The Dainty Squid

Giveaway // Sheepy Me

2012-02-06T13:04:00.001-05:00

I have a great giveaway for your all today, one from Sheepy Me. I'll let Auksė tell you a little bit about herself and her business first!

Fluffy hi! My name is Auksė and I am the owner and designer for an online store Sheepy Me. I was born one wet & chilly autumn night back in Nineteen Nineties. Perhaps that explains my love for anything warm, soft and cozy. Felted wool - hint! Hm... vegetarian, chocoholic, vintage thrifter, animal and nature lover, sleeky minimalistic design admirer. I draw illustrations, take photos, browse through creative and inspiring things, write blog and make jewelry! My little store offers you jewelry made from the softest merino wool which does not make you itchy. Lightweight, bright colored and easy to take care of. Be playful, be courageous, be noticed!

What? The winner will receive $45 gift certificate to Sheepy Me!

When? You have until February 12th to enter.

How to enter - Visit Sheepy Me then come back and leave a comment telling us which item is your favorite or what you'd spend the gift card on. Please make sure there is a way to contact you if you win.

Optional bonus entries...
(please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't be counted!)

• tweeting about the giveaway, use this -

win a $45 gift card to @sheepy_me on @thedaintysquid blog http://tinyurl.com/6nzd6y9

• share the giveaway on facebook, tumblr or your own blog!
• Like Sheepy Me on facebook.
• follow Sheepy Me on twitter.

Good luck!
xoxo

PS. Make sure to pop over here to see if you're the winner of last week's giveaway for a $50 gift card to MaieDae.

Circus Bear Vintage - Behind the Scenes!

2012-02-06T09:32:00.001-05:00

Just a hand full of photos of what my days since opening Circus Bear Vintage have looked like! It's been a cycle of washing, photographing, measuring, and listing and to be honest, I couldn't be happier. It's so much fun. I feel like this is exactly what I need to be doing right now.

I'm still working on perfecting how I'd like to photograph clothes for the shop. I'm far too picky! I'm just dying to start listing all the gorgeous dresses, sweaters, capes, shirts and everything else though. I have the clothes rack shown above and three full boxes full of clothes washed and ready to move on to the next step in the listing process.

Today I'm finishing up another update, just a few more things to photograph and it'll be ready. It's going to be hard to rival the last one (Owl Always Love You) but I must admit this one is pretty darn awesome! The update will go live Thursday, February 9th, sometime in the morning.

Hope you all have a fabulous Monday!
xoxo

January in Review

2012-02-04T09:50:00.000-05:00

I only skipped one month in my monthly recaps (December, since I did a year long recap) but it feels like I haven't written one of these in ages! You can find previous months here.

new blogs I found & enjoyed:

• Blue Feather Style.
• Superstition Vintage.

new (to me) movies I watched:
• I started and finished United States of Tara this month. I wish there were more seasons! I absolutely loved it.
• These Girls. Meh, it was okay. Like I mention every month, I just like background noise while I work that I can glance and I guess this did the job.
• Sister My Sister.
• The Hole. I really liked this movie! Definitely worth a watch.
• Sonny. It stars James Franco, who is a prostitute that wants to get out of the business. It was definitely strange but kept me enthralled none the less.

A few of my favorite posts from January:

The Collector; part 13

exciting happenings on and offline:

• I had a really great Circus Bear Vintage update full of owls. It was amazing, so many owls found new homes. I love every aspect of CBV right now - finding treasures, photographing them, listing them and packing them up to send them on their way to new owners.
• Elycia and Ivan visited, it was so much fun. I would definitely say this was my favorite weekend to date. It's a blast to be able to be getting work done and still have tons fun. I'm still so pumped about our thrift video, and can't wait to make more videos of like everything we do, every time we get together!

• I made pals with a stray kitty. Nearly everyday he comes, visits and gets a bite to eat. I hope he tells all his buddies (the other neighbor hood strays) that I'm a nice lady who will pet and feed them!

• We went to the brand spankin' new Cleveland Aquarium...and were severely disappointed. It's by far the worst aquarium I have ever been to! We finished it in around 20 minutes. (Yeah, I know, that's not an "exciting happening" but I really just had to mention it. I'm still pretty bummed out!)

a tiny (and incomplete!!) list of things I'm thankful for this month:
• thrift stores • whoever donates all the things I go crazy for at the thrift store • the internet • Circus Bear Vintage • etsy • conversation hearts • technology • good food • Tommy's • birch beer • surprises waiting in my po box • pizza • hair dye • Bryan, my tattoo artist • the ridiculously mild winter we've had • days I can pass without wearing a coat • my four, smart, precious, and awesome cats

I'm excited to see what February has to offer!
xoxo

FF #142

2012-02-03T08:56:00.000-05:00

A little while ago Finest Imaginary came out with a cute new line of goodies including a tree stump brooch, a badger necklace, a bear necklace but my favorite, of course, is the mushroom brooch!

(via: Finest Imaginary)

I'm absoutely diggin' these shoes! I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of t-strap shoes, and I think these fit the bill!

(via: Bait Footwear)

This turntable is so awesome! It's amazing all the things you can make from a stump.

(via: audiowood)
This tea towel is so pretty! But as fabulous as it is I can't help but think about how a dress made with that print on it would be even better! :P

(via: modcloth)

Lisa Nilsson made these INCREDIBLE anatomical cross sections from quilled paper. I don't even know what to say, I'm blown away! I want a wall full of them!

(via: colossal)

I'm a new fan to Lush. Kevin got me a few bubble bars and fizzy things for christmas and I'm now, officially, hooked! So when I saw these mushroom bubble bars I just about died. Sure, they're pretty ugly and don't really look much like mushrooms, but I still need to try one!!

(via: lush)
Lucky Jackson is still creating amazing works for her project. Right now she's doing a series of movies called "You and Me and Popcorn and...". My favorite so far has been The Life Aquatic! It's amazing how much that really, actually looks like Bill Murray!

(via: 365 lucky days)
This is probably one of the coolest things I have ever seen! It reminds me of going on hikes with my dad when I was younger and we'd find these trees with holes in them similar to the one in the photo but taller (and obviously without a door). We'd call them "Superman Trees" because you could go in them and spin around and turn into a super hero. To this day when I find trees like that I still shout "superman treeeeee!" and try and squeeze into them.

(via: treenquick)

• Isn't this dress SO pretty? It also comes in green. I can't decide which I like better!
• I'm drooling over this recipe for Red Velvet Hot Chocolate from Elsie and Emma!

• Feather and Moss is most likely my favorite etsy shop ever as of right now.

Hope you all have a great Friday! I'm working on a new CBV update possibly happening late next week, I'm pretty excited.
xoxo

Guess what!

2012-02-02T13:12:00.005-05:00

I'm super excited to announce that I am that newest member of the Delightful Dozen!

If you've never heard of Delightful Dozen then let me fill ya in; The Delightful Dozen is a group of 12 girls from across the United States who have decided to join forces to swap clothing, share style and inspire each other.

You can find my little interview right here! Be sure to check out the rest of the blog and the other eleven ladies.

I'm super stoked to challenge myself in styling some pieces I might not other wise have the chance to. I'm also pretty excited to build new friendships!
xoxo

Thrifty Finds

2012-02-02T07:32:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I shared a video of Elycia and I thrifting our little hearts out, today I'm going to show you the fruits of our day, well my half of it at least. Elycia also made out like a bandit!

While this small pile of clothing doesn't look too exciting, I'm pretty stoked to add these three goodies to my wardrobe. A light, summery dress covered in what remind me of red blood cells, a swim suit and a jean jumper. The swim suit is from an estate sale, I actually bought it to sell (gosh, I have a feeling you'll hear this often...) but I tried it on and fell in love! I have a long-ish torso and have a hard time finding bathing suits that fit without being uncomfortable - this one fits like a dream!

Folding binoculars! These puppies are going straight into my camera bag which basically just turns into an adventure bag in the summer. They're brand new, even the box is in amazing shape.

I'm having a hard time believing that I actually hesitated buying this telephone brooch when I found it. My brooch collection is getting pretty respectable now, I should share updated photos of it soon.

I'm completely smitten with this kitten container. I think it may have previously housed valentines or something of the sort (it has an area to fill in "to:" and "from:" on the back) but it's super clean. It's now the new home to my key collection.

Saving the best for last...LOOK AT THESE! Purple cowboy boots and blue cowboy boots. (Yep, these are the same boots you saw me freak out over in the thrifting video) Not only do they fit perfectly, I'm pretty stoked about the price. The blue pair were $4.99 and the purple pair were $8. Normally that's way more than I'd pay for shoes at the thrift store but seriously, how often do you come across beautiful boots like these!? Apparently someone had just gotten rid of their collection because Elycia was able to snag a red pair and a brown pair at the same place. Super score!

Have you thrifted anything awesome lately?

Well I've gotta run now, but I'll be back a little bit later with something exciting!

xoxo

Video // Kaylah and Elycia's Thrift Adventure

2012-02-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned yesterday, Elycia and I kicked some serious butt over the weekend. We made a vlog, wrote a tutorial, took the most awesome outfit pictures and we made this amazing video showing off our day thrifting!

Ivan followed us around Saturday with the camera while we did our thrifting business. After we got back to my house we almost immediately starting editing. All four of us cuddled up around Elycia's computer until midnight when we finally had it mostly done. It was so much fun to make, and help edit.

Hope you enjoyed getting a peek into our day, and seeing me move for the first time ever! Hah!
xoxo

2012-01-31T19:49:00.001-05:00

10 things making me smile...

2012-01-31T08:16:00.000-05:00

1 // kitties who just don't understand what the heck a record player is...

2 // rearranging my cute little shelf to feature all my favorite little critters...

3 // when even my dirty dishes look cute...

4 // all the pretty colors and patterns in my bedroom...

5 // pretty nails.
I'm so happy they keep coming out with more Sally Hansen nail strips. You can find where I've blogged about them in the past right here. I still super duper love these things.

6 // finally hanging my paint by number collection in the living room...

7 // this sweet picture of the boys...

8 // this bony guy who hangs out by my collection of cameras...

9 // this adorable Pennsylvania Dutch napkin...
Kevin and I now say "don't be so schloppich" to each other every chance we get.

10 // this photo from the fall...

