Meanwhile, you can visit my other website…it’s Blissed Out Bodywork.

peace,

stacy

We’ve decided to change the direction of our biz a little bit, and discontinue the stationery/invitation side, and only sell our illustrations on Cafe Press…it leaves us with the fun stuff {illustrating}, and leaves the grunt work to the kind folks at Cafe Press {printing, packaging & shipping}. It’s a little bittersweet, but I think it’s just the direction our business needs to take.

Which brings me to today. I’m embarking on a new career in a totally different direction. I’m going back to school to become certified in Thai Yoga {also called Thai Massage}. It’s a 6 month program {at the Chicago School of Thai Massage}, and I start tonight! I’m super excited, and just wanted to share! If you don’t know what Thai Yoga is, check out the video…and, if you’re in the Chicagoland area, I’m going to need guinea pigs to practice on, so send me a message if you’re interested!

I love the clothes made by Jacqueline at California based Lamixx. They are stylish, wearable and at a fantastic price point. I love the off-the-shoulder top {above, right}…it’s totally “me”…or, at least in my head, I think I can look as sexy as that model!!  Great pieces, all of them!

And, here’s the best news, Lamixx is offering a 10% discount to you, my fabulous readers…it’s for the next two days, so make sure you place your order soon! Just enter “nonpareil” at checkout…hurrah for deals!

I thought it appropriate to follow my “it’s-freezing-outside-let’s-see-some-scarves” post with an “I’m-dreaming-of-springtime-and-some-cutie-handmade-flats” post.

SMARTFISH handcrafted shoes are all vegan, use no adhesives, lined with organic bamboo, are created with sustainable processes, and are made to be durable…Oh, and did I mention, they are made by hand?! Yep. The sweet hemp and blue embroidered pair is calling my name. Love!!

But, for now, I have to stick to boots and super-thick socks. Boo.

Today was a big day for me…I bought myself a serger sewing machine….and I’m crazy excited about it! I can’t wait to finish my post so I can go play with my new toy…I’m completely geeked out!

…Which brings me to the incredible fabrics by Daisy Janie. Designer Jan DiCintio {of Scoutie Girl fame} uses such fresh color combinations, and I adore her designs. She uses organic cotton sateen & organic cotton/hemp blend canvas. Really wonderful fabric for whatever crafty project you may have! Once I teach myself how to use my new machine, I look forward to ordering some fabulous fabric! What should I make?

The winner of our most recent giveaway is…Loris! One of my sweet, devoted readers…congratulations dearie!

Check out Loris’ blog here.

I’ve just become a huge fan of CRAVEchicago. I went to a “coffee chat” with about 30 dynamic women last week, and was totally impressed. CRAVE is in other cities too…Boston, Portland, DC, Vancouver & Seattle. To find out more, click here.

I wanted to post about a local event they are planning…with plenty of fashion and indie vendors who will be there. I will be there…so if you sign up too, please let me know!

CRAVEchicago Winter Wonderland Party:

What: Join your girlfriends for a captivating evening of opulence and magical events!
Where: The Historic Stan Mansion at 2408 N Kedzie in Chicago
When: Wednesday, December 9th, 7-10pm

Baby, it’s cold outside! Join the Winter Wonderland CRAVEparty on December 9th to find your perfect holiday ensemble from one of Chicago’s most fabulous boutiques, all of which will be under one roof! No need to travel from boutique-to-boutique, we have them all here! A CRAVEparty is an exclusive, festive, glam-gal gathering of fun, entertainment, personal pampering, and sippin’ and noshin’ on great food.

FASHION & SIPS
Take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to pre-order the season’s chicest fashions from Chicagoland’s favorite boutiques, while enjoying gratis treats & cocktails!

SPA & SOOTHE
Indulge in complimentary mini-spa services to soothe your holiday-time stresses!

GIFTS GALORE
Don’t be greedy! Shop for something fabulous that those special people in your life will love!

AND MORE…

Find fabulous treasures on the catwalk as you watch fashion shows featuring local boutiques.
Be dazzled by the most gorgeous jewelry this city’s designers have to offer!
Bring your girlfriends to this one-of-a-kind event and we’ll see you off in high spirits… with a great goody bag in tow!
Find yourself sipping a cocktail, getting a mini-manicure, and shopping for your glamorous holidaytime ensemble, all while viewing a fabulous fashion show and other entertaining acts!
Become enthralled with the endless holiday gift options you’ll discover at various booths!
Throughout the night, we will have great raffles including gift certificates to Osteria via Stato and Park 52!
More details to come!

*EDIT: even if you weren’t the winner…you can still save 10% on your order if you use “nonpareil” during your order! hurrah!

click here to enter and find out more

Friends of ours just started a business making water bottles. Concerned with the environment, BPA leaching, and the recent negative press about aluminum bottles, three moms got together and created HydraSip…stainless steel bottles with BPA free tops {you get two lids with every bottle}. It’s hard to tell from the picture just how cool these bottles are…I love their ergonomic shape…they really are nice to hold! Ice water will stay cold forever in the double-walled bottles, and not sweat either…nice!

The gals at HydraSip gave me a pink double-wall bottle to give to one of my blog readers. It’s sitting on my desk just waiting for one of you! I’ll choose a winner after noon central time Friday, October 24, so enter before then!

So, if you want a chance to win a bottle, leave me a message below. For an extra entry, tweet about the giveaway, and make sure you let me know about it in the comments!

Make sure to check out the Hydra Sip website too…they have 3 colors to choose from, and you can order online.

Have a fun weekend!

Just wanted to take a moment to thank all of you who take time to read nonpareil. I totally appreciate it, and love all your comments!! It’s been fun getting to “know” many of you over the course of the last year too…I love having readers from all over the world. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

In case you haven’t read it, here’s a link to my first post, and one of the reasons why I do what I do.