etsy gems - come on spring

Here in mid-Missouri, we've been slammed with blizzards for a week or so now. Jimmy and I couldn't get out of the house last week, and temperatures have been dipping into the negatives after dark. I love snow, but I've officially had enough of it this year, along with heavy winter food--I'm ready for light, summery fruits and vegetables, and I'm craving color the way I crave food. Since our landscape refuses to compromise on this all-white color scheme, I went hunting with the Pounce tool through Etsy's undiscovered treasures to satisfy my craving. Here goes!

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1. I'm thinking a table full of these sweet pinwheels might make even the awful winter winds seem like a spring breeze. Modern Love paper pinwheel, HurrahPinwheels, $6.

2. "Put a bird on it!" I'm already digging through my closet for that pale-turquoise sundress that serves as my go-to for spring weddings--think I could use a new accessory for it! Romantic flower and bird fascinator,  Ghost of a Gipsy, $27.80.

3. These crocheted bangles in juicy colors seem like the perfect transition accessory--they look like they'd keep your arms warm with sleeveless spring tops. Wild berry bangles, Dirty Lush, $22.

4. Simple, modern, classic, and colorful: I think that yellow bag might be coming home with me. Yellow vegan felt handbag, anonimaMente, $48.65.

5. I love a good salvaged piece, and this cheerful red dresser is just what the doctor ordered to brighten up my living room. George dresser, The Salvage Collection, $325.

6. Nothing says spring to me like old-school calico prints. Paired with creamy cotton, it's a rustic piece of heaven. Toadstool embroidered pincushion, evajeanie, $9.96.

7. Finish off your "wishful thinking" pre-spring ensemble with these dainty, pale-pink earrings. Pink quartz 14k gold wrapped flower earrings, zhuzhudesign, $52.

There you have it! Are you feeling the winter blues too? Show us your best Etsy picks for spring!

fresh wedding theme: warm and cool january wedding

Winter weddings get a bad rap. Yes, it can be harder to travel and have an outdoor ceremony; however, we don't think there's any more dramatic setting than rows of trees dripping with icicles and soft, glittering snow covering the ground. And everyone can use a pick-me-up in January, after the holidays are over and a few more months of chill are stretching ahead. It's possible to have a beautiful, cozy, untraditional soiree in this gray month--just work with your setting, not against it. Here are some ideas!

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1. Choose a gown in a soft cream, rather than snow white, to warm your skin tone instead of washing you out. Flowing chiffon with dramatic fabric details will make a statement without competing with the glitter of snow and ice. Pronovias "Arpa," approximately $2800-$3800, pronovias.com for locations

2. Towering manzanita branches evoke the natural beauty of leafless winter trees; painting them gold, adding drips of Tiffany-blue crystal and dotting them with preserved orchids bring breathtaking glamour to your tables. Manzanita centerpiece by Michelle Rago, michelleragoltd.com for pricing

3. An unexpected combination, yellow gold and glowing aqua chalcedony earrings provide the perfect accompaniment to your dramatic dress without overwhelming your face. "Tiffany" earrings, LiciaBeads on Etsy, $18. Note: LiciaBeads is offering 20% off your entire purchase in her store for Blimpblog readers until next Wednesday! Just use this code at checkout: 119TO26BC20

4. Creamy white sheepskin half-gloves keep your fingers warm without burying your hands, and provide a subtle high-fashion touch to your ensemble. White sheepskin short gloves, $14.99, lightinthebox.com.

5. The right music can change everything. Fortunately for January brides, you've got a perfect built-in wedding song with indie cred. Download "January Wedding" by the Avett Brothers, and keep your tissues handy. (While you're at it, snag the whole album--it's a masterpiece.) Avett Brothers' "I and Love and You," $11.68, Amazon.com.

6. Choosing a color palette right off the bat will guide your selections and virtually guarantee your wedding will have a harmonious feel. We've started with a pale Tiffany blue for a less-traditional twist on icy blue, then warmed it with complementary gold and creamy ivory, and added navy and charcoal for contrast. Deepen your colors as the day goes on for a gorgeous transition from day to night! Palette, "January Wedding" by blimpcat on ColourLovers.

7. Who says your wedding ring has to be a diamond? I'm a big fan of gemstone rings, like this stunning aquamarine and rose gold solitaire. "Aquamarine Cushion" ring, onegarnetgirl on Etsy, $458.

8. To avoid an overly dark look--especially on a dreary afternoon--go with a gray tux instead of the traditional black. Here we've paired it with an ivory shirt, pale gold vest and bow tie for a light twist on a classic look. Calvin Klein 2-button Super 110 tuxedo, menswearhouse.com for locations.

9. Keep your cake's base color a simple cream, accenting with gold and white in dramatic configurations for a modern classic. Two-tier wedding cake by Melissa Fryer of Sarah's Cake shop, call for pricing.

10. A mostly monochromatic bouquet with many shades of ivory and lots of texture--calla lilies, roses, ranunculus, and anemones, mixed with willow branches and marabou feathers--lends a breath of fresh air to the traditional white bridal bouquet. Textured bouquet, source unknown; contact your local florist and bring a photo.

Hopefully this post has given you some inspiration to throw your own gorgeous, cozy January fete! Feel free to show us your own ideas!