Baroque Trend...

From top left:  shootstyle, FreePeople, Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2012, zszywka

 

As a history buff I tend to admire several design elements from the past, but lately, on pinterest and several of the 2012 Fall runways I've been noticing a trend I'm a little in love with. Baroque Style. Rich in textiles with details to the max, the result is a color story of rich wine reds and gold leafed floral with embellished head pieces. I'm not sure how this will trickle down into the everyday, but for now I'm so enamored with it, I'd be willing to take it as is! Most of the models have rocked a bare face and simple hair to let the clothes (and head gear) speak for themselves, but I'd probably do a dark vampy lip with one of these embellished jackets or sunglasses with jeans and little else. There is something so fresh about how opulent it all is, I've made a little collage to show off some of my favorites, although I think I may need to make a pinterest board as my camera roll is filling up rather quickly... 

Being inspired by these looks got me brainstorming, A Baroque influenced hair/nail tutorial will be coming soon!

Till then here is a bit more Baroque inspiration...

Kismet & My Story

Last week I ordered a necklace from Allison over at two leaf clover, and WOW! This little piece of heaven is absolutely perfect! Its understated, and ultra-feminine, I'm usually a bit leery of ordering jewelry online, I tend to like making my own things like bracelets and earrings , but when I saw that Kismet was the product of such passion and that the meaning behind the namesake was "destiny, and fate" I was just blown away by it all. Allison personalized my necklace with impeccable craftsmanship and made sure to ask which color beads I wanted and what metal to use, it was just so personal. Allison had no clue why I am skiddish when it comes to necklaces but I figure now is a better time than ever to share- Back in 2009 I got into a really bad car wreck, that resulted in multiple surgeries on my neck/spine, I was left with several scars, one large one on my neck, unfortunately the scar is still visible, before the accident I loved necklaces and wore them all the time, but after I became kinda self conscious about it, like it drew more attention if I wore accessories, even here on Easy Peazy it'd be almost impossible to find a pic from my right side where the scar is, I don't feel ugly because of it, I just have a reminder of how scary that accident was any time I see it...

Anyways, This necklace makes me feel that my neck is beautiful regardless of my scars, and that my neck is worth adorning with pretty things! I know this probably sounds dumb to all of you with flawless necks but dealing with a visible scar can be really tough on ones self-esteem. So Allison thank you! I will be wearing your wonderful masterpiece with my scar proudly! 

On a rainy day like today...

 Our 2009 elopement announcement with our favorite Kerouac quote

Today is filled with that wonderful rainy day beauty, you know when your bed needs to stay unmade, sheets stay crisp, and tea and a big soft sweater is the only thing you want. I love these types of days, where its so quiet and calm, all you can hear your tea kettle whistle and the water dancing alongside the curb in response to passerbys. Everything gets that haze, that beautiful and romantic rainy day haze to it, you finish your books and crossword puzzles, and perhaps visit the memories of significant rainy day of the past.

Jeremy and I got married on a day like today. As our third anniversary approaches, I took a minute to reflect on that day and how much it felt serene and calm like today. I think I love rainy day beauty more than any other type of day.

Over the Weekend...

Grandmothers vintage watch, and jewelry I made after my outing to the bead shop

 

This weekend was not only Labor day but both of my in-laws birthdays! We had a blast from Friday to Monday (people just don't party like folks from New Orleans). My mother-in-law and sister-in-law and I went antiquing and had a yummy lunch in Old town. I had the best sweet and savory salad of my life and ice cream from one of my favorite parlors after. Then it happened! I fell in love with an old inkwell in the window, and when we walked inside I fell in love once more with the most beautiful iron chandeliers... Sometimes I really feel like I was born in a different time and just woke up here!

After lunch we went to a local bead shop, I've been trying to branch out from my jewelry and be open to new things, like black and pink and silver, maybe even a little rose gold in the future! I didn't intend for the the amount of beads I ended up purchasing but I figured it would get me to make/wear new things...

 Update: As requested I've added a bit more in my about section, so feel free to check it out up top or here. I've also added a few new peeps to my blog roll.

I'd like you to meet...

Save The Redwood League

Ursus the Moon Bear

  

Hopefully all of you are knee deep in ocean/pool water soaking up the last rays of summer with bbq in hand! I wanted to stop in real quick and introduce you guys to a new friend of Easy Peazy that will be a staple on the blog. A few weeks ago I raved about Nancy Upshaw and her shop White Magick Alchemy, well I'd like to make sure if you all are ever interested in buying essential oils (or natural soaps from fellow store Solstice Scents) that a few things will happen soon after your purchase.

But first, Id like to say- I know in the blogosphere a lot of us advertise for monetary reasons, I'm not knocking that, if you make money from blogging and its a brand you love go for it! BUT, I have always promised to never endorse or advertise a product I don't use myself, and believe in.  I am never rewarded on the fact that I push a product. That, said I'd like to tell you more about Nancy and her shop, White Magick Alchemy. Nancy gives a large amount of her own revenue to several charitable organizations. She truly is a modern day Robin hood! She is passionate about animals so a lot of what comes from you or I, she gives directly to animals in Asia to stop Bear bile farming. She also donates to save what I believe to be  a national treasure, our redwoods, through "Save the Redwoods. She also is a silent donator to private/personal charities, Nancy is the type of person that sees a need in someone she passes on the street so she'll give them the proceeds from that day to help them get on there feet. she gives the best way possible, without recognition or merit. She doesn't even realize I had planned to write this up! Her passion is people and animals, the oils/shop (although an excellent product) are a means to do so, its never been about the money for her. This is why she is not only a friend of Easy Peazy ( now displayed on my side bar) but why she is a personal friend and hero. Thank you so much Nancy for all you do!

