Cute Coop

My hubby and I toyed with the idea of keeping chickens last year--hens. The thought of fetching a basket of freshly laid eggs and serving them in the summer time along side fresh sliced tomatoes from our garden seemed divine. Yes we live in a neighborhood, but it allows for kept chicks. We got really excited about it and were thisclose to doing it when reality began to set in a bit (aka: my mom and sister laughed at the idea and proceeded to tell him how chickens are messy/gross and the eggs taste funny).

I was officially scared off. Then my mom sends me a link to Heather Bullard's new chicken coop and I about passed out from the severe cuteness. What is she (my mom) trying to do to me?!?!? I think at this time it is not a good idea to keep a chicken coop in our yard. We do have room and the idea seems appealing on the surface but there are so many reasons not to at this point it will remain a dream. One day I hope to have a miniature animal farm of my own (miniature farm, not animals. although miniature animals would be great too). Yep I am a city girl through and through but if I found a nice patch of land on the outskirts (still really close to Target) of town I'd happily raise animals of all kinds!

Magpie Lovely Loveliness

I knew Holly was a girl after my own heart when she wrote:

"I am tired of spending money on things that are poorly made or that are not unique. I am trying to do a better job of living a greener life. I do not, however, drive a car that you plug-in, I have never saved a whale and I am a firm believer in air-conditioning."

Amen on the a/c! Sounds like a lady I could be friends with and someone who knows how to run a chic boutique. And she does...



Holly contacted me about her new shop Magpie Lovely and I knew that you guys would love to hear about it. Her online shop exclusively features independent crafters and artisans creating a boutique feel right on your monitor. There are plenty of lovely finds there for your home, your wardrobe and your friends. She makes supporting small businesses easy--and stylish too!

Above are some of my favorites from her shop. Take a virtual visit to Magpie Lovely. I'm pretty sure you'll like it as much as I do!

Lightning Bugs

First the bumblebees and now the fireflies. Their population is dwindling and it makes me sad. Our area is so void of them that I had forgotten about these lovely glowing creatures until reminiscing about summers of my childhood. I remember spotting many a lightning bug (as we called them) in the woods around town as a kid. Sadly I haven't seen one in years!

As a fun summer project (kids would love this!) you can join the Museum of Science's Firefly Watch. It requires no special training and helps scientists chart the habitats and populations of these insects. Very little information is available in the scientific community on the reasons firefly populations seem to be declining or on these creatures in general. Joining the watch will help change that.

Above is a piece by one of my favorite artists Penelope Dullaghan. Below are some great finds from Etsy to celebrate fireflies. They are nature's icons of summer!



1 We're All in This Together
2 Firefly Night
3 Creation of Fireflies
4 Catching Fireflies
5 The Enlightened Fireflies

Ruffles on Etsy { Part Two }

Eliza + Axel furthers my ruffle love via Etsy. They have the cure for the common tee shirt. And each grament is made from 100% recycled materials--each creation re-uses pre-loved garments and antique finds. How great would it be to have a closet full of ruffley, frilly, girly clothes?!?