More Reliable Than A Weatherman: Saint Swithun's Day

Saint Swithun was Bishop of Winchester from 30 October 852 to his death on 2 July 862. His historical importance as bishop is overshadowed by his reputation for posthumous miracle-working. According to tradition, the weather on his feast day (Today, July 15) will continue for forty days.

The name of Swithun is best-known today for a British weather lore proverb, which says that if it rains on Saint Swithun's day, 15 July, it will rain for 40 days.

St Swithun's day if thou dost rain,
For forty days it will remain,
St Swithun's day if thou be fair,
For forty days 'twill rain no more...
If on St Swithun's day it really pours,
You're better off to stay indoors.

In honor of Saint Swithun, today's Etsy Treasury is all about weather.

So chic. Weather Art Work on Vintage French Dictionary Pages from Wall Envy Art.

Rainy Day with My Umbrella Necklace. Love the sweet little raindrop beads on this piece by Lychee Kiss.

I totally dig the hidden skull in The Fantastic Mosaic Sun Card by Blue Moose Art.

The Amigurumi Happy Weather Mobile Pattern is an adorable DIY afternoon project by Amy Gaines.

 

The detail is so subtle and lovely in the painting Winter Rains by artist Kecky.

Beatles + Optimism + Jewelry = Perfection in this Glass Tile Pendant by Lyrical Lady.

 

Possibly the cutest rings ever. The Oh Happy Day/Oh Crappy Day Ring Set by Weasel Factory.

I just melt when I look at Rainy Day (Art Print) by Rosy Designs Online.

 

Each piece is painstakingly cut and positioned in this paper collage to create Lint Bunnie's stunning piece simply titled Weather.

And finally....

Because I am a sucker for vintage postcards I couldn't resist including this Sunshine Motel card from Roadside Photographs.

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Prickly but Perfect

Sorry for the lack of a post yesterday. Work and life got in the way but today I am back with the cutest blog post that has ever existed.

Last week Bing posted a photo of a baby hedgehog. I can't find the actual photo they used, but look how adorable they are:

Since I feel like my dogs would probably eat it, I will not be getting a pet hedgehog. However, I am excited to show you all of the fantastic hedgehog items on Etsy for today's Treasury!

 

I love literature. I could spend hours in a library or book store and don't even get me started on old book smell - I'm in heaven lol.  So of course I can't resist this "Mine All Mine" Print by Trafalgar's Square.

 

Tiny and totally irresistable. This little guy measures 1.75" and is made of mohair and wool. He is one of many eco-friendly toys from MuddyFeet.

Can you wear this and not smile? I think not.  Happy Hedgehog T-shirt from Rainbow Swirlz.

I want these felt coasters by SeaBreezeStudio for my next summer get together! They are just soooo sweet!

Gotta love a stand-up bass playing hedgehog. This print by barking bird art is precious. 

I am digging this Animalia Pendant by Pannikin. He might be around my neck soon...

And of course, you can't talk about hedgehogs without mentioning the top guy in the hedgehog world - Sonic! Etsy is full of Sonic the Hedgehog items but I wanted to throw a little something in here for the men! Spice up your wardrobe with Sonic Cuff Links!

Products So Good They Will Make Your Tassels Twirl

Thanks to modern pioneers like Dita Von Teese, Dirty Martini, Jo Boobs and other performers, burlesque is everywhere these days and it couldn't be more exciting for a lifelong cabaret lover like myself. If you were to turn me into a pile of materials it would consist of feathers, sequins, glitter and well...anything pink and sparkly.  And so as it happens every once in a while, I am suddenly trendy. 

Burlesque Painting as seen on Bellydancing by Elaine

Christina Aguilera's movie "Burlesque" is coming out and amazing new troupes are popping up every day-including Delray Beach's own Modernesque Burlesque, celebrating a year of tantalizing shows and incredible performances. Burlesque is popular again!

People are even decorating their homes, events and weddings in retro burlesque fashions:

Wedding Photo from YourWeddingDay.com

 

Burlesque Wallpaper as seen on The Gin Lady

Put some tease back into your life with these great products, style inspirations and burly-q goodness

so good they will make your tassels twirl: 

It's almost summer time - let your inner pin-up girl shine with the "Skipper" Nautical Bikini from one of my favorite places to shop Pin Up Girl Clothing. Check out their site- I promise you won't be disappointed!

