tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952426839456982142012-02-14T06:16:06.901-08:00personal style blog, focus on vintage, eclecticism and colorsmelina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-64657164204202506862012-02-13T06:58:00.000-08:002012-02-13T06:58:05.252-08:002012-02-13T06:58:05.252-08:00Howdy y'all! I'm about to fly out west to beautiful Portland, Oregon but first I wanted to share two dresses I was recently gifted.&nbsp;<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6869727305/" title="Untitled by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6869727305_924e36f4b7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> This dress is in such incredible condition it is hard to believe this is an authentic vintage piece from the late 40s/early 50s.<br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6869728143/" title="Untitled by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6869728143_3c3c2e96c8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> The lace has held up so well! If I didn't find the tell-tale metal zipper by Talon, I would not believe this dress is over 50s years old.<br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6869740441/" title="Untitled by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6869740441_e88cc8214b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> Next up is this sassy 60s button-up dress. How cute are the sleeves?<br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6869743599/" title="Untitled by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6869743599_59490a50dc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> Aw, thanks for thinking of me Matthew!<br /> <br /> Well, I hope everyone is having a wonderful week. I'll be blogging from Portland for the next week.<br /> heart,<br /> --m<br /> <br /> <a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=6465716420420250686"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=6465716420420250686"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=6465716420420250686"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=6465716420420250686"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-6465716420420250686?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/UPgge9rMibnMkWXwmerdPnZRcOo/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/UPgge9rMibnMkWXwmerdPnZRcOo/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/UPgge9rMibnMkWXwmerdPnZRcOo/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/UPgge9rMibnMkWXwmerdPnZRcOo/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/Nk1HuhAF_gw" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com7http://www.melinab.com/2012/02/two-new-dresses-and-trip-to-portland.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-76623850992529105972012-02-12T20:14:00.000-08:002012-02-12T20:14:13.005-08:002012-02-12T20:14:13.005-08:00Welcome to another installment of my&nbsp;<a href="http://www.melinab.com/search/label/zodiac%20dresser" style="background-color: white; color: #ff6fcf; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Zodiac Dresser series</a>&nbsp;in which I explore astrology through outfits. This post &nbsp;celebrates the sign Aquarius, ruled by the planet Uranus. (Photos by Charles O'Donovan.) <br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6860718581/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="peace~ by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="peace~" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6860718581_fb7af00190.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">90s dress: thrifted * shoes: Holding Horses</td></tr> </tbody></table>Although symbolized by the water-bearer, Aquarius is <i>not</i>&nbsp;a water sign but an air sign. Aquarius's association with two elements is astrologically unique and helps form this sign's free-spirited, avant-garde and non-conformist character.&nbsp;Aquarians are known to be friendly, idealistic, intellectual and humanitarian. I wanted my outfit to exude those hippie-dippy, groovy vibes, maaaan.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6862901865/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Tights by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Tights" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6862901865_b7a16fef51.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">(Is it gross that I thrifted these tights? I washed them like a dozen times before wearing them and they appeared unworn.)</td></tr> </tbody></table>I chose to wear these ankle boots because the body parts ruled by Aquarius include the ankles and shins.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6860719413/" title="makeup by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="makeup" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6860719413_669e9a9b90.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>The color associated with Aquarius is electric blue, hence my choice of Nars "Rated R" on my lids. My necklace features an amethyst, this sign's special stone.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6862982511/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Untitled by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6862982511_7bb4b52b39.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by&nbsp;<a href="http://thejasminegallery.com/">the Jasmine Gallery</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>Despite being so progressive and friendly, this sign also tends to be obstinate and emotionally detached/cold.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6860720621/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="tapestry by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="tapestry" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6860720621_fb9dbe38f6.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">peace out!</td></tr> </tbody></table>Aquarians of note include: Oprah * Paul Newman * FDR * Edouard Manet * Philip Glass * Clark Gable * Jackson Pollak * Mikhail Baryshnikov * Langston Hughes * Zane Grey * Babe Ruth * my friend Sally who has been waiting on this post for nearly a year!<br /> <br /> heart,<br /> --m<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=7662385099252910597"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=7662385099252910597"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=7662385099252910597"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=7662385099252910597"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-7662385099252910597?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/YABoxrtBCKjDZZfGaKupZ9ZEivk/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/YABoxrtBCKjDZZfGaKupZ9ZEivk/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/YABoxrtBCKjDZZfGaKupZ9ZEivk/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/YABoxrtBCKjDZZfGaKupZ9ZEivk/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/qfW3RZmdUFI" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com4http://www.melinab.com/2012/02/zodiac-dresser-aquarius.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-19886548234037979342012-02-08T18:47:00.000-08:002012-02-08T18:47:59.607-08:002012-02-08T18:47:59.607-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The miniseries <i>Rome</i>&nbsp;captivates me through both its plot and stunning visuals. <i>Rome</i>&nbsp;takes place during and just after the reign of&nbsp;Caesar with particular focus on the lives of two plebian friends, Lucius Verenus and Titus Pullo.&nbsp;Even if you are not into history, the plot is very engrossing and steamy.&nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxk4X3mfGvw/Ty9Elxdc2hI/AAAAAAAABo0/75i7iXEzhP4/s1600/verenus-ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kxk4X3mfGvw/Ty9Elxdc2hI/AAAAAAAABo0/75i7iXEzhP4/s400/verenus-ring.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verenus</td></tr> </tbody></table>There are some seriously foxy men and women in this show!<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QNd2GDKyts/Ty9EPxP-yPI/AAAAAAAABnc/o9tRO2av5Tk/s1600/pullo01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QNd2GDKyts/Ty9EPxP-yPI/AAAAAAAABnc/o9tRO2av5Tk/s400/pullo01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swoon-worthy and virile Pullo</td></tr> </tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One major aspect of the show I greatly appreciate is the attention to the many ethnic groups under the Roman empire and ensuing cultural conflicts.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfL9hH951-c/Ty9EZI8WGbI/AAAAAAAABoU/mcBjOBWVktM/s1600/V-ex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vfL9hH951-c/Ty9EZI8WGbI/AAAAAAAABoU/mcBjOBWVktM/s400/V-ex.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Defeated Gallic hero and hottie Vercingetorix&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gj3_Kiz6TPs/Ty9EgqHLkbI/AAAAAAAABok/EAPeo_MidJM/s1600/V-ex3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gj3_Kiz6TPs/Ty9EgqHLkbI/AAAAAAAABok/EAPeo_MidJM/s400/V-ex3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gallic men, unlike Romans, wore long hair, beards and tattoos</td></tr> </tbody></table>The depictions of Cleopatra and ancient Egypt are maybe my favorite part of the series.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfDfOdon4UQ/Ty9Dwlq-pMI/AAAAAAAABk0/mnMfvem18wU/s1600/cleo-ankh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfDfOdon4UQ/Ty9Dwlq-pMI/AAAAAAAABk0/mnMfvem18wU/s400/cleo-ankh.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">awesome ankh pendant</td></tr> </tbody></table>Amazing wigs:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HWQWZ2af0o/Ty9Dx2QAj-I/AAAAAAAABk8/ehOXAQ9JnrU/s1600/cleo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3HWQWZ2af0o/Ty9Dx2QAj-I/AAAAAAAABk8/ehOXAQ9JnrU/s400/cleo1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMI0FeFjxGs/Ty9D4qb01RI/AAAAAAAABlM/56VsvhTfuR8/s1600/cleo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uMI0FeFjxGs/Ty9D4qb01RI/AAAAAAAABlM/56VsvhTfuR8/s400/cleo4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQraqLlBtkM/Ty9D6G-vnVI/AAAAAAAABlU/weCaVuPEM_8/s1600/cleo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQraqLlBtkM/Ty9D6G-vnVI/AAAAAAAABlU/weCaVuPEM_8/s400/cleo5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFgPKHKXyqk/Ty9D88p9BEI/AAAAAAAABlk/k0BaYOwrdA0/s1600/egyptian02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFgPKHKXyqk/Ty9D88p9BEI/AAAAAAAABlk/k0BaYOwrdA0/s400/egyptian02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSwFUcfogZY/Ty9D-EaCLhI/AAAAAAAABls/CGX3T_JFf90/s1600/egyptian04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RSwFUcfogZY/Ty9D-EaCLhI/AAAAAAAABls/CGX3T_JFf90/s400/egyptian04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i>Rome </i>features an abundance&nbsp;of beautiful hair, jewelry and clothes.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9no-w7kvGU/Ty9DtrEPq_I/AAAAAAAABkc/pemANY1_ngI/s1600/atia01close.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9no-w7kvGU/Ty9DtrEPq_I/AAAAAAAABkc/pemANY1_ngI/s400/atia01close.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-jeBNGi9Gg/Ty9DvpzDyxI/AAAAAAAABks/ztYfNo4nsIw/s1600/brothel01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o-jeBNGi9Gg/Ty9DvpzDyxI/AAAAAAAABks/ztYfNo4nsIw/s400/brothel01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">A madame with blue hair and too much rouge</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHg2d6vuRsQ/Ty9D_vVq0iI/AAAAAAAABl8/Aw9-vAgoK1g/s1600/ireni-hair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cHg2d6vuRsQ/Ty9D_vVq0iI/AAAAAAAABl8/Aw9-vAgoK1g/s400/ireni-hair.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Pullo's favorite gal, Ireni, is an adorable, petite Gaul with beautiful ringlets.&nbsp;</span></td></tr> </tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--59uv4XgVGA/Ty9EAaggrrI/AAAAAAAABmE/M_RfIoLtUqc/s1600/ireni001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--59uv4XgVGA/Ty9EAaggrrI/AAAAAAAABmE/M_RfIoLtUqc/s400/ireni001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2M9jPJnGTNo/Ty9EBW0VBEI/AAAAAAAABmM/7qYeqMW5s2g/s1600/jocasta01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2M9jPJnGTNo/Ty9EBW0VBEI/AAAAAAAABmM/7qYeqMW5s2g/s400/jocasta01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love the vertical components of her necklace and want to create an inspired piece.&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58Y8XJc3Qvk/Ty9EOAraObI/AAAAAAAABnM/3QIBCTeOdYs/s1600/octavia01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-58Y8XJc3Qvk/Ty9EOAraObI/AAAAAAAABnM/3QIBCTeOdYs/s400/octavia01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How gorgeous are these sleeves?&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pydmN8dBxbc/Ty9EDUwhCnI/AAAAAAAABmc/bDmIwMguwdY/s1600/markantony-necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pydmN8dBxbc/Ty9EDUwhCnI/AAAAAAAABmc/bDmIwMguwdY/s400/markantony-necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this necklace is so masculine and yet glamorous&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EysZwdXD5MQ/Ty9EKy67ykI/AAAAAAAABm0/moxOXGGociI/s1600/metal-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EysZwdXD5MQ/Ty9EKy67ykI/AAAAAAAABm0/moxOXGGociI/s400/metal-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want this pendant!&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XC-LHouvXBE/Ty9ELs44EEI/AAAAAAAABm8/Bk0GVc_RLLU/s1600/niobe001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XC-LHouvXBE/Ty9ELs44EEI/AAAAAAAABm8/Bk0GVc_RLLU/s400/niobe001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Verenus's gorgeous wife</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Scenes of daily life in ancient Rome come alive thanks to the cinematography.&nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOEnIV1ftWA/Ty9Du51J_GI/AAAAAAAABkk/Y6Ycw9ePEqE/s1600/aventine-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pOEnIV1ftWA/Ty9Du51J_GI/AAAAAAAABkk/Y6Ycw9ePEqE/s400/aventine-001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">the Capitoline&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;">I especially love to see what the interiors might have looked like in their prime.