HEAVY ROTATION

Thee Oh Sees are one of my pride and joy San Francisco bands- I've seen them play sold out shows in massive venues, free secret shows in abandoned bowling alleys, and preeeety much everything in between. Their latest single "Toe Cutter- Thumb Buster" makes me as proud as ever of this band, and although I haven't had a chance to listen to the whole record Floating Coffin yet, I have reason to believe it's just as magical as anything else they've created. Give it a listen, and let me know what you think!

Color Theory: Lemon Yellow - Magenta - Persian Green

It's no secret that I love me some color. My inspiration for my fabric designs often comes from noticing pops of color in unexpected places. Our bi-weekly produce delivery came yesterday and I couldn't help but notice the vibrant colors of the rainbow chard. I love it when things from nature are colors that seem unnatural. The vibrant lemon yellow and magenta were stunning with the persian green greens. If you love color too make sure to follow me (@vividot) on Instagram.

Mom's Day Decor

Duncan was gone for 19 days and we were finally reunited this weekend. It was so nice to have my partner in crime back. He just makes all of the usual day to day tasks so much more fun. This weekend those tasks included gardening, running errands and prepping for our Mother's Day guests.

We hosted my Mom, Grandma, two Aunts, one Uncle and one cousin for a late lunch of tacos and pomegranate margaritas. It was great to get everyone together to enjoy the sun breaks and the yard I've been busting my rear on.

The Huffington Post featured my Mom's Day table from two years ago (above) and that motivated me to put something fun together for this party too. We bought my Mom a gift certificate to Skye Nursery and I couldn't resist their amazing selection of succulents and tiny little teracotta pots.

I added a cake stand for height and some of my recent treasures (vintage apples, spotted eggs, and chess pieces) to add some unexpected fun to the table.

I hope you all had a lovely Mother's Day weekend!

HOOKED!

Just checkin in to blog about one of my new Favorite Things Ever, the horchata iced latte from TNT Taqueria. I live in Wallingford, home of the baby stroller and artisan sock boutique, so I don't find myself walking around the area that frequently as there's little to do that's "my scene."
However, everything changed last week when I was hooked into stopping for a refreshing beverage on my way to the grocery store, thanks to an enticing sandwich board advertising a horcata iced latte. HOLY MOLY, do yourself a favor and spend your well-earned $3.00 on one. It'll revolutionize your coffee experience. I haven't dabbled in any of the cuisine at TNT yet, but if any of the food is half was delicious as their coffee I would imagine that it'll be just as sacred of an experience. Highly recommended!

photo care of seattleeater.com





 

SPRING IS HERE

Oh hello!

Since we checked in last (aka 6 million years ago) A LOT has happened. Some of it cool (I went to NY, Molly to San Francisco) and some of it not-so-cool (I had random surgery tail bone surgery and couldn't walk for 5 days) but the most exciting of all: It's starting to feel like SPRING! I even had to stop and get sunscreen yesterday because I was out running errands and could feel my face GETTING BURNT, which (needless to say) is a rarity. What better way to welcome the northern light then cyber window shopping for weather appropriate knicknacks?

Kiddie Pool



Is it embarrassing that I really want one of these? I'm somehow justifying the waste of water via lusting after a kiddie pool versus an adult sized one.

Glass Straws



I've written about straws before because they are one of the most fun and functional items out there. They would look so cute with a fancy lil cocktail and a book the porch, no?

Speaking of cocktails, how irresistible are these recipes for ICED COFFEE COCKTAILS, care of Sprudge.com?

SHORTERALLS

What is more pleasant and perfect than a good old fashioned pair of shorteralls? I can't get enough.





 

Customized Mother's Day Necklace

If you're looking for something unique and personal for your Mom I think our Custom Polaroid Necklaces are a perfect choice. You could choose a current family photo or scan an old photo of the little you that will be a lovely homage to all she's done for you. In addition to the necklace she'll receive a print of the photo that's cut out in the shape of a polaroid and a matching magnet to use to attach it to the refrigerator or other magnetic surface. Mothers Day is May 12th so make sure you order and send in your photo by May 6th to guarantee that it's there on time.

