Ayo Down On My Knees live

Just discovered this song this weekend. Wow! How emotive!

Check It Out!: AnaRosa Studio

The home of Ana Rosa Studio. Her motto is "Eye Candy for the Soul" and it definitely is.

Find great paintings like this on her site.

A Handmade Christmas

Since I switch up the theme of my Christmas tree each other year, I decided to do a handmade decorations. I figured it would be a nice way for my daughter and I spend some pre-holiday time together.

Here's some ideas:

Candy Canes made from Pipe Cleaners

Wooden Ornaments

Introducing IndieSave.com

I promised there were new developments on the table. I'm pleased to announce the launch of IndieSave.com.

Indiesave.com offers coupons, deals, sales and more promotional offers for your favorite independent designers, brands and boutiques. To take advantage of a coupon or sale, simple visit the site mentioned in the post. Once you're ready to place your order, follow the appropriate steps to redeem your special offer. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get access to special promotions and events.

Want to submit your own coupon code or sales event? To celebrate the launch I am offering FREE placement of any type of ad for the month of November. For more details on how to submit your offer, visit Indiesave.com.

Okay, its two days late but Happy Halloween!

Unfortunately my daughter got in trouble at school so no festivities but here we are in our finery. Our course you can tell she was The Little Mermaid. (I couldn't find a red wig. And I started out being a witch and ended up looking like a cross between a gypsy and *ahem* a lady of the evening. I guess it was a better look than my backup option: the white witch. I looked like a female Dennis Rodman. All I needed was the white wedding dress. lol!

The Handmade Market - Nov 3. - Raleigh, NC

Collective Elements is a proud sponsor of Saturday, November 3rd
11 am until 5 pm
117 S. West St in downtown Raleigh


Shop Raleigh, NC’s The Handmade Market for fine art, apparel, jewelry, accessories, housewares, paper goods, and more from a selection of the best and brightest independent designers, artists, and crafters from NC and beyond.


Whether you’re shopping for a holiday gift for a friend or family member, or you’re looking to treat yourself to something special, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for (and more!) at The Handmade Market.


The Handmade Market is produced by The Handmaidens, a North Carolina collective of nine artists and designers.

Featured Designers:

Ablutions Spa
ahpeele
Alena Hennessy
Amy Keith
AnnaBae Weavers
Blue Barnhouse
Brooke Cassady
Circle Circle Dot Dot
Decomposition Studios
Elizabeth Galecke
foundling
Gorga Photography
Heyday Fashion
Holland Cox
iro
Jane Mormino
Karen & Nancy’s Homemade Goodies
Karess Krafters
LaLa Land
Laura Lashley
Lorna Wang
Made by Tess
Mani Designs
Meredith Steele
Metamorphosis
Mikel Robinson
Mint Workshop
Mostess Creations
Petite Toile
Photo Glassworks
Rebound Designs
Sarah Holsapple
Sarah West
Sew Bliss Sew
Silvery Moon Art
Stephanie Statham Witchger
Tasha McKelvey
The Contained Farmer
The Monkey and Me
Twist Style
Wolfie and the Sneak
WPR Jewelry
You Silly Monkey

We're mentioned in Grechen's Closet Newsletter!!

I had no idea we were one of the new sites listed in last week's "What's New in Grechen's Closet"

'A few things...it is TOTALLY worth it to go through EVERY one of the new sites
added - they are all fabulous.'

Wow, what a compliment! And its true, they are all fabulous and I'm not just saying that cause we're one of them. lol.

Grechen's Closet is a great shopping site featuring reviews, interviews, coupon codes and more. There's also a companion coupon site Grechen's Codes. You can save BIG!! You should check both out!

A Cupcake for Mom

Saw these on Modish yesterday and absolutely had to cop one for my mother. Plenty of other goodies in this Etsy shop...Dog Bone Art

Mixed Plate Holiday Guide

It's that time of year again! Time to get shopping for the upcoming holiday season. Be sure to visit the Mixed Plate Holiday Guide, featuring the best holiday gifts for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, or whatever you celebrate.

We're proud to be part of the "Smile for the Camera" category!!!

