This week: copper waterfall earrings by MusetteMade

Aren't they lovely? I love waterfall earrings.

Faceted copper czech glass is joined by shimmery blue Swarovski crystal and copper chain in these fun, dangly earrings!

These will hang about 3 inches from your earlobe.

Rules to enter:

1. Visit MusetteMade's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 5th October at midnight EST. Good luck!





If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

I'm back from Madrid!! I got one of the jobs! =) (Well, they asked me if I wanted to do a trial of 15 days) And I don't know if to take it or not.... I'm not much of a Madrid fan, actually I don't like it, but I understand most of the computer jobs are there. On top of that, I have also a few other job positions in other companies (out of the country) I'm interested in and waiting to see what happens with them. I think I might take Madrid's job just in case I don't get the other jobs, and if I do, take them. The problem is I will feel really bad for working there 15 days or 2 months and then leaving hahahaha. Should I take a job I already know I don't want (more because of the location than because of the job or company) only to have a backup plan? With the crisis and all, who knows if I will have another job offer or if I will be jobless for 6 months! I'm so confused!! And I need to decide by Monday or Tuesday, cause they want me there October 6! Argghghg I hate adult world, too many decisions.

I'll stop ranting now, and here goes this week's fashion friendly item:
Purple stickpin by creationsbyeve


Isn't it cute??? And she has 4 different ones, they are lovely:


If you think your items or someone elses could fit in this section, please post your pictures in the photo pool. Remember: Handmade / Vintage items only!

Well well! I have a couple job interviews in Madrid this week, so I will be taking the train tomorrow morning and still don't know when I will be back. I won't be able to update the blog, but hopefully this won't last long :P (Meaning I will soon have a job?)

So, I was thinking, what should I wear to a job interview? This is like my first real job interview after graduating. I've read everywhere I should get a conservative two-piece business suitsuit. However, I don't have one, I haven't found one that fits me well, I doubt they will ever fit me well, and I hate them. I have a couple nice jeans and that will have to do. After all, I am applying for a analyst/developer position, so no client interaction is needed. Anyways, I am going to call again the agency today to see if I need to rush to the mall to get a two piece suit :( Let's hope not!

And I don't have a briefcase either! argh! hahaha

So, by those standars, here is what I found in Etsy that would be appropiate for a job interview:


Sellers, left to right, top to bottom, are: shopgoodgrace, cookiesandcreme, GetReadySetGO, GetReadySetGO, theauroravintage, SarahHoodJewelry, heatherberry, emeraldvintage, acommonthread

Well, we'll see what happens. I know the clothing is important, but I am also sure what you say is important too. And if I dressed like that it'd look like I'm applying for a job at a bank lol

So, any tips for a job interview? Oh yeah, to not chew gum! hahah =) Give me last minute tips and wish me good luck!

Resource links:
What to wear to a job interview
What to wear to a job interview - Video

This week: Fruity earrings by MistyAurora
These earrings are fabulous! Plus they come in different flavours: lemon, orange, lime and watermelon! Choose your favourite =)

These are handmade with polymer clay glued on ear studs :)

They look even more adorable up close, the pictures don't do them any justice.

Antique Silver Ear Studs made of surgical steel with daisy shape backings

Rules to enter:

1. Visit MistyAurora's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 28th September at midnight EST. Good luck!





If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

This week: Black Willow Earrings by ExoticFlavour

Aren't they cool??? And she also has some great bags:


If you think your items or someone elses could fit in this section, please post your pictures in the photo pool. Remember: Handmade / Vintage items only!

Whaaaa? yeah, you heard right. Sequins are back. I hope they won't stay long though!

Sequins are fun... but c'mon... a full sequin dress??? Well, seems some famous designers decided it is cool for this season =) Haven't seen any in the shops yet. I don't think they will make it haha
For me sequins are cool, but they should stay out of the clothes lol

So here is what I found in Etsy, there were some pretty cool sequin dresses, if you are in a disco mode hehe

Sellers, left to right, top to bottom are: AnnaBlues, greasywaitress, bleuelectric, lyndseylondon, evascloset, CarnivorousDeer, moonshinehill, TheSpinningHand, artish

So, what do you think about this trend? It definitely it is not my style, but, will you be wearing it?

