Pantone Reveals Color of the Year 2011- Honeysuckle

Okay, it's in. Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2011: Honeysuckle! I thought it was a yellow tone also, but it's not. In fact, it's far from it. Here it is. Do you love it?


Pantone announces 'Honeysuckle' as Color of the Year

 Shocking as it may come, I'm crazy about it it. And, I think I can work with it quite nicely. I was surprised though, as I said. I think of Honeysuckles as being yellow. Turns out, they come in many colors including this one (see below). I guess Pantone can call a color anything they want, they are the experts.

The result? I want one of these pink Honeysuckle vines. I bet there is some guy sitting in a specialty nursery this morning who is a little confused about the sudden demand.

Honeysuckle Flower- Pinkish Variety

Of course last year, Pantone went with Turquoise. I think these people know what they're doing.
I want to hear what you think.

Thanks Turquoise, it's been fun!

Lots of Lilly

I've added some fun new Lilly Pulitzer Fabric ornaments to my Lotus and Lilly shop. They come in sets of ten or five. There are other Holiday ornaments in the shop also for all the Lilly lovers on your list!

Lilly Find from Home Lush for $5.99

Sometimes I come across a Lilly item that I just have to share...to not share, would be criminal. This is one such case.

Cute Lilly travel mugs: $5.99 Click here for link

I just came across these on etsy (and promptly purchased two of them). No, these aren't in my shop and I'm not getting anything for featuring them here. They are Lilly print travel mugs from Home Lush (remind me to ask her about the shop name later), they hold 11 oz.  This is enough to get me to school when I drop the girls off in the morning. Then, on the way back home (translation: "on the way back home" means "shopping", just so you know), I get to stop at the coffee shop with my oh-so-cute and monogrammed no less, mug for a refill. The best part, she's selling them for $5.99. Seriously. I've seen mugs like this before, but never at this price. She has both White Zin and Patchtastic available.

These will be the perfect stand-in when I can't find my favorite Pandamonium Lilly mug that I received during the summer Lilly exchange (Don't know about the Facebook Secret Santa Lilly exchange? Here's a link: Secret Santa Lilly Exchange, it's so much fun). I'm getting off subject, but do check out the exchange!

If you happen to click on the link for the mugs (here) and find that it is sold, you can convo her (her name is Rosa) and she'll set up a listing for you.

Vintage Aprons



Click here to go to listing- $7.95!

I'm on a vintage apron kick lately. I've found no where better than etsy to shop for them. Last night, when I searched "Apron" under etsy's vintage category, 4,590 items popped up. Now, several of those are for patterns, but most of them are for aprons. The prices are typically low. I did my search using the sorting tool which will post the lowest priced aprons first, then I skipped to page 10 where the aprons start to appear (past the patterns). Here are a few photos with links to the apron listing under the photo.

A side note regarding aprons: A friend of mine recently told me that she forgoes expensive evening wear as nothing seems to evoke a mood of romance in her husband more than an apron...Now, I'm not sure how I feel about that, but I mention it here because I haven't been able to look at aprons in the same way since she shared that with me. For the most part, I just think they have an amazing vintage appeal. If they happen to come with benefits for one's relationship then, they simply become a multi-purpose item thus, adding to their value.

Go and treat your self to one of these! All of the aprons seen here are under $10. These are not my listings, just cute aprons that I came across and had to talk myself out of buying!

Have Fun,
Kristina

On etsy $10- click here for listing



On etsy- $8 click here for listing

Hand Chrochet Vintage apron $8

On etsy- $7.99 click here for listing

Love this one $8 Click here for listing

On etsy- $8.95

Pleated loveliness- $10

Finally, as a California girl (born and reared), I couldn't pass this one up for $7.

Winner of the set of Six Lilly Pulitzer fabric ornaments!

The winner for our most recent giveaway for a set of 6 Lilly Pulitzer fabric Holiday Ornaments is:
Little Miss Can't be Wrong
The drawing was performed randomly by Random.org (http://www.random.org/draws/details/?draw=3520&view=owner). There were a total of 39 comments- one from me and two were duplicates, so there were a total of 36 people who participated.
Thanks so much to all who participated!!

