BESTeam Feature :: inkstrand

Anyone that has taken a look at my Etsy shop and blog will know that I am a lover of the aesthetic of vintage and nostalgic items. This week I bring to you a fellow BESTeam member who also has an eye for the same aesthetic to create vintage inspired jewelry and accessories. A young designer/crafter who went "east for college, south for design school and returned home up north" is behind inkstrand. Her fondness of history, sci-fi/fantasy movies, Victoriana/Steampunk, video games and retro fashion has been taken and made into what she describes as "nostaligic nerdiness" and infused into the works you see (and could be wearing).

Fresh Lavender Victorian Ornamental Adjustable Brass Ring - Chromata Ornamenta collection

This design is something I am consistantlly drawn too. The pairing of an antique ornimental design with a colorful lavendar pigment creates this beautiful and afordable ring.

Vintage Grandfather Clock Illustration brass pendant

My Great-Grandfather owned and operated an antique store from his house. I believe that is where at least one of the antique clocks came from that my parents have. Their collection has grown and I am always fascinated by the intricite decorations and pieces of each one. This pendant reminds me of these clocks.

Craft Revolution Zippered Pouch / Pencil Case - Cotton

Instantly my eye went to this pouch. the design on it is great! It is big enough to hold pens/pencils, paintbrushes, scissors, cash and keys, but is still small enough to slip into any bag.

These and several other great items can be found at inkstrand's Etsy shop {click here}

You can also find inkstrand on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/inkstrand

Follow her blog http://www.inkstrand.blogspot.com/

And don't forget to become a fan on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/inkstrand

BESTeam Feature :: Ardent Reverie

In my opinion one of a kind, beautiful and versatile accessories are a must have for any woman's wardrobe. Whether it's that piece the pulls an outfit together or the one that brings out the color of your eyes, accessories are fun to experiment with and spice up even the simplest of outfits.

Your outfits will surely be put together with an accesory from Ardent Reverie. Two sisters with two "crazy styles" come together to bring you this fabulous shop and website. Melanie and Meghan's love for crafting has been with them from a young age and has carried into their Etsy shop as a way of sharing their talent. And who wouldn't want to say they are wearing a piece from the "Accessory Artists of the Year"?! Just a few days ago the girls were awarded this honorat the RAWards Show.

Gracefully Messy Necklace - Detachable Clip

I love everything about this! From the color to the versatility, this piece is fabulous. I've seen similar knit fabric necklaces, but this one takes the cake with the detachable flower clip that can be worn in your hair.

Bella Moss Feather Clip

Feathers and an embellished bronze flower are what composes this beautiful clip. When I saw this I imagined it being perfect for a modern bride.

Intertwined Bracelet

Soft meets edgy in this bracelet. No need to fuss with clasps because the fabric allows the bracelet to be stretched and slipped on with ease.

After you check out these and other great accessories on Etsy {click here} head over to Melanie and Meghan's website. It is a sure must see where you can find everything from their blog to fashion and music information. Go check it out at ArdentReverie.com

You can also find them on

Facebook: Facebook.com/ArdentReverie
Twitter: Twitter.com/ArdentReverie1

BESTeam Feature :: Write Owl

I remeber when I was young that each school year would start with a trip to the store for new school supplies. One of the best parts was picking up the perfect folders and decorative notebooks. The brightly colored Lisa Frank notebooks were quite coveted and started the new school year off with a bang. What would have really made a statement would've been to start the year with a custom journal from Write Owl!

A book making kit given to Jean at the age of eight is not only why Write Owl makes books today, but also what spawned her to become a collector of stories. This life changing gift not only brings beautiful journal, but the goal of giving "something meaningful back to people, to connect with them, and to encourage them to make their own stories."

Aside from journals, Write Owl also has some beautiful ceramics pieces. The projects done by Jean starts from a spark of possibly off-kilter inspiration, but grow into something wonderful. She describes having made lighting instruments from kitchen utensils which leaves me quite curious to see such things! The hope of Write Owl is that her pieces are used and not just set out to display and inevitable gather dust. If you're wanting to be inspired and let your own creativity flow, be sure to get your orders in by December 20th as this will be the last day orders are shipped out before the new year! As a part of Write Owl's New Years resolution, so to speak, she will be starting new projects which will inclue 2011 Weekly Planners, a new line of pencil cups and picture frames! Until then be sure to head over to Write Owl's Etsy shop {click here} and check out these beautiful items below and all the other great products.

