Melissa Loves

Melissa loves: A Print a Day

Hello sweet friends! 

                  Happy friday! I am thrilled to have the lovely Yasmine with us today....what a treat it is to visit Yasmine's blog and see the beautiful creations she comes up with on a daily basis. I recently saw these beautiful lace themed pieces over on A print a day...the one below and this beautiful one.....I love them so much and asked Yasmine what the inspiration behind this one was. 

" I saw this girl at a church in Manila. She was one out of many. There were quite a few little girls actually, and I was also a child at the time but I was just a spectator. They were going through their first communion, and I thought they were all dressed quite nicely.. It was like a sea of little girls in nice clothes and lacy veils on and it's been in my memories since then. Even the grannies wore lacy things on their heads. Some wore black lacy veils. I love how lace looks when it drapes.

 It makes me reminisce--I was a very happy child. I think the image reminds me of a small part of life that I didn't really experience but many of the children around me did. It's very fascinating to me. It makes me want to retrace my childhood."

~ lace banner here 

~ butterfly clip here 

~ beautiful flats here 

~ swoon worthy wallpaper  here 

~ honeycomb necklace here 

~ lovely lanterns( that I would love to have on my porch) here 

Yasmine, thank you SO much for taking part in this series! It was lovely to have you and I look forward to seeing what you come up with next. All the very best....Have a fantastic weekend my friends! I hope you have something fun planned. On saturday, we are going to go to a birthday party to see some lovely friends that we haven't seen in awhile. I will see you back here on monday! Until then....be well. 

xo

Melis

ps don't miss today's "wow" post below, the beautiful lace borders around the ring? They are Yasmine's creations! I love them... xo

Wow...

Happy Friday my friends! 

                  When I saw this ring yesterday, I exclaimed aloud. I love it when that happens! Then I cannot wait to show you! I am just in love with this ring, it's color, it's simplicity, it's movement. wow... 

I hope you like it too! 

Isn't it beautiful? Right here.... ( you can email Marcus and request a custom sized ring, the price is $115.00 including free shipping to the US ! how cool is that? I love it....and Marcus is a sweetheart as well) 

~ and the gorgeous lace border? Right here...~ 

xo

Melis

ps be right back with a new "Melissa loves....."

The little things: my most favorite place...

Hello sweet friends! 

                        Sigh...... my most favorite place. Ever since I was little(growing up in Florida) my folks had a place on the keys. It was an amazing way to grow up, constantly by, in or near the ocean. I spent so much of my childhood happily looking for tiny crabs, shells and swimming from sun up to sun down. When I was about 17 my folks moved to a different house but, just across the highway. And here, under that little thatch-roofed hut, I read many a delicious book, drank gallons of soda, iced tea and crystal light :) Also, I just liked to sit there and do nothing, thinking, dreaming and watching the waves. I never sleep as well as I do there, after a day in the sun and cool breezes drying the salt to my skin. It is a little thing I treasure.... though I don't get there nearly as much as I would like. Won't you join me? 

                                                                                                                            

(  * as always, click on images to enlarge) 

For our pretend afternoon on the beach....

~ you kick these off (here) 

~and stroll onto the beach wearing this ( here)    ~your suit is underneath~:)

~ and this ( here) 

~ this is on your wrist ( here) 

~ you look out to sea ( here) 

~ and your ring sparkles ( here) 

~ as you pour yourself some lemonade ( here) 

What is a little thing you are treasuring today? I would really love to know. 

xo

Melis

ps the photograph of  "our" beach was taken by brother and sister and law. 

Thanks Bo & Adisha :) xo

pss don't forget to check out the "wow" post below!

Wow...

Hello my sweets! 

                 Sorry my post is a bit late today! We had a little internet snaffu over here( something to do with the storm yesterday in these parts) but, all is well now. Now, I have mentioned my love of Pollen here before but, when I visited wonderful Katie yesterday...she announced Pollen's new line of necklaces and I couldn't be more smitten! Don't you agree? 

*sigh*  So beautiful....Thank you Katie for reminding me of Pollen's loveliness! 

