Not so wily Coyote

Imagine my surprise when I stepped out this afternoon and saw a coyote sauntering around our yard! Even more amazing was that it wandered up into our field and snuggled up in the horses' hay. Can you spot him?

Once the horses came over to have a chat, he decided to move on.

A while back I trapped a fisher cat (notoriously hard to do as these critters are vicious and crafty), which had been eating our chickens so this is just another example of my keenly honed nature skills. Maybe I should become a professional trapper or something, my talents are being wasted...

Foxy Finds Friday

What time is it? That's right, Foxy Finds time ladies and gents. But just a wee taster this week, quality over quantity.

Clockwise from top Left: Scarf by Beelicious Crafts, Mr. Fox by Hannah Howarth, Scarves by Little Lark, Laser Cut Necklace by Morphologica, Valentine's Card by Dandelion Dog, Organic Stuffie by Bird Mafia.

Spring Collection 2011 from EmersonMade

Hot on the heels of their Signature T's, EmersonMade has launched their Spring clothing collection and naturally it does not disappoint. This duo nail the modern feminine look with simple, classic, and versatile pieces that I love and judging by the fact that they have already sold out of their Linen Topper Coat (top right) in just ONE day, I am not alone.

EmersonMade's collection makes the perfect capsule wardrobe, right down to those insanely cute Pumpkin Patent Heels. Top of my wishlist in the accessories collection is the Lucky Clover Gold Coin Necklace (inset below).

Sorry for the silence...

I have been struck down by the dreaded flu bug and rendered useless by it's evil powers over the past week. But never fear! I am fighting back and will resume normal service today. The single most annoying thing about having any kind of cold is the loss of smell and taste. How dull life becomes when you can't savor some tasty treat or enjoy a scented candle. So, in the absence of my taste buds I am relying on the lovely watercolors of Parisienne Lucile's Kitchen  to give me a little sensory therapy.

Left: Macarons Right: Vineyard Peach Jam

Green Tea with Mint

Main: Eight Pink Pastries Inset: Vintage No. 5

 Good enough to eat I am sure you will agree!

Snow Day

Another Snow Day came upon us yesterday. 8 inches overall, topped off with freezing rain. Brrrr... Lucky for me I work from home, so no need to tackle the roads on a day like this. Instead, I thought I would go with the snow white theme from an Etsy Treasury I did recently, for a bit of colour therapy.

Left to Right: Row 1: Alyssa Ettinger, Tiny Toadstool, Jackie Rueda Photography Row 2:  Sycamore Street Press, Sweet Bestiary, Lola's Room Row 3: Amye 123, NzL Bags, Tuuni Row 4: La Pomme, May Third, Diem Design

This collection makes me feel very calm. I guess white does that though, I have always held that crisp white sheets on a bed make you feel like you are going to have the most peaceful night's sleep. Is that strange? It's wild how a simple colour like white has so many variations in tone and hue when you put them all together.

Love is in the air.

Poppytalk Handmade has launched its Valentine's Market and there is no shortage of LOVEly things to choose for your sweetheart this February 14th (it will come around sooner than you think, so why not get a jump on it?).

These are just a teeny taste of the delights you will find over at the Love Transforms Market. See for yourself.
(images linked to source shops)

Spring/Summer 2011 Liberty of London

How do I put this....I love Liberty, I love florals and I love Children's books so I can't help thinking this collection was designed specifically with the Fox in mind. Or, perhaps my loves are not so unique to me....clearly others love the combination too. Liberty has released their Spring/Summer 2011 Tana Lawn fabric designs and there is no shortage of fabulousness amongst them. These newest collections take inspiration from the world of Children's illustration. I think the result is a range of designs that exhibit a wonderful spirit and playful character. Here are my picks....

