Fiesta Infusion

I love Cinco de Mayo -  Mexican traditions, vibrant colors, music you can't help but dance to, tons of delicious food you can't help but eat and an excuse to drink margaritas in the afternoon....I wonder if Seis de Mayo has an inferiority complex....

Why limit the fun to one day? Below are items to help you infuse a little fiesta in the other 364 days of the year.

This vintage 70's Mexican Embroidered Dress from Hellhound Vintage is fantastic.

Her shoes are spot-on too. Love them.

This piece by Savi is crafty and cozy and glitzy and beaded - like a drag queen grandma made me a necklace. I absolutely adore it.

Um...is there anything better than a penguin in a sombrero? Even the baby with half a face can't deter from the cute factor of this Cinco de Mayo Toddler Shirt from Zazzle. 

 

Wholesale Bar Supplies sells Glassware inspired table and chair sets.

Imagine 365 days of Margarita Magnifico in your kitchen.

From the flower in her hair to her great rack, AnitaMargarita by Details Art is fabulous.

And of course, I can't talk about Mexican art without mentioning the Goddess of all things Glitter:

Kathy Cano-Murillo - The Crafty Chica. Kathy is an artist, a writer, a creator and an inovator.

I could go on for hours about her blog, her books, her crafters cruise - but if you're looking to add a little Mexican flair to your home - look no further than the incredible Crafty Chica Etsy store which features products by Kathy and her husband Patrick.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Hipster Style

It began with a web site http://www.unhappyhipster.com/ where interior design photos from Dwell, NY Times and other publications are posted with funny captions.  I passed it along to friends and someone commented that in all actuality myself and my husband were hipsters!

It got me thinking: what exactly defines a hipster?

"Hipster is a slang term that first appeared in the 1940s, and was revived in the 1990s and 2000s often to describe types of young, recently-settled urban middle class adults and older teenagers with interests in non-mainstream fashion and culture, particularly alternative music, independent rock ..."- Wikipedia

Of course, Urban Dictionary says a Hipster:

"Listens to bands that you have never heard of. Has hairstyle that can only be described as "complicated." (Most likely achieved by a minimum of one week not washing it.) Probably tattooed. Maybe gay. Definitely cooler than you. ...Always denies being a hipster. Hates the word...... Has friends and/or self cut hair. Dyes it frequently (black, white-blonde, etc. and until scalp bleeds). Has a closet full of clothing but usually wears same three things OVER AND OVER (most likely very tight black pants, scarf, and ironic tee-shirt). Chips off nail polish artfully after $50 manicure. Sleeps with everyone and talks about it at great volume in crowded coffee shops. Addicted to coffee, cigarettes (Parliaments, Kamel Reds, Lucky Strikes, etc.), and possibly cocaine. Claims to be in a band. Rehearsals consist of choosing outfits for next show and drinking PBR....."

LOL - all I know is that I am seeing hipster fashion, home decor, accessories, art and more everywhere I look these days. Here are some of my faves:

Hipster Kiss by Daniel Hughes

 

Hipster Fashion Pins by Tea and Laundry

 

Hipster Print by Whale and Bee

 

Geek Rock Hipster Glasses by Pretty. Useful. Stuff. (My site!)

Hipster Glasses Necklace by The River is Everywhere

Hipster Plush by the Felt Mistress

Stay hip!

Going Green

Found a glass head at the flea market this weekend and I have decided to turn it into a terrarium. After a quick how-to video courtesy of eHow.com, I started looking at some other terrariums for inspiration. It is amazing how many variations there are to fit into any decor, plus they are eco-friendly!

Below are some of my favorite terrariums:

So chic! 2001: A Space Terrarium designed by esQue

Preston Bailey's tea part centerpiece terrarium utilizing fresh flowers on a glass cake stand

(as seen on Poetic Home)

Too adorable! The Fantasy Moss Terrarium by Betty's Fantasy.

Simple and beautiful - Monkeys Always Look's hanging terrarium is perfect for an apartment (although I might do a grouping of these in the kitchen at the house). 

Nini Style showcased numerous terrarium decor options. My favorite is the large dome on the right.

 Have you created your own terrarium? I'd love to see it!

My Art-Full Life - Home Decor

I love decorating and I love being crafty. Sometimes the two combine.  In honor of Friday's Living the Art-Full Life posts, I thought I would share with you some of the artsy-crafty goodness that I have been working on in our house:

This was a dark wood, vintage credenza style record player that was all busted up, but the player still worked.  Got it at a garage sale for $20 and created this:
 

Guitar Picks cover the two outer panels

Still working on the side piece. Not quite sure what I plan to do yet!

I also worked on creating a stained glass looking creation on my TV stand.  It is actually just black paint on the outside glass and colored glass painted inside to create the stained glass effect.

An old IKEA lamp became the perfect place to use all the leftover glass bead pieces I have been making over the years.

And below is what may become the newest addition to my site http://www.prettyusefulstuff.com/.  Just need to finish it and decide if I like it as a card or a print:

Are YOU living the Art-Full Life? Tell us all about it - we'd love to feature you and your work!