Hope you enjoy friends and I will be back later on today with "the little things". 

Happy Thursday! 

xo

Melis

It's my bag, baby!

Hello sweet friends! 

                   Ah, today's "bag lady" is the lovely Melissa from Reverie- daydream. Such a beautiful online shop with wonderful finds and such a sweet lady behind it all. Have you paid a visit to Melissa yet? Melissa was a good enough sport to share with us what she carries around with her on a daily basis and boy, is it elegant and lovely! Take a peek for yourself! 

1. Fell in love with this gorgeous bag in a little boutique in San Diego
    (can’t recall the name), but it is a Wabag ( www.wabags.com ).  I am a proud mama of a 17-month old, and I have never succumbed to carrying a diaper bag.  This bag is just the right size for all my needs without compromising my style.  I love it!  The color, the size, the design/style – it makes me happy!  
2. My cashmere wrap I carry everywhere because you never know when the fog might appear in San Francisco!  And it doubles as my little girl’s blanket!
3. Birdcage change purse ( one of my favorite products I sell in my online boutique ).  I love it so much that I treated myself to one.  Perfect for all the loose change I collect to make sure I always have enough for the parking meters!
4. Changing Pad and Wipes Holder purchased in Paris (my little indulgence).
5. Seventh Generation Diapers
6. Leash for my sweet little pug, Ashton.
7. Ginny, the teething Giraffe  
8. Little leather notepad (a cherished gift from a friend who recently returned from Italy) and pen because I’m always jotting down notes and reminders to myself.
9. Organic raisins for my little crumb if she needs a quick snack.
10. Imagine Lollia handcreme ( another favorite product I carry in my boutique ) – I’m obsessed with having soft hands!  
11. Re-wetting drops for my eyes because anyone who wears contact lenses understands how easily your eyes can dry out.
12. Thieves purifying sanitizer from Young Living – it’s incredible!  
13. EO organic lavender hand sanitizing spray….hmmmm?  Do I have a fear of germs?  J
14. Bare Escentuals Buxome Lips lipgloss – color: Dolly….this stuff ROCKS!  
15. Bare Escentuals Mineral Lipcolor:  Pink Champagne
     (I love the name of the color and how it goes with everything!)
16. An organic Cameo apple -  I still believe that an apple a day keeps the doctor away!
17. Mighty Leaf Organic Spring Jasmine tea bag – very fragrant and delicious.
18. My wallet which I adore because my incredible husband gave it to me for Christmas last year…it’s soft, the perfect size/shape, and I love the unique color.
19. Leica D-Lux 3 Digital camera because I never know when that picture-perfect-moment is going to happen!

 Thank you so much Melissa! What a gorgeous bag and lovely, lovely luxury everyday items inside! I see your beautiful taste spills over from your shop to your bag! Thank you so much for playing along and for sharing your bag with us! It was a pleasure having you here! 

xo

Melis

ps back at 11 with a brand new Tea & talk...you won't want to miss it! 

Tea & talk: Lamixx

Hi lovely friends! 

                    I am so excited for today's tea & talk! We have the lovely Jacqueline from Lamixx with us today! YAY... I think quite a few of us have been big fans of Jacqueline and her designs for quite awhile now..wouldn't you like to learn more about her and what she holds dear? Great! Grab your cup of comfort and get comfy! Welcome Jacqueline! :) 

Melis's questions:

1. 3 living things you treasure

My Family

My Guy

My friends                                                          

2. 3  non-living things that you treasure

Blackberry

Vintage Chanel bag  

Sewing machine                                                               

3. favorite time of the year and why

I love the winter time, something about the crisp cold air… makes me feel alive.

But in SoCal, I am not sure if it’s even considered winter.                             

4. favorite things to wear

Hmm this list could go on… day dresses, off the shoulder tops with denim, big hoop earrings and boots.

5. are you a perfume wearer ? If yes, which one? / top 3 favorite smells

If I can remember to wear perfume then I use:

Pleasures by estee lauder     

But my favorite smells are grapefruit & lavender              

6. Favorite animal

I would have to say the Panda Bear. It’s the first animal that came to my mind.

