Mother's Day gift ideas...from NOVICA...

Hello and Happy Sunday!  I have a special treat for you from Novica, which is a new site to shop for goods made around the world in association with National Geographic  

When I was little, I used to love reading National Geographic because it gave me insight into other cultures and people around the world. This was where I first learned about Mt. Everest and the Himalayas. Where I learned about people living in Africa with different customs, clothes, food and jewelry. Places with no cars, telephones, TV's or books.  Novica is a unique marketplace where artisans from around the world can showcase their creations in one place, and give us, the consumers, a real connection to where its from, and more importantly, who crafted it, whether jewelry, furniture, handbags or art. Each item includes a full story and history of the artisan.

I have chosen some great items for Mom, or birthday, or gift for someone that you may need. I have been on the lookout for unique handbags, and I think I found what I'm looking for. Rather than buy a handbag from Macy's that was made in China, I would rather buy a one of a kind from an artisan who is trying to make a living in a remote part of the world.  Here are some gift ideas:

Please note that all of these are available with FREE GIFT WRAP!!

Gorgeous sterling silver pendant - Modern Heart necklace - $38.99
More info

Zapotec cotton bedspread - 'Emerald Fields' - $169.95 (King size)
More info

'Ebony Chic' cotton jewelry case - $49.95
More info

Cotton handbag - 'Blue Butterflies' - $21.49
More info

Cotton shoulder bag - 'Shadow of the Forest' - $49.95
More info

Rustic marble backgammon Set - $72.95
More info

Reclaimed teakwood chair - $189.99
More info

Cotton + Leather shoulder bag - 'Evening Dew' - $89.99
More info



Be sure to check out the following links as well:

Unique Gifts for Mom
Jewelry Gifts for Mom
Necklace Gifts for Mom
Religious Gifts for Mom
Sculpture Gifts for Mom

You can also join their site of curators: Novica Curators
and create your own collections like Elizabeth Gilbert
has - the author of 'Eat Pray Love' !!


(all images courtesy Novica.com)

I received a gift certificate and after viewing all the
fantastic products, I will have a hard time choosing  
what I want. I hope you enjoy learning about this wonderful
artisan site - have a great day!!

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Best of MI...Traveling in style indeed...

Happy Weekend bloggers! Well, I have to go to work tomorrow for inventory so I will not have a full day off...but, this cold weather here in downeast Maine has me dreaming of warm climates and sandy beaches or European cities, I'm not picky!   Please join me for another post from my 'Best of' series about traveling and looking oh-so-stylish. I would LOVE to look this chic all the time...oh well, a little dreaming is ok right? 


Best of MI from April 2012:

Well, I was supposed to be in London this week but got a cold and was unable to fly. I won't bore you with the details, but, I have had four ear operations and flying with any congestion is just not possible. So, I was thinking...a long time ago I lived in Great Britain and flying back home regularly introduced me to looking more like a grown up rather than a student, since I was a few years out of college: looking great while making the skip across the pond. I used to make a real effort because I didn't want to look like a typical American in a nylon jogging suit that made a loud swishing sound when walking. I was determined to stand out from the crowd. I remember one outfit of leggings, a beautiful pair of brown boots and my mother's big brown faux fur coat. I thought I looked pretty good and I probably did!! It was better than sweats...so, from my favorite pin board take a look at these:

OMG, who wouldn't want these gorgeous bags to fly with???

I would love to step off the plane wearing this, preferably on the tarmac 

where the paparazzi are waiting...;-)

Yes, I will take those sunglasses and I want my hair like that too...

Ok, Kelly Ripa doppelganger (I think)...but the pearls and glasses make the

statement...hello love, I'm here...

I would like to carry this bag on the plane with me, but, with white gloves on too...

I secretly wish I could dress like its the 1950's all the time...I would love

to wear this for travel...or to work...

Back to reality...I love this chic and colorful outfit and it 

would look right in London...

Or polka dots...I would love to wear this while pulling my 

suitcase behind me at Heathrow...

The more casual travel look, but still paparazzi-effective with the scarf...

