Category Archives: art

clover market…

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clover-market

This past weekend we drove into the city for our favorite outdoor market, indoors! Clover Market can usually be found in Ardmore and showcases amazing local (and beyond) talent. Antiques, artisan crafts, vintage clothing, jewelry, and original artwork are amongst the bountiful offerings which make up the upscale bazaar. Founder Janet Long had the opportunity to bring the market to center city at the historic Armory, and she turned it up a notch with artist workshops, early access, and food trucks!

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The early access VIP pass was such a great idea-the market is yours to devour while things are still fresh off the trucks! I ran into many friendly faces…first was my friend Chanee of Melongings. Her eco-friendly, handprinted textile designs and pillows make divine home accents. I spotted the spirited Jay McCarroll proudly showing his fun and funky fashion, and enjoyed chatting with him for a bit (billy even got a hug). Color, color, and more color pretty much sums up his booth…very fun textiles!

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I’m a sucker for monochromatic goods, so naturally I was drawn to Mae’s Market booth, awash in neutrals. Made by Liddy really caught my eye and I brought home some lovely hand stamped envelopes, perfect for valentines. Spotted Horse Textiles, a favorite of mine (and many) is the place to find authentic vintage german and french grain sacks transformed into unique upholstered pieces. 

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Last but certainly not least, two more local favorites of mine…Fresh Vintage is the antiques shop that you almost don’t want to tell people about, to keep it all to yourself! It’s not an option though, as the word is out-I’m just glad that their shop is only a few minutes from where I live. Chairloom is quite well known and I always enjoy their latest projects and findings. Breathing new life into upholstered pieces, they are on trend with fabric options and ideas! 

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As you may have guessed, I highly recommend adding this event to your calendar. Bring the entire family (like we do)-furry babies are welcome and encouraged. Henry + Marie had sensory overload and enjoyed getting out but staying warm. Read more about Clover Market and future dates on their site!

 

 

remembering brubeck

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I must take five a moment to recognize a legend. My enthusiasm for jazz began at a young age, thanks to my Dad. He introduced me to so many greats-Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman…he was even lucky enough to meet a few of them. It wasn’t until highschool that I fell deeper in love with the genre, thanks to Miles Davis, and the now late, Dave Brubeck. The jazz icon passed away last week, and I will always regret not seeing him in concert (had tickets to a cancelled show). Despite his mainstream success, he was an innovator, and his music will forever be part of my life’s playlist. 

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manual mode…

 

 

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This was the first shot I ever took using manual mode. Thanks to my friend Kayla, I now have the courage to use it! We purchased our Nikon right before I began this blog, and it opened up a whole new world for me. Being a true novice, I felt confined to the automatic dial, with the occasional diversion or attempt at "real" photography. I think I've done fairly well, not knowing anything…but who am I to judge? Lately though, my lens has a new life and I find myself hungry for opportunities to advance my skills. Tell me…what type of camera do you have? Do you have any tips or tricks you would like to share? 

 

 

shop small gift guide

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What would a blog be without a gift guide, right? I’m a big supporter of small business, being a business owner myself…so this one is focused on shopping small. These are some of my favorite products, shops, and people. I am so thankful to know many of these amazing artists and creatives. My favorite part of this season is giving. Giving to those I love, giving to those in need. May the holiday spirit inspire you!

image via besotted brand

 

for the francophile…photography from the paris print shop

for the romantic…a custom arrangement by sullivan owen 

for the hostess…homewares from girls can tell

for the nostalgic…custom ornament by palomas nest

for the trendy…designer temp tattoos by tattly

for the bibliophile…literary illustrations by obvious state

for the decorator…eco-friendly pillows by melongings

for the foodie…sweet treats from whimsy & spice

for the writer…bespoke creations from besotted brand

for the artist…modern crossstich by chez sucre chez

for the fashion forward…hand crafted bowties from forage bowties

for the mom to be…a nesting gift certificate!! (shameless self-promotion)

for the kids…handmade friends by walnut animal society

for anyone & everyone…give back when you buy a bar of hand in hand soap!

 

melongings…

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I’d like to take a breather from babies for a moment, will you indulge me? You’re probably breathing a sigh of relief, ha! I recently had the pleasure of visiting my friend Chanee Vijay, the owner and designer behind Melongings Studio. A recent transplant to Philadelphia from Charlotte, we discovered we have mutual friends and lived a few blocks from each other down south! Such a small, small world. Once set up in her new, beautiful studio here in Philly, I had the opportunity to take a tour of her historic home in Society Hill and see where her creative visions are brought to life! 

Chanee began her business in 2011 with the goal of creating beautiful, hand printed, organic textiles for the home. Each hand-pulled screenprint and blockprint is created with regard for our health, the environment and longevity. The elegant designs are unique, neutral, and compliment almost any decor…I personally love the shimmery metallics collection. Head over to her site to check out the latest and learn more about her fabulous company!