(my dad carved "i luv u" in this puffball, put it back where he found it then told me he saw some mushrooms over on the dam and that I should go look. I'd be lying if I said I didn't shed a tear about how cute it was!)

Those along with a million other things are what's making me smile today. Elycia and I had the best weekend ever, I can't wait to start sharing some of the amazing things we worked on (starting tomorrow! You should be pumped, I sure am! For about 99.99% of TDS readers this will be the first time you get to see me move and see that I'm a real person! Haha.) Plus it's supposed to be 55°F today, words cannot express my excitement! I'm so ready to get outside, I hope my work hours fly by and this evening moves in slow motion.

What's making you smile today?
xoxo

Giveaway // MaieDae

2012-01-30T11:05:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday! For the third week in a row I have a way to brighten up your Monday - with a giveaway! This week it's from The Dainty Squid's January XL sponsor. I'll let her introduce herself!

Hello! My name is Savannah. I am a lifestyle blogger at MaieDae. Graphic designer. 9-5 cubicle worker by day, small business owner by night. Nester. Amateur photographer. Momma of two boy kitties. Wife to my high-school sweetheart. :)

And now for the giveaway!

What? The winner will receive $50 shop credit to MaieDae handmades!

When? You have until February 5th to enter.

How to enter - Visit MaieDae's shop then come back and leave a comment telling us which item is your favorite. Please make sure there is a way to contact you if you win.

Optional bonus entries...
(please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't be counted!)

• tweeting about the giveaway, use this -

win a $50 shop credit to @maiedae on @thedaintysquid blog http://tinyurl.com/6o5lqec

• share the giveaway on facebook, tumblr or your own blog!
• follow Savannah's blog.
• Like MaieDae on facebook.
• follow MaieDae on twitter.

xoxo

The winner is Kjersti! Thank you all so much for entering!

Stray Kitty

2012-01-28T08:27:00.000-05:00

The other day I walked in my living room and saw this sight in my dining room...

Normally my kitties are pretty nuts when they see a stray, or any animal that they don't know hanging out outside but they were just hanging out with this guy like they were good pals. It was the sweetest thing ever. I think Leaf, especially, was smitten with him.

During the four or five hours that he hung out on the deck I took so many pictures. He's such a beautiful kitty! I wish we could adopt him. I wonder where he's from, or if he has a home. I especially wonder what his name is, I have yet to name him even though I've named all the other neighborhood strays.

Aren't those eyes hypnotizing?! I am just in love! I hope he continues to visits often. He's been back everyday since. I made him up a little shelter on the deck to protect him from the wind (it's been crazy windy here lately!) and I fill up a little plate of food for him daily.

Oh - and of course, seeing as they're my favorite, I have to include a photo of him with his tongue out...

Hope you have a fabulous day! Elycia and I have some awesome plans, I can't wait!
xoxo

FF #141

2012-01-27T08:49:00.001-05:00

This is so beautiful Fog is so charming, I would love to unzip my tent on a cool morning to see this. That being said, I just really would love to go camping right about now. I've dying for spring to get here!

(via: sarah kate)
Earlier this week Elsie shared this awesome tutorial to add a little flare to your boots. I absolutely love this idea.

(via: A Beautiful Mess)
What a cute little planter!

(via: PataPri)
This coat is too cute, I adore the detachable collar lining, the shape, the color, everything!!

(via: modcloth)
Four words : dream house, perfect location! I'd love to live somewhere without neighbors close by. I'm totally over hearing my neighbor rev his car for 15 minutes at a time, three times a day, everyday.

(via: Nick DeWolf Photo Archive)
This ring is too cute! I love small simple rings.

(via: michellechangjewelry)
This embroidered necklace of the United States is pretty amazing. I wish I knew how to embroider!

(via: ilgattoselvatico)
Air plants look so beautiful planted in urchins! This, my friends, is what I want for Valentines day! They'd look perfect on my desk.

(via: peacocktaco)

I'm ridiculously in love with this dress from Lu Flux. I don't think I've ever seen a dress that would suit my strange fashion tastes more. I saw Kate from The United States of Tara (ps. I highly recommend that show. I've torn through all but three episodes this week!) wearing it and had to search online and find it.

(via: Lu Flux)

Paper craft cameras! They come in a few different & absolutely adorable patterns too!

(via: girliepains)

❚❚❙❙❘ This lamp is probably the most perfect lamp ever made! I'd probably melt into puddle if I ever found it while thrifting.

❚❚❙❙❘ This shop has so many fabulous pairs of vintage glasses. I would LOVE to go to their house and try them all on!

Hope you all have a great Friday!

xoxo

ps. Don't forget to let Elycia and I know what you'd like to see from our upcoming blogging weekend! You can read more about it here, & fill out the form here. We'd especially like to know what you'd like to see in a vlog and what questions you'd like answered! :)

what I wore; new purple hair!

2012-01-26T08:47:00.000-05:00

the details:

jacket - target

shirt - thrifted

brooch - thrifted

necklace - ebay

belt - thrifted

camera bag - Jo Totes

skirt - c/o Romwe

tights - target

boots - thrifted / vintage

I originally bought these boots for Circus Bear Vintage but when I got home and curiously tried them on I fell in love and realized I just couldn't part with them. They fit perfectly and they're so cozy. Feels like you're not really wearing boots at all which I suppose isn't really the best in the winter (my tootsies were so cold!) but I'm stoked to wear the heck out of them this spring and summer!

Once again, as I post an outfit picture in the snow, all the snow is already melted! I haven't even had a chance to go sled riding yet! The cycle seems to be that it snows really hard then melts really quick. It's normally not like this, at least not this quickly.

My plans today are to clean for when Ivan & Elycia get here, make and photograph a recipe for the blog and work on some nail tutorials! Fun, fun, fun! ...well except cleaning the bathroom, least favorite chore ever!

Hope you have a great day!

xoxo

ps. Any weird looking speckles in the photos are actually snow flakes! I'm not sure why they stand out the most on my tights.

Elycia and Kaylah's awesome blog weekend!

2012-01-25T12:01:00.000-05:00

Last time Elycia and I were together we had the idea to have a "blog weekend" the next time we got together and this is the weekend!

(It's a miracle we'll be doing something other than taking jumping pictures together! ...Not that we won't sneak a few in...)

We've got a few ideas but we'd like your input on what you'd like to see. Is there a tutorial you'd like us to share, something you'd like to hear our tips on or a question you've been dying to ask? Now's the time!

Feel free to email one of us, leave a comment here or if you're shy you can fill out this quick form here on what you'd like to see! The more specific you are the better, but general ideas of what you'd love are great too!

We can't wait to hear what you'd like to see!
xoxo

CBV update; Owl Always Love You!

2012-01-25T07:10:00.001-05:00

I am SO excited about this update! Owls, owls, owls....and some more owls! I've been gathering goodies for a while, and even chose a few from my own collection that I think someone else could give a little more love than me! Here is a peek of a few of the owls in the shop...

1 // Nobody's Perfect, Savings Help! Coin Bank
2 // Set of Owl Book Ends
3 // Set of two Owls
4 // Owl Coin Bank

5 // Owl Salt Shaker
6 // Owl Tumbler / Vase / Pencil Holder
7 // Owl Mug - Have A Nice Day
8 // Owl Salt and Pepper Shakers

There are over 30 new owls in the shop as of 7 am today! You can find them all here!

Hope you all are having a great day! I'll be back a little bit later looking for some some ideas from you guys on a little something we're doing this weekend! ;)
xoxo

It's the little things...

2012-01-24T09:10:00.000-05:00

like listening to my mom and dad's records from when they were young!

(uhhh, also, I might be addicted to making GIFs...)

A few weeks ago my mom and I ventured up in the attic (which actually means she sent me up with a flash light in that scary, completely dark, spiderwebs thicker than anything you've ever seen filled place) to get her and my dad's old records.

A lot of them have pretty damaged sleeves but everything we've cleaned up works like a charm. They have a lot more clicks and pops than our new records but it's so charming. I love listening to them and imagine my parents listing to them a long time ago.

Hope you're having an awesome day! Today I'm finishing up the owl update for Circus Bear Vintage. It'll go live tomorrow morning. I'm beyond excited. There are so many owl goodies! It's taking all my might to not just post everything today.

xoxo

Giveaway // Woodii Terrarium Necklace // CLOSED

2012-01-23T11:09:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday! I have a giveaway this morning from another one of this month's sponsors, Woodi. Courtney seems to be one talented little lady but I'll let her tell you all about herself!

My name is Courtney Matzke and I run the new online shop, Woodii. Based in Seattle, Woodii features handmade, unique treasures as well as vintage and upcycled clothing. My background is in art history and book making but I’ve been interested in craft and art since I was a little girl. I am fascinated with the concept of perception, in particular with ideas of scale. From microscopic organisms to the expanse of the universe, I want to image and explore the possibilities. With my new line of terrarium necklaces, I have taken the basic elements of life on earth and miniaturized them, making it possible to carry the earth as a tiny pendant. While focusing on the imagination, I also believe that one’s spirit should be playful at heart. A girl should approach each day drawing from her limitless spirit while absorbing the beautiful world surrounding her. With cute and whimsical vintage pieces, one can reminisce about the the history and life of the woman who once owned each garment while also recycling and preventing further waste in our world. Offering items creative, natural, and feminine, Woodii is a shop which embodies my imagination and encourages others to explore their own.

Now for the giveaway...

What? The winner will receive the Midnight Moss Frosted Glass Terrarium Necklace, shown above.

Here's a little bit about the necklace; "This tiny vial contains a miniature world within. The glass vial is frosted at the top to create the effect of a foggy and misty woodland. Tiny grains of white sand rest at the bottom with blue and grey pebbles atop. The next layer is composed of very dark green moss, or specifically Old Man's Beard Lichen (Dolichousnea longissima), which I hand dyed and preserved. It is sealed with a cork and held with a gold-colored chain."

DETAILS:
Pendant length: 1.25"
Chain length: 19"

*Special Note: Since this necklace is made with a glass vial, please keep in mind that it is very delicate and will have to be worn with care.

When? You have until January 29nd to enter.

How to enter - Visit Woodii's then come back and leave a comment telling us which item is your favorite. Please make sure there is a way to contact you if you win.

Optional bonus entries...
(please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't be counted!)

