MAIYA :: Las Vegas Market 2012

I'm heading off this morning for a whirlwind trip to the 2012 Las Vegas Market, where I'll scout out the latest trends in home decor and accessories, furniture, and my favorite of favorites -- color!  This will be my first year at the event and I'm excited to get an inside look at some of the fresh, new design developments for 2012 as well as for the opportunity to mix 'n' mingle with some industry experts and hear their unique predictions for the coming year.  Speaking of industry experts, I'm slated to meet some pretty amazing people:

1. Genevieve Gorder of HGTV fame

2. Priscilla Presley -- YES, that Priscilla Presley!

3. Monica Pedersen from HGTV's Designed to Sell

4. Anthony Baratta of Diamond Baratta Design

5. Adi Tatarko, Co-Founder and CEO of Houzz.com

Um, pinch me??  Seriously, you guys, this is really happening!  I'll be live tweeting and posting photos throughout the event, so be sure to follow me on Twitter*.  Meanwhile, I've got some posts scheduled in my absence (but I'll be back in action on Wednesday).  See you soon!

*Also tune in to Curbly on Twitter!  I'll be sharing some insights through that channel as well.  xo

OCTOPI

I've been seeing a lot of octopus related things lately - and I kind of like it.
There's just something about those tentacles, right?

Check out this gorgeous, tentacliscious jewelry by OctopusME! Each piece is created from real tentacles cast in sterling silver. If my ears were pierced, I think I'd get the earrings - they are just so unique.

More about the octopus and why it's so cool [from OctopusME!]:
The Octopus is a symbol of Transformation and Regeneration. Because of its reputation of changing colors to match its backgrounds, the octopus is also known as the Master of Disguise. Octopuses also have the power to regenerate. If an octopus loses an arm in battle it can grow a new one. Some can even detach and arm to distract predators and then grow another! Don't mess with the octopus because they can stun or kill you with one poisonous bite. The poison is called tetrodotoxin which is the same as Fugu, the puffer fish served in Japan. So treat your Octopus with Love!

Octopus jewelry from OctopusME! from $45 - $450.

Check out more glorious octopus products:
Octopi Cups - Available from Design Public
Octopus Wallpaper - Available from Go Home
Octopus Pillow - Available from Fawn&Forest
Octopoda Earrings - Available from Untamed Menagerie
My Pet Octopus Necklace - Available from ModCloth