For the love of {icy blue}

Normally in the winter I am all about bright, warm hues to bring life and heat back into the cold, dreary world. I crave bold colors and rich textures and warmth. But sometimes you just have to embrace the cold and take your inspiration from what's going on outside you. Find your hues in the snow and ice and pale wintry skies. I'm majorly inspired by this icy blue, aren't you?

Images via: nordstrom, photowall, the chic department, you broke the internet, blue eyed boutique

Spring things

Today is gloomy and cloudy with little snow and rain showers fluttering down at random intervals. I'm wearing a gorgeous infinity scarf my mother-in-law made me over a new (ok, consignment) black sweater that I got for about $4. But, in spite of reveling in the pretty clouds and rain drops, I'm still thinking a bit wistfully about Spring. In fact, I have been for some time now. So here is my Spring things wish list:

1. A t-shirt maxi-dress! And it comes in a gorgeous plum shade, too. A little out of my price range, though. Birthday present?!

2. Green shoes. The ones pictured are the closest to what I want, but they're $88. H&M has a really similar version for about $15, but I've been back twice and they NEVER have my size!

3. I want patio furniture for Springtime outdoor eating! And I really really want a garden with flowers!

4. I want, dare I say NEED, this print. Seriously such a cheerful reminder. I'd put it in my kitchen where I'd see it all the time!

What's on your wish-list for Spring?

Leather Gifts for Men

Our 3 year anniversary is coming up on December 27th. Phillip and I are pretty excited about getting to spend this one together, and we had a "smart phone duel" the other day to see who could find out what the traditional third year present was. I know. We're dorky (I won). But anyway, now I have to come up with a cool leather present, so I thought I'd turn it into a blog post, since I thought maybe you could help me out or use some Christmas ideas for your men.

All the online advice I've been reading suggests a leather jacket. He already has a faux leather jacket, which is cool but not as nice or soft as a real leather jacket. This one is really awesome, but it's also $245. Yikes.

I think this watch is really neat. It's less than the jacket, but still $124. I really don't know how much I'm supposed to spend on an anniversary gift! It's the thought that counts, I know, but what will he actually like??

This shop has some really cool men's necklaces with leather. Would Phillip wear them? I have no idea. 

The internet also told me to buy him a leather wallet. His is still working fine but will wear out someday. There are only a million options. I even found one in "python leather."

And then there's this:

It's for me, obviously. Who doesn't want a leather cat-woman mask?! 

What did you get your husband for your third anniversary? 

Do you have any advice/ideas for me?  

Etsy Shop Announcement

The other day I was contemplating that I don't really know what to do with myself. I am of course still working on getting our house organized, cooking dinners, getting in shape, and all other sorts of wifely duties. And I don't really feel bored doing those things. But there are a lot of other things I want to do and could be doing. I want to go back to school for a certificate in floral design, interior design, event planning, and more! I sometimes think I want to go back to work, even for just six months, to help out our budget, help buy a new car, put some money away in savings, etc. Basically, the world is my oyster, I could do any of these things or more, and I can't actually decide what it is I want to do! 

Phillip things I should energetically pursue all of the above options until one of them falls perfectly into place. That's basically how he operates. And I don't necessarily think that's bad advice. So I am slowly trying to push myself forward to pursue schooling and possibly a job. 

But at the same time, I don't want to leave my home for forty plus hours a week. My sister Katya suggested that I work part time so that I'm not abandoning my home duties. And then she suggested something that I've been meaning to do for a long time. In fact, its on my list of goals from way back when. 

She suggested I open an Etsy shop to sell some of my crafts and projects. 

So I did.

So far I've listed a whopping 1 item. Here it is, if you want to go buy it:

I call it "3D Flower Art."

I have big plans to make more of these types of 3D art and see if they sell. 

Mostly it's just fun to make things. And if I can start to make some money doing it, I would definitely feel like I don't have to rush out and get a job! And I'd have something fun to fill my time with. 

So, I am shamelessly plugging my little Etsy shop. I plan to fill it up with lots more goodies really soon, as this first one is kind of the test subject.

What do you think? Could you ever run a business out of your home? Would you buy 3D art from me if you had the money and inclination? What other crafty things (if you know me and know what I can make) would you like to see me sell?