It's quiet around here (And California vacation - day 4 pictures)

I know I've been posting a little less in the past two weeks, but grad school is seriously kicking my booty. I'm heading into finalizing final projects mode for three classes (three grad school classes, people, plus my day job- that's a lot when you work full-time) and I just simply haven't had the time to devote to the blog because of it. But, I wanted to pop in and let you know I'm still here. I'm just taking a little breather for the next few weeks so I can wrap up my semester.

I'll be back in full swing in May since I'm not taking classes over the summer. I'm just getting my midpoint review proposal and presentation ready so I can present it to the board and move into my thesis work in the fall. Hahaha...I said "I'm just" doing that as if it's going to take me a few minutes to complete. Yeah. So, I'll be busy then, too, but probably not as busy as I am now.

To pass the time, check out day 4 of our California vacation pictures on Flickr (only three more days to go!). Here's one from the square in Coronado, where we spent the day. (I seriously love Coronado.)

good stuff :: aquamarine rings

D and I started engagement ring shopping this weekend and I found myself bored with the standard diamond rings. I want something different, preferably in a pale, watery blue-green (sort of like the color of the ocean just before it meets the shore). And of course, I want to buy it from a local jeweler or an Etsy seller, rather than a chain store.

After perusing around on Etsy this weekend, I became (even more) obsessed with aquamarine.* There were so many good finds, I thought they deserved their very own "Good Stuff" blog post. Not all of these fall under the engagement ring category (go ahead and guess which one I want as an e-ring -- hint, hint: it's in the bottom left corner), but they sure are pretty.

Top row, left to right: Aquamarine Cushion Cut 14K Rose Gold Ring by One Garnet Girl Designs | The Cloudburst Aquamarine Quartz Ring by Lush Boutique
Middle row, left to right: Beryl Aquamarine Cluster Ring by Shop Shrew | Faceted Aquamarine Cabachon Ring by Janish Jewels
Bottom row, left to right: Santa Maria Blue Aquamarine Ring by Master Gold Craft | Aqua Ice Recycled Sterling Silver Ring by Future Tribe

*I'm a little concerned with choosing a stone like aquamarine (or similar stones like blue topaz or blue zircon) as an engagement ring because they may not be durable enough for every day wear (and tear). Any jewelers want to chime in and help me out here?

california vacation :: day 3

Sorry for the delay in posting more vacation pictures. I've been busy with grad school and another project that I can't quite mention yet, which may or may not pan out, so maybe I'll be able to tell you about it soon (or not). How's that for vague and ambiguous?. But anyway, here are some picture from day three of our vacation. We spent most of the day at various beaches, including La Jolla Cove, Mission Bay Park and Del Mar. It was pupping season in La Jolla, so there were tons of seals on the beach. So cute! Glad I had a long lens!









Check out the rest of our California vacation day 3 pics on Flickr.

freshly picked :: erica leilani upcycled vintage jewelry

I love upcycled anything, but I especially love upcycled jewelry. And designer, Erica Leilani makes some absolutely beautiful handmade jewelry using vintage flowers and crystals. There's so much loveliness in her shop, I can't decide which piece is my favorite.
Top row: Greta Earrings in powder blue | Greta Earrings in mint
Bottom row: Clara Earrings | Mae 3-Strand Bracelet

color love :: peach and hot pink

This color combination just shouts "spring" to me and I'm loving it. Maybe I love it because so many flowers grow in these colors or because it reminds me of eating delicious peach and strawberry sorbet on warm spring day, but whatever the reason, peach, hot pink and I are having a moment.

Sherbet Hairpin Set by Hot Pink Chick | 60s Hollywood Regency Vintage Lantern from Fabulous Mess
Betsy Johnson Iona Dress from Modcloth | Victorian Rose Necklace by Jewellori | That was just a Dream Photograph by Zuppa Artista
Daisy Hot Pink Chalcedony Earrings by Made by Sam | Cotton Washcloth Set by Madd Crocheter

california indie shopping highlights :: Shop Annmarie and Muttropolis

One of my favorite things about traveling (other than spending time outside) is checking out all the great indie boutiques in other cities. And San Diego definitely has some good ones. Here are two of my favorites:

Shop Annmarie
I stumbled upon Shop Annmarie while strolling through Del Mar, a relaxed beach town just north of San Diego. Dave was hungry for pizza, so while he waited for his pesto pizza, I popped next door into this jewel of a shop. It's the perfect blend of beachy and sophisticated, with beautiful jewelry made by the shop owner, Ann Marie D'Ecrole and a great selection of clothing and accessories in a range of price points. And the shop manager was so friendly and helpful.

I could have stayed there for hours and done some serious damage to my budget, but fortunately Dave finished his pizza and came looking for me. But not before I snapped up a minty green dress and a satiny olive jacket from Los Angeles-based indie label, Theme.

Inside the boutique
photos from ShopAnnmarie.com

Brick and mortar location:
207 15th Street Suite B
Del Mar, California 92014

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Muttropolis
If you want to spoil your furkids, definitely stop in at Muttropolis. We visited the La Jolla location (Muttropolis also has outposts in Solana Beach and Newport Beach). Again, another super friendly employee helped us with our purchases (which were numerous)- Thing 1 and Thing 2 got a variety of toys, clothes, treats and this dog bed. My dogs are spoiled, spoiled, spoiled!

Muttropolis even has fun events for dogs and their owners. The day we visited they were holding a Puggle/Beagle/Pug Meetup in the evening. It made me sad my little Lucy Beagle missed out on it! Maybe next time...

Outside the La Jolla location and the new dog bed
photos from Muttropolis.com

La Jolla location:
Downtown La Jolla
7755 Girard Avenue
La Jolla, CA 92037

what to wear :: sunday brunch

What are your plans for this weekend? Maybe a Sunday (or Easter) brunch? I always take brunch as an opportunity to wear a fun dress and stand-out shoes. And while we're having fun, why not just pile on a stack of handmade silver bracelets and hammered silver hoop earrings? And don't forget the colorful bag.


Art Academy Dress from Ruche
Glass Ceiling Blazer from Modcloth
Emerald Green Leather Frilly Bag by The Leather Store
Grayson Shoes in black from Nine West
Silver Hammered Hoop Earrings by 2 Trick Pony
Bracelets:
Left: The Bangle Sterling Silver Handforged Bracelet by Sea Babe Jewelry
Right, top to bottom: Faceted Sterling Silver Wrap Style Bracelet by Rowdy-Wear
Just Peachy Boro and Argentinium Silver Bracelet by Jewelwing Designs
Twin Curve Cuff by C.G. Whitfield

california vacation :: day 2

Continuing the vacation picture posts - here's day 2. We spent the day mostly in downtown San Diego, touring the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier (where, apparently, you can book events on the flight deck since they were setting up a stage, bars and tiki decorations while we were there) and hanging out in Balboa Park and its many museums (which many, unfortunately, do not allow picture taking inside, so just a lot of outdoor shots here). But the museums are fabulous and Balboa Park is beautiful. If you're ever in San Diego, you must go there! We also stopped by Shelter Island and Mission Bay Park for some photo ops.

USS Midway






Balboa Park






Shelter Island and Mission Bay Park




And, lastly...Dave's favorite part of the trip.


Yep, he upgraded our rental to a red Mustang convertible.

Check out the rest of our California vacation day 2 pics on Flickr.