If you're interested in knowing more about charities Nancy Upshaw helps check out her Moon Bear Candles, proceeds go directly to Moon Bear Rescue.

If you would like to make donations straight to the charities Nancy donates to, or just find out more about them visit Animals Asia, More about Moon Bears and the Bile Bear trade, and Save the Redwoods.

28 for 29 Web Series

 I hope everyone is getting a head start on Labor Day weekend, soaking up these last bits of summer! Earlier this week I mentioned I was asked to participate in a genius web series called "28 for 29" brainchild of the lovely and talented Julia C Smith, fellow alumni and singer of all dark room tunes! Well, today my interview was published so I had to share, you can check it out here along with the rest of the series. I tried to be very open, and talked about some things I haven't yet mentioned here on Easy Peazy, which was a little frightening because I do tend to be private, but if I can share myself without a stitch of makeup on in this post, I think I can get through opening up about anything! I want to say thank you again to Julia, it was such a pleasure working with her and hope we can do it again sometime! It is my hope that this interview inspires women to not fear age! Fear stuff that is scary! And as always remember to take in the beauty that this life has to offer, even if it means slowing down enough to see the little things.

Have a Great Weekend!

BOMW

This has been a great week, I have met some great new friends through Easy Peazy, started a few new projects, and finished some others up. I'm looking forward to Fall, my favorite season! Sad to see summer go but man do I love crisp air, and the crunching of fallen leaves under my feet, days of hot chai lattes, and huge chunky knit cowls, ahhhh, just the thought! What signifies the return of cooler days for you? Jeremy says its the smell of the fallen leaves and my ginger cookies baking.Hope, you're having a great week! Here are a few bits of mine...

Knit on!

 A new (possible tattoo) art project with toothy paper and my favorite micron pen...

Kristie's Maternity Shoot

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of working with my sister-in-law Kristie again, on a small maternity shoot. We had a blast and giggled more than we probably should have, she was glowing with excitement that day, as we planned a special Halloween bash together. We are all so incredibly excited to meet Baby Noah this November!!! I will be doing a full-term shoot with Kristie and Josh later in the fall, and will share those pictures when I can, but for now I had to share some of these candid out takes of her warming up, is she not just drenched in joy!?!  Seeing Kristie so happy makes Jeremy and I a little eager to get our "baby ball" rolling! I was asked to participate in the birth of Noah so I think all this will gear me up for when its time for our little bundle of joy to come.Thank you Kristie and Josh for allowing me to be a part of documenting your pregnancy, it was/is an honor to be asked to photograph it...

30 Approachs & Looking Back

Julia-Goolia

Last week I was asked by the beautiful and talented Julia C. Smith to participate in her ongoing web series "28 before 29". I'm so excited to be a part of this series. The whole projects aim is to give someone entering this "tumultuous" time a construct that they may not have. I think its important to look at age positively and celebrate it, not fill it with negative connotations. My interview will be up sometime this week (I just finished it over the weekend), I urge everyone to read through if your approaching this time in your life and see how other strong women survived it. Collaborating on a project with Julia (Julia-goolia as she was known in high school) got me thinking about the past and I got a bit nostalgic...

White Magick Alchemy...

Yesterday afternoon I received a lovely package in the mail that smelled so amazing I had to drop what I was doing and take a moment to appreciate the sweet smell emanating from my mailbox. Its no secret that I'm in love with essential oils and natural soaps. One of the first things I learned in organic chemistry was how to make soap, I've since had an intense appreciation for the work and care that goes into essential oil blends and the art of simplicity that goes along with its use in soaps. Fast forward a few years and while at a Reiki workshop I was given a book on aromatherapy and started using scent as a form of healing and relaxation, the book basically told me what I had known for some time-scent plays a role in mood. Since, I have been on an endless search for the perfect calming blend . I am pretty sure I found it...

  You'd be amazed at how hard it is to find blends of oils in good condition, some go rancid quickly and require delicate care, some cannot be exposed to light, and some need carrier oils before application. White Magick Alchemy is one of those few places that uses excellent ingredients and exemplifies the care and time needed to create the perfect blend. Nancy Upshaw is a genius! Not only was my Frankincense and Myrrh oil packaged to perfection but she also sent a huge blend of dried sage, lavender, and rose hips as a free gift, a beautiful post card and handwritten note. I'm so excited to try her other blends. If you are interested in trying out oils for general well-being or just want a personalized perfume alternative (that last longer than most department store brands and doesn't contain additives) then check out Nancy's website: White Magick Alchemy I recommend all of her blends but my favorite would have to be the Frankincense and Myrrh. Both of these ingredients have been used for centuries to promote relaxation, and reduce inflammation their scent  is a sweet earthy blend that is reminiscent of aged leather, vanilla and musk, with a very light note of citrus. Its complex and melodic scent will be a staple of fall for me.