Goodmorning to you Mr. Robin

My absolute favorite thing about Spring is hearing the birds start to chirp again in the morning.

The song starts softly, quietly, because at first, only a few brave little birds coming out to sing in the morning of a crisp Spring day. But as the weather warms more, more birds join in the morning hymns and the air is filled with a certain hopefulness and anticipation for the warm, green days ahead.

trust watercolor print, robins on a branch vintage necklace, lacy blue bird bowl,
flock of love birds necklace, bird and flower lavender sachet,
hand painted wall ornament

Tie Dye

When I was growing up, on a nice warm summer day my mom would hold tie dying sessions in the backyard.

She would give us all white t-shirts and a handful of rubber bands. We would then wrap the rubber bands tightly around the t-shirts in varying patterns and dip them into huge vats of dyed color (we always had a couple of colors to choose from so that we could mix and match). Then we would dip them in ice cold clear water and let them dry. And then, as if by magic, we would remove the rubber bands and reveal intricate, swirling lines of white where the bands had been and bold, bright color everywhere else.

Peace pillow (it is like it is straight from Woodstock!),
chiffon scarf, spring tunic, slip dress, sunshine yellow hair tie

bread & circuses [definition]

noun: Things intended to keep people happy and to divert their attention from the problems

{found via A.Word.A.Day}

Seems like a perfect word to visually represent to distract us from the fact that the weekend is over and the work week is about to begin! Happy Monday friends!

sweet summery vintage dress, mason jar soap dispenser (love this!),
soft leather lavender clutch (with raw edges!),
lavender rosemary French soap

Easter Candy

I personally am convinced that candy just tastes better when it is shaped like sweet little rabbits and eggs (why is this?).

My favorite Easter candy has always been Peeps. This year Just Born stepped up to the plate and made an already fantastic (in my humble, sugar saturated mind) treat even better...CHOCOLATE covered peeps (available in dark and milk chocolate). Mr. Easter Bunny, please fill my basket up.

little bunny charcoal drawing, Easter bobbies (the obsession continues),
beaded necklace, pincushion, summer dreams bag, smile button (great reminder)

What is your favorite Easter treat?

Tip Toe Through the Tulips

When ever I think of Spring, I also think of flowers, particularly tulips and daffodils. Not being much of a green thumb myself, I truly appreciate the effort and care that goes into creating and maintaining a gorgeous flowering landscape.

shoulder bag, tulip calendar, notelet tulip cards

P.S. I am happy to report that I am [currently] a successful plant mum to three healthy, happy in door plants! Does this mean I at least have a "light" green thumb?

What is your favorite Spring time flower?

Desktop Delights

In a society which many of us spend at least 8 hours a day (hi! that's me!) tied to a desk it is important and (dare I say?) necessary to create a beautiful space in which to work in. Let these delightfully designed desk space enhancers be an inspiration to us all. Here is to beautiful office space pretties and an increase in productivity!

desktop calendar, Paris windows wall decals, memo/cork board,
vintage floral paperclips, banner trio, wall sculptures (made from books!)

Giveaway

Meet Anabelle...putting the sparkle into everyday.

Read the interview and enter to win here.

Lovely Clusters - Introduction

The Lovely Blogger List is a genius idea hatched by the lovely and very talented Rachel of Lovely Clusters to connect all of the creative lovelies out here in blog-land. So, here I am. It is nice to meet you!

Introduction Hi! My name is Cat. I am the creator of BrideBlu, a sweet, sparkling jewelry line intended to celebrate the "special" in everyday. I also have an "alter ego" jewelry shop called rockpapersilver. When I am not designing jewelry you are likely to find me playing cards, watching comedies, and enjoying qt with my husband and our friends. I enjoy reading, crafting, flying (my husband is a pilot), and coffee (black!). I would classify myself as a romantic (but not hopeless:)) and try to live each day to the fullest. One of my favorite quotes is "Life is not measured by the number of breaths you take but rather by the moments that take your breath away"...so true!


Design Philosophy The idea behind brideblu accessories stems from my love for nostalgia and the general belief that special things shouldn't be solely reserved for special moments. The entire line is dressy enough to wear with special occasion ensembles (gowns, cocktail dresses, formal attire) but simple enough to dress up an "everyday" look. This is were the "nostalgia" comes in...I like to think of my pieces being worn again...re-celebrating memories and creating new ones along the way.

Inspiration The simple things in life. Uncomplicated pleasures.

You can also find me here:
Etsy | Blog

Color Inspiration - Blue (the new black)

Black is always being challenged (poor little color). As a girl whose every day style lives in the doldrums of the black, white, and gray spectrum, I am always looking for a way to zap some color (comfortably) into my life. Bright and cheerful, teal fits this bill perfectly.

clutch, butterfly necklace, butterfly vase,
black lab pup cup, cotton jersey tank, rose brooch

P.S. I am hosting a couple of giveaways this week! Stay tuned for more details :)

Clusters - Red Bloom

Created via Lovely Clusters

See more lovely clusters here.

