Weekly Etsy Finds: Ahoy, Sister! {Christmas Shopping List 2009}

My future sister-in-law, the fiance of a USNA mid, she has mastered the honorary nautical style.  I picked these whimsically nautical items as a metephore to welcome her aboard the Lee family ship!  Any sister-in-law, future sister-in-law, or brother's girlfriend gifts in need?  This theme is perfect if you don't know her style like I know Bethany's.  I think all girls have a bit of the coast in them.

1. Ahoy There Letterpress Print
by Letterpress
$10.00 {+shipping}


2. Romantic Ship's Wheel, Graphic Tote
by Baostudio
$16.00 {+shipping}

3. Ahoy Matey Vintage Navy White Striped Dress
by Fashion Victims
$25{+shipping}


4. Ahoy Nautical Cross Stitch Button Badge
by Small Stitch
$7.50 {+shipping outside of Australia}


5. Stockholm II Everyday Purse
by Ika Bags
$36  {+shipping}


6. My Favourite Love Ahoy Banner
by Tender Letters
$22 {Free Shipping!}




That's it for now, folks, happy etsy-ing!
Abbie.

ps more last minute shopping lists coming soon.

Weekly Etsy Finds: Father's Day

My dad is not like other dads.  Sure, he works for a car business {Mini Cooper and BMW}, very manly, and likes to jam out to Pink Floyd, but he is actually quite a dandy.  Even though his father was a carpenter, he has a shed full of un touched tools; it's just not his thing.  He is particular about his shoes and looks like Indiana Jones {if only he could grow a moustache}.  In fact, when my parents first met for real, it was Halloween and he was dressed as Indy {my mom was a hillbilly with the that classic bathingsuit with shorts and stripes and a colored in tooth, she and her bff won the contest that night}.  He is a good cook and there was a while when he was Mr. Mom.  Also, he is a part of that clan that believes film > digital cameras.

Here is a list of gifts from Etsy that would be perfect for him or any other dad like mine.



1. Ferrari Authentic Gas Cap Paperweight
by RaceChairs
$249.99 {+shipping}



2. Rolling Stones Start Me Up Wall Clock
by RecordTime
$28.99 {+shipping}



3. Gourmet Spice Rub And BBQ Kit
by PurposeDesign
$16 {+shipping}



4. Another Man's Shoes
by WillowCreekSparrow
$22 {+shipping}



5. Classic Cooper Print
by Vitamini
$15 {+shipping}



6. My Favorite: Work it Camera
by BuyGollyMissMolly
$25 {+shipping}




Cheers!
Abbie


NOTE: These photos do not belong to me; they are owned by the respective sellers.

Weekly Etsy Finds: Summer Loving

It's summer vacation for students, teachers, and professors alike.  And whether you are going to the beach, backpacking across Europe, Taking an exciting trip to Panama, or just visiting your neighborhood pool, I am sure these Etsy finds will be great in your summer collection.

1. Cashmere Silk Shaw
by Sanchia845
$125 {+shipping}
Destination: Paris, France

It may be summertime, but a shaw can always come in handy.  I use one on plane rides.  It sits in my bag or around my neck if the airport is cold.  When on the plane, I can use it as a blanket or a pillow.  It also works well as a sun blocker on the beach or a stylish accent when in Europe.

2. Handmade Straw Fedora
by Jennfunk
$70 {+shipping}
Destination: South Africa

This is another thing I always have with me on a plane trip.  It is a stylish way to have unruly hair.  When at your destination, it is good to keep the sun from your eyes and avoid drastic sunburns.  I love this one especially because of its detailed band.  Jason Mraz would approve.

3. Upcycled Vintage Blue Suitcase
by Zaq'sVintageandDesign
$70 {+shipping}
Destination: Darjeeling Limited {not really a destination, but you know...}

This vintage suitcase is good because it has hard sides, making it easy to organize and keep it that way.  I love the color and it would fit very well on a train's tiny spaces.

4. Compact Travel Cribbage
by barkupatree
$59.95
Destination: Family Road Trip to Family Reunion

Every year since we moved to Florida, my family packed up the car and drove 12 hours to a lake in Alabama to spend a long weekend with our large extended family.  This weekend involves lots of card games, food, swimming, etc.  We usually spent the trip on the road brushing up on our card playing and eating boiled peanuts.  This would have been a perfect game for the road.

5. Vintage Inspired Marilyn Swimsuit
by ladramaqueen
$110
Destination: Cannes, France

One pieces, I think, are the best to have at beaches because you don't have to worry.  This one is absolutly beautiful and I would feel like I was Grace Kelly in To Catch a Theif.  One pieces are an must when going to the beach.

6. Vintage Wheat Ruffle Dress
by Allen Company Inc
$38 {+shipping}
Destination: Rome, Italy

This dress, which is one of a kind, would make a nice dress to have in a girl's suitcase.  She can throw it on and run out the door and still feel stylish.  Though it seems like a city dress {Italy, you know, gelatos and Vespas}, it would also make a very nice swimsuit coverup or a plane ride dress.

