Color Inspiration Daily: 11. 26. 12

Hi lovelies! For today's color inspiration I thought I'd mix things up a bit and share a photo that I took while out in California during this past Thanksgiving weekend (it was a great trip).

My grandparent's deck is visited regularly by a wide variety of birds (the most elusive being the hummingbird). Of course I was bound and determined that I wouldn't leave California before capturing one of them with my camera. By the last day, with several stealthy but failed daily attempts behind me I was certain that I would be going home with empty camera in tow. With only a short while left before our departure, I decided to give it one last go, and crept out onto the deck.

Immediately I spotted a beautiful hummingbird perched on a branch in the tree nearby. I tried a few nervous photos from the doorway, but at that distance the little guy looked more like a miniscule leaf than a bird. I shimmied closer to the tree, certain that he'd fly off, but amazingly he continued to sit. Finally I was close enough to put my camera through the space in the railings...the perfect vantage point to get a great shot. I stealthily leaned forward (right before lifting my camera to my eye) and put my face directly into a huge spider web that I hadn't notice while in my hummingbird trance! Visions of black widows swarmed through my head, but since he was still posing for me I didn't want to risk scaring him off by batting at my web-covered face like a crazy lady. My little feathered friend was quite brave as I clicked away, turning his head in curiosity with each release of shutter. He only flew off a few minutes later when a crow landed nearby. After hastily wiping the web from my face I was delighted to discover that I had a handful of successful photos as a reward for my efforts. Next time I think I'll look before I lean though!

P.S. I added a small print of this Hummingbird photograph to my shop yesterday. There is also FREE Worldwide shipping available until the end of today (11/26/12). Oh, and my William and Margaux prints are now available as throw pillows! Awesome! Visit my shop here.

Get Your Holi-DIY On with Anthropologie + Creature Comforts

Hi friends! I'm excited to announce that I've teamed up with Anthropologie this holiday season (November 14th to be exact) to host an awesome evening of festive crafting fun at their Oklahoma City store (address above, and also listed below). We'll be creating sweet star garlands for you to adorn your home and holiday gifts with, and it's going to be a blast!

There are two 1-hour long sessions available, and spaces are extremely limited. So if you're in the Oklahoma City area and are looking for a wonderful way to spend the evening crafting amongst friends I hope you'll RSVP today! And if you're not in Oklahoma City but close enough to drive, you are still welcome! I'll be driving well over an hour to get there myself...so don't be shy, I promise the trip with be worth it! Scroll on down for details on how to RSVP and more! Hope to see you in Oklahoma City! xo Ez

This event takes place at Anthropologie in Oklahoma City on Wednesday, November 14th. Two sessions are currently available: 5-6pm or 6-7pm (both will be awesome). Please email RSVP anthroevents@anthropologie.com to reserve your spot (be sure to include your preferred session time in your message).

Location: Anthropologie | The Triangle at Classen Curve | 6100 NW Grand Boulevard | Oklahoma City, OK

Penelope's Cozy Travel-wear

Hi guys! Sorry for the late post today. I'm getting ready for a short trip that I'll be leaving for tomorrow, so I'm a little crazed with that, and a bit more side-tracked than I'd like to be.

Anyhow, since I have travel packing on the brain I thought it would be fun to create a little outfit post today showing my favorite sort of travel-wear (cozy and cute). This time we have Penelope the anteater showing off her wardrobe (last time it was Audrey the fox). She's a girl after my own heart, with sweet snacks and a great magazine in hand...although I just might have to pass on the choco-ants.

Also, before I dive back into packing I want to thank you all for your kind response to my illustrated post last week. Your sweet encouragement really means so much to me. So thank you! xo Ez

Mabel Wears: UO Double Cable-Knit Scarf | BCBGMaxAzria V-Neck Tunic | AG Stevie Ankle Jeans in Turquoise | Baggu Black Leather Tote | Printed Phone Case | Mirar Snake Print Ankle Boots

Holiday Advertising on Creature Comforts

Hi guys! It's that time of year again...can you believe it?! If you have a shop or business that you'd like to promote for the busy shopping season, it's time to start thinking about holiday advertising. I don't do many announcements related to advertising here on Creature Comforts, but since we have a couple different options available this year, and only limited availability I wanted to let you know right away.

Firstly we have our traditional ad banners (right-hand column placement) available with rates starting as low as $183. Those are available in a range of sizes and durations to suit your business needs.

Secondly, in place of Gifted Magazine this year I will be sharing the same array of fabulous Gift Guides and DIY projects right here on Creature Comforts (there will be no need to go elsewhere for your holiday shopping/inspiration)! To make these guides possible I'm opening up each themed gift guide to a very limited number of sponsors. These sponsored spots will be a part of the gift guide posts, and are the perfect way to spotlight a hot product in your shop and have it seen by Creature Comforts' readers and holiday shoppers. A few more technical details about these sponsored spots that are worth noting:

• In-content/post placement
• SEO driver: product and website text links
• High impact 280x280 pixel product shot
• Limited placement available...don't miss out!

If you're interested in checking out the advertising possibilities for your business this holiday season, please reach out to Marichelle (creaturecomfortsblogads@gmail.com) with your inquiries. We look forward to working with you this season!

Photo Friday: The Charm of Imperfection

Lately I haven't had nearly as much time to wander around photographing the world around me as I would like. A recent plague of migraine headaches (that take my vision with them) have been keeping me indoors and away from too much light. So even though they are not so "perfect" or fancy as those taken with my Nikon, I'm still pretty happy if I can get a shot or two with my phone here and there.

I actually find that there is something reassuring about iPhoneography...that the self-imposed demand of perfection that tends to creep in when shooting with a DSLR (thinking about, focus, exposure, dof, etc.) tends to fall by the wayside when you have less control over the final outcome.

Of course post-editing is available on your phone (which can be fun)...but still the imperfection has its charm. I'm learning to embrace it!

P.S. In case anyone is wondering, these photos were taken and processed with the VSCO CAM app.