&nbsp;</span><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMYun3wV9B0/Ty9ETqYsazI/AAAAAAAABn8/oYUqrU5I2Ls/s1600/sauna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mMYun3wV9B0/Ty9ETqYsazI/AAAAAAAABn8/oYUqrU5I2Ls/s400/sauna.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">inside a Sauna</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4EQJmaY-P8/Ty9D7azKjSI/AAAAAAAABlc/SDjJlMEoJxY/s1600/dressingtable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K4EQJmaY-P8/Ty9D7azKjSI/AAAAAAAABlc/SDjJlMEoJxY/s400/dressingtable.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">a vanity complete with roman cosmetics&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDZiA9w5wIA/Ty9ECoDAn8I/AAAAAAAABmU/Ge_3GsygtZQ/s1600/lushinterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HDZiA9w5wIA/Ty9ECoDAn8I/AAAAAAAABmU/Ge_3GsygtZQ/s400/lushinterior.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">such a lush interior</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzvFGZJKoZM/Ty9ES18iLpI/AAAAAAAABn0/FyHxF6F2G0g/s1600/rome001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzvFGZJKoZM/Ty9ES18iLpI/AAAAAAAABn0/FyHxF6F2G0g/s400/rome001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">what a view!&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBpSIcVAihc/Ty9EUqz4t-I/AAAAAAAABoE/ASDaPk_AOPc/s1600/shrine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBpSIcVAihc/Ty9EUqz4t-I/AAAAAAAABoE/ASDaPk_AOPc/s400/shrine.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mobile shrine</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lz2Qv3LxC7E/Ty9EV2jcOLI/AAAAAAAABoM/suQZHKKdKM8/s1600/skulls001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lz2Qv3LxC7E/Ty9EV2jcOLI/AAAAAAAABoM/suQZHKKdKM8/s400/skulls001.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ancient skull motifs&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_jRfuAHT47k/Ty9ER2fLtHI/AAAAAAAABns/K8W0WBMjJ_U/s1600/razor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_jRfuAHT47k/Ty9ER2fLtHI/AAAAAAAABns/K8W0WBMjJ_U/s400/razor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how nifty-looking are ancient roman razors?</td></tr> </tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have any of you seen <i>Rome</i>? What are your thoughts?&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">heart,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">--m</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-1988654823403797934?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/1Vyzt1R3kNSxcWbF3UqhkPgwFTo/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/1Vyzt1R3kNSxcWbF3UqhkPgwFTo/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/1Vyzt1R3kNSxcWbF3UqhkPgwFTo/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/1Vyzt1R3kNSxcWbF3UqhkPgwFTo/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/p73TMW08SkI" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com3http://www.melinab.com/2012/02/favorite-flicks-rome.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-1495609985868550412012-02-02T20:53:00.000-08:002012-02-02T20:53:07.625-08:002012-02-02T20:53:07.625-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Celestial Seasonings&nbsp;</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoBrCsKTVTA/TytkftYeCII/AAAAAAAABj8/ij3Iim-C0hs/s1600/herb_v2_CS_3DBox_HVanCham_0111.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XoBrCsKTVTA/TytkftYeCII/AAAAAAAABj8/ij3Iim-C0hs/s1600/herb_v2_CS_3DBox_HVanCham_0111.png" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.celestialseasonings.com/products/herbal-teas/honey-vanilla-chamomile">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>This company makes the most comforting and flavorful teas. I like their sweet herbal teas best of all.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cool-toned bright yellow</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /> </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXJnTBTWvt0/TytkoNcZA_I/AAAAAAAABkU/oGEnL_Jk3_U/s1600/tumblr_lyacssdel81qzzelmo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXJnTBTWvt0/TytkoNcZA_I/AAAAAAAABkU/oGEnL_Jk3_U/s320/tumblr_lyacssdel81qzzelmo1_500.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://prettycolors.tumblr.com/archive">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>Touches of bright, cool yellow are so lively yet soothing.&nbsp;<div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tattoo Style Diamonds</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZBgbIiUa8A/Tytkh62_s3I/AAAAAAAABkE/wIXZSajXk60/s1600/il_fullxfull.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wZBgbIiUa8A/Tytkh62_s3I/AAAAAAAABkE/wIXZSajXk60/s320/il_fullxfull.jpeg" width="314" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">for sale <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78991848/traditional-diamond-tattoo-necklace?favorite_listing_id=78991848&amp;show_panel=true">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>They make great tattoos but also beautiful drawings and neon signs.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Smashbook Journals</b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tS7VtmPVPw0/TytkntLbiGI/AAAAAAAABkM/2bmo6HvdbJI/s1600/SmashBookFive.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tS7VtmPVPw0/TytkntLbiGI/AAAAAAAABkM/2bmo6HvdbJI/s320/SmashBookFive.jpeg" width="212" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.archiversonline.com/tag/smash-book/">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>These scrapbooks are a really casual and satisfying way to organize ephemera.&nbsp;</div><div><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">This Bear Jumper</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LK_fUSRp84E/Tytke0bCbwI/AAAAAAAABj0/i94b3n_MzcM/s1600/dvd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LK_fUSRp84E/Tytke0bCbwI/AAAAAAAABj0/i94b3n_MzcM/s320/dvd.jpg" width="280" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kate from <i>United States of Tara</i>&nbsp;S. 4</td></tr> </tbody></table>Wow!! I'm so glad this exists</div><div><br /> </div><div>heart,</div><div>--m<br /> <br /> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-149560998586855041?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/CwRDgtdqOvl8R905yz0V-phYsJM/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/CwRDgtdqOvl8R905yz0V-phYsJM/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/CwRDgtdqOvl8R905yz0V-phYsJM/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/CwRDgtdqOvl8R905yz0V-phYsJM/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/MeY8GI-zdXw" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com5http://www.melinab.com/2012/02/five-things-i-like.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-71474265824578205702012-01-28T14:05:00.000-08:002012-01-28T14:05:13.619-08:002012-01-28T14:05:13.619-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I've mentioned several times, I've gotten very into making jewelry and hair accessories. Here's a quick glimpse at some handmade goodies before they go up in my shop. (Please let me know what you think in the comments.)</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PPRGAkDsIIQ/TyL_9MEBFcI/AAAAAAAABdo/EZ8YeouTMvM/s640/blogger-image-1103850706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PPRGAkDsIIQ/TyL_9MEBFcI/AAAAAAAABdo/EZ8YeouTMvM/s400/blogger-image-1103850706.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">heart barrettes</td></tr> </tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_R4qCRwXICM/TyL__ScL_zI/AAAAAAAABdw/q_WYsIvoY-g/s640/blogger-image--792645733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_R4qCRwXICM/TyL__ScL_zI/AAAAAAAABdw/q_WYsIvoY-g/s400/blogger-image--792645733.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fC74N6n1rpc/TyMACQmiiiI/AAAAAAAABd4/CdwMMq8C-SI/s640/blogger-image-669469761.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fC74N6n1rpc/TyMACQmiiiI/AAAAAAAABd4/CdwMMq8C-SI/s400/blogger-image-669469761.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6774578601/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Just made these, metal, vertebra and crystal by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Just made these, metal, vertebra and crystal" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6774578601_aee06c6934.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chain, crystals and real vertebrae&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6773810667/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Improved notebook by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Improved notebook" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6773810667_b6590509b8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not for sale, just wanted to show you my crafting journal</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6772269587/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="By moi by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="By moi" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6772269587_4dccaf6ca8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">told you I liked cabochons!</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6772264025/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="I made with vintage charms by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="I made with vintage charms" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6772264025_1cd8a21a58.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">made with vintage charms, I'd keep these earrings for myself if I weren't allergic to copper</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6772257949/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="I made, with vintage beads by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="I made, with vintage beads" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6772257949_2cb6bafa1f.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">str8 klownin</td></tr> </tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Any opinions or suggestions? Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. The weather here in Richmond is uncannily warm and gorgeous.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">heart,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">--m</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-7147426582457820570?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/sYrq-gs9a7ZQLrzAPfkgOzzJ2To/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/sYrq-gs9a7ZQLrzAPfkgOzzJ2To/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/sYrq-gs9a7ZQLrzAPfkgOzzJ2To/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/sYrq-gs9a7ZQLrzAPfkgOzzJ2To/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/7UYPzDcMxfA" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com6http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/jewelry-and-hair-accessories-ive-made.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-83424086521248561752012-01-26T21:13:00.000-08:002012-01-26T21:13:18.515-08:002012-01-26T21:13:18.515-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cabochons</span></b></div><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PTzfkYAL7Xo/TyIcof9gBlI/AAAAAAAABdI/jpG2wU_Yd8U/s640/blogger-image-2124987980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PTzfkYAL7Xo/TyIcof9gBlI/AAAAAAAABdI/jpG2wU_Yd8U/s640/blogger-image-2124987980.jpg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Hairpins I made using cabochons</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> They are like fancy French eye candy. (Fyi: A cabochon is technically a bead with a flat side.)<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-__ibYHNu1S0/TyIeNyXl7wI/AAAAAAAABdY/qRa2nsEcU18/s640/blogger-image--1565324642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-__ibYHNu1S0/TyIeNyXl7wI/AAAAAAAABdY/qRa2nsEcU18/s640/blogger-image--1565324642.jpg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">World's cutest push pins</td></tr> </tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Old-Skool Dymo Label Maker</b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VyBGiU_iqko/TyIcliceLbI/AAAAAAAABc4/A66DF3G5DoE/s640/blogger-image--322542429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VyBGiU_iqko/TyIcliceLbI/AAAAAAAABc4/A66DF3G5DoE/s640/blogger-image--322542429.jpg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to labels,&nbsp;now its easy for me to find my cabochons. &nbsp;:)</td></tr> </tbody></table>I recently invested in one of these in hopes of improving my organizational skills-- it worked! My craft corner and closet look tidier than ever. <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mosaic</b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iA_qIXA1kpE/TyIi12Ndc-I/AAAAAAAABdg/j_1CENSkIeY/s1600/xrs-arts-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iA_qIXA1kpE/TyIi12Ndc-I/AAAAAAAABdg/j_1CENSkIeY/s400/xrs-arts-3.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.xandari.com/ResortSpa/Arts.html">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>Not that I need yet another creative media to explore, but ever since seeing the work of Charlene Broudy in Costa Rica I can't wait to try my hand at mosaic. (My approach will be to treat mosaic sculptural collage.)<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sliced and Dyed Agate </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Y809RWTf3sk/TyIcmcA4mII/AAAAAAAABdA/rwuvNwZHXps/s640/blogger-image--1887418443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Y809RWTf3sk/TyIcmcA4mII/AAAAAAAABdA/rwuvNwZHXps/s640/blogger-image--1887418443.jpg" /></a></div>I hope to find more of this to use in my jewelry making. I like how it is simultaneously natural and artificial-looking.