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15 Things That Change When...

Kelli Djulus — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 06:54:05 GMT

You have a baby!

Here are some fun facts about how life and perspectives change once having a baby.

1. You finally stop to smell the roses, because your baby is in your arms.

2. Where you once believed you were fearless, you now find yourself afraid.

3. The sacrifices you thought you made to have a child no longer seem like sacrifices.

4. You respect your body... finally.

5. You respect your parents and love them in a new way.

6. You find that your baby's pain feels much worse than your own.

7. You believe once again in the things you believed in as a child.

8. You lose touch with the people in your life whom you should have banished years ago.

9. Your heart breaks much more easily.

10. You think of someone else 234,836,178,976 times a day.

11. Every day is a surprise.

12. Bodily functions are no longer repulsive. In fact, they please you. (Hooray for poop!)

13. You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.

14. You become a morning person.

15. Your love becomes limitless, a superhuman power.

Plus a few from my own experiences these past almost 4 months...

1. You hang a spit rag over your dish towel rack and don't even think twice.

2. You've never wanted more than to be greeted in the morning by your little sweetie's smiles accompanied by a Nespresso!

3. Little baby buns have never been cuter.

4. Toys can be made out of almost anything!

5. You begin thinking about buying shoes for someone else before purchasing the latest pair for yourself.

6. Feeling fatigued is a constant state.

1st 15 fun facts from BabyCenter

Les Beaux Chandeliers

Kelli Djulus — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:00:00 GMT

These days any time to myself is fleeting! With a 3 month old, I dream of blogging and just can't find the time or energy. Being a mother is wonderful, an absolute blessing, but it definitely takes its toll on me!

I found a few minutes earlier this week that I was able to steal away while ma princesse was sleeping peacefully. All my heart wanted to do was browse through the photos taken during my European vacation this past summer. I came across a few reoccuring themes that my eye was evidentally drawn to while abroad spending a month in France and Germany.

Here are some of my favorite photos of chandeliers from my travels. I hope you find them as beautiful, intricate, inspiring and breathtaking as I do!

Fragonard Perfume Museum, Paris

Fragonard Perfume Museum, Paris

Chez The Antiques Diva, Berlin

Inside a boutique in Berlin
I would love one of these for my boudoir!!

Le Musée Carnavalet, Paris

Ladurée, Paris
So, ok it is not quite a chandelier but you gotta admit this is one fabulous ladies powder room!
They sure know how to do it chez Ladurée.

L'Opéra Garnier, Paris

KaDeWe Department Store, Berlin

Olive, St. Remy de Provence

Olive, St. Remy de Provence

A delightful restaurant in Loumarin, Provence

A bientot, j'espere!
I promise to blog as much as possible while running my own styling business, raising a newborn and being a wife!... Not to mention all the other million things we women do!

Bon weekend,
Kelli

All photos of chandeliers taken by me ~ summer of 2009

February's Healthy Inspirations ~ Guest Post by Mindy Goldis

Kelli Djulus — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 07:45:00 GMT

Chef Mindy aka AGELESS RAW BEAUTYtm

Answering your Questions

Monthly Recipes, Tips and Tidbits

Related to Health and Longevity

February is Heart Healthy Month and I wanted to share with you foods and other things that are beneficial for your heart. As you know, your heart is red in color and by eating more foods in this color category helps prevent cardiovascular disease.

The red pigment found in pink grapefruit, red peppers, tomatoes and watermelon are high in carotenoids (powerful antioxidants that also protect the eyes, internal organs and skin). Lycopene is the most prevalent carotenoid in the circulatory system and has been found to reduce the risk of prostate and other cancers (according to nutritionist Marcia Zimmerman, Med, CN).

Red berries and grapes are high in a number of anthocyanins, while apples, berries and grapes are excellent sources of flavonols. Both these dietary flavonoids have been linked to healthy endothelial function and help inhibit platelet aggregation or clumping that leads to the formation of blood clots. These antioxidant compounds also fight a number of cancers and neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.

Other red fruits and vegetables to consumer are: blood oranges, cranberries, guava, pomegranates, red Bartlett pears, raspberries, strawberries, red cabbage and radicchio.