Delfie, Pep and Tuesday Trees by Lauren Child

Lauren Child is the award-winning illustrator, most recognised for her characters ‘Charlie and Lola’ and ‘Clarice Bean’, who were first introduced in two series of children's books. "Lauren’s fabric designs are a mixture of an original ‘Clarice Bean’ she has created for Liberty, and patterns inspired by Liberty Archive prints she has selected personally. Delfie is based around an archival print with wrought iron swirls, created by Gillian Farr in the early 60s. The result is a beautiful heart-shaped floral check, decorated with classic Liberty print flowers and acorns."- Liberty

 

Pep takes inspiration from the cherry blossom and the result is a stylised floral pattern and Tuesday Trees cleverly references archival Liberty prints in it's forest pattern. 

 Plum Dog and Ian Rhodes by Emma Chichester Clark

Emma Chichester Clark was taught by the singularly unique Quentin Blake. "She has won the ‘Mother Goose’ award for her children’s book illustrations. This series of designs was inspired by her book ‘Eliza and the Moonchild’. Created for Liberty, ‘Plum Dog’ is an original print featuring Emma’s beloved dog Plum. Ian Rhodes features a hand-painted used watercolour box, evoking Eliza’s need to paint everything she sees in the ‘Moonchild’ story. "-Liberty

  

Olivia Strange and Reuben Kelly by David McKee

David McKee is an award-winning illustrator and the creator of the legendary Mr Benn stories, a character that was turned into a British children’s television programme in the 70s depicting the bowler hatted Benn having magical adventures sparked by visits to a costume shop. "The illustration created for this collection was hand painted by David, and designs were based around an image of Mr Benn about to embark on an adventure as a Liberty Print Knight. Inspired by the swirls on a shop keeper’s jacket, Olivia Strange features a ribbon shop of ribbons. Rueben Kelly shows Maypole ribbons cascading down the fabric, a design inspired by a shopkeeper’s stripy trousers. "

You know I love ribbons so I have to say that Olivia Strange is my absolute favourite, but there is so much variety in this collection that there is a pattern for everyone to fall in love with this season. See for yourself here.

Foxy Finds Friday

This Woodland Fox felt yarn wreath by Knock Knocking, caught my eye instantly while window shopping around Etsy. This wreath has the perfect compliment of colours and uses an array of different materials (wool, moss, tweed, felt) that give a wonderful woodland feel to the piece. And of course you can't miss that cute fox nestled in the center.

Clockwise from left: Valentine Foks scarf, Fox Love canvas papercut, Big Leaf Fox pin cushion, Fantastic Mr Fox cushion

The Bear and the Fox print, (unframed) gives personality and wry humor to my favorite animal. I am always a sucker for animals being depicted as humans and I love how these guys look a little bemused.

Spring has sprung at Boden

The British clothier Boden, has released its new Spring collection. Packed full of floral designs and beautiful bright colours, this collection is a delightfully warm breeze in this wintery climate. Boden's signature style is defined by classic cuts and simplicity of form, with the use of a myriad of colour options and vintage inspired prints to create variety. Feminine but not too girly, which is right up my street. Have a look at some of their new pieces for Spring...

Boden's clothing and accessories are timeless, well made, and therefore good value (mid priced) and the fit is true to real size. Think J.Crew with a little more of an English Rose styling (twin sets? Tea dresses? Ballet flats? Tweed jackets? yup, all of that and more), and less of the trend driven direction. Browse the full Women's clothing line here.

Sign me up....EmersonMade Signature T's

EmersonMade is perhaps most well known for their stunning floral accessories, but a look at their clothing line makes it clear that they really can turn their hand to anything and create stylish, simple and elegant pieces that are bang on trend but still classic. The limited edition Signature T-shirts have a clever cuteness and cheeky humor. Made in the USA of super soft 100% cotton, they will add a fun pop of colour to your wardrobe.

Clockwise from top left: 1. High Five! 2. Boom Shisk Boom! 3. Paper Valentine Heart 4.Yes Horse! 5. Lucky Green

Valentine's hint, boys....that Papercut T is an original idea for a cool gift for your honey.  Come on, think outside the chocolate box. Brownie points, big time.

Lonny Loves Lily

I love Lily, Lonny loves Lily...this month's Lonny Magazine has a to-die-for spread on the iconic and colorful Lily Pulitzer that is just too beautiful for words. Read the article from the Jan/Feb 2011 issue here.