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">this Necklace (Made by my Friend Abby) </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--nRVH6kw1K8/TyIcpOlYjeI/AAAAAAAABdQ/wGapSMKsWWE/s640/blogger-image-289674541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--nRVH6kw1K8/TyIcpOlYjeI/AAAAAAAABdQ/wGapSMKsWWE/s640/blogger-image-289674541.jpg" /></a></div>I love this necklace's tropical vibes and use of vertical beads. (Ps: I also find it very inspiring for pieces I'm making.)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">heart,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;">--m</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-8342408652124856175?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tIAT76zj3YVtj3gxHkjtT654-Oc/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tIAT76zj3YVtj3gxHkjtT654-Oc/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tIAT76zj3YVtj3gxHkjtT654-Oc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tIAT76zj3YVtj3gxHkjtT654-Oc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/WhoXI2IB1K0" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com2http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/5-things-i-like.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-73146795312352119522012-01-25T11:52:00.000-08:002012-01-25T11:52:12.833-08:002012-01-25T11:52:12.833-08:00<div><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">Welcome to another installment of my&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.melinab.com/search/label/zodiac%20dresser" style="background-color: white; color: #ff6fcf; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Zodiac Dresser series</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17px; line-height: 27px; text-align: left;">&nbsp;in which I explore astrology through outfits. This post is inspired by Capricorn. (All photos&nbsp;</span></span>by Charles O'Donovan at Maymont petting zoo.)&nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6750770833/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="purse by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="purse" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6750770833_371258222b.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(50s purse and dress: thrifted * shoes: Deluxe, OR * tights: ? * earmuffs: a trading post in Maine)</td></tr> </tbody></table><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the first time ever in this series, I'm actually posing with this sign's symbol, the goat. Like this&nbsp;steady-footed animal, capricorns seek to "climb higher" in life through their ambition, scrupulousness and hard work</span>. Appropriately enough, this sign's ruling planet is Saturn, named after the powerful roman god of obstacles, responsibility and discipline.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6750772069/" title="smile by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="smile" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6750772069_af1489c8ab.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>Unfortunately, capricorn's tenacious character also tends to be overly conservative, domineering, egotistical and materialistic.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6750772845/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="coat by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="coat" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6750772845_ced2f5408a.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(coat: thrifted)</td></tr> </tbody></table><div>I wanted my outfit to represent capricorn's colors (brown and green) as well as its restrained but&nbsp;successful&nbsp;natures. My dress is from the 1950s, a time marked by both conservatism and economic boom. The dress's style is reserved but its quality is in remarkable condition because of the scrupulous construction.&nbsp;</div><div><br /> </div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6750804383/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bracelets goats by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="bracelets goats" height="431" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6750804383_0742a69219.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">garnet bracelet: gift * skull bracelet: Clementine</td></tr> </tbody></table>Capricorns rule the bones and are associated with the stone garnet, hence my choice of bracelets.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6750771263/" title="milk maid by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="milk maid" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6750771263_9743f7e9a6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>famous capricorns include: Martin Luther King Jr * Elvis Presley * Benjamin Franklin * Stephen Hawking * Joan of Arc * Dolly Parton * Rod Serling * Edgar Allan Poe * Muhammad Ali * J.R.R. Tolkien * Marlene Dietrich<br /> <br /> Do you know any capricorns well? Is one of them you?<br /> <br /> --m<br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-7314679531235211952?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-1Fcb6FFPj1T4gYb8ofmBJU2Mew/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-1Fcb6FFPj1T4gYb8ofmBJU2Mew/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-1Fcb6FFPj1T4gYb8ofmBJU2Mew/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/-1Fcb6FFPj1T4gYb8ofmBJU2Mew/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/7wyHQNfIVoU" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com8http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/zodiac-dresser-capricorn.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-68181573856213941922012-01-20T11:22:00.000-08:002012-01-20T11:22:16.234-08:002012-01-20T11:22:16.234-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.justinablakeney.com/">Justina Blakeney</a> is a creative consultant and stylist who, along with her sister, has run the design collective </i><span style="text-align: left;">Compai <i>f</i></span><i style="text-align: left;">or over a decade</i><i style="text-align: left;">. Her eclectic, colorful style is informed by diverse cultures from throughout the world and time.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCJGmpZiNsI/TxNJOsKU1aI/AAAAAAAABbY/TmTzqPRdwt4/s1600/IMG_5878.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oCJGmpZiNsI/TxNJOsKU1aI/AAAAAAAABbY/TmTzqPRdwt4/s400/IMG_5878.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><i>How did you begin your career? Did you have any particular education or training that has helped you get where you are? </i><br /> <br /> I began my career simply by doing the things that I love. The more I designed--the better I got at it. I volunteered, interned, worked for trade and got involved with anything that sounded fun and/or interesting to learn as much as possible about art and design. As far as formal education, I got my Bachelor of Arts degree at UCLA in World Arts and Cultures and I minored in Italian. I then got a post graduate degree in fashion design from Polimoda in Florence, Italy. Ultimately I feel that travel and collaborations with people that I admire have provided the best education.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53VvmTXjiC8/TxNJXhiEHyI/AAAAAAAABcI/iOqf-Pauj1U/s1600/valentine-3_ds.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-53VvmTXjiC8/TxNJXhiEHyI/AAAAAAAABcI/iOqf-Pauj1U/s400/valentine-3_ds.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><i>How did you decide on the name "Compai"?</i> <br /> <br /> Faith [my sister] and I had a long list of names when we first started the company 10 years ago. We were living in Italy at the time and we liked that the name was one word [and] that it was easy to pronounce in many languages. It means 'friend' or 'companion' in spanish...[and is similar to] &nbsp;'compa' [which] &nbsp;in Italian... means companion. Since we were running a design collective, we thought the name was fitting. <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fYnCPzBrZQ/TxNJIT1wjQI/AAAAAAAABaw/ThpiI-HeHH4/s1600/breakfast-nook-justina-blakeney.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7fYnCPzBrZQ/TxNJIT1wjQI/AAAAAAAABaw/ThpiI-HeHH4/s400/breakfast-nook-justina-blakeney.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><i>You are currently based in LA but lived in Italy for 7 years. How did you end up in both places? How have both California and Italy influenced your tastes and designs?&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> I grew up in Berkeley, CA and moved down to LA to go to UCLA when I was 18. I fell in love with this city--so warm, so vast, and so many cultural enclaves throughout. I made a ton of friends that are still my friends today. My junior year at UCLA I studied abroad in Florence, Italy. I studied communications and became enamoured with Italian language and culture. When I came back to the US after my junior year I decided to return after graduation. When I went back my sister Faith came with me and we did our post-graduate work at Polimoda. The following year we launched the Compai brand and boutique. Both<br /> <br /> Italy and California have influenced my design aesthetic tremendously. My love of vintage, thrifting, layed-back- bohemian style is definitely Berkeley/LA calling--my attention to detail, love of bold pattern (Pucci was from Florence afterall), tailored styles, and appreciation for old world charm and brights is an Italian thing. I also just learned so much about design in Italy. I had the opportunity to work with some amazing Italian designers and learned so much from them. Something about being a foreigner and always being just a little bit outside of your comfort zone forces you to observe, observe and observe more-- so you learn a ton. <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOH7dyEFRqo/TxP5O5D9rxI/AAAAAAAABcQ/_R-X5MAam28/s1600/photo-137.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qOH7dyEFRqo/TxP5O5D9rxI/AAAAAAAABcQ/_R-X5MAam28/s400/photo-137.jpeg" width="298" /></a></div><i>How would you describe your approach and relationship to color?&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> My approach to color is fearless. I like bold statements and don't think of color as static because the same wall changes color 100's of times in one day depending on the light in the room. My relationship to color is great. We love each other very much :P <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2a2FB_S3FU/TxNJJfuizBI/AAAAAAAABa4/j5xNOJoML7A/s1600/call-me-Faith-8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T2a2FB_S3FU/TxNJJfuizBI/AAAAAAAABa4/j5xNOJoML7A/s400/call-me-Faith-8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><i>What is a typical day like for you?&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> As a full-time consultant, each day is drastically different. <br /> <br /> My main job is a creative consultant. I help people and businesses with creative concepting and design. This can mean one day I'm doing home decor and interior styling and the next day I'm art-directing a photoshoot. My 'gigs' are kinda all over the map and I like it that way. <br /> <br /> But, as an example--yesterday morning I was thrifting sourcing vintage items for clients--then I headed to the homes of two clients to bring them some new pieces and then style the pieces into their homes. I got home at 4:00PM and took some photos for next week's blog post (that's when the light is best in my living room) and then I had a 5:00PM consulting session with a young woman who is starting her own craft/handmade goods brand. She needed advice on branding, naming and social media outreach. <br /> <br /> One thing that is constant day to day is that at least one hour a day dedicated to the blog. Since most of the posts on the blog are original content, I need time to make things, to photograph things, and to lay them out and then to write the posts. I also dedicate 20 minutes a day to reading and connecting with other people's blogs. I'm also very active on twitter, instagram and pintrest--these tools help to catalog and share my inspirations throughout the day. <br /> <br /> I wake up pretty early in the mornings! <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LoaX0rRprWM/TxNJLpw3Q8I/AAAAAAAABbA/1cO51uKqC-4/s1600/compai-beakers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LoaX0rRprWM/TxNJLpw3Q8I/AAAAAAAABbA/1cO51uKqC-4/s400/compai-beakers.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div><i>What are some influences or inspirations on your work that might seem surprising?&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> Even though I'm a maximalist and I'm into bright, outlandish style and colors, I love a lot of the more minimal Japanese designers and the wabi-sabi sensibility. <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtU1y6w5tWk/TxNJRXRr0gI/AAAAAAAABbg/OP74W7aY414/s1600/Jungalow-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtU1y6w5tWk/TxNJRXRr0gI/AAAAAAAABbg/OP74W7aY414/s400/Jungalow-3.jpeg" width="298" /></a></div><i>Global cultures feature prominently in your work. What is your own cultural background and has it influenced your work? How has travel and your knowledge of world cultures influenced your aesthetic? How do you incorporate foreign cultures in your work without appropriating those cultures?&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> My mother is of Eastern European Jewish decent and my father is Afro American and Cherokee and Chickasaw Native American. I believe that growing up in an intercultural family has affected my work and aesthetic (and everything else about me) a helluva lot. I love being mixed and I love to mix lots of unexpected elements in design. I believe that being multi-cultural puts me in a unique position to blend in where others may stand out--whether I'm in Central and Latin America, Israel, Turkey, Morocco, or Italy people tend to mistake me for their own ethnicity. That combined with the fact that I speak a lot of languages (Spanish, French, Italian and German) makes it easy for me to navigate in foreign countries and get deep into others' cultures.