I have mentioned in a previous post, that organic is the best choice for your fruits and vegetables and I still say it is (I have been vegan and eating organic produce for 20 years)! Not only is organic lower in synthetic, persistent herbicides and pesticides, but recent research suggests that these crops are higher in antioxidants than conventional ones (this has actually been scientifically tested – you can do a Google search of the Rodale Institute, which has been a promoter of organic for a very long time).

Note: Antioxidants don't last in the body for more than a few hours, so enjoy red foods throughout the day and aim for 7 – 9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily.

One serving of fruit equals:

1 medium-sized piece of whole fruit (like an apple)

½ cup freshly chopped, cooked or frozen fruit

¾ cup 100 percent juice (with no added sugar) – I don't recommend this because you are removing the important fiber

¼ cup dried fruit – I don't recommend this because it is very concentrated sugar and also builds up bacteria in the teeth and can lead to dental decay

One serving of vegetable equals:

1 cup raw, leafy veggies

½ cup chopped raw, cooked or frozen vegetables

¾ cup 100 percent vegetable juices – I don't recommend this regularly, but is fine to have sometimes, as is easier to digest and good for periods of cleansing

HEALTH TIP ~ February 2010

I want to share with you a tip that is not food related, but something else you can do for the health or your heart. Your heart pumps blood around the body every single second and continues to do so for your entire lifetime. What can you do to help your heart to work more efficiently? For one, you can do some relaxation techniques like meditation. Even if you don't consider yourself a yogi, you can take 5 minutes (to start) and lie down comfortably on a mat or on your bed. If it helps you to play some classical music to get you in the right state of mind, that is fine, too. Also, note, that if you fall asleep at this time, there is nothing wrong. That simply means that you body is in that relaxed alpha state and can easily drift into sleep. It is best to close your eyes so there are no distractions and don't worry if your mind drifts or wanders. It happens to the best of us. What I like to do at this time, is focus on my breath as I do some deep breathing. I breathe in for a count of 10 and hold for 5 and then breathe out for a count of 10 and hold for 5. I continue to do this throughout the time I am meditating so that it becomes my focus and my mind is less likely to wander.
What is the benefit you say? You give you body and mind a chance to truly be in a state of peacefulness and your heart slows down, as well. Over time, you will see the difference in how you feel and will probably want to do more than 5 minutes. I usually meditate first thing in the morning, as a way to start my day before all the noise and chatter starts to happen (cell phone, radio, TV, computer, etc). I find that my day is more productive and efficient, as well. This is time for MYSELF and we all need that in our day!

HEALTHY RECIPE

An easy thing to do for this month, is to use the fruits and vegetables I mentioned above. A simple thing is to make a fruit smoothie with raspberries, strawberries, apples and pears. You can prepare a salad and pour this on top, as a fruit sauce (as long as there is no fats in the salad such as nuts, seeds, avocado or oil and if you eat dairy, that would include yogurt and cheese). You can also make a fruit sauce with just the berries. How about making a dressing for your salad with mango, blood orange, tomato and celery. The key is to experiment with what is abundant in nature and the wonderful plethora of produce that is available for us to consume.

I have recently created a blog for a 42 day cleanse that I completed
www.rawsomegal.wordpress.com. Please feel free to stop by and check it out!

I would like to end this post with one of my poems, again, taken from an upcoming book I will be self-publishing, entitled:

“My Inspirations: Short and Sweet/Heart Notes”

Chef Mindy aka Ageless Raw Beautytm

Healthy Inspirations for the New Year ~ Guest Post by Mindy Goldis

Kelli Djulus — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:50:00 GMT

                      Chef Mindy aka AGELESS RAW BEAUTYtm
                                            Offering Monthly Recipes, Tips and Tidbits
               along with Answering your Questions Related to Health and Longevity

You are a very powerful person! I am not speaking of your physical power in the sense of how strong you are, it is your buying power that has a very strong affect/message that you carry in and into the world. Years ago, life was simpler (no computers, cell phones, PDA's, etc) and now we have all this extra/excess “stuff,” whether in our home, car, etc. I live in a small studio apartment and am constantly working on eliminating the “stuff” I don't need.

When we accumulate “stuff,” it can end up cluttering our physical space and also affect us in other ways. Such as, if you are holding on to pictures, mementos, clothing, products, etc that you either don't want, don't like or maybe some items that were given to you by someone that is no longer your friend or partner. This can cause emotional and psychological blockages, in turn making you feel stuck in your life and you might find difficulty in moving forward. I suggest that you take some time out to look through what you already have before you go out to buy more. Another idea would be to give away 2 things or more if you can, for every new thing you buy. You can be charitable without having to give money, simply by giving something away that you have spent money on.

