Full House

A little pink house by the volcano

2012-02-09T13:35:00.000-08:00

Looking at the above pictures make me think that I could still relax even if the place was right next to a volcano. I love that little pink casita..adorable.

The above space was designed by Robert Couturier Inc.

2012-02-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

I will be BACK later this afternoon just like that rug in my boys room. Phew, finally a rug I will not be sending back. I guess it's true when they say third ones a charm.

P.S. - I got braces in my old years.

HellofromNavajoNation

2012-02-05T22:18:00.000-08:00

Of course people expressing themselves through the art of graffiti is expected in a city but certainly not in the middle of Navajo Nation land. I am very curious about all of these little random expressions of art that are spread out over 120 miles or so...they are so peculiar. My camera can not fully convey the size of some of the decals...like that of the elderly Navajo man and woman. I wonder who designed these? They make me smile. It also makes me smile that as per my little Maile girl we had to stop at one of Butch Cassidy's homes that is still standing (barely). My husband must be successful in feeding her little mind with adventures of what some consider the Robin Hood of the Wild West.

I'm glad to be home.

Happy Monday!

Bright and happy {Lilly Bunn Interiors}

2012-02-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

{above photos by Emily Gilbert via Lilly's Notebook}
How about some bright and happy photos for Friday. On our drive to Utah last night I got minimal internet access but I believe right out of Flagstaff, AZ I recieved an email to one of the blogs I subscribe to which happens to be Lilly's Notebook. Have you seen these? Lilly decided to have Emily Gilbert come and photograph some of her projects for her portfolio. All I can say is I can't wait to see more.

Happy weekend!

Go here and be sure to tell Lilly how talented she is.

{hearts of pink}

2012-02-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

I could tell you about how much I can't stop thinking about hot pink..or how much I love the above angular ornaments but alas I feel more like talking about the fact that I lost track of my kids for 6.2 minutes while I was on a mission to finish the dishes only to go outside and find them exiting our neighbors house with a white basket full of money (they had already made it to 3 homes). Apparently they were collecting it for the poor. I wonder what my neighbors thought when these little kids knocked on the door saying they were collecting money for the poor...They must have taken pity or felt REAL generous that day because they didn't do too bad for being such fine young beggars. At first I didn't know how to handle the little scenario..I mean, should I have made them return the money??? In the end I decided they were pretty darn adorable so we took all $12.32 to the homeless shelter that evening. The folks at the shelter told my girls that they could come back when they were 10 to help make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They made them feel like such little contributors to our society. It was a win win for everyone because of the feelings that beamed from all of our hearts.

We are going on a unexpected journey to see family so sorry for the silence. Sometimes there isn't much one can control in life....except not breaking the law..and that may even be debatable...darn photo police camera.

P.S. - Can we discuss how awesome Erica Powell's skirt is. I think I may want a pink article of clothing that fits my bottom half.

classic tortoise shell {Happy weekend}

2012-01-27T15:06:00.000-08:00

When I was in Utah last weekend I met up with a friend of mine who was on the hunt for a watch. As we made our way to the watch counter I gave her my opinion as to why tortoise shell is one of the most classic, timeless and neutral pieces one could own. I really had to drive home the fact that it goes with everything. So today I stand by that and in fact have a whole pinboard devoted to the very classic tortoise shell.

As far as the week goes, it has been a flyer. The transition from being out of town and then back home has not been as smooth as I would like...which then translates to the fact that I can not get on top of the laundry (amongst other items) but I did find the time to ride a camel (also not so smooth) which must mean I am feeling good.....historically I have never shelled out the money to let all of the kids ride so Woohooo.

Happy Friday!!

for all of the sources to the above go here.

Guest Post {Eagle's Nest}

2012-01-25T23:13:00.000-08:00

Do you think my little fish is weird..because I kind of do.

I do not however think the painting is weird. I quite like it. It is by Lee Porzio and I picked it up for a song.

Besides posting pictures of my new finds I really do have a point to this post and it is to let you know that I was over here on Jess's blog...something about organizing but with an acrylic spin. Why don't you soar on over to see Jess in her Eagle's Nest...and say hello why you are at it. Do you remember this hardware that she designed?

ALT Design Summit

2012-01-23T22:22:00.000-08:00

The last week has been a whirlwind that started out as a thought but then made a reality after the gracious Caitlin Creer offered to host me at her home as we ventured to ALT Design Summit. Scrambling, I phoned for a plane ticket and made arrangements for my little minis...not always an easy feat. Good thing for nice sisters (Hi Liza and Whitney). Anyway I have to note that every single time I walked into the above space I felt welcomed and so happy to be in such clean, pretty and well thought out space. Caitlin has mad designing skills.

Overall I feel very satisfied about making the decision to go to ALT because I made some very nice friends and felt inpspired. In fact as I sat in the plane to go home I messaged one of those new friends that really should have been an old friend. Text as follows:

"Mara it was really was so great to connect like we did with such ease. I like you mucho. Pls. stay in touch.

Do you still feel good about all of your thrifty purchases? I'm about to board my plane and I can't stop thinking about flight attendants gone bad...I'm holding on tight to all of my electronics."

Yes there is a story to the above text. In fact, that Mara girl has many life stories that you may want to follow along with over on A Blog About Love. Anyway the thing that I loved most most about ALT was connecting with other people. Sure there was some real treats when it came to people watching and sure there was inspiration and things to learn but the best was just observing that everyone has a story. I even got to learn about a few of them. We all are kind of in this together and we all have so much to share. Of course one of the stories that everyone fell in love with was that of Ben Silbermann, the founder of Pinterest. I think it is safe to say that his passion was inspiring.

ALT was a great and uplifting event to be involved in and I'd go again.

A few notables:

Imitate your spiritual master (Gretchen Rubin).

My heel broke off within the first hour. I had to faux walk so that I'd look like my normal self. Good thing for extra long pants.

Lots of buns, red lips and sequins.

A fun thrift tour with Jaimee, Sarah and Samantha in my car. At the end the most magical snowflakes erupted. There was some great treasures found.

Was reminded that one of the keys to happiness was to get enough sleep. Funny thing though I was most happy sitting up with friends at wee hours of the morning.

Some of the most fashionable girls at ALT told me they loved my squash blossom necklace and that made me feel good.

The reactions people gave when I told them I have five kids...twins and triplets in 2.5 years.

Jenny said 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration.

Sitting in the corner of the loud Gibson Girl Lounge with Jenny and Mara but feeling like we were the only ones in there because we were so wrapped up into our conversation.

Thinking I was sure glad I didn't have to speak on a certain panel after the spirited and passionate Jasmine Star. She was inspiring.

I need to become a little more technologically savvy. Note to self: Learn more about videography.

One of the best ways to be happy is to serve others (Gretchen Rubin)

There is lots of great blogging stock that comes from Arizona. I had no idea until ALT.

Discovering Caitlin's beautiful Salt Lake City neighborhood. Had a great dinner at Trio.

I was really excited to meet the very kind Rachel from Black Eiffel and Jen from Rambling Renovators. Well actually there were many more that I should add to that list but I'm afraid I might miss somebody.

Stop talking about it and just do it. (Ben Silbermann)

If you are interested in more recaps of Alt then go here for the links.

More pictures of the events can be found here.

{Below photo credits go to Justin Hackworth, b.a.d. photography & Moss & Isaac}

dreeeeems..AND the coolest treehouse ever.

2012-01-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

Apparently they are doing a great job teaching the kids at school about Martin Luther King Jr. because I have not said a word to my girls about the holiday today and Maren brought this little piece of art to the table that she had just whipped up before breakfast ...simply brilliant.

Speaking of dreems..how about the below treehouse. I have a dream that my husband would be a copycat to the below husband's brillant act of building the coolest treehouse..

OR in true Martin Luther King fashion I should just muster up the strength and pick up a hammer after I get myself some wood...or something like that.

Did you notice all of the design detail? Love seeing the house at night too. The makers of this treehouse can be found over on Eilas blog. There are also pictures of the different stages as the treehouse was being built. Well done.

Happy MLK Day!

Brass kick plates for your weekend!

2012-01-13T08:56:00.000-08:00

Happy weekend! Today I am thinking about brass kick plates again as seen in the above kitchen that I am sure I have already blogged about as well as half of blogland..it is one of my favorites still.