<br /> <br /> I adore spaces that feel cultivated and well travelled--items that carry stories along with them. I've been so lucky to travel all over the world--I don't worry about appropriating others' cultures-- people who know me know that I celebrate all the cultures of the world and if I incorporate foreign cultural items into my work it comes from a place of respect and love. <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiinIqMoDJA/TxNJWMmMEZI/AAAAAAAABcA/UD8yMsBxni0/s1600/SWEATERCOMPUTERCOZY.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kiinIqMoDJA/TxNJWMmMEZI/AAAAAAAABcA/UD8yMsBxni0/s320/SWEATERCOMPUTERCOZY.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><i>You've written 4 books on upcycled fashions. How did you start working with fashion? What is the relationship between your personal style and interior design work?&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> I went to fashion school and learned a lot about fabric, draping, construction and I had a great pattern making instructor who was very conceptual. She taught me not just how to make clothing but why clothing is made the way it is. We had to figure out how to make patterns by cutting up clothing and this got me thinking about upcycling. For me, there is little difference between dressing up a room and dressing up the human form: it's always about balance, contrast, fit, function, color and feel. <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vN-c0tWEQ4/TxNJScNe1JI/AAAAAAAABbo/9hcGW-zKS-Y/s1600/NIMG_7424.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vN-c0tWEQ4/TxNJScNe1JI/AAAAAAAABbo/9hcGW-zKS-Y/s400/NIMG_7424.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><i>What suggestions do you have for those with limited space and/or means to create such lively interiors?</i><br /> <br /> I don't consider space to be a limitation in design. My whole adult life I've lived in small spaces and the so long at you love every item on display in your home you will love living there. Also--plants, good lighting and cozy rugs will go a long, long way to make a place look more lively. <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDYSH0BFmj4/TxNJGBm4vsI/AAAAAAAABao/Us_3Y08dzKo/s1600/after-compai-levin-richards.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DDYSH0BFmj4/TxNJGBm4vsI/AAAAAAAABao/Us_3Y08dzKo/s400/after-compai-levin-richards.jpeg" width="280" /></a></div><i>Your interiors often have lots of stuff but manage to remain organized. What organizational tips can you offer, especially for those of us who love to acquire random stuff (aka thrift junkies like me) ?&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> The key to making your home look organized is to design in collections. Keep clusters of similar things together. Think about placement and don't just leave items around haphazardly. &nbsp;Color coordinating items--from books to clothes to dishes-- will make your items look more collected. <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpR-aoXZhHw/TxNJNTS6_PI/AAAAAAAABbQ/MdIh_ld_mII/s1600/Compai_sugar_mold13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GpR-aoXZhHw/TxNJNTS6_PI/AAAAAAAABbQ/MdIh_ld_mII/s400/Compai_sugar_mold13.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><i>You seem to love the hardy lil' succulent. Why is that?</i><br /> <br /> One of the reasons why I love succulents is because they have shallow roots-- so they can grow in things like fishbowls and even tea cups. Also, many succulents can be propagated from pieces cut from the stem of the plant, so I can just keep 'em growing and growing. Plus they are very low maintenance--and so quirky-- some of them look like they're right outta a Dr. Seuss book and I love the humor. <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9i07L1veHtA/TxNJVePmO4I/AAAAAAAABb4/e9KBjet5MDI/s1600/Packaging-justina-blakeney.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9i07L1veHtA/TxNJVePmO4I/AAAAAAAABb4/e9KBjet5MDI/s400/Packaging-justina-blakeney.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div><i>Do you have any tips for upcycling furniture and home goods?&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> I love flea markets (obviously) but what I love even more is garage sales and what I call "sidewalk surfing" -- finding items on the curb that people have trashed. You would be shocked to know how many items in my home I found discarded curb-side. Whether I'm thrifting or sidewalk surfing, I look for the same things, mainly, good bones-- something that with a good scrub and a coat of fresh paint could be made new. Good bones means it's sturdy (or easily made to be sturdy), and it has to have nice lines. Sometimes, I'll take something just for its legs or just for the table-top-- mixing and matching is also a big part of the game. I also try and look at everything with a fresh set of eyes, without defining it right away--in this way, I turn a broken crib into a magazine rack, or I make a curtain from a kimono. <br /> <br /> <i>Any favorite projects you've worked on?&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> My T shirt book <i>99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim and Tie Your T-shirt into Something Special</i>&nbsp;taught me that I can have an idea, execute it, and sell 100,000 thousand copies. That's pretty gratifying. I also love to help others get their projects off the ground. I've helped people open shops, start clothing lines, decorate their homes and create new identities for their brands.... I'm also working on a new personal product line right now that will debut in 2012. I can't say to much about it yet but--it's very <a href="http://blog.justinablakeney.com/2011/09/10-ways-to-turn-pad-into-jungalow.html">Jungalow</a>. <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhrVNg1Z0Fg/TxNJMkr0-SI/AAAAAAAABbI/6xNLCo3-Ic8/s1600/compai-plant-in-tiny-jars19.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhrVNg1Z0Fg/TxNJMkr0-SI/AAAAAAAABbI/6xNLCo3-Ic8/s400/compai-plant-in-tiny-jars19.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><i>Do you think there are any decorating faux pas? </i><br /> <br /> Buying everything from one place is a no-no. I think taking design and decor too seriously is a faux pas, too. I like to tell people to calm down and have fun. ;D<br /> <br /> <br /> <i>Wow! Justina truly is a woman after my own heart! Not only is she stylish and sophisticated, she's articulate and&nbsp;adventurous. I hope you all find her work and words as inspirational as I do.&nbsp;</i></div><div><i><br /> </i></div><div><i>heart,</i></div><div><i>--m</i><br /> <i>(all images courtesy of www.justinablakeney.com)&nbsp;</i><br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> | <br /> <br /> <a href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-6818157385621394192?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NiPZQOdCXZCGl3MMiG6fJ0YCdkI/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NiPZQOdCXZCGl3MMiG6fJ0YCdkI/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NiPZQOdCXZCGl3MMiG6fJ0YCdkI/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/NiPZQOdCXZCGl3MMiG6fJ0YCdkI/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/d-FtZ6YWsMQ" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com3http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/interview-with-justina-blakeney.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-56547109184383869392012-01-19T21:06:00.000-08:002012-01-19T21:06:31.229-08:002012-01-19T21:06:31.229-08:00Today's list celebrates some of my favorite aspects of my recent trip to Costa Rica. <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Titi Monkies</b></span></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709770279/" title="Titi monkey by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Titi monkey" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6709770279_c503232cb8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> Y'all know how much I adore <a href="http://www.melinab.com/search/label/monkeys">monkeys</a>, imagine my joy at seeing these precious creatures frolic and laze in their natural habitat! (video soon)<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Sloths</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6I0k1KZzdc/Txjz8BzdMsI/AAAAAAAABcY/WSa2t10RbiU/s1600/sloth%2525201.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x6I0k1KZzdc/Txjz8BzdMsI/AAAAAAAABcY/WSa2t10RbiU/s320/sloth%2525201.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://scienceblogs.com/zooillogix/2008/05/sloths_versus_benny.php">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> Almost as love able as monkeys (but also kinda creepy-looking, or is that just me?). Sloths remind me of a favorite kids' book, <i>Slow Lorris</i>. <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Gallo Pinto</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7dT6OAeRaU/Txj0Dbc86zI/AAAAAAAABcg/soWgXWyDN30/s1600/gallo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7dT6OAeRaU/Txj0Dbc86zI/AAAAAAAABcg/soWgXWyDN30/s1600/gallo.jpeg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.experienceplus.com/blog/?p=444">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> I could easily eat beans and rice daily, but especially when they're as delicious as this Costa Rican staple. <br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shell Dwellers</b></span></div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709785231/" title="Hermit crab by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Hermit crab" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6709785231_c8449df96a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> The hermit crabs and sea snails along the beach are so lucky to have a portable home.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Pre-Columbian Ear Spools</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCOqwEd6j0k/Txj1M2awM7I/AAAAAAAABco/5_Nfu1TvY3w/s1600/06-ear-spools-8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCOqwEd6j0k/Txj1M2awM7I/AAAAAAAABco/5_Nfu1TvY3w/s320/06-ear-spools-8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.precolumbiangold.com/mixtec.htm">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> At the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, I learned that Native Costa Rican warriors often wore ear spools to commemorate their status (and look foxy).<br /> <br /> <br /> --m<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-5654710918438386939?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/J-JEC07znR32M4fbRCxz3fHwQ_E/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/J-JEC07znR32M4fbRCxz3fHwQ_E/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/J-JEC07znR32M4fbRCxz3fHwQ_E/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/J-JEC07znR32M4fbRCxz3fHwQ_E/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/MHqjrq6bwbk" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com1http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/five-things-i-like-costa-rica-edition.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-62985664357410411872012-01-18T12:07:00.000-08:002012-01-18T12:07:13.747-08:002012-01-18T12:07:13.747-08:00Last week I was fortunate enough to visit the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/sets/72157628900042939/with/6709786325/">pacific side of gorgeous Costa Rica</a>.<br /> In Manuel Antonio National Park:<br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709771039/" title="Beach 1, Manuel antonio park by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach 1, Manuel antonio park" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6709771039_9a33060084.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709771673/" title="Beach 1, Manuel antonio park by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach 1, Manuel antonio park" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6709771673_c2629a708e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709767485/" title="Red by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Red" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6709767485_0f44d45a89.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709768837/" title="Wood-grain fungus by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Wood-grain fungus" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6709768837_1b5f5db1c6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709772207/" title="Coconut on the beach by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Coconut on the beach" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6709772207_c765e9f7ab.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709779445/" title="Who is watching whom? by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Who is watching whom?" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6709779445_a1cc6e81aa.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709781913/" title="Bandits by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Bandits" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6709781913_4c21a9361c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> <br /> (just outside the park)<br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709773463/" title="Surf by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Surf" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6709773463_307fdf87f3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> Quepos:<br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709774163/" title="The vendor by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="The vendor" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6709774163_6852750a2b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709775959/" title="Drip by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Drip" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6709775959_6fd8ab3140.