(Images courtesy of Lonny)

Pony Up!

My latest Vermont find is Oughton Limited, based in Pawlet. This accessories company makes gorgeous leather handbags and wallets taking inspiration from the equestrian field. Each piece displays details such as bronze halter squares, rafted in Italy for custom horse halters. Their style is "understated, country elegance" and the use of the highest quality top-grain leather, 22oz waxed canvas, Italian milled faux fur fabric and RiRi zippers puts Oughton Limited in a different class.

The full range consists of totes, cases, overnight bags and wallets. Oughton Limited bags have a beautiful simplicity and classic style that is stylish but not overly style conscious. The kind of thing that would last you a lifetime.

 "Much like the ringmaster trumpets the start of a Grand Prix event, distinctive luggage announces ones arrivals and departures. OUGHTON bags suggest a sensibility of long-lasting utility and timeless equestrian traditions. An heirloom for the next generation, who will wear the patina of your travels with pride." More here.

1. Overnight II Bag 2. Thoroughbread Wallet in Waxwear 3. Field Tote in Waxwear 4. A monograme can be added for the ultimate extra detail 5. Girth Purse in phony pony 6. Wellie Overnight Bag

I have my friend Anna to thank for introducing me to Oughton Limited and I hope to take a trip over to their showroom and take some snaps of their range in person soon. Stay tuned!

Colour Therapy: Anything but white

Since it is nothing but wintery white out there today, I feel the urge to add some much needed colour to my world. Indulge me...

Clockwise from top left: Annabelle Frame Collection,  Felt Flower Headband, Hand Dyed Ombre Skirt, Tie Front Bag

Clockwise from top left: Orla inspired Cross Stitch, "Hello" paper Bag, Cleo Plush, "Paris" Print

Clockwise from top left: Ceramic Elephant with Balloons, Cherry Pie Lane House Pillow, "Bridget" Granny Cushion, "Make up their minds" Print

 Now, doesn't that make you feel much better...?

Picnic Perfect

...Disposable tear-off 100% cotton placemats and napkins from Home Infatuation as seen on the Lonny Blog. So, so clever. Don't you just love it when someone creates a genuinely smart and stylish design that is practical too?

Currently available in 23 different colours including gingham print, they can be laundered up to aprox. 8-10 times. These are going on my picnic planning list for the summer.

Foxy Finds Friday

Starting off the new year with a fresh batch of foxiness for you.

Clockwise from top right: F is for Fox Animal Silhouette by Besty, Fox and His Shadow Necklace by Tilly Bloom, Foxy Lady Card by Colette Paperie, Strolling Fox with a Hat Art Print by Pipo Doll.

Clockwise from top right: The Super Foxes Greeting Cards by Inaluxe, The Geisha Sisters Fine Art Print by Beat Up Creations, Wrapped Fox Sweater by Dandyrions, Fox and Fir Print by Sara McNeil.

Happy New Year!

Retail Therapy: Zara Kids/Baby

You know by now that I am obsessed with stylish duds for wee ones. I have a reputation to uphold for providing the wee foxes (my nephews and nieces) with unique clothing and am always on the look out for lovely pieces. Since it has been at least a year since I stepped foot in a Zara, I am reduced to checking their online inventory and their children's range just gets better and better. They are literally miniature versions of the kind of thing the most stylish yet penny conscious adult would wear. Great value although I am not especially convinced of the quality. Ah well, I figure they grow so fast anyway the stuff won't fall apart for the time they fit into it.

Feast your eyes on their Baby Lookbook...

Images from the Kids' clothing range, available online.

2011 Planner

You probably have your 2011 Calendar already, but I am notoriously late in getting mine, plus they get cheaper at the beginning of the year (**update, this calendar is now on sale! No excuse for me now..**). Bargain!! If truth be told I tend to forget to flip over my months and generally leave most of a paper calendar blank (the curse of the smart phone/iCalendar?). I want to change this, and the Cabin and Cub Desk Calendar by Cabin fits the bill.