It's Rude to Ask a Person's Age

Just a photo of a cool, mature woman - No relation (unfortunately, because I think this lady could really bring a smile to my face on Thanksgiving)

My daughter, Hollyn, is five. Our typically circular conversation went like this today:

Hollyn: Mommy, you're fourteen, right?
Me: No. I thought I said I that I didn't want to talk about that anymore.
Hollyn: Well, I thought you said that you were fourteen.
Me: No, it sounds like fourteen.
Holly: How old are you Mommy?
Me: It's rude to ask a lady's age.
Hollyn: But, you're my Mommy.
Me: True enough Love, I'm forty.
Hollyn: What?! (loudly)
Me: Try again.
Hollyn: Pardon Me?!! (even louder)
Me: I'm forty.
Hollyn: Forrrrrty?? That's waaay more than fourteen.
Me: Glad to see that kindergarten is paying off.
Hollyn: Mommy why is it rude to ask a person's age?
Me: For many reasons Sweetheart, but mostly because it reminds them of their age.
Hollyn: Mommy, next time someone is rude and asks you how old you are, just tell them that you are more than fourteen.
Me: Good idea Hollyn. I'll do that.
Hollyn: Let's practice...Mommy, how old are you?

Set of 6 Lilly Pulitzer Fabric Ornaments Giveaway

I'm having a giveaway for a set of six (6) Lilly Pulitzer fabric Holiday Ornaments from the Lotus and Lilly Shop. So you know the drill, I make it pretty easy. Just follow this blog, comment below and make sure that you also are a fan of my facebook fan page by clicking here. If you don't have a facebook account, no worries, just mention that in your comment below.

The ornaments will look like the ones seen here. I'll include three palm tree ornaments and three snowflake ornaments all in different Lilly patterns. They are reversible too, so you get to pick the patterns that you want to display.

The random drawing will be held on Friday, Oct. 15. I will announce the winner here. That's it!

New Lilly Pulitzer Fabric Pattern Albums

I receive so many requests for images of the different Lilly Pulitzer prints that I have available for different items. I finally decided to make an album for people to look through, especially as I now receive more orders for bridal party clutches and headbands. So...here is a link to the album that I started. It is by no means finished. I have several to add and haven't even started on the vintage Lilly prints. But, I wanted to share the link with you anyways. I'll let you know as I add additional prints through out the next week. Click HERE to take a look.

The winner is...

Congratulations to "Janice"!  She is the winner of the baby clothes bear from Shellylisser! Thanks to all who entered. I have another really good giveaway planned for next week!

Giveaway-Baby Clothes Custom Keepsake Bear!!

Baby Clothes Bear-made with your little ones clothes!

Recently, I found a little shop on etsy that has some really good finds. The items in this shop include precious keepsakes, the kind that you will want to keep forever because they are custom made. The name of the shop is Shellylisser (Click here to visit). Michelle is the talented woman behind the shop.  Michelle started sewing when she was only five years old! Her mother had her working with a real sewing machine at that age and Michelle has been sewing ever since. Michelle is a mother of two and a teacher so she's busy, but thankfully she's made the time to run her etsy shop. She makes quilts (there's a Lilly quilt in her shop), stuffed animals, jewelry and purses, all with a custom touch because she incorporates photos or fabric that comes from the items you provide.

The baby clothes bear, which she has graciously offered as a giveaway item for one of our lucky readers,  is made from all of those sweet little baby clothes that mothers, grandmothers or aunts had the good sense to hold onto because they just couldn't part with them. Or, if you're like me, you had intentions on doing something else with them one day. Michelle can do that for you. She takes the baby clothes and constructs a stuffed bear with them (see photos). I want to have three made out of my three daughters' baby clothes with the hopes of someday passing them on to their little ones.

I ordered a photo purse from Michelle, I'm giving it to my 89 year old Grandmother for Christmas. The photo is printed on canvas so it's actually part of the handbag. This purse will allow my grandmother to show off her great grand kids. I know she will love it. As soon as it arrived in the mail, I ordered a second one for myself with a silhouette photo of my daughters.

My Grandmother's Purse

She also makes and sell silhouette pendants and bracelets and necklaces that are made with a Tiffany style chain and toggle...love them!

Silouhette pendant

Michelle makes something else that I've never come across on etsy, Memory Animals. These are stuffed animals made out of the familiar clothing that belonged to a loved one. I've read about these stuffed animals being used as a therapeutic devices for children who've lost someone with whom they were close. You won't find these currently in the shop, but you can convo Michelle for more information.

