Sunday, January 31, 2010

B's Family Portrait

B drew this little family portrait on the computer yesterday. He was pretty excited to show it to me, and rightfully so because the depiction is SO accurate.

Ha! I particularly love our big round heads. Let there be no confusion, this is definitely what my family looks like.
Hope you're having a good weekend!

Friday, January 29, 2010

Giveaway: Vintage Marquise

This week's giveaway comes to us from the lovely Sabine from La Marquise de Anges. Sabine once held a giveaway on D&OC from her whimsical handmade shop, but she has recently opened a French Vintage Shop that I am completely smitten with.
Based in France, Sabine finds unique vintage fabrics, housewares, jewelry, bottles and other sundries that make my heart go pitter patter. She also has a way of styling her pictures that makes her Etsy shop uniquely beautiful.
Sabine is offering to one lucky D&OC reader a $25 gift certificate for anything in her vintage shop! Here are some of my picks:

tissus petites fleus French Flower vintage fabric $32
petite assiette vintage dessert plate $15
cinq Old Metal 5 number plaque (reserved)
serviettes de table $17


appareil photo vintage regula sprintic C $40
mini beurrier vintage mini butter dish $18
paire de gants French vintage lady glove $30
Miracles eau de rose old fashioned bottle. New Vintage $16

How to Enter, this giveaway is open to everyone (up to 3 entries)?
1. Visit the shop and tell me what you like. How would you spend the $25?
2. Are you a reader/follower of D&OC? Great, just tell me how you follow or say, "I'm a follower." Make sure to leave a SEPARATE comment. (2nd entry)
3. Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about this giveaway and let me know you did. (3rd entry)

If you don't already know Sabine, I suggest you do because she's one of the kindest bloggers and shop owners I know and I'm sure she'd happy to spread the love to you too!
Links:
*Vintage Shop (gift cert applies here)
*Handmade Shop
*Blog
*Twitter
Good luck and thank you to everyone who took my little poll. Happy Weekend!
Bisous,
Christina

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

D&OC Turns One!

Ok, so it's not technically this blog's one year anniversary- it's actually on Saturday BUT we have a really great giveaway coming up tomorrow and I don't blog on Saturday so I figured today was the best day to celebrate!

{via Jane Heller Photography}
I really just want to take a moment to be thankful for a few things concerning this blog.
So, THANK YOU to:
-My dear friend, designer, and monthly man blogger, Keith Rein b/c without you, I wouldn't have a banner, a button, or snazzy business cards. You're amazing.
-Anyone and everyone who has mentioned D&OC, linked to this blog, linked to the shop, tweeted about giveaways, retweeted my blabbering, or said a kind word concerning D&OC. Your support means everything.
-My sponsors past and present. Your financial support has allowed me one day off a week so I'm no longer a crazy woman (well, at least not as crazy).
-All of the many giveaway sponsors who have so generously offered your goodies for FREE! Thank you for putting yourself out there. I wish I could have won everything myself.
-Other bloggers who have answered my silly questions about navigating this online community. Your experience and willingness to share is invaluable to the rest of us.
-Last and MOST importantly, to the readers of this blog. Some of you have hung in since day one (literally). Some of you have come and gone, many of you I don't even know about. Without you, I'd simply be talking to myself and that would get really boring. You are the butter to this blog's toast and the your comments and emails constantly make me smile and wonder how I got so damn lucky.

In an effort to streamline things here at D&OC I'm going to ask you to help me by taking this easy-peasy little poll. I understand that I'm a bit flighty and jump from topic to topic and if you love that great but, if there's something more that you'd like to see, I'd really like to know (you can vote for more than one). If you're fine with how things are, there's an option for that too!
THANK YOU.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo,
Christina

Wedding Inspiration: Kate and Andy

What happens when you get one of Paste Magazine's associate editors {Kate} and a talented photographer {Andy} to fall in love and decide to spend the rest of their lives together? Well, a lot of great things, but we're here to talk about this fantastic wedding.
I realize that I haven't posted about a wedding EVER (ok, except that one time, but that was an exception). I've known Kate most of my life and I'm pleased to share her gorgeous wedding with you.













{all images via W. Scott Chester Photography}

See more of Kate and Andy's beautiful wedding here.
I'll be sharing more about B's and my own "plans" for our upcoming nuptials soon. I haven't forgotten that I owe you at least a few good wedding themed posts- that is what happens when you get engaged, right?

