Peddler's Podium - Elle Moss Photography and Giveaway!

Remember Elle? I first did a mini introduction of her work here and was so taken with it, that I just had to find out more! So read on to hear how she got started, what inspires her, and all the details of this week's fabulous giveaway!

Where do you live and who do you live with?
I'm from Ann Arbor Michigan and live with my husband of 16 years, our 2 children(a boy and a girl, 16 and 3), and 2 cats.

When did your creative ways come to life?
I've always been creative, but never had a good outlet for it.
Attempted writing, fashion design, all forms of art...nothing let me express myself the way photography does. Though I have always taken
photographs and loved it dearly, I didn't become serious about it until 2006, when my husband bought me my first DSLR.


Is there any specific event/thing/person that inspired your creativeness?
The Mexican surrealist Remedios Varo has been an influence of mine
since I was 17. My grandmother, Muriel, is another source of inspiration. She was forever creating and never gave up.

What motivated you to sell your goodies on Etsy?
I liked the idea of having complete control over my prints and the community was friendly.

Where do you do the creation of your art?
My house is my most common backdrop, and my basement office is where I do all of my post processing. I spend the most time there, at my desk, creating and promoting.

Do you currently create full time, or do you also have a day job?
This is it!

If you could be famous for doing something you don’t currently do, what would it be?
I'd love to be a famous actress, ballerina, or opera singer!

Describe your personality in 5 words.
kind. determined. sensitive. introverted. creative.

What is one trait you wished you possessed?
confidence!

What is one trait you possess but wished you didn’t?
fear of public speaking.

Besides your craft, what things do you enjoy doing in your down time?
Decorating my house, hiking, listening to music, making jewelry (well, I'm just learning, but i like it!), crossword puzzles, and dancing.

If you could eat one food in any quantity for the rest of your life with no ill effects, what food would you choose? C H O C O L A T E

Is there one SuperFabulous life tip you could share?

My only tip is to never doubt yourself and never give up. Do only what feels right to you and stick to your guns. You can do and be anything you set your mind to, so Dream Big!

List 3 things you hope to accomplish/see/do in your lifetime.
I would like to see Europe. Ive been to London, but I've never been to France or Italy or Spain and I'm dying to go!
I want to see my kids get married and have grand kids.
I want to be financially independent.

Any future plans for your business?
I want to start shooting film for awhile and have some ideas for a book that I'm tossing around. I would like to see it grow slow but steady and be something I can do for a long, long time.

G I V E A W A Y!

Elle is offering one lucky reader a copy of her new 8/09-1/11 Calender filled with 20 of her dreamiest photos! Additionally, she is offering all entrants a FREE print with any purchase from her shop. Just mention the giveaway in the notes to seller upon checkout.

Here's how to enter:

Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite Elle Moss photograph and the feeling it invokes in you. You must include your first name along with your email address or Etsy username with each entry. (So we have a way to contact you in the event you win!)

For additional entries, you can do the following and post ea. individually in the comments to let me know:
* Twitter about this feature
* Follow/Subscribe to my blog
* Follow/Subscribe to Elle's blog
* Blog about this feature and post a link with your entry

Contest closes Wednesday, June 16th at 12 am EST and the winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Wednesday June 17th. Thank-you so much for playing and Good Luck!

Beauty Tips Tuesday - Wash that Brush!

Having problems with breakouts? When was the last time you washed your cosmetic brushes? If you answered "I'm supposed to wash my brushes?", then there is a good chance that they are to blame for your skin woes. Proper skin care extends far beyond your daily dose of lotions, potions, and serums! It is also ensuring that the tools you use to apply your make-up are well kept and clean. Your brushes can harbor insane amounts of bacteria, aggravating sensitive and problem prone skin. Good brush care equates to washing your brushes at least every two weeks with a cleanser specifically made for brushes, (once a week if you are acneic). Not only does washing your brushes rid them of ick, but it also prolongs the life of the tool. Brushes are not cheap, so why not protect your investment? Any quality brush should last you upwards of 3 years with proper care, not to mention clean brushes have softer bristles and apply make-up more evenly. So suds up!

Follow these simple steps and beat the blemish blues!

* with very warm (but not hot) water, wet your brush (do not soak)

* put a dime size amount of brush shampoo in the palm of your hand (this is enough for multiple eye brushes or a larger kabuki style brush)

* "paint" the brush back and forth on your hand and use your fingers to work the cleanser through the bristles to fully emulsify the dirt and debris (do not swirl or mash, as it can cause bristle damage)

* holding your brush at a downward angle, rinse until the water runs clear

* using your fingers, squeeze any excess water from the brush (make sure there are no suds remaining), reshape (closed tulip shapes for face brushes), and lay flat to dry.