Orange Expressions Hardback Journal

Gold Leaves Coptic Stitch Journal

Pink and Brown Cupcake Hardback Journal

Twitter: @writeowldesigns

Facebook: http://facebook.com/writeowldesigns

Blog: http://writeowldesigns.blogspot.com

Livejournal: http://writeowldesigns.livejournal.com

BESTeam Feature :: Elle's Beads

Are you still trying to figure out the perfect holiday gift for the "modern fashionista" in your life? Look no further than Elle's Beads! Elle, from Raleigh, North Carolina, has a shop full of one of a kind, handmade jewelry and accessories in an array of colors and styles. Her items range from vintage inspired to modern and funky. Elle's love of taking recycled goods, donated and discarded items and repurposed modern fabrics shines through all of her beautiful and unique pieces. The items are arranged by color palletes which made me very excited to turn to the next page to see what awaited.

Carpetbagger Flower Brooch with Gold and Silver Vintage Button

I instantly loved this brooch! After reading the description, I loved it even more. The name carpetbagger flower was given because of the resemblance to the print on suitcases and luggage. How clever. Both fabrics used are recycled with a vintage gold and silver button in the center of the flower.

Funky Aqua Beaded Owl Adjustable Ring

These aqua shades are gorgeous! I enjoy the fact that somewhat hidden amongst the beautiful beads of Czech fire polished glass blue bead, resin flake beads and textured glass cube beads is a plastic owl bead :) Plus, the ring is adjustable so it will be sure to please virtually anyone.

Black Mosquitos - Funky Beaded Obsidian Fashion Chandelier Earrings

These earrings certainly are unique. The finding is used as the frame, which has seven loops, where beads and strands are dangling from. The gray and black patterend focal beads appear to be snowflakeobsidian semiprecious stones. A perfect statement for a night on the town.

Find these, and other great items, by heading over to Elle's Beads on Etsy. While you're there, treat yourself to an affordable, hip new accessory :)

Also, be sure to follow Elle's blog at: http://ellesbeads.blogspot.com/ and become a fan on Facebook: http://facebook.com/ellesbeads

BESTeam Feature :: moonangelnay

I'm so excited to feature a fellow BESTeamer and photographer this week! From across the pond, as some say, Naomi is behind the Etsy shop moonangelnay which is filled with beautiful nature photography inspired by animals, flowers, landscapes, vintage, dreams and vibrant color. Although her pieces would make beautiful additions to any home's wall, Naomi's objective is to make her work more than just physical art, but rather something to think about. She brings the contrasts of her interest in both light and dark and in between through form, color, mantra and poetry to beautifully achieve this. Her description of her love of "spectral brightness and the gothic glamor of monotone, instead of being quite the opposite, can be meshed together like light refracting through broken darkness" draws a beautiful visual itself.

Perusing her shop is enjoyable not only for the visual interest of her items, but also to click each one and read the quote she has associated with each photo. I definately find myself looking at the photos more closely after having read the passage she has chosen to associate with each one.

Photos are offered on your choice of paper with the option requesting a different size or media to be printed on such as photo jewelry. There is also the option of choosing any print to have on mounted canva or wooden artbox.

I highly recommend you visit moonangelnay's Etsy shop {click here} and take the time to take Naomi's photos for more than face value. You can also check out her baby accessory store at http://babamoon.etsy.com/. moonangelnay's blog is definately worth checking out as well as it is filled with daily themes (be sure to check out her Thursday Blog Hop Link Party...doesn't that sound fun?!) You can follow her blog at http://moonangelnay.blogspot.com/.

I will leave you with some of my favorites that I feel say more in their beauty than my reasoning of why I like them ever could!

A Heart Of Gold 8x12 or 8x10 Inch Fine Art Photo

A Dark Heart 4x6 Inch Fine Art Photo

The Lovers Spoke 5x7 Inch Fine Art Photo

BESTeam Feature :: You Are My Sunshine

My first thought when looking at the front page of You Are My Sunshine's Etsy shop was, "holy cow, these items are beautiful!". You Are My Sunshine is operated by Nina who resides in Florida (hence her blog being "Nina In Florida") and offers handmade fabric flower brooches, fabric flower hair pins, rings, earrings, bracelets and statement necklaces. The shop name was derived from a truly touching origin:

"When my sons were little, I would sing them to sleep with the nursery rhyme "You Are My Sunshine." Now that they are older, cuddles consist of discussions about anything and everything important to an eight and eleven year old.Yet, as sleep overcomes them and their eyelashes finally fall onto their soft, smooth cheeks, their lips relax into innocent worry-less smiles and their ninja warrior/transformer gyrations settle into peaceful, lyrical sighs, I look at each one and still think, “yes, my love, you are my sunshine.”

