{ la la loving labels... }

Have you noticed the adorable label sets that have been popping up lately? Ohhhh, the possibilities...

They're perfect for adding a special touch to some Valentine's Day treats or putting a creative spin on a weekend organizing project {which might actually make it enjoyable}.

Sources:

{ 1, 2 & 5 }: Paper Source

{ 3 & 4 }: the Flourish Collection    

{ bottom sets }: Stuck Labels

Have a gorgeous weekend everyone!!!

image sources: top photo: the flourish collection; brown bag treats: absolutely beautiful things; spice jars: steph modo

{ thursday things: found treasures by cori kindred }

Loving these little treasures found in the lovely shop of flickr friend, koreana 

{aka Cori Kindred}

Check out Cori's charming vintage wares at her other shop, mushroom & moss

{ sunshine on a cloudy day: shannon fricke }

These days, when I need to chase away the winter chill and dreary gray days, I sneak over to my new secret source for a dose of inspiration, color, and sunshine...

All images courtesy of the lovely Shannon Fricke--an interior decorator and stylist for Australian mags such as Inside Out and Country Style. After reading several of Shannon's posts, I can sense her hip, warm, and friendly demeanor which shines through in her casually chic interior styling and modern, yet approachable, design aesthetic. If you haven't yet, pop over to Shannon's blog for an instant pick me up and loads of inspiration. 

Psst: Don't miss Shannon's Sense of Style series of books, which look to be A.mazing!

{ try it tuesday: DIY vintage pillowcase bag }

I have been following The Farm Chicks for years via Country Living magazine and just recently discovered their blog, which is packed full of great ideas and DIY tutorials. I love this simple tutorial for repurposing a vintage pillowcase into a stylish {and earth friendly} bag -- the perfect take along for a day of junking or when dashing off to the farmer's market. Check out the full, easy-to-follow instructions here.

Psst: The Farm Chicks' soon to be released book, The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen, is now available for pre-order at Amazon.

{ the charm of carmel }

Happy Monday, I hope you all enjoyed your weekend. I had such a wonderful time away with the girls. It's amazing what a 36 hour escape from reality can do for one's soul...I highly recommend it!  It also doesn't hurt that our travels took us to the quaint coastal town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Seeing as I can't seem to stop thinking about it this morning, I thought I would share some of its irresistible charm with you all...

The cobblestone streets of its downtown are filled with art galleries, boutiques, and renowned restaurants...

and not to worry...Carmel also includes some of the essentials...

Pet-friendly is an understatement....four legged friends are welcomed at nearly every shop with bowls of fresh water and jars of treats...

Surrounding the downtown are tree-lined streets with some of the most adorable cottages I've ever seen.

As if all that weren't enough, this positively perfect little town is but a few steps from this loveliness...

*sigh* 

Is it any wonder why I once again find myself daydreaming about happily ever after by the beach? 

Thank you M & T for inviting us to join you and for sharing in the laughter and reminiscing...can't wait to do it again!

{ a jolly good time }

Had to pop back in to share this...

the Fiat "Jolly"

How fabulous would this weekend's jaunt to the Coast be in one of these little cuties? 

{Sorry mom...not this time}.

Spotted on Ruby Press via Inside the Loop {which has the full scoop on the adorable Fiat "Jolly"}. 

{ friday find: photography by kari herer }

I recently stumbled across photographer Kari Herer over on House Martin and since then, I haven't been able to stop thinking about her stunning images.

After spending the better part of an hour browsing her shop, I discovered Kari's equally delightful blog and learned this series of photos was taken after Kari discovered an odd box filled with old silverware in the garage of her new home in Portland, Maine. Don't you love stories like that? I'm swooning over the captured textures and tones in the aged silver.  

Treat yourself to a visit with Kari here and here. Dog lovers won't want to miss this or this.

This weekend, I'm off to the coast with my mom, her sister, and my cousin...a rainy and cold one, but who cares when you're having fun with the girls, right? If I don't make it back here later today, have a wonderful weekend everyone!!! 