Eye brushes will dry in just a few hours and face brushes should dry overnight. It is important to not use water that is too hot and to hold your brushes at a downward angle, in order to prevent damage to the binding glue. Additionally, using clarifying shampoos made for your hair on your brushes can strip natural bristles and make them dry and feel straw like on the face. It is best to stick with one that is specifically made for brush cleaning, as these cleansers often have moisturizing agents to keep bristles s o f t.

Coordinated Finds!

1. candyglam (shadow trio) 2. punchanella (brush roll) 3. LaLa Bloom (face brush)

Peddler's Podium - Artistic Edition and GIVEAWAY!

I am so excited about my new featured seller format and am just thrilled to be kicking it off with MN local Jenna, of Artistic Edition! I met Jenna back in February when I joined the HandmadeMN team (of which she leads), and quickly became aware of her limitless passion and creative energy!
Jenna is in the hair B L I N G business and makes these ingenious little hair accessories that just snap into place. Created in multiple colors and made with genuine Swarovski crystals, there isn't an ensemble that Jenna doesn't have a snap to match! Not to mention, she recently expanded her line to include elegant pearls, glitzy mirrors, casual fabric buttons, and (my personal favorite) retro styled feather fascinators! Doesn't it look just fabulous in my hair? (Yep, that is my head!)
Read further to learn more about Jenna, and to get all the details of this week's GIVEAWAY!

When did your creative ways come to life?

The first memory of my first creative moment was in first grade. We were coloring paper Native Americans for Thanksgiving. There happened to be a penny under the paper and I colored over it. I thought it gave it a cool look, so I started doing the whole piece with penny rubbings. I remember my teacher coming by and he was very upset and said something to the effect that it looked horrible and that it didn’t go with what everyone else was doing, but I didn’t care. I continued to use that penny and was very proud of the result. It wasn’t until 8^th grade that I realized that I had true potential in art. That’s when I concentrated on my calling and the rest is history!

Is there any specific event/thing/person that inspired your creativeness?

I’m always inspired by different things, people and events. Once I get inspired I have to make it, build it, or sketch it out right away. I just can’t stop thinking about it until it’s complete, or at least given a good try.

Where do you create your crafts?

I am one of those types of people that just can’t create in one spot. I like changing my environment. I could be working at the kitchen table one day or at my desk the next.

Do you currently create full time, or do you also have a day job?

I have a full time job[graphic designer], but I would love to be working on my creations full time at some point. I am working towards that goal everyday!

If you could be famous for doing something you don’t currently do, what would it be?

I would love to be famous for inspiring others to be creative. I have a passion for creativity and I love sharing it with others, it would be so fantastic if, someday, I could take it global and inspire all around the world.

Besides your craft, what things do you enjoy doing in your down time?

I love playing the piano when I have access of one. Hanging out with friends and family. I also enjoy the occasional road trip with my husband.

Describe your personality in 5 words.

Humorous, Quirky, Passionate, Imaginative, Sincere

What is one trait you wished you possessed?

Concentration with a little bit of focus.

What is one trait you possess but wished you didn’t?

Indecisiveness

Any future plans for your business?

I would like to expand my hair snaps business into bridal shops and hair salons. I would love to be able to do Wedding Expos one day. At least that’s a goal I have!

G I V E A W A Y!

Jenna is offering one lucky reader a variety pack of her Hair Snaps! (5 Swarovski crystal and 5 Swarovski pearl) Additionally, she is offering FREE shipping on all purchases good now through June 30th! Just enter the code SkylarkDawnFreeShip in the notes to seller and wait for a revised invoice.
Here's how to enter:
Leave a comment on this post telling me your favorite Artistic Edition hair snap.
You must include your first name along with your email address or Etsy username with each entry. (So we have a way to contact you in the event you win!)

For additional entries, you can do the following and post ea. individually in the comments to let me know:
* Twitter about this feature
* Follow/Subscribe to my blog
* Blog about this feature and post link with your entry

*Jenna is also interested in hearing what your first impression of her hair snaps was so that she can better understand if they are being clearly described. Any feedback in this area would be much appreciated and worth an additional entry!

Contest closes Tuesday, June 9th at 11:59 pm CST and the winner will be randomly drawn and announced on Wednesday June 10th. Thank-you so much for playing and Good Luck!

Get it for Less!

Heidi and Seek is having a sale! Check out the SALE section of her shop to snag 25% off many of her one of a kind Eco friendly frocks! Sale runs until
everything is. . . g o n e!

