Wendy, et al...

Fond Farewell.

2011-01-21T18:12:00.000-08:00

After months of hard thinking about ending my blog I've come to the conclusion that I don't want to do it anymore. It's just not me. I'm not a writer. My blogs feel deeply narcissistic to me. To me. It's funny because I don't feel that way about someone else's blog. I champion them and their creativity and willingness to share with so many. It's just not me. It's not who I am. It feels inauthentic. I can't do it anymore. I love you all that have followed my little blog and supported me. You are sweet and wonderful and I will miss YOU! Terribly! But I must move on. I'm done. And it feels right.

Love,
Wendy

Soft colors.

2011-01-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

The last post with those lovely photos and their soft colors got me thinking about the Shabby Chic trend. Rachel Ashwell was certainly onto something more than a fad. It has stuck around for more than a decade now, continuing to sell her wares in Target and, happily, she is opening Shabby Chic stores around the nation. Maybe we'll get one here in Utah? I'd like that. In the meantime, here are some of the current rooms you can see her hand in...even if she didn't design them.

Alexa Hampton

doily rug

Shabby Chic--Austin Store

Feeling Sweet.

2011-01-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

candy houses--Israel

Sylvia C Photography--Utah

the jane studio

Marianne LoMonaco

Marianne LoMonaco
This piece is called "Book Lover." How many hearts do you see?

Each of these pictures make me grin. I love the candy colors. Maybe it's that Valentine's Day is right around the corner? Or the pastel and vintage colors are speaking to my desire for Spring to come?

Sweet gifts.

2011-01-19T07:41:00.000-08:00

olive

I couldn't decide which pillows to show you. This site has SO many adorable pillows! Seriously, lots! I think I may buy the red balloon pillow. I just showed the movie to my kids and they loved it. This pillow would be special to them. So cute!

Transfer ware, etc...

2011-01-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

I adore the mix of colors and objects on the plates.

Isn't this wall stunning?! I love it!

I recently saw a post on apartment therapy (one of my favorite sites to visit!) and I was so surprised by the majority of the comments! Lot's of people 'hating' on the idea of plates hung on the wall!? I love that we are all different and that we don't need to like the same things. But, this is one way to decorate that I love. I've always had a thing for bowls, plates, platters, etc... I guess it just fits me to put some porcelain on my wall. I love picking up stray pieces at tag sales, good will, etc... It's such an inexpensive way to decorate. I once had a party guest accidentally knock down one of my wall plates and in two seconds I had the broken plate cleaned up and a new plate in the old one's place. He was so relieved. I don't think I've ever paid more than a couple of dollars for a plate. You can change it so easily. Add different colors into the mix. I guess I lean toward a more English way of decorating and that can seem old fashioned or messy. However, even with modern furniture pieces I would still love the mix of something as warm as a platter hung on the wall.

These are some of my own plates and platters...including my 1950's mini platters. I just love their colors!

Alt.

2011-01-17T16:02:00.000-08:00

Alt., the design conference, is this week! Jan. 19-22. I'll be there, taking it all in. If you are going to be there please find me and say "Hello!" I'll try to get in some posts about the conference as it's going on, but I apologize if posts are spotty this week. I'll be back on my regular schedule next week. Have a fantastic week!

Wendy

Love it? Hate it?

2011-01-17T08:43:00.000-08:00

In our house we have made the word "hate" a no-no. We can say "dislike" or "strongly DON'T like!" but we try to steer clear of "hate." This brings me to taxidermy. Why? I've had people explain that it's an art form. That it takes incredible skill to produce a well done piece. I don't dispute that. Still...why? It creeps me out. I actually have an illogical fear of taxidermy...I get small panic attacks. So, no matter how much 'splainin you do, I'm just not gonna get it. However, you do find a fair amount of taxidermy in interior design. What do you think of it? Would you use it? Do you use it? I don't feel as grossed out when it comes to butterflies or bugs or horns. Still not something you'll find in my house, probably...but better than the fur and feathers.

houzz

etsy

stashapistachio

Friday Favs.

2011-01-14T09:57:00.000-08:00

I got so many positive responses from my readers about my favorite kitchen things post. I thought why not make it a weekly feature. Friday Favs. This week, I'll share some of my favorite things to keep on hand for quickly feeding last minute guests.

I try to have pita chips. Specifically, Stacy's. My favorite is the simply naked, but the original is fantastic, too. If you have pita chips then you must have hummus. Yum. I try to keep a little tub in the fridge, unopened, for visitors. But, of course we eat it if it's about expire...or even if it's not.

I love having something sweet to go along with the salty chips. I love French Twists. I like them all but I'm particularly fond of the California Almond (blue box.) These are not too bad for you either and they keep well in my pantry. And they are yum. Especially with a hot cocoa.

Speaking of hot cocoa. My go to cocoa is always. Always. Ghirardelli. My fav. is the Chocolate Mocha. I like a little bitterness and darkness in my cocoa. But I always keep the double chocolate on hand for visitors. The way I make my cup? One cup of skim milk, one tablespoon of Nesquick powdered chocolate, and 2 tablespoons of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Mocha (it calls for 4 tbsp. but I find that's too rich and bitter for me. That's also why I never watch Dallas.) That is my perfect drink!

I keep a package of variety cold cuts in my freezer for visitors. Then, when I need to make them a yummy sandwich I can bake up some of these, that I always have in my freezer. They taste like homemade and are so easy! They take about 22 min. to bake, though, so make sure you give yourself a little time. I also use these for quick strawberry shortcake. Just split a hot biscuit, top it with sliced strawberries that have been macerating in a little sugar for a few minutes. Add some homemade whipped cream, if you have a carton in your fridge. If not, then this is the best canned whipped cream to have on hand. It lasts a long time in the fridge and is a bargain price at my favorite warehouse store.

For a main dish, I can whip up a batch of white bean chicken chili, in about 15 minutes. I always have white beans in my pantry, along with cans of green chilis, chicken broth, and of course cumin is in my spice cupboard. I can run to the market for a precooked roasted chicken. But, in a pinch, a good canned chicken works fine. The Costco brand is good.

Add those Pillsbury biscuits and you've got a nice, last minute meal. Just add a salad.

And for quick, decadent chocolate for me to have a daily, afternoon pick-me-up? I pop one little square of perfect chocolate in my mouth.

When you first open the package you may wonder how something so small will satisfy you with just one piece. But ohhhh, how they do the job! They last me a long time and they are necessary to perk up my mood any time! And you can share them with guests, if you want. You might just want to keep them hidden, though.

A must see.

2011-01-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

This is out of control! What talented people out there!!! This is off the normal interior design topics but I had to share. I found this on Modern Kiddo. Never in a million years would I thought of doing The Sound of Music as a birthday party theme. Not to mention sewing clothes for each of the party guests! Crazy. Amazing! Mena from Sew Weekly is uber talented!

Inexpensive & Stylish Organizing.

2011-01-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

A cutlery tray used to organize wallets, keys, and electronic devices. Or you could make each compartment dedicated to one person in your family. This could be handy!

Mini loaf pans to corral makeup sponges, lip glosses, and nail polish. Brilliant!

Do you have any idea what this is? It's a paper towel holder! I've priced jewelry organizers and they aren't cheap! This is an inexpensive way to get a modern looking necklace holder.

Oh the uses for an over the door shoe holder. Here they've used it in the kitchen to hold things like birthday candles, muffin liners, napkins, etc... Smart. You can think of a million things this little beauty could hold.

And my favorite. I love that a vintage milk glass carrier would look so pretty while organizing my desk! And the cute little blue tray underneath? Adorable and makes it easy to move your desk stuff. Although quite "unnecessary" the little pom pom birdy is darling...making it completely necessary.

Thanks to Better Homes and Gardens for the organizing inspiration!

Feb.14. Comin' up!

2011-01-12T18:21:00.000-08:00

the happy scraps

Isn't this a cute idea? I think that even craft challenged me could handle this one! It's darling.

Home from the Hardware Store.

2011-01-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

LESLEY UNRUH/RODAL BOOKS 2010

Did you see this clever idea in Country Living magazine? This is from a book of genius ideas. These are cardboard cement forms from the hardware store. The authors covered them in wood grained contact paper and hung them. Isn't that clever? I'm so not smart like this! Her book looks fantastic! Full of inventive, inexpensive do-it-yourself crafts.

Common dilemna.

2011-01-10T14:00:00.000-08:00

House Beautiful

BHG

I recently had someone ask how to deal with wall moldings/panels and artwork. Most of us love the look of wainscoting, crown moldings, etc... But it can prove to be a challenge when it comes to hanging pictures. Obviously you can use the top of a piece of molding as a shelf for plates or artwork. But what do you do when the molding hits at an uncommonly high part of the wall? Or covers the entire wall? Well, I have found in my two decades of design work (more if you count my childhood bedrooms) that people are scared of putting holes in walls. Add to that a beautiful piece of wood work and you have a stand still! Let me assure you...you CAN put holes in moldings! They will recover. If you change your mind there is putty and paint. In the meantime, there are lots of different hangers you can use to combine your art with your wall treatment.

Pottery Barn

You can hang a rail higher than your paneling and let the artwork hang lower. No holes in the woodwork!

Pottery Barn used to sell these brackets that make the art work hang about 4-5 inches from the wall. It makes the art jut out so that you can cluster art together---kind of over each other. You could probably hunt for those brackets or you could fasten a piece of hardware to your wall and art work to get the same effect. Essentially floating it out over your moldings. Like an "L" bracket.

As long as you anchor it properly, something like this could be fastened to artwork. It could be painted to blend into your wall. You can get very creative perusing the aisles of your local hardware store.

I love your questions! Keep em coming!

Love it!