That is so sweet I had to include the direct quote from her Etsy shop! Nina's "about me" on her blog also has a wonderful and interesting look into her life growing up to now that is definately worth reading!


The items available in You Are My Sunshine's shop are all from the imagination and passion of Nina with loving care and attention. Recycled and reclaimed fabrics as well as vintage and new components are used to make the beautiful items.

These are three of my favorite items from her store. {pictured above}

{1} Fabric Flower Rose Flower Brooch in Watermelon

Made of repurposed, handstitched fabric this brooch is would be a great shabby chic compliment to your favorite cardigan or top!

{2} Lavender Sachets Mint Green In The Garden No. 1

Simply adorable. You get two lavender sachets containing sweet smelling

lavender buds from France. Perfect to liven up any drawer or closet!

{3} Necklace, Like A Monet Painting in Blue and Yellow

I've always loved the combination of blue and yellow together. If you saw my parent's house there would be no doubt this is true (almost every room is either blue, yellow or a combination of the two!). The yellow flowers are so cheery they will be sure to bring sun to any day.

Please be sure to head over to Etsy and check out these and many other great items from You Are My Sunshine {click here} You can also find Nina in the following locations:

For vintage goodies:mysunshinevintage.etsy.com

Blog : http://www.ninainflorida.com

Flickr: http://youaremysunshine-etsy.flickr.com

Facebook: http://youaremysunshine.facebook.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/mysunshine4etsy

BESTeam Feature :: Just the Goods

I seem to be the person who has accumulated various lotions and bath gels I've received for holidays. They sit on my linen closet shelf in their plastic packaging containing who knows what sort of ingredients and dyes and not much thought goes into the product other than "I wonder what I should do with all of these shower gels?!" The products offered from Just the Goods make me wish my shelves were filled with their product instead (actually they probably wouldn't even last on my shelves because the products look just that awesome!)

Just the Goods offers handmade, affordable, natural and cruelty-free cosmetics. I love what they stand for so much I'd rather not paraphrase, but let you read for yourself their own words about their products:

"Every day indulgences shouldn’t cost the earth or our health. It is affordable to look and feel great without unnecessary exposure to petrochemicals, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, dyes and flavours. Everything we make features “just the goods” and nothing else. Most of our items are made without animal-derived ingredients and we are striving toward a 100% vegan selection.

And what’s the point of wasteful packaging, anyway? Most of our products come in re-useable canning jars and the price for these items includes a $1.00 refundable deposit that you can use toward your next purchase. To facilitate shipping and to support different types of products (i.e. lotions, toners, lip balm, etc.) we also offer products in re-useable HDPE plastic bottles, which is considered one of the safest forms of plastics."

How cool is that?! As if the attention to a great product isn't enough, the fact they are conscience of the packaging has won me over. The current product line-up includes shaving solids, body butters, natural toothpaste, bath melts and some facial skin care items. Be sure to check back as deodorant sticks, moisturizers, aromatherapeutic fragrance oils and solids and more will be coming soon!

Below I have chosen three of my favorite products:

{1} Vegan Peppermint Ginger Foot Butter

This sounds like the perfect way to end a long day of work. I'm almost more relaxed just thinking about it ;)

{2} Lip Balm and/or Tints

A perfect way to treat your lips with the start of colder weather. These are not vegan, made from lanolin, but vegan options are coming soon. With flavors like peppermint, lavender, sweet orange or sweet fennel your lips will be sure to be happy!

{3} Vegan Extra Moisturizing Shaving Cream Solid

For the men in your life, this shaving cream came about as a solution to Just the Goods' partner developing persistent razor burn and bumps. After the source was discovered to be the harsh and clogging petro-chemicals in conventional shaving cream a quest to develop an alternative was started. From experimentation came this milder, moisturizing soap infused with essential oils. Plus, the wooden shaving brush is included in the listing!

