My focus with craft lovely has always been on the creative life.  Inspiring people, projects and products, and any personal or professional endeavors of mine that I can consider “creative”.  However, with listening to all the tragedy that is happening in Haiti this past week and on such a huge scale, I feel the need to break from that cycle, even just for one day.

I know donating is very difficult at this time for most of us with the state of the economy.  From my own personal state, money is very tight.  However, I still want to donate something, even if it is rather small, to help the people of Haiti.  I know from experience that if I am ever in need, someone has always helped me through a difficult time.

Please, if you can donate even a very small amount, do so.  And please keep Haiti in your thoughts and prayers.

Network for Good
Red Cross
Doctors Without Borders
UNICEF

Some lovelies from ban.do’s Heart Collection.  Major lusting over here… le sigh.

{images shown belong to ban.do}

I am 100% an Anglophile, in love with the culture of all things British.  So today must be my lucky day, as I discovered From Britain With Love (via Lobster and Swan).  An online magazine and directory with information on creative individuals, companies, and locally sourced British goods.  Plus, Jeska Hearne (the owner of Lobster and Swan) will be a regular contributor.  Even though I’m not living in the UK, I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this new site!

{image shown belongs to From Britain With Love}

As a child, I had my favorite vegetables that I ate, but rarely (if ever) did I try anything new.  Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas and string beans were pretty much it.  Marrying someone who not only absolutely loves vegetables (I’m definitely more of a fruit person instead) but is also willing and eager to try new foods has opened my tastebuds to vegetables I would’ve groaned over when I was little.  It also helps that he literally pushes me to “just take a bite and try it”, even when I don’t want to.  Recently I’ve been sticking to the same veggies for side dishes (spinach, potatoes, and carrots) and I’m actually wanting to try new-to-me vegetables.  One that I recently past by in the supermarket and thought “geez, I don’t think I’ve ever eaten those” were parsnips.  They look a little bit like a carrot, but are apparently stronger in flavor.  My favorite food blog has a recipe that looks interesting, so I’m going to give it a try.

Roasted Parsnips (from Simply Recipes)

Do you have any vegetables (and veggie recipes) that you recommend?

{image shown belongs to Simply Recipes}

Check out these absolutely stunning paper terrariums by Helen Musselwhite (found via Oh So Beautiful Paper).  I cannot imagine how much painstaking work it takes to make these.  Definitely check out all of her work, especially the all white paper cutouts.  I am in awe.

{images shown belong to Helen Musselwhite}

Some lovely polaroid images from the Flickr set entitled Breakfast by birdsnest.  Love their simplicity and straightforwardness.

{images shown belong to birdsnest.}

With being inspired by the upcoming new version of Emma to appear on Masterpiece Theatre (I am such a MT fan) and wanting something vintage to wear on my winter coat, I’m searching Etsy for vintage brass bow brooches and pins.  Here’s a few that I’ve come across that I’ve already put on my favorites list:

(wedgwood by whiteapple)

(special day by riyzedesignz)

(J’Adore Locket Pin by JuicieJulz)

The only problem I see is… which one to choose?

{all images shown belong to their respective owners, listed above}

Elizabeth Dye owns The English Department, a small clothing boutique that focuses on wedding dresses and accessories, and with a new website update as well as a bridal fashion show at the end of the month, it’s definitely the time to check them out if you haven’t already.  Elizabeth also designs her own collection of dresses, all of which I am highly coveting right now.  Dear lord!  I wish I knew about The English Department when I was looking for my wedding dress four years ago.  Romantic, beautiful details, amazing craftsmanship, and simply gorgeous.  Keep an eye on Elizabeth’s blog for more images of her wedding collection.

{images shown belong to The English Department and Elizabeth Dye}

Getting back into the normalcy of the everyday (and not the holidays), I’ve been perusing some of my favorite spots on the web and noticed two sites that have made design updates for the new year: the blog for Oh Joy! as well as simplesong design’s site (and blog).  I love the look of both: their soft color palettes, simplicity and elegant design.  Besides being a daily blogging stop for me, their web updates are really putting a fire under my you-know-what to get my resolution no. 5 accomplished before I see even a hint of spring.

{images shown belong to Oh Joy! and simplesong design respectively}

As much as I love all the sweet and rich foods of the holidays, every year by the time New Years rolls around I am sick of it all.  Cookies, cakes, candy, sweet breads, chocolates… even a “sweet” person like me hits a wall.  Before the new year begins I really start to feel lethargic and very unhealthy, and that’s when I know it’s time to get my eating back on track.  With perfect timing, I received my new issue of Body + Soul in the mail today (*thank you again, Lori!) and detox smoothies were on the cover.  With delicious ingredients like mango, cucumber, apples, and peaches, I’m very excited to make many of the beverages.  Not too sure about adding in raw cabbage… but I guess I’m willing to give it a try.

Click here for all the detox smoothie recipes from Body + Soul.

{magazine cover shown belongs to Body + Soul.  for more of my at home photos, check out my Flickr}