i love you, need you, but to i really have to have you?

I rarely "window shop" anymore. Nathan and I are on a fairly tight budget, so I tend to not even browse some of my favorite online shops. But today, my mouse wondered over to Urban Outfitter's Apartment Section. My eye was immediately drawn to their "Mid-Century Modern" furniture collection. Here are some of my favorite items:

Yes, these items are beautiful. The reviews are strong. Classic lines. The words "Danish" and "Tweed" are the bait. The lovely muted colors are the line. The prices are the sinker. However, I cannot help but shake the feeling that these pieces are simply "on trend" for the moment.

I truly admire Mid-Century Furniture, yet am no expert. However, in the blog world, it seems more often than not, "Mid-Century" is the "it word" of the moment. Do these affordable "knock-offs" (well, there has to be a better word than knock-offs, as these are unique and lovely on their own) cheapen the intrinsic love and value of actual Mid-Century items?

Do you love them because Urban Outfitters loves them?
They tell you that you need to have them?

Food for thought. How often to we readily accept that we like something because we are told that said item is cool? I look beyond Mid-Century Furniture and think about trends in general. Will I really love all of the items and artwork in my home 1, 5, 10 years from now?

I recently read a post from Rachel Denbow's blog which said, that she is on a mission to only have things in her home that she is smitten with. What a fantastic notion! Her home is absolutely jam packed full of the most gorgeous, hand picked, thoughtfully arranged Mid-Century and Handmade items.

I want to love my own home and items as much as she loves hers.

So, Urban Outfitters. for now I am still browsing. Your furniture is lovely. But until I am absolutely "smitten" with your Danish Modern Coffee Table, I will only be window shopping.

Sorry for all of the quotation marks. I hope that this does not come across as preachy. Simply my own lack-of-coffee induced ramblings for the day.

(image credit: Urban Outfitters)

this week's etsy favorites

1. Too Shy No 3 by RosieMusic 2. Deer Couple Canvas by TheTimeIsNow 3. Olliephant Plush by JuneCraft 4. Love Writer Print by decanimal

boo (did i scare you?)

Hello! How was your weekend? Mine was fine, thank you very much for asking! I spent the whole weekend doing a whole lot of nothing! Seriously, I cannot remember the last time my weekend was so relaxing! And it was much needed. I tend to try and fill every moment of every day being productive. However, that can get old really fast.

Nathan and I did *attempt* some landscaping this weekend. Which resulted in Nathan hurting his back. By Sunday Violet was sick with a fever. Now that I think of it, maybe my weekend was not as relaxing as I thought it was!

The little ghost above is my only attempt at Halloween doodles. It looks a bit like a pac-man with a bag over his head, no? I should tell you about my upbringing in regards to Halloween. You might laugh.

But I will save that story for when it feels more like fall.

How was your weekend? Seriously? I want to hear details, people!

-Stacie

mind your music: anathallo

It's September officially, and when the nights gets a little colder and there is a wistful sigh among the trees ... i find myself listening to Anathallo.

Dokkoise House (With Face Covered)

Who Are They: The Michigan ensemble plays almost every instrument know to man. Their music is a study in contrast - dark and playful - spritely and haunting. Listening to them causes me to be overwhelmed with everything from my own childhood to those strange far away places from fairy tales. All a little dark, all little hopeful. It's truly unique.

They are also one of my most favorite live shows ever.

Favorite Songs: Both "Floating World" and "Canopy Glow" are gorgeous. i really think of their albums as whole pieces instead of individual songs. The words are poetry and the music philosophical in a way that demands to be listened to in one setting.

The Angry Neighbor

Makes Me Think Of/ Feels Like: Chinese fairy tales, forgotten memories, snow in the evenings, lost friendships, and open souls.

Beautiful and surreal photography by Brooke Shaden,Michael Bailey-Gates , and Lissy Elle

Anathallo will make your fall magic. I promise.

- Jenna

me and my pal, violet

Violet wanted to say hi!

And blow you a kiss.

Violet is learning all sorts of new things. For instance, she now knows to go sit on the potty to "do her business". Unfortunately, she is always a few seconds too late. But progress is progress. Violet also has learned to jump like a champ. She spent the better portion of Tuesday evening jumping in the air and landing on her fanny. Thata girl!

I love being a mom. The balance of pursuing my personal passions while maintaining a semblance of family normality (whatever that is) is difficult. When I come home from my day job, I have a choice. I can either sit and watch the Gummy Bears with Violet while putting her hair in a pony tail (yes there is enough for a ponytail! She just constantly pulls out the rubber band!) or to hull up on my laptop working on orders and designs. I am trying to make sure that I am the best momma I can be, and not loose myself in the process.

I was talking to Nathan about being a mom last week. I made the usual needy self deprecating comment to him about my lack of mothering instinct. How I struggle with my desire to make my art my full-time gig, sometimes neglecting others in the process. Nathan always makes time to watch Violet so that I can escape for an hour and draw without distraction. He is pretty much the best dad that an almost 2 year old could ask for!

Then, my sweet husband encouraged me, saying that when Violet grows older, she will be proud of all of my hard work. She will see me as an entrepreneur, and artist, and a genuine self starter. I sure hope that is true. Because Violet deserves the best possible mommy. And I just want to make her proud!

How many of you moms feel this way too?

-Stacie

little holly reindeer

Top of the morning to you!

Remember when I introduced you to my little buddy, "Reluctant Santa"? Well, I want you to meet Santa's trusty reindeer. This is the second of a cute trio of illustrations for the holidays.

I really love the simple expression on this little deer's face, don't you agree?

Right now I only have the print available in the shop, but I will be selling all 3 holiday designs as cards within the month.

You can buy him here at my Gingiber Etsy Shop.

Alrighty!

What do you think?

the bold girl

"The Bold Girl"

Bit of a self portrait. 3 wishes for myself before I turn 25.

5x5 print. Available in my Gingiber Etsy if you fancy.

What do you want to see happen in your life before your next birthday?

-Stacie