July 2017 Favorites -- Jewelry, Home & More

1.  Amazon Set of 3 Deluxe Apothecary Jars: I needed to replace an apothecary jar that the cats broke. (Argh!) And I needed an apothecary jar for the shed snake skin that I ordered.  See #6

2.  HuntingtonHouse46555 (Etsy) 3 Vintage Glass Bottles 2 with Cork Lids...1 With Glass Lid...Cocaine, Opium, Laudanum:  These aren't real antiques, of course.  These are bottles that the store owner has "antiqued" and pasted antique type labels on.  Very cute!  

3.  Madonna Inn Goblets in Amethyst Luster, Black and Eggplant: My hubby and I went to the Madonna Inn, in San Luis Obispo, for our 4th Wedding Anniversary.  We had been to the Madonna Inn, about seven or eight years before; but, had my, now, stepsons in tow.  Sharing a room with two teenage boys wasn't quite what I envisioned when I dreamed of going to the Madonna Inn for the first time.  LOL!  So we decided to do it right, this time.  I really want to stay in the Love Nest room.  I have a feeling we have to book that room WAY in advance.  Anyway -- the Madonna Inn is famous for their goblets, which they have in a plethora of colors.  My hubby and I had two from our previous trip.  We got three more.  I was just in love with the Eggplant one which is a muted purple milk glass.

4.  Uusi Pagan Otherworlds Tarot:  I thought this was a beautifully done Tarot set.  In fact, I'm hoping they bring back some of the prints of some of the cards.  I'd love to hang them on my walls.

5.  Amazon Elove Jewelry Large Gothic Skull Biker Stainless Steel Men's Bracelet: I had been wanting a chunky skull bracelet for a long time.  This was an inexpensive bracelet.  I'm not willing, at this point to pay hundreds of dollars or even close to $1000 for a sterling silver one.  I wear this a lot to concerts.

6.  HereInSmallTownUSA  (Etsy) , Cruelty Free • No. 100 62" Inch HUGE Western Diamondback Rattlesnake Rattler Skin Shed:  I had been seeing pictures of shed snakeskins in apothecary jars on Instagram.  I just loved the way it looked!  I was fortunate to find a nice long rattlesnake shed.  Plus, I got a bonus small snake shed.  I waited a bit to get my apothecary jar to put it in.  I'm not afraid of snakes (not poisonous ones); but, there was something kind of oogie-wierd, for me, about pulling the snakeskin out of the bag, touching it and putting it in the jar.

7.  (From a Souvenir Shop in Pismo Beach)  Small Abalone Shell:  Before I went to San Luis Obispo, I had gotten into the idea of having a miniature altar kit for my shelf; and, even learning about some of the rituals.  I find them fascinating!  I small elegant small abalone shells in some kits.  So, when I saw this small abalone shell in the souvenir shop at Pismo Beach, I got one.

8.  Amazon FOXAS 304 Stainless Steel Skull Sugar Spoon Tea and Coffee Stirring Spoon Set of six:  I had seen these on different Instagram posts; and, had wanted to get them for a long time.  It wasn't until I ordered a certain item (which you will see in August's faves) that I decided it was time to get them.  I think they're so adorable! 

Luna says, "Ta ta for now!"

June 2017 Favorites: Jewelry, Home & More

Quite a bit late, as we are already into the month of August.  June's favorites is actually a favorites for November 2016 through June 2017, since I was gone so long.  Lots and lots of stuff.  Enjoy!

PeachTreats (Etsy) Black Phoenix - Faux Gauge earrings: I thought these earrings looked so cool!  I thought they were only available for stretched lobes.  I contacted the seller and asked if they could be made in Faux Gauge style.  She said yes -- so I ordered them!

PeachTreats (Etsy) Spirals and Spikes - Faux Gauge earrings:  I'm always on the lookout for interesting light colored earrings.  I have long dark hair and need them to be lighter colored if I leave my hair down.

Amazon - Jack Frost (The Guardians of Childhood) - Joyce, William: I love the animated movie, Rise of The Guardians.  I just happened to see The Guardians of Childhood series of Amazon.  The artwork in them is spectacular!!

