Etsy Finds & Faves: Mum's the Word

Okay...hold the presses! Can you believe how soon Mother's Day is?!! Are you as panicked by the the realization as I am (10 days away people...10 days)? Phew! I haven't even begun to figure out what to get or make for my Mom, but these pretties are a good starting place for inspiration. BTW I'm currently working on a little Mother's Day printable for you all for next week (crossing my fingers that it turns out). See you on Monday! xo Ez

Hello my pretties:

• Wired Pom Pom Trim - The Gilded Bee
• Mason Jar Hanging Chandelier - Boots N Gus
• Wooden Bracelet - Fortune
• 3 Eco Tubes of Organic Lip Balm - Phoenix Botanicals
• Choose Your Set of 2 Cotton Scarves - Dear June

Sponsor Spotlight: Freshline Illustration

Hello lovely friends! It's Friday so I'm back today to post in my special section here on Creature Comforts that spotlights my long-term blog sponsors (many of the ones who you see at the right). This blog would truly not be possible without their support, so this is my little way of saying thanks for making my dream of blogging an ongoing reality. They are awesome!

This week's sponsor is the lovely Freshline Illustration. Skip on over to the Freshline Illustration shop for cheery art prints, fabric, custom pillows and more. In addition to her ready made products, owner/designer Colleen loves to work on custom pieces for her customers (designs that are perfect for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries...or Mother's Day).

Since Colleen is such a sweetheart, she is offering a 10% discount in her shop to Creature Comforts readers (offer expires next Friday). Just enter the promo code "CreatureComforts10" at checkout to redeem.

*Please note, that while ad placement (in the right-hand column) was purchased by my featured sponsors, the Sponsor Spotlight segment is not a paid portion.

Prop Happy

Hi sweets and happy Friday to you! Today I thought I'd show you a few photos that I took yesterday after being inspire by Helene Dujardin's book, Plate to Pixel. To be honest I've just been gazing at all the pages in the book and haven't yet found enough time to really sit down and read it (this weekend will be that time though...and I can't wait). So with that being said, these pictures really shouldn't be seen as a reflection of just how amazing the book is (since I haven't even had the opportunity to learn anything yet). But just flipping through as much as I did left me incredibly inspired and I just had to set up a little faux photo shoot right away for fun. First I started with pretty little baking props...

...and then moved on to paint brushes from my craft shelf.

Next I grabbed some random twine...

...and I probably could have spent all day happily snapping photos if I had nothing else required of me (wouldn't that be nice)!

Oh...and if you are curious, the straws came from Shop Sweet Lulu and the cupcake liners are from Martha Stewart (discontinued) and Bake it Pretty. Hope your Friday is sweet! xo Ez

Photos by me (Ez Pudewa)

Plate to Pixel by Helene Dujardin

Hello sweets! Today I am just bursting to share my excitement over the newly released book Plate to Pixel: Digital Food Photography & Styling, by über talented Helene Dujardin (you probably know her from her blog Tartlette). I pre-ordered my copy on Amazon last month, and it arrive just yesterday. Honestly, I've been made nearly speechless by this gorgeous treasure of a book (I just want to disappear for a while and read it nonstop from cover to cover).

Each page is filled with exquisite photography (of course), tips and tricks galore...and my favorite part is the comfortable and unpretentious tone that Helene uses to teach with. There is no criticism or negativity to be found within this book's pages. This is a tome about fostering your photographic and stylistic talents in a way that suits your personal taste best. I think the quote used at the start of the Introduction says it best: "Follow your heart, but be quiet for a while first. Ask questions, then feel the answers. Learn to trust your heart." -Unknown

I also spoke to Helene briefly yesterday and she shared this lovely insight into the passion and motivation behind the creation of her book..."I am thrilled to see that people are seeing the gist of the book right of the bat: to extend a guiding hand and share, explain, demonstrate and relax at the same time. If I can lift the stress and frustrations of one person when it comes to photography, then it was worth it." Isn't that lovely!

Take a peek at the making and mission of this book in this sweet video shot by Helene's friend, Taylor Mathis (psst...the handsome gentleman seen throughout is Helene's husband):

If you'd like a chance to win a copy of Plate to Pixel you can head over to her Helene's blog right now and enter yourself in her giveaway (contest closes on April 29th).

All images © Helene Dujardin - Posted with permission.

J.Crew - May 2011

It's been a long time since I opened my monthly J.Crew catalog and actually couldn't put it down. I love the vivid pops of color, playful accessories...and the couple shots throughout are too cute for words. Pop over to J.Crew online to see their latest. I'm feeling almost excited for Summer now! xo Ez

Featured goodies:

• Cosabella® for J.Crew Ceylon Soft Bra in Neon Coral
• Woven Straw Fedora in Hickory Black
• Bhati Beads Silk Planets Bracelet (would make a great DIY)
• Iris Suede Sandals in Wild Berry
• Drakes London® Printed Scarf in Green Red
• Amina Belt in Neon Azalea