I'll make my own sunshine, thank you.

This day can't make up its mind.  I wake up to clouds and reserve myself to the fact that it's a day best spent indoors, project-mode, drinking tea (but, believe me, I'd be downing mugs of coffee right now if our machine didn't up and make its transition into heaven or nirvana or whathaveyou).  And then the clouds part and the sun shines perfectly out my window and instant guilt sets in.  It may be the New England girl in me, but I feel a desperate need to be outside each day the sun's out (which is pretty much everyday here in California)- as if it won't come around again for another few weeks and I need to savor the warmth... and vitamin D... or something.

But I need to be inside today... working, making, designing.  It's an okay sacrifice when you're indoors making something pretty.

Anyhow.  The sun wasn't out this morning and so my survival instinct went straight to thinking of colors.  Today's color, it appears, is fuchsia.

A little pop here...

and here... (my life would be empty were it not for garden roses and peonies.  Alright then... maybe that was a little dramatic.  But they are awfully lovely creatures to do without...) ... ♥Image: Papaya Art

 A little bit of Spunk for the ho-hums and doldrums...

 

And, holy god, feast your eyes on these gorgeous edible wafers by Sugar Robot...

See?  Making your own sunshine is easy.

My $500 Shopping Spree.

I'm planning on a mass amount of cash to magically appear on my lap out of nowhere some day soon and so this is what I'd do with the first $500:

I'm pretty sure I would just sit home wearing these while drinking port all day, if I could get away with it. Charming Darling underthingies ($110) by Toad Lillie

This Dreamy Blue Lili clutch ($72) by  Bagatelles and Co is all like, "Hey, Cath!  PSSSSSSST!!! You NEED this clutch so that your days can be measured in soft fluffy clouds and beams of sunshine... and also tactile fulfillment."

 This set of three hanging bowls ($74) by Vessels and Wares would have a lovely spot in the kitchen so Mars the Dog will no longer be able to reach the apples, oranges and lemons (AKA: Oh boy! For ME?!!! Brand new ball toys!! [insert wiggle butt here] )

About 3000 yards (I'll start with ten) of this Everything-About-It-Is-Perfect ribbon (Deep Plum- $5.00/yard) from Bocage

This super adorable Ada coat ($195) by Little Houses

Alright, well, I'm $1 over.  So I'll just splurge on another $3.50 (plus tip!) out of pocket and get that vanilla latte I'm currently willing to kill for.

What would you do with $500 (given all bills are already paid... live a little, will ya?!)

Neeeeeeed....

Earlier, I was out walking and saw a little girl under a tree in her front yard, belly flat on her swing, swaying back and forth in her own little world . Instant envy. I mean, geez, I can't be the only one who lived on swings when I was younger, can I? I used to close my eyes and let myself fly over oceans and fields of wild flowers and when my belly wildly flipped... holy crap... exhilarating.
When I got home, a link on Cup of Jo popped up- almost shouting , "See?! SEE?!!! You're not the only one!" This time... indoor swings. Oh the love.






Now I just have to figure out where the hell I can hang one in our place so I won't massacre every piece of furniture and trinketry in the spaces where the swing will naturally want to fly. Tricky.

And, speaking of childhood and dreaming... please check out this wonderful organization, Fresh Air Fund. It offers inner city children to either stay with host families for a part of summer in nature or they offer camps for the children to get away from the hectic pace of the city so they can enjoy the many comforts and peace of nature. I'll be giving a percentage of profits from the sales on my website through to the end of June to this cause. And if you don't wear accessories, I encourage you to go straight to Fresh Air Fund's website to donate directly.

Enjoy a lovely lovely weekend, peeps.

Beauty into the weekend...

Some things to perk up your weekend...

Cupcakes!

This awesome blog.... Thxthxthx . I can't get over how perfect this concept is.


Laziness... (of the wonderful-good-for-your-bones persuasion)


This vintage dress from Mouse Vox. A lovely little summer ditty...

Last day for the Ciara Obscura May Giveaway. Hop on over (HERE)

And one last thing... For all you mothers out there who guide your children to be kind and compassionate and authentic beings- who teach your children to say "please" and "thank you"- who encourage your children to respect others by holding them accountable for their own choices- who love and hug and laugh and stumble, but get back up again- who may not have children of your own but whose boundless love and appreciation for life creates a lasting impact in the lives of children (and children at heart) in the world around them... for all of you... Enjoy a wonderful Mother's Day.


Photo Credits: (glowing female) Papaya, (cupcakes) Heidi Adnum, (tree friend) Double Parlour

May Giveaway...

Here it is, folks. A pretty little betty in the form of chartreuse green silk and purple lace button on silver bobby pins... Candy Apple. Oh so adorable. And kind of really sexy, too.

Enter to win a pair here:
Rules... (Deadline is this Friday, May 7th 11:59pm)
1. In two words (just two!) share your most positive trait.
2. Extra points: Go to the Ciara Obscura website (HERE) and tell us your favorite item
3. Extra Extra points: become a Facebook fan of Ciara Obscura and/or follower of this blog
4. Extra points (cubed): Be nice to someone who really needs it today.

Hugs!

UPDATE: Brianna from Brooklyn, NY is the May Giveaway winner... Yay!