rouge & whimsy: friday finds and favorites

12/7/12

friday finds & favorites: gifts that give back

happy friday friends! As part of this weeks Friday Finds & Favorites, I'm sharing my last gift guide.

The last one is dedicated to shops tied with charity.

1. a perfect neutral palette from Radiant. A minimum of 20% of every purchase goes toward human trafficking victims and raising awareness. $34 Radiant

2. gorgeous items for your arm that directly support at-risk teens. $14 The Shine Project

3. a fun slouchy hat hand-knit by women in Uganda from Krochet Kids International. KKi meets people's needs through job provision, through mentorship, and education. $32.95 KKi

4. Give a chicken, a cow or a goat via Heifer.org or Oxfam International

Another option-- Shop at various stores (including Macys, Gap, and BestBuy) and earn dollars to donate to a number of charities. Social Vest

see the rest of my gift guides from this week: under $25 | diy | for mom | for guys

other things I've loved this week:

- incredible incredible story of the man who responds to suicide attempts on the Golden Gate Bridge.

- our christmas tree. it smells fantastic. I think having one year round would be wonderful.

- did you see my new blog & facebook design-- it's all tied to my new shop design on storenvy! Nicole from the style hatch did a FABULOUS job and I'm soo pleased. If you're looking for a storenvy designer, I can not recommend her enough!

also, no, I'm not leaving etsy-- Etsy is the primo spot for handmade customers but storenvy is super great for a professional, sole-shop look. So I'm kinda seeing both of them right now. (just don't tell the other.)

xo, erika

oh p.s. you should share your favorites from this week!

da rules: share some of your favorite things from the web and real life with the weekly friday finds & favorites link-up hosted by Beth and me. Please link up just your blog post with your faves (not your entire blog) and link back to Beth or me somewhere on the blog. Please, also, make sure that your post is relevant (i.e. no giveaways or that sort of thing.) And, of course, be sure to go visit everyone else who links up! :)

11/29/12

friday finds & faves #13

Thank goodness for fridays. Is it just me or are weeks after holidays really long?

but despite the busyness, as I sit here in bed typing, with my two favorite boys next to me, (one furrier than the other), I'm just feeling a sense of grateful for the life I have been blessed with.

this week I also loved

>> this warm salad from Gina over at Acute Designs. It has changed my opinion of brussels sprouts.

>> date night with the husband. dinner and a movie. So simple, but so wonderful

>> the movie Lincoln. It just made me want to learn so much more about American history. Also, can I get an amen for movies between Thanksgiving and Christmas? All the good ones come out now!

>> Mandy's amazing blog post that will make you feel that all can be good in the world.

>> I want to make this and I need to make this

>> and if you're looking for christmas music inspiration, here's a great list from ilene

da rules: share some of your favorite things from the web and real life with the weekly friday finds & favorites link-up hosted by Beth and me. Please link up just your blog post with your faves (not your entire blog) and link back to Beth or me somewhere on the blog. Please, also, make sure that your post is relevant (i.e. no giveaways or that sort of thing.) And, of course, be sure to go visit everyone else who links up! :)

11/15/12

friday finds & favorites: guest editor carina

This week I asked my friend Carina to curate friday frinds. I love saying "friend" because not only do I love Carina's cheerful, inspiring blog (and cute shop), we've actually hung out-- like more than twice. And she has great taste... as you can see below:

<><><>

Hello friends! Carina here from Lovely Little Whimsy.

When Erika asked me to share with you this week, I was more than happy to oblige...

I am currently obsessed with making my Christmas wish list. Technically I am way too old

to be doing such a thing, but my husband and I came to an understanding a few years ago after

he got me an electric toothbrush.

I have about a million things I'm currently loving on etsy, but lemme share a few of my faves.

cups print pillow colander

cuff earrings boot cuffs necklace bangles

Other things I'm loving:

>> this salt dough ornament tutorial from irocksowhat

>> my friend's gorgeous new baby - swoon.

>> also, these words. seriously needed this week.

Can't wait to hear what you all are loving this week. So happy to be here. Happy Friday!

<><><>
I told you she had great taste... I think I need to add her list to my list. (those teacups-- like I need more, but seriously!) Oh- you all should say hi to Carina on her blog, on twitter and of course, check out her shop lovely little whimsy.

I'd love to see what you guys love this week-- share below!

xo, erika

11/8/12

friday finds & favorites #12

Lately I have been feeling thankful. Just overly thankful, grateful for so many little things. But a few things-- er people-- I'm thankful for, in particular, is my mom and husband.

Black Friday is coming up, but even more than that, I have a huge craft show coming up-- my first big one. And of course I'm behind, and stressing out... and you know how it goes. The husband is being so gracious-- cleaning the house when I'm glued to the sewing machine and my mom is picking up fabric for me, cutting out patterns and chipping away at some sewing too. I can not be more grateful.