• tweeting about the giveaway, use this -

win a terrarium necklace from @loup_loup on @thedaintysquid blog http://tinyurl.com/6qz2qas

• share the giveaway on facebook, tumblr or your own blog!
• follow Courtney's blog, Woodii.
• Like Woodii on facebook.
• follow Courtney on twitter.

The giveaway has ended and the winner is....
Messy! Congrats! You will be contacted soon!
xoxo

PS. Last week's giveaway from Silly Grrl has ended and the winner has been announced, please check here to see if you're the proud new owner of an awesome blog layout.

Beautiful Bears

2012-01-21T07:37:00.000-05:00

For Christmas I got some really great gifts but one of my favorites has to be a membership to the Cleveland Zoo! Kevin and I normally visit twice a year but this gets us free (or discounted) admission to a bunch of other zoos in every state too! I'm totally stoked!

We decided to break our passes in and hit up the Cleveland Zoo the first weekend in January. It rained a bit while we were there but it was a beautiful day none the less. I fell in love with the armadillos (how did I never notice how absolutely precious they are before?!) and the beaver (we shared a moment!) but my favorite photos are of the bears! There were four cute little cubs wresting, relaxing and just being silly. I had a really hard time choosing which photos of them to share...

Doesn't it look like he's saying something like "Hey, calm down man!" to the other one? Haha!!

Hope you're having a great Saturday!
xoxo

Advertise in February

2012-01-21T06:02:00.001-05:00

It's almost February! I'm very excited for the new month, I've got lots of great things planned and I'd love for you to be involved. There are both large and small spaces available.

The extra large space for February is already reserved and the next months available are June and July but if you reserve one now the current price is locked in!

You can find more info on advertising right here, and if you've already made up your mind that you'd like to advertise you can fill out this form.

FF #140

2012-01-20T08:43:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what it is but something really draws me to The Good Machinery's photos!

(via: The Good Machinery)

These vintage shoes are so fabulous! They remind me a lot of these ones I thrifted a while back.

(via: mygmascloset)

This bag rocks! I love raccoons, and I love bags with faces so this bag is automatically something I love.

(via: LaLisette)

These handmade underwear are probably the best thing ever. Knickerocker has some pretty awesome other pairs as well.

(via: knickerocker)

I absolutely adore this portrait by wishcandy. Everything is perfect right down to the tooth hair pin.

(via: wishcandy)

Hearts on the doors, so so so cute! I wish I had a fancy front door.

(via: frausieben)

Love this letterpress tray filled with little treasures. I saw one at a thrift store for a few bucks a week or so ago and didn't buy it because I couldn't think of what to do with it. What a dummy! I have tons of small treasures to fill it with!

(via: becca aslett)

Eeeep! Look at this great little boat thing. I wonder if it's a pedal boat, that would make it a thousand times more awesome. I love pedal boats, so much fun!

(via: 文隽)

Kitties under the blanket are the best thing ever! Every night in the winter time Squid hops up on the bed and nudges me which means "Hey, lift up the covers!" and then she moseys her way under the covers and curls up by my feet. It's the best thing about cold weather! She normally doesn't stay too long because someone's pesky little brother, Professor, likes to attack the bump in the blanket (which also the cutest thing ever!)

(via: Valerie Santibañez)

I really love how a ray of sunshine is coming out of the cloud and there is a flower blooming underneath it. It's such a perfect picture!

(via: Camilla Engman)

♥ Kim over at HipHop Sideproject shared 10 killer ways you can help your business right now which is part of a series of posts about working for yourself. They're always great, definitely recommend checking them out.

♥ These photos of Switzerland just put it at the top of the "places to visit before I die" list.

♥ Best tutorial ever: shell potted succulents! What an amazing idea.

Hope you're all having a fabulous Friday! I've got dye on my hair and a cat on my lap, it's a great day!
xoxo

More beach treasures...

2012-01-19T08:08:00.002-05:00

Last week I admitted my love of picking up trash on the beach. I was blown away by the amount of people who responded they loved to do the same! That Tuesday (the day I did my photo an hour post for January) was the perfect day to do so, the wind wasn't blowing and that's just about the only factor that makes it not a good day to go to the beach in my opinion. It's so bitterly cold there in the winter when the wind blows. We got to the beach with about twenty minutes to spare before the sun set and this is what I found...

Maybe it's just me but I think these would make pretty cool post cards - especially the first one. I like weird post cards and I think getting one of beach trash on it would be pretty hilarious. I don't really think we have that much trash on the beach compared to other beaches though. When I was younger my family and I went to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. My cousin who is severely allergic to poison ivy got some before we even left my house so we had to go to the emergency room shortly after we got to SC. In the emergency room, I will never forget, there was a lady with a fish hook stuck in each of her big toes. Oh my gosh, that makes me sick to my stomach thinking about it happening to me. So, yeah, I'd much rather step on a tampon applicator or lighter at the beach than something like that. I rarely see anything fishing related, like bobbers or those fake fish bait things, on the beach, I consider us fairly lucky.

Wait, here's another gross beach story, slightly unrelated but while we're on the subject I need to share! One time, a few years back, Kevin and I went to the beach, laid out a blanket and hung out for a while. A few minute pass, sniff, sniff, sniff...Kevin, I smell dead fish! Gross! He responds that he doesn't smell a thing. We stayed for a half an hour or so before I couldn't stand the smell anymore and we got up to leave. When I picked up the blanket to shake all the sand off of it there was the culprit - a dead fish. I had been laying on it the whole time. Hahaha.

In other beach related events - the lake still isn't frozen, last year it had been frozen for about a month already by this time. I'm almost kind of bummed. Of course, I'm enjoying this weather but I was pretty stoked to go back and see the beach when it was frozen again, it was such an amazingly beautiful sight last year. (You can see photos here)

I swear I won't post photos of trash every time I go to the beach, just every once and while. ;) I hope you have a great Thursday. (Can you believe it's Thursday already, I can't!) I'm going to do some baking today, someone has been requesting my vegan banana bread for about a week. I'm also going to start plotting how I'd like to photograph clothing for CBV. So exciting!
xoxo

what I wore; a modern little red

2012-01-18T07:47:00.000-05:00

the details:

sweater - The Vulture Cardigan c/o Glamour Kills

dress - c/o Doubledutch Boutique

belt - Modcloth

socks - Kohls
pin - thrifted

shoes - Trip Oxford c/o Wanted Shoes

I am SO in love with this outfit! I feel like everything about it flows so well. Plus knee high socks are just about my favorite thing ever right now, even if I have to pull them up every three minutes.

Hope you all have an awesome day! I'm going to work on finishing up the owl update for Circus Bear Vintage today. It'll go live on January 25th, just in time to get a present for your Valentine. I'm so excited!

xoxo

Crazy for coats!

2012-01-17T07:33:00.001-05:00

Since discovering that coats would work with and compliment my outfits instead of working against them in late fall, I've been a little coat crazy. I've added at least four more thrifted coats to my collection of fall/winter jackets....and I've been obsessed with browsing online for more!

Modcloth is having a huge sale right now with 70% off a huge amount of awesome clothes (There are dresses under $20!! That's my kind of sale!!) and while scrolling through all the goodies it was the coats that were catching my attention. So I thought I'd share a few of my favorites!

1 // Stylish Sleuth Coat. ~~$99.99~~ $29.99

2 // Red It in the Paper Coat. ~~$89.99~~ $26.99
3 // Granite My Wish Coat. ~~$109.99~~ $32.99
4 // Pencils and Buses Coat. ~~$154.99~~ $46.99
5 // Mycologist Coat. ~~$59.99~~ $17.99

My favorite is number four, the pencils and buses coat. It reminds me of this coat that was at Target earlier in the year but every time I went to buy it they were out of my size, which broke my heart! But the mycologist coat is pretty fabulous too. I can see myself trotting around the woods in it this spring, pockets stuffed to the max with treasures found through out the day. I'm essentially a three year old, I'll put anything I find in my pocket...

Don't forget to check out the sale before all the really awesome things are gone!
Hope you all have a fabulous day!
xoxo
PS. Like my little hearts around my favorite? Haha! I spent way too long trying to draw hearts with Kevin's wacom tablet, that sucker is hard to use! I promise I can draw WAY better ones in real life!

Giveaway // Silly Grrl blog template! // CLOSED

2012-01-16T08:14:00.002-05:00

Happy Monday! This morning I have a great giveaway from one of this month's awesome sponsors. This is the perfect giveaway if you're looking to finally start a blog, or just looking to give yours a fresh look, but before we get started let's let Sarah from Silly Grrl tell us a little bit about herself!

Hi! I’m Sarah, a web designer and aerialist from Michigan. I spend my days designing sites for bloggers & businesses and my evenings & weekends swinging from my trapeze, lyra and aerial silks with The Weird Sisters Circus. I adore my rat terrier, Slayer, and have wicked addictions to sugar, crossing off goals & going on adventures. I opened my template shop in May of last year to help bloggers get a little bit of my style without having to shell out of the cash for an entire custom design.

an example of one of Sarah's templates!

What? The winner will receive a template of their choice from Sarah's shop. There are templates for blogger, tumblr and self hosted wordpress!

When? You have until January 22nd to enter.

How to enter - Visit Sarah's etsy shop then come back and leave a comment telling us which template you'd choose if you won! Please make sure there is a way to contact you if you win.

Earn extra entries by...
(please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't be counted!)

• tweeting about the giveaway, use this -

win a blog template from @sillygrrl on @thedaintysquid blog http://tinyurl.com/736tsk7

• share the giveaway on facebook, tumblr or your own blog!
• follow Sarah's blog, Silly Grrl.
• follow Sarah on twitter.

The giveaway has ended and the winner is Alana!! Congrats!!
xoxo

The Collector; part 13.

2012-01-15T08:03:00.001-05:00

Since the beginning of 2011 I've been sharing photos of my collections. So far I've shown off my collection of cuckoo clocks, vintage stationary, brooches, special things, buttons, keys, nesting dolls, owls, deer, weather houses, nail polish, and cameras.

It's been a while since my last collection post and while I have a few collections that I still need to find the time to gather from around the house and photograph there's always been one I've felt awkward about sharing. Not because I'm not proud of it, I'll gladly shove them in anyone's face who shows the slightest bit of interest, but because most people think they're really gross and no one wants to hear negative comments about one of their favorite things. ...I'm talking about my collection of teeth!