2011-01-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

On a side note, see how red is coming back? Just pops of it here and there.

I love this time of year. Even though I don't subscribe to the belief that resolutions have to take place at the beginning of each calendar year...there is something about this time of year. Maybe it's that (some of us) we have lived with snow for a few months now and are itching for spring. So we clean. So many people are emailing me to help with changes. I love it! I am feeling the bug, too! I already had a little list, hanging on my fridge, of things to do around the ol' homestead but for some reason my focus has gotten sharper with the holidays behind us. Paint is calling my name. I want to learn to sew so that I don't have to keep bugging my friend Char. I have a good number of little sewing projects that need to get done. Not to mention organizing. Oh, my! The organizing that needs to be done in my garage, office, and closets. But I'm up for the challenge. Excited even. Now if I could just find some money to implement said changes!

But my purpose for this post today? Keep sending me your questions. I don't charge for those simple questions and I love it! That stuff is easy and fun.It keeps me closer to sane. It keeps me reminded why I do this. HOWEVER, I am working on a job right now that is SO difficult. I have caught myself asking myself "WHY do I do this? I'm in way over my head!" But then YOU, wonderful YOU, call me or email me with a quick "Wendy, what color should I paint this?" and I'm back to a smile. THANK YOU!

The job that has me flumoxed is a slightly "Tudor" design with Italian Ornate finishes inside. My sweet client wants it to feel "beachy", "cottage-like." My hands are tied, though. I can't change paint. Or floors. Or cabinets. Or furniture. I'm trying...but I think I'm in over my head. Wish me luck. Give me pointers. What would you do?

Almost done.

2011-01-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

I only have my dinky digital camera right now. My pictures don't look great...I wish you could see the richness of the colors. But we are seeing the end of this room that we started in September! I don't normally take this long to do a room! One little chair held the whole thing up! We custom ordered a side chair and I think the salesperson forgot to order it. My client (let's call her 'Beth'*) paid for it but when she would call to check on the status of the chair they would say "Um...oh, it's still on back order." Beth was willing to hang on because the holidays meant she couldn't really put the room together anyway. Thank goodness for patient clients! I told her that I wish she would just cancel the chair and we'd find something else, unless she really wanted that chair. Yea! She cancelled the chair. The tiny chair was holding us hostage because we didn't want to get the rug in there and then not like the rug with everything. Usually, you only have 24-48 hours to return a rug that doesn't work. Long story, but yesterday we got the rug in there and were able to look at with the other pieces. I'm so happy she could cancel the chair. I am not sure that the chair would have worked in this room! I would have been sick to my stomach knowing I had steered her wrong!

The room just needs accessories now, some side tables, etc... In fact, I should have taken a picture of how I left the room. I had moved a few things around and it looked a bit more finished than what you see in this photo. Beth really wanted a traditional feeling room with traditional pieces, updated. A little beachy, country cottagey. (That chair to the right of the fp is a swivel rocker. It is SO comfy!) Early on in the project I suggested she paint the brass fireplace insert black and change the tiles just above the insert. She took my suggestion but, instead of changing the tiles, she painted them a chocolate brown. It looks great! She did such a good job!

This is a "before" but I wish I would have gotten a picture of the room before I started working on it. Sorry folks. I'm bad at that.

My electrician called me yesterday evening to say he has finished the custom lamp for this room! Next week I'm planning on making another trip to Beth's home and put more finishing touches on the room. Final pictures to come!

Bowled over.

2011-01-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

sneal

I've always had a thing for bowls. I don't know what it is. Maybe it's the perfect blend of form and function. I love these felt bowls. Beautiful colors. What could I use it for? I've been living with my console and side tables empty since un-decorating from Christmas. I want to put new things out. Change it up. Maybe one of these bowls needs a home.

Wouldn't this one make a nice Valentine gift? Filled with something Valentiney?

the fuzz monkey

Getting Excited!

2011-01-06T06:43:00.000-08:00

The Alt. Design Summit is happening in a few days! Are you going? I'm excited to meet other design bloggers and learn from them. I can't wait and at the same time I'm a little apprehensive. I've never been to a blogger conference and you know I feel awkward in the blog world. And I'll be all alone...unless I hear from you that you'll be there...then I won't feel so lonely!

Do you watch Project Runway? Seth Aaron and Mondo Guerra will be there! HP is flying them in! How fun is that?!

Cute.

2011-01-05T20:01:00.000-08:00

Eyeglasses bracelet. How inventive! I'm not sure how I feel about the mannequin hand used to show it. Actually, yes...I don't like it one bit. But the bracelet is very cute!

It's a mess!

2011-01-05T09:44:00.000-08:00

In my desire to strike while the iron is hot I'm planning the organization and design of my office/craft room. I'm contemplating showing you a photo but I'll have to get my courage up before I commit to showing you the gigantic mess that exists at the moment.

First, I'm thinking about the closet. It is crammed, in a somewhat organized fashion, with sewing stuff, paper art stuff, and gift wrap stuff. Oh, lots of old frames and some of my husband's old law school text books take up space in there, too. Have you ever had a custom closet company come to your home and do one of your closets? I have. A couple of times. It is heavenly. Seriously. It costs some bucks but each time, once it's finished, my husband and I have loved the end product. When we lived in our first home in Connecticut, our master bedroom was huge, with odd angles. It had two closets. One giant closet with just two long shelves on each side. We could have had an amazing walk in closet in there if we'd had the closet company customize something. Instead, I, eventually, made that my baby's nursery. I can't find photos of the closet/nursery. I wish I could show you. It was great! Since we needed a clothes closet in there the other closet was transformed, magically, by a custom closet design. They worked an incredibly usable design into the most oddly angled space. I was skeptical but they totally knew what they were doing! Again, I apologize for not having a photo. It was fantastic!

I had a client that wanted a new sewing room organized from her less-than-organized existing sewing room. The closet company redid the entire 10 x 10 room into this drool inducing, completely organized sewing palace. It cost $6,000. Pricey. My client did not like that price tag at all! When it was finished? She said it was worth every penny and, seeing the outcome, would have spent more!

Share with me your experiences with big organization projects...closets and otherwise. I'd love to know what you've done. What you recommend. What you'd like to do. I'm looking at this to try out some ideas. I'm planning a trip to IKEA to carry out a lot of this...something I both look forward to and dread. Do you feel that same way about IKEA? Thank goodness for Smaland.

White out.

2011-01-04T08:33:00.000-08:00

I've been wanting to paint everything white for quite some time now. I think I've done more posts about "white" than any other topic! I think it all started a couple of years ago when my husband and I started thinking about building. We looked for a lot and started putting together a house plan. Our dear builder was so extremely patient with us as we tried to sell our existing home so that we could get to building. The market just wasn't moving and since we didn't have a short sale, well, we were out of luck. Not many lookers and those that did look wanted short sale prices. So we shelved building a new home. But my dreams of a light, beachy, window-filled home are still floating around in my head.

I love how white unifies everything. You might think any color would do that. Not so much. I mean, an all blue room looks unified, in a way...but there is something about the "non-color" that makes a beautiful, clean palette for the rest of the colors you put in the room. For me, it gives breathing space. I look at these pictures and an unconscious "ahhhhh...." slips out of my mouth.

Great home to kick off 2011.

2011-01-03T07:42:00.000-08:00

Isn't this an inviting home? I could move right in. This is a softened example of the trends predicted for 2011. "Austere" is a word heard to describe the coming year. I see glimpses of that in this house. It has subdued color and and if you look closely they are focused on the function of the room not just the aesthetics. But they've created beautiful rooms without a lot of tchotchkes just to "fill up" the spaces. You can spot some of the 2010 trends, like Ikat. That trend should stick around through 2011. Do you love the blue room for their daughter? I would have died and gone to heaven, when I was 12, if I'd had this room! And I've always been a sucker for dutch doors. I'm in love with that entry way! It's finishes and moldings, the cleanness, the color. Nice. Just a lovely home.

These images were taken by Victoria Pearson for House Beautiful.

Design Predictions for 2011.

2011-01-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

2011 is beginning to look very interesting, as far as design trends go. This year we saw natural materials become important in design...lots of crystals, branches, driftwood, silver, gold, etc... In 2011, we should see more of that. Wool is predicted to emerge in decorating with a bigger voice than before. Wool? How do they know these things? Because of the economy remaining in a slump, we should see design pushed to knew levels of ingenuity. Lots of new "inventions" not just re-imagining something to make it work smarter, better. But real emphasis on totally new design to solve everyday living concerns. "Stark" and "home-centered" are two ways I've heard 2011 described. Lots of angles, geometric shapes, etc... in design but also a desire to really take the focus back to the softness, the comfort of home. It sounds schizophrenic. It sounds austere, but I'm really interested in seeing the pairing the hard angles and materials against the history and warmth of home.

Pantone's color predictions for 2011

The colors predicted are grays and blacks with jolts of yellows and oranges. Red is expected to make a return but mostly as an accent. It seems to me, the color trend is going to earthy tones with interesting hues. Like 'wine' but muddied. Citrus yellow, dulled. Smoky blues. There seems to be a subdued quality to the colors, all of them. The colors still look bold when given the back drop of gray or black, but they aren't the usual bright, pops of color we saw in 2010, it seems.

I love reading the predictions and with the internet it's fun to look back at what was predicted for 2010. Did they all come to fruition? I love this stuff!

Information source: Squidoo. Faith Popcorn. The Independent-London. Benjamin Moore. Pantone.

Cool.

2010-12-31T13:00:00.000-08:00

hey harriets

Isn't this photo cool? It was taken with a camera but through the lens of a second camera. It gives it a vintage look. Neato, huh?

Hope you are enjoying your New Year's Eve! Happy 2011!!!

