Giveaway: Recycled Jewelery from Artwork by KD

Recycling, recycled, reduce, reuse, recycle...you've heard it all I'm sure, but perhaps not so much when it comes to jewelery. I am most certainly not someone who needs something new all of the time. In fact, I often like an object or item if I feel like it tells a story of some sort or if it has a history. Perhaps this is why I'm drawn to vintage items and, most recently, recycled items. I first came across Artwork by KD months ago and was immediately smitten by this Etsy jeweler's take on recycled jewelery. I bought these earrings in a bright purple without hesitation:

Recycled Plastic Wafer Earrings $11

I also bought these small beauties (I don't think they're available any longer):
I wear both of these earrings a lot because they go with everything, they're super lightweight, and they're a little bit funky.
All jewelry made for this very special shop comes from plastic bottles and aluminum cans (how cool is that?)
Here are some of my other favorite pieces...
Recycled Plastic Tissue Paper Rounds w/hand made sterling filled ear wires $11
This piece was featured in Etsy's Eco Friendly poll (I love the bright color against the thin metal wire).
Recycled Orange Juice Bottle Bracelet $11
Kathy, owner and creator of this fun line, is giving away this Recyled Plastic Red Bracelet to one lucky reader of Down and Out Chic!
Isn't it fun? It will be perfect with summer outfits and it will give the little pop of color to more neutral tones.
{all photos via Artwork by KD}
Rules for Entry (blah, blah...)
If you happen to have won a previous giveaway, you're still eligible to win so don't hesitate to enter.
1) You must be a follower of Down and Out Chic to enter...my giveaways are for readers!
2) Drop by Kathy's shop and tell me what you like. What's your take on recycled jewelry?
3) Leave a comment here. So easy.
I'll be drawing a random winner on Tuesday, May 5th at 6 pm-ish. Good luck!

Because your lunch needn't look boring

You might remember me mentioning that I am in NEED of a lunchbox for work (yes, I do believe this is a need as it is very inconvenient to stick stuff in my purse; it can quite messy). I posted this one earlier, but then I ran across these and now I'm all confused. Shinzi Katoh Zakka has put out a new spring line of lunch accessories and I kind of want them all.

Let's start with the lunchbox:
2 Deck Birds LunchBox
The description says it hold "several healthy portions" which I am all about (who likes to work hungry?)
You get free shipping if you order is over $40 so maybe I should throw in a water bottle.
500 ml Trekking Bottle ~ Sheep $19.95
I NEVER miss my morning cup of coffee...this one promises no spills.
Stainless Steel Tumbler 280 ml $19.95
If you happen to eat a lot of food w/chopsticks, why not get this cute pair (ok, I know this is a bit over the top, but come on, they're stinking cute!)
Boy and Girl Chopstick and Case Set $9.95
source: Kir DeVries
So now I'm in a conundrum...welcome to the story of my life.
{Make sure you drop by tomorrow (I have a little recycling surprise!)}

Little pieces

I really, really enjoy interior photography (if you can't tell already). Part of what I enjoy about photographs of peoples homes are the little snippets taken, sweet vignettes of pieces of the space that feel special. I'm the type of person that likes to see the big picture...I want to know how all the little pieces add up. Today, though, I want to share little bits of well designed spaces. When I think about our new space, it can be overwhelming because there's so much blank space. To help abate the anxiety, I'm trying to focus on little areas and building them up in layers to create enjoyable places for your eyes to rest. I'll show you my space soon, but until then...here are some other people's handiwork.

This is vintage simplicity done right. I love the roughed up look of the vintage suitcases compared to the rich detail of the rest of the space.
source: Desire to Inspire
We have so many books and I'm having to keep finding more and more places to put them. I like the idea of a little clock placed on top of a stack of books.
source: emma's design blogg
During the summer, I miss having my boots laying about (sort of looking like they belong to the decor).
source: We heart it
After seeing this picture, I went out and bought two pieces of vintage luggage. The smaller piece is lime green and I placed it on my desk with a pink gerbera daisy on top. I say if you like an idea, take it, just remember where your inspiration came from.
source: We heart it
Why not? It works.
source: ShootFactory
I like that this individual is showcasing a piece most would try to hide.
source: ShootFactory
Do you have a favorite vignette that you've set up?

A soft place for your feet

If you reside in a space with all hardwood floors, you know rugs are a must (ok, maybe not a must, but they're nice). We don't have rugs in every room, because we can't afford and the ones we do have, we go through quickly (thank you hairy little monsters). Most of what we currently have comes from Ikea, but I've been thinking I need to expand my "rug horizon" and I'm really liking what I see at Dash & Albert. They have tons of options and the prices are something we could feasibly afford (or at least save up for).