Dance For Me

Last Saturday went to this with some friends at City Center. Great seats, second row. They have this festival every year and the tickets are only $10.




Srishti- Nina Rajarani Dance Creations
"Quick!" Choreographer: Nina Rajarani

Great piece of India choreography done quickly with live orchestration and singing.

Camille A. Brown and Dancers
"The Evolution of a Secured Feminine" Choreographer: Camille Brown

Solo piece set to jazz music...dancer has great lines.

Elisa Monte Dance
"Treading" Choreographer: Elisa Monte

Wow...just two dancers but very fluid like an underwater ballet. You can see part of the piece "Treading" here. Fast forward to about minute 5:30.

Boston Ballet
"Brake the Eyes" Choreographer: Jorma Elo

Kind of weird, hard to get into.

Via Katlehong
"Nkululeko" Choreography by Via Katlehong dancers

Combination of tap dance and African stepping, very energetic.

Afterwards we went to the Iguana for a late night supper.

My friend wants to see Alvin Ailey next so we'll see.

It's a whole new OLD me!

I decided to get a new cut which in reality is an old cut. After wearing long hair past my shoulders for my childhood and teens, I did the grand chop at 21, rocking short hair a la Halle Berry or Toni Braxton.

When I turned 31, I thought maybe I should return to my long hair. But after three years of struggling to get it past my shoulders again, I got tired of it. So in March I snipped a bit and would up with a shorter version of Rihanna's bi-level cut. There was still too much hair on my head so...

fresh from the hair salon we have...

Been a busy bee

Here at Collective Elements, I'm always working behind the scenes even if I don't post. Trying to line up some events for the fall holiday season. So far I've applied to Charm City Mafia's Holiday Heap and the Bust Craftacular along with some smaller local events.

And working on a big SECRET project that should be available October 1st. **cross your fingers, kiddies**

For now be sure to check us out on the Spreetail Shopping Guide.

That's one hungry frog!!!!

In this photo released by the Utah Dept. of Wildlife Resources on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, an American bullfrog is held near Roosevelt, Utah, on June 29, 2007. The bullfrogs are known as voracious eaters. They will eat snakes, worms, insects, fish, frogs and salamanders. Small birds and mammals could be at risk, too. (AP Photo/Utah Dept. of Wildlife Resources, Trina Hedrick)

You're So Pretty...I Know You Wanna Come Home With Me

First, let me say I am by no means a technophile. But this HP Pavilion HDX Entertainment Notebook nicknamed "The Dragon" is calling me to spend $3k that I don't have.

**sigh** Back away Danielle...you have a brand new laptop you hardly use. lol

A great voice is lost: Pavoritti dies

Yes I'm an opera fan and I love Luciano Pavarotti, so I am sad at his passing. A great voice and talent. He will be missed.

Here's more:

Italian tenor Pavarotti dies at 71

How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Caught this on the Feather Your Nest blog

68%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Mingle² - Dating Site

What kind of kiss are you?

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What kind of kiss are you?

Lustful! You're a Lustful kisser. You like to kiss the one you love a lot. You can get your lover going in a second with just your kiss. You also love kissing in bed. You can make someone fall in love with you really easy with your lips.

How do you compare? Take this test! | Tests from Testriffic

Check It Out!: AsiaJam.com

Just surfing for a new hairdo online and came across this site:


What a great selection of fun things! Definitely will get some payroll dollars.

Remember thy iron levels...keep them holy.

As I sit here stuck home with bronchitis and sinusitis, I ponder how I got here yet again. Could it be that at 34, my respiratory system is breaking down? My allergies have been the worst this year. I had bronchitis last month. And it seems every time I catch my daughter's two day cold in turns into a month long illness for me.

Aw the answer lies in those little iron levels...

Yes I'm anemic. Have been for the past fourteen years. Iron-deficient. Was even B-12 deficient for a short while a few years back. It seems like such a minor thing. So I'm alittle sleepy and sluggish at times I tell myself. But it really is a major thing.

Since I hate taking iron pills(They're murder on the stomach.) I've made myself more suspectible to bronchitis and sinusitis. And guess where all those migraines are coming from too. So I guess I learned my lesson.