I'm also thankful for the opportunity-- but of course I'm nervous! Selling online is so different from selling in person... and I'm not always so good talking about what I make in person.

But I am excited. I'll have some new things that will debut there (eee!), and I'll also be selling something brand new to the shop-- this beautiful polka dot and leather tote.

Every time I make something new, I proclaim it as my favorite-- but I really do think that this may stay my favorite this time.

You can check it out in the rouge and whimsy shop.

A few other favorite things from this week:

--> my soup obsession continues-- this is the next recipe on my list to make (via delightfully tacky)

--> oh goodnessgraciousholycow Mandy's daughter KILLS me with adorableness. (is that a word?)

--> you can make SECRET pinterest boards now. I don't know what I'm going to do armed with this knowledge, but I'm stoked.

--> chelsea of the paper mama is doing 50 (amazing) christmas diys.

--> I saw a girl rock a hat like this and ever since, I've decided someday I will have confidence to rock a hat like that too. (maybe by Christmas?) ;)

So how was your guys' week? share some of your favorite things from the web and real life with the weekly friday finds & favorites link-up hosted by Beth and me. Please link up just your blog post with your faves (not your entire blog) and link back to Beth or me somewhere on the blog. Please, also, make sure that your post is relevant (i.e. no giveaways or that sort of thing.) And, of course, be sure to go visit everyone else who links up! :)

xo, erika

11/1/12

friday finds & favorites #11

What a week, huh? Even though I'm not on the east coast, I couldn't help but feel rocked by seeing all the destruction over there. (these photos in particular are mind-numbing.)My prayers are still with them.

things I loved this week:

- going to here tomorrow with this lady & this lady! (and I'll see this lady, this funny one and this one too.) yay!

to be honest I am not loving the weather here, it definitely hasn't been pretty-- loads and loads of rain--but it is making me eye some rain gear...

sweater: modcloth // umbrella: modcloth // rainboots: signals

- I want to cook this soup, and make these... and I actually baked these. Quite delish (and easy!)

and speaking of food...

- I posed a recipe for pumpkin oatmeal cookies on The Shine Project blog. You may want to go check it out.

- ooh. diy glitter feathers

So how was your guys' week? share some of your favorite things from the web and real life with the weekly friday finds & favorites link-up hosted by Beth and me. Please link up just your blog post with your faves (not your entire blog) and link back to Beth or me somewhere on the blog. And be sure to go visit everyone else who links up!

xo, erika

10/25/12

friday finds & favorites #10

So I don't actually know what number friday finds and favorites this is but I thought 10 was a good number.

This week I can't get enough of fall here and all its colors -- clearly as much as my silly pup.

I've also been super blessed to have not one but two Google + chats with people to talk shop stuff and I just leave so inspired and grateful for this community that helps each other. (Also, video chat is the only thing I use Google+ for... anyone else?)

other stuff I love:

imaginary fashion bloggers -- super adorable and creative blog

earrings by Mama's Nest Design

I need to make this recipe for baked apple cider chicken!

thankful block by bubblewrappd (perfect for thanksgiving)

-70s vintage pleated pouch by sandandstarfish! so cute!

- have you ever heard of the vitamin string quartet? They play (awesome) classical versions of contemporary songs

- I also love my immersion blender. I think I mentioned that last week, but seriously. Best $13 I've spend this year. end of story.

- I don't wear brooches, but I would so totally wear this one.

- being honest on blogs. I feel like people are just putting it out there. It's pretty cool.

what do you guys love this week? link up your post (not your whole blog) and link back here to me or Beth at Dot in the City somewhere in your post!

xo, erika

10/19/12

friday finds + favorites: spinny dresses and fall

my favorites this week.

- I bought the dress above at Target on a whim. It was only $11 and I couldn't pass it up. Plus, it came with the pink belt. So like two purchases in one?

- I've been on a cooking and baking kick. Pumpkin bread, soups, and next week I promise a recipe for pumpkin cookies. And speaking of soup, I need to make all three of these soup recipes.

- I'm obsessing over polka dots, hence my latest item in the shop, the polka dotted clutch!

- do you need a giggle? this lamb video is the cutest thing ever. I need a pet lamb.

- have you seen gina's new great gatsby line of accessories? i love the photo shoot she did.

- Jen has this closet challenge where you wear everything in your closet... I love this idea. The only thing is, now that it's getting cold, I'll have to be really creative about wearing my summer stuff.

- I'm reading the book Cold Tangerines and it's so beautiful and has just challenged me to really focus on the little moments that make up each day. Life isn't just about the big things, the huge experiences, but the tiny things like hot coffee, texts from friends, crunching leaves and new pairs of socks. I'm hoping you, too, can find joy in these little moments.

you know what I also love this week?