Here are my picks...
This one boasts of being "terrific for high-traffic areas and muddy messes." Just what I need.
Negril Indoor/Outdoor Rug $34-$495
This one's pricier, but I think it would look great in a dining area (not that I have one of those).
Vine Denim Wool Tufted Rug $95-$2198
This one would work well in our living area, I think.
Birmingham Citrus Cotton Woven Rug $28-385
I really like circular rugs for bathrooms but my dogs automatically see them as beds.
Clair Chenille Braided Round Rug $40-150
Perhaps you're in need of something a bit more neutral.
Swedish Stripe Cotton Woven Rug $28-385
{all picks via Dash and Albert}
Look at what these rugs do for their spaces...
Love the chevron pattern against the bright chartreuse.
source: Apartment Therapy
This rug helps to carve out the seating area in a large, studio space.
source: April Tidey
Rugs and walls can certainly match as long as there are strong, contrasting colors to break up the space (oh and I'm kind of in love with that chair).
source: LivingEtc
Rugs are a great place to incorporate pattern (a little, or in this case, a whole lot).
source: LivingEtc.
Where do you buy your rugs? Any affordable options you'd like to share?
{Someone asked me what type of dog Kya is...she is a golden retriever- chow mix. She's a rescue dog and was scheduled to be euthanized a couple of days after I adopted her.}

Vintage bowls you shouldn't pass by

Someone please buy these so I don't have to. Really, you know you need them...

Raffiaware Ice Cream Bowls $18 (for the whole set!)
Seriously, I can't look at them anymore, I love them too much.
source: retro kitsch {originally seen on Decor8}
And speaking of vintage bowls, here are some others I'm drooling over.
Rosti Danish Modern Dinnerware Bowl Set $55 (for 4)
source: Magic Muti
How pretty are these little bowls? They'd be great to sort hold jewelery and other small somethings.
Lotus Tulip bowls set of 4 $20
source: Adventures in Vintage
Bright and cheery, perfect for summer sundaes.
Six dollars worth of fun...$6
source: buy golly Miss Molly
This bowl has a fun-folk design in yummy, citrus colors.
Milk Glass Pyrex Bowl 401 $10
source: HummingbirdHideaway
So, what do you think about vintage bowls? Do you use vintage dishware?
{Dog part went well last night; we took a lot of pictures and I'm guessing maybe three were good. I have a lot to learn that's for sure!}

And the winner of the filigree frame...

The winner of the filigree frame of her choice is...

That would be Claire Keifer! Yay Claire! I'll e-mail you shortly, but if you see this before I can get to you, please send me your shipping address along with the item of your choice.
A big thank you to Julia for being so generous with this giveaway. Julia, you're stuff is awesome (if you can't tell from the lovely comment) and I wish you the best of luck with your store.
Now, without much further adieu, I think it's time for you all to meet my babies...
This is Bella (her pet name is Bug, yup a pet with a pet name). She came to me as a rescue at 4 months old and she was very sick. She's almost four years old and a little too healthy for her own good (you haven't seen energy until you've seen her in action).
Even with all the energy of a hunting dog, she's the sweetest thing you'll ever cuddle.
This is Kya (and no I did not know her name meant 'marijuana' when I named her, thank you very much, and her pet name is 'Boo' in case you're wondering). She's the mom of the group...protective and loyal.
Kya rocks a mowhawk...because she's a rockstar, really.
{all photos via ME! with new, unnamed camera}
Please remember, I am not a photographer. Thank you all for participating in the giveaway...and for being such wonderful readers! You all are what keep me posting.
~Christina

Work the camera

I am a busy bee today so my post is kind of pitiful...but I will be announcing the winner of the Giveway tonight, so make sure you check back! Oh and if you haven't entered, you don't want to miss it so click on the frame on the right.

If the weather permits, B, the pups and I will be going to the dog park where I will try to get some "action" shots with the camera (still unnamed). I'll try to look this coy while I'm taking the photos (ha!)
source: We heart it
A white flowing dress might not be the best choice for the dog park, but this girl's making it work.
She looks like she knows what she's doing.
I'll probably look like this (black glasses and all)...a bit confused (or a lot confused).
{all photos via We heart it}
I hope you're having a great Tuesday! Hopefully I'll have some photos for you soon.

We have a new toy!