For these products and others be sure to visit Just the Goods {click here}. Also check out these other Just the Goods sites:

Twitter! http://twitter.com/justthegoods

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/justthegoods
Blog! http://justthegoods.wordpress.com
Their very own website: http://www.justthegoods.net

BESTeam Feature :: Little Peach Fuzz

Button bracelets, sequin earrings and a tutu for your cat. Wait, a tutu for your cat?! Yes, this and many other accessories and jewelry can be found at Little Peach Fuzz's Etsy shop. There is a beautiful variety of styles and colors at a very affordable price that will be sure to please anyone and make like "Just Peachy".

Known by co-workers as "Martha Stewart", owner of Little Peach Fuzz, Rachel, dove into jewelry and hair accessories after a close friend requested a hairpiece for a friend's bridal shower. Any creative outlet helps her and she learns from online tutorials, trial and error and other people.

Do you have a special occasion you'd like that perfect accessory to give as a gift? Are you a soon-to-be bride and wanting the perfect piece of jewelry for your bridesmaids? Little Peach Fuzz offer wholesale items! With a minimum order of $50 with an order of $50-$99: 40% and on a order of $100+: 50% off.

These are three of my favorite items from her store. {pictured above}

{1} Nesting Bird Necklace

This necklace has a double hanging, double a-line design of black waxed cord. I love the bird and bush metal pendant!

{2} Pink Floral Wooden Pendant Earrings

Once again my love of pink is quite evident as these were one of the first things that caught my eye and made me swoon. A light pink and mauve floral print scrapbook paper is adhered to round wooden pieces sealed with a shiny glass like, water resistant finish.

{3} Crocheted Beaded Necklace

Simple, beautiful and multi-functional this necklace can be worn extra long, doubled around the neck, tripled around the neck, as a bracelet, anklet, or even as a decorative headband. So versatile at such a great price!

If you love these items as much as I do, head over to Little Peach Fuzz {click here} and be sure to check out her blog as well :)

BESTeam Feature :: Sandyvern

Get a head start on some perfect stocking stuffers or treat yourself with something from Sandyvern's homemade soaps and things! The soaps are made from scratch using "the old-fashioned cold process method of combining various oils, butters, and lye in just the right amounts to create a luxurious soap". Extensive time and effort is put into each batch of soap to assure you will be getting a finely crafted, one-of-a-kind product. You can also find molded soaps, whipped shea butter, lotion bars and lip balms. All sound like the perfect things to stock up on with winter approaching!

Aside from the mentioned products, Sandy also offers stitch markers and earrings.

So who is the woman behind this wonderful shop? Sandy was born in Massachusetts and seems to be quite the animal lover not only running a small pet/barn sitting service, but has quite the assortment of animals herself. Sandy has a Border Collie Australian Shepherd Cross, a kitten, 3 bearded dragons and 2 parrotlets!! I enjoyed discovering we share a common interest in a love of horses :) Her free time is spent reading, knitting, crafting or hanging out on the computer. She is a self taught crafter who sees something and says "I think I can make that!"

Remember the holidays will be here before you know it so be sure to head over to Sandy's Soaps and Things {click here} and get a head start :) To learn more about Sandy's crafts and animals head on over to her blog www.theadventuresofsandyvern.blogspot.com.

BESTeam Feature :: SwingStationStudio

I am so very excited to introduce you to SwingStationStudio this week! Heather from Fort Collins, CO creates purses, clutches and housewares in fun fabrics and original designs. Aside from crafting she enjoys cooking, painting, reading and sleeping which I am personally a fan of all of these things :) If you happen to be in the Fort Collins area you can view SwingStationStudio pieces in person at Mama Said Sew. On November 13 in Broomfield, CO she will be in a show called Santa Cellar which is a holiday themed show. I wish I was closer to Colorado because that sounds like it has potential to be a great holiday shop spot!

As described in her Etsy listings, all of SwingStationStudio's items are created in a smoke-free, pet-friendly home. Designer fabrics with professional machine-sewing thread and attention to durability are used in all items.

This Dinosaur Pocketed Large Zipppered Pouch makes me wish I was a kid again because I would LOVE to have this adorable item to take to school with me! The colors are so bright and fun I think this would be the envy of all the class if this was pulled out of a desk with pencils or other essential items in it. Or why not just make yourself feel like a kid again and use this for your keys, jewelry, cosmetics or any other items you can think of :)

This beautiful made to order Weekender Travel Duffel Bag would make traveling so stylish. You get to choose the colors and fabrics so the bag will be sure to reflect your personal style. The bag features a two-pull zipper on the main compartment, as well as another two-pull zipper on the pleated end pocket as well as an open-top side pocket.