7. All Natural Milk and Honey Soap
by LilyBaySoap
$4.25 {+shipping}
Destination: Melbourne Beach, Florida

Something about this soap, the look of it maybe, makes me smell the beach: sand in my hair, sunscreen running down my arms, salt in my ears, everything.  It makes me want to take a nice, cool shower.

8. Overboard Necklace
by JMundoDesigns
$50 {plus shipping}
Destination: Ocean City, Maryland

There is something very nautical about Maryland, just like this necklace.  Everyone needs at least one piece of jewelry on her vacation.  Having a necklace that could be both dressy and delicate or go well with a sundress is a travel must.

9. Wooden Pinhole Camera
by Jaesong
$95 {+shipping}
Destination: Prembrokeshire, Wales

Sure, a digital camera is great for recording your vacation, but there is also an art to something a bit different.   The beach in Wales would be a great place to get this baby rolling.

10. My Favorite: Stockholm II
by IkaBags
$27 {+shipping}
Destination: Old Orchard Beach, Maine





A smaller bag that could be used as both a carry on or for a day at the beach.  It is beautifully made and is my favorite out of this compilation.  This kind of tote is a necessity for a beach or lake vacation.


Note: I do not own these images.  They belong to the sellers on Etsy.  Some of the images, I edited the color slightly to fit my aesthetic on the blog.  Please look a the source for the colors and maybe to even buy {I spend a lot of time on these lists for you not buy!  haha}


Cheers!
Abbie

Get Cozy {Weekly Etsy Finds}

It's cold so your iPods need a place to keep warm as well.  Since the Grammies are coming up, I figured I should do an iPod Cozy week.  I paired each cozy with a song that goes (for example, if you like this cozy, you'll like this song).  So here we go (ps I have no favorite this week):

1. iPhone/iPod Cozy
By Felted
$13.00 {+shipping}
Song: Four Leaf Clover- Badly Drawn Boy {click to view and listen}


2. iPod Pocket
By: Cottonville
$6.00 {+shipping}
Song: Mushaboom- Feist


3. Berry Blue Pocket
By: NataJane
$20.00 {+shipping}
Song: Weather the Weather- The Postmarks


4. Satusuma iSocket
By: Blythe King
$12.00 {+shipping}
Song: The Way We Get By- Spoon


5. Valentine Special- iPod Sleeve
By: Cipolla
$15.00 {+shipping}
Song: The Twist- Metric

Ward, I am Very Worried About Beaver {Weekly Etsy Finds}

Okay, okay...I know.  I haven't been on here to really post in a good while.  And I could make excuses like I have been sick as a dog, busy with school, and with church.  But I won't.  Instead I will just treat you with a little June Cleaver.  I am not much of a domestic fan, though I am NOT, I repeat, NOT a feminist.  I think a man deserves to have a supportive wife; my mom resigned from her high status job when I was three to take care of us.  But she was no June Cleaver {I do not believe that a wife has to stay in the kitchen or whatever.  She gets to have options, too, whatever they may be: to stay at home or to work}.  She filled it with music, movies, books, and fun {I stole that little quote from Gilmore Girls from Rory's valedictorian speech}.  Just before bedtime, she would read my two older brothers and I Roald Dahl books such as Matilda and BFG and my personal favorite: James in the Giant Peach.  So this week, with the superbowl and all, I am going to pay a tribute to mothers who chose to stay home {I believe Joanna Goddard's mother did the same as my mother, if I am not mistaken}.  So, behold: Aprons!
Because it is superbowl, many men like to take on the more manly jobs such as grilling the burgers *cue Tim Allen grunt* or doing the chilli.  And it is usually up to the women to do the rest whether it is simply to just lay out chips and salsa or to go all out with pigs in blankets and mini pizzas.  So, whether you are a regular June Cleaver or you're a Working Girl, I am sure these aprons will raise your pretty little eyebrows {unless you're Woopie Goldberg}.

1. Woodland Mushroom Apron
by: Mary Ink
$15.00 {+shipping}
Dish: Funyuns and Brick Oven Pizza

Most people who know me personally know I have a thing for mushrooms.  I don't know, they're so cute.  Remember the dancing mushrooms in Fantasia?  That's what I think of.  Though the price is a little much, and other than the mushrooms, there isn't anything special about it.  But if you want basic with whimsy, then here you go.

2. Bessie Bride to be Apron
by: malphi
Sold Out
Dish: Apple Pie



Yes, this apron is sold out as of January fifth.  However, I do hope this comes back, as well as the maker.  I just adore it!  Probably not very "superbowl", but that's okay.

3. 1920s Reproduction
by: The Way We Wear
$30.00 {+shipping}
Dish: Wheat thins, white cheddar, and cocktail olives {yum!}

I love the twenties.  Enough said.