(psssst...I'm being featured today, here.)

A Cheerful Yellow Space

"Yellow is the color of sunshine. It's associated with joy, happiness, intellect, and energy. Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness, stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy."
-via here







via Gunkelman Flesher
Whether you love it or hate it, you have to admit there's a certain cheeriness to yellow that's uniquely it's own. The space above makes me want to run around that house and jump on the bed. Yellow is definitely my go-to energizing color.
~
Winner of the Hot Digital Dog print giveaway is...

Missypixie, congrats! Thank you Hot Digital Dog for an awesome giveaway!

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Baby in a Bucket

Pretty much the cutest thing I've ever seen...

{via Lisa Warninger Photography}
If this doesn't make a stressful day better, I don't know what does.

DIY: Easy Upcycled Coasters

Dearest readers, it has been quite some time since I've posted a DIY project (where has all the time gone?) To get us back into the swing of things, I've chosen a simply DIY "upcycling" project involving one of my very favorite mediums: Mod Podge. I'll go through the simple steps if you care to follow along.
1) I found a set of wooden coasters at a local thrift store. They even came with this nifty storage stand and the coasters cost me no more than $2.
2) With the tip of a flat head screwdriver and a small paint spackle, I removed the cork-y, cheap, peeling crap off of the top of each coaster.

3) I lightly sanded the coasters and used a spray on primer to seal the wood.
4) I chose my trusty high-glossy white spray paint and carefully applied a few light layers. Do this in a ventilated area unless you want to get high, and in that case, all the more power to you.

5) I have a stash of decorative paper for packaging materials and I chose two different black and white patterns. I eye-balled the measurements but, in retrospect, I should have bought a damn compass.

6) After applying a light layer of glossy Mod Podge, I used my handy bone tool (from my old bookmaking days) and smoothed the paper neatly into the edges. A simple butter knife would work too, in case you don't have a bone tool laying around.
7) I applied a few more layers, allowing drying time in between, and lightly wet sanded the dried Mod Podge with fine sand paper. This allows for a smooth finish so your glass doesn't wobble.

8) Finally, I finished the coasters with a glossy layer of spray on sealant. This helps waterproof the wood and paper.

Fancy huh?! We aren't actually in need of any coasters, but it was a fun project. I am a firm believer that you can decoupage just about anything back into life.


To see my previous less-than-sophisticated and super easy DIY projects, click here!

Monday, January 25, 2010

Two New Charmed Necklaces

I added two new necklaces to the shop yesterday. They both make me chuckle just a bit.
Sew Lovely...a long charm necklace $20

*here*

Helicopter Flight $18

*here*


{all photo via moi}
What really makes me chuckle though is that ridiculously awesome vest I found at the vintage shop this past weekend. It's one of those pieces that I found so ridiculous I had to immediately purchase it and make it my own- even if it does make me look like a 3rd grade teacher circa 1982. This vest might be the real reason I posted this today, MIGHT be.

Handmade Books

In college, I took a bookmaking class and it was probably one of the most tedious, labor intensive classes I had ever taken (and that says a lot coming from a painter).
If you've ever made your own paper or attempted to bind a book, then you know that bookmaking is most certainly a labor of love. Despite the sheer amount of work that goes into making a book from scratch, the finished product is tangible, useful, functional, and if done well, will last a long time.
I no longer make my own books, but I do admire those that continue to persevere in what seems to be a dying art. I've picked three Etsy shops that vary in style but all offer gorgeous, carefully crafted, handmade books.

Birds on Branches Journal $20
Aqua Petals Album $33
Little Love Note Ornaments $4
Plum Blossom Album $33



Little Notebook $8
Big Notebooks $12
Black and White Chrysanthemum Album $40
Teal and Brown Origami Book $19.95



2010 Leather Datebook $22
Mini Leather Journal Keychain $18
Medium Light Blue Notepad $7
Large Light Blue Leather Journal/Sketchbook $70


Have you ever owned a handmade book? Would you agree that handmade books stand heads and shoulders above mass manufactured journals or did you notice a difference?

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Sunday Reading

The gloomy weather has slowed things down a bit in my house and I finally have time to catch up on my book for the Slow Reader Book Club. I'm already hooked on this incredible "true life novel" about the author's great grandmothers' experiences in the early 1900's. It's not too late to join the conversation here.

via Cassia Beck


via Renee Anne


via Dishy Girls


via Yvette Infuio Photography
I recently finished two other books that I highly recommend (in case you're looking for some good reading):
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
and
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz

What are you reading?