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /> A beach near Jaco:<br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709776949/" title="Sunset by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Sunset" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6709776949_e4906efef7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709777353/" title="Painterly pastels by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Painterly pastels" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6709777353_089b6e4295.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709783835/" title="Beach with palms by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Beach with palms" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6709783835_40b5569114.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709784331/" title="Jewel fly by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Jewel fly" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6709784331_2cf4fbc44f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br /> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6709786325/" title="Not an orchid by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Not an orchid" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6709786325_7fe56699ac.jpg" width="333" /></a><br /> <br /> Are any of you from Costa Rica? Or have any of you visited? Sounds like the&nbsp;Caribbean coast is really beautiful, too.&nbsp;<br /> --m<br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-6298566435741041187?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/n9kGqJbiq_1GU61npBrKn-cMxds/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/n9kGqJbiq_1GU61npBrKn-cMxds/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/n9kGqJbiq_1GU61npBrKn-cMxds/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/n9kGqJbiq_1GU61npBrKn-cMxds/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/ZMG-s21ctWs" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com2http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/best-of-costa-rica-part-i.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-43182234051486791562012-01-15T12:50:00.000-08:002012-01-15T12:50:43.159-08:002012-01-15T12:50:43.159-08:00Hi everyone, or should I say ¡hola! as I've just spent a week in luscious, tropical Costa Rica! (More on that in a later post.)<br /> <br /> Today I'd like to show off my manicure from a couple weeks ago:<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6635942913/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="silver nails by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="silver nails" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6635942913_48433cef84.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sally Hansen "Quick Silver" with random nail decals</td></tr> </tbody></table>These are easily some of my favorite nails ever because they're so graphic but easy to do.<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6635941723/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="details by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="details" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6635941723_e1e53a9735.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(sorry my cuticles look so gross, my hands get used a lot)</td></tr> </tbody></table>heart,<br /> --m<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-4318223405148679156?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/iK1lLxW72nq3Qd1IxyIiK5DuuEI/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/iK1lLxW72nq3Qd1IxyIiK5DuuEI/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/iK1lLxW72nq3Qd1IxyIiK5DuuEI/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/iK1lLxW72nq3Qd1IxyIiK5DuuEI/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/N4BBdEYpLMA" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com2http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/silver-and-black-floral-nails.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-13915081564549575342012-01-06T18:36:00.000-08:002012-01-06T18:36:40.556-08:002012-01-06T18:36:40.556-08:00Dear Readers,<br /> <br /> I'm going to be going away for about a week and so I most likely won't post anything until my return on the 15th. In the meantime, I'd love to get your constructive criticism and suggestions for the blog. Please leave comments or send me an email at adeerable (at) gmail (dot) com.<br /> <br /> What would you like to see more of here? What do you think needs less attention?<br /> How do you feel about the blog's visual design and layout?<br /> Do you feel the photography can be improved? Would you like to see more of my own creative endeavors, including photography?<br /> Which posts have been your favorites? Which did you really dislike?<br /> Should I post more or less often?<br /> <br /> Also:<br /> *I'm going to start up a new blog called Bewitching Finishing School. I know I mentioned this over a year ago, but it's been a busy year! This new blog will be resource for new age enthusiasts on topics such as herbs, essential oil, astrology and nature. If you'd like to contribute, please email me your article ideas to adeerable (at) gmail (dot) com.<br /> *I'm starting a new weekly series called Bookworm&nbsp;Wednesday&nbsp;in which I share my book list with you<br /> *Per reader request, I'm also starting a new feature called "Personal Style 101" in which I do my best to help you discover and maintain our own unique personal style. Is there anything you'd like to see this feature cover?<br /> <br /> <br /> Thanks so much!<br /> heart,<br /> --m<br /> <br /> <br /> thanks so much, you are my motivation to always improve!<br /> heart,<br /> --m<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=1391508156454957534"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=1391508156454957534"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=1391508156454957534"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=1391508156454957534"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-1391508156454957534?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OYhcAP4amLtawF4uDlwR3XdS9Ak/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OYhcAP4amLtawF4uDlwR3XdS9Ak/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OYhcAP4amLtawF4uDlwR3XdS9Ak/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/OYhcAP4amLtawF4uDlwR3XdS9Ak/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/e51jSW6VVJs" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com6http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/blog-input-improvements-and-ideas-for.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-52554847843627315032012-01-05T12:10:00.000-08:002012-01-05T12:10:17.355-08:002012-01-05T12:10:17.355-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Charmmy Kitty</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9G9Bb_9pZ0/TwXVAgdEzZI/AAAAAAAABaM/dbbsGnPuGwo/s1600/charmmy-kitty-gifts-1600x1200.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g9G9Bb_9pZ0/TwXVAgdEzZI/AAAAAAAABaM/dbbsGnPuGwo/s320/charmmy-kitty-gifts-1600x1200.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://digitalcitizen.ca/2010/09/05/hello-kitty-and-sanrio-wallpapers-1600x1200-pixels/charmmy-kitty-gifts-1600x1200/">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>According to <a href="http://www.sanrio.co.jp/english/characters/detail/charmmy/index.html">her official biography</a>, Charmmy Kitty is Hello Kitty's pet cat. Although it is odd that one cat might keep another as a pet, Charmmy Kitty lives up to her name with her girlish adornments.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6641940249/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Charmy Kitty by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Charmy Kitty" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6641940249_0ba509dcc8.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my charmmy kitty purse from the Sanrio store</td></tr> </tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Expression "Be Well"</span></b></div><br /> I like ending conversations with these parting words. I want my friends to be well so why not tell them? Also, the expression reminds me of the character Cutty from <i>The Wire</i>.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Velvet Chokers</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KY7wDJE9SI/TwXVDHneBqI/AAAAAAAABaU/OfozRQnScoM/s1600/P9s9DEAX267oZgv.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KY7wDJE9SI/TwXVDHneBqI/AAAAAAAABaU/OfozRQnScoM/s320/P9s9DEAX267oZgv.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ioffer.com/i/hologram-eye-on-a-black-velvet-choker-gothic-wicca-9762642">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>Yes, very 90s but also very victorian. I've always found velvet chokers sexy yet also kinda morbid.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Swarovksi Crystals</b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KodhY3CKHpg/TwXU-qxYLLI/AAAAAAAABaE/RMvT7cUElsY/s1600/Bra%252520-%252520PS.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="294" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KodhY3CKHpg/TwXU-qxYLLI/AAAAAAAABaE/RMvT7cUElsY/s320/Bra%252520-%252520PS.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll definitely get noticed in this number. (&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gifts4allevents.com/bra-swarovski-crystals-black-p-326.html">via</a>)&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table>Next time you're in a bead shop, compare the Swarovksi crystals with fire-polished ones of the same color. The former sparkles sssssooooo much more, especially when&nbsp;iridescent. Apparently there is even a Swarovksi theme park in Austria. It must be one of the prettiest places on earth, no? <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e332dacL_mE/TwXVDpXyL3I/AAAAAAAABac/cZ7luxogdKw/s1600/swarovski-entrance-austria.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="209" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e332dacL_mE/TwXVDpXyL3I/AAAAAAAABac/cZ7luxogdKw/s320/swarovski-entrance-austria.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the&nbsp;Swarovksi&nbsp;theme park (<a href="http://www.igougo.com/travel_blog/post-p780-Weird_Wild_and_Whimsical_Photo_Ops.html">via</a>).</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">"Alameda" by Elliot Smith</span></b></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YEEKhQcTmHQ" width="480"></iframe><br /> I'm especially moved by the last lyric ("if you're alone it must be you that wants to be apart").<br /> <br /> --m<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-5255484784362731503?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/bX_eURJV45-_oL2xJuO_tXwmnBQ/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/bX_eURJV45-_oL2xJuO_tXwmnBQ/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/bX_eURJV45-_oL2xJuO_tXwmnBQ/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/bX_eURJV45-_oL2xJuO_tXwmnBQ/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/xhxZw87rZak" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com4http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/five-things-i-like.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-67295064489927613012012-01-04T20:42:00.000-08:002012-01-04T20:42:27.324-08:002012-01-04T20:42:27.324-08:00Remember <a href="http://www.melinab.com/2011/09/outfit-black-dress-and-missoni-x-target.html">this dress</a>?<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6639133681/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="melina in fur by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="melina in fur" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6639133681_ae2a80a6ec.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dress: thrifted * scarf: 2nd hand * sunglasses: Betsey Johnson</td></tr> </tbody></table>Btw: that photo reminds me of the painting "Rachel in Fur" (by John Currin).<br /> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mL07a_ieBQ/TwUm-mNqKJI/AAAAAAAABZ4/yzQ9BEYuiNw/s1600/tumblr_lotpk9cKyd1qb2umto1_400.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mL07a_ieBQ/TwUm-mNqKJI/AAAAAAAABZ4/yzQ9BEYuiNw/s320/tumblr_lotpk9cKyd1qb2umto1_400.jpeg" width="254" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://herarchaicsmile.tumblr.com/">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>If you are observant, you'll note that I <i>did</i>&nbsp;get that <a href="http://www.melinab.com/2011/11/5-things-i-like-right-now.html">Dara Ettinger ring</a> for xmas after all : )<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6629745231/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="ring by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="ring" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6629745231_27466a9062.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">better pics soon, promise</td></tr> </tbody></table>Here's the lower half of my outfit:<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6629732179/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Tights and shoes by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Tights and shoes" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6629732179_757eaa62ba.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tights: Betsey Johnson * shoes: Deena and Ozzy</td></tr> </tbody></table>Take note: January has the best shoe sales.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6629729281/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Shoes! by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="Shoes!" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/6629729281_c0b1fb1b89.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am excited to wear these platforms when it is warm because they frame my foot tattoos perfectly.&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> So, do you agree, do the accessories change everything?<br /> --m<br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;pli=1"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;pli=1"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;pli=1"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;pli=1"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-6729506448992761301?