Have a seat.

2010-12-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

I have a thing for chairs. I have dozens of them in miniature. They sit on my mantel. These paintings caught my eye. They looked like photographs on first glance. I love the colors. They are really well done. What do you think?

I'm in the mood.

2010-12-29T14:00:00.000-08:00

Are you feeling the need to organize? I'm really wanting to dig in, throw out, and organize around my house. First up? My "office." It is a disaster area! I had it "contained" a few months ago, having thrown a lot out and somewhat organized the mess. But it is just too easy to throw stuff in there until I get the time to go through it. What's the problem with that plan? I NEVER have the time to go through it! So, I am planning. Scheming. Thinking. I'll make this my first big, personal project of 2011 and I'll be sure to take lots of pictures for you to follow along. In the meantime, take a look at these lovely organizing companions I found. So much to choose from! I don't have a need for a bed rail for a toddler but these were too wonderful to leave out. Aren't they genius? And those red curly thingys? Can you guess what they are? Leave me a comment telling me what you think they organize...(don't cheat and go to the link!) My husband couldn't guess, but now that he knows, he wants a dozen. And that ribbon organizer holds 270 rolls! It's pricey...but 270 rolls!

patty's paper projects

the spotted barn

vessels and wares

My Kitchen Favorite Things.

2010-12-29T09:14:00.000-08:00

Flat whisk.

This is my new Hot Cocoa maker.

This is my old hot cocoa maker. I miss you.

Flat wooden spatula.

I wanted to share with you some of my favorite kitchen items. I have each of these things and love them...or like them a whole lot.

1. Flat whisk. You may think it's silly to love a whisk. I love the versatility of my flat whisk. I use it 10 times before I use my traditional whisk.

2. I've mentioned my hot cocoa maker before. I use it everyday. And I sincerely love it. My old one broke and I miss it. This new one looks sleeker but I am used to my old one. Both are fantastic, though!

3. Flat wooden spatula. I use this for SO much! To scramble an egg. Break up and cook ground turkey. Scrape chocolate curls (once I've melted, poured, and cooled the chocolate.) So much!

4. My Martha Stewart dutch oven. I would love a Le Creuset, but this is the next best thing! I've loved this big, heavy piece of enamelware. It cooks everything so well. Cleans like a dream. It has some downsides that I didn't encounter when I've used the more expensive alternatives. For the price, this is tops in my book! And such a pretty color!

5. I have this toaster oven. I like it. I don't love it but we use it daily. Toast, of course. But you can warm wedges of sourdough, slices of pizza, chocolate chip cookies, etc... The list is endless and it's so much yummier that warming in the microwave. Speaking of microwaves...

6. I use this egg cooker in the microwave. I've used this for years. My husband doesn't love the look of the eggs when they are done this way. My kids, however, love eggs and they don't mind them cooked this way. I just spray it with cooking spray, crack an egg inside, cook for 30-50 seconds (depending on how you want your egg cooked) and it's done. Then I can spray for a second egg and have it done before the first kid has started eating his egg! It's a time saver. And for those of you wary about the way a microwave cooks...like "doesn't it kill all good things in food?" NO. Check here for all the latest research.

7. My Kitchenaid. Oh, how I love thee! It is my kitchen assistant that never calls in sick or late, (unlike my other kitchen assistants?) It makes dough, cookies, sweet potato casserole, etc... Every kitchen needs one. I wish I was one of those blogs that could afford to give you one. Sorry. Please share with me if you have one though. I'd love to hear what colors everyone has!

8. My silicone spatulas from William Sonoma. They are wonderful! Easy. Useful. Easy to clean. Pretty colors. Great in heat. I have a half dozen in a variety of colors. They make me smile.

So that is it. I could go on. There are other kitchen things I love but I'll save them for another "favorites" list, another day. Please though, tell me some of yours? I'd love to hear!

2010-12-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

Years ago, when I first started blogging, I made the mistake of revealing how I really feel about vinyl wall art. It wasn't pretty. I hurt some feelings. Alienated friends. Got lots of comments. As my husband will tell you, I cannot tell a lie. (Or so he thinks) It is really hard for me to be dishonest. Candor oozes out of me, often inappropriately. I have seen many vinyl clings that I've liked. I've seen some I'd even contemplate using...in the right place, and at the right time. But overall, I'm not a huge fan. I came upon these delightful images, though. I think they are clever and I'm a big fan of whimsical design. There is a modern edge to these that I could really see using...in small doses. I honestly don't know why I like the bar code but it makes me a smile. And the 'hello' on the mailbox is great! Or is it the clapboard and the mailbox I like? Either way, it speaks to me. (pun intended.)

Pretty decor for your body.

2010-12-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

I could purchase and wear everything in this shop! I don't think there was one thing over $25 and every single piece I laid eyes on was perfectly executed! If one of my friends or husband is thinking, "Boy, Wendy is sure hard to buy for but I would love to get her a gift. Hmmm...." Well you cannot go wrong here! Peruse the wares and you will see. I'll bet you'll find at least 5 pieces that you seriously consider putting in your cart. I wanted to post every picture!

Bunting.

2010-12-26T19:33:00.000-08:00

I hear many people proclaim they are "SO over!" buntings. I will never tire of them. In my 40 years on this planet I have loved buntings...give or take a few years. When I was a girl I would make them out of cloth (not sewn...I've never been a sewer) or paper. Hang them with string. Mix and match colors and themes. I think they are enchanting. I like that they are a trend right now. They bring a smile to my face. I don't care how many people like them for this moment. They can change their minds and go on to the next thing. My heart has a bunting sewn onto it. Smile.

Giving Gifts.

2010-12-23T09:26:00.000-08:00

By now we all know about Tom's. (If you don't, they are a company that makes very comfy shoes. And when you buy a pair they give a pair to people in other parts of the world that don't have the money for a pair of their own.) You could still pick up a pair at Nordstroms for a last minute gift. I am incredibly inspired by this company! They originally wanted the name of their shoes to be "Tomorrow's" to inform people of the giving nature of their brand. But it wouldn't fit on the label. They are about $50. (I'm usually a cheap shoe shopper!) But you can feel good about your purchase since you know you are helping to make someone's life better! They have given away more than a million shoes! In countries where they personally outfit children with a new pair of shoes they have helped curb the incidences of hook worm and other terrible diseases! They've seen children playing soccer in fields with broken glass and now they can play without fear of injury. This company originally wanted to just be a charity but they knew that it was hard work to sustain a charity. So the "one for one" idea was launched. What a marvelous purpose to work for! And they are stylishly casual shoes that anyone can wear! Kudos Tom's!

Last minute?

2010-12-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

$6. Stocking Stuffer. Have you tried this stuff? Great!

This candle smells SUPERB! $12!

Vintage Camera Photo Album. $10 and adorable.

I have a couple of these inexpensive but stylish jars from Anthropologie. One holds sea salt and one holds black pepper. I keep them next to my stove when I need to quickly dash some seasoning in my cooking. They are $4 ea! They could hold a few treats to give a neighbor and your neighbor would be grateful for the stylish container.

From Anthro. you can also pick up these shell measuring "spoons" for a mere $12. They will be the talk of the table! These brightly colored spoons are just a little more moula. I love the holes in them, to hang them somewhere in view. See how the backs are striped? Cute!

My husband thinks he has to spend a gazillion dollars when picking gifts at Anthropolgie. But any one of these would make me smile on Christmas morning and they don't break the bank! All of these should be in stock today at your local Anthro. And all under $15!

Simple Ideas.

2010-12-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

real simple

I like this idea. Do you keep the cards sent to you from year to year? I'm not consistent enough to answer that question. I like this idea of making a table runner of the old cards. Another suggestion is to keep the cards but strategically cut them up into gift tags. Brilliant! Some of the images on the cards are so interesting. And what a nice way to use what you have!

I don't know about you, but I have dozens of these photo corners in my craft (really, it should be called "junk" room!) room. Doesn't it elevate that name tag? It makes it just a little more special. And once again, I don't have to buy new tags! I know some of you are uber-talented and make fancy tags for your presents. You are amazing! (I am impatient so this option is more up my alley.)

Are you ready?

2010-12-17T07:51:00.000-08:00

Do you have all your presents picked? Your gifts gathered? Need a few, last-minute ideas?

pie in a jar
This seller on Etsy has a commercial kitchen and makes these delectable little pies in a jar! She sells them 3 in an order for about $15. They come quickly and she'll even send a card to your giftee so they can know who sent them this lovely gift.

lily and thistle

Lily & Thistle is really quick at getting things to you. You may still be able to order a custom paper doll if you go there and order today! I got one for my Lilly. My daughter is half black/white so finding dolls, of any sort, that resemble her is difficult. These paper dolls are so pretty and you can buy them in packages...all the way up to the deluxe package for only $25! A new outfit sent once a month!

build-a-bear
For Grandma, why not take the kids to record a "Merry Christmas 2010! We love you Grandma!" Every year Grandma can get out her Christmas decorations and be reminded of your cute little one's voices. It's such an easy, personal gift. And you can get it done quickly! AND light enough that you could mail it for not much money if it has to go priority!

Wreath Love.

2010-12-15T12:00:00.000-08:00

georgia peachez

I would love this wreath! I'd worry about those gorgeous glass ornaments breaking every year...but I think the worry is worth it! The colors are perfectly vintage. I have a few antique ornaments from my Grandma. She shakes her head wondering why anyone would want those "old" ornaments when we have shiny new ones to choose from! I'll take all those "old" ones off your hands Grandma. You can have all of my new ones!

vintage soul

Isn't this a pretty one? I love the tinsel peeking out and the pointy ornaments. They make this one stand out from the usual ornament wreath.

junkmail050269

I've wanted to make this wreath for years. I love vintage pins and brooches. I am saving my pins until I can put together a fantastic wreath. It's taking a LONG time! If you have any old brooches or pins that you'd like to send my way I will happily take them!

