...It's Simple Love...

What a Week!

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am exhausted. This week was a tough one. I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Relaxing, in my book, means cleaning the house and watching Criminal Minds with the hubby. Yep, nothing glamorous, but everything that I need. I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

The Mighty Man Martin

2012-01-16T09:30:00.000-08:00

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Read his "I Have A Dream" speech {here}.

Friday the 13th; Fun Facts

2012-01-13T09:38:00.000-08:00

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The phobia of Friday the 13th is called "friggatriskaidekaphobia" (are you slowly trying pronounce that in your head right now too?). 17 to 21 million people in the U.S. have "friggatriskaidekaphobia", according to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in North Carolina. {Info gathered from HERE}.

We will have three Friday the 13th's in 2012, the most you can have in one calendar year (one in April and another July). It is a great year for all who have "friggatriskaidekaphobia". Those who have the phobia will most likely stay indoors and out of trouble. The U.S. economy loses up to 900 million dollars every time there is a Friday the 13th—many people avoid business deals, or even work altogether, on the allegedly doomed date, according to some estimates.

Are you out n' about today? Or curled in a ball in your toasty warm bed? I am thinking about calling in and declaring I have, "friggatriskaidekaphobia". They won't question that. It sounds contagious.

My New Shades: Cateye Sun Glasses

2012-01-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

If you know me at all you know I love vintage attire. I have been searching for the perfect vintage cateye sun glasses for many moons now. I need to keep them on the cheap side however; somehow I always lose my sun glasses. I found {these} lovely things for $10. I'd say that is quite a steal. I think I may have to buy them in bulk. Find adorable and afforable vintage sun glasses at {le love vintage} on etsy.

Consider This: To Live is Rare

2012-01-04T20:40:00.000-08:00

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Conversations: How Old Are You?

2012-01-03T20:40:00.000-08:00

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Whilst driving home from our holiday travels the topic of "age" came up.

My husband said, "Well I am 27".
I pause, think, "you are 26 . . ."
Hubby, "Well 26 and a half. Closer to 27".
I squint my eyes, "you forgot how old you are huh?"
Pause . . . "Well . . yes", He says in defeat.
I burst with laughter.

At some point, you just stop counting.

How To-esday: Yarn Wrapped Letters

2011-12-27T11:59:00.000-08:00

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Eeek! I just love {this tutorial}. How initiative! Just grad come cardboard, yarn, masking tape, and a hot glue gun and your set! I will be making these very soon . . .

Merry Christmas

2011-12-26T20:56:00.000-08:00

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I hope you all had yourself a Merry Little Christmas. I had a lovely time with both my family and the husband's family. Good food and good company, can you ask for more?

Christmas Decor: The Balsam Wreath is Hung

2011-12-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

To be honest, I have not decorated much for Christmas in the past. We have often lived in tiny little apartments while going to school and spent the holidays with family.

This year I decided ot give decorating a try. I recieved this wreath from Balsam Hill and I have to say I am mighty pleased. They have wreaths and garlands that look like the real deal. I got the Sugarland Spruce, isn't it gorgeous? Right now Balsam Hill has a sale of up to 40% off and free shipping. Don't miss out!

I got the vintage christmas cards from my husband's grandma. They had been sitting in her basement for years and she knows how I love vintage anything. Before anyone in my family throws something out they always come to me to see if I would like it. I am a jukner. What can I say? Find the deerhead hook {here at UO}.

Free Template; Home Decor

2011-12-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

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Planning a holiday party? Print these freebie placemats for your guests {via Oh Crafts!}, add milk glass, and some holiday greens and your party is sure to be golden. Happy Holidays all!

3 Years Have Come & Gone

2011-12-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

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Yep. I've been married for three years now. Who knew we would make it this long? I did. We are married for eternity! Three years flew by but at the same time it feels like I have always been married to him. To chase. To my handsome hubby. Heres to an endless amount of years to come!

Cheeseburger Wrapping Paper

2011-12-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

The hubba hubba hubby truly enjoys a good cheeseburger, who doesn't? How perfect would it be if I wrapped his christmas gifts in this {Gift Couture}? Read more about {GC} and if you like it check out their kickstarter.

$30 to Ande Monster Vintage GIVEAWAY

2011-12-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

Enter to win $30 to my shop Ande Monster Vintage {HERE} on JennifHsieh.

The giveaway ends December 16th (which just so happens to be my anniversary!)

Enjoy the rest of your weekend my dears!

How To-esday: Doily Light

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

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I need to make this. How simple and elegant. It would be the perfect decor for a wedding or for a party. I think I may have a party just so I can make this . . .

Consider This.