Amazon - The Man in the Moon (The Guardians of Childhood) - Joyce, William: (See above.)

LostApostle (Etsy) Human Skull Necklace - Antique Silver Skull Jewelry on 24" Antique Silver Chain:  I saw a pic on instagram from a shop where the model wore multiple necklaces with different sized skull pendants.  I liked it so much I got this necklace from Etsy.  It's the only skull necklace I have -- right now.

Amazon - Stainless Steel Razor Blade Pendant Men Necklace 40mm: This was a very inexpensive necklace.  I got it to celebrate a one year marker, of sorts, that makes me very proud of how far I've come.

BunnyPaige (Etsy) Classic Spiked and Pavèd Heart Necklace in Pyrite: I saw Phyrra Nyx on YouTube & Instagram wearing one of Bunny Paige's heart necklaces and loved it.  I got one of my own.

Amazon - Wytches, Vol. 1 - Scott Snyder:  Description: When the Rooks family moves to the remote town of Litchfield, NH to escape a haunting trauma, they're hopeful about starting over. But something evil is waiting for them in the woods just beyond town. Watching from the trees. Ancient...and hungry.  Had to get this, after I saw a pic of it on Instagram.

Amazon - The Evil Garden - Edward Gorey:  This is my first Edward Gorey book!  Guests meet their demise in the Evil Garden via rhyming poetry and whimsical drawings.

Bloodmilk Jewels -Beauty is convulsive. Skeleton key lariat: This was actually a Valentine's present from my hubbie (that I asked for).  I love this necklace.  I am such a fan of Bloodmilk Jewels.

FilmAdvance (Etsy) Compco Reflex 1 Twin Lens Camera, Art Deco Design: I had previously gotten a vintage typwriter (see August 2016 post).  I thought a vintage camera would look great with it!

Amazon - Anker SoundCore mini, Super-Portable Bluetooth Speaker - Gold: This rechargeable speaker is about the circumference of a can of soda and just over 1/2 the height.  It puts out good sound! This is a staple when I travel.

Amazon - The Occult, Witchcraft and Magic: An Illustrated History - Dell, Christopher:  I saw this on an Instagram post and had to have it!  It's an illustrated history of magic in ancient and modern culture across the world.

Amazon - Post-it Cat Figure Pop-up Note Dispenser, 3 inch x 3 inch, (CAT-330):  Why have boring desk accessories when you can have desk accessories that look cute and cheerful?

KombatKustoms (Etsy) Muntjac skull replica: I didn't even know there was such thing as a muntjac, when I first saw this on Etsy.  I was further confused by the fact that the seller also had "skulls" of mythical creatures as well.  I thought muntjacs were possibly another type of mythical creature.  LOL -- But, munjacs are real!  They are a type of deer.

Amazon - Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: A Pop-up Adaptation - Carroll, Lewis: This is a legendary beautiful pop-up book.  Surprisingly inexpensive, as well.  When I originally wanted it, it was a bit difficult to find.  So, when I saw it available, I grabbed it!

ClosetandCupboard (Etsy) Russian Leaders Matryoshka Dolls - Set A:  I have wanted a set of Russian Leaders Matryoshka Dolls for around 20 years.  I think I first saw them in Details magazine, or something like that. I finally got them some months ago.

mysouldesign (Etsy) Black Spinne, eco friendly,fabric spider: Someone posted a picture of this on Instagram.  I was fascinated by how realistic the spider looked.  (I'm actually afraid of live spiders -- unless they're garden spiders that never move from the center of their web.)  But this, I could hold!  And there was a certain beauty to it.  I had to have it!  mysouldesign has other life-like insects as well as a few bird sculpture and even a fennec fox.  She also makes jewelry out of her textile sculptures.  I'm really wanting this owl pendent that is in her Etsy store.

Amazon - DECOLE: "MIRANDA" CAT TAIL CLIP BOTTLE (Black Cat):  Again, why have boring desk accessories when you can have whimsical ones?  Plus it looks like one of my kitties -- Luna!