Oh. My. Goodness. I can hardly contain myself, I'm so excited. B and I just purchased a brand new camera!!! I've been wanting one for so long (well ever since my crappy one died like two years ago), but I've been specifically wanting a DSLR which is not really the cheap way to go. Sometimes it's worth waiting for what you really want, even if it's more expensive instead of paying for something cheaper and not loving it. This rarely happens, but I wasn't willing to go for a cheaper option because I really wanted a camera that could be a type of investment; something we build upon and keep for a long time. Anyway, we finally decided today was the day and we happened upon a great deal. Here she is (and yes, she will get a name, eventually):

We chose the Nikon D40 as it's great for beginners (I know how to paint, not take photographs) and has everything we'll need. Isn't she pretty?
source: Nikon

We also purchased an Af-S lens w/stabilization which will allow for outdoor shots (you know, when the dogs are in action).

source: Ken Rockwell
The battery takes 90 minutes to charge, so I don't have any photos for you yet (and don't get your hopes up for quality, b/c this is all new to me). I am looking forward, though, to sharing our home with you and other snippets of our lives. The blog might look a little different, but I think it's for the better. I can't wait!

Satisfy that craving for under $10

Sometimes (maybe, more often than "sometimes") I get a huge urge to treat myself to a little something. This feeling, desire, impulse, craving, whatever you want to call it, can become quite intense, especially after working way tooooo much and thinking I deserve something all my own. Well, ignoring this feeling doesn't necessarily make it go away, and if left untreated, I end up spending much more money on a "splurge" that I'll later regret. So how do you treat yourself and not spend a ton? Well, first give yourself a price limit and come hell or high water STICK TO IT! It doesn't take a lot for me to feel like I've treated myself, so I'm going to giving myself the limit of $10 (this would not include shipping if I made a purchase on the internet). Here's my list...

These pens really aren't any more expensive than your average pen, but they are certainly exceptional in their design. The color palette and obvious retro feel would certainly be a treat to have around (now if I could just learn to stop losing all my pens).
Retro Pen Set (set of 5) by Kikkerland $6
source: greenergrassdesign
I was cruelly reminded this weekend that summers in Athens are close to unbearable and I am in need of some lighter layers. Perhaps, I could wear this under a short sleeved cardigan?
Women's shirred tank $5 (on sale from $10)
source: Old Navy
Sometimes a new belt is all your wardrobe needs for a little pick-me-up.
I'm liking the elastic band on this one (so easy with dresses).
Joselin Wast Belt $8.80
source: Forever 21
There's nothing better than knowing you've got something cute on underneath, even if people won't see it. I'm not entirely sure why you'd need a pocket on your underwear, but I love the idea.
Low-rise pocket girl short $6.95 (from 14.50)
source: Gap
A fun dishtowel will easily breath new life into your kitchen.
Kitchen Dish towel $10
source: Purple Daisies
When was the last time you thanked someone for being there for your when you needed it? I collect 'thank you' cards and I keep them in a big box in my desk at home. This way, I have no excuse not to say "Thank You" when someone goes out of their way for me.
Thank you so much notecards- Set of 3 $6.75
source: Paper & inckling
How do you treat yourself on a budget? What was the last thing you bought as a gift for yourself?

I want your head on my wall...the sequel

If you missed part one of "I want your head on my wall" you can check it out here. I understand that fake animal heads might not be for everyone (I was a vegetarian for many years, please don't send me hate mail), but I think they're really neat. B and I found an antique ceramic bull head that we have hanging over our bed (think white bull head, baby blue room) and I can't help it, but I want more! The wooden deer heads in the previous post cost $500 a piece and since there's NO WAY I'll be paying that price any time soon, I've been looking for cheaper alternatives. I really should do the wallpapered DIY deer head, but until then, I've found these "Animal Trophies" that are really awesome and are quite affordable. In fact, B asked if I would want one for my birthday coming up, so I think I'll be a proud owner of one of these pretty soon.

Each piece is made from 100% recycled cardboard and you can decorate them any way you please (think brightly colored spray paint).

Bucky-Large Deer Trophy $52
They come in three sizes so if you're a little skiddish about the idea, maybe you can start with an itty bitty one?
Fred $16-$52
Oh, and if animal heads aren't your thing (I know it's weird, but I can't help myself) you could always get a couple of rhinos to place in your office or on the bookshelf.
Large Rambling Robbit $18
source: Cardboard Safari {thank you Desire to Inspire for the link}
For the record, I have never killed an animal nor would I ever display a real "trophy" although if that's your think, I'm withholding judgment.
{Be sure to enter the giveaway that ends tomorrow afternoon. Click on the frame to the right for more info!}
Thank you all for your kind words regarding this weekend's incident. I did not personally know any of the victims (I just served coffee to one of them in college), but all of the three victims were involved individuals in our community as was the alleged killer. It's simply tragic. Thank you again for your warm thoughts.