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Crochet Summer

05.25.11

I may or may not have an obsession with breakfast dates, especially ones at Liberty Market. A few days ago Scott and I went on a little breakfast date so that I could get my favorite yogurt + granola + dried fruit dish, and so we could share cortaditos (more on that later).

Crochet top: Levi’s; Grey shirt: Gap; Quartz ring: Stone & Honey; Jeans: Levi’s; Sandals: Saltwater Sandals
So before our breakfast came Scott and I drank mini cortaditos, which are mini lattes plus loads of raw sugar. They are a little intense (super sweet, and the espresso is strong), but they are so worth it.
Can you believe you can get a whole bowl of this drink? WOW! It must be SOO sweet!
On this particular morning I had this boho/hippie state-of-mind thing going on. Since we’re on the verge of summer (it has been in the 90’s all week), I’m going to attribute it to that. I just wanted (and still do) to wear braids in my hair and have it be wavy all the time (something that seems to be very hard for this naturally bone-straight hair girl).
Anyways, while waiting for our food we found out there was a bit of a mix-up and someone else got Scott’s blueberry pancakes (woops!), but the restaurant was kind enough to offer us breakfast on them.
Best breakfast, ever!
When it comes to pancakes, I’m hard to impress (my grandma make the best), but Scott’s blue berry pancakes were definitely impressive.
After finishing our delicious breakfast we headed outside to enjoy the sun and snap a couple of photos.
I’m still obsessed with this huge quartz ring I bought from Stone and Honey. When I’m in Colorado I’m hoping to find some unique jewelry. Every summer I seem to find something neat up there, so I’m hoping this summer isn’t an exception.
Today is my last full day in Arizona before I head out for the summer. I have so many little errands to run, and I’m going to try and avoid as many melt-downs as possible (leaving is a very hard thing to do, and the last day always seems to bring on the tears). I am looking forwarding to spending all day with Scott and just enjoying each other’s company. He keeps me grounded, and always knows the right things to say.
Have you ever tried a cortadito before? What’s your favorite coffee drink?
-Chelsea
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Summer in the City

05.24.11
I would be lying if I said that Arizona doesn’t have the most beautiful sunsets, because it totally does. Growing up I did a lot of traveling, and I would always judge a cities’/states sunsets compared to my home state’s (they would always fall short, of course). A major bonus of having such great sunsets is having amazing light for photos, I think that’s why I always love taking photos right when the twilight hits my pretty city.

Top: Frenchi; Skirt: Anthropologie / Gift from my friend Courtney; Black knee highs: c/o We Love Colors; Flats: Ruby & Bloom

Do you remember when I was asking on Twitter what gifts other’s had received for graduation, as my mom had been asking me what I wanted. Well, my parents ended up surprising me with the most beautiful diamond necklace. My mom said she wanted me to have something I could keep forever, something I could look at and remember that special day. This kind of made my heart melt. I will treasure my gift forever, and ever.



For my birthday my lovely friend Courtney surprised me with this pretty Anthropologie skirt. I told her I was eyeing it when I was trying out potential graduation dresses, so it was a very sweet surprised when she handed it to me the day before my birthday. Courtney seriously has the biggest heart, and I’m so happy to have her as a friend.

Today I’m just continuing to soak up my last few days in Arizona (for two months that is). When I get to Colorado I will have a lot of down time, so I’ve been thinking about what books I’m going to read and what improvements I might make to my blog. If I come up with a solid list of things I plan on doing/reading, I will definitely share.

On a side note, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t singing “Hit Me Baby One More Time” while taking these photos. Something about the knee highs and this skirt made me think of Brit and her young self, singing a song I was once obsessed with (yes, I was a Britney fan when I was a kid. There, I said it). The singing was all in good fun though. Scott had a good time laughing at me as I belted out the song word for word.
What are you up to today? What did you receive for graduation? Where you ever a Britney fan?
-Chelsea
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Scott’s Post

05.23.11
Not too long ago Scott and I went to a local mall one evening with the hope of just walking around, and not buying a thing. Well, all of that changed when Scott picked out this perfect jean, button-up shirt from the Gap sale rack and said he thought I should try it on. The outcome, Scott and I both loving the shirt, I ended up purchasing it and taking it home. Since Scott had picked it out I asked him what he would pair it with. He said my new rust/red pants and blue flats would go well with it. Well, since I couldn’t find the blue flats I own, my fav sandals took there place and Scott’s outfit was born.

