Opened my Etsy Shop!!!

The long-anticipated day is here - I have opened up my shop on Etsy!! Encouraged by the adoring words of my friend The Esquire Wears Prada over the pearl necklace I made her, I decided that some other people might be interested in some items I have created. I've been dabbling in jewelry-making a lot lately, so that is what my shop has now, but I hope to eventually include some of the other crafts I have made.

Here is a preview of the 3 lovely pairs of earrings I added today:

Ginger Leaf Earrings - $28

Fire Drop Earrings - $26

Ivory Garden Earrings - $42

Tuesdays at TJs

I decided to start a regular segment that pays homage to two of my favorite places for good bargains: Trader Joe's and TJ Maxx. (Anyone who knows me is familiar with how often I talk about these cult favorites of mine).

We'll start off with a recommended product from Trader Joe's (and I appologize in advance to those of you who don't live anywhere near this fine establishment).


Tuesdays are an especially fun day at my local Trader Joe's because they sample wine and cheese in addition to their regular sample station! That is how I came across one particularly delicious cheese: English cheddar with carmelized onions. It's very savory and rich, but not in an overwhelming way, and it's great on crackers.

An interesting discovery by my husband - it also tastes a lot like the cheese on White Castle sliders! I was quite amused, but not surprised - I think it's the carmelized onions that really pull off that trick of the tongue. Check it out and see what you think!

Things I Love: Owls

Owls are one of my favorite animals. Well, my interaction with real-life owls is a bit limited, but it's the vintage-modern graphic owls in art and objects of design that I just find so irresistibly cute (like these owls found on etsy.com).








I should mention in passing that my other two favorite animals are turtles and elephants.

I have some guesses as to why these are my favorites. Owls: probably because I am a bit of a nerd. Turtles: probably because I am a little bit slow-moving. Elephants: ??? I'm not sure, but I especially like cute little pink elephants...

This brings me to my Favorite Thing to share with you today: the Fat Bird Jewelry Stand at Urban Outfitters. Yes, it says it is a bird, but I swear it is an owl. It is just so darned cute, especially in person, and it gets even prettier when you decorate it with a variety of post earrings. And it's on sale! Only $10! I highly recommend.

$9.99 at urbanoutfitters.com

Why Blue Poppies?

That's why. They are so gosh darn pretty. And here at the Blue Poppy Parlor, I'll further develop my procrastination skills by delving into the world of blogging and sharing my thoughts on living simply, beautifully, economically, consciously, and happily. Welcome to my Parlor.

image a flickr mosaic by tornate at flickr.com