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/2Yr6SXN1Ts_454-2qhj_uEUl024/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/2Yr6SXN1Ts_454-2qhj_uEUl024/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/2Yr6SXN1Ts_454-2qhj_uEUl024/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/2Yr6SXN1Ts_454-2qhj_uEUl024/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/VWmuk18j3QY" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com3http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/accessories-change-everything.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-26430649538005516382012-01-04T10:00:00.000-08:002012-01-04T10:00:29.631-08:002012-01-04T10:00:29.631-08:00I was really into this outfit last <strike>week</strike>&nbsp;year:<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6594986275/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="floral with desert boots by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="floral with desert boots" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6594986275_79d4fe5c35.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dress and boots: thrifted</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6594985893/" title="floral  by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="floral " height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6594985893_10bcf0dbb1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6594986643/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="floral with sweater by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="floral with sweater" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6594986643_4a7084b5dd.jpg" width="417" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vintage cardigan: vintage store in Salt Lake City</td></tr> </tbody></table>I wore the same dress a few days later but styled slightly differently:<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6594987255/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="floral with cowboy by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="floral with cowboy" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6594987255_05ff396102.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">boots by Ariat, courtesy of Country Outfitter * sunglasses: Nobody's Baby, OR</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6594987811/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="paparrazzi by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="paparrazzi" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6594987811_e1a1686854.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">no paparazzi!&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table>I hope the middle of the work week is treating everyone well,<br /> heart,<br /> --m<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-2643064953800551638?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/T8eNqiKxosLBma4swP-LXbrv43I/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/T8eNqiKxosLBma4swP-LXbrv43I/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/T8eNqiKxosLBma4swP-LXbrv43I/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/T8eNqiKxosLBma4swP-LXbrv43I/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/cNnkm48_IIQ" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com2http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/last-years-floral-dress.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-77631998128304053922012-01-03T12:09:00.000-08:002012-01-03T12:09:17.638-08:002012-01-03T12:09:17.638-08:00A month or so ago I was asked (last minute) to help some&nbsp;acquaintances&nbsp;put together a portfolio for their new boudoir photography services, Infinite Treehouse Productions.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6625800107/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="coral by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="coral" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6625800107_5baf84b2fb.jpg" width="333" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">by Ann Thompson&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table>Here are some behind the scenes pictures by yours truly.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6625799179/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="fuzzy berries by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="fuzzy berries" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6625799179_0abe43334e.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fuzzy berries</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6625797819/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="curls by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="curls" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6625797819_b4bb6dd5b5.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">curls</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6625794919/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="poodle by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="poodle" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6625794919_40e7a77d0b.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ps I made that</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6625793929/" title="knickers by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="knickers" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6625793929_415cdeb66e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6625791863/" title="diamond bra by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="diamond bra" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6625791863_9ed0d1af2e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6625788649/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="chill by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="chill" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6625788649_dd6593180d.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">deluxe</td></tr> </tbody></table><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/sets/72157628693249281/">click here for more behind the scenes "footage"</a><br /> --m<br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-7763199812830405392?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aJsY3kwgu--qyls1tHJ0oSTCNvc/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aJsY3kwgu--qyls1tHJ0oSTCNvc/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aJsY3kwgu--qyls1tHJ0oSTCNvc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/aJsY3kwgu--qyls1tHJ0oSTCNvc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/anun9a2f91g" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com7http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/behind-scenes-of-boudoir-photo-shoot.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-85306973158873530702012-01-02T16:34:00.000-08:002012-01-02T16:34:37.270-08:002012-01-02T16:34:37.270-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6623767285/" title="planner with smileys  by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="planner with smileys " height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6623767285_e518d7044e.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>Happy New Year! The beginning of the calender year is best celebrated with a look back at what people were wearing twenty years ago, right?<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6622872523/" title="cover by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="cover" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6622872523_e8870bb436.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Selections from Seventeen Magazine, January 1992</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6622947743/" title="table of contents by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="table of contents" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6622947743_0ec357fab0.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6622976229/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bat girls by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="bat girls" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6622976229_f80e02f75f.jpg" width="363" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">love that baseball dress</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6622960283/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="gotta have it page 1 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="gotta have it page 1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6622960283_692b81051d.jpg" width="351" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really like her striped dress, it reminds me of one I have.&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6623455167/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="gotta have it page 1 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="gotta have it page 1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6623455167_bb510057cd.jpg" width="393" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">not feeling this so much</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6622964551/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="the &quot;in&quot; crowd by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="the &quot;in&quot; crowd" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6622964551_edf7bf2d44.jpg" width="350" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is a terrible outfit but the pink shoes are adorbs</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6622974979/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="funky by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="funky" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6622974979_c1b5ed9688.jpg" width="356" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this outfit is pretty classic now&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6623016543/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="got the power page 1 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="got the power page 1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6623016543_10fbe3c96e.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How cute is this dancer and her bob?</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6623012693/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="got the power page 2 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="got the power page 2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6623012693_37f066db0e.jpg" width="358" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dress on the right is awesome.&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6623013771/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="got the power by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="got the power" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6623013771_5e0436d7fb.jpg" width="363" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sssoooo 90s flower-power</td></tr> </tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6623017595/" title="img018-2 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="img018-2" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6623017595_b8d0d8cf03.jpg" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6622977149/" title="new blues page 1 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="new blues page 1" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6622977149_8983a2dd6e.jpg" width="371" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6622980257/" title="img009 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="img009" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6622980257_cd327c769a.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6622981315/" title="img010 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="img010" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6622981315_c98f9cfa1c.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6623455693/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="img011 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="img011" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6623455693_84208afd77.jpg" width="391" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normally not into denim on denim but this girl does look cute.&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6622990489/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="img012 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="img012" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6622990489_1342f9ff8b.jpg" width="347" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this outfit, especially the skirt and matching belt.&nbsp;</td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6622992041/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="img013 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="img013" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6622992041_5651a061a4.jpg" width="355" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">very contemporary, no? she even has "floves"</td></tr> </tbody></table>What are you looking forwards to (or back on) in 2012?<div>heart,</div><div>--m<br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=8530697315887353070"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=8530697315887353070"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=8530697315887353070"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=8530697315887353070"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-8530697315887353070?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_9pBnzYzVqsfIuvf2yuQhiRAPgs/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_9pBnzYzVqsfIuvf2yuQhiRAPgs/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_9pBnzYzVqsfIuvf2yuQhiRAPgs/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_9pBnzYzVqsfIuvf2yuQhiRAPgs/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/Khywg_C2bYw" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com2http://www.melinab.com/2012/01/new-you-in-two-thousand-uh-twelve.