I did a little interview on Lea's blog, The Collective Collective, which you can find right here, where I talk about my collection, my favorite piece and share a few more photos.

I'm more than willing to share more photos of my favorite collection here on the blog with more information if anyone is interested, like I said I love talking about this collection!

Anyone else out there collect teeth?
xoxo

FF #139

2012-01-13T07:00:00.002-05:00

Are these Breaking Bad valentines the best thing ever? Yes, they are!

(via: shimmering and white)

Love this cozy looking sweater! I saw the one of the reviewers commented on how weird it was when people read it out loud to you, which I agree would definitely take me a second to understand they were reading my shirt and not talking to me. Which actually reminds me of this one time at a flea market this guy was talking to me about my tattoos and he was like "oh, is that one new?" I responded "well, not really, it's been a few months" to which he said "Well it's new since that last time I saw you, right?" I had never been to this flea market before and I sure as heck had no idea who this guy was.

(via: modcloth )

Love this pretty room! Hanging typewriters is a really cute idea, perhaps for when you have too many pretty ones and have no more room...?

(via: jendavid1000)
I can't get over how pretty macarons are. I still have yet to try one. Perhaps I should put it on my 2012 goal list to try making some!

(via: danske)
So absolutely in love with this photo. You may not know this but I would LOVE to be in the circus, not now, but back in it's heyday. I daydream about what it would be like if I was born into the circus and was taught the trapeze at a really young age. I'd have a great stage name and wear fabulous sparkly costumes. That is literally the only job I'd ever want above what I do right now.

(via: grickily)

Such a pretty painting!

(via: ohmycavalier)
Can this be my bedroom?!

(via: design inspiration gallery)

Smitten by this simple kitty illustration.

(via: Clare Owen Illustration)
Love collections of globes! I have a small collection (5) on top of the hutch in my hall way but all of these would be nice additions!

(via: RobertaGrove)
Fancy pup, you're too cute!

(via: databhi)

♥ Eeep, how cute is this kitty!? ...want...to....squeeeeeeze!!

♥ I just recently joined chictopia, if you're already member - lets be friends! You can find me here. If you're not a member but take outfit photos or just like fashion - you should join!

♥ Elsie shared a super cute tutorial how to paint your own chevron holga. So cute! I think I've got a few cameras that could use a make-over!

♥ This paper lantern tutorial is so pretty. I need a couple of these hanging in my craft room!

♥ I could probably sit here and spend allll day on this site. Hint: it has to do with cats!!

Hope you all have a fabulous Friday the 13th!

xoxo

What I wore; Red, White and Raccoons.

2012-01-12T09:11:00.002-05:00

the details:

coat - thrifted / vintage

dress - thrifted / vintage

hat - thrifted / vintage

brooch - handmade by my dad

belt - thrifted / vintage

gloves - c/o Uncommon Goods

tights - Target

socks - Kohls

boots - Target

This was our first and only big snow this winter so far. (all of the snow is melted now!) I was so layered up it wasn't even funny. I had dress under the one showing, three pairs of tights and a pair of socks under all of those. But it was worth it because the only part of me that got cold was my face! The wind was whipping so hard I was afraid my tripod was going to blow over!

I completely adore this dress, it kind of reminds me of this one, at least in the style of dress and how it fits. I wish I could have shown it off in this post but it was just to cold to be taking off my coat! I'm sure I'll wear it again soon!

Hope you're having a great day!
-Kaylah

Photo an hour; January 10th

2012-01-11T08:12:00.000-05:00

As you may remember from my 2012 goal post, I wanted to do at least one photo an hour post per month, so here's January's! This is my day yesterday, summarized in photos...

7am // Wide awake, showered and dressed for the day!

8am // Preparing the day's blog post...

9am // Early lunch. Not a very healthy one but pizza and root beer sure do make a delicious one!

10am // Listing some items I had in my draft listings in the CBV shop.

11am // My helper, who sits on the back of my chair, helping me measure items.

12pm // Washing loads and loads of pretty vintage clothes. Some for me, some for the shop!

1pm // Photographing some new vintage goodies. My dining room has been in a complete state of chaos since opening CBV. Things are always on the table waiting for their turn to be photographed.

2pm // Cutting up green onions, onions, carrots and celery for soup!

3pm // Finally done, and ready to chow down on! *You can find how to make my vegan "chicken" noodle soup right here. It's SO delicious!

4pm // Time to pack orders! I love packing orders, it's so much fun.

5pm // Put on my favorite record and folded the mass amounts of laundry I did.

6pm // Went to the beach and collected more treasures. (I'll share photos of that this weekend!)

The rest of the evening consisted of watching Zodiac, eating spinach sandwiches (oh my gosh, my favorite!!) and relaxing! All in all it was a great day!
xoxo

What I wore; winter uniform

2012-01-10T08:13:00.000-05:00

the details:

sweater - Target

brooch - Forest Fawn Pin c/o Sugar Cookie

dress - Target

tights - JC Penny

shoes - Vinty Oxfords c/o Le Bunny Bleu

nail polish - Essie Pretty Edgy with Ulta Pinata-Yada

Oversized sweaters paired with short-ish dresses are my winter uniform, not that we've had much of a winter (also, not complaining!) The pair make me feel comfortable and warm yet still like I put a little bit of effort into my looks, which in turn helps me with staying productive.

Today is my Monday, and I am excited to get back to work. Over the weekend Kevin and I did some intense thrifting then I took off work yesterday to thrift with my mom. (who adopted her first kitty yesterday! eeep!!) I found so many great things for myself and CBV (children's floral doc martens!!!) I'm just dying to start cleaning, photographing and listing everything.
Hope you have a fabulous day!
xoxo

It's the little things...

2012-01-09T07:01:00.001-05:00

like collecting "treasures" on the beach.

These photos are from late fall, I forgot my digital camera that day and was forced to shoot only film (which I just got developed a few days ago).

Anytime time Kevin and I take a walk on the beach I randomly pick up things that catch my attention, which is probably more than you could imagine. On this instance I decided I wanted to pick up everything I found and neatly lay it all out to photograph when I was finished. This was only 15 minutes or so of collecting!!

There is always a ridiculous amount of litter on the beach. Perhaps I'm strange but picking these things up that people seem to have forgotten after a fun day of frolicking in the sun or that wash up on the beach from the lake is so interesting to me. Curlers? A glue bottle lid? The letter "P"? So weird.

On of my favorite finds from the day is that thing that has "BØ" on it. I'm not 100% sure what the heck it is but I liked it so much I brought it home (you can actually see it on my shelf in this post). Anyone know what it is or what it means?

After re-reading this post before hitting publish, I realize how funny it seems (and actually rather embarrassing) to admit that picking up trash on the beach is super fun to me. But that's actually pretty awesome, someone needs to help clean up the beach so why not someone who gets a kick out of it? Next time you're at the beach take a small bucket and pick up all the trash you find (bring gloves if you think it sounds icky!) it's surprisingly fun to look at all the strange things you find there when you're all done, plus you're doing good for the earth!

xoxo

Gratuitous Photos of Squid...

2012-01-08T08:04:00.000-05:00

There is one kitty of mine who just doesn't get enough love on the blog even though shes the blog's namesake - Squid! She's camera shy and rarely lets me take her photo. So two weeks ago (yeah, I'm clearly really good at scheduling posts...) when she was lined up with the christmas tree and for some reason didn't run away when I started shoving the camera in her face I took advantage!

She's the best friend a girl could ask for. I love her so much. One of my favorite things about her is that little birth mark in her ear, it's so precious! All of our kitties have at least one little cute detail about them that I just adore! Leaf has a little birthmark on one of his toepads, Doc has those spots on his nose and Professor has crooked bottom teeth (I melt when I see them!!)

Eeep, sorry for the gushing but I just love my kitties. It's hard for me to imagine that some people don't have animal companions of some kind. Animals are the best!!

Hope you're having a great day! Give your animal friend some love from me today.
xoxo

CBV Update!

2012-01-07T08:29:00.000-05:00

I spent my whole week working on things for Circus Bear Vintage. I've been digging in the basement for things I bought for the shop nearly two years ago, cleaning pretty vintage things up, redoing my photos and working on organizing things for future updates. It's been so much fun! I wish I had opened up shop earlier.

I'm not sure if I'm most excited about my new photos or the update! I felt like the blue background (which is my dining room wall color) was too distracting so I opted for making up a little area to photograph in with some fabric I had lying around. I couldn't be more happy with the results.

As for the update, I listed over 27 new mugs over the last few days! Mugs are one of my favorite vintage things to hunt for, I have a hefty collection myself. Here are some of my favorites in the shop now...

l to r : striped hexagon mug. // square heart mug. // me mug. // set of two flower mugs.

set of two rainbow mugs. // raccoon mug. // green floral pedestal mug. // mismatched set of three mugs.

You can see the full update here. Make sure to check out the whole shop, I listed lots of other treasures this week as well!

Hope you're having a fabulous Saturday!
xoxo

Psst. Here's a peek of the next update, coming late January! ;)

FF #138

2012-01-06T08:36:00.000-05:00

Look how awesome this mug is!!

(via:generate)

This is such a great chalk board/organizer. I've been looking for one with pocket type things to keep papers in!

(via: inorder)

I am absolutely drooling over this beauty!

(via: joevintage)

So smitten by this dress from modcloth! Everything about it is adorable!

(via: modcloth)

Inanimate objects with faces are just about the best thing ever.

(via: iceque3)

Such a beautiful photo! I wish the buildings around here were so colorful.

(via: marit)

These toothbrush holders are so cute!!

(via: modcloth)

This room looks so incredible cozy! I love the map on the wall.

(via: bawkbawk)

Peek Brooklyn has some of the most fabulous tights. I am in LOVE!

(via: Peek Brooklyn)

♥ I absolutely love this blog post from Life as an Artistpreneur. It's a must read for sure!

♥ This necklace is so pretty!

♥ Love this fancy little cat bed.

♥ I am completely in awe of this photo. What a beautiful place!

Hope you have a fabulous Friday!
xoxo

My favorite 10 outfit posts from 2011!!

2012-01-05T13:23:00.000-05:00

a // Layered. b // Party Time! c // Driftwood and Cowboy Boots. d // Mouse Belt.

e // Birthday Weekend. f // Exploring. g // A Random Warm Day in Fall. h // A Walk in the Woods.

i // 7.16.11. j // A Walk in the Park.