If you are like me and love fun fabrics and prints, be sure to stop by SwingStationStudio's Etsy Shop {click here}. Also become a Facebook fan www.facebook.com/SwingStationStudio. Follow Heather's blog at www.SwingStationStudio.blogspot.com and find her on Twitter http://twitter.com/SwingStation*Feel. You can also contact Heather via email: SwingStationStudio [!at] gmail.com and last, but not least join SwingStationStudio's mailing list http://tiny.cc/i0hqr

Have you remembered to just breathe?
I went to see Life As We Know It and was excited to hear Pearl Jam's "Just Breathe" from their most recent album, The Fixer, featured during the movie. I think, and I may be wrong, that Pearl Jam is a band that has been around long enough that even if you aren't a fan or don't think you know their songs, you have probably heard a song or bit of one somewhere. "Just Breathe" isn't the rocking song you may expect, but rather a beautiful and raw song about life and cherishing those in our lives. Check out the lyrics {here} It's almost hard for me to write much more about the song as it simply speaks for itself so make sure you give this one a listen!

BESTeam Feature :: Omni Presents

With a passion for handcrafted jewelry's unique and expressive nature, Omni Presents creates accessories combine different looks with new age techniques. The combination of these two passions can be seen in her beautiful handcrafted jewelry that also serves to "increase energy and enhance the spiritual health and well-being of the wearer through the materials used". Different lines have been created in her collections to acheive happiness, encourage the feminine energy to come forth, aid in balancing, resonate with the colors of the primary chakras and keeping one young. It is amazing how every element has some symbolism and purpose behind it.
I think this "Key to My Heart Necklace" is so beautiful. It is made of real pink coral beads with two sterling silver heart-shaped and key pendants. Coral has healing properties which is great with stress relief and bringing peace. Who doesn't need some of that in their life?! The combination of color and feminine pendant make this such a romantic piece that would be perfect to give to someone you love.

My eye was drawn to these "Quirky but Classy Wire-Wrapped White and Turquoise Howlite Earrings". I had to investigate what they were all about because they certainly look one-of-a-kind. These earrings are hand-worked wire-wrapped of dyed white and turquoise Howlite with brown flecks. Howlite as a gemstone is calming. It aids one in relieving stress and it also helps to regulate calcium levels in the body and fight insomnia. I think I could use some of these! I could see these earrings being worn with jeans and a plain shirt for a casual look which can draw out the gorgeous blue color, but would also work as a standout statement in a dress.
You can expect to have your new accessory from Omni Presents delievered in this packaging. I love when sellers take the time to make the buying experience personalized and I think this ribbon with a cute little handmade charm would make the arrival of one of these beautiful pieces even more special.
Hurry over to Omni Presents Etsy shop {click here} for your quality handcrafted new age jewelry delievered with a personal touch. Also be sure to follow her blog become a Facebook Fan and follow her on Twitter

I skipped a few Thursdays (I'm sure everyone was extremely disappointed, lol). This Thursday I bring you a song worthy of listening to on repeat...and I have. "Kids" by MGMT has been stuck in my head, in a good way, for the past several weeks. This was a song I knew about and had filed it away. However, when I saw Weezer a few weeks ago they did a cover mash-up of "Kids" and Lady Gaga's "Poker Face". Sheer genius in my opinion.

Back to MGMT...described as a psychedlic pop band, they are an American band based in Brooklyn, New York. "Kids" was nominated for the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance By a Duo or Group with Vocals. The music video, in my opinion, isn't something I would rush to go check out as it is quite different. The beginning opens with a Mark Twain quote set over flames and transitions into a small child in his crib. Then things turn weird and some alien/monster-like creatures appear and seemingly frighten the young child.

A fun little thing for all artists out there, if you head over to their website you can upload your art to be used to "Design" their website. The art can be used as the background of the page!

Hope this is a song you can ad to your colllection :)

HOLIDAY WISHLIST SALE

Start your holiday shopping with a little help from Danizabeth. Buy one, get your second (third or fourth) item of equal or lesser value at 50% off . Here's how it works: Send me a convo on Etsy of the prints you would like and I will set up a reserved listing for you reflecting the combined sale price. Happy shopping!