Hello ladies and gentlemen!
I have some big news today. I decided to start a Newsletter for the blog. It will be monthly unless I get a lot of contents and then maybe make it bi-weekly. And it will start in October! =)

I am looking for contributors that want to share their handmade ideas and write a short article for the Newsletter. I am looking for articles/stories about decoration, kids clothes & toys, beauty & makeup tips, tutorials, travelling tips, marketing tips, anything! Anything with a handmade / vintage twist. So, who is up for it? Either leave a comment here or email me (Contact at bottom left column). I will add in the side a section where I will link to all contributors. Anyone has great ideas for this newsletter? =)

For now, I have set up the sign up form, that you can see in the right column under the RSS feed. The newsletter will have decoration, marketing and travelling tips, as well as some recipes, tutorials and of course some fashion! All this info won't be published in the blog, so if you want to read it, please subscribe! =) After all, it will be a monthly thing so don't worry, you won't get tired of it. Thanks!

The holidays are almost here, and I am starting a series on gift guides in October. I already have a couple guest contributors writing a gift guide on their topic. Anybody would like to do a special gift guide? Original ideas welcome! =)

Thanks a lot for reading this, and don't worry, I have prepared a fashion article for tomorrow! Stay tuned for more fall trends!

One more thing, I have a home show today, so I am going to place as inactive a lot of items of my Etsy shop. Don't worry, I will activate them tonight after I know what hasn't sold. =) And more new collection items will be added to the shop tomorrow.

This is not a style question I am going to answer, it is one I am going to ask to you, my readers! =)

So, I haven't worn a headband since I was a child. I've fallen in love with this feather headbands and I'd love to get one but I'm not sure which one or if they would ever look good on me! HA! My hair is medium length, brown and curly.

Here are my objects of desire:

I have always loved feather fascinators, but I don't feel comfortable wearing things that really stand out, and I've only seen people wearing them on the movies. Nobody here wears fascinators, but headbands yes.

So... should I get a thin or wider one? Or none at all? By the way, I linked the images to the listings so you can appreciate the shop's work, but if you buy them I will have to hunt you down :P

What about you? Any items you desire but don't dare buying? Share them!

This week: Potential for Flight baby pendant by MyAphrodite


I really like this pendant =) Little birdie!

All ideas have the capability to sprout wings. Keep this metaphor close to your heart with this miniature pendant crafted entirely in Sterling silver with gemstone bead accents.

The pendant is made of sterling silver and has peridot and citrine accents. It measures approximately 3 cm in length and come hung from a 17 inch colored leather cord.

Rules to enter:

1. Visit MyAphrodite's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 21st September at midnight EST. Good luck!





If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

I know it's been 4 weeks since my last fashion friendly item of the week. My apologizes to the people that keep adding photos to the pool.
But today I am back on track and hope to be more consistent =)

This week: Victoriana Scarflette - Luxurious Knit Wool and Bamboo Collar by TickledPinkKnits

Now that the weather is changing and getting cold (at least that is what is happening here... where is the summer!!!) we will need some warm clothes, and this scarflette looks fabulous!

And if you rather have something bigger to cover you:


If you think your items or someone elses could fit in this section, please post your pictures in the photo pool. Remember: Handmade / Vintage items only!

I also wanted to announce that I have been adding items from my fall/winter collection to the etsy store, mostly jewelry.

Circles collection:














Silk cord necklace:




And also some square and foulard silk scarves:
















Next week: silk+wool scarves - perfect for the cold winter!

These weeks are totally crazy, with all the resume, cover letter writing and so on. I'm still waiting for a phone call! One at least please?