{ reclaim :: repurpose :: refresh... upcycled woolen delights }

Adorn your home or yourself with these fanciful finds--each one cleverly handcrafted using upcycled woolen blankets and sweaters.

indulge in a little public display of affection with dreaminggiggle's colorful 

Valentine's wreath--handmade with repurposed woolen sweaters 

coming up roses...reclaimed woolen sweater scraps are transformed into 

colorful brooches in full bloom --perfect for adding a fresh look to a coat or handbag

one of many darling clutches from little byrd. check out this irresistible shop for 

additional vintage and repurposed treasures, including coffee cozies, woolen caps, and fingerless mittens

{ ispy: kids letters to obama... }

I always say if you want genuine, honest feedback–ask a child. It often amazes me how my eight year old daughter can break down a seemingly complex problem, with which I've struggled, and offer a perfectly practical resolution in mere seconds with her simple, spot-on observations.  In these moments I'm left wishing there was a ways to box up her heartfelt advice and preserve her childhood innocence indefinitely. 

The brilliant minds behind 826 National have done just that in their newly released book, Thanks and Have Fun Running the Country: Kid's Letters to President Obama. A few days after the election, kids around the country were asked to provide advice and guidance to their new president. The collection of letters offers pages of practical, often amusing, young wisdom  for the newly sworn in President. 

"I really hope you put America back together. No pressure, though." -- Sheenie Shannon Yip, age 13, Seattle

"Dear President Obama, If I were president, I would tell people to not talk much. It wastes time. I'd also say to war: no more, no more, no more!" -- Catherine Galvan, age 6, Chicago

"Dear Obama, I have grown up with a very liberal mom and a very conservative day. Thank you for bringing my parents somewhat closer together. :) You are my idol Mr. Barack..." -- Olivia Roper-Cladbeck, age 12, Seattle

You can purchase the book here. All proceeds benefit, the 826 nonprofit organizations

{ try it tuesday: sentimental valentine's day wheel }

I've vowed to try AND complete more handmade projects this year and was thrilled to find this simple Valentine's Day project via Martha Stewart.

Once completed, the wheel conceals rotating sentiments and symbols that convey your affection with a turn of the wheel. The template provided is quick and easy to follow. 

I also think it'd be fun {and relatively easy} to customize it with personal terms of endearment and/or your own images/icons. I plan to present my final creation in a velum sleeve wrapped and tied with red & white baker's twine. 

Try-it Tuesday Quick Link:

PDF and step-by-step instructions are available here.

images via Martha Stewart

{ a new day... }

Happy {new} President's Day!

up-to-the-minute inauguration photos via Daylife

{ on holiday... }

I'll be offline today spending the holiday  with my family and basking in the pre-inauguration highlights & hoopla. I'll be back Tuesday to kick off a new week of fresh and fun posts. Have a great day everyone! xo ~Suzanne

Image found via the oh-so-delicious portfolio of food stylist and photographer, Béatrice Peltre

{ love at first sight... }

vintage-inspired picnic ensemble available here

{or use this as inspiration to create your own}

Who can resist these lovable Valentine's Day finds? I, for one, am head-over-heels...

1. I love you magnets, lily pottery

2. Scooter notebook, le papier designs

3. Looove wall wear, nea wear {via kim vallée} 

4.On My Sleeve beach stone heart necklace, stonz

If I didn't already have my pink cruiser, I would be dropping many, not-so-subtle hints.

What do you all have planned for the weekend? The weather here is supposed to be quite nice, so I'm hoping to spend much of next couple of days outdoors...perhaps we'll even go on a bike ride. Wishing you a weekend of rest and rejuvenation! xo ~Suzanne

{ i heart vintage }

This past weekend I was able to pop over to the Second Sunday Antique Fair with my daughter. My little one loves to play "school" with her friends and I thought it would  be fun to create a mini classroom in her clubhouse--mixing in some vintage school items. As my daughter said, "We scored!" {Do you think I've rubbed off on her a bit?}

vintage flashcards

some of you might remember this little treasure. I've had it in the back of my mind since I passed on it the first time around. I was thrilled to happen upon it again {and at a much more reasonable asking price!}

more vintage flash cards

...and a petite treat for moi--someone's well loved camera is now my well loved camera, For $4, I couldn't pass it up. I'm anxious to see if it actually works.

Honestly, I'm happy to window shop at this monthly event and often come home without anything. But, I have to admit, that it's also fun to stumble upon a few affordable treasures every now and then.  How about you? Do you enjoy the thrill of the hunt even when you don't find anything special to take home?

{ back to school }

I haven't been able to stop thinking about these captivating images since spotting them on the ever-so-lovely Black Eiffel blog. They take me back to rainy grade school days--playing "Heads up,  7-up" and watching The Red Balloon...still one of my all time favorites.

all images from the stunning portfolio of photographer tamara muth king