Friday, January 22, 2010

Giveaway: Hot Digital Dog pet portraits

This weekend's giveaway comes from a local (to me) artist who specializes in animal portriature. I had a friend get two custom dog portraits for her husband's Christmas gifts and I immediately fell in love with Hot Digital Dog's quirky, unique, cheeky, vintage style. These portraits are meant to make you laugh; I can just picture Kya and Bella's silly mugs in these get-ups. Cindy has asked me to pick 3 portraits to giveaway to one lucky reader! Three (that's a $45 value)!
Here's what you can win:
Miss Dewdrop Mouse


Dog Say What


Ballard

{all images via Hot Digital Dog}
If you've been looking for additions to your art wall or you need unique gifts for friends, this is the giveaway for you. Winner gets all three of these sweet beauties! If you'd like to get your own custom pet portrait, you can receive 10% off, just tell Hot Digit Dog you're a D&OC reader upon checkout.
How To Enter (3 entries).
1. Visit Hot Digital Dog and tell me what you think. Does one particular portrait make you smile?
2. Are you a reader/follower of D&OC? Awesome! You get a 2nd SEPARATE entry. Just say, "I'm a follower."
3. Blog, Tweet, or Facebook about this giveaway and let me know you did. (3rd entry).

Have a very happy weekend and good luck! Winner will be announced next Wednesday morning.
xo,
Christina

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Brighten Up with Floral Skirts

It's raining here, heavily and steadily. I'm wearing a skirt today but it's not floral and I wish it was. Days like today call for cheer-me-up flirty florals.
All of my picks below are under $50 (with the exception of one priced at $52)!


Potpurri Skirt in Floral $26 via Lulu's
Radiance Floral Skirt $14.80 via F21
magenta petunias mini skirt $29.99 via Ruche
Be My Valentine Skirt $49.99 via Modcloth



Bayou Rose Skirt $52.99 via Modcloth
A Raised Hemline Skirt $39.95 (was $158) via Anthropologie
Sangria Red floral feminine reconstructed vintage skirt $42 via Beta Boutique
Tall Floral Bodycon Skirt $50 via TopShop


The great thing about floral skirts and dresses and is that they translate to every season with the right layering. Floral skirts have a permanent home in my closet.
Do you have a go to, cheerful outfit or piece that you depend on?

This is what happens when I'm not looking

I received this photo from a friend recently, after B and I announced our engagement.
Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to be marrying this man, but seriously, what's up with the licking?




Can someone explain this phenomenon? Please?!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Retail Therapy on the Cheap

I haven't felt my normal, chipper self the past couple of days. The huge Modcloth sale did help lift my mood though. Here's what I bought:
Blue Sky Bouquet Dress $18 (from $59.99)


Caught in a Web of Style Top $9 (from $29.99)

{via Modcloth}

This sale is moving fast, fast, fast so hurry! Nothing like a little retail therapy on the cheap to brighten things up, right?

V-Day Handmade Market

I was lucky enough to win a slot on a Valentine's Day Market, my first "virtual market" experience.

The market is running from Jan 16th- Feb 6th and most of the sellers participating are offering discounts, free shipping, and other deals if you find them in the market. I'm offering 10% off in my own shop and you can find the details here.
I've picked some of my favorite pieces, also being featured:
deep red garnets by plum & sage $50

*here*

Bonne Bag- Grey Mist by SewMo $59

*here*

TTV Photograph Valentines Day Cards - Choose 3 by maili lani $12

*here*

Prickly Pear Earrings by Merritt Gade $32

*here*

Recycled Skateboard Tiny Heart Charm Necklace by Seven Ply $16

*here*
Check out the market here and don't forget to pay attention to all of those lovely deals shop owners are offering!
~
Winner of the Design Lovely giveaway is...

Julia from Red Otter! Congrats Julia and thank you Rachel for offering this sweet prize. You can visit Rachel's shop here.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Should Have Put a Bow On It

1918 Vintage is a new-to-me shop and it's chalk full of fun vintage pieces, but I'm especially smitten with these adorable, handmade, bow necklaces. Somehow, they've managed to cheer up a rather disquieting Tuesday.

*here*


*here*


*here*
I'll take them all please.
Blog Widget by LinkWithin
 
Pin It button on image hover