That's mainly the reason why I haven't done much blogging lately. Seems weird, so much time at home (everybody else has a job or has to go to college), and I hardly get anything done haha.

Anyways, here you have a great recipe! From now on I will be posting here links to recipes that are actually written in blog Hand Made Europe! And this time we have: Risotto al pesto!


Click here to read the yummy recipe!

It looks great, and I love risotto al pesto. I hope you enjoy it too =)

Expect more fashion articles soon!

I would like to announce my new collection!!! =)
Yeah, I finally finishied the catalog, and here you can see it:

Get your own - Open publication

If it doesn't work or want to see it full size, you can see it here: GilBea at issuu

I will be adding the new items to the etsy shop this week.

The catalogs I made last season were so popular that I decided to launch a new shop: LarumbaDesigns where I offer catalog creation. There are many options:

1. You can buy a premade template where you can place your photos
2. Have me create a custom template for you
3. I can design the whole catalog!

And more options of course =) Hope you like it!!

Let me know what you think about the catalog, the new collection, and the new shop!! =)

I thought I could get into this graphic adventure since I'm "between jobs" - lol - still looking!

A new week, a new giveaway! =) And this time we have B&B stuff! yay!

This week: Whipped Creme Soap by BodyRush


Looks yummy!!!

What BodyRush says about it:

Whipped Creme Soap - REAL Cream Soap - VEGAN FRIENDLY - 8 oz

Whipped Creme Soap is made using sodium & potassium hydroxide (while Bar Soap is made using just sodium hydroxide)to give it a creamy consistency instead of being solid. THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!! No foaming agents, weird chemicals, etc.

Our Whipped Creme Soap is formulated to gently cleanse your skin without stripping it of it's natural oils! Your skin feel feel soft, smooth, and CLEAN. Whipped Creme Soap will not leave your skin feeling dry and itchy like store-bought detergent "body washes." TRY IT - YOU WILL LOVE IT!

The winner will get a jar of whipped cream soap in the scent he chooses. And currently there are 20 scents, hard to choose! My favourite ones: Citrus Blast, Delicious, Pink Sugar Rush, and many more! hmmmm YUMMY!

Rules to enter:

1. Visit BodyRush's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 14th September at midnight EST. Good luck!





If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)

Here we have a new recipe!

This time for ANZAC biscuits (or cookies), directly from Australia!

ANZAC stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. They came about during the First World War, around 1914/15. The biscuits were originally by resourceful women on the "home front" back in Australia in an endeavour to make a treat for their loved ones, fighting in the war, that would survive the long journey by post to the war front.

This recipe was sent to me by Anna and Shara. Seems Aussies love this cookies! =)

ANZAC Biscuits

1 cup plain flour
1 cup rolled oats (regular oatmeal) uncooked
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tbsp golden syrup (or honey)
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
2 tbsp boiling water

Combine the flour (sifted), oats, coconut and sugar in a bowl.
Melt the butter and Golden Syrup (or honey) in a saucepan over a low heat..
Mix the bicarbonate of soda with the water and add to the butter and Golden Syrup.
Pour the liquids into the dry ingredients and mix well.
Spoon dollops of mixture, about the size of a walnut shell, onto a greased or lined tin leaving as much space again between dollops to allow for spreading.
Bake in a moderate oven, 180C / 350F, for 15-20 minutes.
Cool on a wire rack and seal in airtight containers.

