Creature Comforts - daily inspiration, style, d.i.y. projects + freebies

Wish List: Patterned + Blue

Hello lovelies!  I hope you had a fabulous weekend.  I'm still here in New Jersey hunting for an apartment/home (not much luck so far) and will be back in California and hopefully returning to a more regular posting schedule in just a few days.  Thanks for hanging in with me.

In the meantime...here are a few pretties from my wish list.  Such lovely colors and patterns don't you think?!  What's on your wish list right now?  I'd love for you to show me with a link in the comment section below.  xox Ez

• Vintage Blue Embroidered Infant Top ~ Belle Heir
• Sukie Plained Lined Journal ~ Greer Chicago
• Ladybeard illustration ~ Clare Owen
• "Dress I Saw at Church" pattern design ~ bluekdesign
• Ring ~ Isharya
• Boucle Wire Wastepaper Basket ~ Shoestring Home
• Ishi Plates (on sale for only $1.50) ~ Crate & Barrel
• Nari Noodle Bowl ~ Crate & Barrel

Color Crush: Pink Lemonade

Earlier this morning I spotted this gorgeous photo on the lovely Maple & Shade blog and was immediately inspired to create a post off of it!  Can't you just imagine sitting at that table eating your breakfast every morning!  What a great way to wake up that would be!

Instead of the usual mishmash of products I decided to just focus on pretty little ceramic bowls and such (since that is one of the most stunning parts of the inspiration image).  Don't forget to check out the bonus links at the bottom for more vintage goodness.  Also stay tuned for a sweet little printable freebie that I'm working on for you all.  xox Ez

• Inspiration image from Big Chill Fridge (shot for Martha Stewart) ~ via Maple & Shade
• Pink Lemonade Recipe ~ Martha Stewart
• Vintage Pink and White Cream & Sugar Set ~ Funkey Finds
• Vintage Lotus Serving Bowl ~ Curious Kitty
• Vintage Ceramic Bowl ~ le Vintage Maison
• Solid Color Latte Bowl ~ Bloomingdales (more colors available - currently on sale for 4.99)

Bonus Links:

• Vintage Yellow Pyrex Mixing Bowl ~ SecondHand News
• Vintage Japan Cups ~ le Vintage Maison
• Pink Sugar Bowl ~ Ella Cinders
• Yellow Gingham Bowl ~ Finding Fabulous

Color Crush: Melon + White

I've decided that this particular shade of pink aka "melon" is my new favorite.  It's so cheery and bright and seems to add just the right pop of color to an outfit or space... the white tones down the "sweetness" just a bit.  What color(s) are you currently crushing on?  xox Ez

1. Lace Shopping Basket ~ The Container Store (Melissa has one, and it's fabulous)
2. Handcrafted Patchwork Marchmont Blanket ~ This is J
3. Lyla Suede Peep-toe Heels ~ J.Crew
4. Savoy Decanters ~ Z Gallerie
5. Claus Porto Rozan Bar Soap ~ The Conran Shop
6. Papaya Blossom Flower Printable Party Invitations ~ Paper Source
7. Looks Like Lace Coaster Set ~ Smak Parlour
8. Makoto Bag ~ Textile Arts

Guest Post on Melissa Loves

Hi everyone!  For some reason when I woke up this morning, all the posts that I'd prepared for today were gone.  So now while I scramble to try and piece them back together, I wanted to direct you over to Melissa's lovely blog where I wrote a guest post for her last Friday.  I know...it's cheating to be posting something from last week, but hopefully you won't mind too much.
Head on over to Melissa Loves to see all the attributing links to my "inspiration board."  xox Ez

Color Crush: Shades of Blue

Hello lovelies!  Are you all sick of my blue posts yet!  I hope not, because I really don't know if I can help myself.  There is something so fresh and perfect for every season about the color blue.  For this little collection of goodies I picked out beautiful blues with some subtle accents of white and gold for a summery vibe.  What do you think?

