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/

Have to start somewhere

The blog is not as pretty as I want it to be, but I am really wanting to be a better team member and get to promoting the fabulous shops of the Etsy BESTeam!!

~Danizabeth