See you soon!

{all above photos by Michael Graydon}

Oh and I heart heart tights like I heart all of you...and that is a lot of heart.

Lately I been really loving the heart shape for some strange reason.

I want to put a heart sticker on everything.

Like the below room.

Can't wait for March issue of Lonny.

{custom slipcovering}

2012-01-12T12:42:00.000-08:00

Don't you love it when people give you good advice on something and then you actually use it? Well I want to share the same love in hopes that if you have the task of custom slipcovering something that you will better know how to get the results that you want. Well first off I had considered having a slipcover made for a settee that I had because I felt it would be a good option with having kids. I did not want it to look like a frumpy run of them mill slipcover that I may or may not have bought at a discount shop right after I was married (bless our poor ugly sofa). Anyway about that point I came across a very helpful blog post from Naomi from Design Manifest. After that, I solidified the decision to go forth with a slipcover. Want to see her slipcovered sofa..

Not too shabby...eeeh.

Truly because of her I was able to really convey to the upholstery shop what I wanted. Like for example would you ever think of telling them to put the zipper on the side rather than down the middle...just in case it would ever be a floating piece of furniture and you needed that zipper to be much more conspicuous? Anyway I thought it would be fun to pass along Naomi's advice in case you missed it the first time.

Without further ado here are Naomi's words of advice that I used when having my custom slipcover made:

Tip #1 Get a custom slipcover

Custom slipcovers may cost a little more, but will fit your sofa like perfection and the quality will show through. They come in pieces: a fitted section that covers the body and arms, and then separate covers with zippers for each loose seat or back cushion. A better fit means less shifting with daily use.

Tip #2 A single skirt adds casual elegance

This is purely my opinion, but I love the look of a straight skirt across a sofa. I didn't want any added seam definitions. Sometimes I'll run a seam along the base of the sofa (where the feet begin) to help hold it in place, but for my own sofa, I wanted more of a flowing feel. I also did NOT want any pleats. Many slipcovers have a pleat at each cushion, or one in the middle, but I wanted a single piece of fabric across my base. I thought it looked cleaner, and thus kept the sofa more modern.

Tip #3 To welt or not to welt

Adding welt (cording) to the cushions, arms and back can help add definition and be a nice tailored look. Naomi said that she opted for no welting on her sofa because it was more modern and wanted to soften the lines up a bit.

Tip #4 Don't ignore the back

If you don't specify, your slipcover fabricator may put the zipper right down the middle of the sofa back. The horror! My sofa floats in my room, so that would certainly not be OK. I have my workroom put the zipper in the back corner every time. It's a nice clean look and it gives you flexibility. Your sofa may be against a wall now, but it doesn't mean it always will be.

Tip #5 Choose the right fabric

Cotton and linen are the most common slipcover materials. Cotton can be thrown in the washing machine. White cotton can be bleached. It's hard to beat that in terms of practicality. For families with young kids, I like to have two made. This lessens the wear and tear on the slipcovers and allows one to be on while another is being washed. For my own sofa, I was less concerned with practicality and more concerned with look and feel. Fact of the matter is that linen just has a classier look and feel than cotton. I spot treat any stains and find that it's held up great so far.

*********************

When I went to drop off my sofa I actually brought in a couple of inspiration photos and really tried to specify that it needed to be as fitted as possible. In the end I am mostly satisfied. I still wanted to do the slipcover in a different color but went with a white indoor/outdoor fabric because of the 10 hands and 50 fingers that would assault the sofa. You would never know that it was an indoor/outdoor fabric because it is not stiff like many others are. I am really happy because it has been so easy to clean up being that it is an indoor/outdoor fabric. I am assuming that if there were ever a time that I needed a little extra help getting a stain out that I could bleach it since it is white. NOTE: Before I bought the fabric I took home a swatch a poured ketchup and grape juice all over it, let it sit then washed it off with a little soap and it all came clean. Well how about I just show you it already.

In the above pictures I am playing around with some of the detailing..like adding a fun trim to the slipcover. I also have yet to find a fabric that I want to use for a large bolster pillow so of course I pulled out the fabric that I always pull out (hope you aren't sick of it yet). Also I am seriously thinking of making new drapes out of that coral-ly salmon color. ..kind of all depends on what my new commissioned painting will look like when I get it...I can't wait to share it with all of you. You may even know who the artist is.

There you have it. I am just a Mom who excessively appreciates home decor and design but also has lots of jr. bacon cheeseboogers around the house so it is a good day when compromise can happen and I don't feel like I have to totally sacrifice my style.

Thank you Naomi for your advice. If you all want to be inspired you can visit Naomi at Design Manifest right here...yes the same Naomi that recently had her home featured on Design Sponge. You really should go to her blog to check out her lovely color infused home.

Would you, or have you ever had a custom slipcover made?

Oh my Stars!! {a star projector}

2012-01-11T15:47:00.000-08:00

{above star projector found here}

I love lights which also includes twinkling stars. My girls recently had a birthday and I purchased the DIY Romantic Star Projector. We have yet to receive it but when we do I may have to snag it for a few nights in my bedroom. Doesn't it look so magical?

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

{Having a Mondrian Moment}

2012-01-04T12:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I get on these little design kicks. Lately I keep having geometric shapes and primary color tones flashing through my head which then easily translates to the designs of Piet Mondrian.

What is flashing through your brain...hopefully something funny...and something you would like to share.

Image 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9.10

Simplicity, New Year, Casa Olivi & scenes from the weekend

2012-01-03T09:38:00.000-08:00

{credit to above photos to Hannes Henz and Gaelle le Boulicaut}

When I came across the Casa Olivi I instantly was attracted to it because it looked like a destination that would prove relaxing in part due to its simplicity...I mean just look at that pool. Again and again when I think of traveling somewhere I often dream of a place that is both warm and modern. Also Casa Olivi is located in Italy and is limited to housing no more than 21..what a quiet getaway for a family...probably a family with lots of dollars in their wallet I am thinking. To see more about Casa Olivi then go here.

As each New Year seems to pass by and the older I get I really seem to crave simplicity. Which means I don't want as much stuff around because for me I have figured out that a) "stuff" owns you & clutters your mind AND b) when aquiring things that it should be a matter of quality over quantity (I've learned this one by experience..bless my early 20's). Don't get me wrong I still like stuff but I am just learning to be better at editing. Overall simplifying makes quality of life so much better when managing a home and family. Things really just don't matter as much as all of life's experiences...and stuff sometimes just gets in the way..ya know?? You know, stuff and things....

Along with simplifying, there are ongoing goals that always seem to make the list every year as well as a few more. This year my list is not long but it did include a few goals that might seem not very noteworthy...such as switching out all of the plastic containers in my pantry for glass storage containers. I also got a head start on another small goal of having more plants around the house and patio by bringing a Meyer lemon tree home. It's funny how something so small can bring so much joy. After church on Sunday we took a few photos that included my new tree...oh and a sequin skirt that I decided to wear..it was a hard decision but I went with it being that it was New Year's Day. I usually would not sport heavy sequinage to church. We also made it to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, had a family New Year's Eve party, and a craft extravaganza out of pipe cleaners. Those pipe cleaners kept the girls busy for hours. They also felt it would be a great idea to peddle their new creations to friends and neighbors. One of my girls even thought it a good idea to price one of her pieces at $78 even though the sale sign said .05 or $2. I'm so glad she thinks her crafts are awesome...she'll be set if she still thinks the same way at 22.

So there you have it. Life is good. Here's to a very happy happy New Year to all. I double dip flip heart all of you for your kindness last year.

Loves.

glitter dipped leather New Year's Eve celebration necklace

2011-12-30T03:06:00.000-08:00

So I have a love hate relationship with glitter but with all of the New Years celebrations knocking at our door I couldn't help but bust out a little sparkly stuff. You can't tell but the necklaces really do glisten and sparkle in real life.

Anyway I've had some leather scraps for a while that I picked up here at a local discount fabric shop (for those who are local..SAS Fabrics) . Originally I picked the scraps up to make a gift for my husband but that didn't pan out so I decided to put the leather to work by making a statement necklace. As I was making them I had in mind making something that would jazz up a plain shirt for New Year's eve..you know just in case I was the only one who wouldn't be wearing a sequin jumpsuit or something..ha. Speaking of, have you noticed sequin craze 2011 is still going strong..sheesh they are EVERYWHERE???