1. Linen Pincushion - Namolio
2. Vintage Blue Grosgrain Ribbon - Pink Sewing Machine
3. Photograph by Sussie Bell
4. Blue Flower Magnetic List Pad - Red Stamp
5. Majesty Jewel Ring - Forever 21
6. Fleur de Violette Soap Bar - Bestow
7. "Clady" Heels - Dillard's
8. Beachy Satchel - American Eagle

Speaking of blue... actually aqua to be more specific... look what arrived in the mail yesterday!  I adore Abigail's work and have a few other things from her... but this is the first full-sized bird of hers that I've had the honor of owning.  Words and photos cannot describe it's loveliness.  Now my little bird is perched upon my desk, right beside my nest of "eggs" ...and she's making the day so much brighter! 
Now I'm off to photograph a few new items for my shop and run some errands.  Hope the rest of your day is beautiful.  xox Ez

Color Crush: Spring Green

Hello lovelies and happy Monday.  I'm trying to get back into the swing of things after the weekend, and with my daughter returning to school after her Spring break.  Phew.

This weekend I really started to notice all the lovely green hues around me (one of the best parts of Spring in my opinion)... and this post was born from that (and from the inspiration of that lovely teapot in image one).  As much as I do love green, I'm not sure that I could take it in such a large dose (as all these things grouped together)... but on its own, a subtle accent of green or a cute tea mug in this case... is just the thing.  What colors are jumping out at you today?  xox Ez

1. Inspirational image by Joanna Henderson - Sarah Kaye Represents
2. Green Glass Bead Flower Necklace - Urban Indigo (only $33)
3. Key Racks by Yellow Canoe - Cut + Paste
4. Green Canvas Bag - Bayan Hippo
5. Breakfast Tea Mug - MrPS
6. The Grass is Always Greener Bracelet - Kate Spade
7. Three Green Birds Print - Sugarloop
8. Emile Henry Pie Dish in vert (also available in white or yellow) - The Art of Cooking
9. Turn Over a New Leaf Notebook (every page really is a new leaf -  see the extra images on their site) - Delight

A Wedding in Pinks + A Giveaway

I've been dreaming of putting a new wedding-themed post together for you all for quite a while... and I'm glad that today I was finally able to.  Not only do I have some pretty wedding related inspiration for you, but read on and you can enter to win a gorgeous feathered fascinator hair clip (shown on the second inspiration board) by Ten Things (perfect for a wedding or any special occasion).   Also coming up in just a bit will be a new free download and a little announcement.  Hope you'll be back for that.  xox Ez

{BOARD ONE}

1. Fairest of Them All Silk Taffeta Wedding Dress - Holly Stalder
2. Perfect Palettes: Pink and Gold - Martha Stewart Weddings
3. Pictures Without Borders - Martha Stewart Weddings
4. Present Perfect Cake - Martha Stewart Weddings
5. Perfect Palettes: Using Pink - Martha Stewart Weddings
6. Bowl Em Over Table Arrangement - Martha Stewart Weddings
7. Martinez Valero 'Waverly' Pumps - Nordstrom
8. 14k Raw Circle White Sapphire Solitaire Ring - singleB: beautiful

{BOARD TWO}

1. Elle Bloom Series - Cream Dupioni Silk Ring Pillow - 5eizen
2. The Bride Wore Feathers - Hair Clip - Ten Things (ENTER TO WIN BELOW)
3. Wedding Love Birds Cake Topper - Rain's End
4. Wedding Topper  - The Small Object (similar toppers found here)
5. Luxury Big Bow Bridal Clutch - Via Bella
6. Pink and Black Boutonniere - Sweet B Papers

{BOARD THREE}

1. Vanilla Bean Macrons - photo and recipe by Canelle et Vanille
2. Pretty Pinups Favors - Martha Stewart Weddings
3. Floral Bouquet - photographed by Rachel Whiting
4. Fuschia Party Dress - Corduroy Kids
5. Rice Paper Fan - Ideal Favors
6. Fuschia Colored Glass Tealight - Paper Source

To enter to win the feather hair clip:

• Leave a comment telling me what your ideal wedding/party color palette would be.  I adore details, so if you have specific ideas of how you'd use the colors, I'd love to hear.
• Be sure to use your first name AND last initial when commenting or you will not be included in the random drawing when I select the winner.
• This giveaway will end Monday (4-20) and the winner will be announced here Tuesday (4-21).

