How cute are these ceramics by Minneapolis based artist Emily Dyer?!!  I’m smitten with her sweet little bird illustrations…and the swirls and flowers. Ooh! I also have a “thing” for mugs. A mug must feel good in my hands while I’m drinking my coffee in the morning…and Emily Dyer’s look like they would just be perfect. Crazy, I know. Her pottery is food safe, and microwave and dishwasher safe too! Visit her etsy shop here.

Hollyhawk has the most adorable leather accessories. Designer, Holly Strate’s designs are modern and stylish. I love her use of color too. She offers card cases, purses, jewelry and leather wrist cuffs. Really great stuff! Make sure to check out her site.

• My VERY favorite album is by TV on the Radio and their album Dear Science. Couldn’t get enough of this. Here’s a link to their video Providence.

• Next in line is Noah and the Whale’s album Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down {even though I’m REALLY bummed to hear their song on a Saturn commercial…that’s usually is a deal-breaker for me}. Here’s a link to a video of their song “Shape of my Heart”.

• Next is The Heavy and Great Vengeance and Furious Fire. I listened to this disk for about 3 months straight. Here’s a vid:

• Next is Helio Sequence and Keep Your Eyes Ahead. This is one of my favorite songs:

• Vampire Weekend’s self titled album is my next fave. What I love even more than their poppy music is their 80’s garb. They personify geek chic. Here’s a video:

Because I need to stop at some point, I’ll just leave it at my top 5. Though, I was also loving Lykke Li, Frightened Rabbit, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson, The Dodos, Why?, and last-but-not-least Flight of the Conchords {hilarious EVERY time I listen}.

So there you have it. Let me know what you think!

I’m absolutely crazy about the jewelry from AntiGenre.  I love the simple shapes, the oxidized sterling {some pieces even use recycled silver!}, and the beads she uses. Her designs are not the least bit frou frou. I think I have to have those earrings above {botom, left}. So cool! I’d wear them every day.

*Anti Genre is having a sale on New Year’s Day! Selected items in stock will be 20% off from the morning of the 1st through midnight. Woo hoo!

I love these handbags from Boston based Frock. Made from repurposed vintage fabrics and brooches from the 1940’s through the 1960’s. My favorite is the “Emily” handbag {above, left…with the brown tweed and pink trim}. The sprout bags are great too. Love the repurposed belts as shoulder straps. What a find! Isn’t it time you bought a little somethin’ for yourself?!

The winner of the last contest makes some super cute crocheted jewelry that I wanted to share {love the green necklace on the top left!!}. They are made by Portland, Oregon based Muntedkowhai on Etsy {no, I have no idea how to pronounce it!}.

Congratulations to Tiffany from Muntedkowhai! She is the winner of the notecard set from Print Pattern Paper. And thanks to everyone who participated!

I just ordered sweet plates from Atelier BB they are on their way…can’t wait!! I just fell in love with the color combinations, and it was really difficult to choose which ones I wanted to buy. Atelier BB has fantastic customer service too! I was able to order more of one design, and it was handcrafted and shipped lickedy split {have to use that expression every once and a while!}. Check out her other site as well…really cool stuff.

The handbags from Emma Gordon London are described by the owner/creator as “ladylike with a twist”. The perfect description, I think! I love the one with the little flower {above}. Plenty of color combinations are available on Emma’s site! Very sweet.

Rebecca Peragine is the owner of Print Pattern Paper. It’s an online shop selling just that…art, printed bags, and notecard sets. Really cute stuff! She donates a portion of her profits from selected prints {like the milagro print above} to PEACE, a non-profit organization benefiting communities in the Punta de Mita region of Mexico. Rebecca is actively involved in a women’s co-op called Manos Unidos {based in Mexico as well}. She uses her artistic talent and business skills to provide disadvantaged women with a trade. Very cool in my book.

She is also donating a cute set of notecards {see below} to a lucky reader. I just love these giveaways! Here’s how to enter {you know the drill}: Visit Print Pattern Paper, check out all of her goods, and leave a comment to this post letting me know which one you like the best {ok, if you can’t decide just one…you can tell me more}. I will randomly choose a winner on Thursday, December 18th at noon. So, leave your comments before Friday the 18th at 11am {Chicago time}. Only one entry per household please. Good luck!