Also, when you do decide to buy anything (whether it be food, clothing, electronics, car, etc), think about the impact it has on the planet, and ultimately us, as well, since we live on earth. If you can, research before you buy and see if there are products that are less toxic or harmful to you and the world. You can check on websites, such as “consumer reports” for detailed information on products you are interested in purchasing. Buy grains, beans, nuts, seeds, granola, seaweeds, etc in bulk at your health food store (less packaging) and try to purchase items from companies that are more environmentally aware. If you buy items that are shipped to you, ask whether the company uses recycled materials in their packaging. You have the power to demand that they make changes for the health of the planet, as you are the one making the purchase. Your voice matters, so don't be afraid to speak your mind.

Side note: There was a time years ago when the FDA was thinking about allowing things like irradiation and sewage sludge in organic food, particularly produce. There were phone calls, letters and emails that flooded this organization and they had to listen. As a result, food that is certified organic is not allowed to be irradiated or use sewage sludge, as well as, no pesticides or genetic engineering. The power of the voice of the people really showed its mark in this case and can be so, for any number of issues that are important to you.

HEALTH TIP ~ January 2010

To help clear the clutter and allow you to experience the freedom of having less “stuff,” try this experiment: take 3 empty cardboard boxes and write “Keep” on one of them, “Give away” on the next and finally, “Undecided” on the last. If you can take 15 minutes (if you have more time then feel free to do so) each day or start with once a week and go through your desk, a portion of your closet, kitchen, bedroom, etc and put items in each of these boxes. When the boxes are full, then you will have a sense of accomplishment. You may also feel physically lighter, even though you have not actually lost weight. To make this even more interesting, take the box that you marked “Undecided” and seal it and put it in your closet. Leave it in there and then take it out again in a few months and then, without opening it up, write down everything that is in it (NO CHEATING/PEEKING). If you haven't a clue, then simply give it all away, because it doesn't seem to matter to you, as much as you thought.

HEALTHY RECIPE

With the New Year, now is the time to add more healthy foods into your regimen. If you start first with fruits and vegetables that you like more than others, that will give you the impetus to eat them. Please don't be shy/afraid to try a new fruit or vegetable that you see at your health food store/supermarket. One of my personal favorites (yes, by definition it is a fruit because it has seeds) is the cucumber. There are many varieties available for consumption, but not year round. The ones I like the best are the Armenian (available in the summer), Persian, Hothouse and Pickling varieties. I will buy the regular kind, if the others are not available, but the taste is not as good.

You can make a simple cool cucumber soup by blending cucumbers with some fresh dill, celery stalks and lemon/lime juice. If you'd like a salty flavor then add kelp powder/flakes (I don't recommend the use of salt, as you can re-read in my June 2009 blog post a detailed article on this). You will not need much water if you blend the cucumbers with the lemon juice (and if you like to keep it thicker then add any extra liquid gradually to blend). I prefer to use coconut water, instead, as it is pure and more nutritious (it can make the soup a bit sweeter, if you like that). You can also add some avocado to make it creamier and give it a richer flavor. If you'd like to have something to chew and not have the soup all liquid, then you can add as a garnish some chopped celery, red bell pepper and shredded purple cabbage.

I would like to end this post with one of my poems, again, taken from an upcoming book I will be self-publishing, entitled:

“My Inspirations: Short and Sweet/Heart Notes”

Be happy no matter what, because what has happened matters not. Copyright 2009
Chef Mindy aka Ageless Raw Beautytm

Canadian Designer Virginia Johnson

Kelli Djulus — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:45:00 GMT

Brighten up your wintry days with a colorful & fun printed shawl by Canadian designer Virginia Johnson. First seen sometime last year on A Gift Wrapped Life, I fell head over heals for her unexpected prints; a bit quirky and definitely happy. Try one of these lightweight merino wool shawls with your favorite winter coat.

Stay warm and enjoy the beginning of a fresh new year!

A bientot,
Kelli

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Delicieux!

Kelli Djulus — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 06:20:00 GMT

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that you and yours enjoyed a wonderful holiday season!