So now I'm sucking down TWO iron pills a day, plus allergy meds, plus an antibiotic, plus...well lets not go all into my daily prescription load. lol

But at least I get a week off from work...

Big Daddy Kane Live on Arsenio Hall Show

An Indie Show? In Jersey? What am I thinking?

Feeling more alive this week which is great so I can finally start working on the next phase of my business. I have not been able to concentrate for weeks. I am planning a shopping event featuring 30 to 50 designers. I finally found a place that is perfect. Only problem is they are booked through till January. I'm not sure I want to do a fair during a winter month. I'm leaning towards pushing back until spring 2008. April is usually a good month. I need to check what is going on in the industry then. Other than that I'm good. No worries.

I shopped Renegade and it was almost the death of me!

Well despite the fact that the doctor diagnosed me with bronchitis Friday, I still carried my ass to Renegade in Brooklyn on Saturday and promptly made myself sick from walking, the crowds, and the heat. I am hard-headed. I did get some shopping in before I had to go home.

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For my daughter:

Kitty Kat Tee by Sherrif Peanut Designs
Butterfly Notecards by Stereoette
Butterfly Pin by The Candy Thief
Baby Doll by Lindie and Friends

I had to get the doll for my daughter because she wears puffs sometimes. She promptly named it Danielle after me...uh before you get all teary eyed and say "Aww how sweet!" She named her Baby Alive she got for Christmas after me too until a month later she said she found a better name...Evelyn...which is her own name. lol

And if you get the chance, definitely check out The Candy Thief on Etsy. She has this necklace/scarf piece that is divine!!

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For Mom:
Magnets made from old records. She collects magnets and one them was from her favorite movie: Dirty Dancing

Record Magnets by Little Evelyn

There's that Evelyn again! I have to say I was amazed by the sheer volume of her inventory and I think her mom helped me. What a sweetie!

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For Me:
I inherited my grandma's old sewing machine so I guess I should learn how to use it. I'm a good hand stitcher. This is a pincushion you wear on your wrist.

Pincushion by My Imaginary Boyfriend

These earrings are made of wood. I love the natural and organic style of them. Made by a sista in Brooklyn.

Earrings by Tam Aura

Because I love glass and ceramics:


Earrings by Tasha McKelvey (also a member of Richmond Craft Mafia)
Have gotten quite a few compliments on them already.


Glass dish by Little Flower Designs
I keep my business cards on it on my desk. How pretty!

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Other places I stopped but didn't shop but YOU should

Shevon Gant Ceramics - Beautiful, beautiful ceramics. I bought a necklace from her last Renegade that I wear a couple of times a week. Her sister is a glass artist you should check out too. Christine Gant - Everlasting Glass Art. Wow! the image on the homepage says it all.

Biggs and Featherbelle - Great smell good soap!

My Favorite Mirror - packed everytime I walked by but that's okay...We'll be getting some of their goods in stock soon!!!

Renegade is finally here!!!

As some of you know, tomorrow starts the Brooklyn Renegade Craft Fair. I attended last year with the kid in tow but tomorrow I'm flying solo so I can shop. (Now if only I can get rid of this nagging cough from my allergies.) I missed the deadline to apply for Renegade but you can visit over 200 designers between June 16th and 17th at McCarren Park. Visit this link for more info:

Renegade Craft Fair - Brooklyn

And be sure to stop by the booth of Mandy Gerth, a talented artisan, I carry here in the Collective Elements shop.

Great Read: Modish

Modish is a great blog that tracks innovative trends in indie design. It's always timely and I always find great designers to fall in love with. We're their sponsor spotlight today but be sure to read it regularly. And just for reading Modish you could score a reader discount with Collective Elements.

Danielle has been bad....

It all started with the $25 Nars blush in Lovejoy


Then moved on to a new haircut

Atomic Dog - George Clinton

The Gang's All Here!

Here's me Sunday on the way to a college friend's baby shower.


Ms. E.


Photo from shower:

Shower was for my friend Angie. She's a elementary school guidance counselor. Woman in the back is Joelle, also went to college with me. Woman in front is Keya. She was Angie's roommate in school. They both were roommates with me and my girl Marian for about a semester.