 7. top three events in your life(so far)

-Graduating College

-Starting Lamixx

-realizing life doesn’t always go as planned, so make the best of it and move forward.

8. top three favorite small pleasures

Walks on the beach

White chocolate latte at Coffee bean, extra hot

Milk tea over ice

9. top 3 favorite places in the world( you have visited or would like to visit)

The top 3 places that I have visited…

Oahu, Hawaii..Loved the people and relaxed environment.

Vietnam .. life changing experience

New York … fast paced, fun and fashion 

10. top 3 favorite sounds

  never really thought about my favorite sounds but if I had to pick…

-water from waves or a stream

-the crunch when biting into an apple

-the sound right after you take a photo, a moment has been captured.

11. top 3 favorite things to eat

-Sushi

-White chocolate macadamia nut cookies with ice cream

-crab or seafood of any kind

12. 3 favorite favorites right now! (from etsy or elsewhere)

-Just saw a leather bound vintage looking journal at Barnes&Nobles, but I am hoping to find one on etsy.

- Eyeliner from Bobbi brown

-Moroccanoil for my hair does wonders.

13. 3 small ways someone has made your day lately

-cooked me dinner

-laughing with me until it hurts

-planned a day of fun

 14. 3 small habits/quirks you have that make you specifically you!

-I smile even when no one is around

-I like to make jokes even if they’re not that funny.

-I was born on Thanksgiving day!

Ez's Questions:

15.-Describe your life using 6 words maximum (for each time frame).

    PAST: fun, risk taker, searching, kind

     PRESENT:  joyful, reality, thoughtful, selfless

   FUTURE:  hopeful

16. You are truly passionate about indie and handmade goods, tell us how that interest was formed:

I was making clothes that I love to wear, found the wonderful world of etsy and the journey continued..

17. Favorite books, films, and music... list 3 of your favorites in each category here:

Books: the purpose driven life, 30 days to a no regrets life

Films: cant narrow it down so my genre are thought provoking movies, comedy & suspense

Music:  jack Johnson, Michael bubble, Aalyiah

18 .Name 3 words that you can't stand, and 3 that you love:

Dislike : hate, cant, like

Love: happy thanks, wonderful

19. What are a few of the goals you have for your future and how do you plan on making them a reality?

Travel, travel, travel ….continue to make clothing, work smart and be happy doing it.

20. What is the best piece of advice you've ever heard?

“Treat others as you would like to be treated”

….we all know it, but the world would be a much better place if people did it.

21.  what is your favorite quote and why? 

"Don't dwell on what you lack; dwell on what you have and use it to the fullest with gratitude."

 ~It’s easy to think about all the things in life we may not have, but we are all unique and remembering that may give us a greater perspective on life ~

I love that beautiful advice and that wonderful quote. Such great mantra's to live by! Jacqueline, thank you so much for being a part of this series, it is an honor to have you and such a pleasure to get to know your sweet self better! 

~Jacqueline has generously offered Melissa loves readers a 15% discount for one week from today on anything in her shop! (I thought you might be excited about that...) :)  Just enter "MLBtake15" in the notes to seller section at checkout and Jacqueline will reimburse you! YAY!  Thank you so much Jacqueline! 

Have a wonderful wednesday friends, I will see you back here tomorrow for a new "The little things" 

xo

Melis

Cheap & Chic: inspired by art on etsy

Hello my friends! 

                         happy tuesday! I hope you all have had a good start to your week! Ez and I decided to do another Cheap & Chic outfit inspired by art on etsy. It is always so much fun to do! I think this piece is so incredibly beautiful and love it's simple color palette and relaxed feeling. 

~yumi yumi's beautiful print here ( her shop is on vacation mode right now, but you can always look at her sold items and sign up to be notified when she gets back! :)

~simple & beautiful earrings here $34.00 

~ sweet summer top here $19.50 

~ gorgeous necklace here $38.00 

~ weekend jeans here $34.50

~ Sah-WEET sandals here $19.99 

~ adorable clutch here $23.00

Total: $168.99

I sure hope you like it my dears! Don't forget to check out Ez's look right here....

