WORLD MARKET FINDS

Now that the wedding crafts are over I can return to focusing on Melrose. There are a few surprises on their way that I will share, but for now I wanted post a few products that I recently saw at World Market.

I like to stop in every and now then to check out their new items (and burn my lunch hour). They typically have some trendy items that are reasonably priced. On today's visit lots of items caught my attention and I just had to share. I apologize in advance for the crummy iphone photos.

Remember my post about searching for the most efficient 'x' back chair? Well, look at that - bent oak dining chairs for $130 each. I think they are definitely worth the purchase. 

This metal chair is definitely in the same family as my two metal dining chairs. Love the rounded back and arms. Would be great as end chairs and you can't beat $100 with a stick. 

This wicker chair and price has caught my eye before. I love its petite shape and the weathered gray wicker is gorgeous. I wish I could use it outdoors on my patio!? 

This picture does not do this dining set justice - it is a weathered taupe with just the right about of "shabby chic" to it.  And, I love that you have the option to add a bench.

Campaign bookshelf. Enough said. Would be a fabulous addition to Melrose. 

Um ... gray, linen, tufted, can I say more? I believe she will be meeting our study pretty soon! Beautiful.

I really like all of these stools pictured - the solid metal ones remind me of the ones I purchased on Overstock and paired with my breakfast bistro table in the kitchen. But, this drafting swivel stool - wow! I have been looking for one to go with my drafting easel but they are all too expensive. This one is perfect - rustic, industrial, adjusts up and down for my painting, and efficiently priced. Yes, she came home with me today. 

Here are some more new items for the website that are definitely worth a peek:

aiden etagere rolling bookshelf

charles slanted shelves

And to match your campaign bookshelf ...

campaign desk She ties with my sawhorse desk.

laguna dining collection

Any specific pieces that catch your eye?

FOR ALL YOU DSLR LOVERS ...

I found this awesome product on a blog recently and I knew some of you would be interested in it as well. I had yet to purchase a camera bag for my Canon DSLR because they all seem so bulky and masculine. I know they are vital to your camera's life, but I just had not taken the plunge yet. I would rather stuff it in my purse  -- with the lens cap on, of course!

So, I introduce to you the 'ONA' bag insert. It fits into your bag, purse, suitcase, etc. and provides ample protection for your camera and lens. The canvas bag itself is pretty stylish in my opinion, and is waterproof! It also has plenty of pockets and dividers to fit all you may need. Check out these images from the site:

tucks neatly inside of your purse

Mine is on the way so I will try to update ya'll with my review. Do you have a stylish camera bag that you would recommend? Please share!

HONEYMOON

I wanted to share some pictures from our week in St. Lucia after the wedding. If you want to hear all about it, then please read my Trip Advisor review. Otherwise, I think the pictures can explain it all! [click on all pics to enlarge]

our complimentary champagne, local Rum, fruity drink, and banana chips

1st sunset

breakfast at bayside

brandon read a lot so I got bored and took a lot of "feet" shots

margaritas!

breakfast at bayside

entering the tunnel to the spa

gros piton -- the larger of the two

dinner at ladera resort up the road - amazing view of both pitons - this is the petit piton

by the infinity pool at our villa

drink please!

lounging at the pool

dinner in the great room

before the couples massage

after dinner drinks at the cane bar

zip line tour

and met some fabulous new friends

I have more pictures of the beautiful resort itself that I will post as well. It definitely lived up to all the expectations from the website images!

FAMILY ADDITIONS

No, not an addition to my family. My parents have recently added a few new friends to their farm house and I wanted to share. As you may have noticed in earlier posts, my parents raise chickens ... for the fresh eggs, of course. Currently they have 1 rooster (Bob) and 4 hens that roam the yard. Chickens have really become a neighborhood trend and I like to think my Dad started it.

Dad has attempted to incubate eggs before, but it hasn't always been successful. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. So, he is giving it another try. He has 38 Rhode Island Red eggs in his incubator now that should hatch sometime Friday. He expects 60% to hatch and 50/50 roosters to hens. 

There is more -- Dad also purchased 12 Black Australorp biddies (baby chicks) from a friend that seriously raises chickens. I know, I know, you are thinking "wow, this is a lot" but, in the end, Dad hopes to have a mix of 12 Reds and Blacks and 1 Rooster. He can give away the excess hens.

the batch

the one's Dad chose 

Over Christmas our beautiful weimaraner, Greta,  tragically passed away. It was devastating and completely left a hole in our families' hearts - especially my Mom's. Recently Mom was put in touch with a breeder nearby and she was able to find a blue, female weimaraner similar to Greta - not to replace her - but to share the same companionship Greta offered.  We present to you, Ava! She is about 8-9 weeks old and looks so cute.

I have not met Ava yet, but I will be home in 3 weeks so I can't wait to meet her. I will be sure to snap some photos and document the chicken experiment!