Animal Lovin'

In honor of launching our new line of sweet as can be animal pieces, here's a round up of some other notable and irresistibly precious animal related products, brought to you via Etsy.

Gray Cat Pin by WingedPony


Cat tote by 2SmartCats


French bulldog pillow by intheseam


French bulldog sweater by MissPiggyUSA


Koala Tote by okapiillustration


Panda Post Cards by Sahara Jane Shop
Make sure to check out our pandas, dogs, kitties, and koalas in our Etsy Shop. There are rings, necklaces, and hair clips too! They've got fuzzy felt ears and can't wait to find find a new home.





 

Golden Years

Vivi Dot's back on Fab this week! The sale starts Wednesday March 27th and runs through Friday. Our new Collar Clips will be available along with our Hand Painted Geometric Necklaces, Lexington Necklaces, and Statement Necklaces.

We snapped a few extra photos during our photo shoot for the sale and Duncan made this stop motion video to help spread the word. I love it! I hope you do too.

Golden Years from Vivi Dot on Vimeo.

FEEEEEED

I'm making more of an effort to cook meals lately. My boyfriend has been working late these days, and he's usually the meal conceptualizer or at least spearheads the major cooking that occurs in the kitchen. Additionally, an apple with peanut butter or a bowl of cereal totally suffices for me as a proper dinner. However, not only do I love cooking, it feels really good and usually results in leftovers! Which can be consumed again! Here are some favorite dishes of mine.

ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Photo and recipe from rachelcooks.com

I don't understand why Brussels Sprouts get such a bad wrap, but somehow it took me 5+ years to sincerely say I enjoyed them. Now, however, I can proudly state that they are one of my preferred veggie choices and a staple in foods I keep around the house. VIVA LA BRUSSELS SPROUT!

The easiest and most delicious way to prepare them takes less than 30 minutes, and requires minimal effort (A+)
NEEDS:
Kale
Brussels Sprouts
Olive Oil
Vinegar
Salt
Pepper
Honey
Chopped Garlic
Baking Pan
Drizzle base of olive oil on cookie sheet. Chop sprouts and kale finely and season to your liking with salt and pepper. Mix honey, oil and vinegar in with veggies, making sure that it is evenly distributed. Toss in oven at 250 degrees and stir every once in a while, until veggies are slightly browned and soft. SO GOOD!

LENTILS VEGGIE MAC & CHEESE
Photo and recipe from weelicious.com

Dried lentils and mac and cheese are two other staples that often occupy my kitchen cupboard. After over a year of veganism, I am a littttle burnt out on them as a primary protein at this point, but when added to an existing meal I am all about it! This one is insanely easy, as well.

NEEDS:
Box of mac and cheese
Cooked lentils
Garlic
Whatever veggie you have laying around (broccoli is really good in this but anything will taste great)
Extra cheese if you're into that sort of thing Get a mini stir fry going whilst making mac and cheese, and mixed together once macaroni is drained and the cheese is being added. BAM! You just created a vaguely healthier, most definitely hardier version of the great american meal.

FRIED PEANUT BUTTER TEMPEH
Photo and recipe from seriouseats.com

Tempeh is a soy product that is less significantly less boring than tofu. (Opinion statement!). I would liken fried tempeh to that of a fried animal protein because of its how well flavor sticks to it, which is great because it is 100% flavorless otherwise.

NEEDS:
Tempeh
Peanut Butter
Mustard
Hot Sauce
Mix in equal parts peanut butter, mustard and hot sauce in small bowl. Le tempeh marinate in said concoction for a few hours, and when it's looking totally saturated, fry it up and add to whatever other stuff you've got around- I really like it with fresh veggies like spinach or lettuce and some quinoa. Congrats! You've made a delicious meal.







 

Our Official Wedding Video

I've posted a few video peeks into our wedding, but I'm happy to announce that our official wedding video has arrived. Duncan has been working for Shark Pig (maker of amazing wedding videos) so it has been especially tough for him to focus on our video after a long day of other people's weddings. But it's done and I feel so lucky to have such a talented husband! Hope you enjoy it!