So go check out this little shop!

Give away details:

1. Follow this blog

2. Visit Michelle's shop by clicking here and tell us which item you love the most!

3. Comment below telling us that you would like to be entered in the drawing and don't forget to mention your favorite item from Michelle's shop : )

-That's it!!

The winner of the giveaway will be randomly selected on Friday, Sept. 10. The winner will be announced here!

Busy, Busy

I've been running around like a crazy woman trying to get everything in order for back-to-school. I've also managed to make a few new items in the process. These items have all made it into the shops (see link in left hand column). Maaany more on the way!

Lilly Pulitzer Fabric Clutch in the pattern: White Zin

(Below)Vintage Lilly Pulitzer Fabric Clutch in the pattern: Pandas

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Vintage Lilly Pulitzer Fabric Two Inch Headband

Lilly Pulitzer fabric clips, The Mumsy Collection

Lilly Fabric Quilts by: By Tillie

Pink and Green Lilly Pulitzer fabric quilt by: By Tillie

Sometimes I come across a seller on etsy who deserves recognition. This seller definitely falls into that category. The shop is called: By Tillie(Click on Shop Title to visit). She sells the most beautiful Lilly Pulitzer fabric quilts. She started making the quilts when her daughter went away to college and wanted her dorm room decorated in Lilly (I can relate). Her daughter's friends soon took notice and additional orders started rolling in. 

While she clearly is an excellent seamstress, she is an engineer by profession and felt that her quilt designs looked a little structured. So her son, who has an artistic eye, came to her aid and now helps her by providing the quilt layout. Together, I think they do an amazing job.

She also makes baby quilts, even Lilly quilts suitable for boys!  In the past one would be hard pressed to design a baby boy's nursery in Lilly, but with one of By Tillie's quilts as the focal point, it's a done deal. These quilts are so beautiful, they make me want to have another baby!

Blue and Green Lilly Pulitzer fabric baby quilt by: By Tillie

Various Lilly Pulitzer fabric quilts by: By Tillie

Orange and Pink Lilly Pulitzer fabric throw by: By Tillie

By Tillie currently has ten Lilly Pulitzer fabric quilts in her shop that are ready to be shipped. Go look and tell me what you think.

Another fantastic Shopaholic in Alabama Giveaway

Shopaholic in Alabama has another great giveaway going on from The Preppy Ladybug. She makes the cutest preppy paper products and has an etsy shop. Click on the Shopaholic In Alabama hyperlink above to enter!! Lori, from Shopaholic in Alabama has outdone herself with amazing giveaays this week in celebration of a milestone birthday. Thanks again Lori and Happy Birthday!

Another Fantastic Shopaholic in Alabama Giveaway- Preppy Princess

I'm loving the giveaways this week over at Shopaholic in Alabama. She's featuring Preppy Princess today with two giveaways! Preppy Princess has the most amazing items including KJP headbands as well as tons of Lilly! Clearly, I wasn't spending enough time in the Preppy Princess shop. I don't want to post images here of Preppy Princess items as I don't have permission. But, just click on the Shopaholic in Alabama link above and you can go from there. Have fun!

Clutch and Headband set give away on Shopaholic in Alabama!

Today, Lotus and Lilly is featured on the blog: Shopaholic in Alabama. She's having some amazing giveaways in celebration of her Birthday. The items featured today are from the Lotus and Lilly shop. I'm so excited to participate! The winner will receive the two items seen here. Click here to enter!!

Shopaholic in Alabama Giveaway

My friend, Lori over at Shopaholic in Alabama is having an amazing string of giveaways to celebrate a milestone birthday! Click here to visit her blog and enter. Today the giveaway is for MCC Designs, who happens to make the cutest preppy personalized paper goods. She's also a fellow etsian. Here are a few of her items...too cute.

Home Again, Home Again

We're back from our Yellowstone/Grand Teton vacation. I'm excited to post a few photos. Unfortunately, I left my laptop charger in a Hilton somewhere in Wyoming. My laptop has all of the photos on it and I'm not able to access them without the charger (laptop's dead). No biggie though, the charger should arrive with tomorrow's mail. In the mean time, I'll share this one photo of a bear that we saw.  I borrowed it from  my sister who joined us with her family.  Seriously, if you haven't been to Yellowstone, this is the kind of wildlife that's seen regularly. It's amazing and somewhat strange, but I'll get into that later.