Giveaway Winners!

2010-12-15T07:51:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of the season I have picked 4 winners! Randomly chosen....drumroll, please....

Char@CrapI'veMade, Mikki Smith, Ashlee @I'mTopsyTurvey, and Lori Ellsworth!

Congratulations, winners! Call me to schedule your visit from the Big Guy 801-260-1653!

Merry Christmas to all!

Giveaway!

2010-12-14T08:34:00.000-08:00

Do you remember our fun contest for a visit from Santa? Well, our sweet prizewinner has had to postpone Santa's visit until next year because of her daughter's health issues. She kindly wanted me to give her prize to someone else. SO, leave a comment below and we will randomly draw a new winner for the visit from Santa.
If you live in Davis, Salt Lake, or Utah counties you are eligible to enter! (This drawing is just for the visit from Mr. Claus. No free design time.)

So, leave me a comment and I'll pick the winner tomorrow morning! Contest ends at midnight tonight!

(In fairness, I will enter those that entered the contest originally. BUT, this will give some newbies a chance, too!)

Stylish Gift Ideas.

2010-12-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

msm jewelry

This is a new take on the embossed necklace craze. Two, interlocking rings with names engraved. I think your recipient will sing praises to your good taste!

And this...what can I say about this cute necklace?! A "paper" airplane pendant! How cute is that?

bijoux lux jewelry

These earrings are so pretty and only $30! You'll have a unique gift that any girl would love!

retro ink

This shop sells very cool t-shirts with interesting images, hand screened. Do you know someone that appreciates the comfort of a -t-shirt and loves photography? They also have this lovely image of an elephant and I am drawn to the t-shirt with the bus on the front. For 15 bucks you can't beat this one-of-a-kind gift!

Though not a necklace wearer this gem could turn me into one! My favorite color is robin's egg blue AND I happen to have a little design company by the name of Good Egg! I think this has to be mine! (Is it bad that I purchased this for myself before I was even done writing this post?)

jacaranda designs

Since the bird's nest is no longer available I thought I'd show you these pretty earrings from the same seller. But now that I look at them I'm thinking they should be mine, too! These are so pretty! $18.75 and free shipping! How can you go wrong? I'll leave them for someone else that needs a great gift for their loved one. I need to stop finding things for myself! Seriously, if you need a special piece of jewelry for your best friend or wife...this site has so many interesting pieces to choose from!

I'll keep my eyes open while shipping is still possible to arrive for the big day! Happy shopping!

In awe!

2010-12-11T22:18:00.000-08:00

Cutest little kitchen!

I truly am in awe of the creativity and talent on the web! Isn't this little play kitchen perfect?! Funny, I'm not as intimidated by the wood working as I am the sewing. She did such a good job on all the details. If you pop over to her site you can see photos of other peoples little kitchens. They are all WONDERFUL! Fantastic! She produced this whole kitchen for $119.00! AMAZING!

Christmas.

2010-12-09T22:35:00.000-08:00

When I open the boxes to decorate, I am looking for these things first. My beloved "mistletoe" is actually metal. I adore it! It's cute AND I get kissed every time I am found standing under it! My wonderful, felt "Merry Christmas" banner. The picture doesn't do it justice at all!

I also have this great looking metal holly wreath that holds our Christmas cards. You should see how many card that thing holds by the end of the season!

I like my paper houses with the bottle brush trees...some of them light from inside. Magical. (Can you see me saying "hello" in the mirror?) I like our big Santa head. He looks vintage, especially with the ding of missing paint on his nose. When I was little my family had a gigantic, light up Santa head. That face was probably 3 feet long! I remember rubbing his red nose.

I like my tinsel tree. I bought it at a good discount, years ago, because the base was broken. The poor thing couldn't stand easily on it's own. I found an old, blue, crackle pot and added plaster of paris to make it hold my tree sturdily. It's never gonna fall over.

I love our velvet tree skirt with the best sounding bells attached on the outside of the skirt. They jingle every time our cat, Jack, walks by.
These are just some of the lovely things that make our house feel like it's full of Christmas. Don't you love how your decorations transform your home? It makes me grin the whole season...which gets shorter and shorter the older I get!

Holiday Lights.

2010-12-07T16:30:00.000-08:00

Luberto home--Boston, MA

neatorama

It is my sweet children's dream to have lights on their house at Christmas time. This is one thing we've never really gotten accomplished. I remember too late, then it's cold and no one wants to hang them...or my husband gets really busy at work and this task goes way down the list of 'to-do's'. Poor, sad, little children. Do you put lights up? I remember driving with my Mom to look at Christmas lights, when I was little. The pretty colored reflections in the car's glass, as I looked at the magical creations, is a warm memory. I drag my husband out every year to take the family on light seeking missions. We usually get a street or two in and then the 'Bah-humbug' in my husband appears and we head home for cocoa. It's funny. I don't know why he's not as entranced by the lights as the rest of us. Especially since he's no Grinch! He plays Santa every year for dozens of families! What do you think about the lights? Do you make a special effort to look at them? Do you make pilgrimages to strangers homes just so you can sit in a line and crawl along to look at some lights?

My Idea of Christmas Decor.

2010-12-07T08:48:00.000-08:00

I am drawn to bottle brush trees and little paper houses flocked with fake snow and colorful glass bulbs. I love these from Cody Foster & Co. They are a company that sells to retailers across the globe. You have probably come across their products in stores you frequent (you may even own some!) I think they have the most beautiful offerings. I would love to be shrunken down so I could live in their little cottages...for a while :)

Christmas Card.

2010-12-06T15:56:00.000-08:00

I did our Christmas card this year. I made it in literally 5 minutes. I am so impatient with stuff like this. I just want to get it done. So I just culled through photos that took place through the year and put them on one of those premade cards on a photo site. It was fun to see how the photos came together. I've already heard back from a few people that they love
the card (or do they have to say that?!) This was our card from last year. I loved it's simplicity. I thought it was elegant. I love this card, this card, and this card! It's so hard for me to pick just one! I have tried every photo site out there. I like all of them. I tend to get most of my photo stuff done at Shutterfly. They are uber-easy! I love how intuitively you can navigate through the site.

I'm so excited about some photo books I made for some people on my Christmas list. They shall remain nameless since I don't want to giveaway who is getting one! Do you like using this type of technology for gifts? Have you made a photo book before? I'm kind of obsessed with them. Shutterfly seems to have lots of promotions where I can make a photo book and get two free, or something like that. It makes it hard NOT to make one! My kids love looking through the books! Last year I made one for my Mother-in-law. She adores her garden. I surreptitiously snapped photos of her showing off some of her roses...I took pictures of every plant, closeups of the blooms ( I even captured a few bumblebees.) My MIL was amazed when she opened her gift. She was seriously surprised that her garden was in a book! (I didn't tell her how easy it was.) If you've visited my house you've probably seen the book of "Max Faces." My son and I were just having fun taking pictures of him making a million faces. I would say "Look surprised" then snap a photo, etc... I ended up making it into the coolest picture book for his little sister! She loves that book! And she learns words like "annoyed" or "focused" or "smart alec"! Then I made a calendar for my husband's office with those same "Max faces!"

So, if you haven't done your Holiday cards yet, tell me...what are you going to do? I'd love to see your card! Can you send me a link or something? That would be fun to see what you are doing!

Shutterfly is doing a promo. right now for 50 free photo cards if you get selected to spotlight them on your blog. I love Shutterfly and am happy to tell you about them even though I don't need photo cards! I was on top of things and got my cards done and out early this year! This promo. would have come in handy last year when my cards got out after Christmas!

Photography and Design.

2010-12-05T17:24:00.000-08:00

So...I forget to take pictures. I bring my camera along on design jobs. I remind myself to take 'before' and 'after' photos. Then I forget. I get so involved in the job. My brain just goes into it's own world...and before I know it...the job is done. Sometimes I remember to take a picture at the end. Usually not. To make matters worse? I have a design blog. Pictures would be helpful.

Going on a job tomorrow. Taking my camera. I'll try to use as many descriptive words as I can when telling you all about it.

Christmas with Ms. Stewart.

2010-12-03T19:02:00.000-08:00

Martha Stewart

They say these are "easy" but I'm skeptical. I'm an impatient crafter. I do love looking at these and imagining them in my house!

Stylish Kid Gifts.

2010-12-02T15:29:00.000-08:00

cute bus

I am sort of a toy snob. I do feel a little tiny bit guilty about it. I don't like Dora (For example. I'm sorry to pick on Dora) toys or for that matter toys that have some cartoon character's face on them. I'm picky about those things in clothing, bedding, etc... I've got a little girl that likes some of those things and so happily, for her, they've made their way into our home. BUT, I am drawn to more stylish toys. My ultra stylish friend, Martha, introduced me to 'Rody' nine years ago, just before my son was born. I searched for one and had to order it from an Italian toy distributor. Now you can find them anywhere! Rody is just one example of a toy that I think has some style but that has competely held up to my two kids and any visitors. We've filled him with air only once! Nine years ago! He might be a little tiny bit softer than when he started but he's still mighty fun! So when I was searching to do this post I came across this adorable reindeer like Rody! I'm not picking him up for us but if you do, I hope he holds up like our dear friend Rody!

rody

reindeer bouncer

Aren't these "blocks" interesting? These would be nice gifts for a number of different giftees...from 3 to 93!

totter tower

pull-along dog

This dog is fantastic, isn't it?! I love his details and wish I could see him move along. I imagine he looks adorable on the move.