Blouse: Gap; Bag: c/o Fabric & Handle; Pants: UO; Sandals: Saltwater Sandals

Having Scott pick out my clothes for the day was awesome. I not only felt great in my outfit, but loved knowing that Scott picked it out. All that was left for me to figure out was which purse to carry with it, so I decided to break one of those fashion rules, ya know, the no denim-on-denim rule, with my new tote from Fabric & Handle.
Fabric & Handle was founded in 2006 by Salinya Suthinarakorn. Her mission was to create well designed, useful and stylish bags. Her staffers work with a small team of tailors and leather workers in order to guarantee the quality of their handmade bags. They believe that besides good design, it’s craftsmanship and attention to detail that make the difference (which I love). I have to say that I’m just smitten with my tote, and I love that you can adjust the length of the straps by just pulling them off, and re-snapping them in their new spot. I have a feeling this is going to be my carry-all summer bag.

I just love the bow detail on this top! I feel like it makes a masculine piece look very feminine (my very favorite combo).
Today I’m still healing up from my wisdom teeth surgery, but doing very well. I’m having another small procedure done on my feet today, and then Wednesday I’m getting my two stitches taken out of my mouth. By the end of this I’m going to be happy not to go to a doctors office for a bit (although, I do need to see an allergist this summer).
I’m hoping to make the best of today. I’m thinking either a breakfast or lunch date is in order, and maybe a movie as well.
What are you up to today? How do you feel about denim on denim outfits?
-Chelsea
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May Medium & Small Sponsor Highlight Post

05.23.11
Check out all my lovely medium and small sponsors:

“Tikkr Watches – TIKKR (tick-ur) watches surfaced when Cory (Stout) discovered a simple, stylish design overseas that was too fun to let sit on a pier somewhere off the coast of China. He wanted to make sure everyone in the states could sport a clean, durable, watch that added a twist of customization with each band. Watch out for more fresh, new accessories from TIKKR that will add a touch to your personal style.”

The Paper Mama Shop – “I’m Chelsey. A wife to my best friend, and a new mommy to my sweet little girl, Laureli (a.k.a. Ruari). So far being a mama has been beautiful, surprising, and difficult all at once! On this path through mommy-hood I hope to enjoy life as much as I can (even when it seems impossible). I’m a crafter, scrapbooker, blogger, and finder of curious creative goods! I look forward to meeting all those amazing mama’s out there and hope you enjoy my journey too.”