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-25152390433095336122011-12-29T10:58:00.000-08:002011-12-29T10:58:16.388-08:002011-12-29T10:58:16.388-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Chunky Gold Glitter Topcoat</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RejcWsFE2Q/TvysSiSgA1I/AAAAAAAABYw/FoEbn_Qj1u0/s1600/jewel-fx-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9RejcWsFE2Q/TvysSiSgA1I/AAAAAAAABYw/FoEbn_Qj1u0/s1600/jewel-fx-1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://unpocorodriguez.wordpress.com/2011/08/01/golden-glitter-nails/">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>It's perfect for new years but why not wear it year round?<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6595108583/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="bling nails by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="bling nails" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6595108583_1f540ec031.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me wearing Milani Jewel Fx in "gold" over Orly's "space cadet"</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Retro Cardigans with Faux-fur Collars</b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dO0d_D_41O4/TvysPFfk0BI/AAAAAAAABXY/R7mS6RbvikY/s1600/6a00d83451cbb069e20154355cfe79970c-800wi.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dO0d_D_41O4/TvysPFfk0BI/AAAAAAAABXY/R7mS6RbvikY/s320/6a00d83451cbb069e20154355cfe79970c-800wi.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.retrotogo.com/2011/09/faux-fur-cardigan-from-miss-selfridge.html">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>They instantly add both glamour and coziness to any outfit. I especially want one in black.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tragus Jewelry</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKGjYmeSBWI/TvysPeS_c5I/AAAAAAAABXg/j2yVGFwvAEw/s1600/24884.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fKGjYmeSBWI/TvysPeS_c5I/AAAAAAAABXg/j2yVGFwvAEw/s200/24884.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bodycandy.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?query=&amp;category=tragus&amp;orderby=INVENTORY%2Ehot%20desc%2C%20INVENTORY%2Ebrand%2C%20INVENTORY%2Emodel&amp;start=228&amp;limitcategory=&amp;template=&amp;searchfields=&amp;match=&amp;searchtype=&amp;templatehead=&amp;templatebody=&amp;templatefoot=&amp;templatethumb=&amp;">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>One of the best things about a fresh piercing is having a whole new category of jewelry in your wardrobe.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqG1kXBU2uk/TvysQnVSHhI/AAAAAAAABYI/OOok7jsrUP0/s1600/36652.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqG1kXBU2uk/TvysQnVSHhI/AAAAAAAABYI/OOok7jsrUP0/s200/36652.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bodycandy.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?query=&amp;category=tragus&amp;orderby=INVENTORY%2Ehot%20desc%2C%20INVENTORY%2Ebrand%2C%20INVENTORY%2Emodel&amp;start=228&amp;limitcategory=&amp;template=&amp;searchfields=&amp;match=&amp;searchtype=&amp;templatehead=&amp;templatebody=&amp;templatefoot=&amp;templatethumb=&amp;">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>There are so many fun tragus studs out there.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92eqJXN6HPo/TvysQdJzLCI/AAAAAAAABYA/NevCuC5xoBE/s1600/34341.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-92eqJXN6HPo/TvysQdJzLCI/AAAAAAAABYA/NevCuC5xoBE/s200/34341.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bodycandy.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?query=&amp;category=tragus&amp;orderby=INVENTORY%2Ehot%20desc%2C%20INVENTORY%2Ebrand%2C%20INVENTORY%2Emodel&amp;start=228&amp;limitcategory=&amp;template=&amp;searchfields=&amp;match=&amp;searchtype=&amp;templatehead=&amp;templatebody=&amp;templatefoot=&amp;templatethumb=&amp;">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr1Hb3pOjaw/TvysPzen2sI/AAAAAAAABXw/2R4k4wB3xUQ/s1600/32706.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qr1Hb3pOjaw/TvysPzen2sI/AAAAAAAABXw/2R4k4wB3xUQ/s200/32706.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bodycandy.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?query=&amp;category=tragus&amp;orderby=INVENTORY%2Ehot%20desc%2C%20INVENTORY%2Ebrand%2C%20INVENTORY%2Emodel&amp;start=228&amp;limitcategory=&amp;template=&amp;searchfields=&amp;match=&amp;searchtype=&amp;templatehead=&amp;templatebody=&amp;templatefoot=&amp;templatethumb=&amp;">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wiYkhfiYryk/TvysPrCq5WI/AAAAAAAABXo/Egm1-RUdcGk/s1600/32696.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wiYkhfiYryk/TvysPrCq5WI/AAAAAAAABXo/Egm1-RUdcGk/s200/32696.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bodycandy.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?query=&amp;category=tragus&amp;orderby=INVENTORY%2Ehot%20desc%2C%20INVENTORY%2Ebrand%2C%20INVENTORY%2Emodel&amp;start=228&amp;limitcategory=&amp;template=&amp;searchfields=&amp;match=&amp;searchtype=&amp;templatehead=&amp;templatebody=&amp;templatefoot=&amp;templatethumb=&amp;">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>I especially like tragus jewelry with dangly component.<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WxPESRNHJY/TvysTxuf6_I/AAAAAAAABZQ/Xq9qNmgkaMs/s1600/resize_show.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0WxPESRNHJY/TvysTxuf6_I/AAAAAAAABZQ/Xq9qNmgkaMs/s200/resize_show.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.piercedandmodified.co.uk/Crown-Wings-Heart-Crystal-Dangle-Tragus-Helix-Bar-show-3515.html">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Chai Tea</b></span></div>Whether homemade or from a cafe, I find chai so comforting and warming this time of year. However, I must add that I <i>can not stand</i>&nbsp;the "Oregon Chai" brand (too sweet).<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Indian Chandelier Earrings</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WzVFZFgeMk/TvysQzJmyZI/AAAAAAAABYQ/yLQapv6NgYg/s1600/Handcrafted%252520Indian%252520Earrings-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6WzVFZFgeMk/TvysQzJmyZI/AAAAAAAABYQ/yLQapv6NgYg/s1600/Handcrafted%252520Indian%252520Earrings-1.jpeg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ruby-jade-sapphire-pearl.com/indian%20jewelry.html">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>A friend of mine, a Sanskrit scholar goes to India about once a year, said she'd bring me back a pair after her next visit if only I provided some direction....<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gv4pg3sduI8/TvysSq2en6I/AAAAAAAABYo/G6I7z2Z5IkE/s1600/Indian-Party-wear-Kundan-Earrings-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gv4pg3sduI8/TvysSq2en6I/AAAAAAAABYo/G6I7z2Z5IkE/s320/Indian-Party-wear-Kundan-Earrings-3.jpeg" width="312" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://heartlis.tumblr.com/Indianjewerly">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>&nbsp;sssssssoooooooo drool worthy!<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Th9BHXWq8z8/TvysTfyF2FI/AAAAAAAABZA/PhV6tmufI4Q/s1600/Pradeep_earrings_086.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Th9BHXWq8z8/TvysTfyF2FI/AAAAAAAABZA/PhV6tmufI4Q/s320/Pradeep_earrings_086.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashion-era.com/indian_fashion/making_indian_lac_jewellery_1.htm">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>&nbsp;Wouldn't these bright colors look great against dark hair?<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYLxT1DZTA0/TvysTgBhKLI/AAAAAAAABZI/mwxW-JQ2Yb0/s1600/Pradeep_lac_earrings_081.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="196" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYLxT1DZTA0/TvysTgBhKLI/AAAAAAAABZI/mwxW-JQ2Yb0/s320/Pradeep_lac_earrings_081.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fashion-era.com/indian_fashion/index.htm">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zoRPhk5Kgm0/Tvy1HHWJMvI/AAAAAAAABZc/7Tklbm60CHw/s1600/indian-party-lakh-earring-chandelier-traditional-set-250x250.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zoRPhk5Kgm0/Tvy1HHWJMvI/AAAAAAAABZc/7Tklbm60CHw/s1600/indian-party-lakh-earring-chandelier-traditional-set-250x250.jpeg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://trade.indiamart.com/details.mp?offer=2377659012">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>Well, folks, that's it for this week's list. What are five things you like right now?<br /> <br /> --m<br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-2515239043309533612?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/zMjqAiCjHWsdHujNQ3AdJ74V3qY/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/zMjqAiCjHWsdHujNQ3AdJ74V3qY/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/zMjqAiCjHWsdHujNQ3AdJ74V3qY/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/zMjqAiCjHWsdHujNQ3AdJ74V3qY/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/zcgEouKsOGA" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com4http://www.melinab.com/2011/12/five-things-i-like_29.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-74631434712835774402011-12-29T09:11:00.000-08:002011-12-29T09:11:49.797-08:002011-12-29T09:11:49.797-08:00Here's a couple outfits I was wearing on and just before xmas day:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6594866195/" style="text-align: center;" title="socks by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="socks" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6594866195_c4fc59baf3.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>It was super dreary out when I photographed this outfit so I had to work indoors, hence the terrible lighting conditions. (But hey, now you have a glimpse of my bedroom!) The dress has a black lining but the outer sheath is actually a super shiny navy blue. My real point, though, is the socks!<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6594895365/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="socks by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="socks" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6594895365_9c1db30a86.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">target dress: thrifted * boots: Squitos * socks: target * 80s belt: Deluxe, OR</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6594866651/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="santa by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="santa" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6594866651_5232416639.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me, christmas day all garments are vintage except the socks</td></tr> </tbody></table>Really not a super flattering outfit (or picture) but I like it anyways because of the 70s christmas t:<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6594866813/" title="santa by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="santa" height="469" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6594866813_8543d93820.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /> </div>I guess I'll have to wait until next year to wear these socks again : (<br /> --m<br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-7463143471283577440?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Vs0C6LE56kIaWilZ143BKGCCq6w/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Vs0C6LE56kIaWilZ143BKGCCq6w/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Vs0C6LE56kIaWilZ143BKGCCq6w/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Vs0C6LE56kIaWilZ143BKGCCq6w/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/n843m3UCpjA" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com6http://www.melinab.com/2011/12/xmas-outfits.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-32260479155175428792011-12-27T21:44:00.000-08:002011-12-27T21:44:08.162-08:002011-12-27T21:44:08.162-08:00Welcome to another installment of my <a href="http://www.melinab.com/search/label/zodiac%20dresser">Zodiac Dresser series</a> in which I explore astrology through outfits. This post is inspired by Sagittarius, symbolized by the centaur and ruled by the planet Jupiter.&nbsp;<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6582405815/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Untitled by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6582405815_9fd1680f42.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">shirt and Wrangler boots: thrifted * skirt: Nobody's Baby, OR * tights: hue<br /> </td></tr> </tbody></table></div><div>The centaur is a hybrid creature from Greco-Roman mythology who has the torso of a man with the body of horse. As a result, Sagittarius is associated with outdoor sports, particularly hunting and horseback-riding. I chose a top and boots reflective of this&nbsp;equestrian&nbsp;flair.&nbsp;<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6582406711/" title="t-shirt closeup by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="t-shirt closeup" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6582406711_a2c774f7a3.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>This sign is also characterized by a love of travel and adventure as well as a jovial and philosophical outlook. Sagittarius can also be restless, careless and tactless.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6582406183/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Untitled by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6582406183_e786ff1d0e.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">we're hunters</td></tr> </tbody></table>This is my noble "hunting dog" whose purple coat reflects the color associated with Sagittarius.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6582405445/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Untitled by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6582405445_2ccdf9981e.