 Now, you don't want to miss tomorrow's monthly tea & talk because it is someone I know quite a lot of you adore....also, she will be giving a sweet discount to my readers! So, stay tuned! 

xo

Melis

Monday: magical things...

Hello dear friends! 

              This weekend we had a hailstorm, a tree fell down in our front yard, there was a magical rainbow and  I fell in love.....again! :) I was searching and came upon a new( to me) etsy seller that took my breath away( be sure to look in her sold section to see the full range of what she has made) . Huge beautiful rings, gorgeous necklaces and earrings. All made with such expert craftsmanship, love and heart. Here is the ring I fell in love with.....

And here are some other magical things it inspired me to find....

1~ a magical little clutch here

2~ gorgeous earrings here 

3~ beautiful butterflies here 

4~ a most magical little queen here 

5~  an incredible necklace here 

I sure hope you like them and I hope you had a wonderful weekend! Did you? 

Did anything magical happen? 

Happy monday! 

xo

Melis

Melissa loves: Corduroy

Hello sweet friends! 

                I have been a big fan of Jen's for a long time now.... I adore this print and was excited to hear about the inspiration behind it. It turns out that Jen's response is one of my absolute favorites ever. Wanna hear? :) 

"I made this piece after moving back to the south from NYC. At the time I was content, in love, and really interested in slowing back down and finding sparks and humor in little things. Since I couldn't get to the real thing, I looked through the New York Public Library's digital gallery site ( http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/ ) a lot for inspiration. I love a library but in a pinch that site is an awesome resource. This little guy was based on a boar I saw in one of the very old collections of illustrations, though I have no idea which. The cake came after, but I don't know why. He just needed a cake. It may sound corny but sometimes the art just tells you what to do I guess. 

This little piece is one of the ones that holds up, for me. The little boar still makes me happy, with that glint in his or her eye. Many times I'm totally sick of the work after a while. But I find that most times, if it manages to be alive and special in some way and I wasn't trying to be too cool or do something that wasn't me or be all vague with it, I can still love it no matter how many times I see it. 
Also when I look at this one I think of all the really sweet buyers I've had that have told me what it meant to them, all the things they read into it personally, or told me a story about who it was for, that always sticks with me and means a lot. 
One buyer was buying their daughter a piece of art every year for her birthday so that when she grows up she'll have this amazing collection, which is such a great idea. Mine was for birthday number one, so that was really special! "

1~ to adorn your neck on the greatest day ever here 

2~ to wear on the greatest day ever here

3~ for decoration on the greatest day ever here

4~  favors for the greatest day ever here

5~ for your feet on the greatest day ever here

6~ a gift for you on the greatest day ever here

7~ and your card on the greatest day ever here 

Isn't that the loveliest response ever? Now, it makes me love Jen's print all the more. *sigh* 

Jen, thank you so much for taking part in this series. It was an honor having you!  Have a fantastic weekend friends and I will see you back here on Monday!  

xo

Melis

ps Jen's shop is in vacation mode right now, but you can see all of Jen's prints 

by looking in the sold section. :) 

The little things: lavender and grey...

Hello sweet friends! 

                             It is no secret, if you know me, that I am deeply in love with the colors grey and lavender. 

I have been for quite awhile now and it doesn't seem to be waning. So, I hope you will bear with me as I indulge that love again...This combination sets my heart a'beating and I can't seem to get enough. It is a little thing that makes my day! 

~Gorgeous sheets ( that I would get for our bed if I could) here 

~ sweet little glass owl( that really wants to live on my mantle) here 

~ beautiful and divine little dress (that I would wear every day) here :) 

~ a gorgeous bag( not quite lavender, I know, but seemed to fit anyway) here 

~ wallpaper I can't stop dreaming about and really want to hang on our bedroom wall (whew) here 

What is a little thing that is making you happy today? I would really love to know! 

Have a wonderful day all and I will see you back here tomorrow for a new "melissa loves", you don't want to miss this one. :) 

xo

Melis