Color Crush: Aqua and White with Hints of Green

 

Hello lovelies...welcome!  I hope your weekend was relaxing and enjoyable in every possible way.

Today's color crush is not so much a new one, as it is a celebration of my ongoing love affair with the color aqua.  It's not a secret... I'm obsessed.  As a mater of fact, my house is practically filled to the brim with this color.  I have a vintage aqua couch, aqua curtains, my dishes, my towels... and just about everything else it seems is within this color range.  Last week I picked up a bunch of bright green flowers (natural, not dyed) from the grocery store, and they've been sitting here prettying up my otherwise messy desk ever since.  The little hint of green has been such a nice accent and they (along with my usual aqua-saturated surroundings) are what's inspired today's color crush.  Hope you like it!

{CRUSHING ON}

1. Albino Blue Jay by D.S. Brennan Photography - Paper n Stitch
2. Nested No. 2 - Wunderlust
3. Audrey Earrings - Pretty Girl Things
4. Bird No.30 - Geninne
5. White Striped Barnacle Bowls - Alma Pottery
6. Jacer Pumps - Nine West
7. Peace Necklace - Prismera Design
8. Friendship Necklace - Prismera Design
9. Flower Earrings in Aqua and Lime - Shlomit Ofir
10. Vintage Floral Platter - Nice
11. Six-shooter Pillow - Napoleon Quilts

Today I Love: Retro Aqua + Peach

It started with the dress.  After that I just couldn't stop.  What do you think about this color combo?  Does it work for you?  It feels very retro, feminine, and oh-so springlike to me!

If you like this color combo, then you might enjoy a sweet little freebie I whipped and will be sharing with you all here a little bit later today.  Hope you'll be back for that.  xox Ez

1. Buenos Aires Dress - ModCloth
2. "What's the News" Collage - The Charm School Dropout
3. Turquoise Cups - Vintage Finds
4. Truly Stationery Set. GIRLS - Somethings Hiding in Here
5. Spring Fling Wreath - Dana and Carol
6. Vintage Handkerchief - Junk Dog
7. Fabric Bird and Birdhouse - Abigail Brown (via Heart Handmade)

Color Crush: Cobalt + Grey + Red + Pink

Hello again lovelies!  Did you all enjoy a relaxing weekend?  We had everything from 80 degrees and sunny to hail and wind in our neck of the woods.  It was quite the weekend.

When I came across this image styled by Sofie Dillon, I knew immediately that I had to create a post around it.  I love the unexpected color palette and retro feel of it all.  I can almost hear the wind softly rustling through the cobalt blue leaves.  Can't you?

• Inspiration by stylist Sofie Dillon
• Color Field Cobalt Pillow - Dwell Studio
• Metallik Gelley Embroidered Print Pillow - Pillows and Throws
• Rosebud Salve - b-glowing
• Priti Non-toxic Nail Polish - Spirit Beauty Lounge
• Dooney & Bourke "Shiny" Leather Wallet - Macy's
• Bow Cuff Bracelet by In God We Trust - Refinery29
• "Winnie" Peep-toe Flats - Ruche  {Creature Comforts readers take 10% off of any Ruche purchase until 5/1/09.  Enter "CreatureComforts" at checkout to redeem.}
• Tuileries Sleeveless Linen Dress - Tortilla Girl

xox Ez

Wish List: Anything Aqua and Lemon Yellow

Hello lovelies!  How are you all today?  I'm in the mist of preparing my taxes (yuck) so this post and the colors in it are a welcome reprieve.  What colors are you loving right now?  Do you have your eye on any fantastic splurges (or mini splurges) for Spring?  And speaking of Spring... it's only 3 days away!  Hurray!