BESTeam Feature :: Paradise Purls

I have an appreciation for people who can knit as it is something I would like to learn myself. Paradise Purls is a self-taught knitter learning from a "how to" book and a little help from friends. After leaving the corporate world and becoming a stay at home Mom, she found that an outlet to express her creativity was necessary. Initially, knitting was not something that interested her despite several friends enjoying the craft. Curiousity got the best of Elizabeth and she now creates beautiful items from scarves to knitted bracelets!

I'm amazed by the fact this is a crocheted bracelet! This particular bracelet includes gold, black, pink and pearl-like white with a silver plated toggle clasp. The size is suitable for a teen or small-wristed woman, but a custom order can be placed to fit any requested size.

The yellow of this neck warmer makes me smile. It is just the perfect shade to brighten your day. The wide rib allows for the warmer to be stretched over your head. Wear it scrunched or folded like a turtleneck. From top to bottom it measures 7.5" and is appr. 7" in diameter and made of 100% cotton.

It's not much of a secret that I LOVE hot pink so this scarf instantly caught my eye! This dual purpose scarf will not only keep you warm, but can also be the perfect fashion accessory in those chilly months. It is hand knit with a wool/soy blend yarn in stripes of pink, plum and tan.

If you like these items you'll be sure to love the other items in Paradise Purls' Etsy shop {click here} If you have a little one, be sure to take advantage of her knit cotton baby hat sale for $12 each! Don't forget to read her blog at and become a fan on Facebook. Also check out her beaded jewelry shop

BESTeam Feature :: ElizabethMD

Hailing from our neighbors to the North, Elizabeth of ElizabethMD Jewelry Designs creates one of a kind jewelry for one of a kind women. Her love of fashion led her to a degree in Fashion Merchandising. From this evolved her love of design into a love of handmade jewelry. Her frustration in finding jewelry that made her excited to wear it has now become your opportunity for a great unique piece!

ElizabethMD creates her pieces with silver, Swarovski crystals and natural stones. If there is something you see and love, but have an idea for customization simply send Elizabeth a convo or email and she'll make what you are looking for.

I LOVE this Chainmaille Charm Bracelet! The toggle clasp makes for an easy open and close. The agate rounds trimming the edges are the perfect accessory for Fall.

If you love this bracelet as much as I do, be sure to head over to ElizabethMD Jewelry Designs [click here] for that perfect new accesory to compliment your outfit.

Don't forget to become a fan on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ElizabethMD.Jewelry.Designs and follow her on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/ElizabethMD as well as subscribing to her blog http://elizabethmdesigns.blogspot.com/

BESTeam Feature :: Mystic Wynd

I was initially excited to learn that Karen, the owner of Mystic Wynd, is a former Illinoisian, but my excitement grew more after reading her Etsy bio. Mystic Wynd features gorgeous jewelry with everyone in mind. Her pieces range from fun and trendy to simple and understated with prices being all under $55, there is sure to be a piece to add to anyone's collection.

I love the fact that items are designed with all sorts of situations in mind such as easy to close clasps and front closures on necklaces, non-pierced earring options and adjustable or customized rings to fit your size. I've had issues jewelry shopping with sizes not always working for me, so her willingness to work to turn something you like into something you LOVE I give big kudos for!

I'm a sucker for hot pink so of course my eye was drawn to this fun Luck N Love necklace. The silvery pewter toggle is adorned with the word "luck". This little added extra along with the filigree heart bring the necklace together.

This yellow chrysantheumum ring is so romantic with the perfect balance of feminine and vintage. One of the best parts, the ring is adjustable to most sizes! Be sure to also check out the Blue, Spring Green and Dusty Coral versions of this ring.








I included this Spring Flower Necklace with Love Quote in a recent BESTeam Treasury. I just can't get enough of all the colors. Swarovski crystals accent the flowers adding some shimmer to the piece.

These are just a few of my favorite items. Be sure to check out Mystic Wynd's Etsy shop and find some favorites for yourself. Also, follow her on Twitter or Facebook and be sure to check out her blog. She can also be found on Handmade Spark and Creating The Hive [click desired site name above to be directly taken to Mystic Wynd's pages]

To mark the first official day of fall I'm choosing a song that has nothing to do with the end of summer, but the title makes me think of it. This week's pick is Florence + the Machine's "Dog Days Are Over". The song comes from Florence Welch's debut album "Lungs" which is about love and pain. The Machine portion of the band can be a reference to everything from a drum kit or piano, but currently describes the seven-piece band which accompanies her.

