Merry Christmas!

I hope you are enjoying the holiday season! This is my last post for a week or so. After spending Christmas day with family and friends, SO and I will be packing up our lives to move into downtown Lancaster. We're excited to be getting out of the small town we're currently in and into a more vibrant (small) city.

With that said, I'll be back sometime around New Year's with a post reflecting on the past year, the past decade (seriously, where did it go?!), and my plans for the coming year and decade.

So for now, I'll simply say "Merry Christmas and happy holidays," and leave you with a few of my personal holiday photos from this season! Peace, joy and hope to you all and I'll see you in 2010!

A snow storm for Winter Solstice

Happy Winter Solstice! I'm ready for longer days, even we only get them one minute at a time. :-)

In light of the holiday, I thought I'd post some pictures I took of the snow storm that hit the Mid-Atlantic this past weekend. Normally, I'd rather see sand than snow, but around the holidays I can at least tolerate the fluffy white stuff. It really is beautiful (even if it foiled my dinner and theatre plans on Saturday night.)


PS- I know the blog has been quiet lately. My apologies! I've been wrapping up lots of things- grad school projects (done!), freelance projects (almost done), Christmas presents and holiday shopping (not even close to being done)...yeah. And I'm getting ready to move, so things are a little past crazy and veering steadily into the ballpark of completely insane.

But, I'll be back next year with new ideas and new plans! I'm hoping to make 2010 a breakout year for The Blooming Wildflowers Project and I'd be thrilled if you join me on the journey!

Cozy up! { Sweaters from Spool No. 72 }

The weather outside is completely passed frightful. I think it made a wrong turn somewhere around frigid, and somehow ended up lost in a blizzardy snowy mess. At least where I am. Howling winds, terrible wind chills, white flakes falling from the sky. A winter wonderland this is not. If it's winter your part of the world, too, stay warm in these cozy sweaters from Spool No. 72- winter wonderland perfection when paired with a turtleneck, skinny jeans and knee-high boots.




Top left: Frosty Caplet Sweater
Top right: Barn Sweater
Bottom left: Yukon Belted Sweater
Bottom right: Icicle Cozy Sweater Vest

Just a little tweak

As always, my brain has been running a million miles a minute and I came up with a few ideas. What? You didn't think I'd actually take a break just because it's the holidays, did you? PSSHT. Never.

In case you may or may not have noticed, there are two changes you should be aware of on my blog. And because I'm nice blog poster person, I'm going to tell you what they are in case you fall into the "may not have noticed" side of the spectrum. And even if you did notice, you might still be wondering wazzup. So...

First- my banner and title. It's no longer just "Blooming Wildflowers." It's now called "The Blooming Wildflowers Project." So, what's that? Well, I'll tell you.

Just in case you didn't click that link, here's the basic idea-
As someone who passionately supports small businesses, handmade artisans and emerging designers, I feel compelled to spread the word and attempt to make a difference.

I love nothing more than walking down a vibrant, bustling street that's lined with independent shops and boutiques. Whether that street is in New York City or in small town America, these shops and boutiques are vital. They help our economy survive and we need to support them and I'm going to start shouting it from the rooftops! Okay, not really. I'm just going to start posting about it on this blog. I'll still remain fashion, art and design focused, but I'll be scouting the web and my town (and towns I visit) for the best indie businesses out there. I do have future plans to promote this project to help spread the word and to allow you, readers, to announce and promote your support of independent businesses and designers (but more on that later...as in next year).

And, second- I just got approved as a publisher for Project Wonderful. YAY! Happy dance, happy dance! Oh. Erm...

Anywho.

I'm a publisher for Project Wonderful, so, all you independent shop owners, Etsy/ArtFire/1000Markets artists, and emerging designers, go, go, go and start advertising here in those pretty little ad spaces to your left.

Homespun holiday

When I was a kid, my mom and I hand made all of our Christmas tree decorations. Over the years, our collection grew and our tree was filled with crafty, homespun holiday ornaments.

Capture that homespun spirit in your own home with these festive decorations, hand made by talented artisans. As for me, I still have those handmade Christmas ornaments from my childhood hanging on my tree today.



Happy Snowman Ornament, by Kikibird Crafts
Violet Vixen Yarn Wreath, by Knock Knocking
Meet the Gingers felt ornaments, by Georgetown Cottage Crafts

Plaid, Plaid World

Perfectly plaid handmade and indie pieces. Just in time for the holidays. Buy them as gifts or keep them for yourself.