Anyway I think the project was efficient enough to share just in case someone out there is looking to add a little sparkle to their life.

This is what you will need:

*heavy duty craft glue (Quick Grip is my favorite..throw away that stinky E6000 stuff ASAP)

*scissors

*leather scraps

*glitter (if you aren't into glitter then I would suggest dipping the ends of the leather with a little liquid gold leaf)

*gel glue (I like Martha Stewart)

*wire necklace (I picked mine up at Michaels)

First cut strips of leather to desired length. Next take the heavy duty glue and cover half of the strip then fold the other half over the wire and press. Once you get all of the leather strips all secured then trim the pieces to desired lengths. Next dip the ends in either liquid gold leaf paint or take a nice gel glue and cover the area you would like the glitter to be. Let it dry and then shake of the excess. Lastly wear your new necklace some place that you are bound to have fun.

Speaking of fun...what is this New Year going to hold for each and every one of us? I can't wait to find out. 2011 was a tricky year for me so I am all for a new one. Not that I am wishing it away I am just ready to press forward. And you?

the match game

2011-12-28T06:07:00.000-08:00

When I saw the above space with the yellow faceted mirror I really wanted to find a faceted mirror of my own. The room was recently features in Veranda Magazine and was designed by Kirsten Kelli. After I pinned it I immediately came across the picture with the girl in the yellow shirt and thought...hmmm that's a great match. I had so much fun with it that I made a game and found as many as I could within a few minutes from my desktop that I felt were a good match. I know if somebody made a real life tangible match card game out of fashion and interiors I'd be first in line to purchase it;-)

Also I am very attracted to similar silhouettes in fashion apparently....sleeves and higher necklines.

{Images} 1- Veranda Magazine scanned by me, 2 - Extra Petite, 3 - here, 4 - zara , 5 - Eddie Ross, 6 - Pinterest, 7 - here , 8 - ASOS, 9- here, 10- here, 11- here, 12-here, 13 - here

a few scenes from around the home {testing a new camera lens}

2011-12-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

I have quite a few corners in my home that do not get very much light..so it was to my delight to get a new lens for my camera that would allow me to take better photos in lower light situations. YIPEE! The best part about it is that the lens is pretty darn inexpensive (when talking lenses) and is nick named the nifty fifty. The only bad thing is that that it is a fixed lens which isn't conducive for trying to capture a whole room in a small square footage scenario. Oh well at least I can get good shots of the kids indoors now.

Now off to pick a paint color to go behind that shell mirror. I promised myself to get my bedroom painted before the new year. I will let you know how it turns out.

scenes from Christmas Eve

2011-12-26T21:55:00.000-08:00

{photos taken with my phone}

Christmas Eve has to be one of my favorite days of the year because my family has a tradition of having a simple dinner by fireside. This year my Dad actually made a bonfire in the backyard where we talked about what Christmas means to our family while we enjoyed cheese, crackers, flatbread, hummus, fruit, roasted vegetables mixed with pear (yum). All of the baskets lined up in the top picture housed all of the food. Then after we were done eating we went inside for the annual Christmas story read to the kids by my Momma as seen in the bottom picture. To top it off we loaded up in my my Dad's trailer where we drove around the neighborhood observing streets lined with luminaries. I loved how there were other families out as well..it wasn't uncommon to hear bandwagons busting out in song. My brother said that people busting out in Christmas carols makes him feel awkward...mostly the kind when people come to the front door and you are the only one at the door with people singing to you. I could appreciate his statement since we weren't raised as a serious song and dance kind of family (most of us). We usually only reserve busting out our song and dance for a laugh. In fact I thought about the time my date took me on a gondola ride and the the guide busted out in song..I laughed when I wasn't supposed to have laughed..then I laughed more because I was embarrassed. I may have a problem with laughing when I am not supposed to. At least I have been cured of not laughing during a prayer..that was the worst.

Hope you had a fun filled Christmas weekend.

tis the season.....

2011-12-21T16:02:00.000-08:00

Hi there all you holiday celebrators. Usually when there is silence around the blog it means that it is opposite day on the other side of my computer. Yesterday I was in charge of coordinating the girls school party and I gave myself the job of doing a take home craft with the kids. After purchasing a bunch of nickel plated platters from the Dollar store I decided to give em a coat of chalkboard paint. Being that the platters were already magnetic I brought supplies for the kids to make their very own magnets. I was a sweaty mess after leaving the classroom. Glad to have it done. Glad to have most all of my holiday business done in fact. Glad to spend more time with family. Glad to go on a couple of hikes. Glad for lots of things actually. I intend on playing blog post catch up soon but for now I just wanted to pop in and say hello.

What is shaking with all of you folks out there?

P.S. - For some reason those little mini sequin star magnets are making me giddy.

{Colors}

2011-12-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

The branding and the colors of the above packaging from Fogal, a Swiss legwear and kniwtare company is really doing it for me today. Yes those colors are inspiring me on many different fronts but especially for a certain room in my home.

{above photos via here}

designer crush {Nam Dang-Mitchell}

2011-12-14T03:53:00.000-08:00

{all photos from House & Home}

I don't have anything to say except that I am not over having a little glamour sprinkled into ones home. Such a soft and inviting space without sacrificing style. I love how Nan keeps us guessing with the usage of very safe mainstream elements mixed with pieces that are edgier and fashion forward. To see more of Calgary based designer Nam Dang-Mitchell then hop over here.

This months issue of Canadian House & Home is a keeper.

Do you like?

classic {weekend}

2011-12-13T13:27:00.000-08:00

Well how are ya'll doing (I just got back from hanging out with half the state of Texas). This weekend was jam packed full of cowboys, rodeo, route 66, family and finally getting to meet up with a blogger friend. My husband & I left to go to Las Vegas on Sat. morning to meet up with the in-laws for the annual super bowl of all rodeos. For some reason nobody ever believes me when I tell them that I go to the National Finals Rodeo every December and they especially do not believe me when I tell them that I have a good time. Ok I admit it doesn't take much for me to have a good time...just imagine all of the prospects that come with people watching at such an event.

Hands down one of the highlights of the weekend was that I finally got to meet my pal Angela from The Painted House. When I found out that she was flying all of the way from Georgia to be in Las Vegas the same weekend...there was no way I would miss an opportunity to meet and see her beautiful face in person....even if it were at midnight. It was kind of surreal..probably due to the fact that it was late and we had weird servers that came to our table that really weren't our servers but were male patrons who happened to be dining at the next table over just pretending to be our server. There is so much strangeness in Las Vegas.

Speaking of strangeness I predict bolo ties to be the next BIG thing...You better go out and get yours now before they bolo away. Seriously though after I saw the below picture I was kind of wondering if we'd start to see a resurgence.

{above photo via here}

Let us get back to something a little more classic now...

{here, here, here}

Next bathroom redo I am using something of the above sorts..I think black and white basket weave tile is so classic and stylish.

Every time I think I am going to recover my green chairs or do something new I will see pictures like the below that cause me to think again...

Michael Hainey told the Selby that editors can teach bloggers the importance of reporting. I am here to report that I am going to keep the green chairs and many of the black, white and cognac around my home. My husband will be so proud of me. See I am a great reporter of things.

{above photos via the Selby}

How are all of you?

{A portable snowball fight} Happy weekend!

2011-12-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

At dusk my Dad pulled up with a trailer full of snow that he had hauled down from the mountains. He called me only a mere hour before he came by so it turned out to be such a spontaneous and fun treat for the children. In fact it attracted the attention of neighbors who couldn't help but come on over and join in the fun. Yes my kids are barefoot playing with snow in our 60 degree weather and loving every minute of it. When they came to the door they were all dirty, cold and wet so they were immediately stripped and put into the warm tub. That was when I was glad that this would be the only snow we'd see in our neighborhood all winter long.

Hooray for fun people like my Dad.

Hooray for the weekend.

Hope it is a fun one for all of you.

yellow, 2012 pantone color and a guest post

2011-12-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

{above images via my Pinterest board right here. The above Chin up Butter Cup print can be found here}

I was looking at some of the images that I have recently saved to my desktop or to Pinterest and there seems to be a theme going on...yellow. I was really surprised because this was not my intention as yellow is never the first on my list. I do have to say that after seeing all of the images together that it is kind of growing or "glowing" on me. Yellow is completely unpretentious and keeps things fun.

