfriend got me that I recently framed. It's Chihiro and Haku from Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away". Next to it, I created a "bouquet" based on one that I saw in a community near Atlanta called Serenbe. It's basically a bunch of tree branches in a glass vase with circle cutouts forming the "flowers". While I'm at it, I should probably also explain what Serenbe is. It describes itself as "a progressive community connected to nature on the edge of Atlanta. A neighborhood full of fresh food, fresh air and focused on wellbeing". It's a really amazing place with its own schools, markets, shops, farmland and neighborhoods, and is right outside the big city of Atlanta. 

I have also been trying to learn more about nutrition and healthy foods, so if I learn or cook anything interesting, I will be sure to share it! One thing I've tried recently is quinoa. I heard it was really good for you, and very filling. The only thing is I haven't found a dish I've truly enjoyed yet. (It's more like, I'm eating this just because I know it's good for me, haha) If anyone has good recipes for quinoa, I'd love if you could share them! 

The third picture is just a shot of my jewelry branch. I've shown that on here before, but I just thought it made a pretty artistic shot this morning! Basically I just use mini s-hooks to hang and separate things. It's really cheap and cute solution that not only functions as a jewelry holder but also wall art!

Anyway, that's enough for this post. Until we meet again!

Makes No Cents

What I love about craft fairs are finding those one or two extremely unique and fascinating booths that really blow my mind. At the holiday craft fair in Pensacola last year, this coin jeweler was that booth. He collected old and rare coins and transformed them into earrings, bracelets, and necklaces. But the most amazing aspect was his skill at cutting. He had—with great precision —cut out such intricate patterns as dragons and buffalos to indian headdresses and ships. I believe the one I bought was an old English coin, but I bought it mainly because loved the larger size of the piece and detail in the ship. It's so cool that you can even still discern the shape of the portrait imprinted on the back. Anyway, without further ado, here it is!

Fleas and Markets

So. Today my friend Annie and I ventured to a flea market called Swap-O-Rama in Alsip, IL. I feel dumb since I brought my camera and my cell phone and yet have pretty much nothing to show of the actual adventure. But we do plan on going to another Flea Market soon (one with more vintage pieces as well), and I will be sure to take some pictures then. This was actually my first time at a Flea Market, and I really enjoyed it. For the most part, this particular one had mostly items you could find at stores just at cheaper prices. There was one stand in particular though that caught my eye. It had some old trunks, vintage wall art, and radios. I couldn't help but purchase this amazing aqua and chrome radio (pictures below). There's also a few other things I purchased as well, including two beanie babies I had always wanted (they will be collectible again one day, when they're vintage! lol), and some religious wooden bracelets. Also, I included a picture of my outfit and this amazing travel bag that I found at a thrift store awhile back, which I brought in case I found anything worth buying—and I'm glad I did!

Penny Loafing Around

Here is my outfit today! Very casual and vintage inspired, though not quite authentic. Besides those LOFT skinny jeans I'm wearing, pretty much everything about this outfit has been thrifted from the red polka-dot shirt down to the penny-loafer-esque shoes (the best part is that they have Dr. Scholls built in!). My earrings are from a wonderful woman I met on ebay who sells vintage jewelry with the username "windsinger." And the ring was a gift from my Granny several years ago.