From top left:
Blue Plaid Rose Bib Necklace, Forever and A Day on Artfire
Sidesaddle Top, ModCloth
Boyfriend Dress, Spool No. 72
The Karrie Clutch, Little Ms Boutique
Deck the Halls Fa La La La La Necklace, Vintage Wave on Etsy
Plaid and Antique Gold Earrings, Brittany Chavers Studio

Recipe { Thanksgiving Pumpkin Lasagna }

Happy belated Thanksgiving! I hope you had a good one. D and I had a quiet Thanksgiving at home this year. Since it was just the two of us, I'd thought I'd be adventurous and try a non-traditional Thanksgiving meal of pumpkin lasagna made in a 6-quart crock pot. It turned out so well, I'm sharing the recipe with you.

Thanksgiving Pumpkin and Sausage Lasagna
Ingredients

• 2 15 oz. cans of pumpkin
  
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  
• 1 cup half and half or light cream
  
• 1 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg
  
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
  
• 1 small red onion, chopped
  
• 1/2 pound sliced baby bella mushrooms
  
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
  
• 5-6 turkey sausage, veggie sausage or Italian sausage links
  
• Freshly cracked pepper to taste
  
• Sea salt to taste
  
• 9 no-cook whole wheat lasagna noodles
  
• 15 oz. ricotta cheese
  
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  
• 1 cup shredded fresh Parmesan cheese

In a large skillet, saute sausage. Slice and set aside.

In a medium skillet, saute mushrooms, onion and sea salt to taste. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin, cranberries, cream, sage, nutmeg, pepper (to taste) and sea salt (to taste)

Cover bottom of crock pot with a layer of pumpkin mix.

Top with a layer of noodles. Cover with a thick layer of pumpkin mixture. Add a layer of cheese mixture. Add a layer of mushrooms. Add a layer of sausage.Repeat until there are three layers. Top with the remaining pumpkin mix and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Cook on high in crock pot for 3-4 hours.Serves 6-8.

Serve with a rich, full-bodied white wine, like Nissley Vineyards Topaz Select (for those of you in PA) or Cakebread Chardonnay.

Happy holidays and enjoy!

Shop Ruche this weekend and get 15% off!

We all know how I love this site and now you can, too, to the tune of 15 percent off. Details below (just click the image to start shopping).

Read this { packaging and textiles }

For the graphic designer or textile lover on your holiday shopping list:



Boxed and Labelled-
New Approaches to Packaging Design from gestalten
Textiles Now by Drusilla Cole, available at Doe

Get organized { mod style }

I might use my iPhone for planning my life and remembering events, but nothing beats an old-fashioned planner, like this one from ModCloth, when it comes to keeping my work meeting notes organized. No more sorting through random notebooks for notes I took at that meeting a few weeks ago. With these stylish, colorful datebooks, I can just flip right to the date of the meeting (which of course, is stored in my iPhone) and pick up right where I left off.

Attention typophiles! (And fans of NYC and San Francisco, too.)

What do you get when you combine typography with two of the world's greatest cities? Some very cool art by Gemini Studios.



New York streets and neighborhoods original graphic art collage on canvas
San Fransico streets and neighborhoods typography collage on canvas
PS- If anyone feels like buying me a Christmas present, I'm down with both of these pieces. And this beagle painting is pretty neat, too. Jus' sayin'. :-)

Ruche Winter Lookbook { Love! }

Ruche just unveiled their newest lookbook, A Winter Romance. As always, the styling is perfect and the photography is beautiful. Check out my favorite looks below and shop all the styles here.

Get local { Lancaster, PA }

It's not very often I get too excited about where I live since I have my sights set on much larger cities, but even I have to admit downtown Lancaster, Pa. has a decent scene. Sure, it's not San Francisco, New York or Philly, but it still has its own vibe- sort of like a miniature version of Old City in Philadelphia. Whether you live here or you're just visiting, get the most of out Lancaster with Fig® and Fig ONE.

J. Crew spring 2010 sneak peek

The weather outside may be frightful and there might be presents under the tree, but the fashion world is already full spring ahead. J. Crew creative director, Jenna Lyons, and company recently rolled out the spring 2010 presentation. In typical J. Crew fashion, looks were layered and juxtaposed with feminine/masculine touches. Neon and pastel shades popped against a neutral base, reminding me of the quaint little surf town of Capitola Village with its sandy shores and brightly colored buildings.



