Etsy Finds

Some fun vintage paper items from etsy vendors Bliss in a Teacup and Packaged in Style.

Calypso Home

I fell in love with Calypso while working for my friend Susie. We carried there beachy scented candles at her shop. Ever since then, I have been a huge fan of everything they create. Currently, I am loving all the textures and colors at Calypso Home. So much beachy inspiration!

Colorful days

I love this image it makes me feel like a kid again. I think I will add this to my summertime bucket list. Gather sticks and paint them just for fun, just like a kid would do. These beauties were painted by Ginette Lapalme.

Soaking in summer

Summer seems to be slipping by and I am desperate to soak up all of it before it ends. I have a bucket list of everything I still want to...One thing that I am doing is putting up a retractable clothesline in our backyard. I have been wanting to do this for some and finally I found a line at Home Depot. I grew up with my Gramma hanging clothes on the line. The memory of her walking inside with her basket full of freshly dried linens is still so real. When we would visit the shore we always had a clothesline and our clothes would capture the salty air and cling to it.  I love the way my clothes smell and the crisp feeling that comes from them when they have been hung outside. My friend, Susie, gave me a great idea to string the line over my lavender. It is heavenly, not like any scent you can capture in a bottle. If you have never experienced it...just try it on your pillowcases, you will be hooked. 

Summer photos

Last Saturday night we were hanging out in at my sister in laws with some of our nieces and nephews. Thought it would be a perfect opportunity to snap a few pictures of them. Love this one! They each were making a peace sign and when you put them together it creates a star. How cool is that? 

a little letterpress love

I love a letter pressed card. Something about the weight of paper and the old fashioned pressing of the ink. One Canoe Two makes these recipe cards that come 42 per set...You can find them on etsy right here.

Gum Drop Pillow

A few months back my friend Bridget and I took on the daunting task (for me) of making these adorable  gum drop pillows by Amy Butler. Bridget ( a sewing expert) was kind enough to cut out the fabric so our craft night wouldn't last into the wee morning hours. They really were so much fun to make and the result was worth the effort! Amy Butler has tons of fabrics and patterns to choose so that you can make your own gum drop pillow.

Matt Albiani and One Kings Lane

Matt Albiani is best known for his fabulous beach photography. His new book, Lifeguard on Duty, is a showcase of his works. From July 17-20 One King's Lane is offering a sampling of Matt Albiani's work and some vintage wares. It is an eclectic mix of surf and beach housewares. Love the longboard and Moroccan footstool!

Almond Milk Smoothie

When I was in Seaside, one of my favorite treats was to get a pineapple smoothie from raw and juicy. I have recreated their concoction at home.  It is really yummy and good for you! The key is almond milk...who knew?

Pineapple Smoothie

1 C. Almond Milk

1 C. frozen pineapple

1 banana

optional, a few peach or mango slices

blend and enjoy!

A garden wedding

Finishing some last minute details at work for Hope's wedding. She is going with the garden theme for her big day. We are creating these moss trimmed table numbers and hand addressed place cards with cherry blossoms printed on them. Everything was made custom at JSD.

Support your local farmers markets

There are so many things I love about the summer! The warm evenings, sunsets, the beach, and farmers markets. Our Libertyville Farmers Market started about 2 weeks ago and the Mayor was there to cut the first watermelon. But there was mounds of fresh fruits and veggies. Something about the smell of a fresh tomato,  crisp lettuce, and warm raspberries makes me want for sumer never to end. Buy local and support your growers.

Golden Etsy finds

Loving these etsy finds...Golden votives and candy dishes...Images from Haus Proud and You Like.

La Vie Est Belle Pearls

My last Seaside post is about La Vie est Belle Pearls. It is a little surfer-gypsy style shop in Seaside that owner Wendy Mignot and her husband Jean-Noel create the loveliest necklaces, bracelets and earrings made from hand rolled leather and pearls. The pearl and leather necklaces are like a calling card that you have been to Seaside. You'll likely find them slung around the hottest surfers and the chicest travelers.  They seem to symbolize membership to a very cool club.  In addition to the necklaces, La Vie est Belle has the softest leather fringe purses, and some fabulous local art.  It’s an experience for any hippie chick who loves great finds and great stories.