2011-12-05T07:38:00.000-08:00

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Weekend Wonderment

2011-12-02T07:38:00.000-08:00

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Happy December all! I can't believe it is already here. My December started off with 100 mile per hour winds in a grand wind storm and no electricity for 24 hours (thank goodness for candles and a down comforter). You never know what December may bring!

I am looking forward to drinking hot chocolate and snuggling in a blanket in front of my tv watching a fake fire. Not to mention all the fantastically cheery christmas music I will be listening to. I hope you all have a warm and jolly weekend!

Blog Crush: Tiny Toad Stool

2011-11-30T21:31:00.000-08:00

Shan Shan from Tiny Toad Stool has to be the cutest gal on the planet. I am just in love with her quirky vintage style and enthralling photography. I need those red shoes. Sigh.

Rest & Relaxation

2011-11-30T08:00:00.000-08:00

Today is a day where some R&R sounds quite amazing. I believe I could fall asleep anywhere. Beware, walking zombie today.

Lust Worthy: Painted Antlers

2011-11-29T21:57:00.000-08:00

Eeek! How fantastic. So creative yet simple, these painted antlers are. I am positively swooning over the colors and design on {these} delectable creations by Cassandra Smith.

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Bikini's: Modest or Immodest?

2011-11-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

Quite an interesting video. No matter if you are religious or not, this is something to think about.

The Belen Market and the Floating Village of Belen

2011-11-22T22:46:00.000-08:00

I started blogging to share my adventures in South America over one year ago and my blog has developed into a place to share what I hold dear. Today I am going to share one of my many adventures in the Amazon Jungle of Peru. Below are some photos from the Belen Market and floating village of Belen.

You can't image all the animals, fruits, veggies, and other products are sold here. Among the most unique I saw: alligator (they eat he tail of it and it's delicious), turtle (for turtle soup), tiny jungle deer, paiche (a ten food fresh water fish).

There are many elixirs and concoctions made from different plants and animals sold in the market along with the skins of what animals were killed to make the elixirs.

My husband and I ate grubs. They taste wasn't bad but the thought of it was. And yes, those are giant bugs.

The floating village which is located just below the market. The houses are anchored and move up and down during the rainy season. During the dry season they rest on stilts.

Schools, gas stations, grocery stores are among the houses that float here. The natives also sell food and other items house to house by boat. Prostitution also occurs on the boats at night on the water.

Below are giant lilly pads growing in someone's "backyard".

When (and I say "when" not "if" because I am afraid you have to go)... eh hem... when, you go Iquitos, a city in the middle of the Amazon Jungle, you need to visit the Belen Market and the floating village of Belen. It is a remarkable sight that shows a remarkable way of live. If seeing this village doesn't change your perspective on life, well, I am not sure what will.

My husband and I traveled Peru and Argentina for four months last year and I'd have to say the Amazon Jungle is one of my favorite places on earth. It is rich of culture, folk tales, wild life, shamans (AKA witch doctors), and creatures big and small. It is ridiculously hot and sweaty and there are abnormally large critters to be found, however it's completely worth all the discomfort.

Iquitos was founded in the 1800's during the rubber boom. Inside the city there are beautiful colonial buildings and many historical sites founded during the 1800's. Along the ride of the city lie houses on stilts, slums, and poverty. In the jungle surrounding it there are natives who still live off the land and wear grass skirts. The floating City of Belen is a place of it's own among the great city of Iquitos. It is also one of the most dangerous parts of the city. When you go, be sure to take limited amount of cash, no wallet, no jewelry, and wear plain clothes.

It is smart to have a guide. That way you can understand the significance of what is going on and it is safer. We went with a local which is the best way to go in my opinion. Our guide was from the floating village and was respected among the people. We were safe with him.

Going to the Amazon Jungle has been one of my life goals. I am so grateful I was able to fulfill my dream of visiting. Wherever your dream travel spot is, I hope you make it there. Make it sooner rather than later.

Consider This.

2011-11-22T22:08:00.000-08:00

(Photo by unknown)

Obsessed: Aztec Print

2011-11-21T07:57:00.000-08:00

Coyote Bookend

Ancient Inklings Boots

BB Dakota Bostwick Coat

For whatever reason, right now I am absolutely obsessed with aztec print, on anything and everything. Your thoughts? Would/ do you wear it? Decorate with it in the home?

Shabby Apple GIVEAWAY Reminder!

2011-11-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

Today (Friday) is the last day to enter the Shabby Apple Ahoy! Dress Giveaway! Don't miss out. I so wish I could enter. How cute is the bow detail? Sigh. Love it.

Music Monday: Ane Brun

2011-11-13T23:29:00.000-08:00