I know that at the beginning of each new year, for many of us, eating right, "dieting", changing our lifestyle, etc. is on the resolutions list. With that said, I come along to tempt you and your taste buds. If you are really trying to be good, just enjoy a culinary delight and curl up on the couch with one of these delicious books! I plan to add a few of these fun finds from Amazon to my bookshelf this year.

Alright, I finally off to bed to dream of sugar plums dancing in my head.

A bientot,
Kelli

Is It or Is It Not? ~ Guest Post by Victorian Cobweb

Kelli Djulus — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Guest Post by Victorian Cobweb

Recently I received a phone call from a friend who was excited along with disappointed in a spontaneous gift from her hubby. Excited because the gift was a cute little blue hobnail pattern lidded candy dish in the shape of a shoe that she thinks is Fenton. Disappointed in the fact that it was cracked and the dealer that her husband had boughten it from hadn't mintioned the defect. Now the dealer in question conducts what I call a "perpetual" estate sale at her clients house (sadly he lost his wife several years ago and lets the dealer take a few boxes at a time to the garage and shed to sell off). My friend and her husband know this woman and the client as they have lived in the same area all there lives, and have bought quite a lot of glass ware from her. Chit-chatting back & forth she starts describing the piece to me: black flecks in the glass, shallow bowl area, pattern not really crisp - just little things, but enough to make me suspect that the piece isn't what it appears to be. But I just keep listening to my friend all the time thinking she has a reproduction.  Then she asks me: "How can you tell if you have a piece of reproduction glass?"



                                                           Photo courtesy of Laurel Leaf Farm

My response: "I'm no expert on glass at all, but everything that I have ever been told about glass from people who are experts in the field say it is a "Feel" thing. (I laugh because that is such a vague response to a serious question.) Plus, you have to listen to yourself. I said just by what you have described to me over the phone my gut is telling me you have a reproduction, but since I am not looking at the piece I don't really know."

This lady also collects Candlewick so I asked her to feel a piece of her Candlewick - then feel her gift. Did she feel the difference? Then I asked her if she had a signed piece of Fenton, and told her to take her gift and compare with the known piece. How did it feel in comaprison? What was the pattern like - crisp and clean or not as well defined and rough? Was there a difference? Where was the wear or was there any?

She kept looking and feeling her gift and all of a sudden she let out a gasp -" its Made in Taiwan!"

Her husband didn't pay but about $12 for the piece and I asked her what she would have expected to pay for it if it had been real and she said about $24.

So, keep in mind that there are treasures that can be bought for $12 and realize a value greater that the cost. But, you have to pay attention to the details, feel the object, look at the object, ask yourself how, why, where - be informed. And above all else when you don't know - buy from an honest, reputable dealer.

As far as my friend goes she put the little shoe on her shelf and never told her husband about crack or the fact that it was a reproduction. When she passes it in the mornings she grins and cherishes the little gift from the love of her life, but also realizes that she had a very valuable lesson for a mere $12.

Happy Treasure Hunting,
VictorianCobweb

Joyeux Noel!

Kelli Djulus — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Have a wonderful holiday full of love, joy and peace!

Healthy Inspirations December 2009 ~ Guest Post by Chef Mindy

Kelli Djulus — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:30:00 GMT

Chef Mindy aka AGELESS RAW BEAUTYtm

Offering Monthly Recipes, Tips and Tidbits
along with Answering your Questions Related to Health and Longevity

The choices you make in the food you buy and consume, not only affects your own health, but also the health of the planet. (just like peeling the layers of an onion or the ripple affect of throwing a stone in a pond). We do live in a world of consumerism and a “throwaway” society; now would be a good time to make some changes. Take simple steps, one at a time, so as not to feel overwhelmed about all that is going on around you and what needs to be done.

I have been vegan for 20 years and eating organic for just as long. I also do other things to tread lightly on the planet, such as composting, recycling, taking public transportation, walking, using my own bags when I shop, etc. I did not do these all overnight, as everything takes time and adjustments to be able to incorporate into your regular habits.

For starters, it is best to buy items in bulk (grains, beans, nuts, seeds, etc at your local health food store) and even bring your own containers to fill them up, as this will lower the cost and also there will be less packaging to deal with. If you can, organic food is definitely a plus for your body, as there are no pesticides, irradiation, genetic engineering or sewage sludge allowed.

