re: design new look and new shop!

So proud to see my pal L's awesome design blog re: design banging out some awesome new content! Isn't it lovely?

I've bragged about L's major talents here before. She's even the design mind behind this very site's stylish look if you didn't already know...

This week she upped the ante and shared her swoon worthy design SHOP! That's right, you can get your very own t-shirts, tote bags and more featuring her rad designs. Check it out here.

I'll take one of everything, please. Congrats, L!

another feather

another feather has the most stunningly simple collections of geometric jewelry.

 I'm mad for the Artemis and Artemis II collections (pictured above), but the Winter bangles (etched with the shape of evergreen leaves) are also my jam.

always steamed (never fried)

Isn't this ceramic Japanese Steamer Set from Anthro lovely? I wish it would come live in my kitchen.

As my dear ones know, my love for dumplings knows no bounds. While some of you weirdos may prefer your dumplings fried, I will always and forever prefer steamed.

Back in NYC, our proximity to Chinatown and the amazing dim sum options offered there kept my dumpling habit fueled. Since moving to Nashville, however, I have yet to find the perfect dumpling spot to get my fix.

Luckily, the always awesome food blog spoon fork bacon features a delectable recipe for Shrimp Shumai with Ponzu Sauce that I'm desperate to try!

batch nashville

Have you guys heard of Batch Nashville?

I recently stumbled across their website and let's just say I'm picking up what they're laying down.

The concept? Each month Batch will deliver a box of local goodies right to your door. Ingredients, confections and other artisan products from local purveyors are pulled together for the company's themed monthly deliveries.

September's batch featured a "Rise and Shine" theme and included purveyors such as Haulin' Oats, our friend Rob at Garage Coffee Company, pancake mix from My Friend Who Loves to Cook, Dozen Bakery, TrueBee Honey, etc. Here's a peek at their cute packaging:

I'm bummed to have missed September's batch and October's is already sold out. Getting my order in for November now. Wouldn't these boxes make a thoughtful gift?

Check out Batch's website here.

(images via batch and style blueprint)

splash dyed

Etsy shop twostringjane has a darling collection of knits and tees.

Perhaps it's the Bonnaroo fever currently pulsing through Nashville, but I can't help but think these colorful splashed cottons would make an ideal get up for a festival weekend.

I know one little hippie near and dear to my heart who would almost certainly agree. Definite birthday gift contender, Beastly. You have been warned.

Etsy shop here.

(images via twostringjane)

grapefruit frozen yogurt

One of our most favorite treats is a stop by Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams in East Nashville. The Ohio-based company runs 9 stores in its home state and one here in Tennessee. As some of you might know, this successful expansion story is after my own heart...but I digress : )

I'm not traditionally much of a sweets person, but Jeni's interesting, seasonal flavors made of natural ingredients keep me interested. Wildberry Lavender, Goat Cheese with Red Cherries, Lime Cardamon...you get the idea!

a friendly sweatshirt

Why, hello yourself! This friendly sweatshirt from Hello Merch makes me smile.

Even though S constantly teases me about loving "sweats" (for the record an American Apparel oversized sweatshirt and yoga pants are totally different from a random sweatsuit, ok?), I'm thinking of snagging one of the above shirts in blue or green.

pom pom wrapping paper

Need. Want. Love.

This pom pom wrapping paper by Tudi Billo rocks! When I saw it, I might have even clapped my hands.

Who cares about the gift inside when it comes packaged like this? Delightful!

I spotted these on the always adorable Oh Joy!, but you can purchase these "gift papers (not wrapping paper?)" here for a cool $18.

(image via oh joy!)

two thumbs up

Monday, again?

Let's keep things upbeat with two thumbs up creations from the always clever Marc Johns.

I feel better already. Don't you?

(images via marc johns)

hanks cards

Best thank you note of all time? I think so.

Spotted on the wall at Mas Tacos this week. Thinking of buying a few of my own here.

P.S. How impossible is it to change channels once you've discovered Big is on? Silly string forever.

(image via blue barnhouse)

sea salt soap

As of late, I've become weirdly obsessed with Swedish Dream's Sea Salt Soap. While I'm always a sucker for good design, there's actually much more to this adorable little disk than meets the eye.

Adorably gifted (I hope this was not some sort of hint?) by my charming husband, the fragrance is fresh, clean and great for both guys and girls.

Good to know? After your first use, the sea salt crystals in the soap are exposed. The salt results in a gentle exfoliation...which I rather enjoy.

S picked up our bars from the ever awesome imogene + willie here in Nashville, but they are also available here. I can certainly think of a worse way to spend six bucks....

Ahoy! And rub-a-dub-dub.

P.S. These bars are supposed to be great for shaving, fellas.

(image via cb2 and grandpa)

trio bracelets

Ombre trio brass bracelets by Garnett Jewelry in blue or in sunset. Aren't they lovely?

Wear them together or wear them apart. At $60 for three, the possibilities seem endless.

Really hoping that these come back in stock. Track said dream with me here.
(images via one of a kind)

initial necklace

A few year ago, I purchased the sweetest necklace with a delicate gold initial charm. It was one my favorites...until the loose clasp gave out on me and the charm was lost forever.

This initial necklace from Maya Brenner Designs is the perfect replacement! Asymmetrical and dainty, it's a sweet way to keep your loved ones close. I always pick out the initial "S" for you know who.

Buy your own letter at Steven Alan.

(image via steven alan)

amy sia

Textile print designer Amy Sia's creations are right up my alley. Bold and girly...soft and bright. Aren't they something?

I spotted these this week on Design Crush whose post noted that Amy's work is for sale via the site Society 6. Each of her designs can be made into a print, canvas or...iPhone case?!

LOVE these.

 Especially this one!

Purchase your own here.

(images via design crush and society 6)

star projector

File this under absolutely unnecessary yet awesome things I need.

It makes your room look like this!

Magical.

This would also make a creative baby gift. Such a pretty way to light up a nursery.

(images via infmetry; originally spotted on cup of jo)

minoux jewelry

Portland-based Minoux Jewelry has been making the rounds on a few of my most favorite blogs over the past few months.

From their "Classic" options composed of dainty silver and gold creations to the bright and bold "Territory" collection, I really love their work.

Lucky for me, my darling little sis took note and gifted me their Tiny Bar necklace for Christmas. Adoring how simple and sweet it is...

Perhaps I'll return the favor with an option from their online shop sure to fit her fun and funky style. Top choices are as follows:

the appropriately named "Sisters Bracelet" (which would be all the rage at her next music fest),

these eye catching Coquille Earrings (because they've got attitude),

or, the ying to my yang, this hot pink Skyline Necklace (because being almost twinkies is fun).

(images courtesy minoux)

head check

Okay, these bust vases (spotted on oh joy!) are fab. They are so cute and quirky I can hardly stand it!

They would make a really funny wedding gift or a thoughtful treat for a host.

Together this duo is vageuly reminiscent of Jonathan Adler's Mr. and Mrs. salt and pepper shakers.

The only down side is that when these guys are empty (aka missing foliage or fresh cut flowers) they make me feel sad. It sort of looks like they've been lobotomized...

On that note... happy Monday, friends!

(images courtesy oh joy! and floral art la)