Sirch Car

This ride-along is super BUT attach an adorable mini-trailer to it and I'm completely in love! My kiddos are too big for this now. I wish I need it for a little one!

Art Installations.

2010-12-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

I get so excited seeing these! I am in awe of the creativity of people! My friend, Patti, introduced me to these sheep months ago and I couldn't get them out of my thoughts. Aren't they cool?! Just google 'art installations' and you will be amazed at the thousands you can find out there!

jean luc-cornec

Mehmet Ali Uysal

Doris Salcedo

Pretty, Easy Holiday Decor.

2010-12-01T06:24:00.000-08:00

Lucas Allen

Aren't these pretty decorating ideas? In the first picture, they just attached tiny fairy lights to the banister along with a tiny feathery boa...you could also use pretty silver tinsel garland. It looks ethereal. (I SO want that stairway someday!) And in the second photo, they used quilting hoops and dangled them like Christmas ornaments! I love the simplicity!

End of year bargains!

2010-11-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

There are some great sales on home decor and furniture right now! I couldn't grab a picture of this one but the Martin Sofa is one of my favorites and it is a GREAT price!

Target has a double pack of these Parson chairs for $129! That is crazy good! There are other colors, like apple green or gray. Wouldn't these make great chairs for that empty part of the wall that need something? You'll always have an extra chair for a guest...and it won't be of the folding variety!

If you are in need of a guest bed, this price can't be beat! For $119 you get the headboard AND a free bed frame! AND shipping is free! You'll have to spring for the mattress (ha ha...I really hadn't intended that pun!) but otherwise it's a great deal for an attractive guest bed!

Isn't this a pretty lamp? It's found here for $70! This would be lovely in a bedroom or a simple living room.

This chair is on sale, too! A leather barrel chair for $199! There are some serious bargains to be found right now! They have other colors. I think this would be handsome in a den or office.

I found all of these items on my own. No one is paying me or giving me anything for my finds. I just think, with a little searching you can uncover some great deals in furniture right now. If you are in the market for some pieces you can probably find them for a steal!

Thankful.

2010-11-25T07:03:00.000-08:00

I'll get a little mushy. I do this blog solely because of you! My family blog is for my family. The record, the pictures, etc... BUT this blog is focused completely on YOU! So I have to say THANK YOU! Thanks for you support, your kind comments, your questions. You fill a spot in my life like no other. You give me a creative outlet I need so that I can be a more well-rounded Mother, and Wife, and small business owner. SO thank you! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with good things to eat and people that adore you! You are wonderful!

I'll leave you with a little list of decorating things I'm thankful for...just for fun. Add some of your own in the comments. I'd love to check them out!

1. My dear friend, Patty's Etsy site. SHE is so creative and funny and wonderful and I love her so! She enjoys paper crafts like I do but she is OH SO MUCH BETTER AT THEM THAN ME!!! She makes the coolest chandelier in a box (you might have to ask her if she still makes them) and she made THIS! Holy Cow! Is that amazing or what?! She made this for fun! That is A LOT of work! You can get this very handsome calendar from her shop. I could go on and on...

2. Etsy. What is not to love about Etsy? My go to site for all things. I check there for decor, or toys, or gifts. It thrills me to see how talented and creative other people are. They inspire me AND I get to shop at the same time! PERFECTION!

3. Holiday with Matthew Mead. If you don't already know...Mr. Mead and his oh-so creative team put together the loveliest of "magazines." I am opposed to the use of the word "magazine" here. It is more like the prettiest little book that I will pull out every Christmas to peruse again and again. It is so worth the measly amount they ask! If you haven't ordered a copy---you must! You won't be disappointed. Filled with design inspiration!

4. Creative friends that decorate my life. Here. And here. Here. Though I don't make many crafts, I do enjoy the creative inspiration I get from their blogs. And the fact that I'm either related to or live near them makes me smile! I love creative people! They fill my life up!

5. My home. Though it is not the house I would choose...it is filled to the brim with love and laughter and the people that are dearest to me! I get to decorate the walls...(and redecorate!) But the true reason I adore decorating these walls is because of what fills up my house. What makes my house a home.

More Koral Bros.

2010-11-22T07:31:00.000-08:00

This one is classic. Traditional. But perfect in it's details. They are true craftsmen/women and Koral Bros.!

Look at those ceilings!

Lovely details.

Beautiful! I can see myself cooking in here and gazing out those pretty windows.

Koral Bros.

2010-11-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

Isn't this beautiful?

And look at this...what a simple, lovely kitchen.

Oh, yes, and here is your pool...just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean.

In the Hamptons.

I used to work for this man. He builds some of the most beautiful homes! I'll share more of them in the weeks ahead. Isn't it fun to see how the other half lives? Or maybe I wouldn't call it fun as much as drool inducing.

Paper. Light. Pretty.

2010-11-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

I realize the images I selected are remarkably similar. I must be drawn to them! I've always had a love for paper arts. I'm entranced by the use of paper in lighting. You can see the most beautiful silhouettes emerge. When I was a young girl I purchased a giant paper lantern like the one above for my bedroom. I think I spent around two bucks. Now they can cost as little as $4 all the way up to hundreds! You can get lots of different colors. Some have images on them. Some cast shadows on the wall based on the images on the inside of the light. Beautiful! I especially love the lights trending now. That giant flower ball from IKEA is lovely...and cheap! What a dramatic statement! A lot of them are no longer made of paper but Tyvek or plastic. That makes them a helluva lot tougher and completely fire proof (although paper is safe for use in lighting. The Tyvek or plastic just adds an extra confidence.)

Would you use something like this in your home?

Drumroll, please....

2010-11-18T06:27:00.000-08:00

And the winner of the two hours of decorating help and a visit from Santa is...

Nicole!

Congratulations Nicole!

I really want to reward the other entrants. I wish I could pick everyone! I love you so!

If you want to take advantage of either the decorating help or the visit from Santa I will offer them at big discounts. One hour of design help is normally $25...I'll offer it for just $15. A visit from Santa to a residence is normally $40...he'll do it for $20. Santa will come to a business Christmas party for $75 normally. He'll give you readers that option for $50. (Don't get the wrong idea. Santa donates the money to charity, he would never pocket the change himself. Come to think of it, I don't think Santa has spent money on himself in maybe 17 1/2 years!)

This offer is ONLY for those of you that entered the contest.

Nicole, contact me @ wendygoodegg@gmail.com (soon!) and tell me who you want to give this prize to. If you decide you can't use this prize or if I don't hear from you in the next 48 hours, I'll choose a new winner.

For the rest of you that would like to book Santa/design help, just shoot me an email and we'll get you on the schedule. Santa books fast, as you can guess. He has limited spots available...so message me quickly! He's the cutest Santa, too! He memorizes the names and something about the kids he's visiting and reads them a story. He's a lovely addition to your Christmas party!

Beautiful!

2010-11-16T07:36:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to enter the contest for the best prize ever! Go back one post and enter to win a visit from Santa...and some decorating help....(I know which one you really want!)Contest ends Wed. at midnight.

A dear friend of mine just finished this quilt for the baby boy growing in her belly. She should design quilts for a living. She is talented beyond measure. She's always been creative...but this is a masterpiece! I think it is beyond words. I will stop there because all this gushing will make me sound insincere. I truly love this though! Isn't it lovely?! You can see more pictures on her blog.

Contest closed.

2010-11-15T07:53:00.000-08:00

country living

We haven't had one of these for a long time. I'm doing a giveaway for 2 hours of free decorating. The difference? It's the holidays!!! Can you use some help putting up the tree? I can help! Want to decorate your porch? I can help! Or you can use the 2 hours for another decorating project. It's up to you. But I thought it would be helpful since I can pitch in for your holidays! The bonus win? Santa! He will come to your house for free! Really!!! I have an in with him and he owes me a freebie. So if you want him for your family Christmas party or just a visit to your little family. He'll come to you and you can sit on his lap and tell him what you want for Christmas. (He also gives you a candy cane!)

So tell everyone you know about this giveaway! (I have no illusions that the best part of the giveaway is my decorating help! I know what you want :)

Leave a comment here for one entry. Then tell others about the giveaway and come back here to link me to where you invited them (blog, facebook, twitter.) You'll get another entry for every comment you leave related to your invites. Follow the blog and get yet another entry! The giveaway is only open to people along the Wasatch Front, (Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah counties will be included.) The contest will end on Wednesday, the 17th.

Because of Jenn S. and her question, I will make the contest open to anyone, even if you don't live in the Salt Lake area. You can give your win to someone here, in Utah! Thanks for the good idea Jenn!

It's a bird thing.

2010-11-13T09:57:00.000-08:00

etsy

turquoise tumbleweed

very cool, graphic prints

beepart

mbmb

As a child, we lived on a gentleman's farm for a time. Among cows, horses, and pigs, we had peacocks. Just two. A boy and a girl (but I think the boy was gay...we tried to get him interested in fertilizing the girl's eggs but he just wasn't interested.) They were loud but beautiful. Exotic to have as "pets." I've always had a fascination with them. My Mother is an orniphobe. She is terrified of birds...even pictures of birds! The fact that she allowed my Father to have peacocks on our farm is quite peculiar. They would fly up onto our deck and sit there for hours. Right outside the great room/kitchen. My Mom had to hate that! I love my Mom but we've had our "issues" (she drives me a little nutty sometimes.) It is totally Freudian that I continue to decorate with the object of my Mother's fear. My guest bed (where my Mom slept) for a long time was wrought iron with sweet little birdies perched on the top. The fact that I named my company "Good Egg Interiors" is, I'm certain, subconscience homage to my Mother and our complex relationship.