EnchantedRumors (Etsy) Mini Lunar Filigree Spirit Board - Ouija Board: I had been wanting a/an Ouija Board for a long time.  (For decoration.  I'm a bit sensitive; so, I'm afraid to use it.)  At first I wanted to hang it on a wall; but I decided I liked it better on a shelf.

CrazyOldLadyJC (Etsy) You Paint it - 3 Doll Heads Poured: I bought these to help fill an apothecary jar that I had with other doll parts.  It turns out they were big enough that I had two doll heads left over, I used those for another display.

HeritagePosters (Etsy) Magic Houdini Magician Show Maitre Mystere The Great Vintage Poster Repro: I think I was inspired by Houdini and Doyle to get this.  (Sadly the show was cancelled after one season.)  I still have to hang it on the wall.  Some redecoration is in order.

Dellamorteco (Etsy) Anatomical Heart Vase, Red Finish:  Dellamorteco (Dellamorte and Co.) -- the "Curators of the Reliquary Macabre" is run by artist Michael Locascio.  I LOVE their stuff!  This is the second piece I've purchased from them.  I featured the first piece on the March 2016 Favorites -- Jewelry, Home & More post.  You'll see the next two things I've purchased (nightlights) for August's favorites.

flattirevintage (Etsy) Vintage Hand Poured Porcelain 5 Inch Doll Torso:  I bought this to fill an apothecary jar with doll parts.  It's large size definitely lended itself to filling the jar up!  

Amazon - CYS GCL109 Cloche Bell Glass Dome with Tray, 8.5": I put the spider from mysouldesign in the cloche jar along with some artificial moss rocks and Spanish moss.

Amazon - Creative Co-Op Dozen Ceramic Eggs in Box: I didn't want plastic eggs and I didn't want expensive eggs that cost $30 a piece (or something like that).  These fit the bill perfectly!  Some are in an apothecary jar with Spanish moss & some are in an artificial bird's nest.

MoodyVoodies (Etsy) Large Made-to-Order Handmade doll:  I saw MoodyVoodies' dolls on Instagram and I was in LOVE.  The long brown hair & brown eyes and round face reminded me of myself, as a little girl.  I saw a picture of that doll on Instagram and had her make me one.  I love it!!!  I plan to make another order in the future.  (She's even made someone a doll that looks like one of the burlap people in the movie 9.)

Amazon - Sullivans Artificial 5" Moss and Twig Bird's Nest: I wanted a couple of bird's nests for my oddities collection.  It's amazing how just putting faux robin's eggs and displaying it with my other oddities gives the nest a sort of "uneasy" look.

FurAccents (Etsy) FUR ACCENTS Purple Feather Boa Mink (Faux Fur):  I love scarves!  My inspiration for the art of scarves is the late Scott Weiland.  He made it all look good -- uber skinny scarves, scarves the size of sarongs and even scarves that looked like they had been eaten by moths and patinated with time.  This faux fur scarf looked so interesting, I had to have it!  

Amazon - DreamHome Satin King Pillowcase, Purple, Pair:  I actually got these for my hair.  Satin is gentler on the hair (and skin), than regular cotton.  I'm thinking of getting another pair in a bright noticeable color for traveling.  (Bright, so I don't forget to take it with me or take it off before housekeeping comes in.)

Ta-ta-for-now!