If you think that organic food is costly, I would agree if you buy the packaged products, as you are paying for the brands and the labor it costs to make it. If you are buying organic produce, then I would disagree. What you are not being told, is that conventional produce is grown using an abundance of pesticides that are sprayed into the soil and can't be washed or peeled off. The real issue is that when there is crop loss, our tax dollars pay for that and with organic produce, the yield is much higher, as is, the nutrient content (it has been tested by scientists). Besides that, since commercially grown food is depleted in nutrients, you feel the need to supplement your eating with vitamins and minerals (most are what is called “expensive urine,” as your body doesn't absorb them, and they are produced with other ingredients that have chemicals and preservatives and usually have a very small amount of what you want in it, but you wouldn't know unless you took it to a chemist to be tested).

If you would like to support locally grown food, then the next best thing to having your own garden, would be to shop at your local farmer's market. Most vendors use minimal pesticides or none at all, as they are small farmers who find other ways to control pests. If you are buying some organic produce, it is best to start with what is called the “dirty dozen” (has been tested to have the most pesticides when grown commercially). They are: apples, bell peppers, celery, cherries, imported grapes, lettuce, nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, spinach and strawberries.

Less contaminated conventional produce are: asparagus, avocados, broccoli, onions, cauliflower, mangos, papaya and pineapples. For more information, visit the Environmental Working Group's website. Be cautious, especially if you have babies/children as their bodies absorb the chemicals more readily. Feed them the best that you can, as they are the future!

HEALTH TIP ~ December 2009

Start purchasing locally grown organic food from your health food store, farmer's market and even at your supermarket. The more we ask for it and it is provided (supply and demand), the more prices will go down. Check your mail when you get the circulars from your supermarket, as they run weekly specials and advertise sales for organic items, including produce. Some stores even have, in house specials that are unadvertised.

HEALTHY RECIPE

When I was a child, my mother prepared something yummy for the family that was relatively simple to make. She called it a “blended salad.” It was a salad in a glass or bowl. You could serve it as a drink (veggie smoothie) or a soup. The ingredients used, were usually lettuce (romaine or another variety and if you make this everyday, please note that it is best to rotate your greens, whether it be romaine lettuce, green leaf lettuce , red leaf lettuce, spinach, etc because there are small amount of poison on the greens that are there to preserve the plant, so that if you eat too much of it, it stops tasting good), tomatoes, red bell peppers, cucumbers, celery and then it was blended up together and you could eat it with a spoon, as there is some thickness to it and if you want some crunch that add some chunks of celery, carrot and sprinkle sunflower sprouts on top. Also if you want a “citrusy” flavor, then you can squeeze some juice of a lemon, lime or orange.

Wishing you a joyous, healthy, happy, peaceful and prosperous holiday season and a bright New Year!

STAY TUNED! In my January 2010 post, I will talk about the “power of buying.” We can say a lot by buying less!

Noel en Provence ~ Guest Post by Vicki Archer

Kelli Djulus — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Un grand merci to Vicki Archer, author of French Essence: Ambience, Beauty and Style in Provence for giving us a beautiful glimpse of Christmas in Provence!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“The village looks like a fairyland. Around the circumference residents and holidaymakers are welcomed with streetlights that wish Joyeux Fêtes (Happy Holiday) or Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas). Illuminated panels of Provencal country life stretch between the buildings and garlands of small lights dip and lift overhead. These brightly lit pathways lead to the town square, bordered on one side by the impressive Mairie, the heart and soul of local government and official village concerns. This square is cornered by large plane trees, cascading with tiny lights, and centred with a fountain. Above the plane trees strings of fairy lights form a canopy circus style. The square appears brilliant against the night sky as if dressed with diamonds. Suspended from the apex of the canopy are sparkling spheres of blue, white and red - a patriotic tribute floating in a starry firmament.

The Christmas market is a French tradition and ours in Saint Rémy de Provence is held the weekend before Christmas. An organ grinder winds out ‘Jingle Bells’ and some children are clapping their hands and singing along to the tune. The words they sing have nothing to do with jingling bells and a horse drawn sleigh but rather they are singing an ode to the wind,

Vive le vent, vive le vent

Vive le vent d’hiver

Qui s’en va sifflant, soufflant

Dans les grands sapins verts,

Oh!