This looks so comfortable - the bag isn't too big,

the leopard scarf, Birkin like bag and smile just 

screams 'I'm cool' -

Now, my grandparents used to drive one hour home from their lake house and 

would dress up - suit, tie, dress, patent handbag...the works.  They might

stop for dinner and run into people they knew. But, full disclosure, my grandfather was a former Congressman so he could be recognized and always wanted to look his best. 

I think we have lost the art of dressing up everyday and I wish we could go back to a time when everyone made an effort to look presentable whether at the grocery store or dropping the kids off at school.

When you look good, you feel good and people will treat others differently based on appearance. 

Do you like to stand out from the crown when you travel or go to the store? Do tell!

Have a great week, welcome and thank you to my new followers!

(images via)

Please email me for help with styling your home at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com - 

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Gotta have these...organization edition...

Hello there, I apologize for spotty posts, but, I have just moved again, so my focus is trying to get my home in order and I just got my computer up and running again last night.  Thank you for stopping by for another edition of what's out there in the design world for the home and because I am in a very small cottage, topping my list is finding practical ways to store items. Of course, a trip to Goodwill wouldn't be a bad thing if I need to get rid of stuff!!

Here are some great decorative items to help you store your belongings:

I had the smallest box when I was little (my best friend did too) and we

LOVED them!! Great for jewelry and cosmetics, vitamins and random items. 

I may need another one now! Go to the Container Store

for more information; prices are from $16.99 to $39.99 -

This is a great for maximizing space -

I used to work for a closet design company and the double

hung organizer is key to doubling your hanging space - I 

could use one of these too - $19.99 at Target -

I can't do this edition without Ikea!  This is a set of 7 boxes

for just $12.99 - you really can't beat IKEA's fabulous

pricing - how great are these?? For multiple uses -

IKEA's Garnityr boxes 

Can you use any of these items? Let me know! Feel free to leave

me a comment telling me your favorite find or creative way for organizing any 

part of your home - I'd love to hear it and possibly use it in my new home.

Have a great rest of the week !

If you need help decorating your home, I am available for my VirtualDecor

Services at great rates - email me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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GREEN is GOOD...

Green is the new trend in fashion and design and I couldn't be happier about this versatile color taking front and center.  Used in fabrics, paints, wallpapers, accessories and rugs it is also considered very lucky in Feng Shui, so place a kelly green pillow or rug in your house and get lucky!! What do you think? Are you loving this trend or not?

(image by me)

(image by me)

DON'T FORGET FASHION!!!

(all images via and via except where noted)

GREEN IS INFLUENCING DESIGN AS WELL AS FASHION, HANDBAGS

AND JEWELRY - WHAT IS YOUR FAVE?

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!!

PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR MY INTERIOR DECORATING SERVICES BOTH 

IN NEW ENGLAND AND VIRTUALDECOR VIA EMAIL - GREAT RATES AND

RESULTS!! GET THE HOUSE READY FOR FALL! MONACOINTERIORS76@YAHOO.COM.

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Going green...

I love to support Etsy and the wonderfully creative artists who paint, make jewelry and sell all kinds of handmade items.  This artist and her green jewelry really caught my eye as it was recently featured on the main page. Apparently the artist Tami is also a dentist! Check out the lovely necklaces and earrings here  -

Such gorgeous shots of the jewels don't you think?? The colors are so inspirational as well - it would be great to do a room with these colors as accents. I can't decide which I love best how about you?

Hope your week is going well! Thanks for visiting me here, see you next time!

(images poppylaynestudio on etsy.com)

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Colorful jewelry...

I just bought a couple of pieces of jewelry I wanted to share since they are so beautiful and I think you will like them...I love turquoise, but wanted something a bit different. I am still drawn to blues and greens...for more of these pieces, which are handmade right here in New England, go here. The colors are so inspirational and I would love to see a room in these colors wouldn't you??

Diane, the artist, uses sea glass, exotic stones, silver, beads and glass beads to make her funky creations.  If you are interested in seeing more of her work and want to contact her, please visit her website, funky findings. Diane does home parties, business functions and showcases her jewelry with other local artists at regional events .

(images by Sarah for Monaco Interiors)

Don't forget to FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER AND FACEBOOK!!!

If you need help sprucing up or decorating a space, I can assist you with any project large or small. Please contact me at monacointeriors76@yahoo.com.

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