July 2016 -- Jewelry, Home & More

1. Stone Temple Pilots: This has been more than just a July favorite.  It's actually been this whole year.  When Scott Weiland passed away on December 3,2015, I was really affected -- even though I didn't know his music very well (with the exception of a few songs).  I learned more about him and listened to more of his music; and, I've been hooked ever since.
2. Hollywood Swank Upholstered Vanity and Mirror Crystal Croc:  This was my third wedding anniversary present from my hubby!!!  I had been admiring this for ages; and, have needed something with this much space for ages!!!  I will have to do a separate post about my vanity and its contents in the near future.
3. The Antique Parlor (Etsy): Unusual Antique 1800's English Emerald SPRING GREEN Glass POISON Bottle & 1890's FERN GREEN Glass POISON Bottle:  I have a fascination with Victorian medicine and drugs.  I've wanted at least one Victorian poison bottle in my collection for a long time.  I just love them!!!  I
4. Velvet Revolver:  (See #1)
5. Big Bang Theory:  While my husband and I were in Maui, we brought along one or two of our Big Bang DVD seasons for when we were back in the hotel room.   hadn't watched them in eons and fell in love with them again.
6. OPTP Slant:  Almost two and a half years ago, I fell in our back yard and somehow managed to sustain multiple fractures in my right ankle and a broken tibia.  I have no idea how something like that happens!!!  This piece of slanted foam helps me to increase the flexibility of my ankle and also helps to stretch the calf muscle and Achilles tendon.
7. Ballet Beautiful/Ballet Body:  I started doing my ballet DVDs again -- I noticed that Mary Helen Bowers's cardio routines ,with their constant plies, really help my right ankle.  

Ta Ta For Now!

May 2016 Favorites -- Jewelry, Home & More...

1. Deviant Moon Tarot Deck Paperback – by Patrick Valenza:  I love the aesthetics of  Tarot cards.  I also love what some of the cards can symbolize.  This is a stunning deck with surrealistic artwork by Partick Valenza.
2. Penny Dreadful (Showtime):  I first saw this on an airplane, on the way to Italy.  My husband and I were sitting across the aisle from one another.  I remember the gentleman next to me shielding his eyes from the vampire autopsy scene. LOL   I have been  hooked ever since.  We don't subscribe to Showtime so I have to wait for the DVDs to come out before I can see the newer seasons.
3. Kirkland Signature Ladies' 2 Pack MicroModal Camisoles -- Black:  I love these for sleeping, hanging around the house etc.  They're inexpensive; so, I don't have to fret when my cat's nails eventually punch holes in them either.
4. Hansel and Gretel Standard Edition: A TOON Graphic Hardcover – by Neil Gaiman  (Author), Lorenzo Mattotti (Illustrator):  I've read about 1/3 of this so far -- which is silly because it's not very long at all.  As the AWOLNATION song says -- Blame it on my ADD.  It's quite a sad story so far.  (Spoiler alert!!!) Parents abandoning their two children in a forest because they are so poor. (Sigh!)
5. DewiDesign (Etsy) Fake Gauge Earrings,"Ivy" Naturally Organic, Tamarind Wood: I love DewiDesign earrings.  I wanted these because they are a lighter color to contrast with long hair -- otherwise, you can't tell I'm wearing anything.
6. Grimm's Complete Fairy Tales (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions):  I remember having a putty greige copy of Grimms Fairy Tales, with blue typeface on the cover and binding, when I was extremely young --  Like, between 3 1/2 till I was a teenager.   It probably, originally belonged to my dad. I don't think I ever really read it.  I remember looking at some of the pictures, which were line drawings, but that's about it. I got this beautifully bound copy of it that has some color illustrations in it.  I intend to, at least, read some of the stories.
7. MermaidTearsDesigns (Etsy) Rainbow Arrowhead Earrings - Titanium Aura Quartz Jewelry:  A makeup lovers dream!  Yes, I said makeup lovers!  Multichome earrings!!!  They're beautiful!
8. The Sleeper and the Spindle Hardcover – by Neil Gaiman (Author), Chris Riddell (Illustrator):  Another one for my "Beautiful Book" collection.  I have not read it yet -- but the illustrations are just beautiful!!!  It's Neil Gaiman -- I have faith that the writing is excellent!
9. Oscar and the Moth: A Book About Light and Dark (Start with Science) Paperback – by Geoff Waring:  I just happened to search for books on moths and saw this.  I love to read a well done children's book.  This one combines science with cute illustrations!  
10. Oscar and the Bat: A Book About Sound (Start with Science) Paperback – by Geoff Waring: I decided I wanted more Oliver books after Oliver And The Moth.  This is my second book.  These books are so charming and so feel good.  I find they cheer me up if I've had a difficult day.
11. DewiDesign (Etsy) Fake Gauge Earrings, "Glistening Wings" Mother Of Pearl:  These are beautiful!  I love wing earrings!!  I will say one caveat about fake gauge earrings -- twist the earrings together, don't push or shove.  Be gentle, as the posts are long and very flexible.  Why fake gauges and not the real thing?  I want to be able to wear all kinds of earring in the bottom holes of my ears, not just ones that are for stretched lobes.  Plus,I don't like the idea, at my age, of heavy earrings working with gravity to pull skin down.  LOL
12. Gray's Anatomy (Barnes & Noble Collectible Editions):  A friend of mine and my husband asked me if this had anything to do with the television series.  Uh....No!  LOL  This is an anatomy book, written by Henry Gray and published first around the mid 1800's..  This is beautifully bound.  I love it!