Vive le vent, vive le vent

Vive le temps d’hiver

Boule de neige et jour de l’an

Et bonne année grand-mere

Translated they are singing,

Live the wind, live the wind

Live the winter wind

Which goes whistling blowing

In the big green Christmas trees.

Live the wind, live the wind

Live the winter weather

Snowball and New Year’s Day

And Happy New Year Grandmother

Their little voices sound so sweet and the words are so apt in the chilling wind and freezing temperature of this December afternoon. A woman is roasting chestnuts in a pan over an open fire and the smell is irresistible. They are served piping hot in a twist of newspaper. There is something about the smell of roasting chestnuts and the quirky sound of organ music that feels so European and for me is still such a novelty.”

Extract from French Essence, October 2009.
Photographs by Carla Coulson
www.carlacoulson.com

Finding a Treasure Around Every Corner

Kelli Djulus — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:45:00 GMT

Guest Post by the lovely Victorian Cobweb

Looking for a new outfit in this day and time shouldn't have to put a lot of stress on the pocketbook. There are so many places to find affordable pieces to add to your wardrobe right under your nose! I'm not talking about brand new.... well sometimes I am. Let me explain. See, I help with Estate Liquidations and I also love to go to flea markets, antique stores and antique malls along with antique shows & sales, resale shops and even the occasional garage sale. In all of these venues, on any given day, you can find really great clothing and accessories - sometimes it is couture, sometimes it is vintage and sometimes its just gently worn or brand new with the tags! I bought 2 great classic vintage shifts this year plus I found a pair of lizard skin Nocona Boots that hadn't ever been worn - the soles weren't even scuffed!

I know your thinking "but I don't do antiques or estate sales". All I have to say is "You are missing out"! One estate sale had brand new clothing with their price tags still on them that came from stores such as Neiman Marcus, Macy's and Nordstroms. I bought a classic, white long sleeve Nordstrom button down shirt for only $3 (with the tags still on) that would have cost well over $30 in the store. A favorite antique mall near my home has a wonderful vendor that specializes in high-end vintage clothing where you can find anything from accessories to that special gown for a chic and very pricey dinner gala that you and the hubby have been invited to. And don't forget the hubster, he might need a new tux just for the occasion.

Also, you can Google Vintage Clothing or Consignment Clothing Boutiques, there are online and brick & mortar sites that will list a description of what they specialize in. Check out Etsy for vintage clothing, they have a wonderful community that is eager to help. Your best bets for the resale/consignment shops will be in larger metropolises but don't forget about the smaller suburbs, they can be a treasure trove of the unexpected.

Christmas is coming soon, and this is a wonderful way to stretch those tight gift giving budgets. The possibilities are endless, you just have to look in the most unlikeliest of places!

Here's to finding a treasure around every corner,
VictorianCobweb

Do You Etsy? ~ Guest Post by Kaytee

Kelli Djulus — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Bonjour,
I may be on maternity leave but I certainly haven't forgotten my fabulous ARWS readers & followers! Today we have a great guest post by Kaytee. She is one of the contributing authors over at The Recipe Co-Op and she's my cousin!
Merci Kaytee!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you haven’t checked out Etsy.com yet, you really should because you are seriously missing out on some of the best homemade and vintage finds out there! Etsy has a pretty simple concept; it is an on-line marketplace where people can buy and sell 3 types of things:
1. Anything homemade (excluding food).
2. Anything vintage.
3. Art/craft supplies.

On Etsy you can find shops owned by stay-at-home moms trying to make a little extra money to those who make their entire living and support their families from their Etsy shops. You can purchase anything from jewelry, to clothing, to purses, to custom invitations/cards, to baby items, to candles, to vintage lamps, and even organic dog treats. There are really so many talented people selling their homemade creations and it is great to have something that you know is one of a kind or at least one of a few.

Today I am sharing with you a few of my favorite Etsy shops (and I mean a few because I love SO many shops). Check these out when you have some time and also spend some time searching all the great shops on Etsy if you are looking for something specific. I promise you will find great and unique treasures!