Much Love, Illy – “The nickname illy comes from my best friend (now fiance! we’re getting married!!). (…) i love life and try my best to savor every single sec of it. i’m learning and growing. not perfect but i’m living. the most important thing in my life is my relationship with Christ, followed with my love for Ryan and my family. a few of my favorite things include: art. writing. coffee. the color green. popcorn. music. movies. shopping. blogging. nailpolish. laughter.”
The Veda House – “I’m Cassie and this blog is my little section of the internet where I can share all my random thoughts and all our little adventures. I live with “the boy” (Jake), our bitchy cat (Lucy) and the puppy that has so much energy (Porter). (…)I blog and take a bunch of photos, he collects ninja turtles and makes music. I drink lots of chocolate chai and collect handbags, vintage camera, paper cranes, and watch a ton of television series. We are slowly piecing together our little loft in St. Louis with found objects and furniture from other decades.”
Fabric & Handle – “Founded in 2006 by Salinya Suthinarakorn, our mission has been the same for the last few years. Creating well designed, useful and stylish bags. We work with a small team of tailors and leather workers to guarantee the quality of our handmade bags. We believe that besides good design, it is craftsmanship and attention to detail that make the difference.”
Niceties – “My name is Alice Jones and I am twenty-two years old. I live and work in central Wellington, New Zealand, but I grew up in the Wairarapa valley. Wellington is a beautiful city, but I am desperate to travel and would love to settle in Australia one day. I live with my boyfriend Charlie, our cat Wallace and our flatmate Matt. I spend eight hours a day at work on a computer immersed in current affairs, and then I come home and spend several more hours online doing my own thing- blogging, exploring, and Tweeting. I can be quite a quiet, shy person around strangers in real life, but I promise I’m really nice!”
Freckled Italian – “I was born in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I was raised and currently reside in Virginia. I graduated from Longwood University in May of 2010 with a B.A. in English and a minor in Creative Writing. After graduation, I came back to my hometown and moved into an apartment downtown, got a full time job, and applied to graduate school at Hollins University. Now I’m working on my M.A. in Children’s Literature. I love running, cooking, baking treats for the people I love, coffee, tea, sushi and laughing. I love to think and learn and watch movies and read books. I love meeting new people, so please stay a while and say hello.”
The Soaktree – “My name is Jihee (it’s easy, sounds like “G-He” haha). I am a student currently studying biology and hope to go to med school one day & own a successful bakery! I’ve recently found myself consumed with anything and everything crafts related and am so excited to have found such a giant community that share the same love for: cooking, baking, knitting, sewing, photography, films, music, fashion, and blogging of course!”
With Love From Michigan – “With Love From Michigan – Hello! My name is Brittni. I live in a small town in Michigan- I bet you guessed that, right? This is my blog about life and personal style. I started blogging in the summer of 2010 after I discovered that I wouldn’t be getting a teaching job for the 2010-11 school year. This is my attempt to enjoy this season in my life instead of being depressed by it. Thanks for stopping by. I love my readers!”
Tea and Luv – “Hello to all the lovelies out there! My name is Leigh (pronounced LEE), and Tea and Luv is my lifestyle blog where I share everyday sentiments from my life, give my thoughts on bad reality tv shows (can we say guilty pleasure?), share my current obsessions that turn into inspirations for my writing and jewelry making and give you some helpful hints for new music to check out. I am basically a normal Southern State gal having fun while trying to keep her head above water all while putting myself and all my flaws out on the internet for the world to read.”
Old Love in New Cities Etsy Shop – “As with all things beautiful, I wish them to continuously flourish long after they have left my hands. Keep checking back for more items added soon!


SublimeLite – “Hello there. My name is Danielle and this is my small part of the internet.I post what I see and I hope you find some sort of enjoyment looking at my findings. Please say hello! I love meeting new friends.”
Oh, Little Rabbit – A sweet husband and wife team run the Oh, Little Rabbit shop. The couple, that resides in the beautiful Northwest, hand prints their sweet designs on t-shirts, accessories, journals, and home goods. All of their items are unique, and are printed on only the best fabrics (my scarf is made by American Apparel).
Adorable You Vintage – “Thrift shopping has become a big part of my life in the past few years, and I thought I should share that with the world! 
I love vintage because there are endless possibilities in what you can find. I also love that vintage pieces have been previously loved by other adorable yous, and now they can be passed on and loved again. 
I only buy items that have not been significantly damaged. Any minor flaws will be noted in the description. I want to provide you with the best vintage shopping experience!”

Bird Trouble – “hello! i’m alexz. chicago born, midwest raised, chicago resident. squirrel, thrifting, and sewing/painting/sketching lover. visually inspired, adventure craver, organized dreamer. i own, design, and run Bird Trouble, a little handmade goodness. i’m a little part of the virtual world but i hope to inspire everyone who stops by.”
Shannon Bear – “This is just a project to find the beautiful, inspiring, or uplifting in everyday life. 365 days of beautiful. At least, it stared out that way. Since the beginning of January my blog has grown into a place of photography, experiences, DIY, and the like. I’m enjoying the journey of watching it change and grow as I continue on my journey with my sweet husband! Thanks for stopping by- feel free to leave your comments and thoughts. I’d love to connect with each of you!”
-Chelsea

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S&C

05.22.11


Besides the pain and swelling, the last few days have been wonderful. I’ve spent every second of time that I could with Scott, and will continue to do that until I leave for Colorado on Thursday.

