Ode to the Bicycle

There once was a time, circa 1980 something, that I could actually ride a bike. It was a cute bike with the works. Pink-check! Cute basket with flowers-check! Neon things for the spokes-check!

(I love that my shirt matched my bike! I was coordinating while still in training wheels! LOL! )

But what is a girl to do when she has outgrown her pink bike days and is not quite so coordinated as she used to be? She can just remember the good times by wearing the Two Wheeler Shirtdress from Anthropologie. When this perfect shirtdress popped up as a new arrival on their website I knew I had to have it.

Just so it isn't too June Cleaver I will probably pair it will my red patent leather Steve Madden shoes from a few seasons ago:

In keeping up with the blog topic of the day, I ran across this photo on flickr that looks like the more grown up version of my pink bike! It even has the same basket! For all of you Friends fans, isn't this bike so Phoebe?!

This one was just too beautiful not to share! With scenery like that who wouldn't want to lounge around town on a bike!

This one is too fun! This lady is hauling some major bootie! I just imagine her shoes enventually flying off due to the sheer speed she is traveling!

The last three bicycle photos are courtesy of flickr.

Have You Seen This Etsy Shop?

Monets Precious Things is an Etsy shop featuring unique pendants designed by Heather. Getting inspiration from her precious daughter Monet, Heather began Monets Precious Things as a way to supplement her income while being a stay at home mom. I can't think of a better reason to start a shop than to have extra time to spend with a little one!

There are over 25 different designs currently listed on Monets Precious Things. The glass tiles measure 7/8 inch square with rounded corners for style. Take note that the back of the pendants are sealed with a water resistant adhesive but is NOT water proof. Here are just a few of the currently available styles:

Cocoa Mocha

Twitters

Midnight Daisy

This week our giveaway item is:

Pink Spring Branch

How perfect would that pendant be to add to your spring outfits!

And here is how to enter:

1. Go to Monets Precious Things on Etsy. Come back here and comment on your favorite item! I know it is going to be hard to choose only one favorite but those are the rules! Well, I am sure we can bend the rules enough for you to brag on as many of Heather's pendants as you would like!

2. Be or become a follower of Joy De Vivre.

Entries will be accepted until midnight on Saturday. Check back Sunday to see if you are the lucky winner!

Dear Ricky Martin,

We already knew! No straight man has your style. It is sad, but true...they just don't.

Here's to you being you and not letting others dictate who you should be!

Happy Monday

I always try to start off Monday with a happy picture.

This one certainly does the trick as nothing makes me happier than a sweet treat!

Happy Monday everyone! Hope this is the start to a great week for all of you!

Any exciting plans?


Photo courtesy of flickr. Click on it to see more goodies from the same photographer.

Wonderland, It is Not Just For Alice Anymore

Always a sucker for a fairy tale, I have loved Alice in Wonderland for as long as I can remember. Growing up with the original Disney movie version of the story I was a little curious about what they would do for the updated Tim Burton take.

Finally yesterday I had the chance to go and find out! The new Alice in Wonderland is not a remake of the original story. It is more of an addition to the story and shows Alice years later as she goes back to Wonderland.

It is truly a beautiful movie. The costumes, the sets, the makeup...the colors are so vivid that you almost feel like a tiny Alice in a gigantic candy store. If you have not yet seen it I highly recommend you do!

With all of the color and whimsy wrapped up in Alice in Wonderland it is no wonder that the story inspires everything from kitchenware to jewelry and all points in between.

Give your kitchen a colorful twist with this tea party inspired china.

If you have the money the Disney parks can give you pretty much anything you want for a party. This Mad Hatter inspired cake is available through their wedding department. If you have never checked out their site you must! Such beautiful ideas!

Urban Decay did a take on Alice in Wonderland with their makeup collection. It is sold out online, but still available on Ebay. If this is a must have item for you first check your local Sephora's and such just to make sure they don't have it before paying inflated Ebay prices.

The Alice is Pretty In Pink Crystal Necklace is available on Etsy.

Swarovski has designed the Tea Party White Rabbit featuring a pocket watch, trumpet and of course the rabbit.

Tom Binn's Queen of Hearts Drop Earrings are certainly Disney jewelry for the modern girl. The safety pins, hearts and multiple chains create a look far removed from Alice and her poufy blue dress.

My personal favorite thing to come from Alice in Wonderland...The Mad Hatter's Tea Cups at the Disney parks! Since we are all friends here I will share these ridiculous pictures with you all of Gabriel and I enjoying time at Disneyland.

