All Things Natural: Seashells by the Seashore

We made a visit to Manresa beach that's about 30 minutes away from our house. The first time I visited this beach, I just loved everything about it. Not to crowded, clean water, clean air, clean sand, beautiful sea shells, what more could you ask for at a beach? I was able to pick up some sea shells and sand dollars, which were very abundant. I am in the process of thinking of what I'll do with these shells but in the meantime, here are photos of what I picked up. The dried sea fan (in its natural color) was purchased at the pier in SF, isn't it just lovely?

 furry and smooth sand dollars

 seashells from the seashore

 more seashells and sea snail shells

sea rock with a brown/maroon shade

sea fan dried naturally

Recovering

I caught a bad cold from my husband this past weekend and have been recovering since. It's definitely times like these I am reminded to be thankful for mine and my family's health. The weather clearly did not help as it was between 90-100 degrees the past couple days. Thankfully, it has cooled down today. 

I have not been updating as often as I normally do but my MIL is visiting us and I have been trying to show her around Santa Cruz county as much as I can before she heads back to Japan next week. We have been visiting all the tour sites and to both our favorites vintage/second hand/flea markets. Here are some things I scored during our visit to the Santa Cruz flea market this past weekend. 

 vintage pant hangers 3 for $2

vintage eskimo mini fan bargained down to $8

 multi use handmade basket $.50

vintage talon zipper for $.25

Discoveries: Part 2

On my way home from Capitola yesterday, I decided to take the local way home with my mother in law (who is visiting with us for a month) to show her what's around town. I love taking the local way because of all the vintage antique stores that are along the way and even though we are in the car, it's so awesome to be able to see the village's/town's old buildings and what stores that populate them. We made a quick starbucks stop in a small plaza in Aptos that also has a store called Warmth Company. My husband and I have driven passed this store several times and always wondered what kind of store it was but never really got the chance to go inside. Like me, my mother in law also enjoys spontaneous things so I suggested we visit the store. To my surprise it was the perfect type of store that I love. They have home furnishings, all sorts of accessories, books, antiques, bath and body, and all kinds of good stuff. The owners are just lovely as well and they have a blog on their website that have such fun post to read up on. Stores like this make me feel so happy and inspired:) I was particularly inspired by the crochet and knitted blankets that they are carrying and was inspired to make my own for this winter. I will definitely be visiting the store more often. 

Warmth Company

Here are some crochet/knitted blanket inspirations

via images: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7

Inspirational Monday: Makeup Session

This weekend was filled with fun and memories, it's always nice to go back to SoCal (despite the hot weather!). 

I realized that as I am getting older, my interests have changed quite a lot. In high school when girls started to wear makeup, I told myself that I will always go natural (even though my skin was freckled with acne!!). That definitely did not stick.  Even though I don't wear it as often, the joy of trying and buying different makeup is just to fun :) Here are some easy tips blogger Garance Dore (love her work!) inspired me to try...

DIY: Proenza Schouler Brows

DIY: Phillip Lim Nails

Friday

Happy Friday! We are heading down to SoCal for a friends wedding tomorrow, can't wait to see family and friends and taste great food, have a great weekend!

Denim Edition

I will be adding by the end of tonight the following 3 clutches for my Denim Edition. I am loving this edition so far because it looks so simple and so classic. I will be adding more within the following week (after I make another trip out to the fabric store), you will definitely be seeing more animal themes:)

you can find them all here: micah olivet

Inspirational Tuesday

I missed my "Inspirational Monday" post yesterday (it's been surprisingly busy around the house) so I will go ahead and post several things that I anticipated to post this past weekend!

Intersection: N.Y. Fashion Week Downtown

Here is a link of the video that inspired me from fashion week (and more). I loved this video in particular because of the colors and uniqueness of each of the individuals that they captured.

Bill Cunningham

A humble man with an awesome eye for photography and art. Click on his name that links to where you can search his videos.

"I go out every day. When I get depressed at the office, I go out, and as soon as I'm on the street and see people, I feel better. But I never go out with a preconceived idea. I let the street speak to me."

-Bill Cunningham