A little obsessed with...{ lavender }

Ever since I picked up this fabulous lavender sea salt spray, I can't get enough of this yummy scent. Check out some of my recent finds:


1. If you get headaches, then stock up on this soothing, lavender scented balm from Cozy Moments on Etsy. Just rub a little on your temples and drift away into a relaxing sleep.
Headache relief balm, $5.50 for a 2 ounce container.

2. This hand-wrought silver locket not only has a beautiful image of lavender on the front, but it's filled with a little tuft of real lavender, so it smells as good as it looks. Perfect for everyday wear.
$155 from Jean Designs on Etsy.

3. Obsessed is an understatement for how I feel about this super tasty, farm-made, lavender pepper. Since it arrived at my house, I've been using it on everything- fish, pizza, eggs, pasta, salads. It's made from a blend of rosemary (another one of my favorites), basil, parsley, and of course, lavender. Get yours from Blossom Farm's artisan herb shop on 1000 Markets.
Lavender Pepper, $4.49 for one, one-ounce container.

4. My successful gardening experience this summer makes me want to keep growing herbs through the winter. I added this aromatherapy kit from Red Envelope to my list of must-buys.
Aromatherapy kit with lavender, chamomile and lemon balm, $44.95. Includes white pots and organic soil.

If there was ever a piece of jewelry that describes me...

...this is it:



I heart California fine silver, handmade necklace by Truche on Etsy - This necklace can even be custom-made with the heart over your favorite California city. It is officially on my "Gifts from me to me" shopping list.

It's mine! All mine!

I couldn't resist this speckled raku lampwork flower ring by Angelfire Art Glass on Etsy. It took me exactly 2 seconds to snap up this beauty. I can't wait for it to arrive in the mail next week!

PS- You can still get your own. There are plenty of gorgeous rings in the shop and they're custom made in your size when you place your order.

What to wear...to a casual alfresco dinner with friends

I love balmy summer evenings spent with friends on a restaurant patio, savoring good food, good wine and great conversation. My uniform? Breezy, long dresses and simple jewelry, like these stunning handmade, hammered bangles by Lavender Cottage and swingy shell and lampwork earrings from my own Jocelyn Grace line. A minimalist scarf by Beautiful Bridget wards off the late night chill (because evenings with good friends always turn into late nights) and flat, metallic sandals and a FIAZCO handmade silk clutch dress it up, but not too much- this is a casual gathering, afterall.



Smocked empire-waist dress, $59.99 at Gap
Lavender Garden handmade artisan lampwork and shell earrings, $42 from my Jocelyn Grace on 1000 Markets
Gauze Summer Scarf Beige Lightweight Cotton Fabric, $26, handmade by Beautiful Bridget on Etsy
Logan Collection Lined in Chocolate Silk, $65, handmade by FIAZCO on Etsy
Macrame Sandal, $34, by Kimchi Blue at Urban Outfitters
Bright Lights Set of 6 Mini Stacking Bangles, $45, handmade by Lavender Cottage on Etsy

Summer Garden - Week 6

First fruits!


Photography by me.

Lunchtime find!

I love this adorable handmade fused glass pet tag from Glass Fancy. Visit Glass Fancy's shop on 1000 Markets for this pet pendant and other very cool fused glass jewelry (for pets and people!).

A little obsessed with... { rosettes }

I think I may have taken my obsession with rosettes a little too far. I have three nearly identical shirts in three different colors (see Silence & Noise top below). But I can't help it. This feminine trend is all over the place- on runways and celebrities (pictured above left and middle, Koi Suwannagate Spring 2009 RTW and Sarah Michelle Gellar, far right), in stores and best of all, in the hands of some very talented emerging designers and indie artisans.

A few of my favorite rosette picks:



Top (left to right):
Clustered Petals Dress, $188 by Shine at Anthropologie
Tattered Cosmos Sandals, $118 by Miss Albright at Anthropologie
Rosette bubble top, by Silence & Noise, in stores at Urban Outfitters

Bottom (left to right):
Your Dream Wedding necklace, $79, by Flora Bond on Etsy
The Gypsy Clutch-Hip and Funky Day or Night Floral Delight-Flower Rosette, $34,50 by Bohemian Gyspy on Etsy
Romantic Gathered Shirt, $79 by Mimi's Designs on Etsy

Summer Garden - Week 5

When will these things start growing some actual edible veggies? I made some yummy mango salsa with the cilantro tonight.

Summer Garden- Week 4

Looking good! Added some more herbs to the mix.

First summer weekend at the beach!

As promised, here are some photos of our trip to Atlantic City and Ocean City this past weekend. I took these with the (waterproof) point-and-shoot. I was afraid I might drop my digital SLR in the water.


We stayed at the fabulous The Chelsea hotel. I highly recommend this place. It's right on the boardwalk, next to the Tropicana, and within in walking distance to the Pier Shops at Caesar's Palace. And it has two pools, the service was great and the room was perfect. We'll definitely stay there again.

Overall, a fun and relaxing weekend- good dinner, a fun night out in Atlantic City on Saturday and a relaxing time at the beach in Ocean City on Sunday. Next up? Cape May, NJ.

Summer garden- week three

The plants are growing like crazy! I'm proud of my first gardening attempt.