• Teapot Mini Wall Clock ~ Decoylab
• Gold and Turquoise Leaf Earrings ~ Schlomit Ofir
• Screen Printed Note Cards ~ Cutiepie Company
• Grass Pocket Workbook ~ Dozi
• Italian Cotton Ribbons ~ Carta, Inc.
• Yellow Dream Flower Pendant Necklace ~ Nest Pretty Things

xox Ez

Art Inspires Design

Something about Brandi Strickland's art has completely captivated me.  It could be her use of color or the seemingly random, yet ultimately perfect way in which she gathers up bits and pieces and reassembles them into something truly special.  Whatever it is... I'm hooked.

Her piece titled, "Where is The" inspired this entire collection of little beauties.  I just love the colors, don't you!
xox  Ez

1. White Vessel by Up in the Air Somewhere
2. "Where is The" collage by Brandi Strickland {FLICKR} . {SHOP}
3. Iittala Kartio Glasses at Cloudberry Living
4. Gold Honeycomb Necklaces by Stone & Honey
5. Kwest Platform Heels from Nine West
6. Stick Perfume Applicators at A+R Store
7. Face boutique: Fresh Faced Moisturizer at FutureNatural

Color Crush: Rainbow Brights

Hello again lovelies!  I hope each one of you had an amazing weekend.  Mine was spent mostly offline (practically unheard of for me), snapping photos of the blossoms blooming in my town, and hanging out with my family.  Saturday and Sunday's weather was gorgeous, but sadly the clouds are rolling back in again and rain is in the forecast.  Today's picks are the just color infusion I need to keep me bright and cheery for the rest of my week.

I'm so happy you're here today.  Thanks for stopping by.  xox Ez

{RAINBOW BRIGHTS}

1. Pantone Mugs by Whitbread + Wilkinson at A + R Store
2. The Monsieur II Print by Blanca Gomez at Velocity
3. Little Bento Boxes at Plastica
4. Lulu Book by Lulu de Kwiatkowski at Vivre
5. Years - Hand-painted Greeting Card by Essimar
6. Allison Bags by Francesco Biasia at Piperlime

One Good Thing

Hello lovelies!  I hope your week has gotten off to a great start!
Do you remember the amazing Japanese Masking Tape that I blogged about a little while ago?  Well it got so much love all around blogland that it promptly sold out in a blaze of glory.  Sad! 
I've got great news for you however.  One of Creature Comforts' sponsors, Ginko Papers wrote today to let me know that they are stocking the patterned versions and will begin shipping them March 3rd.  Get your orders in now.  They're sure to be a huge hit!

xox Ez

Color Crush: Singing the Blues

This time of year, when the sky has been cloudy for too long and the trees have just begun to tease with an early show of blossoms... I long for nothing so much as a day as blue and brilliantly colored as these lovelies.  It's only 25 days left until Spring officially arrives!  I can't wait!

1. Vintage 1966 Blue Book of Telephone Numbers at Greer
2. Iittala Mariskooli Bowl at Cloudberry Living
3. Blitzen Heels at Nine West
4. Rags and Riches Necklace/Bracelet in Turquoise by Jennifer Kahn
5. Cortez Pillow at Crate & Barrel
6. Blue Toile Pocket Notebook at Basic French
   

Inpiration Daily: 02. 19. 09

Candy-colored flickr favorites.  Please visit each artist's link for the full-sized view.

1. tango, 2. Untitled, 3. Cosmos in a vase, 4. expired rainbow, 5. underneath, 6. super, 7. Untitled, 8. a cup of flower, 9. Favorite Papers Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

A Mustard & Blue Wedding

Over on Snippet & Ink last month, Kathryn posted the most exquisite wedding inspiration board and I've been thinking about it ever since.
Now I've finally gotten around to putting together my own virtual wedding using her board as inspiration.  I also decided to create some free D.I.Y. Printable Numbered Table Cards after spotting the ones in the photo below in Martha Stewart Weddings.  Mine were created with a mustard-toned yellow checkered background.  They're perfect for weddings or for any large party were seating needs to be arranged.