It's FRIDAY. And you know how I feel about that.

also, bringing back the link-up party (because I'm crazy like that.) Share your favorites from the week-- either online or off-- the linkup will go on here and on Beth's blog Dot in the City. Please link up to your post, not your entire blog, and be sure to link back to either of us somewhere in your post. Thanks!

xo, erika

8/9/12

friday finds + favorites #9

Each week I love to share things I love from other blogs and sites (and of course a few favorites from "real life.") I'd love to see what you're loving too!

>>oooh facebook timeline image help from shrimp salad circus

>>fried zucchini blossoms? I need to try this (esp since my zucchini plant is out of control.)

>> the blog deer circus is so pretty, both in the writing and the photos.

>>you know those pallets I picked up? yeeeah still haven't done anything with them. maybe this sofa?

>> you guys, old navy has jeans in every.color. and they're on sale. I kinda want them all.

Not gonna lie, this week was hard. Kick me in the face hard. Last week was blissful vacation but that meant that there was a ton of catch up in the etsy shop and in the day job. It's been intense and I've been inspired by the Olympic athletes-- I kind of feel like I'm in my own crazy Olympics.

But I have to say, I have a great husband and wonderful, wonderful friends who have really helped me out. You know who you are and you rock my socks off.

link up your favorites from this week!

xo, erika

p.s. have you entered to win the giveaway for a heart necklace from carina? Also, if you can't wait to win, I still have two openings for people to buy the necklaces for $10 off... email me :)

7/26/12

friday finds + faves #8

I am real tired.

This week has been a whopper. a big mac?

whatever.

it's been a lot of late nights and to be honest, more late nights are on the way as i try to get shop stuffs done before I hit the lake for a family vacay next week.

so if I seem scattered, it's because I am. :) ha.

but I must say, the husband has been rocking the socks off me, making dinner and helping me out. And the monster doggie has not ingested anything too serious this week**. So everything is good.

And in my spare time, here's a few of the things I've loved on the internets.

love on the webs:

>> old-timey olympics photos

>>this skirt diy from caroline. (i have so many diys... and so little time for them all! there needs to be a holiday dedicated to diys... someone petition for that.)

>> color-blocked hot pads diy

other linkies...

>>life lessons from smart ladies

>>is it toasty where you are? (midwest, i'm talking to you). check out these photos of antarctica.

>> do you read the dot in the city blog? you should. beth's got good stuff... like her series on summer style on a budget. (series after my own heart.)

>> other ladies that grace my sidebar that you should check out (those who are fond of hanging out in the google reader or reading through your smart phone.) this crafty seamstress // this sweetheart // this songstress // this designer lady // this dear beauty // this sweet mama

love in real life:

the new target that opened in downtown seattle, next to my day job. (uh-oh) // sunshine! // dates with the husband // etsy sales // good books to read on the bus // laughter // tomorrow a massage appt.!

what are you loving? come link up! all i ask is that somewhere you link back to me, just cuz that's nice to do. :)

xo, erika

**did I ever mention that the corgi monster ate a tampon last week? cuz he did. and we went to emergency vet at midnight. tops the list for weird outings with the husband and dog...

7/5/12

friday finds + favorites #6

did anyone find the middle-of-the-week vacation a little confusing? I definitely felt like Thursday was Monday, but that made today so much better when I realized it was Friday not Tuesday :)

I'm sharing some of my favorite finds and favorites from around the web and in real life. I hope you join me with a few of your favorites too. :)

>> my online loves:

these journals are a gorgeous mix of nature and geometry. via ribbonsquirrel

love these fun new bracelets from twillypop. they'll be in her shop soon but you can snag one at a discount now on her blog.

one of the most gorgeous ikea hacks. ever. love the dipped legs! via the sweet beast

i never wanted to go to finland before now. but oh my swoon-- you can watch the northern lights from these little bubble hotel rooms.

perfect hairstyle for my (often dirty) hair via the beauty department

>> my real life loves:

a day off midweek! eating so much delicious food. summer has officially arrived in seattle! planning the rouge + whimsy tote fall line. going wakeboarding this weekend! lime- squeezed in drinks, on meat, on everything! finishing a classic book.

I'd love to see what you love! link up your post, not your blog, and please link back to me somewhere b/c it's the nice thing to do.

xo, erika

6/21/12

friday finds + favorites #4

what do you on thursday nights when you're supposed to be doing something else... you redo your blog layout, that's what. (to be fair, I did fold laundry first.)

I switched from two columns to three. oh, yeah. (brushes shoulder off.)

And when I redid my social media buttons, I found this gem: pantone colored buttons! brilliant.

other good things on the internet:

this bleach tutorial is helpful and hilarious.

I need to find some skinny little gold tubes to make these. via honestly wtf.

I love baby goats (well actually any baby animal) so I loved these photos on gentri lee's blog

i also liked this kitchen redo and this hilarious bachelorette recap and this post too.

in real life:
sunshine! // a wedding this weekend // a lunchtime run by the water // this salad for lunch // golfing with the husband (first time golfing ever!) // bachelorette viewing parties w/ my friends // blueberries

link up!

xo, erika

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