Etsy Love: David Lloyd Gallery

First, I just have to share this treasury with you because yellow and gray are pretty much the most fabulous color combo ever and the curator of this image board did a splendid job in choosing and editing, don't you think? LOVE that giant banana yellow cocktail ring on the third row...

And now for some more Etsy love....

The art work of David Lloyd, an artist and illustrator based in Houston, is currently a favorite of mine.

I'm particularly fond of the sketches he does of interiors and his use of color to create a mood.

grays, camels, greens...

The piece reminds of something out of a Merchant/Ivory film like The Remains of the Day.

The best part is that his small renderings are incredibly affordable.

Prices range for $5 - $55 and he has note cards available as well - which would make a lovely gift or an interesting grouping when framed all together.

Check out more of David Lloyd's work right here.

Fern & Flora Wednesday

Just a few new pieces from yours truly.

To view all the fresh goodies from my shop, take a looksie right here.

Garden-y Goodness

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Remember when little Mary Lennox, the orphaned child in "The Secret Garden", asks her care taker and mysterious uncle "Please sir, may I have a bit of earth?" Well, that's how I feel these days. I haven't a bit of earth - just a little deck on the south side of our condo. That's not to say that I couldn't do (and have done) some containers of flowers and veggies. That's perfectly well and good but not the same as a little backyard where I can dig around and plant and prune. The mister and I have been talking regularly about the possibility of buying a little place in the near future and so there's still hope that this wanna-be gardener will have a bit of earth for myself.

Praying for Japan...



... and taking a little blogging break tomorrow.

Please join me in remembering those who lost their lives, those who are looking for loved ones and those beginning to again.
If you'd like to donate to the relief effort, please go to For Japan with Love.



The Sweetest Thank -You Ever

I had to share this incredibly lovely little thank-you memento that I received yesterday when I dropped off dinner (see yesterday's post) for some friends who just had a baby girl. The couple had worked together on creating these sweet little boxes as tokens of gratitude for those helping out when their baby arrived.

The baby's name and meaning was printed on the outside of the box...

... and when I opened it up, there was a thank-you message, a tiny clay pot, a little package of soil and forget-me-not seeds all on a bed of moss. Could there be anything sweeter?! I mean, come on!

The detail put into this adorable package is classic of my friend and new mother. She has a brilliant eye and anything she touches comes out beautifully. Kudos to the mister and new papa who chipped in on the project too. I'm going have to tuck this idea away for when it's my turn to hand out baby thank-yous.

Tasty Tuesday: Mexican Chicken Salad

Our friends Shellie and Kimel just had a sweet baby girl last week so tonight I'm whipping up a little dinner for them - this fresh and crunchy Mexican Chicken Salad with tomato and black bean salsa (via Nigella Lawson). It's light and tasty and although it's a bit on the summery side, it's in the 60s here today, so I thought - what the heck. I love the creamy avocado lime dressing and the sweet and crunchy jicama.

Check out the recipe right here.

(p.s. Nigella's website has a nifty conversion chart at the bottom so you don't have to try and figure out how to convert the British measurements over to ours in the states, fyi!)

Spaces to Inspire: A Home in Germany

I'm feeling inspired today by the fresh and interesting interiors from this home near Hamburg, Germany recently featured on Etsy's Get the Look Decor blog segment.

The art walls are especially lovely and encourage me to evolve my own wall decor.

Check out the home owner's Etsy shop right here.