Okay, to be honest, I did leave out the most recent ones despite the fact they were some of favorites. Choosing a top ten is hard, and I definitely wanted to show some of my older outfits some love.

At the beginning of the year I probably would have said I liked dressing for the winter better than the summer since you get to layer, blah, blah, blah but I've done a complete 180. I can't wait to dress for warm weather again. Layering is nice, but I like simple outfits - just a dress, maybe a cardigan over top. They feel the most natural to me.

To see all my outfit posts you can click here!
xoxo

PS. Isn't looking at all my hair colors from the year so fun? It's really inspiring to me, I see one in particular I want to replicate right now. I wonder what colors I have in the bathroom cupboard...

What I wore; oh deer!

2012-01-05T07:16:00.000-05:00

the details

sweater - c/o Glamour Kills

detachable collar - Danielle's blog sale

skirt - forever 21

tights - target

Okay, before anyone thinks I still have my tree up, these pictures are from right before Christmas. Decorations have been down for a little while now, I just kept forgetting to post this!

It was love at first sight with this sweater! I wasn't sure how I could wear it with anything other than jeans, which to me seems like the obvious choice with a pullover sweater but that isn't the route I wanted to go. I found that a sweater that fits comfortably (not tight) is great to wear with a short skirt because it makes the otherwise too short skirt feel much more wearable. I never know what to wear with short skirts without feeling exposed. Now I need more sweaters that fit just like this to wear with skirts!!

Well, I have to get back to work! I'm going to kick my to-do list's butt today. Hope you have a fabulous Thursday!

xoxo

2012 Bulletin Board!

2012-01-04T12:52:00.000-05:00

I've always loved taking everything off my bulletin board and putting new things up. A new year seemed like a great excuse to do it again, so that's what I did. I left a few of the same things up, I just couldn't bear to part with them but I did add lots of new things.

Here are a handful of detail shots, since they are always my favorite.

It's kind of all over the place, but it's perfectly fitting for me. There are cutesy things (the cat card with the fuzzy tail and bunting), nature things (dried mushrooms and animal photographs) and random things that I love (pictures of my nieces and nephew, neat keys, and stamps.) Everything on it makes me happy, I love looking at it!

Do you have a bulletin board or inspiration board? What do you put on it?
xoxo

2012's Goals.

2012-01-03T10:05:00.000-05:00

2012's Goals!

♥ Read 15 new books. I don't read as much as I'd like. As I mentioned in my review of Geek Love, I'm a super picky reader. But in 2012 I'd like to try to branch out and not be such a harsh critic of anything that isn't Palahniuk. I already have 7 or so books picked out that I'll be reading, I'm pretty excited. I'll definitely be blogging about this goal's progress and the books I'll be reading.

♥ Try 7 new recipes. In 2010 I baked a lot, 2011 not so much! I need to get back in the groove because I love baking. "7 new recipes" isn't confined to just baking though, it can be any type of food.

♥ Get my license...finally. I think I'm finally ready to get my license. I've been feeling awfully trapped lately and spending lots of time dreaming about what it would be like if I could go places on my own and what I'd do (volunteer at the cat sanctuary!!). I'll definitely be waiting until spring (I'm not learning in the snow!) so I have time to keep talking myself into it. I know in the long run, no matter how scary it seems now, driving will really be best for me.

♥ Go bowling more! Does this need an explanation? I love bowling, Kevin and I both have our own balls, we don't live too far from the alley, why aren't we there more often?!

♥ Hang things in the bedroom. If you looked in my bedroom you'd probably presume we just moved in. After two years we still haven't hung anything in there! 2012 is the year we'll finally decorate.

♥ Take a photo an hour once a month. Photo an hour posts are one of my favorite things here on the blog. It's so much fun to be able to look back on a day in such detail. They're time consuming and often get forgotten midday but I'd like to do at least one each month.

♥ Make new friends. Online and in person. I'm stupidly shy, don't let my blog fool you. I can never muster the courage to approach people that look interesting in public, I'd like to do that at least once this year. (PS. Anyone out there near Cleveland, OH or Erie, PA want to hang out?:))

♥ Send more snail mail. Who doesn't like getting mail? I want to send more just for fun mail that don't have to do with business. I fondly remember getting letters from grandpa when I was little, maybe I should write letters to my nieces in Missouri.

♥ Save a little month each month. This is my first year ever making a goal to save money, I guess this means I'm a real adult now. I just want to put away a little bit each month - maybe it will be for a car, or a vacation, who knows. I want it to be used for something fun at the end of the year (or maybe in the summer). It'll be much easier to save if I know it's for something like that.

♥ Clean the basement. If you've been a long time reader, you might remember when my craft room was in the basement and it was completely amazing but then it flooded and I had to move into the spare bedroom (which actually turned out to be really awesome).... Well, long story short, our basement is a mess. It's going to be a huge task but I really do need to do something about it.

♥ Camp more often. Another one that doesn't need an explanation. We love camping so why don't we do it more often?

♥ Shoot more film (& learn to develop it) This was on last years goal list too and while I do feel like I did shoot more film, I want to shoot even more this year! Also, last summer I bought all the supplies to develop my own film. I chickened out and never ended up trying so that's definitely something I need to do this year.

♥ Take nieces and nephew on one on one dates. My nieces and nephews are growing up way too fast. My nephew will soon be getting to the age where he's too cool to show love to his aunt and uncle (or maybe he'll never get that way, which I would looooove) and I really want to spend lots of time with him. My nieces still have a while to go before that happens but of course, I want to enjoy every second of their childhood. I want all the kids to have good memories of Kevin and I from their childhood as I do with my aunt. I'm thinking the zoo, natural history museum, aquarium and movies all sound like great ideas!

How about you, what are you 2012 goals?
xoxo

what I wore; oranges and blues

2012-01-02T08:23:00.000-05:00

the details:

coat - thrifted / vintage

sweater - Horizontal Ripple Pattern Cardigan c/o Romwe

shirt - Tessie Top by Uncle Phuncle c/o Emerging Thoughts

skirt - c/o Romwe

belt - thrifted /vintage

tights - target

shoes - Myrtle c/o Wanted Shoes

Sometimes it's really hard to figure out what to write along side outfit posts. Normally I would tell a little about my day but this day was nothing special. Just a normal day at work, when Kevin got home we drove up to the park to take outfit pictures, it was freeeezing so we came home as soon as I was done. I guess I could tell you a little about the outfit though - I'm pretty in love with it. The sweater is my new favorite. I was so nervous about it fitting since it's one size fits most but it's perfect, exactly the way I like a cardigan to fit. I've been wearing it A LOT - with jeans and t-shirts, with skirts and even with pajama pants around the house.

In weather news, we finally got some snow last night! Only three or four inches but I'm pretty stoked! I've got plans to head to the beach later and check it out. I can't wait to see it! I hope the snow sticks around for a little while, it's so pretty. As you can see from the photos above (which were taken last week) the leaves were looking a little blah. This extended fall we had wasn't very pretty. I like fresh crunchy leaves, not soggy ones!

Hope you all have a fabulous day!
xoxo

A few of my favorite posts from 2011

2012-01-01T08:46:00.000-05:00

I can't believe 2011 is over, I feel like it just started. They say once you get out of school life flies by, and they weren't kidding, each year seems to go faster and faster. Yesterday I posted "This Year I..." a post summing up my year. Today I'm sharing a handful of my favorite posts from 2011.

DIY Sweater Clips.

Vegan Banana Bread Recipe.

3 Tips For Staying Motivated While Working From Home.

Estate Sales 101.

Hair Tips and Tricks.

Vegan Peanut Butter Pillows.

It's The Little Things...

A Simple Self Portrait.

Strawberry Nail Tutorial.

DIY Triangle Bunting Necklace.

What Doctor Octopus Wore; So Dapper.

Pymatuning Deer Park.

Nail Tutorial: Simple Triangles.

It's The Little Things...

10 Things Making Me Smile.

The Dainty Squid.

What I've Been Up To Lately.

The Collector: Part 9.

Where I Work: Part 1 & 2.

One of My Favorite Things About Fall.

It's been a fabulous year here on The Dainty Squid, it was so hard to choose my favorite posts! The blog has grown by leaps and bounds. I'm so excited to see what 2012 has to offer for The Dainty Squid.

xoxo

This year I...

2011-12-31T07:21:00.000-05:00

found a new favorite hobby - pressing flowers...

did lots of exploring and appreciating of nature...

made lots of new animal pals...

met a great new friend who I can hopefully continue to grow closer to in 2012...

found a new favorite camera...

got braces and watched my teeth rapidly change...

was honored to be one of modcloth's bloggers of the moment...

made lots of pretty things for The Dainty Squid shop and even started up a new business, Circus Bear Vintage, selling vintage...

just like last year, dyed my hair lots of pretty colors...

found and identified lots of mushrooms...

2011 was a great year! I can't wait to see what 2012 brings! Here's 2010's "This year I..." post if you'd like to check it out.
I have two more year end round up posts for this weekend so stay tuned! I hope you guys have a wonderful (and safe!!) New Years Eve!
xoxo

FF #137

2011-12-30T08:55:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness, could there be a more beautiful dress?! The collar plus kitties is a winning combo for sure!

(via: Katie Louise Ford)

This satchel is so gorgeous! It'd make one super awesome looking camera bag!

(via: modcloth)
This set up is so pretty!

(via: decor8)
Eeep! What a cutie!

(via: Julie G. Photography)

Completely jealous of this brooch collection!

(via: design_ski)
These mushrooms made from cotton are pretty stinken awesome.

(via: t's art)
Such a pretty poster!

(via: steph says hello)
This collection of this is so beautiful. I'm such a fan of little treasures like these. I would love to dig through them!

(via: camilla engman)

Jenny Lee Fowler's work is so awesome! I can't believe that a real leaf!

(via: jenny lee fowler)

♥ This GIF is too cute! I could watch it forever.

♥ Love this log pillow!

♥ This shirt is oh so adorable.

♥ This video of one year in 40 seconds is really amazing!

Hope you all have a fabulous Friday!

xoxo

PS. The Blowfish Shoes giveaway winner has been announced, please check here to find out if you've won! If you didn't win but would still like some shoes, you can use coupon code "BFSQUID15" for 15% off.