Wearing the shower hat I created. I swear I'm crafty.

Sweet Sarah Playlist

Somewhere in the late fall of 1998, I discovered Sarah McLachlan and "Surfacing". That haunting voice, the music. I think I played track 5, "Do What You Have To Do", so much I wore it out.

The yearning to be near you, I do what I have to do
The yearning to be near you, I do what I have to do
But I have the sense to recognize that I don’t know how to let you go
I don’t know how to let you go

Those lyrics were filled with such longing. The whole album was great. I used to mix it with my other chick rock favs, Jewel, Sheryl Crow, and that nerdy love song by Lisa Loeb, "Stay".

1. Building A Mystery - Sarah McLachlan
2. I Do - Lisa Loeb
3. Strong Enough - Sheryl Crow
4. Foolish Games - Jewel
5. All I Wanna Do - Sheryl Crow
6. If It Makes You Happy - Sheryl Crow
7. Do What You Have To Do - Sarah McLachlan
8. The First Cut is the Deepest - Sheryl Crow
9. I Will Remember You - Sarah McLachlan
10. Stay - Lisa Loeb
11. Hands - Jewel
12. My Favorite Mistake - Sheryl Crow
13. Angel - Sarah McLachlan
14. Adia - Sarah McLachlan
15. Sweet Surrender - Sarah McLachlan

Seychelles, Peep-toe, and on Sale!!!

Picked up these shoes from Urban Outfitters.

Me love peep toes! Second only to Mary Janes. Uh I have issues about Mary Janes.

When I was born my legs were alittle twisted...I believe we call it pidgeon toed or bow-legged. I belive I had a mixture of both. So I had to wear this contraption to straighten my legs. (I was born in 1973.)

So all my young life, my mother made me wear special shoes. No cute Mary Jane shoes for me...just Buster Browns, Bass Shoes, and the dreaded Naturalizer.

So once I got old enough to buy my own shoes, I bought all kinds of mary jane, t-strap, girly girl shoes I could find. Patent leather?! Dear God! A must have, lol!

Check out Style Conspiracy!

We're pleased to be featured on the new blog Style Conspiracy! This blog features the latest in indie style from artisans of color.

Terri Dexter - Better Than Me

Like a breeze across the ocean - Bebel Giberto

Some might say music is her pedigree...her dad is the famous Bossa Nova guitarist, Joao Gilberto and her mom is Brazilian singer, Miucha, but Bebel Gilberto is cutting her own path in Bossa Nova sound. Modern and still loyal to its roots, her music reminds you of warm sunny beaches and cool drinks by the pool. Sensual and playful, great for dancing and romancing, Bebel brings Bossa Nova to a new generation.

1. Mais Feliz - Bebel Gilberto
2. So Nice (Summer Samba) - Bebel Gilberto
3. Close Your Eyes - Bebel Gilberto
4. River Song - Bebel Gilberto
5. Winter - Bebel Gilberto
6. All Around - Bebel Gilberto
7. Lonely - Bebel Gilberto
8. Tanto Tempo - Bebel Gilberto
9. Os Novos Yorkinos - Bebel Gilberto
10. Simplesmente - Bebel Gilberto
11. CadaVoce- Bebel Gilberto
12. Aganju - Bebel Gilberto
13. Words - Bebel Gilberto
14. Samba E Amor - Bebel Gilberto
15. All Around (Telefon Tel Aviv Mix) - Bebel Gilberto