Did you happen to see what the 2012 pantone color is..it wasn't yellow.

Also I recently had the opportunity to share a couple of chic tips over on Trissta's blog, Living on the Chic. You just may want to go check it out...something about brass. Plus Trissta is a true Aggie (can I share that?) and has a great eye. Hop over here to check it out. Now hurry and go hit your thrift stores to scoop up all of your Momma's and your Grandma's brass treasures.

{A holiday craft I will be doing}

2011-12-07T13:08:00.000-08:00

{above photos via Fancy House Road}

First up for holiday crafts..

As I was putting together a round up of things to make this year for the holidays I noticed the Fancy House Road Girls (Keighly) posted an awesome tutorial on making roasted clay ornaments. I love how clean but crafted these little ornaments look.

You should go over and check out the Fancy House Road blog for some awesome ideas. They are a group of Mom and daughters pumping out lots of inspiration. I might be biased but I am highly entertained by the videos that they make.

Also are you wondering how to style yourself up for the holidays...well FHR girl Kiersten posted a fun sock bun tutorial as well a styling tips for the holidays right here. If you follow what she says then you may have the chance to look as pretty as she does...refer below.

Keep up the good work Fancy House Girls!

how do you decorate for the holidays..

2011-12-07T12:40:00.000-08:00

Well designer Benjie Jones takes on a more subtle look when decorating his home for Christmas. I love all of the greenery that he placed in every room. Makes me rethink my crafty ways.

Don't get me wrong I do love a good holiday craft but fresh greenery would be my first choice in decorating for the holidays.

Next up, some of my top picks for holiday crafting.

P.S. - Does the above space make you want to paint the trim in your house a dark color. Me too.

{All photos via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles}

Jean-Louis Deniot

2011-12-06T12:06:00.000-08:00

Today I am studying the work of Jean-Louis Deniot for a little project that I have in mind. Look at all of that really cool lighting that was used in the above Paris apartment. To see more of Jean-Louis Deniot's work then go here.

cladding fabric to furniture

2011-12-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

I really want to figure out how to clad furniture with fabric. The above midcentury piece covered in the toile du juoy fabric is so pretty. Apparently there is a classic technique of applying fabric to furniture that is durable and water proofed.

Angela's guest room makeover.

2011-12-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

I love it when people just getter done. Angela from TPH decided to finish up her guest room to host some friends for Thanksgiving. The remarkable part is she did it in two weeks and pretty much used what she had. Angela finds the best treasures and the little sofa with the rope detailing is no exception. Also note the chair she splattered with paint. You can read more about the process here. How about those green walls?

Angela also is an artist and gives wonderful tips on painting with children..you can check that out right here.

Oh an I should note that Angela is one of the coolest blog friends around.

Livly Clothing

2011-12-02T10:24:00.000-08:00

I recently had somebody ask me where the top black and ivory little girls coat was from so I thought I would post a link to the source. All of the above darling clothes come from Livly Clothing. Very cute stuff but on the spendy side.

Also while we are on the subject of little kids I've had the best time lately putting together outfits for my kids. Can you believe the below dress is nice heavy lace from the thrift store...love it when that happens.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Cynthia Rowley at home

2011-12-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

You know what made me happy...seeing Cynthia Rowley in action with her girls at home. I think the way they captured the girls is quite charming. Also I noticed that in real life as opposed to the Elle Decor editorial life that Cynthia's dining table has some character. Kind of looks like our old table with scratches, dings and well you know character. You have to see more of the photos of Cynthia and her girls over here...it will make you smile.

{All photos via The Glow}

P.S. - Do any of you do Christmas dresses for your little girls? If so, where do you find the best dresses? I seriously found a really cute one at K Mart..I love it when you find good things in unsuspecting places.

starbursty & prismatic for the holidays

2011-11-30T20:18:00.000-08:00

Don't turn me into the authorities but I have yet to put any Christmas decor out....I did however manage to go with a pretty & witty red headed friend to help craft Anthropologie's next window treatment. We didn't know that was what we would be doing before we got there so it was fun to see the magic of their window displays in action. Anyway they didn't send us home emptied handed. We made glistening starburst things out of drink stirrers. I think they would make great Christmas decorations...

All you have to do is get your hands on some clear plastic prism food stick or drink stirrers and poke a couple different lengths into a styrofoam ball. I was told that the prism sticks are hard to find but if you go here you can get some of your own...the power of googling.

Minted Giveaway Winner

2011-11-28T22:34:00.000-08:00

Wizzle...you the winner of the 50 cards and the fabulous journal.

Thank you so much for all that participated in this very generous giveaway from Minted.

A winter moodboard (black, nude, burgundy and cream)

2011-11-28T13:47:00.000-08:00

One time I went into the hair salon after I first got married and told my the hairdresser that I needed to color over my highlights. I simply requested an Elizabeth Hurley brown but walked out with a level 2N which is black before blue black...they had somehow made a mistake and it took two years before I had normal hair. Well this past week I have been craving a little should I dare say burgundy and black..gasp. I am also loving the classic nordic snowflake knits...I would even except some of the real snowflake stuff for a little holiday spirit.

I am also loving so much of the styling over at Aubin & Wills found here.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18

Life four years ago and and life today (gratitude)

2011-11-27T21:16:00.000-08:00

{The Little America Hotel in Flagstaff, AZ...life 4 years ago}

First of all how was your Thanksgiving?

Our Thanksgiving was great except you can imagine the risks the come along with hauling 5 little kids across the state and beyond.....I must note that going across the states out west isn't anything like trying to cross the state of Rhode Island either.

I am thankful we didn't have to rent a truckers bathroom again so that I could feed 3 six month babies. I couldn't help but reminisce about this little scenario as we passed the Little America hotel exit in Flagstaff on our way to Thanksgiving dinner four years ago. I remember trying to feed my babies in the car while my husband took the girls into the cafe. When it became clear that I needed some assistance I loaded 2 of the babies into the stroller and carried the other as I found my way to the check-in desk at the hotel. I thought after seeing me they would for sure rent a room out to me for an hour. Not so, instead I was directed to the truckers bathrooms that I could rent for $10 an hour. Those were good times and actually the bathrooms weren't too bad. I'm still not too sure as to why I would take babies on a long trip that were not on formula or had not yet reached the ripe old age of 1. Either which way I felt very grateful for all of those who have helped me get to where I am today.

We finally made it home after 10 hours there and then 10 hours back.

A few more notes:

I really do like seeing things from the window of a car.

I thought about how helpful in life it is to replace feelings of inadequacy and insufficiency for acts and thoughts of gratitude.

So grateful that there is a God who knows and loves every single one of us...it's true.

{the above picture is supposed to represent life today...all kicks and giggles}

P.S. - I am thankful for humor..even when I am the only one that finds it...Don't ask me why I just chose to insert the above picture except I love that we were swimming just a mere month and a half ago and that my kid still likes to snuggle. What if life were just kicks & giggles and we never ever got upset when things got damaged and such.

P.S.S. - You have until tonight to enter the awesome Minted giveaway.

{handsome blankets}

2011-11-22T18:12:00.001-08:00

I am quite fond of these throws and blankets...they look really handsome and warm..such a nice combo in my opinion.

Imagine finding them here..price isn't the worst ever for what you are getting. Do I dare say a couple of them look a little Missoni-ish.

GiIVEAWAY!!! 50 holiday cards + a journal from Minted (valued at over $100)

2011-11-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to offer one of you fine readers a fantastic opportunity to win 50 holiday cards + a journal from Minted...retailed at over $100. If you are like me then one of your favorite parts of the holiday season is to receive Christmas cards from friends and family. I have been known to even save mine for a very long time because I treasure them so. Well I think one of the best go to sites for cards happens to be Minted. Go here and check out some of their products for yourself and then come back and tell me what design is your fave..that way you can have a chance to win those pretty holiday cards as well as that journal.

I can't wait to see who wins this..hopefully I can even be your new friend on your Christmas card list so that I can see your beautiful family and the card you chose. Good luck!!!

The winner will be picked next Monday Nov. 29th (Cyber Monday). Make sure to leave your email address so that I can contact you when you win.

