Category Archives: favorite things

Claire and the Peony

Hi friends. How are you all doing? Happy Friday. I hope your week has been lovely. It was my second week home alone with Claire while Chris was at his new job and I can honestly say that it went much smoother. Seems like we are finding out own rhythm and schedule. I do miss being able to pop into his office and say hello but I’m adjusting.

The peonies I got for Mother’s Day are in full bloom and are truly glorious. So I thought why not pair my favorite flower with my favorite baby girl…

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Claire bear will be 11 months old in two days. I can hardly believe it. Almost a year has flown by and she is desperately trying to walk.

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She is enamored with flowers (like her Mama) and always tries to grab at them when she gets the chance.

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She was surprisingly gentle with my dear peony and I am happy to report that no flowers were injured during this photo session.

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Thank you, Claire for being such a good little model for Mommy.

Have a beautiful weekend!

xo,

Ivy

21 Comments

Filed under Art, Baby, favorite things, flowers, photography

Etsy Love : love and peas creations

Hello there! How’s your week going so far? Hope all the Mamas out there had a beautiful Mother’s Day! My dear hubby sent me up to Skamania Lodge for some alone time to recharge. So sweet! I came home on Sunday to warm hugs, handmade cards (by Grace), a bouquet of peonies (my fav) and veggie lasagna for dinner. Needless to say, I felt completely spoiled. I even got to complete a small mixed media painting – which I will share with you soon!

Today, I wanted to share with you a sweet little Etsy shop – loveandpeascreations – owned by artist, Jenny Blair. I just adore her stunning work! She combines mixed media illustrations with wonderful hand sewn elements. (Oh, how I wish I could sew!) The blend of paint, pencil, fabric and thread creates gorgeous texture and color. Have a look for yourself…

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I’m in love with this bear. Go here to see the process of this piece on her blog.

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I discovered her work through the latest Artful Blogging! What a delightful find! Go here to explore her website and view her full portfolio.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

xo,

Ivy

3 Comments

Filed under Art, Etsy, favorite things, Shopping

8 Blogs to adore & explore

Hi there! This week was a bit of a doozy. It started off okay, but by Tuesday I had a fever and was in bed with a bad cold. Ick. However, due to much positive thinking, excessive amounts of Vitamin C, Chinese herbs (recommended by my acupuncturist) and lots of rest…I managed to rally and was back on my feet yesterday. I was still under the weather, but managing to take care of Claire and get some housework done. Today, I’m much better, thankfully, because the hubby and I are heading out tomorrow for a weekend in Oregon wine country – sans kids! So excited!

Anyways…on to today’s post (which is also some homework for my Decor 8 Blog Boss e-course). I wanted to share with you 8 beautiful blogs to adore and explore! All eight blogs are well organized, easy to read and of course, provide plenty of eye candy, original and authentic content and creative ideas!

Odessa May Society

Authored by Jennifer Prince, this elegant blog is so lovely. Jennie has a beautiful sense of style and is a very talented photographer – capturing sweet, simple moments of her life with her precious daughter. Her curated products, images and diy guides are always a treat!

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all images via Odessy May Society

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Lobster & Swan

A stunning and inspiring blog from the UK. Authored by Jeska, this gorgeous blog goes from fashion to interiors to crafting with all sorts of creative imagery, personal Instagram shots and diy ideas. This is one of my favorites and is sure to brighten your day. Don’t miss this one.

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all images via Lobster & Swan

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Inspired by Annetta

Annetta is one of my fellow students in the Blog Boss e-course and I just discovered her stunning blog! Her photography is drop dead gorgeous and although this a new blog to me, I can tell it is going to be one I visit regularly. Her creativity and inspirational work is contagious and as a new photographer myself, I can only aspire to create such beauty. Go explore her images and get ready to ooooh and ahhh! ;)

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all images via Inspired by Annetta

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pia jane bijkerk

This blog has been a long time favorite. Pia is a mother, photographer, stylist and author and has lived and traveled around the world collecting inspiration and capturing beauty everywhere she goes. Her authentic style is seen in all that she touches and her books are treasures on my shelf. While she is taking a short break from the blog presently, there is still plenty to explore from her extensive history of past posts. Her books are a must for those who adore handmade, travel and beautiful things.

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all images via Pia Jane Bijkerk

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She Make a Home

This blog covers the gamut – from yummy recipes to diy projects to uplifting messages. Ashley Pahl is the creator of this creative lifestyle blog and her talent, drive and dedication are felt authentically throughout her posts. Another fellow student from Blog Boss, Ashley is living the dream as mother, blogger and owner of a beautiful handmade stationery store. Find all sorts of artistic inspiration and practical advice on her truly wonderful blog.

