Year of the Snake...

 

Horiyoshi the Third Snake Scarf at Net-A-Porter

I'm sure you've already heard...

This past Sunday marked the start of the Chinese New Year.

Last year it was the Dragon...

This year it's the

Snake...

The Black Snake to be precise...

Now, I am not a HUGE snake fan...

In fact, if I never ever see one again,

I would be more than perfectly content in my life..

 But

I am hoping this Snake will bring us lots of luck, joy, creativity, health and love this year.

Speaking of snakes...

I am entranced with these FABULOUS lovelies from

Jimmy Choo

Since when does snake print need to be too snakey?

Why not be colorful..

Why not in MY favorite colors?

Well lucky for you and

the Lovely Miss Sarah Crawford,

whose branding I have just finished...

(trust me you'll get it at the unveil)

I have found such items..

So bring it on Snake..

I'm not afraid of you!!

 

1.Playful Promises Bandeau Bikini with Snake Ring at Asos

2. Golden Snake Placemat at Zara Home

3.Mark Mothersbaugh Seba Snakes on Melon Wallpaper at Designer Wallcoverings and Fabrics

4. Kenneth Jay Lane Snake Ring at Asos

5.Miralles by Also at Piperlime

6. Lauren Ralph Lauren Metallic Snake iphone Case at Dillards

7. Largo Travel Accessories in Peacock at Z Gallerie

1.Diane Von Furstenberg Tonda Hexagon Patchwork Clutch at Neiman Marcus

2.Colorblocked Snake Chain Necklace at Forever 21

3.Rachel Roy Snake-Print Cape Dress at Neiman Marcus (on sale!)

4.Snake Chain Wallpaper at Dwell Studio

5.Leighton Flat by Sam Edelman at Piperlime

6. Jonathan Adler Brasilia Snake Pillow

7.Leather Password Book at Mr. Boddington

1. Cream Snake Coin Purse at Dorothy Perkins

2. Cocobelle Snake Ankle Wrap Sandal at Piperlime

3.Grand Game Wallpaper at Anthropologie

4. Sabine Wrap Bangle at Piperlime

5.Stella Snake Print Jean Legging at Express

6. Naky Table Mat at Zara Home

7.Snake skin hard case for iphone at Mini in The Box

Papillon....

 Image by Stephanie Williams for Ruche

What is it about butterflies that simply touch your soul?

This Spring, I planted some extra special Bee Balm & Veronica just in time for their Summer arrival....

At the Island, the milkweed had overtaken the Hay fields...

So...a couple years ago, some decided that it was time to spray and rid the fields of what they think is a noxious weed...

So the Monster and I headed over there (crossing our fingers) 

in hopes that this year we might just find some Monarch Butterfly eggs and caterpillars.. 

What we learned was...

that Mother Nature is very persistent 

(and had obviously heard our wishes)

and never EVER gives up the good fight.. 

She not only brought back the healthiest batch of milkweed this year

but 

THE largest selection of Monarch caterpillars & eggs

the eye could see...

 A few beetles having some...ahem...fun

 Some serious acrobatics..

 No leaf unturned...

 Almost time for chrysalis...

 Giving Old Glory a nod on our way out...

All images by Chocolate Creative Design

Soo..

In honor of our winged friends who give us such immense joy throughout the summer..

A few Butterfly friendly finds...

1. Vintage Mottahedah Sacred Bird & Butterfly Plates at Replacements

2. Backyard Butterfly Garden Dress at Modcloth

3. Nine West Walkhard Sandal at Endless

4. Vintage Butterfly Glasses at Tias

5. Vintage Butterfly Brooch at Snow Flower Pie on Etsy

6. Batesian Sandals at Anthropologie

7. Columbia Road Wallpaper at Custhom

8. Andy Warhol Butterflies at Room & Board

9. Dresden Gold Foil Butterflies at 32o North