Shopping Hiatus {2}

What shopping hiatus? Oh yes the one I am suppose to be on till the end of the year, well, I must have forgotten. As the story goes...


I went to Target to just see if they had pillows for a friends home I am redoing, they did, and they also had some for me. They were on sale if that makes a difference. I really wanted a pillow for this little rocker. It is the chair that my grandfather was rocked in when he was a just a baby. It was in my son's room and now that he is getting older I moved it out. I wanted a more modern pillow for such a classic chair and this one was perfect. Was I really suppose to wait till next year?


Then as I was leaving I saw these lovely little glasses. They are that hard plastic. I am sure there is a better name for them, but right now that word escapes me. I thought they would be perfect for all the dining we do outdoors. I do not like using my glass one's outdoors with kiddos and plastic disposable one's are no good for the environment. I thought these were a happy and pretty medium.


No, I did not buy this swimsuit, but I wish I would. Isn't it lovely.

Oh, and I also bought two lanterns for by my front door. These, however, I did buy within my own parameters. I will share them as soon as the new door knocker goes up. I am quite excited about it. Then my hubby saw me admiring this lovely chair for the bedroom and the next thing I know he told me to buy it. I can't wait till it comes in. So as you can see the hiatus is not going so well, but this does start a new week for new beginnings, right?

Lovely Gifts


The amazingly talented Miss Aimee from Mostly Mod was so very kind to send me a photo from her etsy shop for Mother's Day. This meant the world to me. First off it is of a bike no less and, as I have posted before, I have a little dream to live somewhere a bike could be my first mode of transportation. Second my dear and incredibly sweet husband is not the very best at celebrating holidays such as this and my kiddos are much too young to know the difference so this definitely helped me feel quite special. This lovely photo now has found a home in my favorite room, the sunroom, where I do all my reading.


This beautiful gift came a from a friend who I helped with her blog header. I was doing it for free, but since she did get me something I am so happy it was this bag. It is by Lacefield Designs and a portion goes to Ithemba Orphanage in Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa through the LUO organization. Their mission is to set children free from poverty. Please read more about it here. Seems like a cause to stand behind. It makes this gift even extra special.


Well, not sure if I would call this a gift, but my daughter does keep on walking around calling it "my dog". We are somewhat foster parents to this sweet little thing. Our goal was to find it a good home, but it seems my children have become smitten with it. I am still trying to figure out if we are dog owner people and the dog is trying to figure out if he wants to be owned by someone with small children. It's really just the shedding (which so far seems like none) and the dog smell I am worried about. Any thoughts lovely readers?

Book Club: chapter 7

I am finally feeling like myself again after being a bit under the weather the last couple of weeks. As for the Artist's Way, my morning pages suffered once again. I completely blame in on my fuzzy thinking. I am ready to dive back in, I some what missed them believe it or not. The book talked about perfectionism holding us back. Umm, yup, that would be me. I am truly scared to start my little girl dress line because what if I forget to sew all of a sudden. There has also been countless times that I have almost posted for sponsorship for my little blog, but always take it down because maybe just maybe I will wake up and I will no longer have any readers. Also I have been decorating people's homes, but to make that an actual job? Ha, I very well may forget how to shop! As you see I am ridiculous and maybe one day I will grab hold of one of my little dreams and do something. One day.

The book also asked us to listen to an album just because, Priscilla Ahn was my choice. This song makes me happy even while cleaning.

This week we read chapter 8

Outfit to Room...Miss Aimee from Mostly Mod

So...I am so glad to be here today on Paula's fun Outfit to Room & of course I just had to have fun with it. So here is my outfit(image via the sartorialist...


Here is the kitchen...


across the other side of the kitchen would be a sitting area with this love seat...


and this rustic coffee table...


and two of these chairs...


and these curtains...


two of these lamps would hang from the wall...


these old paddles would be leaning against the wall...


these wood side tables would be in between the two chairs...


& this jade plant would sit in the middle of the coffee table...


That was so fun! Thanks Paula.

A Shotgun Home






This home is a mere 16x80 foot. It's based off the floor plan of shotgun homes. I adore the simple layout huge doors and especially the simple white facade. The floors are reclaimed old-growth pine and red oak flooring. This home is perfect for someone who doesn't need or want any extra's I think that is why it appeals to me today. Living simply now that's an idea for me to ponder. Although my children may be quite sad not to have any room for toys.