I'll get back on topic...I've always liked peacocks and am fascinated by their colors and their fancy tail. Here are a few of the objects that caught my eye this morning. The business card is mine, made by the lovely Michelle Brusegaard of mbmb. She's made my business cards for years because they are pretty and soooo inexpensive! I don't know how she does it!

Now, I'll go work out my "Mother issues" on my own and quit bringing you into it!
I love you, Sally :)

Fall Colors

2010-11-12T06:04:00.000-08:00

bhg

A while back I asked, on our fb page, what your favorite fall colors are. Well, I was surprised. The only answer I got, from everyone, was "burnt orange." I didn't see that coming! Although a lovely color, I expected to see some greens, browns, or greys in there.

I love this room image above. It has a down to earth feel even though it uses a big pop of juicy color. Your 'burnt orange' is in there along with a matte chili red and a luscious velvet brown. That wall and the style of the furniture is mid-century modern but the color warms up the space like nothing else.

L.A. CalifornIA

2010-11-11T06:26:00.000-08:00

My eyes are still bleary and I'm pooped. But we accomplished a lot in our marathon decorating session. A wonderful client flew me out for a day. Just one day! We shopped and searched and plotted and ate a bite or two. We found a pretty rug, a needed couch was ordered, a cool tufted, velvet, teal ottoman was ordered, and we moved her front room around. But my favorite part? Talking with her adorable children! They are gems! I wanted to steal them!

My cute client sitting on what will be her couch, when they make it in the fabric she chose.
Do you think they can get it done by Thanksgiving? They are gonna try!

Her darling boy, patiently waiting while we shopped and
shopped and shopped! He's such a cutie!

The ottoman that was predestined to be velvet teal.
She knew that part.

Then we found this rug to pull the room together.
I was a little worried we'd have a difficult time finding
the right rug since that ottoman was so bold.

The rug has beautiful, saturated colors. Craftsman style, so it looks traditional enough.
But, will add a little fun to the room with those bold, orangeish, cabbage roses.

Sadly, I won't be there to put the room together when all the furniture is completed. I think that has convinced me I can no longer work long distance. It worked great this time to be flown out there, fed, given a bed...but my poor client is feeling shaky about putting it all together. I taped off the floor to give her a sense of furniture placement but she wants help knowing what/where to put on the walls. What accessories will finish the room, etc... I wanted her to see that something tangible got accomplished so I rearranged her front room. That gave her the necessary adrenaline rush that a good change in decor can deliver!

I don't mind giving ideas. Making inspiration boards can be fun. But I truly feel the most useful when I can finish the room. I need to move things around...see if they really work the way I'm picturing. In all good design there has to be a trial and error element and that just doesn't happen when I'm just giving ideas and then leaving the state! I wish I could head down there to complete what we started! That is by far the fun part!

Nice and Easy.

2010-11-08T20:50:00.000-08:00

elle decor

Isn't this Bridgehampton (I lived in Bridgehampton for a few years and miss it terribly!) beach house nice and simple? Very warm and welcoming, even with the crisp white on the walls. You wouldn't guess this home belongs to Sarah Jessica Parker and family. The sofa is slip covered in denim. The coffee tables are the Lack side tables from IKEA (7.99!) and they just gussied them up with a lacquer finish. Nothing in this "celebrity" home screams celebrity. It does "say" that a practical family lives here with little one's. I love that!

I'm heading away for 2 days to finish a design job in L.A. I'll miss you while I'm gone!

Winner!

2010-11-08T06:56:00.000-08:00

Our random winner is.....Carol F.! You will be getting something in the mail from me in about 2 weeks! Congrats!

The week.

2010-11-06T07:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes sitting down to my blog is the only relaxing time I get. Between a feisty 3 year old, a funny 8 year old, and my little decorating business, it feels like a break...even an indulgence to write at my blog or look at other fantastic blogs. I love seeing what inspires other bloggers. I like seeing bloggers become successful. I have no desire for my blog to become big, though. I know I need it just for me and a handful of friends that want to follow along. I would not enjoy blogging as a career but I find it relaxing. On the other hand...I do get a jolt from scouring and then finding a lamp part for the lamp I'm having made for a client. Instead of spending $20 bucks + shipping I paid $5 cash out the door! Go figure. That is what gets my heart pumping! Isn't it great that we are all so different!

By the way, I can't wait to show you the lamp when it is finished! As usual, I forgot to take a picture of the vase I made it from (when I say "I made it" I mean my electrician made it/is making it.)

Here is what I was searching for (although mine looks different) Do you know what this is? If you guess right I'll give a random guesser a small prize...of my own choosing :)

Cool Chair.

2010-11-04T20:08:00.000-07:00

Isn't this a great idea? At Martha Stewart online they posted this picture. I love that you wouldn't even need to reupholster the chair to totally change the look of it! Just sanding and painting the legs. AND if you are handy with a sewing machine, you can make a coordinating pillow with a really trendy fabric. Voila! (Is that how you spell that?)

Addictive+fun!

2010-11-03T15:58:00.000-07:00

It starts out like this.

Then I changed it to this.

Then this.

And finally, this!

I stumbled upon this company while searching for lamp parts for a custom lamp I'm having made for a client. I'm thrilled, excited, ecstatic to find this! It is sort of addictive to choose from all the designs, shade patterns, colors. You can choose the trim and design colors. This lamp, as designed, is $199. A bargain for something customized for your very own room! There were others less expensive. I'm so happy to have found this resource...especially since I've been looking for lights for one customer while searching for a replacement for one that broke in my very own home! I'm soooo tired of looking at lights but this site made it much more fun!

Thanks and giving.

2010-11-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

I still have fondness for the ubiquitous "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster, unlike many out there. Craftily Ever After is offering this free printable. Wouldn't it make your Thanksgiving a little better? Very cute!

You might be a decorator if...

2010-11-01T08:47:00.000-07:00

Do you compulsively take the time to choose the color of the cup, plate, and fork
your child's breakfast will be served on? Do you either match everything or pair
interesting color combinations. And then stand back and take it in...just for a moment?

Do the colors on your computer screen actually matter to you?
Have you ever "blended" a custom color for your font?

Have you ever had a wall color made to match a favorite pair of shoes? Handbag?
Piece of fruit?

Have people said to you, "I've never noticed that! Wow...how did you notice that?" when you've pointed out a detail in their very own home?

Have you ever NOT been able to sleep because you were going
over your list of options for
colors you could paint the inside of your kitchen cabinets?

Do you cringe when your child begs to have that new Dora shirt? Do you immediately think, "What cardigan does she own that could 1. cover up said shirt, and 2. look artistically eccentric when paired with above mentioned shirt?

Has a room of your house ever been "finished?" If so, you might NOT be a decorator!

Have you ever thought, "Man! It would be so easy if I just didn't care!"
YOU are most likely a decorator!

Penniman hard at work.

2010-10-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

This is a beautiful renovation/restoration they are busy with in Rhode Island. They do beautiful work, don't they?! Of course, I haven't seen the before picture but knowing their track record...

IKAT

2010-10-29T06:24:00.000-07:00

etsy

I'm sure you are well aware of this trend. Ikat (pronounced E-cot.) Here is a pretty set of Ikat pillows...the trend is so present right now you can find Ikat patterns in sweaters, skirts, lampshades, etc...etc... (In fact, I'm just now remembering I did an Ikat post like 6 months ago...I guess this is one trend sticking around for awhile.) Speaking of trends. Did you know that a "trend" is something that lasts for about 2 years? A "fad" has a shorter shelf life. Usually just a season or two.

2010-10-27T20:44:00.000-07:00

BHG

Smart use of space, this daybed is perched on a stair landing. A nice spot to read a book and hope no one finds you for a while. Doesn't it look serene?

Inspiration.

2010-10-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

BHG

This headboard isn't my "taste" but it is a great example of creativity! It's just paint on a headboard. You could also get a good piece of wood cut at Lowe's, into the shape you want and then transfer whatever fabric pattern you'd like onto it. A little elbow grease, tracing and painting and you've got a one of a kind design.

Stripes.

2010-10-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

No. Not these stripes.

Not this adorable children's book, either.

three men and a lady

Do you like stripes? Would you do this to a room? I think this room is bold and interesting but I don't think I could live with that much stripe. But maybe the wall behind the console table? What a labor intensive job...but it's very cool, isn't it?

Apartment Therapy

Look at this creative wall. I love the mix of colors. This would be great in a vacation home or renovated farmhouse.

Oliveaux

I think this room is absolutely lovely. Pretty colors, nice stripe to add interest with that pretty upholstered headboard (she makes them, but in Australia!) I'm a sucker for all white bed linens. I think they are so smart.

I adored the colors the boys used in the HGTV Design Star room. See that little bit of striping they did behind the mannequin? I really like stripes that combine interesting colors.

Wonderful White.

2010-10-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

apartment therapy

liz lassiter interiors

fresh home

I'm going through a white period. Although you wouldn't know it to look at my house. Right now. I'm planning on taking everything off of the walls and slather said walls in white paint. Start new and fresh. BUT, I am running out of time. I'm busy running here and there and before I know it I'll have to start this painting project in the spring. Paint doesn't cure well in the winter or summer. You have a short window in the fall or spring to get it right. I love resting my eyes on these beautiful images of white rooms. Did you notice that interesting sailboat light? This last image is so inviting to me with the door details and the high ceilings. Dreamy white. Ahhhh.....

Great idea.

2010-10-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

sweet home style

I love art. I say I want calm and serene but then I could fill my walls floor to ceiling with art pieces. Already my walls are in need of some paring down! I really love this idea. They put a stark white fabric behind the children, photographed them, and blew up the image. Isn't it great? Anyone could do this. (You can enlarge an image or have it made into a canvas starting at around 20 bucks!) Think of the images you could use! One big piece of art and it warms up a very minimally decorated space. Brilliant!

