I lol-ed.

I'm still amazed by the varying opinions about my post on The Duggars from this Spring. Everyone seems to have something to say about them, their family, their life, their kids, and we're so passionate about it! We're emotionally invested in their situation as if we actually know them, because on some level we all do. My good friend Rachael M. made a very important point, which I feel like not enough of us are actually considering.... they have opened themselves up to criticism by inviting TV cameras into their lives.

My guilty pleasure is celebrity gossip. Thanks to FameCrawler I was on the Britney Spears meltdown last winter like a monkey on a cupcake. I love reading about other people's lives, and you do too. You wouldn't be reading blogs if you didn't! Our society embraces a certain level of voyeurism, from gossip magazines at the grocery checkout line to our ongoing obsession with reality television, its all around us. The Duggars realize this, and they've capitalized on it! Its simply unarguable. They made the choice to share their details, and they know we're watching.

We watch their day to day life on our televisions and assume that we know these people, their values, their family dynamic, but we don't. We know what we see, the edited version of their very interesting life, and we make very passionate assumptions about them based on the very limited information we have. My question is, why do we insist on protecting them, if they've chosen this life? We all know its out of the ordinary, we all realize these people aren't normal, they've obviously accepted this, because they realized they had a product like none other. We're offering criticism of their way of life, of their impact on our world, on their belief system, or we're shaming the critics for being so negative, because we truly care about these people. Regardless of how we feel about them, they've had an impact on our lives. They're selling their family values and we're supporting every bit of it, whether we agree or not.

I'm getting pumped for the holidays.

Would you guys like to see what I'm lusting after!? Good!

Tara has the kind of creative vision I'd like to have with any or all of my projects. Seriously, this girl has got some talent when it comes to jewelry. Her pieces are unique, fresh, fun, and elegant. I could definitely wear her stuff every. damn. day.


(my favorite necklace of all time)










I love the great state I live in, and that's why I love Rock City Outfitters


Fayetteville, the city I live in, got this crazyass nickname and there are a million different stories why. Here's what I know... I would love to wear this shirt all the time.


Buttons are also lovely if you're not quite at the same level of Arkansas pride as I am, or if you're just in need of more flair.






Handwoven rag bottom tiny person chair


I'm a little partial already, honestly. I've got a SWEET adult rocker and I've been eying one for the little bean for quite a while. Seriously, this thing is amazing. The seat is totally handwoven, scraps of old fabric in the coolest colors/patterns... I am madly in love with it.

I'm excited about adding a miniature version at some point soon. Especially since her new favorite phrase is "Rock Rock!"





I love Lindsay's wreaths. I'm a sucker for fall/winter decorations already so show me a well made wreath and I'm in! These aren't something you can find down at your local Hobby Lobby or Michael's, they're totally one of a kind, made with lots of love and fake flowers.
You know you love that just as much as I do.



I love art. Anyone who has seen my house will tell you I have a pretty random collection, but I'm always looking to add more. Here are some of my current favorites...


This print was a random Etsy find, I love it! - by Jessica Doyle


Another Etsy find - by Angela Vandenbogaard

My favorite painting by one of my very favorite artists - by the lovely and talented Amber Perrodin




And last, a list of awesome gift sites (not necessarily handmade, but spectacular nonetheless!)
Perpetual Kid - a super random collection of hilarious gifts
GirlPROPS - cheapInexpensive and hilarious jewelry!

I love fall.


Marti Pearl at the drive-through safari - photo by Wes


Windblown


Kisses and Pancakes - photo by Wes


Hugging a goat at the petting zoo - photo by Wes


You - photo by Wes


Ihop piranhas - photo by Wes