The perfect combination

If you are an Etsy addict as I have become and you just so happen to live in Charm City (or even if you don't!) you really must check out the Baltimore Etsy Street Team. Here you will find local artisans/jewelry makers/crafters/clothing designers/independant businesses, etc. all in one place.


Those closest to me know that I have a penchant for all things bird and owl, so when I saw this posted on the front page, I immediately did a quick fund check in my head to see what I could spare. I found this, by Cuore to be my utmost favorite (and alas, sold out!)


And once again, I can prove that a handmade/crafted bag is so incredibly much better than spending your hard earned money on some overpriced Coach bag. Check this out by Garden Shop Boutique:


**P.S - Thanks to Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction for their little blurb on Charm City Chica!**

Charm City Finds

"*Puma Man*
* Puma Man flying over the city
MIKE: I don't mean to be picky, but Pumas aren't really known for flying."

Always on the hunt for really unique pieces, I decided to take a look at some of the shops in Baltimore's neighborhood of Hampden. Hampden is decidedly what one from the outside might conjure if all they knew of Baltimore was what they have seen in a John Waters film. Thanks to the Mill Center attracting artists to the area, this little area of Baltimore has seen an influx of great shopping and eateries. I have heard that Hampden has some great indie boutiques, so I went on search for some unique and inexpensive pieces to add to my floundering wardrobe.

One shop of interest is Double Dutch Boutique, which is right up my alley with its gorgeous dresses and other girly apparel. I also decided to check out the designers they offer individually and post my favorite finds as well as Baltimore bred designs:

Red Prairie Press :

Plasticland : I'm madly in love with these shoes. You can also find some vintage inspired mary-janes with a bit of a lower heel so you can walk comfortably all day.


Art in the age of Mechanical Reproduction Great T-shirts (I know, I said I'd stay away, but sometimes you JUST CAN'T!)


Pistol Designs by Ali Dryer : Who needs the latest Coach or Dooney and Bourke when you can have something handmade and designed in Baltimore for a fraction of the cost? And if you ask me, these bags are more of a statement piece than those $500 bags anyday!


Art School Dropout : For jewelry, accessories and "COMING SOON!" - BAGS!

Dandelion Blu : A baltimore based jewelry designer. I'm swooning.

Baltimore Etsy Street Team : Check 'em out!

Muffin Tops - Nutritious and delicious

"Today the moon narrowly missed hitting a man's eye like a big pizza pie …" - Crow

"… scientists believe, that's amore." - Tom



While at the Walmart in Del Rio, Texas (because really there is nothing else to do), Mr. Hot Pilot and I were headed through the food section looking for snacky-snacks for Munchkin to take to school everyday when we came across "Muffin-Tops Cereal" by Malt-O-Meal. I of course go "Muffin-Tops Cereal?? A-HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!" To which my boyfriend goes "Oh, that looks yummy, should we get it?" No friends, Mr. Hot Pilot had NEVER heard the term "Muffin Top". (You haven't either? Oh my...well here is an example =

So once I had informed Mr. Hot Pilot, he found it to be the most HIGH-larious thing he had ever heard. Glad to have been of some form of entertainment for you my love. I suppose I can see where Malt-O-Meal is going with this. I tend to only enjoy that yummy top of my muffin as well (along with cutting calories by throwing away the bottom portion). Maybe my muffin-eating preferences will reduce the chances of gaining my own muffin top? Either that or I will buy pants that sit well on my hips, but I'm just sayin'!