Scoutie Girl

exceptional art

my son takes piano lessons at a local art institute, and they feature monthly installations of various artists' work. sometimes individual collections, sometimes from local high schools. i'm always astonished by the talent - i literally run into the gallery like a kid in a candy shop so i can get lost in their work. this past month featured the extraordinarily talented Bruce Becker. these images hardly do justice to the scope and breadth of his work b/c it is completely unbelievable! he paints large scale (think 3ft by 5ft) canvases that are like zoomed-in snapshots of a scene. i backup to get the whole image, then stand 6-inches away to absorb every stroke. the realism is captivating. what's missing here is the drama of the positive/negative space...so bold yet so smooth.

although he displays and sells his work worldwide, he actually lives about a mile away from me. his website reveals that he does a lot of charitable work as well, where he auctions paintings for fundraising. in addition, i discovered a goosebump-inducing, true story about a painting he did of an Amish schoolhouse bell (we live very, very close to the heart of Amish country in PA). so moved by the bell that he felt compelled to begin painting it immediately. what he didn't know was that the tragedy of the Amish school shooting in Lancaster County was unfolding at. that. exact. moment. the chilling coincidence moved him further to offer his signed-prints of his schoolhouse bell painting to raise money for the construction of a new schoolhouse and the healthcare of the families affected by the shootings. the response to his gesture was overwhelming. he went local, then national on ABC. and he still offers them for $30, if you're interested

$2500-3500 from beckerartist.com

sweet silver

these necklaces strike such a chord with me. i see major elemental (is that an oxymoron?) harmony in the materials used - beauty in basics. but then there's the opposition of the finishes: the shiny, shimmery cut facets of the gemstones vs. the rough, tarnished, imperfect circles. it's sort of like a pearl in an oyster. no matter - love it all! this artist also features pretty, handstamped, antique silver charm necklaces, too. she's poured her heart and soul into her work, and it certainly shows. Designer: Jan Avellana

$60-64 from hazelnut cottage at etsy

dreamy comfort + savvy style = perfect clothing

i would hope that even if i didn't sew, i would be just as bowled over by the simple beauty found in these tops. asymmetrical lines, incredible patternmaking and meticulously serged seams produce a flattering flow and fabulous femininity. all of her designs are **custom-fitted** so you {might} look as good as she does! most fabrics are quality cotton/lycra. she also has pants, skirts and accessories. don't spend too much!!

$55-60 from treehouse28 at etsy

a wink at the past

and a nod to the future. bringing together vintage styling and modern materials, these designs are super-cute and super-affordable! i can see them worn just about anywhere, anywhy, anyhow. and all of these beauties could become a wardrobe staple. every girl needs a pair of go-to-without-fail earrings. they're a cheap-chic, etsy offshoot of shy siren's Sara Schwittek. shy siren features her and her partner's uppercrust jewelry line as well as the adorable handbags of Sara's twin sister, Amy - whose belts we posted about before. (didja follow all that? there will be quiz!). have fun checking it all out! Designer: Sara Schwittek

use discount code "scoutiegirl" to receive 15% off any order at www.ShySiren.com (no expiration date).

$18-28 from shy siren at etsy

tellin' it like it is

sometimes you just need to cut to the chase with people (what's with all the coddling anyway?). these notecards and memo pads allow you to get your point across in minimalistic style - wouldn't you love to send a note that has "you're on my sh*t list" at the top or an office memo that says, "stop complaining" checked off, especially since whiners and complainers are such a drag! i think i'll suggest, "get over yourself" or "alright already." cards come in packs of 8 with a mix of sayings and pads are 40 pages. other cute, sweet and simple designs available, if being brusk isn't your thing! you can customize signature sets, too. Designer: Jenn

checkout her blog just jenn recipes - she has some tasty looking mini-caramel apples up there right now with all sorts of happy sprinkles - and those make as much of statement as her stationery!

$6-8 from just jenn designs

over the river and through the woods...

that song usually means we're going to grandmother's house - not even close in this case. this past sunday, i competed in a 27-mile adventure race with 4 other crazy ladies (me on the left in the first 2 pics). all novices, we were just in it for the fun and a great but grueling workout. it proved to be all of the above and then some! imagine our surprise, when we crossed the finish line in 4 hours 54 mins, that we took 2nd place in the all-female division! how freaking awesome is that! we worked well together on our team challenges, pumped each other up when the going got tough and stayed focused on the task at hand. truly an unbelievable experience (and the main reason why i haven't been blogging consistently: training and nerves!). what made the whole thing all the more exciting is that our significant others were either competing on other teams or assisting us in transition areas...a full-tilt bozo family event!

thank you for your fortitude, attitude and mojo, chicks with nerve!! you all rock!!! when's the next one?!