Beloved Color.

2010-10-21T15:21:00.000-07:00

Do you have a color that makes you happy? Mine is Palladian Blue (Benjamin Moore HC-144.) I know I've mentioned it before so I am sounding like a broken record. I like a lot of colors. But there is something that makes me swoon about this particular color. My Connecticut dining room was this color. In color theory, blue is supposed to influence you to eat less. Curb your appetite. That wasn't my intention when I painted my dining room but what a nice, unintended consequence! Do you have a favored color? It's impossible to pick a favorite color but I'd love to hear what some of your beloved colors are.

Ferney Art Offering

2010-10-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

Have you heard? This is such a great idea. Artist, Paul Ferney, has generously offered to paint whatever you'd like (a 5x7) for $200! Only 100 commissions are available and Design Mom (his sister in law, btw) says they are going fast. This is a great price for a custom piece of art. AND he's a fantastic artist (wouldn't be quite a bargain if he wasn't, huh?)

Unenlightened.

2010-10-19T17:51:00.000-07:00

karachi snob

Isn't this picture of a light/breath-taking art piece...well...breath- taking? I'm going through struggles because of my own lighting and a clients lighting issues. I'm sick of looking at lights. I have book after book or special order lights. I've perused specialty lighting stores. Home Depot and Lowes have been visited a number of times. I wish I didn't care so much, what my lights look like. I was already in the process of looking for lights for a client and then I found myself needing a new light in the front room. THEN, when changing a light bulb, my poor husband broke our big kitchen light. (That happened just a day after my computer modem broke! When it rains...) He felt terrible. I would be happy if my brain would let me choose merely on function. Wouldn't that make your life a little easier if you didn't care about form. Easier, maybe. Not as much fun, I guess. Right now I'm teetering on the "ignorance is bliss" ledge. Doesn't there always seem to be (unless you are independently wealthy or Oprah) a list of "what I would get if I could afford it" and another list, "what I'll settle for because it works." I feel a ~~little~~...LOT greedy or shallow or selfish that I am always looking to change my surroundings...find something better. I'm really trying to cultivate happy-with-what-I've-got attitide but it seems to elude my feeble psyche. I'm sure you've know nothing of what I'm talking about as you have it figured out! I'm grateful for the listening ear though :) Thanks for letting me vent!

Just a few chairs.

2010-10-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

These are just a few chairs I came across on recent client shopping trips. The blue ones were like peacock blue with that velvet brocade leaf in a chartreusy green. They came with that little leather pillow. Very bohemian and lush. The velvet couch was so inexpensive. It looks like it should be in someone's bedroom or tiny, dark library nook. But my favorite were these tufted slipper chairs. OH how they make my heart go pitter pat! None of my clients wanted them, though. Still searching.

Just about the cutest thing ever...

2010-10-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

tiny houses polaroid

I'm in love. Isn't this a pretty little print? This etsy seller has a lot of interesting things for sale. Worth the click over to her site. I think this print belongs with me.

Gingerbread

2010-10-13T07:06:00.000-07:00

t party

This time of year I start having a hankerin' for gingerbread. I love gingerbread cookies. I like gingerbread cake. I adore gingerbread steamers...(I just put 2 tbsp.'s of Sugar-Free Gingerbread Torani Syrup into a cup of steamed milk. It is sooooo good!) In my desire to pay tribute to all things gingerbread, I thought I'd pleasure your eyes with some lovely pictures of gingerbread trim. In doing so I found this wonderful website called T-Party. This woman has a wonderful eye for vintage finds and lovely colors...and she enjoys tea. I asked to borrow some of her photos because she has photographed the most charming little cottages, with gingerbread trim. Aren't the colors fantastic?! I think the photos she took are pretty cottages on Martha's Vineyard. Wouldn't you love to have a beach house like this?

Dressed? Or Undressed?

2010-10-11T06:44:00.000-07:00

Cute cafe curtains

Cornice, panels, shades--these windows have it all!

mimi---plantation shutters

bamboo shades

Plantation shutters used on the ceiling!

2" wood

pretty valance

Thanks to a question posed by a reader I have a topic for this post (sometimes it's hard to come up with them! Thanks for the questions!) Window dressings can be confusing and expensive. I end up leaving just 2 inch wood blinds in mine because they do the job until I figure out what I really want. I've added curtain panels to some but overall, my own windows are pretty boring. It comes down to my pocketbook. One time, years ago, I had custom made roman shades made for my bay window. It cost a small fortune! I remember the color draining out of my sweet husbands face as he was given the bill. Since then, I recall that every time I think about finishing a window. I'm like Pavlov's famed dogs.

But, window dressing is an imperative...unless you don't mind your neighbors seeing you in your birthday suit. So what do you do? The least expensive things I won't even list because they involve paper. The next best? Bamboo shades. You can get them as inexpensively as $10 all the way up to custom made ones for lots o'money. Bamboo (or another similar material) looks great in a variety of designs. I think they are a little casual for some decorating but overall they can be dressed up or dressed down. In between Plantation shutters you have 2" wood or composite or plastic blinds. Horizontal or vertical. (I have to be honest, I am not a fan of the vertical.) They come in a variety of colors and are the work horses of window coverings. Plantations are dreamy. They look so put together but whoa! do they cost some buck! It is really furniture for your windows. Once you've decided whether you want a blind or just curtains or blinds with curtains you are ready for the most difficult part. Fabrics. Boy! There is a lot to choose from. If you sew you are lucky because you can keep a chunk of your budget in tact! Then you have to decide whether you want curtain panels, valances, cornices, etc... (A cornice is a more structured valance. Cornices can even be made of wood or plaster.)

What do you like? What do your windows look like? What do you wish they looked like?

It's here!

2010-10-10T09:28:00.000-07:00

Another issue of Lonny is in my email! If you don't subscribe to this online magazine (free, btw!) you are missing out on the most beautiful images and inspiration from talented decorators around the globe! This issue they've assembled great articles and pictures that I have looked at and looked at again...and then again! Lovely!

Seasonal.

2010-10-07T06:41:00.000-07:00

Do you decorate according to the season? Are you hunting down a pretty plaid throw to warm you on the couch? I would like a stash of decor items that I could swap in and out for changes. Something about this time of year seems to make many of us long for toasty colors and tweedy fabrics. Tell me, do you make it a point to change your accent pillows, throws, lampshades, etc... to match the season you are in?

More from Penniman!

2010-10-06T07:00:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough! I love it when they post new photos of the homes they're working on! This talented team of architects and designer continue to build homes that make me salivate! Just look at the view in the great room! Isn't that a dream?! And that breezeway! Wow! Wow! I love the architectural details included in all of their designs. Look at that great window way up there above the bench window. Every detail thought of.

Halloween Decor.

2010-10-05T12:05:00.000-07:00

I rarely attempt crafts. I'm not terrible at them but I'm not great at them. I tend to want it done quickly so I can get to other things...I guess it feels kind of indulgent when there is laundry to get done. I wanted something to decorate my door so I picked up a few cheap things at the craft store. This took me all of 20 minutes and about 12 bucks. It was fun. I think it needs a little something more but I'll have to think about it. What would you suggest? As we speak, this is the only Halloween decoration I have up. I need to get busy! Send me some pictures of your Halloween decorations! I'd LOVE to see them! (alankormsby@yahoo.com)

Love.

2010-10-05T07:55:00.000-07:00

Here are just some of the things I like on this cute etsy site. There are some really great things for sale and for not much money. I love those old pie vents....those may have to be mine. And, though I recently declared my love of less frilly things, I must now backtrack. I love this runner! The burlap and ruffles are wonderful together! I could picture that on my table!

Vacation.

2010-10-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

As I am dealing with a slight need to "recover" from our vacation (5 days at Disneyland during the hottest week EVER! 113 degrees!) I will post some of the pictures from our favorite hotel. If we plan our trip on short notice we sometimes don't get to stay at the Grand Californian. With plenty of notice, this is our preferred residence during our week at Disneyland. It's nice because it is on the Disney property. If you can't catch a room there, pop in just to take in the beautiful lobby. It's grand and warm. The fireplace is always burning at night...even during the hottest week on record! I wish I'd grabbed a picture of the adorable little arts and crafts rockers for the children to sit and watch old cartoons. The craftsman details are done perfectly from floor to ceiling. I wish I was a better photographer to capture these images for you. Hope you can get a sense of the beauty of this lovely hotel. I should have taken a more detailed picture of the amazing floor tile work. It is breathtaking. As someone that has a knowledge of flooring, and what it takes to do some of this type of tile work, I realize what talented craftsmen (and women) it requires to make these amazing floors! There is also evidence found of Batchelder's influence in the wall tiles. If you are a fan of the "arts & crafts" or "craftsman" style of design, then you know who Ernest Batchelder is. His influence on this style is found in textiles, ceramics, and even quotes throughout the building.

My kids enjoy the pools, not the architecture. Someday, when they grow up, perhaps they'll happen upon a lovely craftsman home or chair and be reminded of our family vacations to this beautiful hotel.

Opposition.

2010-09-29T06:38:00.000-07:00

etsy again

I will show you this but then you have to promise not to buy it. I love mid century design. My husband does not. He can be talked into liking a particular piece and even seeing the value in an overall design scheme. He likes flourishes a bit more than me. Fanciness. He is 6'3" and can bench press 310 lbs. But he likes girliness in his decorating. I, on the other hand, could live in a modern, simple lined decor with pops of color here and there. He likes a little floral now and then. I like him and he likes me. So we make this work.

Etsy love, again.

2010-09-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

etsy

These images are from an etsy site. Maclancy is the purveyor of these prints. Her site has such a broad range of subject matter. No doubt you can find a print to suit your need. At very least they are fun to look at!