Something I found interesting and that other Etsians may appreciate is the clothes worn in live performances often come from local second-hand stores the day of the shown. Pretty neat, huh?

So check out "Dog Days Are Over" and tell me you if can possibly resist clapping along and dancing to this song!

BESTeam Feature :: LotusMira

How does a graduate student, earning both a law degree (JD) and masters (MA) balance both school, being a wife, mother to 3 cats and still have time to create beautiful items to sell on Etsy?! LotusMira has found that balance with her gorgeous soldered works which incorporate her love of vintage imagery, found items, and ephemera.

Be sure to head over to her shop before October 31st as she currently is having a Samhain/Halloween sale (her favorite Sabbat): Buy one item at full prive and get the next item 10% off, and any more items15% off each (least expensive items will be discounted).

Get in the Halloween spirit with this Burton-esque Soldered Collage. Inspired by Tim Burton's stop-motion films, this collage was made with four panes of glass, each with a different image floated between them creating a dimensional effect where each image casts a shadow on the images below.






Anyone that knows me, knows that I am borderline obsessed with butterflies so this instantly caught my eye. This Vintage Malaysian Stamp Soldered Pendant is a favorite of mine.










There is such beauty in these Broken China Beaded Earrings. I can see these being very versatile...wear them to a formal event or as an everyday statement piece. Either way, I am sure these would be the envy of all your friends :)


Be sure to check out these and all of the other awesome pieces in LotusMira's shop. Also, don't forget to visit her blog and become a follower...there will be a free giveaway when her blog hits 75 followers!!

I've decided to start something new on my blog. Every Thursday I intend to feature a different song. I love music...I love discovering new music...I love sharing music that people may not be familiar with so here is my little contribution. Who knows, maybe you'll find something you like, something will get you ready for the weekend or maybe you'll think I have the most awful taste ever ;)

This Thursday, in honor of the new release "Hurley", I am going way back in the Weezer archives to "The Blue Album". I'll never forget listening to Weezer's first album repeatedly on cassette. My Dad acquired the album from a friend practically before they were getting any sort of radio exposure. There is this shop in my hometown which sells used albums. Well the friend swiped this unheard of band's album from the shelves, discovering it had been brought there from a local radio station who received it as a demo, but it was not the genre they played.

And so my love for Weezer was born. Quite possibly my favorite song from the album is "My Name Is Jonas". I don't know if it's the opening guitar riffs or the way this song always makes me want to sway my head back and forth as if entranced by it, but I sure do love it. If you don't think you've heard the song, have you ever played a little game called Guitar Hero 3? This song is on it...ring a bell yet?

BESTeam Feature :: Wayfaring Magnolia

The woman behind Wayfaring Magnolia, Amanda, is a self proclaimed lover of art, music, fashion and life. Her shop currently features vintage items, picture frames, buttons and paintings, but don't be surprised if her inventory changes as she states that her interests change often.



When I was looking at her shop I couldn't believe my eyes when I came across one of her vintage items.

This vintage rocking horse ornament has adorned my families Christmas tree since I was a little girl. It sure brings back a lot of memories of the holidays :)

I LOVE picture frames, especially unique ones. All of the frames in the shop are awesome, but I think this one is my favorite.

Ok, seriously, how cool is this 1950's prom dress?! Not only do I love the color, I am obsessed with the fact there are bows along the zipper! What a beautiful, one of a kind item.

Hurry over to Wayfaring Magnolia's as she is currently having a 50% off sale until this Friday!! Maybe you could be the new owner of one of these fabulous items :)

BESTeam Feature :: LoveElycia

I am very excited to be doing my first BESTeam feature on the awesome shop LoveElycia. With a degree in chemical engineering and a passion for making cute things, LoveElycia features vintage clothing, prints, barrettes and headbands.

Each print states "Every Girl Has A Story" which you are able to read on Elycia's blog. How cool?!

Making appearances in the above mentioned prints are the main item in the shop...cute headbands! From adorable animals to cartoon-like speech bubbles, these colorful and fun headwear are sure to make a statement.

Not only are her Etsy products fun, her blog is full of things such as fun Q/A's about her, 5 Fave Friday and personal stories. Check it out at http://www.loveelycia.com/