Also thought you all may be interested to know that it will be a win win day for all on Cyber Monday as Minted has many festivities going on...including the following:

Offering free backers + shipping on all holiday cards for the entire day—an amazing deal!

Randomly picking one holiday card order per hour and make it free for that customer – to qualify, a customer must place a holiday card order on 11/28.

Randomly pick one holiday card order per hour and buy a classroom’s worth of children new Minted notebooks for that customer – to qualify for this, a customer must place a holiday card order on 11/28 and post a link to the

www.minted.com/holiday-photo-card s page on their Facebook wall.

{gold flatware}

2011-11-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

With the season of entertaining upon us I have been thinking about things that assist us with eating. For the last year I have actually been thinking about the beautiful brass flatware that I passed up at a thrift store only to go back and see that somebody else scored the set...

Well if you too love the gold toned flatware and do not have the budget to invest in a very expensive set then I would suggest the above over here...it is nice and simple just how I like it. The price is right as well.

***Apparently the above set already has sold out..rats..it was like $60 for an 8 piece set. Refer to the below for a few more sources***

here, here & here

{above picture from D Magazine}

{upgraded from pinterest to the blog}

2011-11-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

(above jar and stool from here)

Mark Sikes provides a very good argument as to why someone needs to have a little more blue and white porcelain in their lives. I noticed you can get yourselves some of your own blue & white stuff over here. Also did you see the brain behind Furbish also posted about how one can achieve the above look..it's good so go and have a looksy right here. I spied a couple of items in the above space that are also on my list...

(book/basket)

The below is how I have been doing blue and white lately. Don't you love the swirly painted look on this new old lamp? Now I need to find a spot for this lamp...I really do have a lamp problem. I love them..and not just for their light producing options I'm afraid.

Anyway this overall is such an inspirational space that it got upgraded from just Pinterest to the blog.

Oh and hi, happy week. Please do come back for a wonderful giveaway that is just perfect for this time of year.

P.S. - For a nice beautiful hard copy of the above space you can purchase a copy of House Beautiful Dec/Jan to see the above space amongst other pretty spaces.

YESSS!!! acrylic photo mounting source

2011-11-18T09:40:00.000-08:00

You would think it would be fairly easy to find a resource for a large acrylic frame. I have tried to research an affordable option in a large sized acrylic frame for a very long time now. I found places but they were out of the roof expensive. Anyway I love the above look of that huge picture that Lulu deKwiatkowski created by first snapping a picture of her husband with an underwater camera, blowing it up and then mounting it under acrylic. I remember when I saw this picture in Lonny I thought that is so simple, clean, pretty and probably so expensive. Then as I was pursuing acrylic frames on Pinterest I came across somebody who aparently had the same thought process except they actually did find a very very reasonably price source to have a picture mounted on acrylic..like we are talking a 30 x 40 for $399 or a 24 x 36 for $299...folks I am here to say that is a great deal. All you need to do is upload a photo then they print it out an sandwich the print between acrylic and dibond. Go here to see more options and to get the details.

{The above was discovered via Besotted via Pinterest}

documenting a quest to get a picture for a Christmas card

2011-11-17T09:25:00.000-08:00

Dearest Readers..my computer has taken on some sort of illness..hence the internet/blog silence. Hopefully we have all of the bugs worked out now. I'll be back with some design centered posts a little later.

For now and in case you were wondering we have been carrying on with activities which have included things that do not fall into the silence category. For example we've been on a couple of roadtrips..one that included a photography friend and her family. We landed in Globe, AZ for the yearly Christmas card pictures. We found the biggest curb and plopped down for a few pictures and then headed over to our tradition of consuming a little authentic Mexican food over at El Rey...which has been there ever since I can remember. It is old and tilted just like many of the other curious establishments around town. Anyway I really really love how Michelle documented the whole experience....bloody noses and all. Apparently kids can get all bouncy and then knock into things and stuff. Not to worry though big huge suckers help in the above scenarios as seen in the bottom photo. If you need some documentation too, then I think you should contact Michelle-y right here....she's REAL nice.

2011-11-11T08:11:00.000-08:00

Wow three posts today...I am in major catch up mode in life lately. With the pending Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday, I want to make sure I am on top of things early so that I can enjoy the next month and a half (I think I say that every year).

One of the non holiday things on my list as of late is to find a reasonably priced flat weave rug with character and at a great price point..ANd those who know about good rugs knows that can be a tricky feat. If you have any good ideas on where tho resource such a rug please share. There is one that I have my eye on at a consignment shop but the price has to come down a little. Anyway the above rug in the cool Milan palazzo belongs to the designers behind Dimore Studio.

{above photos by Emanuele Zamponi for Yatzer}

glass clusters and using expired lightbulbs

2011-11-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

I love clusters of glass like the above so when I saw the below I instantly thought of crafting something similar for the Christmas holiday. I think it is genius that Camilla over on Family Chic found a way to use her expired light bulbs.

Fot the full crafting instructions go here.

The compilation of Aerial Views

2011-11-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

I am completely charmed with the aerial photographs that have been compiled into a blurb book by Bernhard Lang. All of the aerial photographs were taken over the south of Bavaria, Germany in both the summer and winter seasons. I would love to add this book to my collection and think this would be a great gift..hint..hint.

Aerial Views by Bernhard Lang can be purchased on blurb right here.

{discovered via Yatzer}

Tis the season for velvet pillows

2011-11-09T21:17:00.000-08:00

I've had my eye on that silk velvet blush pillow ever since that top bedroom was published in Veranda. The silk velvet fabric to make that pillow is by Scalamandre just in case you were wondering.

Anyway this is the season for velvet. Velvet immediately warms up a room even when the temps are below freezing. If you are on the hunt for some silk velvet pillows then I would suggest these or these.

{part of the weekend}

2011-11-06T08:11:00.000-08:00

On a whim I booked a hotel fifteen minutes away from our home called the Saguaro. You see husband had a birthday and his only request was that he got to sleep in. To remedy this request we outsourced a place to sleep. The cool thing about the whole experience was that we walked into the hotel with the same clothes we walked out with. No packing except for our bathing suits and a few toiletries. A couple of highlights from our stay included the fact that we were the very first ones to sleep in the newly renovated room and we were also the only ones at the pool area. I do have to admit the weather was pretty chilly but with heated pools and hot tub it all worked out just fine. Now if this sort of place looks like it would be up your alley and you come and visit us in the valley of the sun then I would recommend it for many reason including the most comfortable beds. What are you waiting for? Come and visit us because we really are in our season of joy in this neck of the desert...

How was your weekend?

metallic holiday earrings (best tassels ever)

2011-11-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

I love tassels so I was very excited to find small ones that were metallic and already looked like jewelry. I can not even begin to tell you how beautiful these are in person. I could just imagine all of the crafting purposes for these little pretties. Anyway they have such a festive look to them that I thought they would make gorgeous earrings for the holidays. The best part is that they are really easy to turn into an earring. All you need are some little earring hooks and the tassel. Just tie the top of the tassel string into a knot and then hook it onto the earring piece and you're done.

Can you believe we are in full force holiday season already?

If you are interested in the most beautiful tassels ever then call the folks over at The Fashion Company in San Francisco and tell them you want the 3" metallic tassels. They have the best prices I have found thus far.

12 tassels @ $8.50

(415) 626-5641

Oh and you want me to include some interiors that are all holiday magical that would go well with the tassels???

Pls. turn your attention to the below pictures from Nuevo Estillo because they are right up my Momma's holiday peace and joy alley..and mine too.

Have the best weekend ever!

[a little note and the candy fairy}

2011-11-03T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well we made it through Halloween. In hopes to halt all gluttonous behavior I told the kids to eat as much candy as they wanted the day of Halloween and then leave the rest out for the candy fairy to take in exchange for a small toy. My friend thought I was so weird for doing this but I think there would have been more weirdness going on around the house after the kids all downed their 10 pounds of candy Ausustus Gloop style. I could just see myself saying, "Kids save some for later". The funny thing about the candy fairy though is that she really loves Twix and Kit Kats...that probably should be the real focus of gluttonous behavior..busted.