4. Ladies's Classic Apron
by: Wonderland Ave.
$20.00 {+shipping}
Dish: Pigs in Blankets and Mac n Cheese

Simple, lovely, and floral.  All a girl wants in an apron {plus two little pockets}!

5. Rose Silk Apron with Organza Fill
by: Hopeless
$90.00 {+shipping}
Dish: Petit fours, cucumber sandwiches, scones, tea


You'll be paying a pretty penny for this little apron, but rest assured, it is well taylored.  I had to do a lot of filtering when searching for the perfect apron {because they are easy to make}, and this one jumped out at me.  Granted, it probably won't do much when cooking, more something you wear to look in the mirror.  Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, I think I dig it, despite the price tag.

6. My Favorite: Cafe Apron
by: Down Home Amy
$40.00 {+shipping}
Dish: Good Ol Chili





This is by far my favorite.  I am not fusy and I don't want something I am going to get dirty anyway to be fussy, either.  It is simple with a lovely little cupcake to spice things up.


That's it.

Bon Appetite!

Tea, I Drink With Jam and Bread {Weekly Etsy Finds}

So it's getting colder.  Sure, coffee is great for a morning boost, but at night when your sitting by the fire with a good book, a great cup of tea would be devine.  And what is tea without an amazing tea cup?  I have matched each teacup with a book.  Here are my weekly Etsy finds:

1. Moustache Tea Cup and Saucer- Silver Rim
by Suryasajnani
$12 {+shipping}
Book: The Importance of Being Earnest

Most People probably know that Oscar Wilde was quite the dandy.  In fact, he was probably created the word.  What is a dandy? you ask.  A dandy is a man who is very concerned in his appearance.  But there is nothing campy about him.  What I think of when I hear the word dandy is a man with a top hat, a moustache {much like this one}, and a dire need to curl it with his finger everytime he delights himself with his gift of wit.  Just to clear things up: click on this.

2. Elegant, Hand painted Personalized Cup
by Hilaria Galleries
$10 {+shipping}
Book: Anne of Green Gables

When I was younger, my mother used to read Anne of Green Gables to me all the time.  We were probably the ones responsible for the library VHS to skip because we rented it so much.  There is something so quaint about Anne it is hard to describe.  This mug does it well, though.

3. Anchor Medium Cup
by Andrea Yates
$12 {+shipping}
Book: Master and Commander

Okay, I admit.  I have only seen the movie.  It's my Navy brother's top books and movies.  If a man in your life urges you to give it a try, I am sure these Vintage Navy China Inspired cups would be good company.

4. Canyon Cowboy Tea Cup
by Esther Coombs
$60 {+shipping}
Book: A Walk Two Moons

A Walk Two Moons was {and still is} my favorite book as a fifth and sixth grader.  I reread it not to long ago and fell in love with its story all over again.  It is quite lovely: you will laugh, cry, and even find your chest begin to collide at its climax.  This regional tale {bias toward Western culture} is simple yet beautiful just like this lovely little teacup.

5. Tea Bag Tea Spoon Cup and Saucer
by Bailey Doesn't Bark
$53 {+shipping}
Book: My Fair Lady

My favorite Audrey Hepburn movie and currently on my bookshelf.  My Fair Lady is just as fun to read as it is to watch.  My copy of the play twice as old as I am, so it could use a little repair.  Still, though there is something so satirical and lighthearted about this nautrally decadent tail.  A Grand Laugh!  Just like this teacup.

6. Typewriter Monogram Mugs
by Berd and Bee
$20 {+shipping}
Book: Fahrenheit 451

Did you know the point of this book was not to oppose censorship, but so Ray Bradbury could express his devote love for libraries and books against the developing media?  It's true.  And it makes me adore the book more than I did the first time I read it.  Great mugs.  I want one myself.  You will be seeing Berd and Bee on my blog again, no doubt about it.

7. Clover Cup, frost
by Kieffer Ceramics
$56 {+shipping}
Book: Pride and Prejudice

What goes together better than a cup of tea and Jane Austen?  Nothing!  Curl up with the best girl book in the universe {in my humble opinion} and this teacup.  It is bound to be a lasting relationship.  Can't you just imagine Elizabeth and Jane having their tea together with this set of teacups?  I can.

8. My Favorite Lotus Tea Cup
by soule
$34 {+shipping}
Book: The Time Traveler's Wife


This book is probably one of the greatest love stories of our time.  There is that elegance yet modernist feel about it.  Lovely, yet not over done like the Regency time period Jane Austen lived in.  It has to have that feel: Henry is forced to travel to different time periods, often leaving Clair alone.  Their encounters are impossible to tell you about.  Just read the book.  With this amazingly gorgeous teacup.  {ps, Rachel McAdams is Clair in the film adaptation}


Cheers!