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">closing in on our prey</td></tr> </tbody></table>Notable Sagittarians include: Harpo Marx * Tina Turner * Bruce Lee* Toulouse-Lautrec * Winston Churchill * William Blake * Lucky Luciano * Jimi Hendrix and Bill Nye<br /> <br /> --m<br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-6008117100856008246?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A9YtK7TUT4du4waG98JKu9MAHoY/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A9YtK7TUT4du4waG98JKu9MAHoY/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A9YtK7TUT4du4waG98JKu9MAHoY/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/A9YtK7TUT4du4waG98JKu9MAHoY/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/hbPyOnCIZxg" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com4http://www.melinab.com/2011/12/zodiac-dresser-sagittarius.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-89892738349874228002011-12-23T08:59:00.000-08:002011-12-23T08:59:02.960-08:002011-12-23T08:59:02.960-08:00Need to make last minute presents? Homemade Bath Salts are a easy yet &nbsp;thoughtful gifts you can personalize. These are great for baths or foot soaks when dissolved in hot water.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DpSjCNxsQo/TvSzAQU-eKI/AAAAAAAABVA/ojU9K_bk8lg/s1600/IMG_3919.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3DpSjCNxsQo/TvSzAQU-eKI/AAAAAAAABVA/ojU9K_bk8lg/s640/IMG_3919.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /> You Need:<br /> epsom salt<br /> mixing bowl and whisk<br /> essential oils of your choice: I used lavender and eucalyptus.<br /> jars<br /> ribbon<br /> gift tags with holes punched in them<br /> <br /> Optional (but worth it):<br /> funnel<br /> baking soda (softening)<br /> sea salt (purifying)<br /> food coloring (prettifying)<br /> sticker labels<br /> electric mixer<br /> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjMKE44P_J8/TvSy-t4bRMI/AAAAAAAABU4/IMxIHzsAPFQ/s1600/IMG_3917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjMKE44P_J8/TvSy-t4bRMI/AAAAAAAABU4/IMxIHzsAPFQ/s400/IMG_3917.JPG" width="400" /></a><br /> Instructions:<br /> (Optional: Mix up epsom salts, baking soda and sea salt. Then add food coloring and mix until throughly blended.) Mix salts with a few drops of your favorite essential oils. (Lavender is a good choice if you're unfamiliar with essential oils or making salts for a diverse group.) Put into jars, tie ribbon into bow with long tails and attach gift tag (or label the jar with a sticker). Voila!<br /> <br /> Tips:<br /> *<a href="http://www.freeprettythingsforyou.com/">freeprettythingsforyou</a> is a great resource for free, pre-made gift tags and labels (and where I eventually discovered&nbsp;<a href="http://www.yesterdayontuesday.com/2011/12/pink-aqua-christmas-party-printable-freebies.html">mine</a>). <br /> *The choice of oils is where you can really personalize this gift. Try&nbsp;combinations&nbsp;like patchouli and amber,&nbsp;vanilla and&nbsp;cinnamon or orange and clove per your friends' tastes.<br /> *Don't forget to make some for yourself.<br /> <br /> Did any of you make your xmas gifts?<br /> heart,<br /> --m<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=8989273834987422800"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=8989273834987422800"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=8989273834987422800"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=8989273834987422800"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-8989273834987422800?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tZyZJrdywGFNs2-m0xmC3X1_w94/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tZyZJrdywGFNs2-m0xmC3X1_w94/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tZyZJrdywGFNs2-m0xmC3X1_w94/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/tZyZJrdywGFNs2-m0xmC3X1_w94/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/uojpwwcvxFI" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com1http://www.melinab.com/2011/12/easiest-ever-last-minute-xmas-diy-gift.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-91854708280556742982011-12-22T07:31:00.000-08:002011-12-22T07:31:00.143-08:002011-12-22T07:31:00.143-08:00Five of my favorite Christmas songs in no particular order:<br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hyEztz6nY9Q" width="480"></iframe><br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XK60Cwwp_EI" width="640"></iframe><br /> <br /> <i><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eFJ2jxIe4CQ" width="480"></iframe></i><br /> I guess technically this isn't a christmas song, but I had to include muppets.<br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pd2emzFAqv8" width="480"></iframe><br /> <br /> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/R4gV8XpYhho" width="480"></iframe><br /> <br /> Do you have any favorite christmas songs?<br /> --m<br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-9185470828055674298?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/q6jEi5ygIk0xglROTPJxA4wBgPE/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/q6jEi5ygIk0xglROTPJxA4wBgPE/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/q6jEi5ygIk0xglROTPJxA4wBgPE/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/q6jEi5ygIk0xglROTPJxA4wBgPE/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/YCRj6QX-qOM" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com2http://www.melinab.com/2011/12/five-things-i-like-christmas-songs.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-50731191183774065472011-12-19T12:59:00.000-08:002011-12-19T12:59:16.900-08:002011-12-19T12:59:16.900-08:00<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">This 1970s dress was one of my very first ever thrift scores from about ten years ago. For some reason, I've always called it "the pioneer dress." I guess I imagined myself having the fortitude to embark on the perilous Oregon trail if I had this dress to encourage me?<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6539709889/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pioneer dress by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="pioneer dress" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6539709889_68c314fa31.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(70s dress: thrifted * earrings: Tawapa * boots: <a href="http://www.melinab.com/2011/12/review-ariat-heritage-boots.html">Ariat, courtesy of Country Outfitters</a> * bag: 2nd-hand Coach)</td></tr> </tbody></table>Sorry that an adorable malti-poo is blocking view of the bodice, here's a detail anyways:<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6539710823/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="pioneer dress detail  by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="pioneer dress detail " height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6539710823_7b7fede5ac.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">mini-florals are always fun</td></tr> </tbody></table>The pioneer dress has become one of my fall/winter "easy breezy" dresses because it's a cinch to put it on, accessorize and wow everyone. I love this dress's&nbsp;combination&nbsp;of colors and textures, not to mention the&nbsp;corduroy's&nbsp;unusual rusty hue.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/6539708797/" title="pioneer dress by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="pioneer dress" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6539708797_ab9bfa3444.jpg" width="375" /></a></div><br /> Do you have any garments you thrifted a decade (or more) ago and still adore?<br /> heart,<br /> --m<br /> <a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=5073119118377406547"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=5073119118377406547"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=5073119118377406547"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=895242683945698214&amp;postID=5073119118377406547"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-5073119118377406547?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GYlx31X3ylNEAblkmxHCOVaDWJY/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GYlx31X3ylNEAblkmxHCOVaDWJY/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GYlx31X3ylNEAblkmxHCOVaDWJY/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GYlx31X3ylNEAblkmxHCOVaDWJY/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/3NVJcUSvTCc" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com3http://www.melinab.com/2011/12/pioneer-dress.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-895242683945698214.post-71226224314491223492011-12-15T20:06:00.000-08:002011-12-15T20:06:11.366-08:002011-12-15T20:06:11.366-08:00<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">China Glaze "Party Hearty"</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZVQsb96wOQ/Tuq5lIcTYuI/AAAAAAAABUk/Foxhx_DimlA/s1600/IMG_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZVQsb96wOQ/Tuq5lIcTYuI/AAAAAAAABUk/Foxhx_DimlA/s400/IMG_0848.JPG" width="394" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"party hearty" over "mint sprint" by Sally Hansen</td></tr> </tbody></table>As I've said before, I wait all year long to use this amazing glitter topcoat. It looks great layered over baby blue, bright red, white and&nbsp;&nbsp;all shades of green.<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melinabee/5249777220/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="xmaself004 by melina bee, on Flickr"><img alt="xmaself004" height="383" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5047/5249777220_093a375f2b.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my manicure this time last year (worn over Sally Hansen "white on")</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Tinsel Wreaths</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGQt1dz9U18/Tuq5iBR0zhI/AAAAAAAABUM/5i-NdBYA5Mg/s1600/266307.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sGQt1dz9U18/Tuq5iBR0zhI/AAAAAAAABUM/5i-NdBYA5Mg/s1600/266307.jpeg" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.americansale.com/Products/Battery-Operated-18-LED-Lighted-Green-Tinsel-Wreath-with-Timer__266307.aspx">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>I have one up on my door and it makes me smile every time I come home. I figure if you are going to make something fake, it might as well be really, really fake.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Pomanders</b></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzJ7OFik4_I/Tuq5ya2evbI/AAAAAAAABUs/K2GTTl0oGVg/s1600/img_9061.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kzJ7OFik4_I/Tuq5ya2evbI/AAAAAAAABUs/K2GTTl0oGVg/s400/img_9061.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blissfullydomestic.com/fun-bliss/crafts-fun-bliss/pomanders-historical-holiday-decorations/18144/">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>So fancy looking and smelling, yet super easy to make.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Nars "Night Porter"</span></b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNBv9-vLK-o/Tuq5iiYqW4I/AAAAAAAABUU/clxvkfcBRHs/s1600/DSC_0486.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WNBv9-vLK-o/Tuq5iiYqW4I/AAAAAAAABUU/clxvkfcBRHs/s320/DSC_0486.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fafinettex3.blogspot.com/2008_12_01_archive.html">via</a></td></tr> </tbody></table>You can wear this rich green shadow all winter long, but it is perfect for the holidays. I like to use it wet with an angled brush for dramatic winged eyes that exude both sex appeal and christmas.<br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">My Holiday Cards</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-1Su7kKcg4/Tuq5jq_llmI/AAAAAAAABUc/aU_N7uw6Jo4/s1600/IMG_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="337" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g-1Su7kKcg4/Tuq5jq_llmI/AAAAAAAABUc/aU_N7uw6Jo4/s400/IMG_0833.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>I found these fawn cards by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/MoikkaPaper">Moikka paper</a> at a local craft market and they&nbsp;immediately&nbsp;made me squeal. I am keeping one to frame so I can keep the spirit of xmas alive all year long.<br /> <br /> What are your favorite things this holiday season?<br /> heart,<br /> --m<br /> <br /> <div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style "><a class="addthis_button_compact" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&amp;username=melinabee">Share</a> <span class="addthis_separator">|</span> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> <a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=895242683945698214"></a> </div><script type="text/javascript"> var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; </script> <script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#username=melinabee" type="text/javascript"> </script> <a class="twitter-share-button" data-count="none" data-via="melinabeeZ" href="http://twitter.com/share">Tweet</a><script src="http://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" type="text/javascript"> </script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/895242683945698214-7122622431449122349?l=www.melinab.com' alt='' /></div> <p><a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/dqh3H4CkZas72FRQ2VozGD6NBNg/0/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/dqh3H4CkZas72FRQ2VozGD6NBNg/0/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a><br/> <a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/dqh3H4CkZas72FRQ2VozGD6NBNg/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/dqh3H4CkZas72FRQ2VozGD6NBNg/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/MelinaBee/~4/z9nFsCLVj3E" height="1" width="1"/>melina beehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10079734489990081556noreply@blogger.com2http://www.melinab.com/2011/12/five-things-i-like-holiday-edition.html