All the Stars in Heaven

Did you know that all the photos collected by the Hubble telescope are in the public domain?  Thanks to Jordan's post, I've been pouring over the image galleries. You can access photos right here, and most files are available in hi-res. The images are so beautiful, an art poster or two would make the perfect gift for the space enthusiast in your life.  Quite simple and inexpensive!

Here's some of my favorites...

Filming

Another week of light blogging. I had high hopes of posting some gift guides, but alas, between the Christmas decorating and baking and wrapping and party preparing, it was not meant to be.

Oh yeah. And there was a documentary film crew at my house today, shooting some behind-the-scenes footage for that awesome movie Cory worked on, The Last Flight of Petr Ginz. 

In the spirit of keeping it real, they arrived while I was still in my pajamas (with bed head hair, bonus!) and frantically cleaning. Yes, hello, nice to see you, I will just go hide under the couch now.

So proud of him! As soon as the film is released on DVD, you can be sure I will talk your ear off about it.

Christmas Shopping

Just wanted to let you know that if you're hoping to receive any 17 Dove Street lovelies for Christmas, now is the time to place your order!

I won't be listing anything specific in my shop, as I've stayed busy with custom orders. But I'd be happy to make something just for you... perhaps some earrings, bobby pins, a necklace, a brooch or ring? If you're interested, contact me on Etsy or at erin@17dovestreet.com. You can see more details and pricing here.

All Christmas orders must be placed by December 11 in order to guarantee a timely arrival. And as a special gift for you, all orders placed now through the end of December will receive free shipping!

Be Good & Buy Handmade

I just love this little reminder from Indie Craft Parade!

The "be good & buy handmade" phrase was coined by the amazing Micah Coston, and the lovely graphic created by my very own Cory Godbey.

We want people to remember artists and makers this time of year, so feel free to share, reblog, or print this for your own personal use. Get the file at the Indie Craft Parade blog!

Weekend Glimpse

What a weekend! I need another one to recover.

 On Friday, I catered a Christmas party. Pictured above is Nutella Berry Bruchetta, which turned out lovely. Also on the menu was Beef Tenderloin Sliders, Antipasto Skewers, Jalapeno Popper Dip, Crudites with Ranch, Roasted Red Pepper Cheese Log, Salted Caramel Chocolate Cupcakes, and Vanilla Bean Marshmallows with Dark Chocolate.

On Saturday, we were in Spartanburg for the Holiday Handmade Hoopla. 

Here's a little look at my booth!

On Sunday, I overslept, pulled up carpet at my parent's new house, and went to a Christmas concert. And didn't take pictures.

Anybody else need a vacation from their life? 

Just kidding. Kinda.

Not pictured:

- all nighter

- hot chocolate/mimosa/hot chocolate/mimosa = full bladder

- sunny morning

- furry boot slippers

- new leather cuff

- Christmas decorating procrastinating

- last of the shopping

- cookie dough

- Tiffany blue manicure

- Fraiser marathon

- electric blanket

Holiday Hoopla

Just a quick note to say I will be exhibiting at the Holiday Handmade Hoopla today in Spartanburg, so come on by if you're in the area!

Urban Legend Jewelry

These baubles by urban legend look so scrumptious, I could eat them. They're made from vintage lucite beads, and at only $25 a pop, they'd make perfect Christmas gifts! (hint, hint!)

From top:

Bon Bon Necklace, $25 (my fave!)

Ivories Necklace, $25

Show Stopper Bracelet, $32

Egg Carton Necklace, $25

Ascending Blues Necklace, $25

Thanksgiving Glimpse

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving! We certainly enjoyed ours. For the first time ever, we didn't have to travel for a major holiday, and that was wonderful. Cory and I hosted a small dinner at our house for my parents, Annie, Chris, and Marshall.

For the table design, I wanted to avoid the traditional colors of the season, they've never been my favorite. I decided to go with a muted palette of dark charcoal gray, gold, eggplant, red, and light blue. The produce section at my grocery store inspired the centerpiece, and I got the idea for the cornucopia napkins and the turnip root candles from Martha Stewart.

Here's a look at the table!

Source list:
Centerpiece: purple cabbage, radicchio, pomegranates, turnip root, cranberries, and radishes
Gold leaves: floral pick from Michael's
Tablecloth: TJMaxx
Clear blue goblets: Pier One
Light blue goblets: vintage
White dinner plates: Pottery Barn
Bronze flatware: vintage
Ribbon: Martha Stewart
Ombre napkins: Heart of Light's wedding sale, purchased here

And we mustn't forget about the food! We kept the meal pretty simple and divided up the dishes. I made the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and roasted vegetables. Annie made the stuffing, cranberry sauce, and squash. My mom made the rolls and dessert (a fabulous raspberry pie).

I was thrilled to get almost everything I needed for my portion from our local organic grocer, Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, including a turkey from a nearby farm! I prepared the turkey according to Martha Stewart's instructions, and it turned out perfect, moist and flavorful. The roasted vegetables might have been my favorite dish... just check out those gorgeous carrots! They were the carrots of my dreams... yellow, red, and purple, young and tender, and as sweet as candy.

Annie's lovely Ginger-Pear Cranberry Sauce, recipe here.

Mom's scrumptious crescent rolls, recipe here.

And the day was made complete by the sounds of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the soothing voice of John O'Hurely, commenting on fastidiously prancing purebreds.

Wedding Weekend

Sorry for the lack of posting this week... I have a good excuse, though! My little sister is getting married this Saturday, and it is a major DIY wedding. Which means that as you read this, I will be slicing meat. And frosting the wedding cakes. And hanging every type of decorative orb ever made from the rafters.

While I do that, here's some of our inspiration photos. I'll be back on Monday with a recap! If I survive, that is.

Source: google.com via Julia on Pinterest

Source: neithersnow.squarespace.com via Erin on Pinterest

Source: weddingchicks.com via Julia on Pinterest

Source: bhldn.com via Julia on Pinterest

Source: janellestephanie.smugmug.com via Erin on Pinterest

Weekend Glimpse

This is actually from the weekend before last... I do much better posting regularly when I'm gone and have to write them in advance. ;-D

We were in Baltimore for a convention for Cory, the wild and wonderful FaerieCon. We'd never been before, so we didn't know what to expect, but we ended up having a fabulous time. It ended up being quite a success; we had boatloads of fun and made lots of new friends.

I got into the spirit and had my face painted for one of the masquerade balls. I also got copper tinsel woven in my hair, which is my new obsession (that's not it pictured above, just some crazy long gold earrings).

Though my attempt at dressing up paled in comparison to the rest of the attendees, who went out all out. While there were certainly plenty of girls wearing corsets who shouldn't have, most of the costumes were lovely and tasteful, like the ice queen above.

Concerts every night, with my favorite band being Dehli 2 Dublin. They were off the hook amazing and so much fun. Unfortunately their recorded tracks don't compare to the live performance, but at least we have the memory.

 After the convention, we visited with Cory's awesome great aunt and uncle, who live in the area. They showed us a fantastic time, and we miss them already!

 Sunset on the north Chesapeake Bay.

Metallic gold loafers and cobblestones, at the amazing Brandywine Museum.

Last but not least, Cory on a gigantic chair. Why not!

Not pictured:

- Wegmans! All other grocery stores fail to compare.

- room service

- miles and miles of driving

- N.C. Wyeth's studio

- relaxing

- butterfly wings

- cats happy to see us home

- a friend's wedding!

- early morning wedding flowers

- long bike ride into the dusk

- Thanksgiving scheming