Friday Flower Pick : Pear Tree Blossoms

...I think I'm finally getting to the bottom of what this lovely 

(...but kinda smelly) flowering tree is called!!

After doing a bit of research, I can say with at least a little confidence, that it's a sort of pear tree.

Particularly: Callery/Chanticlear (pyrus calleryana) Pear Tree

Strolling down certain sidewalks around town this week, I've enjoyed watching the sunshine sparkle through it's translucent blossoms...and I've even been showered with tiny, snowy white petals after an ocean breeze rustled it's branches!!

...It's looking like almost spring=)!!

Happy♥Friday!!

 Love,
Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Things I Love : Hand Carved Carousels

Sunday morning found me as one of the first in line at the Santa Monica Pier for a ride on the fantastic hand carved carousel!!

...Although all carousels are lovely and charming, there is just a certain magic (and history!) behind the original hand carved versions, and I feel really fortunate to be living within walking distance of one!!

What could be more fun than a ride on a spirited and colorfully outfitted jumper...under glowing 1920's lighting...while band music pumps from a Wurlitzer organ?!

I love to wash the experience down with a root beer float from the old-fashioned soda fountain inside the hippodrome too=)

 

 

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Well Begun is Half Done

"Well begun is half done." 

-Mary Poppins

...and -Aristotle=)...

This quote is particularly charming to me since I am endlessly experimenting with perfecting my morning routine.
...I can really see how the way the day begins so often influences the day's outcome!!

Right now, I'm enjoying waking up at 5:00 a.m...getting dressed and ready for the day...and then doing some light chores and gardening. At 6:00 a.m. I have what I call my power hour where I spend time with my daybook, create collages, draw, burn incense, and meditate.

 Tranquility du Jour Daybook with room to collage!!

A creative, relaxing start to the day makes all the difference to me when it comes time to sit down at the machine to sew!!

Here I am, in my work space...

feeling good and ready to create something wonderful!!

 

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Victorian Black Lace Collar

A Victorian-inspired fashion statement from Mademoiselle Mermaid:

Ooooodels of floral lace, delicate tulle, and darling satin drawstrings...

...What could be more wildly fun than making your fantasy fashion dreams come true?!

It's just in...on Etsy=)...

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Mermaid Monday : Pretty Spring Pastels

...Nothing says "early Spring" quite like soft 'n pretty pastels!!

The perfect complement to a playful and feminine dress...

a cotton candy pink or sweet mint crochet neck warmer would be just the thing to transition your look from "cozy Winter" to "cheerful Spring"!!

Featuring floral lace, satin ribbon, and ruffles (of course), they're the two latest Wonderland-inspired pieces to find their way into my shop=)!!

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Friday Flower Pick : Curbside Delights

On the way back from my gypsy lunch in the park yesterday, 

I stumbled upon a very ordinary curb...with an extraordinary splash of purple!!

Dogs barking and traffic humming in the distance, I found a quiet little moment

as I focused on trying to capture some of the unexpected beauty
with my camera!!

Happy♥Friday!!

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Wednesday Words of Wisdom : Lunch Outside

"I don't eat my lunch outside! 

I'm not a raggle taggle gypsy!" 

Mrs. Harris in Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel

I was watching the Anne series again recently...

and now every time I take my lunch to the park, I have Mrs. Harris in my head!!

Not exactly Words of Wisdom, but she's such a funny character...

that I really wanted to feature her and one of her outrrrrrrageous quotes!!

I suggest a lovely lunch al fresco for you today!!

(Weather permitting of course=)...

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Mermaid Monday : First Look at Spring

The change of seasons is very subtle here in SoCal...

...but a breath of Spring is most certainly detectable in foggy morning air!!

I found these two beauties (some of the first trees to flower), looking bright and fresh against a cool grey sky, while on my early morning bike ride down to the Venice Canals.

What a lovely way to start the week!!

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Friday Flower Pick : Mellow Yellow

Pinks, blues, reds, and purples are colors that certainly are no strangers to my Friday Flower Pick feature!!....

...So today I decided to hunt down something sunshiny 

and citrus-hued for a change.

...Enter this flowering bush, looking oh-so charming decked out in mellow yellow and tiny dew drops!!

A perfecto color choice for a Happy♥Friday!!

Love,
Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

Wednesday Words of Wisdom : Full Moon

 “She didn't quite know what the relationship was between lunatics and the moon, but it must be a strong one, 

if they used a word like that to describe the insane.”

― Paulo Coelho, Veronika Decides to Die 

Enjoy the full moon tonight and have an out-of-this-world Wednesday!!

  ...Here are a few space-style picks from Mademoiselle Mermaid, 

celebrating the eternally enchanting night sky!!...

Love,

Mademoiselle♥Mermaid

New Flower Photo Pendant Necklaces

Here's a little sneak peek at something I am working on for Spring:

 ...Gorgeous flower photo pendant necklaces, 

in twenty different fabulous prints...sure to dazzle 'n delight!!

From blood red roses to sunflowers in the sunshine...

these vintage style pendant necklaces will feature some of my favorite original flower photography...

...along with some beachy scenes too!! 

Dangling from a 24" steel chain, they'll work great layered with your other favorite bits 'n baubles!!

...I'm wearing the Purple Hydrangeas today, as the finishing touch to a mixed-floral-print ensemble.

Look for them soon on Etsy...just in time for Spring!!

Love,
Mademoiselle♥Mermaid