Damselle

By her own description, Damselle sells “romantic and unusual handcrafted jewelry featuring semi-precious stones, pearls, and vintage components.” I have a necklace from this shop and I love it so much! I love that she uses vintage pieces and her signature “side clasp” details.
Here are a few examples of her necklaces:

Retrofied

The seller at this shop makes handbags, weekend bags, diaper bags, and clutches all from designer fabrics that are unique and oh-so-cute. Many of her bags are also reversible which is like having 2 bags in one. Bonus! She also does custom orders, which is one of the things I love about Etsy; the ability to personalize most everything that is sold, usually at no or very little extra cost.
I want so many of her bags I don’t even know where to begin! But here are a few of my favorites:

Handbags by Daphne

This is another purse shop but these are a bit more sophisticated and made of thicker fabric than the last. The bags are made from Italian tapestry, with blends of chenille. Also, they are very light weight and extremely durable. The seller does offer custom orders. What I love about these bags is that they are casual enough to wear during the day but fancy enough to use at night as well. Once again, here are my favorites:

Tadpoles and Tutus

This is a smaller shop but her items are so cute I had to share them with you. I like the modern twist she gives to children’s clothing and the unique fabrics the seller uses. Most of the items are created with out-of-print or hard-to-find fabrics which makes them truly unique! I don’t have any kids yet but I’m contemplating buying a few outfits to save for the future; that is how much I love them!

The Dusky Jewel

This is a shop that specializes in all things vintage. I like this shop because, though it may be small, the pieces they have for sale are good quality, in good shape, and oh so chic! The seller has clothing, jewelry, as well as some home décor pieces.
These are just a few of the vintage pieces I love:

I wish I could share with you many more but I think I should stop at 5. In case you need a little more direction, here are links to a few more shops I love. You can click on them and do some browsing for yourself.

Elephannie: Beautiful and modern vinyl decals for decorating. Especially great for a nursery or child’s bedroom.

Baby Momo: Completely fun, unique and hip baby items like burp clothes, blankets, bibs and clothing.

Amber’s Announcing You: Custom invitations, announcements, and holiday cards that are so dang cute you’ll just die!

His ‘n Hers: This is actually my sister’s shop that she has recently opened. She makes the cutest purses, aprons, baby items, and wallets. They are all of great quality so be sure to check it out!

Happy shopping!

Kaytee

Cozy Up!

Kelli Djulus — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:01:00 GMT

Oh how I love sweaters! They can do so much for a woman's figure: accentuate, conceal, color pop, complete a look, keep you warm and much more! So, when the temperature drops and the cool, brisk air {finally} arrives here in SoCal I love to cozy up in a sweater most days, topped off with a gorgeous scarf!

Of course a wardrobe isn't complete unless you have different shapes, sizes and sweaters in lots of colors. Here are some sweet, warm, fun and pretty choices from Anthropologie.









Happy Shopping,
Kelli

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Healthy Inspirations November 2009

Kelli Djulus — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Chef Mindy aka AGELESS RAW BEAUTYtm

Offering Monthly Recipes, Tips and Tidbits
along with Answering your Questions Related to Health and Longevity

The holidays are nearing and now is as good a time as ever to consider your choices for what you eat, what you buy and what you say. There is an abundance of information out there, especially with the internet and availability to find out about anything and everything if you “Google it.” Well, how about taking a break from all those technological advances and “check in” with what is going on inside. Take a break from the day-to-day grind. You deserve it!

I challenge you to turn off all your cell phones, computers, etc. for 24 hours and take the time to connect directly with people in person and with yourself by doing yoga, meditation, walking in nature, hiking or even treating yourself to a home spa treatment. It may be difficult at first, but then when you realize the difference in how you feel, it can become a regular habit.

Now, I well delve more into the choices you make and probably the most important one (often overlooked) is your communication. You may have thought I would say the food you eat, but words can be poison to the body, as well. It is not only what you say, but also what you think and feel, as well as, what others say to you.

If you don't like what is said to you, you can say quietly to yourself, “I don't accept this,” and/or you can speak out loud to the person and say, “I do not appreciate what is being spoken to me and I choose to disregard it.” The key is compassionate communication and not throwing daggers to put the other person on the defensive. If it gets really unbearable, you can simply leave, if that is an option. There is also a chance that the other person is feeling down and out and wants you to feel the same. Misery loves company. I say, “Please keep it to yourself. I will continue to be positive and happy!”

During the holidays, let us remember the joys of being together with family and friends and sharing the warmth of knowing how special we each are, no matter what anyone says. The cells of our body change relating to our emotions/thoughts and therefore affect our health. Think about it, when you smile, it is impossible to be angry/sad, as it makes you feel good. When you share a smile with someone else, you both feel good!