Anyway I am feeling kind of chatty at the moment and wanted to get something off of my chest. You see most of the time you don't see what goes on behind the scenes of the blog and in fact only see certain aspects of life....which usually tends to be the best. You see a camera can be choosy on whether it wants to capture the the mess to the left or the clean spot to the right if you know what I mean. Sure I could post about how motherhood kicks my booty every other day or how I just had to invest in clinical strength deodorant because I have BO and stink but alas you see mostly all of the good and the pretty. I would never want anybody to think I was some kind of amazing Mom who always had it together because then I might be at risk of being deemed a phony baloney. With that being said I need to hustle and clean up my house just so Lilia won't be scared when she comes over to give my house a monthly deep clean (Lilia is one of my favorites). I love all of you guys and love all of the nice little notes and emails..even if you think I might be better than I am.

Hugs.

Oh and what are you doing this weekend..I really would love to hear????

I want to go skiing

2011-11-03T08:58:00.000-07:00

{above photos from Vogue}

I like to use the word obsessed with caution but can we talk about Aerin Lauder's ski cabin (can we even call it a cabin)? Then again I still think about Aerin's Manhattan apartment and Hamptons country home from time to time..see I'm not obsessed. I love how sleek and modern her Aspen home is without sacrificing that warmth. Give me a cup of seeping hot chamomile tea and I'd be good to go watching the snowflakes fall down after a good day on the slopes.

P.S. - I'll be back with something of more substance a little later.

Home in Stockholm

2011-11-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

I love to go real estate stalking and was excited to find a home with pretty interior shots.

Go here to see more and thanks to Viera for the heads up.

{metallic and a DIY fish scale art}

2011-10-31T07:10:00.000-07:00

{images - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12}

About this time of year I always get on a metallic kick. This year I am especially drawn to things made from metallic leather. Although I do think that gold leafing a fiberglass chair like the above one with red legs looks pretty darn fantastic.

Also I feel like I needed to share some do-it-yourself fabulousness that includes fish scale and metallic gold. I am currently working on a similar project thanks to the inspiration on the below two projects. Hop on over to Two Thirty Five Designs to get the full run down on the image to the left and then head on over to Kara Paslay Designs for the second installation of diy inspiration fabulousness.

P.S. - Happy Halloween!!!!

Fake lacquered walls

2011-10-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking for quite a while about how much I like the look of smooth lacquered walls. For my own home there are two problems with that fact..one being it would be very expensive to have done and two the walls in my home would have to be retextured. With that I have long thought about trying to achieve the lacquered look with minimal cost and time.....then I remembered a spread from a space in Domino where designer Celerie Kemble came up with some really great solutions for transforming an apartment space....VINYL WALLPAPER.

The above vinyl wallpaper that Kemble used is from the etchings collection and can be found here. Actually vinyl wallpaper is very easy to come by and so inexpensive...you can find many other sources with ease.

There were some really great ideas from that apartment that Celerie Kemble decorated, shall we....

We recently looked at a space that had a built in around the bed. At was not attractive to say the least but Ms. Kemble pulled off that built in by working with what she had by covering the shelves in a grass cloth, painting details and having a custom tufted headboard made to fit snuggly into that nook. Also love that she covered up a bad view by placing that little vanity with a large trifold mirror in front of it. That insect wallpaper was used to cover closet doors while adding a touch of whimsey.

Now go and get some shiny smooth vinyl wallpaper in a solid color and come back and report about your new faux lacquered walls...

2011-10-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

Just a little afternoon sneak peek of me trying to not loose momentum in finishing the boys room. I am so close I just can't stand it. It is still not all that edited but give me until the headboard is finished and we should be good to go..that orange B pillow needs another home I am thinking.

Hope you are having a great week thus far.

2011-10-25T08:12:00.000-07:00

I recently had somebody inquire about the above mirror. The above mirrors are from here and are to the trade. Have no fear because a similar one (pictured below) can be found over here.

{hand painted purses and cool inexpensive fabric}

2011-10-24T23:26:00.000-07:00

Seriously now you can carry a piece of artwork around where ever you shall go. Painted by Jeri Hines is the seller behind the above bags. She takes vintage bags/purses and leaves one side as is and then paints a masterpiece on the other side. I love them so. Also I really like the below marbely, peacocky, artsy fabric...especially love that you don't have to buy it at Calico for almost $40 a yard but can indeed purchase it here for $9.98. What do you think of that?

Tyler Dawson Design AND mini sessions with Michelle Herrick Photography

2011-10-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday. Let's celebrate by observing the above space in San Francisco designed by Tyler Dawson and photographed by Matthew Millman. I love that in the Nov. issue of House Beautiful that Tyler said that her personal style was "trying not to look like I'm not trying too hard"...actually I think that sometimes that is the hardest style to try and accomplish. Also Tyler noted that she wanted to do the whole sofa in a flame stitch but that the fabric was too pricey...so she opted to just conserve on the expense and do just the cushions and the welting...just a thought. To see more of Tyler Dawson's work go here.

Also for all of you locals I would seize the day and check out the below. Have you seen Michelle's work lately...amazing. She has taken our family photos for the last few years and is the best to work with...she'll make you and your family look really really purdy with her magical photography skills. For more info go here.

Hotel Thoumieux

2011-10-20T21:50:00.000-07:00

I think all of the details from the Hotel Thoumieux in Paris look a little quirky but oh so clever, fun and chic. The hotel was designed by India Mahdavi. India has a great site right here that is full of her designs projects.

Oh and if you are wondering the above wallpaper is from here.

Speaking of parties

2011-10-20T21:08:00.000-07:00

A few things I have been loving for parties have been:

marbleized or peacock balloons

napkins

making gold candle holders

an awesome striped tablecloth

homemade ice cream and brownies on a stick

Aren't those balloons so pretty?

{the day after the party}

2011-10-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to a home that needed to be cleaned up from the birthday celebrations from the evening before. The kids were having so much fun playing with all of the birthday decorations that I decided to let all of the piles stay a little longer before it hit the blue and the black garbage cans. Besides why should the party only last one day when I paid extra to have the balloons filled with that special stuff that makes them stay afloat a little longer. The gal at the party store told me she has never seen a latex balloon filled with the magical goo come down any sooner than 6 days. As for those big balloons...they barely made it into the car and I had to in fact make two trips just to get them home. In the meantime I really enjoyed watching the kids being entertained all day by the balloons and took it upon myself to document "the day after the party". Yesterday though I smiled when all of the kids were making the birthday sign..something about Maren spelling out "Happy Berthday". I also love how the the kids wanted to tie streamers from Dad's Jeep to our front door. They said we should make him start at the front door and have him hold onto the streamers all the way to his Jeep where he would then open the door and find all of his presents.

P.S. - I am still tempted by that last piece of sweet cream cake...even though I told all of the kids to save it for Dad.

A few photos from the weekend.

2011-10-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

This weekend we went on a little jaunt to Besh-Ba-Gowah which is an archeological park located in Globe, AZ. Besh-Ba-Gowah has one of the largest single site archeological collections in the Southwest and is one of the most significant finds of Southwest archeology. We had planned on going over to the Tonto ruins as well but found ourselves spending a little more time stuffing chips & salsa amongst other items into our mouths. Oh and we also found ourselves a little lost on lets say a primitive road. Great fun. We even added a few more rocks to our collection.

How are all of you?

upholstery tacks, thumbtacks, nailhead trim and magical unicorns

2011-10-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

Those little upholstery tacks are trickier to install then I initially thought. I'll be patient just this once being that this is my first ever attempt. Let's just say that if it all works out then for sure we have the power of magic unicorns on our side..love it when that happens.

Upholstering a cheap piece of furniture on the other hand luckily was so much easier. I will give you the easy run down when I am finished.

I know they make upholstery tack strips but of course I had to have the ones that coned out a little more and looked a little bit edgier.

There are so many ideas out there on how to make cool designs using tacks...I am not saying you should go and try to tack everything you see now but there are certainly some fun things out there to inspire.

Have you ever conquered a project like the above?

For the original sources go to my Pinboard.

{large artwork}

2011-10-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

On my brain is a nice large piece of artwork to go above our piano. It is not a project I really want to take on myself but I can't spend a fortune. I am however ready to invest a little money into a nice quality piece. I am thinking I will look for a vintage piece or have one commissioned. I do have a few ideas but would love to hear of some of your favorite places to go for large pieces of art. I am open to prints and lithographs but would love a painted piece. Any ideas? All of the below pieces of art can be found here. One of them unframed is 30 x 40.