XO Handworks is offering HALF OFF all items listed in the SALE section of her jewelry store. Can you believe that these earrings are only $5? WOW! Snatch them up while you can! Sale is ongoing and new stuff is always being added (expired listings are not renewed so you will always see fresh sale items), so check her shop often!

Lizardo Art is having a 30% off sale on many of her abstract paintings in honor of her 30th Birthday! Shop now through Wednesday PM to take advantage of her reduced prices!

Flaunt Designs has reduced prices on many jewelry pieces in her shop! Check out the sale section to take advantage of these great deals before they are gone!


TODAY ONLY!
$1 off all new soy candle scents at AJ's Country Cottage.

BOGO until midnight in each of Peculiar Parchment's stationary and jewelry stores! See her shop announcement for details.

MORE GREAT OFFERS!
Dreamy Pleasures is offering 20% off all her yummy candles and melts!
Tethyis' Dreams is now taking offers on her jewelry
Kiley Koala is offering FREE shipping on all orders over $20
Miss Manatee is offering Free shipping and has a SALE section
Dirty Girl Soaps is offering a FREE bar of Orange Smoothie Soap with all orders over $10 (price before shipping)
Made By Jo is offering a FREE necklace with all pendant purchases
Max's World is offering a $7 discount on this really unique listing! (A knitter's DREAM)
Stephanie's Bownanza is offering buy 3 get one FREE on her braided hair bands

Check in every Monday for more Get it for Less deals! If you will be having a sales promotion and want to be included in this feature, just email me the details at SkylarkDawn@gmail.com. Deadline is Sunday 10am EST to be included in the following week's post.

Miss Ruby Sue Giveaway - Wrist Candy!

Bracelet meets corsage... Utter

F A B U L O U S N E S S! Made by Lori from Miss Ruby Sue, this wrist couture is just one of many designs in her collection that will leave you wondering why you don't already own one! Remedy that quick and head on over to my girls at We Chirp and enter yourself in their giveaway and see if you can snag one for yourself for FREE!

Fabulous Coordinating Finds


1. Morelle leather clutch 2. evilneedles little black dress 3. Erin Jade vintage pumps

Peddler's Podium - Just Desserts!

If you know me at all then you know that I have an insatiable appetite for sweets. When others around me say "Oh this is just so rich I can only eat a few bites", I say "Grab me a fork!". I have very little understanding of too sweet and too rich (and sometimes too full), so therefore I have to take some measures to prevent myself from going overboard. One of the ways I do this is to seek out mini desserts, or as I like to call them, little bites O' yum. Built in portion control is all I have to say! Today instead of featuring only one remarkable seller, I am featuring multiple sellers who all have one thing in common... they make delectably luscious little desserts!


Vintage Confections The Jupita Caramel Espresso Truffle

La Bella Vita 198 Moist Mini Cakes

Del Alma Bakery Elegance Mini Cake

Sweetie Pie Delights Old Fashioned Mini Pecan Pies

Suzies Confections Hazelnut and Nutella Chocolate Cups

Cupcakes in Jars Sweet Chi O'Mine cupcake

Time Wasters Wednesday - Red Ruby Rose Giveaway

Isn't this purse just d r e a m y? It was made by Rowena from Red Ruby Rose and is just one of many designs in her collection that will leave you drooling (though this is my absolute favorite!) . Fellow Etsian lillyella is featuring her this week and has a sweet giveaway to go along with it! Go here to visit Nicole's blog to see how you can snag yourself one for FREE!

Fabulous Coordinating Finds

1. Emily Ryan dress 2. Smashing earrings 3. Vintage ShoesNBoots booties

Treasury - Burnt C R E M E and S K Y

Lust and Must Monday

There is nothing like a beautiful strand of beads to put the perfect finishing touch on any outfit! Whether you are dressing for the office or meeting the girls for coffee, slipping on one of these strands will take you from meh. . . to marvelous!

Marie Marie - Smoky Quartz and Blue Apatite sterling necklace $275

Stephanie Gibson - Long Earth and Sky necklace $48

Lust and Must Monday

The warmer seasons always bring with them a stack of invitations to any number of events. From graduations, engagement parties, and weddings, to class reunions, family gatherings, and baptisms; many of you will be in search of the perfect multi function dress. This was my inspiration for today's picks. Just take a look at the lovely frocks I found!