Lost photos; sugar glider!

2011-12-28T10:20:00.000-05:00

It's near the end of the year so I'm working on some end of the year round up posts for the blog. This involves looking through my external hard drive for photos but while digging around for certain photos I found tons and tons that I never shared here. A few of which just need to be seen, like of this little guy...

That's a sugar glider that my dad fostered briefly in the fall. He was SO CUTE. I'd never seen a sugar glider in person before this. They're super soft and my goodness, they make the strangest noises!
Don't you just want to squeeeeeze him!?

xoxo

what I wore; little red boots!

2011-12-27T11:08:00.000-05:00

the details:

sweater - forever 21

dress - Nutmeg to Taste Dress c/o Modcloth

tights - Knee-d to Know Tights c/o Modcloth

boots - Lady in Rad Boot c/o Modcloth

These were taken the other day when I found those earthstars. It was so cold out, the wind coming off the lake always is! (the beach and Lake Erie are just to the right of the path I was on) But fall and winter are my favorite time to be there because no one is ever there...except the other day. Some guy walked up behind me when I was taking a picture of my tights and shoes which probably just looked really awkward. We, of course, avoided eye contact.

These boots might just be my favorite shoes right now! They're really cozy and don't really feel like you're wearing shoes at all - I love it! Plus the color is phenomenal. I love me some bold shoes!

And because I haven't posted any jumping pictures recently, which almost seems out of character for me, here's one of me trying to stay warm without my coat on!

Hope you're having a fabulous Tuesday! I'm spending my day cleaning house and taking down christmas decor.
xoxo

It's the little things...

2011-12-26T11:35:00.000-05:00

As anyone who is interested in mycology probably has, I have a mental list of mushrooms I'd really love to find and identify. Near the top is an earthstar. I had a basically given up on mushroom hunting for the year because of the weather, it's been pretty frosty lately. But a few days ago Kevin and I were at one of the local parks taking outfit photos when I spotted these beauties in a patch of mulch.

I thought they were just puffballs but upon further investigation I realized the were earthstars!! These are Astraeus hygrometricus, more commonly known as the false earthstar, or the hygroscopic earthstar.

They start off looking like puffballs but as they mature the outer layer breaks open into a star shape. The rays open and close depending on the amount of humidity in the air - opening when its wet and closing when the air is dry. It had just rained earlier in the day when we found these but you can see in the above photo the one beside the open one is closed.

Sorry for the mushroom talk, well not really...I'm totally stoked. I couldn't be happier about crossing a mushroom off my to find list! It's the little things that count!
Hope you're having a fabulous day!
xoxo

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T06:12:00.000-05:00

I hope Santa Cat brought you everything you were wishing for this holiday season!

Merry Christmas from all of us here at The Dainty Squid!!

(Kaylah, Kevin and the four kitties)
xoxo

What I wore; the most fabulous collar!

2011-12-24T08:59:00.000-05:00

the details:

coat - thrifted / vintage

scarf - Target

dress - Retro Peter Pan Collar Apricot Dress c/o Romwe

belt - Modcloth (last year)

tights - Interlaced Belt Tights c/o Romwe

shoes - Hot Topic (probably 6 years ago?)

There has never been a dress with a more fabulous collar than this one. It was love at first sight! The whole dress is a nice thick, warm material (that is suuuuper soft!) and the collar always sits perfectly. I have so many dresses with great collars that never sit flat, it's such a bummer. I need ten more dresses like this in different lengths and colors to get me through the cold weather.

This was our first big(ish) snow of the winter. We got around 3 or 4 inches total and then it quickly melted. In a way it's disappointing but it will make the winter go so much faster! Although, I definitely need at least one good snow to play in! I love sled riding, especially with my nieces and nephew!

Well, I have to run! I hope you all have a fabulous christmas eve, if you celebrate, and if not, I hope you have a great day regardless!!
xoxo

FF #136

2011-12-23T07:39:00.000-05:00

Eeep! In love with this kitty sweater! I'm kind of the pickiest sweater wearer ever so I think venturing in the mall (oh gosh, it's been so long!) to try it on might be in order .

(via: forever 21 )

This pattern is so pretty!

(via: dterzigni)
Oooohhweeee! I'm lovin' this bag.

(via: romwe)

I love simple yet eye catching necklaces, these are no exception!

(via: homako)

Dying over this vintage steamer! It's so stunning!

(via: Selected and Collected) <--- gosh, isn't that such a great name for a vintage shop!?

I am completely smitten by this kitten ring!

(via: spotted moth)
Puxxle, the pixel puzzle. So awesome!!

(via: thedieline)
Love this cloud mobile!

(via: The Butter Flying)

Modcloth is having an awesome sale this week! You can take an additional 25% off the items in the sale section with code "SALEAWAY" now through the 28th. Weeee, I think I've got some shopping to do!

(via: modcloth)

♥ Ok, if you can only look at one link I post, I recommend this one - Cooper: Photographer Cat. "Cooper is a 6 year old American Shorthair cat living in Seattle. Once a week he wears a lightweight digital camera fastened to his collar, which snaps a new photo every 2 minutes." Such an awesome idea!
♥ Here is a tutorial on how to make paper snowflakes from coffee filters!! While I plan on taking down all christmas decor as soon as christmas is over I think the snowflakes might be taking their place!
♥ Love this wooden doormat from Martha Stewart.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!! Today cannot go fast enough, I'm so very excited about tomorrow (and of course, the next day!). I can't wait to be with both of my brothers and their families under one roof!
xoxo

ps; There is still ad space available for January! You can find more info here.

DIY shoe fringe

2011-12-21T08:54:00.000-05:00

I'm a total sucker for shoes with fringe, even the ugliest of shoes is somehow charming to me with fringe. So I decided to give it a go and try and make fringe that I could add to make all my already awesome shoes just a little bit better!

Supplies needed: ♥ pinking shears ♥ scissors ♥ hold punch ♥ vinyl (or leather) ♥ a pair shoes

Use the photo below to make sure you have the right kind of shoes as some kinds are not suitable to add this fringe too.

The flaps (for lack of a better word, I'm no shoe expert!) that the laces tie into need to be not connected. In the first picture you can see where the flaps are attached at the bottom to the shoe, in photo number two you'll see that they are not connected. Basically you just need to be able to insert something from the bottom of that area for them to be the correct kind of shoe for this tutorial.

Got the right shoes now? Here's how to add some fancy removable fringe!

1 // Unlace your shoes and measure how wide the area is at the bottom of your lace flaps and how long the tongue is, add 1 inch or so to the length for fringe then cut out a piece of vinyl using those measurements.
2 // After it's cut make sure the piece fits and trim, if necessary.
3 // Using your pinking shears cut just enough off that you're able to get the pretty little zig-zag design. After that's done, using regular scissors, cut one inch up each one of the peaks made by the pinking shears.
4 // Insert the vinyl piece back in the shoe and use a marker to mark your bottom holes. Make sure to make both of the shoes the same!
5 // Punch holes where you marked in the previous step.
6 // Put your shoe lace through the vinyl piece as shown in the photo, with the laces coming out the front.
7 // Lace up your fancy new shoes and enjoy!!

grey shoes pre-fringe c/o Blowfish & heart tights from ebay.

Some tips and ideas!

♥ Try different lengths for a different look! A shorter fringe would be less eye catching and more like secret pizazz!
♥ Use a contrasting color fringe to add a bold pop to your shoe!
♥ Make multiple fringes in different colors to make black shoes coordinate with any outfit! This fringe only takes a few minutes to make.

Let me know if make some removable fringe for your shoes, I'd love to see a photo!
xoxo

3 favorite recent thrift finds

2011-12-20T09:38:00.000-05:00

1 // So stoked to find this! We have a whole bunch of the Merry Mushroom collection all ready and it matches out kitchens color scheme so this little tea pot is an absolutely perfect addition. Kevin and I always had an ugly little pot on the stove for tea and hot chocolate but now we have this!! It was kind of dirty looking when we found it but washing it up came to show that there isn't even a scratch on this beauty. Quite a steal for $3!

2 // This gorgeous camera is a great addition to my collection! It came in an awesome carrying case with all the manuals, a flash and some other odds and ends. The bellows are so ridiculously clean that I've been storing it in the case instead of on the shelf with all my other cameras because I don't want it to get dusty!

3 // This is one of the three awesome vintage coats I mentioned in an outfit post last week. It's the most beautiful mint color (so sad photos didn't properly capture that!) and it fits like a dream. It's kind of a light jacket so it won't get much, if any, wear until the spring, I can't wait though! It was only $5!

Have you found anything awesome lately? Because of the holiday rush I haven't had much time to thrift and most of the local estate sale companies are taking a little break until 2012. I'm looking forward to getting back in the groove!
xoxo

Advertise in 2012!

2011-12-20T08:38:00.000-05:00

It's time to start thinking about the New Year (that is if you haven't already been jotting down tons of ideas in your 2012 planner, I have!) There are both small and large ad spaces available for January of the new year. I'm so very excited for the New Year! I have lots of plans and inspiring posts in the works, I'd love for your to be a part of it!

On a related note, the XL ad space is already sold out for January, February and March but it's yours to reserved now for April and May! Please, don't hesitate, spaces sell quickly and there is only one XL space available per month.

If you're interested in advertising your blog or small business you can find more info here or if you're ready to purchase you can fill out a form right here.
xoxo

Giveaway // Blowfish Shoes // CLOSED

2011-12-19T17:54:00.002-05:00

I've got a great giveaway for you all today from one of The Dainty Squid's awesome sponsors, Blowfish Shoes! I'm a big fan of Blowfish and their snazzy shoes (I've got at least seven pairs, all of which are holding up so well!) So without further ado...

How to enter?

Visit Blowfish Shoes then come back and leave a comment telling us which pair you'd get if you won the giveaway! Please make sure there is a way to contact you if you win!

Earn extra entries by... (please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't be counted!)
• tweeting about the giveaway, use this -
win a pair of shoes of your choice from @BlowfishShoes on @thedaintysquid blog http://tinyurl.com/7fnpu8s
• share the giveaway on facebook, tumblr or your own blog!
• like Blowfish Shoes on facebook!
• follow Blowfish on twitter.

You have until Monday, December 26th, to enter!
Good luck!!
xoxo

ps. check here to see if your the winner of last week's giveaway!