{via Dwell}

Changes


I know, I know... I changed things around again. This time I wanted to match my new cards. I somewhat promise that this will stick for awhile at least. I love change and I just can't help myself especially when Brooke added new and fabulous fonts to her blog and then led me to Amanda who had a great tutorial on how to do it. Thank you very much to both wonderful ladies! Hope you enjoy...

{image via the most talented Jose Villa}

Shopping Hiatus {2} + Sneak Peek


The hiatus is still going fairly well. I sold some of my maternity clothes and bought a pot and two lanterns for outside along with some fabric and patterns. Eventually I am going to be out of things to sell and shopping will be out completely. My sister and I headed out to a few shops last night to just look. Well, that was a dumb idea I found a few things I just loved, but I managed to walk away. It was somewhat of a tease. I think I just need to stay out of the shops. On the plus side I have been able to shop vicariously through a friend who's home I am decorating. We finally got the plates up on the wall last night and picked final paint colors for the office along with buying a few odds and ends. It's all coming along nicely and I can't wait to share more. I just love seeing it all come together. How is your hiatus coming along?

Book Club: chapter 6



"I would rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck" - Emma Goldman

Last week I was extremely under the weather. All that I could do was make sure my children were fed and somewhat clean and clothed. I stayed most of the time in bed or on the couch. I can not even tell you how many times we watched Bolt, my daughter's new favorite movie. So this week I strive to get back into being a good mother and wife role. I hope to also catch up with you all. How did your week go with the Artist's Way? Hopefully much better than mine.

This week we read chapter 7

Heaven

I have seen this little bakery around blog land lately and I really can not get enough of it. Unfortunately the shop is in Bovina, New York so I must admire from a far. The owners Taylor, a former model now pastry chef, and Joshua, a photographer among other things, set up shop in July 2006. Isn't it ever so lovely...






I think I would like to add "own a bakery one day" to my long list of desires, ha! Doesn't it all look so yummy? I wonder how they stay so thin, hmm. Hope you all are having a wonderful Memorial Day!

{first seen via Element's of Style}

Outfit to Room...

I could not be more excited to do this outfit to room. It came way of Emily from Wide Open Spaces. I swear she and I have been separated at birth. Anyhoo, her sister in law just moved into a new home and wants to re do her bedroom. This outfit somewhat represents what she loves...

{via Micheal Stars}

Outfit to Bedroom...

{via ebay}

It all begins with a unique Kilim rug.

{via DWR}

A stunning bed in a light maple.

{via here}

Dark and textured bedding.

{via Ikea}

Two of these placed side by side would make for a lovely dresser.


{via Tazi}

A pouf or two would make quite a statement.

{via Etsy}

Some lovely art framed and matted of course.

{via Pottery Barn}

Some fun yellow drapes to keep it all from becoming too serious.

A paired down version of Bohemian Chic. Keeping it neutral, but all the while keeping the textures rich. I would also love to see a light gray wall, this pendant light, and this mirror for over the dressers. Okay, maybe not that exact mirror it costs a lovely fortune. Of course the drapes and art can be changed out to fit one's taste. I just so happen to be on a yellow and bird kick at the moment. And yes, I got my inspiration from an old Domino magazine, oh how I wish it were still around.

Barbara Barry










I just fell head over heels with this home in the June issue of Metropolitan Home. It was done by the fabulous Barbara Barry. What I loved was the soothing color palate, the art, the use of beautiful wood, and the mix of traditional and mid-century modern. Something about this home reminds me of an old glamour simply done that we rarely see today. Most of the pieces are of Barbara Barry design and I would love to have every single one of them.


Oh, and I would feel like such a lovely hostess wearing this dress to a simple BBQ. Since in my little dream world I would be living in this home then surely I could afford this dress, right?

Shopping Hiatus {2}

I have officially been on my shopping hiatus {2} for one month. I must say this second hiatus is much easier. I believe it is because I know I will not be needlessly shopping till next year so why even think about it. Well, actually I hope to never needlessly shop again. Also it helps that this hiatus is a bit looser so I can buy a few things as long as I follow my own guidelines. For instance...


I finally designed some cards for play dates, my blog and my husband's photography business. I had them printed by Moo. I used the green line paper. They also carry minicards, postcards, and more. We have used them before and really enjoy their product. I also received a 20% off discount code for one product for those who have never bought from Moo before. I thought I would share it... 5246HK. The offer expires May 29th. Boy I sound like a commercial, ha!