There is another version of the recipe with macadamia nuts! HMMMMM

ANZAC Biscuits with macadamia nuts

75g (1/2 cup) whole macadamia nuts
115g (3/4 cup) plain flour
1 tsp ground ginger
165g (1 1/2 cups) rolled oats
165g (3/4 cup) sugar
45g (1/2 cup) desiccated coconut
2 tbs boiling water
1 tbs golden syrup (if you can't find this honey or maple syrup will do)
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
125g butter, melted

1. Preheat your oven to 160°C. Line 2 large baking trays with non-stick baking paper. Lay the macadamia nuts over one of the trays and cook in the oven for 6 minutes or until lightly toasted. Let them cool a bit then coarsely chop.
2. Combine the flour and ginger in a large bowl. Add the nuts, oats, sugar and coconut, and mix to combine.
3. Combine the boiling water, golden syrup and bicarbonate soda in a small jug. Once the mixture becomes frothy, add the butter. Set aside for 5 minutes to cool. Add the cooled butter mixture to the flour mixture and using a wooden spoon, combine.
4. Place balls of the mixtures (about 1 tablespoon) onto the baking trays, and use the back of a spoon to flatten them slightly. Leave some space between them because they will spread out while cooking.
Bake for 13 minutes for chewy biscuits or 16 minutes for crunchy biscuits (chewy is best trust me) When done, leave them to cool on the trays for 5 minutes because they will be quite soft when they first come out of the over, then transfer to wire racks to cool.


Thank you for the recipes Anna and Shara!

If you want to send a recipe to be featured in this blog, please contact me(email on the bottom left column), and your shop/blog will be featured at the end of the recipe too.

I'm back with more get the look of! =) This time: Imogen Heap

For those who don't know her, she is an independent singer/musician. Former member of Frou Frou. Well, that's more or less still her style. And for her looks, I'd say she is someone who definitely buys handmade & vintage!


Let's see what we can find in Etsy to fit her style!

Sellers, left to right, top to bottom, are: whichgoose, CHERRYPICKVINTAGE, mayerain, superduper, Rudman, bonzie, laslopezlas, zaama, subrosa123, bayousalvage, enigmavintage, jmkoontz, tqbdesigns, everlastinglifashion, stellaandlux, bonzie

What about her hair and makeup? Well, if you see a couple of her photos, you'd see there is something going on with her hair! It looks like she just put all her hair together and then shaked her hair to make it look crazy. Yup. Add fascinators, feathers, flowers, and anything to that hair and voliá! you have it.

Well, I hope you liked this get the look of! Any ideas for next one? =)

Photo by eugene

This time it seems fashion and me walk different paths (lol, as usual).

I got myself this super cool and fabulous (you can tell I love it!) coat yesterday at Mango:


Even though I saw on some fashion magazines that the "in" thing in coats this winter is to wear a bright colored one, the shops only have dark colored (grey, black, brown) or white (cream, etc) coats. Also some plaid ones too. But that's it. I don't want a colorful coat (I already have one green one for a couple years ago), but I found funny how they are fashionable but not buyable. :D

If you feel you need a bright coat, see what I found at Etsy:

Sellers, left to right, top to bottom, are (link to the item): heidihodge, Gypsies, lindenlaneclothing, Branches, emeraldvintage, ancestorvintage

Hope you like them! Do you wear a bright colored coat or a dark one?

Bye Bye Summer!! :(

I know I know, last week was lame and I didn't update enough. Seems getting a job interview is harder than I thought! Anybody knows of Software Engineering jobs? :D

Anyways, if you take a look at the left column you'll see that today has starts the advertising campaign on the blog. If you want to advertise, please read this.

About the giveaway, this week: Tempting Turquoise and Pink Earrings by TheresaRose

Nice earrings! =)
Theresa says:

These earrings are a hot color combination - turquoise blue jade and hot pink coral!
The ear wires are sterling silver, as is the wire wrapping. The earrings are 1 1/4" (31mm) from top of ear wire.
I would like to offer these earrings OR any other pair of earrings from my store of equal value or less. The winner can select a different pair if these aren't her style.

Rules to enter:

1. Visit TheresaRose's shop and pick a favourite item.
2. Leave a comment in this post with your favourite item and a way to contact you (email or etsy link. Leave a contact or I won't be able to place you in the draft).
3. I will select the winner from the comments with a random number generator.
   

This giveaway ends 7th September at midnight EST. Good luck!




If you are a seller and want to offer an item for a giveaway, contact me (see contact details in last section of left column)