Urban Scarlet

Last year, back in February, B & I went to Palm Springs to visit and attend HITCHED (a wedding showcase full of awesomeness!). I fell in love with the atmosphere and the overflow of crazy talented industry peeps (photographers, designers, everything!) – It’s kind of like a bridal bazaar but on a whole ‘nother level. We had a great time to say the least. Amazing location (The Ace Hotel), fun food (tamales from a cart, anyone?), and the most unique wedding décor on this planet! With that being said, I was itching to go again…

Summer finally rolls around and they announced their new location & a BRAND NEW NAME. The Cream Event was coming to Austin, TX in January 2012! I didn’t think twice. I wanted to go. B was excited, too. We both love to travel & after hearing so many great things about Austin, I mentally ingrained this upcoming trip into my head. As the months flew by, I started to think of our impending trip (looking at flights, hotels, etc.) Brendon on the other hand had a change of heart. WTF!?@#$@!#$– And so I begged, pleaded and told him I’d pay for EVERYTHING! But he did not budge one bit. That son of a… :(

And so the hopes of Austin, Texas and attending The Cream event vanished before my very eyes…

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Fast forward to Christmas Eve – B wakes me up at approximately 6:21am. “I know you’re going to hate me and all… but you’re gonna have to trust me.” He then leads me to our living room. Waiting for me on the couch was a box. An early Christmas present? Oh, you know it! Upon opening the box, I was greeted with tickets to THE CREAM EVENT in Austin, ALL PAID FOR FLIGHTS & HOTEL RESERVATIONS. Ok, seriously? I totally scored on the best guy ever!!

“This year is going to be better than last year…” He says.

“Why’s that?”

“Because last year we went as boyfriend and girlfriend…”

Right then and there I knew what he was trying to say. He pursued to get down on one knee (this part I don’t even remember because I was crying hysterically). He said some mumbo jumbo how he wants to marry me (kidding)… And after freaking out, I somehow managed to say “YES!”

It was the greatest Christmas present a girl could as for – Whatta guy :)

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With that being said, we’re flying to Austin tomorrow AM to attend THE CREAM EVENT on Sunday! We have a list full of adventures to partake in (BBQ galore, sightseeing, and absorbing as much wedding ideas as possible). So brace yourself for ample amounts of goodies on the blog upon my return.

Be good everyone! Stay dry California!

xoxo

A few months ago, I got a nice little email from a Nordic shop, Little Studio, that specializes in great bold print. They primarily started in posters. However, after a great response from their playful and cheerful design, they quickly expanded into pillowcases, trays and cutting boards. How can you NOT love them? They are all so colorful, and fun! I love their use of geometric shapes in their design.

“We try to create designs that with the aid of imagination, color and shape conveys a special feeling.”

xoxo

and for those who’ve asked – my sweet proposal story coming on thursday! :)

Hello, blogosphere & friends :) So happy to be back! My hiatus was longer than I had expected (thanks to work and my never ending days) – But now that the dust has *finally* settled, perhaps I’ll give this blog another shot!

Reflection:
Even though we are only 9 days into the new year, 2011 seems like a big blur already! I started a new chapter in my life with a new and awesome job that challenges me in more ways than one, continued to travel with my number one partner and moved out with my other half to the cutest apartment in town. It was a blessed year, indeed!

(our new diy sign we made for our bedroom)

Gratitude:
In all of the craziness that has surrounded my life, I have forgotten to just sit back, reflect and be thankful for everything He has done in my life and what He still continues to do. We are all so underserving, yet through all of our struggles, pain, triumph and glory, it is always important to pray deep in our hearts and be thankful for the pain and happiness He attributes in our lives everyday. Although my relationship with Him was somewhat mediocre this past year, I want him to occupy my heart and life more so than ever…

Beginnings:
Ending 2011 meant a celebration of all things – A better understanding of life and a revival of inner beings, dreams and aspiration. Oh, and how could I forget… I had the sweetest ending to my glorious year ever:

‘Tis true – I am going to be Mrs.!!!! Brendon has been a steady, forgiving and patient force in my life since DAY ONE. Everything in my life has lead me to right now. All of everything has lead me to this moment, and for this purpose. I am so thankful for the people God has placed in my life, but most especially him.

2012, I am so ready for YOU, and all of your ups, downs and adventures you will bring to me. I hope that you bless our engagement and bring us to a fruitful journey at the end of the year. To my friends, family & readers: I wish this upon you, too – That you will take each day by the reigns and realize how beautiful life is and can be.

Now, what are you waiting for? Get busy living!

xoxo

It’s no secret that I’m a lover of beautiful stationary — And now, there is a one stop shop that houses all of the pretty! You will fall in love! Mercier Beaucoup is a cute little stationary shop that has some of the best of the best unique, one-of-a-kind greeting cards, exclusively picked from the BEST stationary designers and artists out there such as Rifle Paper Co., Wit & Whistle, Egg Press and more.

Here are a few of my fave:

Hello everyone! Today I have a treat for you — I am spotlighting a wonderful Southern California shop beautifully named Olmay. Founded by Christina Nickerson, Olmay is derived from the spirit of creativity and inspiration. With materials from some of the most beautiful countries in the world, Christina incorporates her natural, organic style with everyday, functional products for your home.

1) What inspired the name “Olmay” and what does it mean?
Olmay is a mixture of my two daughters names. Olivia and Maya.

2) Describe your unique style and how it reflects in your products.
My style is flexible. It’s high and low and hard to describe. I guess when it comes down to it, it’s all earthy. I like things that are multi functional and I want my customers to know that my products can be used for multiple purposes. For example: My hamman towels can be used for bath towels, beach towels, scarves, sarongs, table cloth. My pottery can be a dinner setting as well as serving dishes. My baskets can be used as market baskets as well as storage baskets etc. Some of my products are high in price but they will last you for many many years. Last but not least almost everything I carry is either organic or fair trade or both.

3) Where do you see your shop in the next few years; What do you want to accomplish?
I hope I will be able to design more and have most products made locally. This is my goal. There are so many talented American craft people that are now out of jobs. (mainly because everything is being made in China) I want to use our local wood makers, glass blowers, potterers, embroiderers, etc. to continue to make my products in the future.

4) You mentioned that you were born in Norway and traveled throughout Europe — Which city impacted and inspired you the most?
I think the Middle East inspired me the most. The beautiful colors in the desert. The amazing tents and rugs of the Nomads. Living there for almost 3 years brought out the painter, photographer and artist in me. I wanted to design after I moved there. Very inspiring.

5) How do you balance running your business with having a family?
You have to make a decision about what you want before you start I think. I never wanted to work and have a nanny raise my children. My husband travels a lot and I have to be here for my kids. I work after I drop them off at school. I pick them up and try to give them the attention they deserve. I think here in America they glamorize working long long hours. I don’t believe you will loose a customer if you ship the next day. Of course instead of reading a good book I am often doing research on the computer instead, after putting the kids down for the night. Hmmm. not sure if that is a good thing. Of course I am lucky that I don’t have to depend on a certain income to survive and I am very grateful for that.

6) Any advice for those who are interested in starting a business?
My advice is this: Do something that you really love. I think there is a saying that goes like this. ” Success does’t make you happy but happiness makes you successful”. I told my self that after being a stay at home mom for 9 years I wanted to do something that I really liked. It’s almost like a hobby. I only carry items that I want in my home. I understand it’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but I love it.

Please support Christina by checking out her shop and showing her some love :)