On the beach, at the grocery store, craft store or even the office - this sexy seamstress Tote by 6Prints is a fun way to lug around all your stuff.

This beautiful headband by Tragic Veil is pure burlesque heaven.

 

Burlesque Beauty Pendant by Queen Bean Jewels on ArtFire

More removable than a stripper pole. Bring a little sexy sass into your home with this wall decal by beepart.

Make your bedroom your own red light district with a lingerie clad Tramp Lamp.

Finally, burlesque is all about the tease - and there is no tease unless something is left to the imagination.

Key to every performance is the perfect pair of pasties. Here are some of my favorites:

Candy Pasties by Fleur du Mal

 

Awesome Sushi Pasties. Photo by Fractured Frame Photography.

Music Note Pasties by Manuge-et-Toi Burlesque as seen on Trend de la Creme 

Pac Man Pasties as seen on Forever Geek.

 If you are local to the Delray area, don't forget to check out Modernesque Burlesque's June 5th Midnight Show.  See Pulp Pin-up at its finest at Respectable Street.  Find out more and buy presale tickets for only $5 at http://www.respectablestreet.com/.





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Windmill Mania

I fell in love with windmills when we took a tour of Amsterdam's countryside to see tulip fields, a cheese auction, clog makers and huge, powerful and absolutely beautiful windmills.  I guess many other people are fascinated by them as well because today is

WINDMILL DAY

Windmill and Tulips in Holland Magnet

  Of course the Netherlands aren't the only ones with windmills. As a matter of fact, according to the U.S. Energy Information Association reported that as of 2008 the United States ranked first in the world in wind power capacity. Here are some items that celebrate windmills in all shapes, sizes and locations:

Such a cute mug by Bella Joy Pottery. On the flip side are skyscrapers and they call this their "Are you a city mouse? Or a country mouse?" mug. 

This card by einnej is definitely for a country mouse but it is such beautiful papercut art that even a city mouse would find it chic.

Promote alternative energy with this Wind Farm Shirt by Happy Family.

Pamela J's Vintage Windmill Pendant is gorgeous. I love the look on the lady's face and the rainbow of colors make me smile. 

Blow away the other throw pillows with Dwell in Style's Hand Printed "Wind Power" Pillow.

And finally here are some of my favorite windmill paintings:

Van Gogh's “Le Blute-fin Mill”

Windmill Painting by Steve Fazzio

Windmill / Bastrop Paintings by C.M. Henderson

Thank You For Being A Friend

It is no secret that I LOVE the Golden Girls. They are on my list with Arrested Development and 30 Rock as some of the greatest comedy shows of all time so you can imagine my excitement about the upcoming episode of SNL hosted by the incomparable Betty White!

In honor of this momentous occasion and to pay homage to the touring "Golden Girls Gone Wild" exhibit, here are some amazing Golden Girls inspired pieces:

Rose by Ed Mironiuk

(Part of the Golden Girls Go Wild Exhibit)

Ode to the Golden Girls Reversible Pendant by elloh

Golden Girls Wine Charms by Whimsy at Handmade

 

Golden Girls Pendant by PendantLicious

The Golden Girls Stitch by Stitch Out Loud 

Stay Golden T-Shirt available at Bust Magazine's Boobtique

Living in a Perfectly Imperfect World

Vogue has announced that this fall - imperfect is in.

Their Style Guide states, "Do you ever see a girl on the street- maybe she's a model, maybe she's just cool-and her hair, tucked behind an ear, in a loose ponytail, or falling out of a low bun, is just right?....That's the key to fall: Real Beauty. That's what we call perfectly imperfect."

Photo courtesy of Glam

Viktor & Rolf were way ahead of this trend with their gorgeous Summer/Spring 2010 line that featured layers of thin chiffon, cut and equipped with holes to create divine imperfections.

Photo courtesy of Design Related

 "Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring." - Marilyn Monroe

Some of my favorite perfectly imperfect things:

Organic Rough Diamond Earrings by Lex Luxe on Etsy

Splendidly Imperfect Girl Mug by Imperfect World on Etsy

Imperfect Angel Photograph courtesy of

Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel

Broken China and Silver Plated Fork Pendants by

Gus Karlson (Dr Gus) as seen on http://www.men-access.com/.

Photography by Jessica Faren

"Sometimes we strive so hard for perfection that we forget that imperfection is happiness."