Jimena's home in Guatemala City

2011-10-12T00:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget that anybody even reads my blog...let alone someone from Guatemala. If you remember a little while back I blogged about my experience with going to Guatemala...well a couple days later I had one of my favorite things happen...a lovely reader sent me a note telling me a little about her and her family...and not only that she wanted to show me her home that she has decorated....LOVED that. Jimena is her name and she started out by saying she wanted to introduce herself because we shared so many of the same passions. We were indeed both the same age with a few or more kids and obsessed with design and decor. Anyway I can not begin to tell you how happy her email made me. In fact I have to share Jimena's home with all of you. She really loves the incredible textile legacy that her country has and she tried to apply it all around her home. In Jimena's note she even gave me details about how she used all of her native textiles around her place.

From Jimena's note:

"I HAVE USED VINTAGE ¨GUIPILES¨ AND LOTS OF SPECIAL COMISSION FABRICS AND TASSELS I HAD DESIGN AND HELP DESIGN SPECIALLY FOR MY HOUSE...MADE ALL FROM "BACKSTRAP LOOM TECHNIC ¨ (FROM MY FAVORITE DESIGNER IN THE CITY DELPALOMAR.COM ). I USED ALL OF THE ABOVE TO MAKE MY ACCENT DECORATIVE PILLOWS, THE LAMP IN MY PANTRY (YOU CAN SEE MY VINTAGE APRON COLLECTION FROM THE DIFFERENT VILLAGES IN GUATEMALA ON THE WALL IN THAT PICTURE) AND I USE THESE ALL OVER MY HOUSE SINCE THE COLORS ARE A ONE OF A KIND LOOK. MAKE ME GO MAD EVERYTIME I FOUND A NEW PIECE OF FABRIC FROM GUATEMALA. EVEN THOUGH I LIVE SORROUNDED BY THIS INCREDIBLE COLORS I WILL NEVER GET TIRE OF THEM!! "

Want to sneak a peak....

SOOO beautiful, right?? In fact I am thinking you all should leave Jimena a comment here to let her know what a wonderful job she has done at creating such a great space. I am sure that would make her day as well as mine.

In case you were wondering Jimena also runs a high end design shop in Guatemala found here and blogs over here. I know for a fact that quite a few of your readers will enjoy that content that Jimena puts out on her blog...even if you a can't a read a Spanish.

Just a snippet from Jimena's shop:

You should also go to her Big Apple Home website and click on "Love Big" in the bottom left corner. It may get you all excited for Christmas.

2011-10-11T21:20:00.000-07:00

Goofy is the key word today.

Way-LO from the block (husband) was gone for 6 days and left me with sick kids.

No sleep due to the above.

Got up this morn and had black circles under eyes.

It's no biggie though because..

today was the first real peppy day we've had in a while.

Back in the blogging saddle.

Seriously come back tomorrow for something that made me happy.

Loves.

Liza is one of my favorite names

2011-10-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well I promise you that when I say that I really love being a Mom this week that I'm not just trickin...even though one of them found the paper shredder and took the girls report cards to it and even though the sickies spread around from one child to the next (that is my dog ate the homework excuse as to why I haven't been around blogging town much this week..except it is a true story).

With that I'm thinking that I may be missing a few screws here and there but I'm ok with that because I made a mean chicken noodle soup and I know how to LOVE...what more does one need? If you really must know I did accomplish something by finally carving out a space that will function other than a trash pile. It will now be used as a place to build some muscles. This room isn't new to being a strength building space because a little over four years ago I carved out a space to fit three cribs so that I could bring home "triplet surprise"...oh AND THERE were building of muscles going on but probably located more in the central nervous system area. I had a few very nice moments reminiscing about the nights that included getting up and feeding three babies all at the same time..lets just say a couple body pillows were included.

Hope you have a lovely weekend.

P.S. - I really do love the name Eliza or Liza because one of my favorite sisters happens to go by it. When I found that Liza print by Joe Eula, I knew I needed it as a reminder of a fun sister that still dances around the house to Backstreet Boys..or was that New Kids?

fusion

2011-10-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you didn't know this about me but I dream of a modern space that is fused with something rustic in nature. I can imagine this place being placed somewhere in southern Utah where the forest meets the red rock.

What are you dreaming about?

{above images via House & Garden}

black and gold are classic

2011-09-30T12:25:00.000-07:00

There are always different color bandwagons that I jump on but without fail I never get sick of black. Recently I've been stuck on black and gold. I think that color combo is classic and something that never goes out of style.

The great artist Auguste Renoir once said, "I've been 40 years discovering that the queen of all colors was black."

Anyway I recently created a black and gold board on Pinterest which hopefully will lead you to many of the original sources if you are interested. Below are the links to all of the items that can be purchased on the above image.

1 - wallpaper, 2 - skirt, 3 - cuff, 4- earrings, 5 - cards, 6 - waste basket, 7 - light fixture, 8 - blanket, 9 - light fixture

Have a classic weekend that includes lots of good stuff. I know I am especially excited for this weekend because I have the chance to fill my mind with very uplifting words.

Oh and did you see all of the black and gold in fashion over here?

Luli Sanchez

2011-09-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

I really do have so much I want to share. Today I am attempting to paint my bedroom while the boys are in school. I feel like I want to rip everything out of my house and start anew but where's the money and where's the time..so today I am going to try and work with what I got. Anyway I'l be back but in the meantime I can not get the designs from Luli Sanchez out of my mind. If her designs look familiar to you then perhaps you have seem the collaborations and client work she has done with names such as Tory Burch, Theory, Kate Spade and West Elm.

Thursday ain't so bad.

2011-09-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

I hope the blue Ikea frames do not look cheap when I get them hung up. I couldn't help but give the frames a try after I saw all of the orange frames from a space shown in Martha Stewart last month. The IKEA frames honestly range in price from $1.99 to $9.99 just in case you were wondering.

This week {internal thermostat}

2011-09-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

I'm a Mom over here.

Sometimes my thermostat is broken and I get all hot and huffy puffy. I am learning to set my internal thermostat as well as helping in setting the thermastat of all of our familys energy so that it can be all nice, cool and enjoyable (I learned about setting the daily thermostat at a mid-week church meeting that included other woman trying to manage conflict in their life..I sort of got all dazed and confused while listening..that happens alot in case you are wondering). I am realizing that sometimes settling conflict can be as easy as learning a new language..the language of little boys. All I had to do was jingle the keys to the big toy that is rotting outside and the little boy who rolled all over the floor for 30 minutes in his skivvies all of a sudden jumped up and put his shirt and shoes on in less than 2 minutes flat...To think I almost went outside and got a switch.

Now off to kiss those cute little faces that I get to hang out with more than anyone else.

P.S. - I kind of felt old climbing in and out of that big piece of manly metal.

Hello Fall!

2011-09-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

When Fall comes I just want to eat heavier foods, grab a book and SLOW down. And you???

For striped wool blankets go here.

For perfect comfort food go here.

Also I am dying over the party using book pages over here. Refer to the above picture where the Nester uses book pages to install paper leaves and branches.

Off to find some way to be crafty.

Happy weekend! What are you up to?

Seriously I still can't get over all of details from the book party and 20 ways to decorate with book pages. Even if you don't get all crafty you still have to give major props to the Nesters book page magic. She even gives instructions if you want to use some of it as inspiration for your next party or craft project. Go here to check it out.

visually packing a punch {more stripes}

2011-09-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

I think one reason I like stripes so much are because they visually offer such a punch. For example if you had a plain sofa and didn't have very much dinero then you could purchase a few striped pillows and you would be well on your way to have a space that would be nice to look at. I myself love love all of the pillows offered at the above Etsy shop. In fact I posted a few extra examples below of pillows that are not striped that I like from their shop as well. This Ebay seller offers similar pillows that are so darn inexpensive that you could just order one for kicks and giggles.

old sequins are heavy

2011-09-19T21:47:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, if you are my friend, mom, dad, sister, aunt, cousin, brother-in -law or sister-in-law then most likely you are thinking "nerd alert" or "wow, I have one of the coolest friends I have ever met"...either which one.