J. Crew image source: Women's Wear Daily


Capitola photo by me.

Holiday dressing { the perfect dresses for your holiday parties }

From your best friend's cocktail party to the office gathering to dinner with the in-laws to New Year's Eve, be the belle of every holiday ball this season with these gorgeous dresses.

Frankly, scarlett


Ruffles and roses



Shades of gold


Sequin sparkle


Ribbons and lace


Green goddess


Prints charming



Lady in red (left to right)
She's a Lady dress, ModCloth
Red Cocktail Dress by Jax, Edressme
Crimson off-the-should-dress by A.B.S., BlueFly

Ruffles and roses (left to right)
Grand Cru dress, Anthropologie
Moved to Tears dress, ModCloth
Sweet Jasmine dress, Lulu's

Shades of gold (left to right)
Tiered Empire dress, Forever21
Hello Sunshine dress in mustard, Lulu's
Golden Light dress, Anthropologie

Sequin sparkle (left to right)
Sequin single strap dress, Forever21
The Tina Dress, ModCloth
Nanette Lepore "Love Theme" sequin dress, Bloomingdale's

Ribbons and lace (left to right)
A Trace of Lace dress, ModCloth
Nanette Lepore "Love Triangle" lace dress, Bloomingdale's
Love Lace navy embroidered tie dress, Ruche

Green goddess (left to right)
Gathered Together dress, Anthropologie
Grecian Green dress, ModCloth
Corcia green dress, Lulu's

Prints charming (left to right)
Midnight Blooms dress, Ruche
Ikat bow monde dress, J.Crew
The Frances Dress, ModCloth

Giveaway winner!

Thanks to everyone who participated in my first giveaway. And thanks to Dawn of Daisy Petal Designs for offering on of her pretty headbands as the prize. As promised, I'm announcing the winner today.

As generated by random.org, the winner is Belinda (comment #1)! Congratulations, Belinda! Contact me at shopbloomingwildflowers@gmail.com and we'll get you in touch with Dawn so she can design your headband.

What to wear { Holiday shopping with friends }

Jeans? Nah. Whether you're strolling downtown or battling the mall crowds, get your holiday shopping done in style with a feminine sweater dress, flat boots, textured tights and vintage-inspired accessories.



Style tip: Get extra mileage out of your favorite summer sundress by layering a cozy sweater dress over it.

Where to buy:
Modern Victorian Sweater Dress, Ruche
What Dreams May Come dress, ModCloth
Bronze filigree chandelier earrings, Ruche
Rustic Garden Nature Brown Bracelet, Serenite Designs on Etsy
Moonbeam tights, Anthropologie
Crinkled boots, Anthropologie
Deux Lux Embroidered Satchel, Urban Outfitters

Lip lickin' good { Winter Cordials from C.O. Bigelow }

If my current favorite color combination were a yummy lipgloss, it would be Hot Buttered Rum Mentha Lip Cordial™ by C.O. Bigelow® (pictured left).



It's so tasty, I just want to keep piling it on and licking my lips. But I do my best to refrain from that lip licking part because I'm pretty sure it isn't meant for consumption, even if my taste buds say otherwise.

Get yours at Bath & Body Works along with other delicious Winter Cordial flavors like Ginger Mentha (top right) and Warm Spiced Cider Mentha (bottom right). (And bonus- they're buy 2, get 1 free!) Good enough to eat. But, um, don't.

Giveaway! { Daisy Petal Designs } - Extended!

I'm excited to be running my first giveaway on this blog! I'm also excited that it features one of my friend's Etsy shops- Dawn recently opened Daisy Petal Designs and her shop is stocked with whimsical pieces including flower headbands, clips and romantic beaded jewelry. I just love her stuff and I think you will, too.

To help her get the word out about her shop, I'm running a giveaway here. So, here's the scoop, readers- Dawn will make a custom flower headband to the winner of this giveaway (see the bottom image in the picture below for an example). Cool, right?

Here's how to enter:

1. Visit Daisy Petal Designs and find your favorite item.
2. Come back to this post and leave a comment, with your name and with the name of your favorite item in Dawn's shop.

Start submitting your entries today (Sunday, November 1, 2009). The last day for entries is Saturday, November 14, 2009. I'll select the winner randomly using random.org and I'll announce the winner here in a blog post on Sunday, November 15. I don't need your e-mail address, just make sure you check back here on November 15 to find out if you won.

Feel free to spread the word about the giveaway!


