Support a Great Cause

30 Tuesday Apr 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in News, Shop Gray Star Design

Tags

animals, artists, charity, craft fair, food, forgotten friends of long island, garden of eve organic farm, music, new york, riverhead

I love animals and when I get the chance to support great organizations who feel the same, I take it. On Saturday, May 18th, I will be a vendor at The Forgotten Friends of Long Island Spring Fair along with many other artists and crafters. There will also be live music and plenty of food vendors to keep you filled up with tasty treats. I am looking forward to spending the day meeting people and having my items and photographs up for sale, as well as display my custom wedding items. Come visit me!

Visit the Facebook event page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/534630149908905/?fref=ts

Inspiration Photo Friday: Animal Love

19 Friday Apr 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

animals, chickens, cows, dogs, earth, farm, farm animals, health, love, nature, pigs, vegan, vegetarian

I have always been animal lover. Having various pets as a child, growing up around them was normal for me. I loved going to the zoo and watching movies about them and when I actually got to pet them and interact, it made my day. It really is no surprise I would be a vegetarian one day, it was just a matter of learning the facts and opening my eyes to what is really happening in this world.

It’s now going on four years and I am so happy I live this way. It has truly helped me to be more open and loving, even more than I was before, and pushed me to try new foods and healthier choices. The main thing this lifestyle has given me is the ability to love animals and the Earth much greater than I ever have. And I believe it will just get stronger as the years go by.

I just wanted to share this awesome feeling and hope to inspire all of you to appreciate the natural world around you as well as all the beautiful creatures living on it. My two dogs, Olive and Jenny, remind me everyday how amazing animals really are. They are my sunshine in the morning and my moon at night. They are loyal, loving, and very sweet. Not to mention, unique in their own ways. I just don’t know what I do without them.

My plan for the future is to have a small farm so I can give a few awesome animals a good home. I would love to have chickens, pigs, and maybe even a cow or two. Goats are pretty cool as well, I’m sure they would bring a little adventure to the group. A tiny pony would be a bonus! And of course I would love to have more dogs. If it wasn’t for my husband, I would have more now. I just love animals so much, I can’t resist wanting to take care of them and making sure they are safe and happy.

So, happy inspiration photo friday! I ask you all to open your eyes and hearts to the world of animals and really see them for what they are, amazing individuals who are just as important as we are. Imagine the world without them for just one minute. To me, that’s hell. And since we are surrounded by such incredible creatures, this surely must be heaven.

{Olive, 5 and Jenny, 3.5}
Inspiration Photo Friday: Animal Love

Inspiration Photo Friday: True Love

15 Friday Mar 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Inspiration Photo Friday

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

animals, autumn, evolution, fall, farm, farm animals, farming, gardens, nature, new york, october, plants, queens, queens farm museum, seasons, trees, vegetables, vintage farm, vintage farm wedding, wedding

Since I have been researching places for Dan and I to visit for our wedding anniversary, our wedding day has been on my mind. And since spring is right around the corner, I can’t help but think of the farm where we shared our vows.

The Queens County Farm will always have a place in our hearts. I fell in love when I saw photos, so you can imagine how much I adored this little piece of heaven when we visited it for the first time. I may have gotten distracted with other venues but in the end, both Dan and I followed our hearts and chose the farm for our special day. We visited the venue 3 times before the wedding, each different seasons, and still felt connected to the grounds and the animals. This is how you should feel about where you get married.

So, for Inspiration Photo Friday I wanted to share a photo I took upon one of our visits during the fall. It was so lush and beautiful, autumn colors everywhere. The animals were lively and the birds were singing. It was such a lovely day at the farm. I love that we can always go back, whenever we want, and have new experiences there. As the years go by, we can watch the farm get older and evolve.

It is such an amazing feeling to be connected to a place like this one. We have a lot of love for the Queens Farm and the animals that call it home. I am so happy we went with our hearts and chose this beautiful place to be a part of us forever. The Earth and its animals will always have my love…the truest love of all.

Inspiration Photo Friday: True Love - © Melissa O'Connor-Arena

Handpicked Shops that Give Back

07 Monday Jan 2013

Posted by melissaoconnor in Awesome Shops, Featured Artists

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

animals, antique, Bettula, birch bark, Couture by Ayca, etsy shops, events, felt, Hindsvik, Le Box Boutique, packaging, Peaches Products, Postscripts, rustic, shopping, stuffed animals, supplies, vintage, weddings

If you haven’t checked out my resources list on my website, you definitely should. Here is where I feature handpicked shops and artists that are awesome and they all offer really unique items. From weddings and events to home decor and design items, you can find it all here. I have always believed its important to support independent artists and the small business community and that is why I am sharing my favorites.

There are also some who have kindly offered discounts to my customers which I am very thankful for. I am happy to help people even more by extending a hand through these shops. They truly rock!

Bettula
All the beautiful items in this Michigan shop are nature inspired and have a rustic feel. Birch bark is the main ingredient and through all the pretty designs it surely shines. You can even find jewelry and special gifts. Find the coupon code for 10% off your order on my website.

Le Box Boutique
This Missouri shop carries a lot of eco-friendly supplies and packaging items as well as washi tape, which they love. You can also find unique artisan goods. The shop has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living and Martha Stewart Magazine. How cool is that! Stop by my website to get the coupon code you can use toward your order.

Couture by Ayca
You can find many different handmade paper garlands in this European shop that would be great for any event. Even if you wanted to dress up a space in your home, an item by Ayca can add just the touch of whimsy it calls for. You can find her coupon code on my website as well.

Postscripts
You can find a ton of rustic and nature inspired items in this Colorado shop. Even if you just need some inspiration, this is a good place to find it. From wood cake stands and decor to invites and other paper items, there is so much to see. I highly recommend you check out this shop if you are having a more unique and natural wedding, for sure. Just mention Gray Star Design when you place your order and they will give you 10% off your order.

Peaches Products
Who doesn’t love adorable stuffed animals? Well, the unique items you will find in this New York shop are all handmade, hand sewn, needle felted and totally cute. They make great gifts for just about anyone, especially kids who really appreciate the beauty in handmade items. Find her coupon code on my website to receive free shipping on your order.

Hindsvik
If you love vintage pieces that have unique style than you will love this Canadian shop. You can find an array of items from kitchen goods to furniture and all have beautiful appeal. For 15% off your order find the coupon code they created on my website.

Make Pie Not War
I love all the jewelry pieces in this shop. They are graphic and unique and very fairly priced. A perfect place to shop for gifts. Check out the code to receive 10% off your order on my website.