You probably are wondering what the deal is with all of these pictures of myself in sequins...Well I happen to have a very special friend who recently informed me that she merely just skims over all of my home decor posts but really devours the posts that have anything to do with my personal life. I think it is weird that she is bored by my design posts...hmm. As we continued our conversation it came out that I have really toned it down since getting married...she didn't seem to believe me for some odd reason. Anyway, my husband doesn't like the kind of look that says, "Hi, I'm here". If he were to express any preferences then he would say "No go" on big hair, bright lipstick and certainly not sequins. Still curious about the new sequined items.. that same friend (who goes by Tiffany Watson Snow) then suggested I did a whole blog post about my new items I brought home from the thrift store today....especially after I told here that a) my husband was not going to be so much a fan and b) the old volunteer ladies at the thrift store thought the pieces were gorgeous but advised not to put any of them on before stepping onto a scale. Tis true, I weighed them without my body in them and indeed they were 5 lbs. I am thinking a new work-out plan is brewing in my head. Buy old heavy sequin items and then walk around...I feel good about that.

Hey and if all else fails, then when my husband drags me to the 8th row at the National Finals Rodeo..I can shine like the top of the Chrysler building...a pretty nice compromise if you ask me. If you've ever been to that function there in Las Vegas then you too would know that you have to own your flashy flash flash..like as in go big or go home. It is a sight quite like none other, I tell you. Which at times I am thankful for the shiny stuff because it helps to distract ones attention away from grown men wrestling cattle and such. For the love of cowboys.

Mostly though I wanted to do this post as a warm up for another one that is in the works...thanks to another reader request. Again a special fashion post about discount and thrift store shopping. I can assure it won't be a regular feature but am very excited to talk about one of the things that excites me more than most. Hopefully I can break it down and make it an easier process for those that may want to give thrift store shopping a try. Does that sound ok?? I hope so.

...up next another home design related post.

P.S. - In real life I am not tempted by wearing sequins during any happenings that may include my children. In fact I think I am on day four of wearing the same outfit to be exact.

project sneaka peaka

2011-09-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

I could not help but share a little sneak peak of a project I am working on...yes you spy an upholstered desk in a metallic python fabric. I originally was going to cover the piece in faux python leather but could not seem to get enough of it in my price point. The Malm dressing table was purchased at IKEA and was the perfect size for a small desk in my guest room. I still need to install that drawer that I just painted in the color shown above and put on the coolest upholstery tacks that I have on order. Stay tuned.

Have a fab weekend.

butterfly wall coverings and fabric??

2011-09-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

I wonder what would happen if I imported the above picture of the de Gournay wallpaper into Spoonflower and made some upholstery fabric for a bench? Would that just be wrong? I love that color and of course the way the butterflies look hand painted. I think another great option to the de Gournay would be the Lombardia wallpaper by Nina Campbell for Osbourne & Little. Now off to see if there might be any of that Nina Campbell up for grabs on Ebay. Speaking of Ebay I love the above vintage butterfly in the small golden frame. If the frame is anything like the one I have then it is also convex and can be found here.

mixing up the breakfast routine {buckwheat bakes}

2011-09-15T07:34:00.000-07:00

{above photo courtesy of Edible Perspective}

Hands down I am a breakfast/morning person. Lately I have gone to the Edible Perspective to be inspired on mixing up our breakfast routine. The latest recipes we have tried are the buckwheat bakes. I had to search high and low for the buckwheat groats because they were out at the first Whole Foods that I went to but finally found them at another one. Buckwheat gives me the warm and fuzzys because it reminds me of the good old days while feeding triplet babies cream of buckwheat. Did you know that buckwheat is super easy on the digestive system..hence feeding it to babies? I know kind of confusing because it has wheat in it's name and wheat is not known to be easy on the digestive system.

Anyway just look at all of the different whole food ideas that the Edible Perspective has to offer..and the below are just their breakfast ideas.

Go here to go and check out all of the below recipes.

Rolled Oats:

Scottish Oats:

Steel Cut Oats:

Overnight Oats:

Farro

Cereal

Cocoa Pnut Hot Popped Amaranth **gf
Cocoa Puffmaranth Cereal **gf
Fruity Pebble Puffmaranth **gf
Peanut Butter Puffmaranth Cereal **gf
Popped Amaranth Cereal **gf
Puffed Amaranth + Buckwheat Cereal **gf
Pumpkin Cream Cereal **gf
Strawberries + Banana Cream Cereal *gf
Strawberry Chocolate Banana Puffmaranth *gf

Oatmeal + Buckwheat Cookies: [microwave]

Breakfast Bakes: [oven baked]

Banana Buckwheat Bake **gf
Banana Corncake Muffins *gf
Blueberry Buckwheat Muffin Bake **gf
Brown Rice French Toast Pudding Bake *gf
Buckwheat Muffin Bake **gf
Carob Buckwheat Bake **gf
Cherry Almond Vanilla Buckwheat Bake **gf
Cherry Almond Chocolate Buckwheat Bake *gf
Cherry Blueberry Almond Breakfast Bake **gf
Chocolate Marshmallow Buckwheat Bake *gf
Cocoa Banana Buckwheat Bake **gf
Coconut Cream Blueberry Buckwheat Bake **gf
French Toast Buckwheat Bake *gf
Lemon Oat Bake *gf
Pumpkin Buckwheat Bake **gf
Pumpkin Buckwheat Cake Bake *gf
Oat Flour Bake *gf
Oatmeal Pumpkin Bake **gf
Savory Rice + Veggie Bake gf [w/vegan option]
Savory Veggie Buckwheat Bake *gf
Stuffed Buckwheat Muffins **gf
Strawberry Banana Buckwheat Bake *gf
Quinoa Egg Veggie Bake *gf
Vanilla “funfettie” Oat Bake *gf
Zucchini Bread Buckwheat Bake *gf [w/vegan opt]

Banana Scramble:

Pancakes:

Eggs:

French Toast

Quinoa Flakes:

Coconut Quinoa Flakes **gf
Tropical Quinoa Flakes **

a free spirited space

2011-09-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

There are times I really crave a refined and well-edited space and then there are times that I favor spaces that are a little more free. To me the above eclectic space doesn't look too decorated. All of a sudden I wanted to pursue a big sunburst mirror and that hasn't happened in a while. Oh and look at that white credenza.

Anyway I am working on a project today that has been a long time in the making and just trying to decide between chartreuse or mint. I will keep you posted.

{all images from here}

pick your color

2011-09-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

Lots of great colors to choose from with the above Darlington chair from here. If I had to place an order today, I'd go with the blue.

Happy Monday!

P.S. - Did anybody else watch the 9/11 special with Tom Brokaw? My heart has been very heavy all weekend long. I can't stop thinking about this story. Amazing and very unselfish.

The Greenwich Hotel

2011-09-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Loving the details and the colors from the Greenwich Hotel in New York. It feels very warm and welcoming there.

Happy weekend!

Source for lacquering and other refinishing needs (European Paint Finishes)

2011-09-09T09:01:00.000-07:00

All of you locals are in for a real treat because if you are like me then you have a love for a really good lacquered piece of furniture. I started out four years ago on a quest to find somebody that a) knew how to lacquer and b) didn't charge an arm and a leg. I had received a few different quotes on lacquering my little girls dressing table but I never felt like I was ready to pay the money it took to get the job done...it was going to be expensive. Finally I posted about my lacquering woes and what do you know I had an email from Keeley at European Paint Finishes and boy was I so happy. Keeley and Mike are a husband and wife duo specializing in refinishing furniture. After settling on a custom color Mike went to work at getting a perfect match and he did a great job. I've had the dressing table home for a while now and I have been more than impressed with the workmanship. It looks like a high-end piece without the high dollar price tag..in fact they are very reasonably priced. Anyway I have been so excited to share this source with all of you because of my experience with refinishing the piece in a lacquer. Oh and all of the other pieces that I have seen Mike & Keeley work on have truly been pieces of art. You will not regret using them for any of your refinishing needs..promise.

You can get in contact with Keeley at European Paint Finishes right over here.

P.S. - Can you see my amethyst knobs? In case you missed it I blogged about making them right here.

Guatemala to your doorstep

2011-09-08T15:30:00.000-07:00

After the post yesterday I had a few inquiries about my husband's Guatemalan belt. He has had his for a decade and it was purchased directly in Guatemala but the beauty of the internet these days means that Guatemala can come to your doorstep. With a little research I came across few different sites that could possibly bring you a belt like husbands. Beware you will find some beautiful embroidered textiles like the above.

Go here, here or here