Here are just a few of the adorable items available at Daisy Petal Designs:


Top left: Eternity bracelet
Top right: Deep blue necklace
Bottom: Champagne and chocolate headband

Remember, this giveaway isn't for the items pictured. It's for a custom-designed headband. Choose your color, choose your style! And spread the word! Just do it before Saturday, November 14, 2009.


Giveaway disclaimer:
No purchase necessary. We reserve the right to close the contests early or late without warning. We will post the name of the winner on November 15, 2009. Upon winning, you agree that your name can be published on this blog at the close of the contest. You must contact us within 7 days after the winner has been annouced to claim your prize.

Happy Halloween!

From me, D and our precious little Halloweenies to you and yours.


Top: Stella Squirrel (with Lucy Bumble Bee-gle in the backgroud)
Bottom: Lucy Bumble Bee-gle

Shop find { ShopRuche.com }

This cute little online boutique stocks vintage-inspired fashions at reasonable prices.



From top left:
Mykonos vacation flowing cardigan, $49.99
Monsieur tillier chiffon tank, $36.99
Mascarpone ruffle tube dress, $34.99
Miss poppins charcoal car coat, $79.99
Antique gold bow skirt by BBDakota Jack, $44.99
Pink Studio Valonia t-strap shoes, $56.99

Shop Ruche.

color love :: mustard and mint

Love this fresh, unexpected color combination...


1. Great escape skirt, Anthropologie
2. Deux Lux Zipper Seamed Satchel, Urban Outfitters
3. Mayan Sun artisan lampwork beads, by Fire & Glass Designs on Etsy
4. Photo Art Necklace/Vintage Postcard, by Amber Sky on Etsy
5. Regal Beagle Cupcake Company original art, by Gemini Studio on Etsy
6. Vintage French glasses, available at Winking Owl on Etsy
7. Rococo Hand-knit Shawl, by Tickled Pink Knits on Etsy
8. Cashmere Vignette Arm Warmers, by Adventures of Jessica Rose on Etsy
9. Mint Full Print Cardinal on Agapanthus, by Joom on Etsy

A sense of place

Whether it's your hometown or favorite vacation destination, celebrate a place that's close to your heart with custom vintage map jewelry, cufflinks and home decor items by dlk designs. I'm pining for an NYC or San Francisco one myself.

Necklace and bracelet for her, cufflinks for him and coasters for your home,
all by dlk designs.

Home decor heaven // Part 2 ~ { Lonny magazine }

Attention, Domino and Blueprint lovers: Dry your eyes and throw away the box of tissues- Lonny magazine is here to fill the void (finally). Some of the editors from the much-beloved (but now defunct), Domino magazine, got together to create this gorgeous webzine. The best part? The product images are all clickable and take you directly to the product source. Happy reading (and shopping)!

Home decor heaven // Part 1 ~ { Terrain at Styers }

Urban Outfitters' newest brand, Terrain, recently opened in the Philadelphia area. If you're lucky enough to live nearby, stop in and check out their delightful home and garden selection (and enjoy their brilliant visual merchandising). And while you're there, grab a bite to eat at their cafe and take some delicious food home with you from the farm stand.

If you're not in the Philly area, no worries- Terrain just launched ShopTerrain.com so you can buy their amazing items online.

Colored Pencil Wall Art

Join Social Designer's 25 colors in 20 months program and store your pencils in these cool acrylic cases for instant functional wall art.


500 colored pencils with names like "pumpkin pudding" and "mermaid's gown"- why wouldn't you want to collect them all?

I heart San Francisco

San Francisco- home to the Golden Gate bridge, Alcatraz, the twistiest street in the world and Doe, a mini-department store-style boutique stocked with California designer finds, including these adorable necklaces that pay homage to this fantastic city by the bay:


1. zoe chicco "415" pendant
2. zoe chicco "I heart SF" necklace
Both available at Doe

Wear it now. Wear it later. Summer to fall fashion.

Yes, you can wear your frothy summer dresses in the winter. Just add tights, booties and a cozy sweater. And one really fabulous necklace.

For most of us, though, fall weather is still elusive- days are still warm, but there's a chill in the morning and evening air, a faint hint that fall is coming. Stay warm with an airy crocheted wrap that's easy to remove when the mid-day temperature rises.