Spring aHEAD

Random rambling: We saw the glory of 60 degrees on Thursday...Spring was making a grand entrance. Imagine my shock (and loud groan) when I opened up the blinds on Saturday morning to see a fresh dusting of snow on the ground. Urghhhhh! But I digress...

*****************************
My obsession of fashionable head gear started shortly after seeing Sex and the City the Movie (remember Carrie's bird? No one could pull that off with the grace and beauty that Sarah Jessica Parker did!).

Heads seem to be the newest place to accessorize and wow, the options are endless. From petite sparkling bobby pins to elaborate hats, you are sure to find something that tickles your fancy.

Olive Green & Pink bobby pins, Natural Vine crown,
Butterfly bobbies, Ocean Breeze hair clip

Personally, I love bobby pins...a practical yet elegant way to keep my long [& sometimes downright annoying] locks out of my eyes! What hair accessory do you love?

Lumberjack

While traditionally used for building and home decor, wood can [surprisingly] look quite natural and refreshing in unexpected places...

(from top right): earrings, pillow, laptop decal, wallet,belt buckle

Seriously, how cool is that belt buckle?

Tea Party

Tea is my favorite drink (coffee is close on its' heels), particularly teas spiced with vanilla, cinnamon, or clove. Add a sweet, chocolaty treat and watch me settle into pure bliss.

Join me for a cup?

top row: Alice in Wonderland by birdzNbeez,

Sweet Bridal Top Hat by lilyladyblue, shoulder bag by babastudioPrague
second row: Eat Me cupcake party picks by pinkcherrymama,

teapot wall hook by monkeyandsquirrel,
lace cuffs by mademoisellemermaid

P.S. Wouldn't a tea party be a fabulous idea for a bridal shower theme?

The Luck of the Irish (green)

No matter your shade...be it emerald, mint, grass, forest, army, or olive...today is the day to get your green on. Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Sandy Shore Earrings by StudioSeventyFive
You Are So Loved screen print by jessgonacha
Linen Tote in olive darb green by Kinies
Green Dress found via narcolepticmonk (photographer unknown)

Putty in Your Hands

Start with a touch of warm gray, mix in a little cappuccino brown and a touch of purple...viola, you've got Putty. A pretty warm, neutral perfect for Spring. It is everywhere...shoes, nail polish, home decor, clothing and I think it is lovely.Nike Athena Mary Jane Flat

muted Union Jack Crown Pillow by helcatdesign

Vintage Perfume Bottles

They say scent can define a person, trigger a sweet memory, make you a time traveler.

I am instantly taken back when I smell Estee Lauder's Pleasures...my high-school self's signature scent. The smell of Dolce and Gabbana's Blue reminds me of my first love (which went bitterly south but I digress...I am in a great place now).

I stumbled across this lovely image and couldn't help but imagine all of the memories that could be triggered by lifting up each one of these beautifully crafted bottles and inhaling deep, smelling the sweet lingering of a well loved perfume.

Image found via My Romantic Home

What memories do you have tied to scent?

Cozy and Warm

It has been a little dreary and raining in Wisconsin these past few days. I would just love to curl up with a cup of hot cocoa and a book while wearing this utterly snugly looking leg warmers (they were inspired by lace!).

Hand knitted leg warmers found via Jenna (Knits & Pieces)

Color Adore...MINT

The cool and fresh color of almost Spring.

P.S. Looks especially great with a splash of bright pink!

Spring Blossom Pillow by RaineStyleHome

Fresh Mint Mum Ring by lizhutnick

Paris Collection, Adele by OliviaIsabella

Lace [the final frontier]

Forget the ribbons, forget the bows (at least temporarily)...how about some dainty lace to pretty up a package?

Lace Tape [found via Rocket St George]

Mood Monday - Spring Flowers

As I woke up this morning I heard the first strains of birds chirping...a sure sign that Spring is right around the corner!

What better way to match the "Spring is almost here" mood than this instantly cheering, bright flower bag?

Rich Yellow Flower Bag by iroshka

Swoon...isn't this bag simply divine?

Lovely Clusters

The lovely Rachel is the mastermind behind the most ingenious blog ever...Lovely Clusters.

Not only are her posts filled with pretty images but she has a super cool "clusters" tool in which she encourages her readers to create clusters of products that inspire them. Anyone is welcome to create a cluster of 9 images and Rachel may choose your masterpiece to be included on her site.

I could literally spend HOURS in browsing through the clusters, so many talented artists and truly lovely finds.

[if you want to take a peak, here is the cluster I created, Buttercup Lace]

Introduction

Name: Cat

Occupation: Jewelry Designer & dreamer

Line: BrideBlu

Hobbies: flying, creating, antiquing

Loves: chatting over coffee, watching comedies, cooking, baking, sprinkles, spending qt with hubby

Hates: obnoxious drivers, bitter cold weather, over-processed food

Belives in: karma, blue skies, wishes, love