HEALTH TIP ~ November 2009

Check in with yourself every day and write down as many positive things you can think of about your day and about yourself. Read them over before you go to bed. This will help you see the brighter side of life, no matter what circumstances you are in. This will also reprogram your “insides” to become healthier.

HEALTHY RECIPE

K.I.S.S. = Keep It Simple Sweetie

When you prepare food, sometimes the best thing to do is to make a dish that is only a few ingredients. First, because it takes very little time to prepare and second, because it is easier on your digestive system.

During the holidays, we always want to make fancy dishes to impress ourselves, or others who join us in our “feasting.” This time, you can make something both delicious and easy to prepare! Try this sauce/dressing, for a salad, or serve it as a vegetable dip. Created from simply 2 ingredients - avocado and valencia/navel oranges! Simply blend the avocado with as many oranges (without the peel) as necessary to make it as thick or thin as you wish. It is really yummy!

I would like to end this post with one of my poems, again, taken from an upcoming book I will be self-publishing, entitled:

“My Inspirations: Short and Sweet/Heart Notes”
I'd rather be connected to a part of your life, then face it being apart from all. Copyright 2009

STAY TUNED! In my December guest post I will talk about the food choices you make for the holidays.

Some Like It Hot

Kelli Djulus — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:00 GMT

I know what you are thinking... Wow, she's diving into the world of top-notch classics. While yes, I love "old" movies, along with their glamorous stars and starlets, today is not about my adoration for AMC and the likes. Let's instead talk a universal language that all of us women speak, and that gets us all hot and bothered!

Introducing some of my most recent couture crushes ~

LAMB

Dolce & Gabbana

Elie Tahari

Giuseppe Zanotti

Missoni

Sergio Rossi

Burberry

Moschino

Dsquared2

Givenchy

All of these lovelies are available at Couture Zappos

Which ones have you steaming?

A bientot,
Kelli

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Your #1 Go-To Wardrobe Staple

Kelli Djulus — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:00:00 GMT

The Dress! So easy, flattering & simple!

1. Lengthen your legs with a shorter hemline. Just add heels and tights!

2. Slim your silhouette with darker hues and a uniform cut such as the sheath dress!

3. Be sure to always accentuate your waist!

All from Banana Republic

Do you have a favorite dress that you run to on mornings when you feel uninspired or just too tired to put together a multi-piece ensemble? If not, be sure to find one that suits your needs and style this season! You will be very glad you did.

A bientot,
Kelli

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Smythson of Bond Street ~ Boutique Spotlight

Kelli Djulus — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:00:00 GMT

I am always on the lookout for great boutiques! Today I would like to introduce you to a fabulous boutique... although it doesn't house clothing, shoes, scarves or jewelry. Smythson of Bond Street is tres connu for their gorgeous array of luxury leather goods including a diary/journal/planner selection that is to die for! All different sizes, colors, styles and personalization possible these "notebooks" (if I dare call them that) are sure to inspire, organize and add a definite dose of chic to your handbag, laptop bag or briefcase!

"As unique today as it was when introduced over 100 years ago, the Smython diary remains synonymous with innovative design, discreet good taste and timeless luxury. For a final, truly individual touch, diaries can be personalized with a name, initials, motto or motif."

Diaries/Planners

"Frank Smythson opened his first shop on 29th September 1887 at 133 New Bond Street. His trade card described his business as ‘First class stationery, leather goods and cabinet work’."
Although this is how the luxury brand began, in London well over one hundred years ago, they have diversified, now offering much more to all who cross the doors of this chic boutique! Lucky for us they've thought about almost everything; dive into the old world charm and unbeatable quality that has some many talking about Smythson.

Travel Goods

Books

Ladies Leather Goods Mens Leather Goods

Christmas Cards and Stationary Galore

Quotes and photos from Smythson.com

Whether you are looking for a little something special, for that someone special, treating yourself to a nice gift for making it through another year or simply looking for the perfect corporate gift for the holidays, be sure to stop in Smythson the next time you are in London. Or, for a quicker, more instant-gratification sort of feeling, pop on over to their website right now! These luxury yummies are sure to tickle your toes and get you thinking about the finer things of life.

Happy Shopping,
Kelli