Wear it now (top image):
Midnight earrings by Catie's Blue
Nanette Lepore "Sweetheart" heels, Nordstrom
Purple crochet shawl by Elde
Andalusite and rhodolite garnet anemone ring by The Seafairies Jewelbox

Wear it later (bottom image):
Season Stroll Sweatercoat, Anthropologie
Delila bib necklace by Miss Ruby Sue
Opaque tights, Anthropologie
"Egg Role" booties, Aerosoles

Spring 2010 is in the air

Most of us haven't even broken out our boots and tights for fall 2009, but Pantone recently debuted its Spring 2010 Fashion Color Report.



The vibrant jewel tones of fall 2009 give way to richly soft shades of springtime. Oh, the possibilities.

Colorful fall coats

Wool coats by Tulle in rich jewel tones and feminine styles.


Perfect for warding off the fall (and winter) chill. Shop the Tulle collection at Urban Minx.

Handmade handbags just in time for fall

Luscious handmade bags in delicious fall colors.


1-Oyster bag in plum
2-Morchella bag in mustard
3-Pochette clutch in olive suede
4-Tulip bag in distressed gray

Visit Morelle on Etsy for these and other fabulous handmade handbags.

PS- the awesome photography for these bags was done by Elle Moss on Etsy

Read this

A friend over at Fashionism.org reminded me that I need to add Cheap: The high cost of discount couture by Ellen Ruppel Shell to my reading list. This book represents the heart of the idea behind my vision for Blooming Wildflowers, which is essentially, cheap isn't really cheap; it cost someone, somewhere something.

And while I'm recommending reading, I'll add Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft and Design by Faythe Levine and Cortney Heimerl to the list as well. Without emerging designers and indie artisans fueling the handmade movement, Blooming Wildflowers would not exist.

I'm sure both of these books will make frequent appearances in my thesis project and business plan. And I'm hoping, they'll make additional appearance on your reading list.

I *heart* ruffles

I love anything romantic and feminine- rosettes, bows and of course, ruffles. I've had my eye on this bag for almost a year now. I think I should buy it as a birthday present from me to me (since you know, I'm going to be a year older next Wednesday).

Deux Lux Ruffle Bucket Bag, Urban Outfitters

Gettin' creative with grilled cheese

Who doesn't love grilled cheese? It's quick, it's easy and it's yummy. recently published this tasty article about 11 Ways with Grilled Cheese. From basic to unexpected to downright heavenly (fresh mozzarella with apricots on sourdough, anyone?), these recipes are perfect for casual summer dining. The only problem is deciding which one to try first.

(Photo from Sunset.com)

Hen house heaven

Got chickens?

I don't. But I want some. And someday, I'll have some. And when I do, they'll live in this:


This hen house (called a Cocorico) was designed by Maxime Evrard and it not only looks cool, but it's environmentally friendly. My hens will be living in stylish sustainability.

What to wear...to a backyard bbq

Summer means lots of casual backyard gatherings and cookouts. My goal- look cute, stay comfortable with worn-in denim shorts, a breezy top and simple jewelry like handmade resin bangles and dangly, nature-inspired earrings. And of course, cute flat sandals and sunglasses are a must.

Drop-waist floral blouse, Gap
Hurley Billie Jean denim shorts, Swell
Mia Hydra flat sandals, Piperlime
Wood sparrow earrings, Luli Designs on Etsy
One Hewn Resin Bangles, Quercus Silver on Etsy
Aleyna sunglasses, Roxy

Shout out

Shout out to my friend, Sandi, of Sassy Glass Designs for featuring my Pineapple Sugar line in a blog post about her new Etsy favorites and for including my shop's Etsy mini! Thanks, Sandi!
Don't forget to stop by her awesome blog.

Now listening

Love this song!

Wash Away by Joe Purdy

Stuff I need

These Fine art textures will be fabulous for my photography and digital art. Must purchase.


Fine art textures, $40 by Florabella

I *heart* chandeliers

Someday, I'll have a house by the beach in California and every room (even the bathroom) will have a chandelier. Chandeliera will be my first stop in my room-by-room chandelier quest.






From funky to gothic to classic to glamorous- perfectly sparkly chandeliers for every room!

Eco-friendly tableware find

I love the transparent seafoam color of this recycled glass tableware. So serene and peaceful- like the color of ocean surf.



1. Valencia bowls, $28.00 for set of 4
2. Valencia dinner plates, $28.00 for a set of 4
3. Valencia salad plates, $28.00 for a set of 4
4. Valencia serving bowl $20 each

All tableware from Sundance catalog.