2010-09-28T06:28:00.000-07:00

etsy

Isn't this pretty? I can picture this on a pillow or holding back a sweet drapery panel in a little girls room.

Ottoman Empire.

2010-09-27T06:12:00.000-07:00

Ottomans. I like them. They are the work horse of decorating. You can put your feet up on them. You can move 'em around for extra seating. Your family can play a board game on the right one. They can be the star of the show as far as pattern is concerned. You can be playful with an ottoman's fabric but if you did that same fabric on a sofa it might look ridiculous! You can have them tufted (a particular favorite of mine), done in leather, linen, etc... You can make them big or small. Leggy or skirted. Caster feet or no feet at all! They are magical! OK...I went too far. I do love a good ottoman...

Chair Love.

2010-09-26T06:11:00.000-07:00

These are just a few of the chairs from the Restoration Hardware collection. They have overhauled their line to include just linen and leather. I love how so many of the pieces can be worked into an existing palette. They are classically styled with deep, comfortable seats. Feminine details on the legs take the masculine edge off. It is a nice partnership of the masculine + feminine. Love so many of these pieces!

Emotional Decorating.

2010-09-25T06:05:00.000-07:00

restoration hardware

I'm working with a dear friend right now to update her space. Her home isn't that old and her furnishings are in great shape. But she needs a change. Her need comes from being a care giver to an ill spouse, a Mother, a student, a volunteer. She gives to everyone that comes within reach of her loving arms....and then some! So she wants a change. Really craves one. She confided that she isn't sure whether her existing furniture is really the problem or if it is a convenient scape goat. But she wants to simplify her color palette and buy the things she truly wants. Not just the "good price chair" or the paint color she is talked in to. We all can relate, can't we? I know I have things that don't "work" now but are in perfectly good shape. Some things I compromised on because I needed something in that corner but now it stands out like a sore thumb. To me. It becomes a weight around my neck. Money keeps us from buying new. Good sense keeps us from throwing out perfectly useful furniture. I am not advocating going into debt for a new room. NO! Creative thinking can give you big changes with little to no money. But I have seen the "emotional" side of changing a room. How it can physically give you a lift. There was a bit of an adrenaline surge when I moved my breadbox into the pantry, for instance. It's out of sight now and I love that. I still like it and get a smile, though I moved that darn breadbox a month ago! So don't discount your need to change as frivolous. Be sensible but pay attention to your need to improve your surroundings. It really can give you that lift you seek.

Fireplace & Scale.

2010-09-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

I briefly touched on scale when talking about art work, quite a while ago. I liked this "reader" (sister in-law) request and thought we should visit the topic again! She asked for help decorating her giant fireplace mantel. Mantel's can be tricky but especially if you have an overly large one or a skimpy one. I'd rather have the problems of a big mantel. At least you can go big in your decorating!

hgtv

This picture shows one way to go. Get a large mirror and be done with it. Easy. Classic. This mirror goes with the room but to my eye, I probably would have made the mirror a little narrower. It works because they took the mirror right up to the ceiling. If they had used a painting this same size it wouldn't have worked (probably.) The mirror is nice because it reflects and doesn't become just an extension of the "box" below it.

hgtv

This is an interesting fireplace. That exaggerated tile face determines a lot. AND the television placement dictates what you put on top of that mantel.

home bedazzle

This fireplace is an "after" photo. I think it does look much better than the starting out point but sadly, the decorations aren't up to scale. I'd like to see a heftier mantel and then a big piece of art or large vases, large candlesticks. Something like that.

If you have tall ceilings and a big fireplace/mantel then you have to think LARGE with your decor. That big piece of art may seem too dominant but if done correctly that one piece can really make your decorating job easier. If you want multiple objects then you have to find big, over sized vases, statues, etc... A good decorator can help! I know it is hard to navigate the sea of endless accessories!

hgtv

If your curse is a tiny mantel then think about making it bigger. If that's not possible, then keep it simple. Nothing is better than something...sometimes. Put a number of the same size candles in a row across the top of the mantel. If you exaggerate the simplicity by putting a large number of candles then it looks like an art piece.
You can add impact with small objects just by placing them en mass. If, for example, you were to put just 3 little candles out it would emphasize how small your mantel is. Going overboard can help it look fantastically deliberate! Hope I've helped. It was difficult to find good photos for you, so email me if you want help on an individual basis. Happy decorating! I love this time of year for mantel decor!

Neglecting my blog!

2010-09-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

I have been hustling, after getting sick with bronchial pneumonia, to get back on track. I have two big decorating jobs and about 4 on the wait list (although 3 of them don't seem to need me right away and I'm so good with that right now!) On top of all that I have a Disneyland trip coming up and am so happy to get away but realize it will put me even farther behind. Ever have one of those ~~days~~? MONTHS?

The job I'm working on right now is a great room and then the front room/parlor. I'm having lots of fun picking colors and furniture. The homeowner has never had a decorator help BUT even more incredible, she has never shopped to decorate her home. She is, at once, loving this experience and finding it overwhelming! Her home (I should take a picture of the outside) is a classic center hall colonial. The kitchen has been renovated with beautiful walnut cabinets and a heavy granite counter top. We are working to balance that darker kitchen with a beautiful blue, beachy feel. It's coming together, fingers crossed!, beautifully! I often forget to photograph the rooms I work on. It is a terrible habit! So I missed capturing the beginning state of the rooms. One of the first things I did was remove the "valances" from each of the windows (and she has a boatload of windows!) These sad little "valances" were put their by the previous owners and really they looked more like napkins. The main color of the great room was a hollow yellow. It didn't do much. The dining area and hallway are just an off white. A little dingy. The front rooms are a dull sage green. She's got a good swath of the blue up and it looks cool and crisp with her white trimmed windows. (The blue is Benjamin Moore's Glass Slipper 1632---sorry you can't see it at all in the pic!) The browns in the room look lovely with the blue. The pictures won't do it justice!

(To the left is a picture of the pretty fabric for a cozy side chair. Big, down filled cushions--and the chair is a rocker, secretly. Sitting by the fireplace should be nice!)
I'll post the pics as I can. Right now we've got a good bit of the furniture being made and won't be done for a number of weeks. I'll keep you posted! Hope you have fun looking at the few pictures I have!

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Color Helper.

2010-09-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

I carry around unwieldy paint decks in my decorating bag but, I never leave home without this must have book for paint colors! I love this series. They put out a new one yearly. It contains designer synopsis's about each color. I devour it! And it is fun to see if any of the paint colors I fall back on ever end up in here. I've found quite a few! It is valuable if you don't want to pay a decorator to pick your color--I think you can pick one of last years editions for about 10 bucks right now. Maybe it's just me (and it very well could be!) but this is a must read! I can't put it down!

Lovely!

2010-09-18T07:23:00.000-07:00

Not normally something I would post on here...but I needed to show someone! I found these lovely creations on Etsy and had to share! I don't wear hair thingys and my daughter won't keep anything in her hair (except the braids she recently had put in for the first time) so I'll be picking gifts for others at this shop. I think the range of flowers they do is great and the colors, etc... Aren't they just as pretty as can be?!

Arts and Crafts.

2010-09-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

My dream home would be in the 'arts & craft' style, I'll have to elaborate on that on a future post. Today I wanted to link you to the happy scraps blog because I thought this Halloween decoration was really cute and doable for even me! I am biased since my cousin is part owner of this blog. She's uber talented!

What?!

2010-09-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

I normally like to link you to the pictures I show. I'm not sure I can, in good conscience, do that this time. I found a website that caters to the need for lampshades of this fashion. I was shocked that this was available in the 21st century. And that, according to this website, there is a BIG need! The tag line for the website is "A happy place to enjoy the shopping spirit." I try not to be negative on my blog. I really admire all the talented decorators out there in the blogosphere. I get inspiration from them. Encouragement, etc... But, if you are seriously using these to finish a room's design....well, I... am speechless. Really?! REALLY?!?

Can't stop thinkin' 'bout it....

2010-09-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

On a shopping trip for a client we found this couch. It is linen. Down filled. Soooo comfy. I could see taking a nap on it after trying to get through a chapter of a good book. My client didn't get it because she was concerned it was too light for her. I'm hoping to trade in my 8 year old-still-in-great-shape-couch-that-will-never-wear-out for this beauty. I'm gonna have to save up to justify getting rid of a sofa that is still comfortable and usable. Darn you, practical husband!

Happy Holiday!

2010-09-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

I am so excited at the images leaked out about the new 'Holiday with Matthew Mead'! I've enjoyed his work for years and the team he now has assembled to create this new magazine is phenomenal! You can order the magazine an issue at a time, online. The first issue comes in October and looks like it will be overflowing with beautiful images of home interiors and creative business' like Smeeks in AZ---NieNie's favorite candy place. I'm really excited for my copy to arrive! Yay! I'm happy it is fall!!! The holidays are right around the corner!! (Can you hear my squeaks and squeals through your computer?!)

All things necessary and boring.

2010-09-13T09:53:00.000-07:00

shaw carpet

apartment therapy

I have been given a great gift. Information. I've worked for years with the flooring, countertop, and cabinet industries and that has given me a wealth of knowledge that comes in very handy sometimes. Other times it just takes up massive folder space in my brain library. I can bore you for hours with information about hardwoods, urethane, refinishing, granite, marble, nylon, wool, polypropylene or olefin, vinyl, linoleum, (and there is a difference!) tile, carpets, stain removal, etc...etc... The list goes on and on. I'm not braggin'...really, I'm begging for questions. If you ever have a question about these must have home surfaces, please send me a note! This information is just rattling away in the old noggin' and would love to be put to use! Anytime!