I recently found out that the last Thursday of July each year is National Chili Dog Day. Seriously? They make a special day for that? And then I thought about it more, and I can definitely see why. Because chili dogs are awesome. And guess what today is?!? You guessed it! National Chili Dog Day! Chili dogs certainly bring out the kid in me. Thinking about this had me craving a cookout. I am a sucker for a good, fun cookout. Especially a cookout that includes these fun items:

Cookout

Clockwise from top left: The Fancy Lamb, Roscata, Pam Wares, Mustard Seed Vintage, Once Again, Raceytay

And you know what the best recipe is for the perfect chili dog? I know it seems simple but all you need is a grilled hot dog, a fresh potato bun, some fresh, hot chili, a tad bit of mustard, and an ice cold glass of lemonade to wash it down! Yumm. Now time to plan a cookout for this weekend…

Hope you have a fun cookout planned this weekend too!

xoxo,

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At DawnCorrespondence, we have been busy bees preparing for the upcoming 2010 holiday season! Yes, even in the 100 degree heat and humidity! We’ve just about finalized this year’s collection, and were so excited about it we just had to share a sneak preview of the color palette and just one of the many designs with you! And better yet…we’ll be debuting MOST of our Holiday Collection in July for a fun, fun Christmas in July sale! Keep an eye out at DawnCorrespondence, come mid-July, for our Holiday Collection debut and some fun sales and treats!

Holiday Collection 2010

xoxo,

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One thing I enjoy the most about the change in seasons and weather, is reviving last year’s wardrobe and uncovering items that I forgot I had. It’s like a shopping trip in my own closet! It’s also fun to have a different take on what I thought was stylish last year, by purchasing updating items to pair with last year’s basics.

Without fail, each Spring and Summer, I always return to the nautical theme. It’s such a timeless style that can be accessorized to look classic, or to incorporate trends. This year, I’ve decided to add a punch of color to the traditional blue, red, and white nautical theme with pops of pink. It’s an easy way to keep the look feminine and stylish, without taking away from the nautical theme.

Here is my version of Sailor Chic

Sailor ChicClockwise from top left: Zara CarpenterLa Drama Queen, Fanciness, Bayan Hippo, Tizzalicious, LiD Designs Supplies

What twist will you be adding to your nautical theme this season?

xoxo,

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Next week the circus is coming to my town. Now, I’m going to be 100% honest with you – I’ve never been to the circus. Ever. I’m not quite sure why. In all honesty, I don’t think I had any desire to go as a child – something about it scared me a little. Now, though, I am itching to get there. As an adult it seems much less scary and much more artistic and surreal. I love the colors, themes, and animals associated with the circus. In fact, I often use circus themes (or what I think of as circus themes, as I’ve never actually seen in person) as a source of inspiration for my designs. I took this opportunity to browse some of my favorite shops and create my own visually delicious circus. Enjoy! And feel free to share links to your circus-themed items! If I get enough links, I will do a Part II this week!

CircusFrom top to bottom: Untamed Menagerie, Photogenic Gallery, Bone Calinda, Idle Hands Designs, Tefi, Linkel Designs, Beta por Homme, Minty Fresh Fusions

xoxo,

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One of my most favorite things about the seasons changing from Winter to Spring is seeing the luscious green grass beginning to grow high enough to need a lawn mower, and the foliage filling out with gorgeous shades of yellow, green, and pretty springtime blooms. As I drove through the quiet roads lined with gorgeous fields of grass the other day, I certainly felt my mood being lifted instantly. Isn’t it wonderful how great of an effect Spring has on our moods? The sun is shining, the grass is growing, flowers are blooming, and everything is anew.

I also realized how much Spring makes me want to shop! Combining my love for Spring and shopping, I have developed a Wish List of lovely foliage finds that I would certainly love growing in my home any day!

Foliage

Clockwise form top left:

Modern Trinkets, Factory Girl Ashli, Alison Tauber, Bouncing off the Walls, Color Room

I know that Spring is a very busy season for many of us. Particularly handmade artists who are preparing for craft shows, outdoor markets, and the like. I do hope that each of you are able to enjoy the greenery and fresh air that accompanies this beautiful season of renewal!

xoxo,

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