fantasy art and tree chatter of aquariann

Considering all the green glitz and gold glamor of Mardi Gras, it's strange that I haven't ever dressed up to celebrate the carnival season. Sure, I've went dancing at bars and been hit in the head by a rainbow of Mardi Gras beads from the band, but half-heartedly wearing those free necklaces doesn't count. This year I'll at least take advantage of the excuse to wear even more purple glitter to work on Fat Tuesday. And perhaps next year I'll be prepared to party in true New Orleans fashion! The handmade shops on Etsy offer quite a parade of shiny options. I had a ball browsing through masquerade costume accessories and miniature mask jewelry. 1. Mardi Gras Mister Earrings by I Heart Carrot Cake 2. Green with Gold Accents Mardi Gras Mask by Signature Art Works 3. Shimmery Blue And Lavender Leather Mask by Beadmask 4. New Orleans Square Mardi Gras Necklace by Life is the Bubbles Disclaimer: This post was inspired by Beadmask and Life is the Bu...

I was silly shy as a teenager, so I found quiet ways to express myself using my hands. I didn't start drawing until I was older, but I wrote tons of letters to pen pals. Since I spent a lot of time looking at my hands while writing, I embellished my fingers with shiny rings and pretty polish. Over the years, I've continued to get compliments on my long fingernails, but I've painted them less and less often. Ogre is sensitive to the smell, so I try to squeeze time into my schedule to paint when I won't be around him for several hours. I hadn't thought to try scent-free nail wraps until fellow FAE Kimberly asked me to help her host a giveaway for a sheet of Jamberry Nails. She sent me monster nail wrap samples before it started and they weren't scary to apply at all! All I did was cut a Qtip in half to hold the wrap while I heated it with a hair dryer for five seconds, pressed it to clean nail, trimmed and reheated for another five seconds. And just that easi...

I don't know if strawberries being my favorite fruit stems from my taste buds or my childhood adoration for the Strawberry Shortcake cartoon . Either way, I'm berry pleased to have a new addition to the strawberry collection in my kitchen. Ildi of Ceraminic sent me a cute ceramic dish that made a safe journey all the way from the Netherlands! She handmade the strawberry plate from white clay, then painted both sides with a quality non-toxic glaze. The texture speckling the juicy red was created with tulle and mimics the white polka dots. The glossy pottery piece measures 5.75"x4" and can be used as a spoon rest, dessert dish or jewelry holder. Disclaimer: I received this free ceramic dish as a thank you gift for hosting a giveaway. If you think your handmade creations would harmonize with my whimsical ramblings, learn how to sponsor a giveaway here .

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Meg Arthur for submitting the randomly-chosen 850th entry. I don't want to wish my birthday month away, but I am past ready for spring to march into my life again. If you're also weighed down with winter blues, I have news to lighten your mood. One of you will win the pretty prize pack above from Trinkets by Dana . She's brightening the winner's wardrobe with unique claw stud earrings, adjustable love infinity bracelet and golden rose chain headband. As if those prizes weren't sweet enough, she's topping it off with a whipped cream phone accessory that prevents dust from getting into an iPhone or Android headphone jack. Dana's life philosophy is that it's the little things that make people happy. And she makes a lot of little things! From friendship jewelry to party favors, her Etsy shop is bound to offer something small that brings you joy. Get giddy and receive 15% off any order by using coupon...

"What this old world needs is more bouquets handed around to folks when they are alive and kicking. Flowers don't do a dead one much good." - Poems And Paragraphs by Robert Elliott Gonzales You may have noticed I was quite quiet the first week of February. Ogre and I were celebrating my birthday in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. After splurging on vacation, I wasn't expecting much for Valentine's Day. But he surprised me with a Kit Kat heart box and a beautiful bouquet of spring flowers. My favorites were the pale purple dahlias. Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun!

EDIT: Giveaway is officially over. Congratulations to Susie King for submitting the randomly-chosen 166th entry. Are you tired of wearing long sleeves instead of beautiful bracelets, too? Ready your wrists for warmer weather by winning a leather wrap bracelet by Tanya of Accessodium . She is giving one winner the above piece of unisex jewelry - so beware that your man might steal it if you win, ladies. The earthy bracelet measures 15" and is designed to wrap twice around a 7" wrist. If you aren't as hopeful as I that the worst of winter is over, you may want to bundle up in Tanya's other creations. She was born in Ukraine and learned to knit at a young age after being enchanted by her Granny's skills. Her fashion cowls, chunky headband ear warmers and slouchy beanie hats will make you look hot even on the coldest of days. <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/2014/02/jewelry-giveaway-wrap-bracelet-leather.html" target="_blank"><i...

The Valentine Shop Hop rode off into the sunset with Prince Charming until next year! All submissions are still available to swoon over on my Valentine Pinterest board . Below is an Etsy treasury featuring the gift ideas that got the most clicks. Have a Lovely Valentine's Day! Copper Heart Brooch. Copper... GypsyMoonArt $24 ...

"Fish got to swim and birds got to fly. I got to love one man till I die, can't help lovin' dat man of mine." - Show Boat Song Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II Don't these cuddly yellow lovebirds at the RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo in Tennessee make a cute couple? Have a Happy Valentine's Day! Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun!

"And finally Winter, with its bitin', whinin' wind, and all the land will be mantled with snow." - Roy Bean I took a freeze frame of UD's wind turbine from Irish Eyes' deck, overlooking the icy Lewes-Rehoboth canal. Fortunately, a happy hour beer was only steps inside to warm me up. Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun!