Clockwise from top left: "Octobre" by aliette; "Disappearing Landscape II" and "The Flying Exercise" both by Jesús Perea; and "Beach Towels" by Carl Christensen.

I don't know about you, but this collection is making me crazy for warmer weather! It makes me want to go to some hot place and spend the day exploring and swimming. I love all the saturated washes of color, the cute mushrooms and whimsical, diving ladies. Looking at these happy prints on my wall would easily take my mind off my frozen toes for at least a few minutes every day. :)

Bits of January

Cupcakes and I discovered light leaks on IG (apologizing in advance); Peter; pizza pizza!; and waiting for dinner on a random weeknight.

Finally put up this snug mobile I've had for years; shadows on a sunny morning; an owl made with one of my old sweaters from the amazingly-talented Beth; and crazy light outside our windows on a cold afternoon.

Received a surprise package in the mail; footprints in the melting snow; spent an afternoon in a cozy bookstore; and a pretty fountain at the museum.

If you're on IG, let me know! My username is @my_hideaway. :)

Fun Valentine's Day Gift Guide

(miniature movable Valentine dolls by Jordan Grace Owens)

With Valentine's Day just a couple of weeks away, I thought I'd share a fun gift guide with all the things men stereotypically give women on this occasion, only a bit more tongue-in-cheek. Here are some popular gift ideas, in no particular order:

(brass diamond studs by Rachel Pfeffer; and mini gem studs by gemagenta)

(pretty pink cake pops soap by Mad City Soap; giant ice cream cone lamp from perpetual kid; cotton candy twist sugar scrub by Mad City Soap; and conversation hearts iphone case from shannonblue)

(black lace headband by branchbound; gold-dipped lace bow necklace by made by maru; vintage-inspired black lace and butterflies postcards from archiviogotico; and vintage lace necklaces by That Old Blue House)

(floral birdhouse necklace by Peaches and Pebbles; and "Nightshade" by Janet Hill).

Are you a traditionalist when it comes to Valentine's Day or do you prefer slightly offbeat gifts? I'm sure you could guess that I prefer handmade over anything else, but I've never been one to turn down chocolates either. :)

Last of the "Rejects" (for now)

I got my last package of "rejects" from Kristen of Milo and Molly, who came up with the idea for the swap. She sent so many cute cards and bookmarks and magnets that I couldn't even fit them into one photo!
 

I love all the bright colored paper and inks. I've already used some of the baker's twine to pack up an order, and I sent one of the thank you cards to a family member. I should really send one back to you, Kristen, haha. Thanks so much!! :)

Flickr Favorites

Click on images to go directly to sources.

Rain Room

Have you guys heard about the Rain Room at the Barbican in London? It's an experimental artwork by Random International, a studio made up of designers who often do digital art installations using light and movement.

When I first saw news about this exhibit, I'll be honest, I sort of glossed over it. This might have something to do with the cheesy press photos which featured dancers backlit in the rain, which unavoidably brings up images of Flashdance to me. Anyway, I don't think those photos did the exhibit justice, as I've since seen many more interesting photos and read blog posts of people who've been, who've all said that waiting up to two hours in line was worth it.

Apparently, you're meant to move about the space and experience a downpour without getting wet. As you move about the room, the rain moves also. I've heard it described as if you have a magnetic field around you that pushes the rain away. That sounds pretty cool to me. Then again, I'm always intrigued by experiential art and interactive exhibits.

What do you think? Has anyone been to the Rain Room?

(Click on image to go directly to source.)

More Rejects!

A few days ago, I opened my second package from the reject swap to find a box full of lovely, sparkly things from Paige. Once again, I am shocked that these are "rejects" because everything is so pretty. Paige is crazy enough to have two jewelry shops, Little White Chapel and Oh, Nostalgia. I can barely manage one!

Paige, if you're reading this: Thank you! And thanks to everyone who got in touch after my last post about wanting to do something like this in the future. I will keep you posted! :)