hello ladies and gentlemen — this is a public service announcement. valentine’s day is coming up in a little less than a month’s time and whether you’re looking for something special for a loved one, or just love yourself so much you think you deserve to get yourself a gift (and we all do!), i’ve got some ideas for you. i like jewelry, but none of those heart shaped pendants for me, uh-uh. give me (hint, hint) a unique or handmade bauble any day of the week. here’s a few on my hit list:

clockwise, l to r: aesa hex rings from bona drag; Vintage Lufkin Ruler Bangle by jacq; arrowstack necklace from madewell; madewell braided friendship bracelet; stump ring by digby & iona; anthropologie’s blooming fondant bib necklace; j.crew classic link bracelet; a merry mishap’s black fringe necklace; Simple Crown Ring in sterling silver by laonato; buckminster necklace from candystore collective; Topaz cocktail ring by midwest Alchemy; Nestled set of Black rose cut diamond rings by sunday owl; sitka earrings by stone & honey.

Prepare yourself for serendipity, in partnership with SmartWater.

this was indeed intended to be a tie rack. but i don’t own any ties. however, i do own a bunch of necklaces that i spend way too much time untangling on a regular basis. the other day i was so frustrated at the puzzle of tangles i’d made i felt a little like i was losing my mind. so later that afternoon, when i saw this vintage tie rack for sale, i swooped it right up, knowing right away it was the serendipitous answer to my many tangled messes. i wouldn’t call this diy, that would be one helluva stretch. but i did screw it into my bedroom wall and i’m quite pleased with the results. i think it looks just dandy. and it frees up my vintage dish full of bracelets and watches to live all on their own. they like a little independence and a tangle-free life.

i like discovering the odd, serendipitous vintage piece and turning into something somewhat unexpected and giving it a new, meaningful and useful life, don’t you? have you given something new life? do tell.

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that lisa coris, she’s always a creative thinker. not only does lisa create lovely, one of a kind baubles, she’s also got an online ‘virtual’ garage sale going on. if you hop on over to her website, you find a load of vintage ceramics, as well as old letters, kitchen accessories, as well as shoes and accessories. to impatient to wait for the weekend yard sales? hop on over to lisa’s place and shop her great online garage sale.