The shops are open again (see links in the right hand column). During this quiet spell, I'm having fun making these new little flowers that look like mums- with Lilly fabric of course.  I'll post photos of these as well and already have a giveaway in the works. You'll be the first to get the details!

Hope everyone is having the best July ever. Summer will soon be a memory. Have you seen Lilly's Fall line?? Tell me what you think.

Yellowstone Bound

We are going on vacation to Yellowstone National Park for two to three weeks. Why "two to three weeks"? It's not poor planning, we're just not sure that we won't be ready to come home after two weeks. Our extremely flexible house-sitter is more than accomodating so, we'll just see how we feel.

What does this mean for my shops: Lotus and Lilly, Looking 4 Lilly and The Vintage Lilly? They will go on vacation too. I'll place them in vacation mode tomorrow at 10am PST. We don't leave until next Monday, but I won't be able to take anymore orders after tomorrow.

There was an article in our local paper (The Mountain Democrat) yesterday about Lotus and Lilly. I'm dying to post a link, but you need a subscription to view their articles...very frustrating. I'm working on it though and might resort to a scan option. It's just to colorful to not post. Plus, the reporter went into the history of Lilly Pulitzer fabric, which was just too cool. Again, I'll work on it over the next couple days.

Enjoy your holiday weekend and be safe!

Winner of the Red, White, Blue and Lilly Giveaway!!

The winner of the Red, White, Blue and Lilly Giveaway is:

Suburban Prep!


Thank you to all who entered. I have another giveaway coming up at the end of July.

Giveaway- Red, White, Blue and Lilly!

I'm doing a short term giveaway so that the winner receives the items in time for the 4th of July weekend festivities. The giveaway is for a clutch and matching headband set that is in the Vintage Lilly Pulitzer pattern: "Manage", as seen here. It's made with all-new fabric(albeit vintage textile). It's red, white and blue, which is pretty uncommon for Lilly.

Thre drawing for the giveaway will be held on Monday July 28. Here's how you can enter:

1.For one entry- "Like" the facebook Lotus and Lilly Fan Page by clicking HERE and inform me by leaving a comment that you've done so in response to this post (if you already have, just mention it in your comment as that counts too). Simply liking the page won't automatically enter your name in the drawing (it's not the only requirement for entrance so it's in accordance with fb policy. Did you know fb has a policy about that?? I didn't either!).

2. For a second entry-Follow this blog- (easy enough) Again, tell me that you follow in a comment here as I won't automatically enter your name in the drawing.

3.For a third entry- Visit Lotus and Lilly.com by clicking HERE and tell me which items you would like to see more of (yes, I just ended a sentence in a preposition, it just felt right). This helps me in determining which additional items I should place in the shop...that's it!

Museum Items Shipped...

I just recently shipped off the items that I made for the Lilly Pulitzer exhibit which will be held later this summer and will run through May of 2011 at the Museum of Lifestyle and Fashion History.  I think a sent a total of 30 items. Here are photos of a few.  Can't wait to go to the exhibit later this year. I'm still trying to figure out the best date to attend. I'd love to meet up with some fellow Lilly lovers while in Florida! Let me know if you're going.

Amazing labels that stay-put from Razmatags!

My friend, Jen, just opened a brand new online shop.  She sells the most amazing labels and I told her I would spread the word.  Her store is called Razmatags.  She has all sorts of packages available, including Camp, Kinder, Elderly packages and a Food Allergy Alert package (which is just extremely cool, as you know if you have a kiddo with allergies).  You can also order the labels in the sizes that you specifically need if you prefer not to order a package.   

Her website is worth visiting even if you aren't in need of labels because she has it set up so you can preview the pattern of your choice (and there are tons) and custom names printed on the label, this is fun stuff and no easy feat when it comes to web design.

Okay, now the important part, these labels don't budge.  I put them on my daughters' swim suits.  The girls swim everyday and I am amazed at how well these labels stay-put.  I'm also using them on all of my Lotus and Lilly items and will soon order more as I've used several different types and these are by-far the best. They aren't just the vinyl labels that you can typically buy. These beautiful labels are dishwasher-proof, microwave-proof, refridgerator-proof and can stand up to kids wear and tear. They are a great way to kick off summer if you don't want your kids to leave a trail of items behind!

Here's the link: http://www.razmatags.com/