Me and My Lady from Duncan Hooper on Vimeo.

Feel free to play spot the Vivi Dots while watching- there were quite a few present on that special day!

NEW!

We're excited to announce that we've got a handful of new gems up on the Vivi Dot etsy, including these rad geometric metallic necklaces! $36.00 gets you the baddest and brightest accessory with a range of tones to choose from. Exciting!!







 

FOUR FINGER FUNDRAISER

Perrodin Supply Company is an indie mom and pop shop located in Northwest Arkansas. Their whimsical and delicate collection of fine paper goods, wooden cut outs and detailed stamps are made by hand by Jonathan and Amber Perrodin. A sad and scary accident occurred in late February whilst Jonathan (the sole carpenter of the shop,) was working on some pieces, and left him with an amputated index finger.

They've managed to make the sweetest lemonade with the lemons they've been handed, however, and have created a fundraiser consisting of a hefty handful of amazing products (art, accessories, jewelry, housewares, etc) from supportive and innovative artists around the country (including Vivi Dot,) whose proceeds in entirety will go directly towards the medical bills of the Perrodin Family. The good news for you? The best way to help is to SHOP!







 

My Baby Oh No

Duncan's on a video editing kick and I'm reaping the benefits! We had a photo booth set up at our wedding where the participants could capture their photos themselves with a remote. It was right by the dance floor so the party often spilled over into the frame. It lead to over 1,500 photos of fun. Speaking of fun, here are two fun facts for you:

1) I learned that this effect is called Pixilation. Wikipedia defines it like this- Pixilation (from pixilated) is a stop motion technique where live actors are used as a frame-by-frame subject in an animated film, by repeatedly posing while one or more frame is taken and changing pose slightly before the next frame or frames.

2) The white circles that are hanging in front of the brick are from the whole punched pieces of Vivi Dot packaging. I use a round scalloped punch for the packaging of my watch necklaces and I could never bring myself to throw the punched peice away. I'm so glad I didn't because I was able to sew them all together to add a little bit of three dimensional detail to the brick wall.

Hope you enjoy this little glimpse into our party!

Brick Blitz from Duncan Hooper.

The song used is My Baby Oh No! by Bow Wow Wow (the same group that sang I Want Candy).

Oh Valentine Part 2

Valentines Day is right around the corner! Scratch that IT'S HERE! Getting ready for my prom party is going smoothly, if not a little all over the place (party planning is so #exhausting). Here are a few more additions to my list of party must haves of the recipe variety.

I've got a bottle of rum hanging out that I thinnnnnk is ready to be used. What says classic prom vibes better than some spiked punch? I found this awesome recipe care of sheknows.com:

3 strawberries plus 1 to garnish 3 slices of canned pineapple ice 2 ounces white rum 1/2 ounce pineapple juice from the can 1/4 ounces simple syrup Directions Place the strawberries and pineapples into the bottom of a cocktail shaker and muddle until combined. Add a handful of ice to the shaker and then pour in the rum, pineapple juice and simple syrup. Shake the mixture vigorously to combine and then pour into a tall cocktail glass. Served garnished with a strawberry.

What better way to top off at punch bowl than with the help of a heart shaped ice cube tray? Swooon.

I am freaking out over how easy these mini cherry pies are! I can't say I'm the most ambitious baker, especially when dwelling into realms of the unknown baking world, but I think I want to try to make these puppies. Pie dough, sugar, cherries and ricotta cheese? DONE. Check out the brilliantly simple recipe here, care of cakestudent.com.

I've already got a prom dress, but if that weren't a case you'd better believe that this would be the one I'd be workin', care of twotart.

Do you have any go-to fave v day recipes, tricks or treats you love? Let me know!





 

A Day at the Park

Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of this day of LOVE thought it would be appropriate to share this video featuring a little lady I adore- my niece, Audrey. Duncan filmed this trip to our neighborhood park a few days after Christmas (just on his iPhone). He edited it together for those of us that don't get to see her often enough. I've watched it about 10 times already.

At the Playground from Duncan Hooper.