And the Winner Is...

Thank you to all who entered this week!

Special thanks go out to Parami Panda Crochet for being a part of Joy De Vivre this week! Best of luck with your shop in the future!

There's an Imaginary Party and You Are All Invited

From time to time I will see an article of clothing that sets my brain off in a frenzy. What could be worn with it? Where would I wear it? By the time the crazy cycle stops I already have the shoes, clothing, jewelry, undergarments and the event to wear it to all planned out in my mind. It is all very Becky Bloomwood of me. Sometimes though I will see something that I can not with a clear conscience purchase and so I will just plan it all for my imaginary life. It is a sad fact, I must confess, that my imaginary life is much more exciting and dare I say, fabulous, than my actual life.

In this case these shoes:

have me planning a 70's themed party, but not in a bad fuzzy pimp hat way.

This party will be stylish and will require me to wear this dress:

And while there will be no aforementioned pimp hats, be it purple leopard or otherwise, there will be plenty of flashy gold:

Of course most of my ensemble is not exactly budget friendly, but in my imaginary wardrobe I can purchase whatever I want. Bonus-no interest and no drained checking account!

How perfectly would my party outfit fit into this video?

I could practically have been a backup dancer wearing that! ;)

So I already know that I am crazy, but do any of you make up scenarios to wear your dream wardrobe to?

Don't Mess With America's Sweetheart

Unfortunately in Hollywood most things do not glitter quite so brightly in the light of day.

The stars usually don't shine once you see their reality is vastly different from the silver screen. Thankfully though, there are a few that make you want to root for them. A few actors and actresses still exist that you can admire in real life as much as you care for the characters they portray in your favorite movies. Sandra Bullock is one of those few for me as I know she is for many of you.

Sandra always seems to step forward to give when needed in a quiet way, not in a photo opportunity way. You all know the type of stars that always seem to have a camera around when they are picking up a sick baby or handing out bags of food. Sometimes I think in the back of my mind that some of those celebs drop the baby and eat the food themselves as soon as the camera lens is firmly in place. Sandra Bullock, thankfully, has never seemed that way. She made me a bigger fan when I once saw her on TV talking about her home in Austin and how excited she was that they had gotten a Whole Foods in the city. So very down to earth from someone who could easily fly across the world for any cuisine she wanted. Plus I think she has great taste in her pick of cities as Austin is one of my favorites.

This week our girl has been having a few issues, but I say
let's celebrate Sandra Bullock for the awesome chick that she is!

I loved this Alexander McQueen number. The brilliant blue details made it my favorite of hers this award season.

A much softer look for Sandra here in gorgeous flowing ruffles.

I shall overlook my jealousy at the fact that she is standing with Robert Downey Jr. whom I love. But geez Sandra would it kill you to stand a few inches away from him! :)

Standing so proudly with her golden man. Such an accomplishment!

You be proud Sandra for being true to yourself in Hollywood and being well...normal! And note to jerk man and ugly forehead tattooed woman...you deserve each other! Nobody messes with Gracie Lou Freebush and comes out better in the end. Did you not watch Miss Congeniality 100 times like I did? Well you should have and you would have known better!

Have You Seen This Etsy Shop?

Our Etsy shop this week is filled to the brim with absolutely adorable handmade creations. Parami Panda Crochet, owned and operated by Alix and Winston from Alameda, CA, use their love of crochet to create little creatures ranging from a bee to a green monster. They have so many characters that you are sure to fall for, but if you don't see exactly what you are looking for feel free to contact them about a custom order.

Live near Alameda, CA? Check out their items in person at Modern Mouse. The crocheted cuties can also be purchased at Monster Art and Clothing in Seattle. Don't live neither of those? Not to worry! You can see them here now:

Blue Crochet Octopus

Standing 3.5" the blue octopus would make a perfect gift for that child or even adult that loves sea creatures. Another plus is that he is also safe for little ones due to his safety eyes, but please still use your own precaution if your kiddo loves to eat things! :)

Egg Carton of Crochet Easter Chicks

I was so glad to do the feature with Parami Panda Crochet before Easter because I thought these little chicks would be a big hit! Containing 6 chicks, each about 1.5" tall, they come packaged in the carton that they just hatched from.

Igor the Brown and Tan Crochet Owl

Standing at 5" Igor may be petite, but he is certainly not short on personality. Just look at those big eyes! He is made with soft acrylic and has hand-sewn felt feet.

This week Parami Panda Crochet wants to help get you ready for Easter! The lucky winner will be receiving this little bunny:

For all the regulars you already know the drill. For the newbies, welcome and here is the rundown.