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all images via She Makes a Home

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This is La La Land

Everyone needs a go to blog when you feel like a good laugh. Look no further – check out this one to get an inside peek into Lauren’s life as she tries to make it as an actress in L.A. Lauren is a dear friend, although I am not being biased when I say she is insanely talented. Not only can this girl write, act, model, paint, draw and play music she is straight up FUNNY! Her encounters, adventures and antidotes on life are authentic, in your face and will make you giggle out loud. She writes from the heart so don’t be surprised if you laugh and cry while reading her posts. Her artistic and quirky snapshots illustrate her stories perfectly.

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all images via This is La La Land

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a creative mint

This blog has also be a long-standing go to for inspiration and eye candy overload. I adore the style of creator, Leslie, and she has been a past co-teacher with Holly on Blogging Your Way. Her sense of color and creative explorations are always enchanting and her photography is simply divine. Go take a look if you haven’t already, Leslie’s blog is a gem and so is she.

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all images via a creative mint

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Jeanne Oliver

I have to give a shout out to the amazing Jeanne Oliver and her beautiful blog. Jeanne has been a past teacher of mine, guiding me to create art again with the Creatively Made e-course and helping me to improve my  business with the Building a Creatively Made Business e-course. Her blog is a fantastic place to see behind the scenes of her creations and products, read about her life and personal challenges and just get inspired! Her photography, artwork and writing are authentic and heartwarming plus her vintage, French style is so up my alley!

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{p.s. I’m excited to be taking her brand new art course – check it out here.}

all images via Jeanne Oliver

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Okay, so I know that was a meaty post but I hope it gives you plenty to peruse over the weekend! Let me know which blogs spoke to you – enjoy!

Have an inspired weekend!

xo,

Ivy

8 Comments

Filed under Art, Blog Boss, Favorite Reads, favorite things, Thoughts

Favorite Things: Sheer Addiction Jewelry

Hi there. Look, I know I’m not supposed to be window shopping online…there is laundry to be done, the kitchen is a disaster… but how can a girl help it when this lands in my inbox…

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Gorgeous! Tamara Schafhauser is the brilliant designer behind Sheer Addiction Jewelry. An amazing line using vintage and antique pieces from around the world to build exquisite compositions of metal, jewel and found objects. Religious medals, old coins, vintage crystals and other unique baubles add such depth and story to her creations. I want!

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Layers of history, charm and luxury. What a fabulous blend!

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This little guy is a favorite of mine.

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Her beautiful trio necklaces can be worn together or separate for some lovely versatility…here are two stunning examples!

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Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Go check out the wonderful shop for yourself, Tamara’s blog is enchanting too! So much inspiration!

Have fun perusing all the treasures to be found…

xo,

All images via Sheer Addiction Jewelry.

2 Comments

Filed under Art, fashion, favorite things, Shopping, vintage

A few of my favorite things…French treasures

Hello all! Hope you enjoyed your weekend. I have been nursing my family back to health after an awful flu struck our home! I’m the only one who hasn’t gotten sick – somehow? Anyway, I don’t want to tempt fate so I’m just staying positive and gobbling down Vitamin C.

So, I know I don’t often write about my vintage shop on Etsy but with Valentine’s just around the corner, I thought it might be fun to share some of my favorite French treasures that I have listed right now. Taking photographs of these gorgeous objects has become such a delight for me, almost as rewarding as the hunt! Just click on the images to visit my shop and learn more about these…

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I just loved finding these lovely French treasures! I hope you enjoy them too.

Have a beautiful Monday!

xo,

6 Comments

Filed under Etsy, favorite things, Home, Paris, photography, Shopping, vintage

Around the house…

Happy Friday everyone. Hope you all had a fabulous week. I’ve been feeling pretty exhausted and anxious about the arrival of little Miss Claire but I do have little bursts of energy. A couple of days ago, one struck and I felt compelled to appreciate my home and all the lovely objects that I get to share my space with. So I waddled around my space taking a few shots…I thought I would share them with you. This first batch is from my studio…

One of my favorite things about being an antique shop owner is that I get to enjoy the old treasures that I find…even if for a short time…before I send them to a new home.

You can see in the background here that I just got my copy of “this i know” by Susannah Conway. If you don’t already have it…go get it.  It’s truly beautiful.

This past week, Chris brought me 20 stems of pink Peonies. I have adored them. They graced our breakfast table among some of my great, great grandmothers silver…

Have a lovely weekend. I think I hear a nap calling my name…

What do you love about your space? Take a picture of it and appreciate the beauty around you.

xo,

14 Comments

Filed under decorate, Etsy, favorite things, flowers, Home, interior design, photography, Pretty Rooms, Shopping, Thoughts, vintage