Leaving him is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my life (count ’em four summers in a row), and I have no doubt that this time will be much the same. I already can’t wait until we’re reunited for a week in July, because seeing his face is like seeing my past, present, and future all in one second of time. My heart already yearns for that moment when I see him walk off the plane, into my tiny, little arms.
Here’s to a good day, and lots of love all around.
-Chelsea
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Canon AE-1 Film

05.21.11
A few weeks ago I carried around Scott and I’s Canon AE-1 for a couple of days and snapped photos along the way. We recently got them developed and these were the results:



I’m thrilled with how these photos turned out, and definitely would love to shoot another roll soon.
Do you shoot with film ever? What’s your favorite film camera?
This afternoon I’m meeting up with Adrianna of Le Mode Accessories for a coffee date! Can’t wait!
-Chelsea
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Now accepting sponsors for the month of June!

05.20.11

May was a special month for Tea Talk! I had a great time sharing my birthday, college graduation, and other fun things that happened during the month with you, all of my lovely readers.
I am so excited to see what June holds for me. I am predicting lots of outfit posts in pretty places (I will in Colorado for the summer), and lots of peeks into my every day life, including travels in new towns, fun restaurants, and trips to some of my favorite places in Colorado.
To purchase an ad spot check out my sponsor page, and email me at Chelsea@Chelsea-Bird.com.
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Liberty Market Dinner Outing

05.20.11
On Mother’s Day Scott and I took my grandmother out to Liberty Market for dinner. LB has quickly become our go-to restaurant for birthdays and special events, so I thought it was only fitting we go there on that day.





Liberty Minestrone, the most delicious soup in the area.

Scott’s pizza and salad combo (the special of the day).

My salad and soup combo.


I just love their patio.


I just love Liberty Market. I could eat there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. If you live in the Valley and haven’t check it out yet, I highly suggest that you do.
Is there a restaurant that you always go to for family celebrations?
-Chelsea
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May Large Sponsor Highlight Post

05.20.11

This month I was yet again blessed to have such amazing sponsors, and I would love to introduce a few of them to all to you. First though, I would like to say that it is an honor to have them as sponsors, and I really appreciate all of their, as well as your support. Meet my large sponsors!

We Love Colors – “We Love Colors is a unique clothing company founded in 2003 as a family run business. We offer the best selection of colors in tights, leggings, fishnets, socks and dancewear, and more! Everything is hand dyed in Miami, FL and shipped all over the world! We have items for women, children, and men from kids to plus sizes. We Love Colors is currently offering over 50 solid colors and 13 hand dyed splash colors. We hope you enjoy our colors and find your own unique expression with We Love Colors apparel.”

Mixie – “In 2005, she (Shannon) decided it was time to launch even more cuteness and viola…Mixie was born! Named after her nickname Mc (Mick), the Mixie line was to be a rebirth of vintage inspiration and all that had been learned thus far. Mixie is dreamed up and stitched in Southern California by sweet happy close-knit people. Shannon has always loved the homegrown feel of her little business. “It’s the perfect blend of arts and crafts and fashion.”

Paperplanes and Maryjanes – “Paperplanes and Maryjanes is a glimpse inside my ever-rolling mind. My very first love was music (John Lennon specifically). I couldn’t wait to get an instrument in my hand and join a band. As a preteen I vowed not to enter college because I was destined to be a rock star. Unfortunately my instrument of choice was a flute- and there isn’t a whole lot of demand for flute rock. Second love was fashion- and it didn’t take long for me to realize how those two went together.”

Made by Hank Etsy Shop – “Each item is handmade with careful attention to detail in my small studio in philadelphia, pennsylvania using as many repurposed and vintage materials as possible. look closely and you will notice my love for mixing textures and patterns, it is sometimes subtle, and other times bold!”
Em Dickson Blog – A Seattle transplant, this fashionable lady blogs about her daily outfits, life, photography, and little things that are on her mind. She has the sweetest style, and is certainly the sweetest lady.
I will be back soon with my medium and small sponsor highlight post!
Hope everyone is having a good day! I’m still recovering, but I did go on a little outing to Starbucks and Whole Foods.
-Chelsea

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An interview with Katie of Skunkboy Creatures

05.19.11

Today we have a lovely interview with Katie of Skunkboy Creatures. Katie is a wife and mom of two little girl. She has a great love for vintage clothing, and sews up the cutest, most original stuffed animals around.