To enter the drawing for the bunny pictured above:

1. Check out Parami Panda Crochet's shop. Come back here and comment on your favorite item in the shop.

2. Be or become a follower of this blog.

Entries will be accepted through midnight Saturday. Check back Sunday to see if you are the weekly winner.

Good luck!

Happy Monday

How can you not start your week off with a laugh

when seeing that rubber chicken riding a bike?

photo courtesy of flickr

Bring a Piece of Andy Warhol Into Your Decor

Andy Warhol was an artist with a very colorful life. The line of rugs created to represent his art is just as vivid as Warhol's imagination was.

Plates

Although this one is named after plates it looks more like olives to me

Matchsticks

I have always thought this would be so perfect in an upscale cigar bar.

Flowers

So psychedelic, but not in a lava lamp sort of way

Setting Suns

Oh how I need this rug for my bedroom!

Eggs

My personal favorite and the only one that I actually own. Thanks to an awesome closeout sale at a local store I have this one in my dining room.

Circles

I love that this one is classic black and white in a very modern design.

Which one is your favorite?

And Our Winner Is...

Congratulations Shannon! You are our weekly winner!

Thank you to all who entered this week.

A special thanks go out to Marilyn and Cindy from ck silver for being a part of "Have You Seen This Etsy Shop?" this week.

Ease Your Way Into Spring

While the calendar tells us tomorrow is the official start of spring, unfortunately for some the weather reports are telling a different story. The stores are all starting to stock lovely spring wears, but what's a girl to do when the temperature is not quite cooperating? Don't deprive yourself of the newest trends, just buy pieces that you can wear in the frosty weather and later on when the 70 degree temps approach.

The fashion trends are all saying that dots are in the season, but if you ask me they never go out of style. That is precisely why this romantic update on the classic will last you for many seasons to come. Pair this beautiful Daniel Rainn Dot Print Blouse, available for $68 at Nordstrom, with a light jacket now and then a pencil skirt from spring.

The Calvin Klein Jeans Belted Safari Jacket, $89.50 also at Nordstrom, is perfect to wear over long sleeves now. It will be just as perfect thrown over a summer dress in a few months when the night air is still chilly.

The Jersey for Sure Dress, $54.99 from Mod Cloth, is not only made from comfy jersey, it is also made to wear year round. Worn with a cardigan now and cute espadrilles later, this is certainly a piece you will get your money out of. Your price per year would be mere cents!

It is no secret that I LOVE Anthropologie. I love that anything you try on at their stores will leave you feeling perfectly girlie and this dress is no exception. The All Seasons Shirtdress, $98.00, would look just as great with a chunky sweater and tights as it would with strappy sandals and a scarf in your hair.

Happy shopping!

Disclaimer: Joy De Vivre Design is not responsible for what this post does to your savings account, checking account or credit card balances. :)

Happy St. Patrick's Day

image courtesy of flickr

Have You Seen This Etsy Shop?

This week our Etsy shop, ck silver, comes to us from mother/daughter team Marilyn and Cindy. ck silver specializes in classic silver pieces that blend in pearls, semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystals. If you don't see a specific color or maybe need something in a different design feel free to contact Marilyn and Cindy as they are happy to work with you on a custom piece. As an offer to all of the Joy De Vivre readers, ck silver is also offering 20% off all products this week in their shop. Just tell them you saw their feature here to get your discount!
Let's check out ck silver:

Emerald Isle Sterling Silver Chandelier Earrings

Featuring vivid emerald swarovski crystals wire wrapped onto sterling silver, these are certainly going to be noticed. If you want earrings that will get you complimented or a present for someone with a May birthday, I think you have found them with this pair!

Spring Fling Chrysoprase Sterling Silver necklace

After all of the bland winter colors isn't is great to break out into the spring season with a gorgeous color. I am sure you will agree that this beautiful green shade in the Chrysoprase Cabochon does just that.

Beautiful Pearl Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

These sterling silver and pearl earrings are a great neutral earring in an anything but boring style. Dressed up or down, these are sure to go with many different outfits!

This week for our weekly prize ck silver is offering one of our lucky readers:

the Pearl Drop Sterling Silver Earrings!

How to enter:

1. Check out ck silver's shop. Come back here and comment on your favorite item in the shop.

2. Be or become a follower of this blog and earn a second entry.

Entries will be accepted until midnight Friday. Check back this weekend to see if you are the lucky winner!

Don't forget to use your 20% off discount at ck silver this week!