Ta Ta For Now

April 2016 Favorites -- Jewelry, Home & More...

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1. Skeletos (Etsy)Triple Owl Talon Hoops, Sterling Silver:  I fell in love with these the second I saw them.  These are edgy without being huge.  
2. WitcheryWay (Etsy) The Ritual Altar Skull:  "Adorned with a stylized Solomon pentagram and alchemical markings and symbols. Representing Venus, Mercury, Mars, Saturn, & Jupiter."  I love this because it, to me, represents misunderstanding.  A superstitious person, or a person who was uneducated in Wicca, probably looks at this and thinks it's all about "Satanism" or devil worship, when it is nothing of the kind.  This is the same type of harmful misunderstanding that makes black cats difficult to adopt and the first to be euthanized.  This represents a lot to me. 
3. Blood Milk Jewels Easeful Death. Large Labradorite Coffin Ring:  This was a birthday gift that I asked for.  Blood Milk makes such wonderful jewelry.  I love that her jewelry has a gothy feel without being juvenile.  Her jewelry has a dark elegance to it.
4. Blood Milk Jewels 2 of Swords. Tarot earrings:  The more I saw these earrings in pictures, the more I had to have them.  I'm so glad I have them.  I would recommend putting those little silicone backings on them when wearing them.  Since the earrings are so long, they can get dislodged from the ear easily if you shrug etc.
5. Fox Houdini & Doyle:  The was, from what I heard a Canadian series that got picked up by Fox.  I hope it hangs around.  It starts in 1901 just at the end of the Victorian era and the start of the Edwardian era.  I wouldn't want to live back then; but, I find movies, TV and books set in the dingy part of these eras fascinating.
6. Blood Milk Jewels Petite Lunar Oracle Planchette Ring -- This can be worn as a regular ring or a midi ring.  I thought I had better jump on this because she was retiring this ring this year.  I love it!!!
7. Serrelynda (Etsy) Wide Silver Cuff Bracelet Statement Butterfly Moth Art Nouveau:  I wanted some bold cuffs; and, this fit the bill!   I love the butterly/moth theme too!
8. Blood Milk Jewels As above, so below. Lorraine cross necklace:  This necklace is great on its own or layered with a shorter necklace or choker. I've even worn it with a slightly shorter chunky amethyst crystal necklace.
9. PlaceTile Designs Dry-Erase Menu Message Board, Ceramic:  I wanted a small dry erase board that could stand up by itself on my desk.  I was ecstatic to find that they had black ones, and that this was made of glazed ceramic tile!  I use chalk markers on mine.
10. Tuscany Leather MONALISA Doctor gladstone leather bag with front straps:  I just loved that this doctor bag had an edgy Steampunk look and was a quality bag.  
11. Blood Milk Jewels Swan Song Noir Ring:  For some reason, I thought this was a really small ring when I saw it on the website.  Then, I saw Jessica Haze wearing it either on her YouTube channel Mirrors and Haze or on her Instagram page.  It wasn't small at all!  I had to have it when I saw the size of it!!!  I just love the feather details! One of my favorite rings!

Ta Ta For Now!