cosy rosy {bird} goods.

Cute cute cute! I bought one of these sweet little wallets from Rosy Bird last year at Renegade (actually, mine is a little business card holder). I'm totally in love with her sweet little birds and their big button eyes. They have so much character! Her fun colors, blanket stitch and extra details (sweet lace and fabric) add to the adorable-ness of her goods! *oh...and she's a fellow midwestern gal too!

get the warm fuzzies.

The problem with selling our wares at craft shows, is that it usually takes ALL of my willpower to not spend more than we sell. Last year at the Jingle, Mingle, Shop show in Chicago, I spotted Mayu Hand-Knit Alpaca scarves and wraps. I instantly fell in love with the colors, and the softness of the fabric. After I bought one, it became my favorite scarf of the season (I can totally relate to Linus...his blanket must have been made from alpaca).

Mayu owner, Kate Robertson personally works with the women in Peru who make her items...so when you buy a Mayu scarf, you help employ independent business women in Peru as well. It's a win-win if you ask me!

"have a nice cup."

I love love love Herb and Ginger teas. They are another one of my favorite gifts to give...perfect to have on hand for the hostess-with-the-mostess. The teas are delicious, and the packaging is adorable (do they have the cutest logo ever?!). It's almost the time of year to cozy up with a good book and a hot cup of tea (though theirs tastes great iced too).

buy Elmhurst accessories.

Good 'ol Elmhurst, Illinois. Just when I get a bit homesick for the west coast...or when I long to live in a place with the fashion sensibilities of Firenze, I come back to yet another local find! Ellu is a line of handbags by local designer, Leslie Pozen. Her bags are not only super-cute, but are really well made with durable fabrics, strong stitching and nicely detailed hardware. Check out her new website!

go on holiday!!

I'll be taking a 2 week break for our family trip to Italy. Woo hoo! I'm sure I'll find some fun little shops to report back about...so stay tuned!

enamel-icious.

Chicago designer, Grace Wang-Bishop of ZN Creative Arts, makes some of the most beautiful enameled jewelry. Her blues and greens, and greeny-blues are fabulous. I even love her purple {who knew...I'd totally love purple!!}. She also offers a silver line of jewelry, that I didn't even show here...because I'm so smitten with her enameled work.

shop locally.

Just wanted to write a little blurb about my favorite local clothing store, Camden. Clothes shopping is slim pickins in Chicago's western burbs, let me tell you! So I was so happy to have this little shop open up! It's as stylish as any city store...I can always find something cute and the gals who work there are always helpful {without being pushy}.