E-Jay Hip Hop Birthday Playlist

E-Jay is a good friend of mine that I have made plenty of mix tapes for. Now usually I make smooth R&B mixes for him because he's a big lover of the quiet storm but after a conversation we had concerning old school hip-hop I decided to surprise him with a old-timers hip-hop mix for his birthday.1. Eric B. Is President - Eric B and RakimThe song that sold me on hip-hop. Prior to 1986, there were rap songs I liked but Rakim's line "Thought I was a donut, you tried to glaze me." forever changed my feelings for the genre. The bass line, the cuts, and Rakim's flow. Summer '86 didn't get any better than this. I actually walked past Rakim a year ago in Manhattan and was so starstruck I couldn't even speak and I never get starstruck.2. How Many Mc's... - Black MoonBuckshot has great flow and the beats are always heavy and dare I say, sexy. Black Moon's records always put you in a mood. The sound is laid-back but still strong. Though I don't partake in herb enhancement, it does make you feel like laying back and smoking.3. My Philosophy - Boogie Down ProductionsKRS-One proves he can still get the job done after the death of Scott LaRock. Mimicing Malcom X's famous pose on the album cover was just one way of standing out but the complete album had a lot of heart and KRS demonstrates why he's one of hip-hop culture's pioneers.4. I Got It Made - Special EdSure Special Ed was cocky. But no one could deny he had charisma and flow. Plus I was so popular at school in NJ because I knew the Brooklyn landmarks in the video. My aunt lives in the neighborhood of the Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, Brooklyn Museum, Prospect Park, & the Brooklyn Library.5. Paper Thin - MC LyteBefore Paper Thin there was "10% Dis" and "I Cram to Understand" but personally this is the song that made me "sweat" MC Lyte. That sandy bob with the earrings, the attitude and sass. And let's not forget DJ K Rock doing "Da Butt" dance in the video. I think me and all my little friends wanted him. "When you say you love me, it doesn't matter. It goes into my ear as just chit-chatter."6. Children's Story - Slick Rick7. Mama Said Knock You Out - LL Cool J8. You Gots To Chill - EPMDEverytime I hear this song, I think of the dancer in the background doing the "Steve Martin" dance. EPMD had to grow on me. I wasn't a big fan at first but grew to really like Erick Sermon and his humor. Besides who can forget E as Zorro in the video. "I'm like Zorro, I'll mark E on your back." LOL.9. Five Minutes Of Funk - WhodiniNot only does it remind of breakdancing but who could forget it was the theme of "Video Music Box" with Ralph McDaniels. Plenty of us in the tri-state area rushed home after school to see that boombox rise up behind the NY skyline introducing us to a hour of videos.10. Hip Hop Junkies - Nice-n-Smooth11. Rock Dis Funky Joint - Poor Righteous TeachersI don't know what it is about this song but when you hear it, you have to dance. No matter how old it gets I always have the same reaction.12. My Mike Sounds Nice - Salt-n-Pepa Heavily uses that DC Go-Go sound that was prevalent in many of Salt-N-Pepa's earlier songs. Youthful and fun, way before they became mainstream. Just two girls having fun on wax.13. Slow Down - Brand Nubian14. Just To Get A Rep - Gang StarrI don't know what it is about Guru's flow. Tough with alot of maturity. This is my all-time favorite Gang Starr song. And DJ Premier is hands down the ultimate! I love anything he touches.15. Can I Kick It? - A Tribe Called Quest

Designers on the Rise

We're happy to be featured as one of StyleBakery.com's Hip Boutiques in the Designers on the Rise directory!

Cheap can mean CHIC!!!

Spring is just around the corner and you need a pick me up but funds are low.

Check out 100 Cool Goodies for $10 or Less Guide!

Sharla and Mei Lynn of Rare Bird Finds always seem to know exactly where to find the perfect item on the web. I'm fallen in love with several items on the list. And since my birthday is the end of the month, I will definitely be treating myself to some cheap but chic gifts!

Which "Girflfriend" am I? As if you didn't know.

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You scored as Joan. Woohu!! You're a Joan!! You have the gift of giving and letting others know that you're there for them no matter what. You stay true to what you believe in and let no guy come in and take that away from you. You go grl!! ..> ..> Joan ..> ..> 100% Mya ..> ..> 100% Toni ..> ..> 63% Lynn ..> ..> 63% Which girlfriend are you?(from the hit tv show girlfriends) created with QuizFarm.com

We've been featured in the Indie Quarter Blog!

Wow, what a great honor! Check us out!:

Collective Elements on Indie Quarter

We're the featured Q & A on Nole Style and Beauty Indulgence

Nol'e Style & Beauty featured us as their indie Q & A today. Be sure to check it out!

http://nolestyleandbeauty.wordpress.com/2007/02/01/q-a-collective-elements/