The English Dept. Ghost Dress $650

Life is Only Illusion Embroidery lace dress with detachable floral belt $76

Peddler's Podium - Waste Not Saks

Forget disposable plastic wrap and Ziploc baggies! A mother of two, part time pediatrician, and founder of Waste Not Saks, brings to us reusable, stylish, Eco conscious food storage options, that make toting snacks and packing lunches easy. From deli wraps and cup cozies, to snack and sandwich bags, Waste Not Saks has definitely got you covered! But it doesn't stop there! Not only does using reusable pouches help reduce our landfill contributions, but these foodie accessories were handmade with great care. A water resistant nylon lining keeps nasty chemicals away from your food (unlike plastic baggies!), and they are exceptionally fabulous to look at (which makes them both fun and functional)! Show Mother Earth some love and treat yourself today ♥

Happy Earth Day!

To celebrate, I thought I would post a few Eco friendly finds that would surely show Mother Earth just how much you care!

Hi Tree embellished grocery tote.

Clean Rinse chemical free laundry soap.

The Knitting Lady 100% cotton dish cloths.

Chez-Sucre-Chez reusable sandwich wrapper.

Country Life Naturals reusable snack bags.

Uzura Eco-friendly hemp coffee cozy.

Peddler's Podium - Have It Sweet

One of my most favorite food indulgences in life (outside of the cupcake), is a soft, ooeygooey, melt in your mouth, buttery, handmade caramel! Like cupcakes, caramels come in a tempting array of flavors, most of which I will devour without hesitation (Except those black licorice flavored ones!). However, nothing quite tops a well made salt caramel, or a Fleur De Sel caramel as the French refer to it.

I remember having my first one ever. It was at Marshal Fields of all places. I must have been like 15. Even at that tender age I knew that I was eating something special. It was dipped in chocolate and had a stripe of gray salt sprinkled across the top. Mmm... I have been on the lookout for those little bites of yum ever since! Just so happens that I stumble upon a shop on Etsy that sells some! Let me tell you that these have just been added to my MUST TRY list, along with their Mayan Chocolate and English Tea Time flavors! Wouldn't this just make the perfect Mother's Day gift? (hint, hint /wink)


I found these delectable yummies in a shop called Have it Sweet, and it is run by the Eco-conscious duo Vincent and Bethany of Glendale, California. Sweet confections may be the base of their business, but it seems to be that they put just as much time and effort into making sure they are running an eco responsible business as well! Check out their profile here to read about all the great ways this company takes strides to lessen their impact on the environment and the cause your purchases help support. Gives new meaning to guilt free snacking!

Beauty Tips Tuesday - Spring Must Haves!

For today's Beauty Tip I bring to you my top Must Haves for Spring! These versatile accessory pieces can breathe new life into last year's warm weather wardrobe basics, and they won't break the bank!

Denim jackets are a classic and they never go out of style. Chances are you already own one and it is time to dig it out! They are the perfect transitional piece to get you through the cooler days of Spring, and denim is the ultimate neutral that can be worn with just about anything in your closet.
If you have already tossed yours out, or your jacket somehow fell victim to any sort of bedazzled, bejeweled, bead attack, let it now be junk. You can pick yourself up a new one with little impact on your pocket. I like this one from Eddie Bauer for $59.50.

These aviator style sunglasses from ALDO are the perfect accessory at the perfect price! At just $12.00 a pair, it makes keeping up with the trend more affordable then ever!




I love a great scarf! In my opinion they are the ultimate accessory piece because of their versatility. I am never caught without one while traveling! One really great scarf can be used so many different ways; as a cover up at the beach, a blanket on a plane, a shawl when it's chilly, a casual skirt on vacation, a head wrap, a nursing cover, and in a pinch (and if water compatible), a towel. A scarf can also add a serious punch of color and can instantly pull together an outfit. I found these lovely scarves at Nordstrom for $32.50 ea, but scarves can be found just about anywhere in all price ranges. Just take a look around!



A great tote in a vibrant color will not only hold all your Spring essentials, but add a visual punch to your ensemble as well. Like I said before, the right accessories can really update clothes you already own, saving you time/effort and most importantly, money! I love the color of this bag and in my opinion is the perfect size. Not keen on the hue? It comes in many juicy colors and is handmade. It can be purchased at bayan hippo for $32.



After a long drying winter, lips will likely be a bit chapped and in need of hydration. Spring is about renewal and so is this lovely lip treatment by Fresh. Chalked full of antioxidants, reparative oils, and delectable real sugar, this treatment will get your lips back in shape in no time. Not to mention it contains an SPF 15, so that combined with the antioxidants will protect your luscious pout from further damage. Just remember it is a treatment and not a chapstick and reflects that in the price. It costs $22.50, but I feel it is a worthy investment for those struggling with chronic winter dryness!