{LINKS}

• Tilly Floral Headband by Tree & Kimball
• Lace Yoke Strapless Maxi Dress at Fleur Wood
• Ring Bearer Pillow by Blanc By SDC
• Lucy ring with Chalcedony in Gold Vermeil by Monica Vinader, at Astley Clarke
• Nine West Dayglow Sandal in yellow at Endless
• D.I.Y. Numbered Table Cards from Martha Stewart Weddings
• D.I.Y. Numbered Table Cards and Guest Book Card from me.  (download below)

Making Me Happy {using flickr as inspiration}

{the flickr inspiration}

1. Despite the Dreams that Other Grow by 11Nightmares
2. Petit Point Handkerchief by Quaint Handmade
3. Simple Red by Ira Dobrolyubova
4. Valentine Snails by JooJoo {also available in her shop}

{the translation}

1. Lightweight Boyfriend Cardigan at Old Navy
2. D.I.Y. Embroidery Bowl at Industreal
3. Message Bean at The Spoon Sisters
4. Heart Warmer Hot Water Bottle also at The Spoon Sisters

I have a wee confession to make.  My favorite holiday of all is Valentine's Day (I know it's still a month away, but I'm already obsessed).  I can't really say why exactly... I mean I've never had a paramour to spend it with.  I guess it's just the idea of all that love floating around that makes me feel happy and hopeful.  How about you?  Valentine's Day: LOVE IT or HATE IT?

Color Crush: Springtime Sorbets

Hello lovelies!  How was your weekend?  I hope it was wonderful and filled with relaxation and inspiration.  After spending the majority of Saturday painting my daughter bedroom a bright and cheery shade of yellow, I decided that I'm officially ready for Spring.  Anyone else catching Spring fever yet?

{SWEET LINK LOVE}

• Colored Doily Banner image from Martha Stewart
• Jane Suede Ballet Flats in Bright Berry at J.Crew
• Bow Clutch by Kate Spade
• Go Ask Alice Gown by Kate Towers
• Carly Textured Plate in Orange at Crate and Barrel
• Andy Worhol Butterfly Appetizer Plate at CB2
• Marigold Original Drawing by Christine Buckton Tillman
• Large Leather Thompson Tote in buttercup at J.Crew
• Little Bird in Yellow by Abigail Brown

Color Crush: Dove Gray + Silver

Group One: 1. Vintage Inspired Flap Dress by Lamixx 2. Kate Grenier Carpe Diem Wall Hanging at Greer Chicago 3. Porcelain Dove Necklace by Revisions Design Studio 4. Roxie Heels by Type Z at Zappos 5. 5 Year Diary at Fred Flare 6. One Ceramic Bird Wing by Sara Paloma Pottery 7. Silver Rabbit Lapel Pin at Fred Flare

This one's for you Melissa (Melissa is also currently crushing on gray)!
I love gray and always have.  It's the perfect neutral... and a great stand-in for black.  It works well with every color and pairs especially well with little pops of color such as a fuchsia scarf or yellow tights.  Love it! 

Group Two: 8. Tempo Velvet Pillow in Graphite from Crate and Barrel 9. Flourish Dove Pillow by Thomas Paul, at Pillows and Throws 10. Petiole Flatware from Pottery Barn 11. Orange Blossom Hand & Body Wash from Mor Cosmetics 12. Roost Porcelain Feather Ornaments at Velocity Art And Design 13. Kat Von D. Eyeshadow Duo at Sephora

Coming up tomorrow:

• New Deals + Steals
• The best calendar ever
• and More!

Now I have to work on an assignment for my daughter's school whilst eating fresh pumpkin bread that I just pulled out of the oven.  Yum!