The winner of the Blowfish Shoes giveaway is Hannah! Congrats!!

What I wore: Blue All Over

2011-12-19T08:57:00.001-05:00

the details:
cape - thrifted / vintage

shirt - target

tooth pin - Rachel O's on etsy

jeans - target

boots - thrifted

So absolutely in love with this cape. I found it mixed in with winter coats at Goodwill a few weeks back. It had little buttons on the sides so that it had these weird makeshift armholes, but they were totally awkward and luckily easy to remove. I love the color, length and hood but my favorite part has to be the tag! I'm not quite sure if it's one of those tags that you get from a craft store and sew in or not but it doesn't even matter, it rules! (Ok, that might be a lie, if someone's cute little old "grammie" made this I'd love it 10000x more, if that's even possible!)

Well, I've gotta run now. I have presents to make, presents to wrap, and some orders to pack up! (PS. Thank you times a million to everyone who purchased or even took a peek at my new vintage shop, Circus Bear Vintage! I'm so so so excited!!)
Hope you all have a fabulous day!
xoxo

Dear Santa,

2011-12-18T07:31:00.000-05:00

1 // Nutmeg to Taste Dress. I love this dress so much! I actually bought it last night! Eeek! Can't wait!!
2 // Books, of course! I'm a super picky reader but recently found a whole slew of books that I want to read. The two shown are The Pilo Family Circus, and A Cabinet of Medical Curiosities.
3 // The Brooklyn camera bag! I told you not too long ago I was obsessed. It's sooo beautiful.
4 // A record player! I plan on ordering one some time after christmas. It's a toss up between this one and this one right now. (I think I'm leaning towards the one from UO right now)
5 // Still very much in love with these boots from Wanted. I'd like to dress them up with a shirt dress and some slouchy socks for a nice walk in the woods this spring!
6 // OPI Rainbow Connection. I'm a sucker for a nice glitter polish.

What's on your christmas wishlist?
xoxo

FF #135

2011-12-16T09:40:00.000-05:00

Loving these pretty socks from Koshka!

(via: koshka)
Love this camera necklace!

(via: the afternoon)

Theater Cloud's work is so great!

(via: theater clouds)

This kitty ring is so cute!

(via: iluxo)
This bookmark is pretty great!

(via: our shop)
Crazy about this tv. Everything about it is fabulous!

(via: vintage looks)

Leah Goren's scarves are so fabulous!

(via: Leah Goren)

These iphone cases are stunning!!

(via: the container store)
This coat is so fancy & that color is killer!

(via: tulle)
Oh my, this chair is goooorgeous!

(via: vintage looks)

♥ Drooling over these pretty skates from FredFlare! (hey elycia, next time we get together - I vote we go rollerskating!)
♥ Owl belt! So great!
♥ This doorstop makes me wish I had use for one!

Hope you all have a fabulous day!
xoxo

Introducing Circus Bear Vintage!

2011-12-15T07:55:00.001-05:00

Howdy! I am so excited to introduce you all to a project I have been working very very hard on for a long time, Circus Bear Vintage!!!

You all know I'm an extremely passionate vintage lover, right? Well there comes a point where when your closet seams are bursting yet you're still finding the best vintage treasures that deserve more than to sit in a stinky old thrift store or to be thrown away after an estate sale ends and that's where Circus Bear Vintage comes in! I've been collecting things for the shop for nearly a year and I'm finally ready to officially announce it.

1 // Pencil Mug.
2 // Size 9. Brown Granny Boots.
3 // Set of four flower mugs.
4 // Owl Planter.

Right now I'm still in the beginning stages of opening, the shop is pretty bare (compared to the amount of stock I have!) and I don't quite have international shipping kinks worked out but I couldn't wait any longer to spill the beans! (That's not to say I'm not willing to ship internationally, most items already have some countries available but others I still need to estimate. Feel free to send me a convo if you want to know how much shipping would be on a certain item.) I have oodles and oodles of amazing vintage clothes (stunning dresses and cozy sweaters especially!) to be listed very soon. There are already lots of great shoes, a handful of bags and a few housewares listed now.

So... Circus Bear Vintage? I know you're wondering where the heck that came from, right? I kept the crazy cat lady who names her businesses after her babies theme going and "circus bear" is something we call Leaf. I honestly have no idea where that came from but isn't that just like most nicknames? He's just our wittle circus bear.

5 // Vanilla Wicker Bag.
6 // Size 6M. White Granny Boots.
7 // Deer salt and pepper shakers.
8 // Set of two chipmunk mugs.

I'm so excited that I can now finally talk about it on the blog. I'll be sharing photos from shop updates, great thrift hauls for the shop and lots more Circus Bear related things every so often!

Eeep! Well, I'm off to go celebrate finally announcing this with a big glass of chocolate milk! Hope you all have a fabulous day!!
xoxo

PS. You can use coupon code "GRANDOPENING10" for 10% off your order from Circus Bear Vintage for one week!

10 Things Making Me Smile.

2011-12-14T10:28:00.000-05:00

Time for another 10 things making me smile post. It's been far too long since I've done one, I think I'd like to make it a goal to do one monthly!

1 // the good Doctor, who is always laying on his back, sleeping...

2 // this cozy little corner in my craft room...

3 // photos that are probably even more charming out of focus than in focus...

4 // kitties who find bad places to sleep but are too cute to tell to move. (that would be a basket of tights....)

5 // my ever growing shelf of special things.

6 // getting cute little mushroom pins in the mail!

7 // photos from Halloween that didn't make the cut...

8 // fancy galaxy nails that I somehow mastered first try (but have been unable to replicate since)

9 // all the pretty colors in my wardrobe!

10 // things organized by color. ps. can't wait to tell you all about why I have all of these beautiful boots TOMORROW!

What's making you smile today?
xoxo

Photo an hour...or something close.

2011-12-13T10:03:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend Kevin and I drove up to a cute little cabin outside of Cook Forest to meet up with Ivan and Elycia. Elycia and I both took a photo an hour on Saturday. Mine isn't really complete but I'm going to have to blame it on a. having so much fun I really wasn't a diligent photo an hour taker & b. it getting dark so early that it's hard to take photos without flash. But without further ado here's mine...

7 am // Woke up bright and early Saturday morning to leave. It was frosty outside and there was a light dusting of snow on the ground, which was only our second or third so far this season!

8 am // Car ride reading material. I'm a big fan of long car rides, they're a great time to catch up on the books I want to read or uh, catch up on some sleep!

9 am // Pit stop in Erie to grab some daiya cheese for our dinner plans at the cabin. Of course we had to grab a cookie and some root beer.

10 am // I missed a photo! But truth be told, there was nothing interesting going on. It's a three hour drive to the cabin which consisted of snacking, reading and listening to "road trip music" as Kevin calls Everlong by The Foo Fighters! Hah!
11 am // We arrived at the cabin! I was so pleased to see how adorable it was and that someone took the time to decorate for us!

12 pm // We had Roma Pizza for lunch before heading out on an adventure! (Thank you Ivan and Elycia!) You Canadians are lucky, this stuff is so so so tasty.

1 pm // We went on a wild goose chase for Clear Creek. Not exactly sure what we were supposed to find but it was a fun ride with lots of great conversation (about hillbillys and how we were probably going to be murdered).

2 pm // On the way back to the cabin we stopped off at this beautiful little area on the side of the road and snapped some photos.

3 pm // After that we stopped again at another beautiful little area on the side of the road to get a group picture by a sign but my instax wasn't really cooperating so we had to take our group picture under a rock (that's why we're hunched over in that photo! ;))

And that's where my photos end! After we got back to the cabin we spend tons of time in the hot tub, ate delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, build a killer fort (don't know why Elycia is calling it "semi-successful", I'm clearly a skilled fort builder), played catch phrase and spent some more time in the hot tub!

You can find Elycia's photo an hour of the weekend here.
xoxo

Giveaway // Lotta Losten // Closed

2011-12-12T20:55:00.002-05:00

Hi again! Just dropping into share a great giveaway from Lotta of Lotta Losten, one of The Dainty Squid's spectacular sponsors. First lets let Lotta tell us a little about herself;

"I'm Lotta Losten, a recently turned 30 years old girl from Gothenburg, Sweden. I make one of a kind jewelry out of coloured copper wire and things like vintage glass beads and crystals from old chandeliers. My jewelry is often inspired with shapes that come into being from an accident. Like shattered glass or pieces of broken plates. Those shapes that you mostly just refer to as part of a broken shape, not a complete form of it's own. I love that kind of worn beauty! "

What you'll win! Lotta is giving away a necklace pendant, with included chain, from her series called Spear or Splinter. The winner will get to choose the colors and size themselves and it will be made specially for them, because every single one of Lotta's jewelry pieces are one of a kind.

To enter...
Visit Lotta Losten on etsy then come back and leave a comment telling us which pendant is your favorite! Please make sure there is a way to contact you if you win.

Earn extra entries by...
(please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't be counted!)

• tweeting about the giveaway, use this -

win a pendant from @lostenjewelry on @thedaintysquid blog http://tinyurl.com/d4asbkq

• share the giveaway on facebook, tumblr or your own blog!
• follow Lotta Losten on twitter..
• like Lotta Losten on facebook.

Good luck! The giveaway will end this Sunday, December 18th.
xoxo!!

PS. The winner to last week's giveaway has been announced, please check here to see if you've won!

--------------------------

The winner is entry number 111, kmk! Congrats!! :D

what I wore: Layered

2011-12-12T07:47:00.001-05:00

the details:

glasses - c/o Tumbleweeds

pins - c/o Sugar Cookie

plugs - Omerica Organic

coat - Forever 21 scarf - thrifted

dress - thrifted belt - thrifted

tights - ebay socks - khols

shoes - Has It boots c/o Blowfish

I am head over heels in love with this outfit. The colors all go together so perfectly (...except my hair, but oh well!) I think I'm finally learning how to style a coat with an outfit as opposed to having a winter coat just ruin or cover up a cute outfit and I couldn't be happier about it! I'm actually starting to have quite the little collection of awesome winter coats thanks to the thrift store too. (I thrifted three of them last week for around $5 a coat!) I can't wait to wear them all!

