BIG NEWS!

So I'm seriously considering starting my own Patina-esque gift shop/ jewelry boutique/general fun place. I've got a layout figured out and a beautiful location in downtown Stillwater on my wishlist.brick alley building, the first building you see when driving into downtown.

Just a sample of what Stillwater's main street looks like.

I'm full of ideas and I've been looking around at independent creative people to get product from. I have an accountant in the family that I can talk to before I do anything concrete. I guess I'm a little excited and a lot terrified to try and do something as huge as this. My biggest fear is, what happens if the business fails? And also, the idea of writing a 15 - 20 page business plan is a bit daunting. Does anyone have an insider tips on starting your own business? Any experiences on writing your own business plan/figuring out cash flow/marketing/etc.? Any help would be appreciated!

Thinking about summer

Since this winter weather seems to be dragging on, I've decided its time to stop dwelling on it and look to the future. While I am not a huge fan of summer and all that comes with it (heat, bees, big business at work, etc.), I do love swimming. I am quite the curvy girl, so even though I love swimming, I hate having to get into a swimsuit and show off all my flaws. I've always gone for the most covered up look, a tankini and some surf shorts. This year, though, I'm thinking of getting over myself and buying a cute one piece. I haven't worn a one piece suit for at least 10 years, and the idea scares me. I'm so tired of being ashamed of my size, and with all this plus size love going on in the world, I think its time I came out of my shell a little bit. There are so many cute styles this year, too! I'm excited!

j. crew solid ruffle bow tank - $80.00 in rosy peach

j. crew pindot underwire tank - $80.00 - $82.00 in persimmon

esther williams beach blanket bingo suit - $89.99

ITFigures picnic party two piece suit - $122.00

Yeah, yeah, I know this one is a two piece. But look at that cute pattern! And ruffles!

Anyways, I hope spring comes around soon for everyone. I'm sick of hibernating.

my valentine

Happy Valentines Day! I hope you have someone wonderful in your life, like I do. If you don't, don't worry! Someone special will come along. Today is the day to celebrate the people you love, even if it's not a spouse or boyfriend. It could just be your mom, or your dog. Just be thankful for the love in your life.

To my Derek: thank you for being my very best friend, and for treating me like I'm the most important person in the world. I love you!

Things currently making me smile

pogo - bangarang (who loves Hook?! I certainly do!)

photo via beaute cosmetics

Beaute's Liqui-Gel Stain in Fluoron (so pink and girly and wonderful!)

photo via delias
My favorite shoes - on sale!

photo via nine nineteen

Finally, all of the items I have been working on are listed in the shop.

Doesn't being happy just kick ass?

Liv's First Birthday!

It's my sisters first birthday on Monday, but her birthday party is next week. It's kind of exciting to have a baby sister at my age, because it's like training for when I have my own baby. I love watching her grow and change, and develop her own personality. She's starting to mimic what you do, so that's really interesting. I have a tendency to spoil her mercilessly. I love baby stuff, and since I don't have a baby of my own to spend money on, she gets all of the spoils of my shopping endeavors. Here are some of the items I was thinking about buying for her birthday present.

via pegalee on etsy
I have a fondness of vintage toys, especially tin wind up toys. I'm still not sure why this was a consideration for Liv's birthday, other than the fact that if I had my own baby I would deck out the nursery with vintage stuff. I dunno, ha ha.

via lover dovers clothing on etsy
Seriously, how cute is that?! It's fairytale meets medieval meets princesses and unicorns and lollipops and puppies and everything adorable.

via faith works 4 you on etsy
Retro and trendy! I need to purchase this for her soon.

via pretty mod on etsy
Not only do I love this because its a great contemporary print, but it's local too! The wonderful thing about Minnesota is we are loyal to our local artists.

via ivory and moss on etsy
These are what I ended up buying for Liv. Ivory and Moss is local too, which was a very swaying factor. These are just so lovely too, and you can pick your own color. I picked number 22, mustard yellow. I can't wait to see her clomping around in them.

All this baby talk is making me want one, my maternal instincts are kicking in a lot lately. Oh well, someday soon I will have my own little person. I can't wait to spoil the holy hell out of my kids.