Little Ida

Revamped Vintage Jewelry

 

Revamped vintage jewelry with
major wow factor from Jane Dean.

cinnamon world

Who lives in cinnamon world? Why these cute chocolate brooches of course.

Bingo Book

I just got this great journal from my friend Kelly's new Etsy shop.

The covers are original rescued Bingo cards from the Waterbury, Vermont post. So cute and innovative!

Kelly creates unique handmade books and letterpress cards at her studio - may day studio - in Montpelier, VT, using lots of recycled and reusable materials. She also teaches letterpress classes, and is our very own "girl friday" at Craftsbury Kids!

For more about may day studio read Kelly's blog.

My Favorite Mirror

Much to my mother's embarrassment I had a childhood penchant for dumping out the entire contents of her female visitors' purses. In search of hard candies I would often get my hands on fun baubles and bits as my mother scolded me and apologized profusely to said victim of my curiosity. Some of these ladies didn't seem to mind and thought nothing of leaving their troves out for me to covet.

You can imagine my delight at discovering these little pocket mirrors from My Favorite Mirror. Packaged with their own velveteen pouches, these are the ultimate treasure for any little girl. Besides just being one of those things most any girl wants, each mirror is set in an adorable laminated illustration by a talented indie artist, so she gets to carry a portable piece of art with her. What wonderful birthday presents or party favors these would make. Or definitely the ticket, if like me, you're a big kid seeking nostalgia.

Ethereal Time Fashion

Last night as I was drifting off to sleep, half in this world, and half in another, I had a string of profound, blog worthy thoughts about business, crafting, children, my role in this world... You know that state where you think you have everything figured out, and life seems so logical?...Then in the morning  you've forgotten it all.

I was so eager to share my realizations with you, and now...nothing. Time to bring back the bedside journal! I'm going to try real hard to recreate some of this exciting stuff and check in with you later. For now I leave you with a link to these lovely barrettes, which remind me of a fashion designer I came across recently. Her designs were inspired by the concept of time. I can't remember who she was, otherwise I'd share. Here are some others that might strike your fancy-
Elizabeth Dye
Cuff Love
Corona Hats
Monica Burnett

Monyette Paris

When it comes to fragrances I usually tend toward natural essential oils and forgo the perfumes. So I was surprised when I fell for Monyette Paris perfume. I caught a glimpse  of the sleek packaging in a Cambridge, MA apothecary window. Forget the blurb that said it was a favorite of Gwen Stefani and Oprah Winfrey. I was drawn to the fresh spring green, the stripes, and the charming bird painting. Naturally I went in to find out if it smelled as good as it looked.

The scent is described as capturing the essence of the intoxicating blend of "the creamy texture of the tropical air mixed with the local flora..." of Polynesia and the South Pacific. It is also said to to have "...an uncanny ability to melt right into the skin and dry into a deep, long-lasting scent that will arouse the senses and warm the soul."

All of the above is true. Dominated by Tahitian Gardenia, and French Muguet, one whiff of this stuff brings on a longing for far away places, and a confidence so strong it borders on omniscience. Like all quality fragrances, Monyette mixes with the body chemistry of its wearer, taking on a subtly unique scent.

I left the store with two bottles--one for myself, and one for my best friend, convinced she would love it as much as I did (she did). I wear Monyette Paris when I'm feeling the need for a boost of ethereal adventure in my life--it does the trick every time. Being a sucker for great packaging though, that alone would have been enough...

Good Night Fairy Soap

My daughter Talia asks me often if I believe in fairies. I firmly reassure her that I do. Fairies are easy to believe in, especially when your eight year old daughter is in love with all things fairy. Together we’ve read fairy books, marked dates in fairy calendars, and assembled fairy costumes. Being the fairy aficionado that I am, I’m absolutely charmed by this ‘Magic Swedish’ soap inscribed simply “fairy soap” on one side, and “good night” on the other.

This bathroom treat is part of Amy Rue’s new collection of home & body goods. Among the goodies Amy is offering are tins of one of my favorite candies, and sweet handmade pillows appliquéd with likenesses of her Lumpling dolls.