I sold my daughters old crib (for really cheap) and bought this lovely rug on sale from Anthropologie. Our old one was looking pretty grungy so I wanted something new for quite sometime now. Oh, and yes we have two empty cabinets so our kiddos can play in them.



No, I did not buy new clothes or accessories, but the hubby did up grade cameras. He is now on board with the hiatus somewhat. These were from some test shots we did over the weekend between all the rain we had. Even though I was not a big fan of such a big purchase at this very moment I know it will help him immensely and I do like how they turned out. I can't believe the clarity in the sky, just beautiful.

How is your hiatus going or are you ready to join in the fun?

Feeling Inspired


Katie from Katie Did has been all over blog land lately, but she has been a favorite of mine for awhile now. She inspires me to stretch my sewing skills. She completely rocks it in the creativity department.


Although it seems the lovely lady from Brooklyn Bean may not be blogging anymore I still adore going through her archives. You must check out the before photos on her kitchen remodel. This is just so beautiful.


I just love this nursery from Abbey Goes Design Scouting. It almost makes me want to have another baby just so I could do this nursery, weird I know.


I just adore this hall. Kellie actually drew the pattern on her walls with a paint pen. I really am considering doing this in the sun room if the hubby gives me the green light.


This dresser is ever so lovely. As is the new blogger and my good friend Joy at August Love. You will love her!


I just loved this chair makeover done by Eddie Ross. He is such a DIY master.

Hope you too are feeling inspired!

Book Club: chapter 5


This past week one of our challenges in the Artist's Way was to name the top 10 items you want. Some of my items may not be items at all, but I still want them. Some of my list is practical although most is not. I shall admire all my lovelies from afar. What would be your top items that you would want when money is no object?

1. A dress
2. A beach house
3. A new rug or two
4. A steam mop
5. A Barcelona Chair
6. A bike with a basket
7. A pretty necklace
8. A mid century modern house
9. A serger
10. A wooden cake stand

I also finally went on an artists date over the weekend. Our town was having a historical home and garden tours. I was the youngest person out there by atleast 30 plus years. I had fun though.

This week we read chapter 6.

Outfit to Room...

I have a crush...her name is Keri Russell. Okay maybe I shouldn't call it a crush, but she is stunning and I love earth mama vibe she carries.

{via InStyle mag Jan 09}

Outfit to bachelor living room... (although I would live here too)

{via Sundance}

A place to sit.

{via Restoration Hardware}

A place to throw his feet up.

{via Sundance}

This bachelor really likes to read.

{via Velocity}

Fabulous lighting is always needed.


Simply because it reminds him of his first car and how far he has come.

Have a lovely weekend!

Palm Springs








I found this home while touring my new addiction. This home is fit for tricycle rides, fabulous dinner parties, movie nights at home, and roasting marshmallows. Now if only it were a bit closer or we could move I suppose. Oh, and may we receive it well below asking price, because then possibly it could be mine and yes you may visit any time. There is an extra bedroom of course, I would hate to see it go to waste.

Shopping Hiatus {2}


I woke up and wanted a new dress. Do you have days like that? Just to have the desire to slip into something fresh and new. To slip into something that makes you feel like a better version of yourself even if it only lasts a minute. What did I do you may wonder, well, I went to my closet and pulled out this dress that I bought when I was 9 months pregnant and having those same feelings. That was over 2 years ago and I may have worn it once. Now I can officially say I have worn it twice. I am thinking of dyeing it a new color. Oh, and did you notice my somewhat of a new haircut. It's the first time since high school that I am embracing my curls. The calves are new too. They are from running almost every day. I seem to be embracing more of who I am as I inch my way towards 30. I think I like her.

Dear Mom



Today is my sweet mama's birthday. She is the most beautiful, caring, and courageous woman I know. She flew planes, lived in Colombia for a time, took me hiking in the mountains of Maine while hugely pregnant (okay maybe that one is just silly), held me while my heart broke, and has cheered me on throughout the years. She has battled breast cancer and kicked it in the behind. She has shown me grace and unconditional love. She is full of adventure and stories that I know my children will grow up hearing. She has shown me how to be a better person. Mama I love you. Thank you for being you.


Happy Birthday!