So ... I Got A Tattoo

"Give her of the fruit of her hands" Proverbs 31 quotation

So while a lot has been going on for me still, one major thing has changed. My arm. I got a tattoo. I designed the idea, carefully selected an artist (Trevor of Albatross Tattoo, Portland OR), and jumped. As a woman born and raised into a Christian lifestyle some people I know loved it- others were offended. I don't mind it either way. I have no conviction about putting something permanent on my skin as it does not effect Christ's love for me at all nor my love for Him. Anyway, here it is- tell me what you think!

Pinsperation: For the Home (Mint in the Loo)

Lovely mints from desiretoinspire.net

I love the subway tile with borders- vintage without being too outdated peppermintbliss.com

thisoldhouse.com

Lovely and simple whitefloors.blogspot.com

Again with aqua/teal subway tile, guess I'm stuck apartmenttherapy.com

A perfect way to use original tile in an old house m.designsponge.com

I have always assumed it was bad form to blog straight from Pinterest, or at least regularly. I have to say however, that my personal inspiration has been growing so much from viewing pin boards that I wanted to spill a little of that here too. I will try to keep everything well documented as I do not claim ownership of any ideas or images- merely that they make my imagination come to life.

Outfit Inspiration: Mint Chocolate Chip

Tippi Sweater: gift from grammy (jcrew) Cap: stolen from my husband Mint Jeans: jcrew $20 including shipping Vans: thrift store $8.00

Do you ever have one of those days you wear what you do for no other reason than you just felt like it? I had one of those recently. I just got a pair of mint jeans (J Crew) and a polka dot sweater (J Crew) that I would not usually have worn together but I just felt like it. You want to know what happened? A whole slew of people told me I reminded them of mint chocolate chip ice cream! Fine by me. What has been inspiring you recently?

Etsy Pick of the Week: dahlhaus

 I know I have already posted some about this shop before- but my renewed inspiration by them warrants its own post. What can I say- this shop is one of my favorite! Instead of saying a whole lot i will the pictures speak for themselves.http://www.etsy.com/shop/dahlhaus  I do not claim ownership of any images all belong to Dahlhaus shop on Etsy.

Etsy Pick of the Week: Whirlwind Shop

Classic lace and vintage fabric style in tons of lovely color combinations

This one could easily be played in a nautical outfit

Attending or throwing a carnival inspired wedding?

Two of my favorite things in one place- aqua and tweedsy fabric

Chevron. enough said.

Even though it is winter I have not been able to let go of fall plaids

I have been finding so many eye-catching goodies on Etsy recently that I decided to try a regular post about Etsy inspiration. Once a week (crosses fingers) I will try to feature a new seller or particular product that I find splendid. This week I would like to feature TheWhirlwind on Etsy. This shop offers adorably made vintage fabric and lace necklaces. What makes this shop unique is the extra dose of personality put into each piece. I have picked out a few of my favorites - looks like I'm on a bit of a yellow and blue kick. Hope you enjoy as much as I did. (All photos are from TheWhirlwind on Etsy. If you have price questions you may contact her directly through her shop as well as sign up for coupons. )  http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheWhirlwind?ref=seller_info

A Year Gone By

A late fall display from the rose conservation gardens

Crunchy leaves !

An unusually striking tree

A beautiful local delicatessen - I have never seen such care and pride taken in local artisan shops

Styled to the last detail- look at the penny tiles!

Nothing will be missed as much as Autumn in Portland

The last few months have been a blur in life. Moving was a wonderful decision but being very invested in work was a requirement to make it a smooth transition. Needless to say, I am very glad to be stepping down from my second part time job and only working one. I am hoping this will give me more time to invest in my home life, pursue blogging, my art, a shop, and other passions. This new venture takes place the first of February and I am sooo excited. Until then, this is the last of 2012 in a few pictures.

mantel update!!

So I have so much to catch up on around here it hurts! I have had some lovely adventure with nary the time to blog them out! So much inspiration around me its hard to narrow it down to words. (although look me up on Pinterest and the pictures help) I thought I would give a snippet update on my prized mantel- i felt the first arrangement did not do it justice. What would you do for a mantel?