Tut tut looks like rain...

We've had so many rainy days this summer that I might need to invest in another pair of rain boots. I found these at J. Crew, Shiny Hunter® Wellington boots in wild peony.

Photo courtesy of J. Crew

I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle...

This is one of my final crushes for the summer, the Electra Navy 3i bicycle.

Photo courtesy of Electra

Hello, Cupcake!

Authors: Karen Tack & Alan Richardson
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Making cupcakes for your next party and need a few creative ideas? Look no further because Hello, Cupcake! is here. I received this book as a gift and absolutely love it because all of their designs are imaginative and are easy for a novice to replicate. The designs for the most part are easy to execute except for a few which require a little patience and determination. The absolute best thing about the book, no baking skills or fancy pastry equipment are required! Below are a few examples:

The picture above are Corn on the Cob. They are vanilla cupcakes with Jelly Bellys (assorted yellow, cream, and white colors) as the kernels, the butter are fruit chews (Laffy Taffy or Starbursts), and the salt & pepper are black and white sugar. These would be great for dessert at a BBQ. Don't forget the corn holders!

Finally they also include some delicious cupcake and frosting recipes in the last chapter in case you want to try a more homemade tasting recipe. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking to liven up their ordinary cupcakes or to impress your friends and family!

If you enjoyed the book Hello, Cupcake! then you will love the new wall calendar for 2010 on sale now for $13.99


Photos courtesy of Houghton Mifflin Company

Coffee Cup Cozy

Give your dull coffee mug a makeover! These cute hand knitted mug cozies will brighten up an old coffee mug or give it a fresh new look. Each cozy has a cute button detail closure. This would make a great gift for anyone, especially a co-worker. These can be found exclusively on Etsy by pinkpetaldesigns.

Price: $7.00 (plus $4 .00 shipping)

Photo courtesy of pinkpetaldsigns

Books to Read: Wesley the Owl

A heartwarming story about a dedicated biologist, Stacey O'Brien, and an orphaned barn owl, Wesley, as they end up saving each others lives. If you loved the book Marley & Me then you will love this sweet tale about man's best friend having feathers rather than fur. I highly recommend adding Wesley the Owl to your list of books to read...you won't regret it!

Photo courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Vintage Inspired Jewelry

Today on Etsy, I found this designer on their "Pounce" section where they feature discovered and undiscovered sellers. I fell in love with this orange dahlia necklace (pictured above) due to its refreshing design and vibrant color. The designs were created by Vintage Inspired Jewelry. You can find rings, necklaces, earrings and even hair pins in an array of colors. They range in price from $14-$28 and would make a wonderful addition to your jewelry collection as a statement piece.


Photos courtesy of Vintage Inspired Jewelry

Adult Lunch Boxes

Who knew taking your lunch to work could look so chic? I remember back in grade school we would go to the store to pick out our new lunch box for the year. This used to be a highlight of back to school shopping since everyone would want the latest and greatest lunch box with matching thermos. (See photo)


This more grown up approach to taking your lunch to work is simple and practical. The brand Built has a large variety of sizes and not to mention colors/patterns to choose from. The one pictured is the french bull vine/raspberry sorbet and it costs $22.00. All their products are made from neoprene, the wetsuit material, which makes it light weight and durable. You can also find laptop sleeves, camera cases and diaper bags, just to name a few.

Photo courtesy of Built

Flowers Always in Bloom

How sweet are these flowers? I found them on Etsy today and thought that they would brighten up any room no matter the season. The seller, Studio Happy Nest, has a real knack for 3-D paper art. She has created a variety of bouquets such as roses (pictured) and daisies with more to be unveiled in the upcoming weeks. Her designs are $75.00 (plus$7.50 for shipping within the U.S.)

This is such a great idea that its given me a new project to start very soon and I can't wait to begin. Check back in the coming weeks for an update!

Photo courtesy of Studio Happy Nest

Imprint On My Heart

Imprint On My Heart has some of the sweetest keepsake items that you will treasure for a lifetime. Through their unique process of wax casting, they take a fingerprint or thumbprint and imprint them in either Sterling Silver, 14kt/18kt Yellow, White, and Rose Gold in the shape of your choice. Imprints can be placed on rings, pendants, bracelets, etc.

These pendants would especially make a sweet gift for a first time mother to capture their new born baby's small fingerprints or even a thoughtful Mother's Day gift. You can even add a special touch of your own handwriting or a special child's drawing in their Love Notes Signature Collection.

Photos courtesy of Imprint On My Heart

A new tote bag to love courtesy of Vineyard Vines

I recently was looking for a stylish summer tote bag and stumbled upon this adorable new bag from Vineyard Vines. If you haven't heard of Vineyard Vines yet I suggest that you get to know them. The company is based out of Martha's Vineyard and they originally started selling ties but now offer everything from clothing to tote bags.

The tote bags come in a variety of patterns or you can even display your love for your favorite MLB, NFL or College team. (The tote bag pictured is sold only exclusively through Chi Omega's website Chi O Creations for any Chi O's out there.)

Photo courtesy of Chi O Creations

Welcome to Little Maven Creative

This blog was created to share creative ideas big or small. Each post will be filled with things that I've found/like and want to help spark the creative side in everyone.