Well, I've gotta run now! But I'll be back later with a giveaway. Hope you have a fabulous Monday!
xoxo

FF #134

2011-12-09T09:17:00.003-05:00

Love these necklaces so much! Oh oh and this pin, it's sooo fabulous!

(via: hug a porcupine)

Absolutely heartbroken that these are sold out!

(via: fab)

Super duper in love with this dress. It's like the short version of one of my favorite dresses. (seen here)

(via: modcloth)

These kitten pal pins are so precious.

(via: the black apple)

Obsessed with these fabulous boots from Wanted Shoes.

(via: wanted shoes)

These are just beautiful! (plus how snazzy would they look peeking out the top of the boots above!)

(via: LizSox)
This sweater! Oh boy, I need it! I love raccoons.

(via: urban outfitters)

This is such a pretty bag. (plus it looks like it has a ton of pockets, which is always a plus!)

(via: asos)

This cat comic is particularly hilarious to me since one time I called Kevin all freaked out because Squid was "looking at me weird". Cats really are great at staring contests...

(via: the oalmeal)

Forever drooling over these shoes. I had set it so I was notified when they came back in stock and now they're sitting there mocking me while I browse.

(via: modcloth)

+ This shirt is so dreamy. The colors are just killin' me!
+ This shelf DIY is too cool!
+ 100 incredible views of out airplane windows! I love looking out the window when I fly, so neat to see things completely different from how you normally do.
+ I'm giggling at this "How to Lead a Creative Life" infographic.

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend! I know I will! ;)
xoxo

Places to Shop Vintage in Cleveland, OH // Flower Child

2011-12-08T08:54:00.000-05:00

A little while back I mentioned my "best-Cleveland-thrift-trip-shop-til-you-drop" list and a few locals expressed interest. While I doubt I'll ever share the complete list, especially the places I find the best deals, I would like to share a few of my favorite spots in the area to find great vintage.

I'll start with Flower Child, as redundant as it may seem since I'm not exactly sure how you could live anywhere near the area and not have been to Flower Child. There are actually two locations, one in Cleveland and one in Columbus, I've been to both and can honestly say I'm not sure which I love more. (maybe the Cleveland one since the employees are super sweet and are always friendly - I'm not just saying that either, I have no idea who they are and they have no idea who I am!) Both are an absolutely goldmine for heavenly vintage goodness. Clothes, gorgeous furniture, housewares and more! You could literally go through the clothes for days and days.

Here are some photos I snapped last time we were at the Cleveland location...

You find addresses, and hours for both locations on the Flower Child website!
xoxo

ONA camera bags!

2011-12-07T10:15:00.000-05:00

1 // The Union Street in Smoke.
2 // The Camps Bay in Field Tan.
3 // The Venice in Camel.
4 // The Brooklyn in Chestnut.

Oh boy, oh boy! I've got a new obsession. Ya know the kind where you discover something you want and can't stop dreaming about it until it's in your hands and you can just sit and admire it? Yeah, that kind of obsession.

How beautiful are these camera bags from ONA? My favorite is the The Brooklyn in chestnut. Leather satchels are almost always beautiful but I don't go anywhere without my camera so a satchel that can hold my camera and still be the most beautiful little thing is right up my alley. What a dreamy bag!!

So, Santa Claus, can please have one for Christmas?
xoxo!

What I wore; pretty in pink

2011-12-06T08:29:00.001-05:00

the details:

dress - estate sale / vintage

necklace - c/o Finest Imaginary

belt - thrifted

tights - We Love Colors

shoes - Perusing the Piazza c/o Modcloth

Looking at these pictures is a total bummer, even though they were taken just over a week ago (hence the purple hair!) all those pretty leaves are gone already. Well...they're not gone, they just wet, flat and not so vibrant. The seasons change way too fast (other than winter, you can go faster, I won't mind!) Plus it's done nothing but rain for what feels like forever. I need a nice sunny day!

This is another one of the dresses I nabbed at that estate sale a month back that had all the clothes. Just like the other things I've shown so far (see a fur collar from the sale here and skirt and shirt set here) it only cost me fifty cents! This dress is definitely my favorite piece from that sale, I cannot believe how well it fits. Plus the color is to die for.

Well I'm heading back to work now! Hope you all have a fabulous Tuesday!
xoxo

A simple self portrait

2011-12-05T12:37:00.000-05:00

(snazzy glasses from tumbleweeds)

I can't even remember when the last time I took a self portrait was. Sure, I (mostly) take all my own outfit photos but it's just not the same. Three years ago each Thursday I would take a self portrait for a group on flickr called Self Portrait Thursday. I kept up with them for a long time then they slowly died out once we moved into our own home. I really miss them, not taking them so much but looking at them later. Watching myself change, little things like my hair length or how it fades, more tattoos peeking out of clothing, etc.

More recently I regret not taking them to watch my teeth and mouth change. Pictures of myself pre-braces, to when I got them back in March, to now are all so different. It's amazing how quickly the way I hold my lips has changed. I wish there were more pictures from March, April, and May especially, that's when it seems the biggest changes have happened.

While I don't see myself starting self portrait Thursday again, self portraits are something I'd certainly like to take more of. How about you, when was the last time you took a self portrait? I encourage you to take one today!
xoxo

ps. like my pretty new blue hair?I looove it.

Giveaway // Gleeful Things

2011-12-05T09:16:00.003-05:00

Happy Monday! I have a great giveaway to start the week with. Julie of Gleeful Things has been kind enough to offer up a great prize to one winner but first I'll let her introduce herself!

"I'm Julie, a 29 year young California girl with a serious crochet obsession! I run a shop called Gleeful Things, where I sell hats that I design. And if you're feeling crafty, you're in luck because I also sell crochet patterns on Ravelry! I got my start publishing crochet toy (amigurumi) patterns in 2006 but have recently been focused on wearables, mainly hats. I write a blog, also titled Gleeful Things, which is further proof of my fascination with yarn as I often post crafty inspiration, DIY tutorials, and free crochet patterns."

Now for the giveaway!!

To enter...
Visit Gleeful Things then come back and leave a comment telling us which hat is your favorite! Please make sure there is a way to contact you if you win.

Earn extra entries by...
(please leave a separate comment for each entry or they won't be counted!)

• tweeting about the giveaway, use this -

win a hat from @GleefulThings on @thedaintysquid blog http://tinyurl.com/7p8x5bo

• share the giveaway on facebook, tumblr or your own blog!
• follow Gleeful Things on twitter.
• like Gleeful Things on facebook.
• Follow the Gleeful Things blog.

Good luck! The giveaway will end Sunday, December 11th.
xoxo

******
The giveaway has ended, the winner is entry number 53, Chestnut Mocha!! Congrats!
*****

A new place to hike...

2011-12-04T09:48:00.000-05:00

Last time I got tattooed my artist (who lives fairly close to us) told us about this great place to hike that's not far from home and where there are all these beautiful ledges and paths. We finally got around to checking it out last week, and he was not kidding. It's amazing! These pictures don't even begin to do the area justice.

The ground almost everywhere was a thick carpet of moss, it was so gorgeous! And the ledges - on a clear day you could probably see for miles and miles. We only hiked on top of the ledges, I thought it might be kind of dangerous to be climbing since it's an area we're unfamiliar with and the leaves were covering the ground. (although just walking up top proved to be dangerous seeing as I fell in a hole and hyper-extended my knee!) I'm very excited to go back and explore further. Hopefully we get a chance before the snow, if not it will have to wait until spring!

Oh yeah, and I saw this sign....?

We're trying to get outside every chance we get before all the green is gone. As much as I look forward to snow I instantly miss the greenery as soon as it's gone! Luckily looking at pretty pictures I've taken earlier in the year makes it a little bit better and easier to bear.
xoxo

In Stitches!

2011-12-03T10:12:00.000-05:00

Eeep! I might have squealed a little bit when I got an email from the super talented lady behind the fabulous blog 365 Lucky Days saying she'd like to do a portrait of me. In case you've been living under a rock - 365 Lucky Days is Lucky Jackson's blog where she has committed herself to create one new piece of art a day for one whole year. I am absolutely flattered to be included.

You can see my portrait, as well as a close up of it right here.
Thank you so very much, Lucky!
xoxo

FF #133

2011-12-02T07:49:00.000-05:00

Such a pretty camera strap. I'm on the hunt for a new, pretty camera strap - but how comfortable it is is also a priority. My neck tends to get really sore and I get headaches after wearing my camera for a while. Anyone have any awesome camera strap suggestions?

(via: Magpie Accessories UK)
Love this calender. Just about this time of the year, always, I get bummed out that I've already bought my calender for the next year because I find an ever cooler one.

(via: loopzart)

Positively swooning over this dress from Little Ticket!

(via: little ticket)
What pretty pillows!

(via: shapes & colors textiles)
Eeep! The only way this panda mouse and pad set could be cuter is if it were a kitten. (A corded mouse might be really nice for a change, I'm apparently a slaughter-er of batteries!)

(via: modcloth)
In love with this collection of sea treasures.

(via: lacklusterco)
This calender has been on my "to thrift" list for a very long time.

(via: lucky little dot)
This dress is so gorgeous, that scalloped bottom is just stunning.

(via: Ruby Chic Originals)
So pretty!

(via: millalove)

I adore this satchel from Romwe. So so pretty!

(via: romwe)

The collar on this dress is so charming. It looks like the perfect dress for a Christmas party.

(via: modcloth)

♥ I love these bone tights. I love that they're not so obvious and attention grabbing as my other pairs of skeleton tights!
♥ Jodie of Apple Noggin sent me this really amazing link to a console TV turned dog bed. I LOVE it. Really wish we had room for one!
♥ Totally jealous of anyone who grabbed a pair of these before they sold out!

Hope you all have a fabulous Friday!
xoxo

what I wore; Kaylah in Wonderland

2011-12-01T14:42:00.001-05:00

the details:

dress - vintage/thrifted

tie - c/o Flapper Girl

belt - vintage/thrifted

tights - ebay (I think they're originally from Hot Topic if that helps!)

shoes - c/o Wanted Shoes

How amazing are these shoes? I wish you could see them in person, they're even more awesome. All the little cut outs and details are fabulous. I couldn't think of anything more awesome to pair them with than these heart tights.

Well, I'm heading back to work now. I'm working on some listing some new things in the shop and editing some photos for next week's blog posts. Hope you're having a wonderful Thursday and start to December!
xoxo