Meet Katie:


1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.

-My name is Katie and I run a little business called Skunkboy Creatures. I prefer to call myself a fiber artist because it makes me feel fancy, but when it comes down to it, I guess you could say I make handmade stuffed animals. I live in the middle of the country with two amazing daughters and my best friend/high school sweetheart/husband. I love pretty dresses, beautiful weather, and breakfast!

2. What got you interested in blogging, and how long have you been blogging for?

-A friend set up a blog for me on a whim one day, and it was there so I originally started blogging as a way to share my most recently stitched animals. It’s been a couple of years now, and I love it the more I do it. I’ve seriously met so many wonderful, supportive people… including real life friends.

3. Can you tell us about your style?

-I am very girly and I definitely have a true love for vintage. I wear dresses or high waisted skirts most days, and I love colored tights. My Swedish Hasbeens are my most favorite shoes, but you can usually find me in colored oxfords or t-strap flats. I have an addiction to the color red, and for me, blush is a must.

4. You started the very successful Skunkboy Creatures. How did you come up with the idea to make such darling animals?

-Skunkboy Creatures just started out as a way to express myself creatively. I had recently had my first child and I was looking for something fun to make while she was sleeping. After stitching my first animal one night (even though I didn’t know how to sew), I was very proud and instantly hooked.

5. What are your favorite trends for spring?

-I’m very excited that things like backpack purses and clogs are so readily available. I also love short boots or booties with dresses, and seeing lace and crocheted things everywhere makes me all fuzzy inside! Peter pan collars = love.

6. When you’re not busy blogging, what can you be found doing?

-When I’m not blogging you can find me having coffee with my husband, having living room dance parties with my little girl, or snuggling with my sweet baby. I also spend time practicing my accordion, SEWING ANIMALS (of course), browsing flea markets, collecting Blythe dolls, and shopping for records. Oh, and shamefully watching Glee. It’s my guilty pleasure.

7. With regards to fashion, and your own handmade goods, what do you draw inspiration from?

-I draw a lot of inspiration from music I’m into, books I’m reading, people I’m friends with, vintage photographs, favorite pieces of clothing, and the plethora of beautiful things online. I feel like life has so much inspiration to offer, it seems impossible to run out!

8. If you had to pick one outfit to wear the rest of your life, what would it look like?

-This is the hardest question!!! As I’m staring at my closet, I’m going to say my Dear Creatures peter pan collar dress, loud pink tights, and my cream Swedish Hasbeens with bows on top. That’s pretty much my recipe for success– pretty dress, fun tights, cute shoes.

9. You seem to have a strong passion for vintage clothing. What do you love most about vintage, and what is your favorite vintage piece that you own?

-I think the most amazing thing about vintage clothing is the quality. When you consider how many years an article of clothing has not only been around, but been worn and loved, it’s amazing. It’s hard to find that kind of quality these days. Also, I love the flattering cuts of 50s and 60s dresses. They are lovely on so many body shapes, and the colors and prints are smile makers.

10. Do you have any advice for aspiring small business owners? What about someone interested in learning to sew plush (similar to your lovely animals), but really doesn’t know where to start?

-I think for any type of handmade business, not just plush, the key is to perfect your craft. Practice makes perfect, and the better you get at your niche, the more desirable it will be. I have been sewing plush animals for about 3 years now, and I can’t describe how much better I am than when I started. Also, it is SO important to appreciate and respect your customers. I can honestly say that my customers are the best, and I’ve formed great friendships with several of them. They make your business possible, so going the extra mile is definitely worth it!

Thank you so much Katie for doing this interview with me! Don’t forget to check out Katie’s blog, and Skunkboy Creatures Etsy shop.

On a side note, yesterday I had all four wisdom teeth out. The surgery didn’t go as smoothly as I had hoped it would, but it’s over now and I’m happy to be on the mend. Thank you so much to everyone that has wished me well the last few days.

Today my bottom jaw is pretty sore, and my neck/jawline is pretty sore. I’m a big puffy, but I hope that goes down throughout the day.

What are you up to today?

-Chelsea

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