Hello Boudreau

There is something amazing about Etsy. It's the worldwide marketplace for all things handmade. The best part is, anyone can have a shop. It truly is a virtual version of the 'American Dream.' I plan on doing a lot of my holiday shopping on Etsy. There's something special about knowing that gift was made personally for your order. There are so many amazing shops it's hard to pick favorites because I always come across something wonderful just by clicking "next." Here are some great shops I may be ordering from soon! All reasonably priced, too!

Shop 2. Le Voyage Creatif
Everything in her shop is handmade in her little studio on an island in a Norwegian fjord. Isn't everything so pretty?
Shop 3. LalaDesignStudio

Shop 4. PopO'Color 
This shop believe pillows are the jewelry of the room and has pillows in every "Pop O'Color" you can think of. Super fun and affordable prints to decorate with too. 
Shop 5. Seasonal Bounty
These are some of the prettiest handmade wreaths! She uses all plants that grows naturally near her home. Wreaths come preserved, dried, and ready to hang! Perfect for the holidays.


What are your favorite Etsy shops? I'd love to know!


Other Morning Musings:

-Remember that musing I mentioned yesterday about the most elegant outdoor wedding? Well, here's a video that captured it's perfection for 2 minutes and 7 seconds. Oh & the song? The groom wrote it. No big deal. *Swoon*

Genuinely,

Florida weather is so unpredictable. This morning it was cold, rainy, windy and scary out there. Which is totally fine because it's Halloween. But now it's 77 degrees and sunny. Which is fine too because all the little trick-or-treaters won't get rained out tonight!  I will be spending my Halloween studying for agribusiness. Oh the joys of my last semester of college. There will be lots of this:
On another note, this cool fall weather makes me think of everything rustic. I'm completely all over this design theme called [Rustic Chic]. The two [rustic and chic] seem like they'd be opposites but their decor and design work together magically. I just wanna be snuggled up in a cabin somewhere with blankets and coffee. This rustic chic cabin from Elle Decor would do just fine. Starting with this outdoor living area.

Where do your thoughts go when the weather starts getting cooler?
Time to get my thoughts back to studying.


OTHER MORNING MUSINGS:
just a few today, studying ruins everything.
-The most elegant outdoor wedding. Martha's Vineyard.
-Are these not the prettiest pumpkins you've ever seen? Someone is seriously talented with some puffy paint...


Happy Halloween!
Genuinely,

TREATS:
Why are we less afraid of a bear in the streets than we are of each other? I loved this video that tries to send the message that handicapped people shouldn't have to disguise themselves to get people to come closer.



[1.]Ariella Collection Mixed Stackable Rings [2.]Lee Angel "Safina" Multi- Row White Glass Seed Bead Bib Necklace [3.]Ariella Collection Stacking Rings- Green [4.]Lee Angel "Safina" Colorblock Black and Gold Multi-Chain Bracelet [5.]Lee Angel "Safina" Triple Row Red Enamel and Gold Plated Double Link Bracelet [6.]Lee Angel "Safina" Multi-Row Black and White Glass Seed Bead Bracelet [7.]Lee Angel "Safina" Colorblock Pink and Gold Multi-Chain Bracelet


TRICKS:
I came across the most amazing article in Real Simple magazine about new uses for old things that may be laying around your house. I picked out my favorite 'no way' moments to share with you:

1. Hair Dryer as Sticker Remover 

I'm loving the needlepoint look right now. It adds texture to everything. My friend Allyson learned how to needlepoint her own belts! They are amazing, although time consuming. She puts so much effort into them which makes them wonderful heartfelt gifts. I'd love to learn how one day.
Trina Turk's residential line makes for a fun-loving home decor. She has so many options in needlepoint!

[1.]Trina Turk Down-Filled Needlepoint Pillow, Zig Zag, Pink, 16 by 16-Inches [2.]Trina Turk Needlepoint Eyeglass Case, Pink [3.]Trina Turk for Peking Handicraft Geo Needlepoint Pillow, Brown[4.]Trina Turk Needlepoint Coasters, Set of 4 Designs

Loafers can be purchased from [Stubbs & Wootton] [By Paige] OR [The Monogrammed Martini]


I'm off to Orlando for the weekend! Everyone who may be going to Jacksonville for the Gator game be safe & have a blast [in a glass] at "The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party!"


Genuinely,

The other day I had some extra time after class and went thrifting. I love it when I find something I really love at the thrift store. My best friend Lauren [La Petite Fashionista] & I used to go after school in high school like it was our jobs. There was always a fun piece of jewelry or belt for a dollar. My younger sister on the other hand can't stand the thought of wearing something after someone she doesn't know [even if it's been washed twice]. I think of it as a treasure hunt slash trend time travel. Besides it's not vintage unless it's old & used right?

I like finding furnishings better than clothing. Old mirrors, chairs, tables, cool picture frames can be used for so much. So many things are being redone now-a-days or DIY like the features in this blog: Better After

1. Don't buy it unless you HAVE to have it. I could find like 5 things that "could be cute" but i'd rather leave with 1 or 2 things that I can't wait to show/tell someone about.

2. Have a list of what your looking for. I know once I get to a store I completely forget what I need and sometimes buy something I have 4 of already [white blouses, what's my issue?].

3. Check in often! They are always getting new stuff in and out. 

4. Thrift stores have "daily deals" like 25% off furniture on Saturday [<---my favorite] or 

50% accessories on Tuesday and so on.

5. It's better to leave empty handed. Just because it's cheap stuff doesn't mean you should buy it. That's how you end up starring on an episode of Hoarders.

Here's the black watch I bought:

 Isn't it funky?!? It's funny to me though because I HATE math. Still a fun piece to wear. The inside of the wrist strap says "Genuine Lizard" ...HELP. Talked to the cashier about that little memo for like 20 minutes...
I also picked up a wood silverware tray for one dollar. My bathroom counter has been overrun by my ever growing jewelry slash nail polish collection so I filled the tray with everything on my counters and put it in the drawer. There. DIY organizing, Voila!
[All images via ME, please link back if used]
If you're like my sister and thrifting weirds you out, it's ok, heres some fall finds for under $55:

[1.]Breda Men's 8207-gold "Caleb Gold" Classic Gold Brushed Watch [2.] Breda Men's 8137-gold "Jaxon" Thick Bold Black Bezel Silicone Band Watch [3.] Wild Diva Women's Tina-01 Boot Camel [4.]  Abas iPhone Sleeve [5.] Rebecca Minkoff Women's Cory Work Hard Play Hard [6.] Marcia Moran Black Agate Evil Eye Pendent 18k Gold-Plated Necklace 15.5" [7.] Old Friend Women's Doris Moccasin

Happy Goodwill Hunting
XO