Lily + Jae

Today I'm escaping into the adventures of Lily + Jae, a flirtatious line of contemporary women's wear. Hello blue typewriter...nice to meet you North Dakota...and hey there vintage suitcases and orange tights. I also feel like the girl giving the stare-into-space-creative-block-think-look. Replace the fashionable woolly cap with a spastic, pulled back ponytail and the vintage typewriter with a boring computer. Then add in Chai tea and loads of procrastination. Yep...that's me today. Can you tell I need an escape? How about you?

Twenty Ten

I love water as an analogy to life...can you tell? The idea of taking a deep breath, diving, submersing oneself, drowning out the noise and feeling weightless. The paintings by Eric Zener illustrate the joy of water and the desire to incorporate those blissful feelings into daily life. If we are willing to happily dive into a body of water, then why not into a big project or life change? We don't question the fear or dissect the outcome of a dive...we just do it (with a big smile no less). Why can't life be as simple as a summer's dive?

This particular painting, titled safety net, resonates with my thoughts for the new year. Big leaps or small jumps...successful or failed...will still end with you being ok. Let's take a dive in 2010...or if you're clumsy like me...a damn good cannonball.

Link - Eric Zener

Hindsvik Vintage

Orange, yellow and blue...which one will you choose? Discover the colors and lovely vintage items available at Hindsvik, an online vintage home decor and furniture store. Accent your space with a bright pop of color accompanied by a conversation worthy piece. Unfortunately the pink metal fan and mustard desk lamp are no longer for sale, but I couldn't resist posting their adorableness. Don't worry...there are still lots of goodies to purchase and delve into!

Link - Hindsvik

Mexican Bedspreads

I'm exhausted from the holiday rush of running through the airport...I still smell like roasted turkey...and there is a mound of work waiting for my attention. Aren't Mondays fun? On a lighter and much happier note I love these hand-embroidered Mexican bedspreads available at The Loaded Trunk. They will liven up any space and be a great conversation piece to build a room around. Maybe even a fun and magical addition to a kid's room...thoughts?

Link - The Loaded Trunk

Merry Christmas

This holiday season remember to care, love and share in one another. Remember the people and ideas that are important to you. Embrace your loved ones. Give a helping hand. Enjoy a good laugh. Be thankful.

This Christmas is extremely hard for me with my mother's recent passing, but I take comfort in remembrance and love. I remember our traditions of Christmas Eve pajamas, Garfield ornaments, oranges in our stockings and dancing to The Ronettes holiday soundtrack. There are no words to express my emotions, only that I hope to live as young hearted and caring as my amazing mother. I can't help but smile when I see this old photograph of her and Santa (who may need a place on Sketchy Santas). So, here's to a holiday filled with smiles from past memories, laughs from new memories and the warmth of love...Merry Christmas.

Djurdjica Kesic

I was instantly attracted to the organic shapes and sophisticated look of the jewelry pieces and objects by Djurdjica Kesic. It's hard to resist little, wooden houses and Nomad Necklaces made from recycled timber.

Kesic is, "attracted to looking for preciousness in the everyday and the often forgotten and overlooked" and her "ongoing interest revolves around ideas of home, place, migration and the transportability of home." Her artist statement and work translate so well...I see home...I see connection...and I even get a sense of detachment. To be emotionally moved and inspired by jewelry is quite magical. Isn't it amazing?

Link - Djurdjica Kesic

Stephen Sheffield

Stephen Sheffield is a fine artist based in Boston, Massachusetts specializing in photography, mixed-media and montage. Sheffield's classic black and white photographs have a masculine perspective that is refreshing, intriguing and a bit nostalgic. I also love his collages filled with personal photographs, vintage imagery and old newsprint. You can purchase these prints and more on Sheffield's Etsy shop...a perfect gift for Dads, boyfriends and brothers.

Link - Stephen Sheffield