A Beautiful Mess App Review

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, you know that I recently bought the iPhone 5.

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My HTC Evo was over three years old, and it was time for a new phone. I like the iPhone's size and the balanced specs (and I will blog about my choice of Apple over Android soon).

I have been on an app downloading spree. Most of the apps I've downloaded are free, but I noticed that one of my favorite blogs, A Beautiful Mess by Elsie and Emma, released an image manipulation app by the same name.

At $.99, A Beautiful Mess allows users to add fun borders, doodles, filters, and text to images. Afterwards the image can be shared via social networks Instagram, Twitter, Facebook (using hashtag #ABeautifulMess), or emailed.
 

Image created using A Beautiful Mess

I found resizing the type and doodles to be tricky, but the end result is worth it. One thing to note is that while the app only costs $.99, users could easily spend over $10 buying expansion packs. Overall I really liked the app, and I recommend supporting these lovely ladies.


The app is designed for both iPhone and iPad. An Android app is being developed and should be available soon.

A Beautiful Mess, $.99

Etsy Love: Garden Markers

March has come to Michigan like a tame lion. Spring is over a week away, yet I am thinking about my garden. It is my first year in our first house, and I feel like I need to plan each square foot with care.

What better way to keep track of my herbs and vegetable than to label the plants with a set of these lovely garden markers?

White Garden Markers by Just Potters

Herb Garden Labels by Paulova Ceramics 

Herb Garden Stakes by Pigeon Toe Ceramics 

Herb Plant Stakes by Revisions

Herb Garden Markers by Just Potters 

Soon, my dreams of summer gardens will be reality.

Etsy Finds: Trafalgers Square

The playful illustrations of Trafalgars Square encourage imagination in the nursery.

Husband and wife team Adam and Kit work together to create whimsical art featuring animals, children and stars. With collections such as Balloons, Book Love, Royal Menagerie, and Wishing Star, it is difficult to resist the dreaminess.

Catch a Moon Beam

Catch a Falling Star

Catching Stars

Trot the Star Flyer

What a beautiful way to introduce art in a wee child's life! If you type in the coupon code "WHIMSY" you will receive 30% off (through 16 November, 2011).

Fairy Tales

Fairy Tales pinned in La Vie Boheme; via Vintage Rose Garden

Etsy Finds: Prince Design UK

Elizabeth Prince of Gone To Pot has a background in fine art and interior design. Her etsy, Prince Design UK, features classically inspired modern ceramics.

Lacy Bird Bowl

Poppy Nesting Bowls

Either of these striking bowls would be statement on a side table. 

Lacy Birds Ornaments

I would love to place these whimsical doves on a Christmas tree with my thrifted star tree topper.

Any of Elizabeth's work would be a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member.

Etsy Finds: Vintage Bookends

I cannot tell you how many books I own; over half of my collection is in storage, and I cannot seem to stop purchasing them. As Matt and I get closer to buying a house, bookshelves are on my mind.

And with bookshelves come bookends. Etsy is a treasure trove of vintage finds; any of these sets would enhance our library.

Alabaster Horse Bookends from The Estate of Things

Hollywood Regency Shell Bookends from Fabulous Mess 

Brass Swan Bookends from C. Marie Keely Vintage and Handmade

 Art Nouveau Bookends from Vintage Cats Meow

Playful Cats Bookends from Vintage Shelf and Wall

Book Bookends by Ronson from Curious Goods Trader

Pirate Ships Bookends from Think Old Think New

United States of America Great Seal Drum Book Ends from The Pretend Den

Etsy Finds: Starla Pins

My hair needs to be styled. It is unmanageable because I have not had time for a haircut and I am growing it out for the wedding. I usually wear it in a bun or a ponytail.

I am excited to wear an understated updo for the wedding. This is a chance to pamper myself, and I cannot wait for Matt to see me elegantly dressed.

These Starla Pins would be a dreamy addition to my accessories.

 Trio Starla Pins by Alexandra Grecco

The pins may get lost under a veil, but I would take that off for the reception anyway.

Etsy Finds: Moon Light Card

Tonight's Etsy find comes from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Lilah of Life in Lines challenged herself to draw this whimsical ink and pencil drawing in 20 minutes. 

This original drawing of a cat gazing at the sky through tree limbs is glued to card stock. It comes with an envelope; all it needs is a heartfelt message.

Moon light by Lilah

Etsy Finds: Whimsical Dreams

The dreamy quality of Malaysian Yee Von Chan's illustrations appeals to my inner child. Her illustrations tell fairy tale-like stories--ethereal and full of wonder. 

Yee Von maintains a blog, also named yeevon illustrations. She sells illustrated greeting cards at Whimsy Whimsical as well. 

The Dreamer (Limited Edition) by Yeevon Illustrations

Luna by Yeevon Illustrations

Let The Winds Blow by Yeevon Illustrations

Fox Greeting Card by WhimsyWhimsical