Moccasins and Look-a-likes [clusters]

After receiving my new catalog from Cyrillus, I was love struck with this look of socks and loafers. I think its such a collared look for the fall.

The catalog also had me searching for some fun versions of moccasins for the fall weather.

via: Cyrillus

Delias: Minnetonka Lace Up Boot in Tan ($99.50)

Target: Shirlee Moccasins in Tan ($13.99)

Target: Sherlyn Moccassins in Purple ($19.99)

Newport News: Pleated Suede Flat in Clove ($24)

Newport News: Suede Moccasin ($34)Alloy: Minnetonka Kilty Moccasin in brown ($46.50)

Old Navy: Suede Moccassins in Gray ($16.50)

Old Navy: Suede Moccasins in Bordeaux ($16.50)

Coasters for my home [clusters]

With the arrival of the new sofa comes the arrival of my desire for coasters to protect this precious piece of furniture. (The cat has already had his first scolding for touching the new sofa with his nails.)

Here's my cluster of eye candy coasters:

A love of sewing goes beyond the sewing projects piled up on the floor.
Etsy seller liesl: Sewing Pattern Coasters ($5)

I like that these coasters are glass and so clean looking. I'm also loving the fun drawings on each one- very unique!

Etsy seller Gocreativity759: Glass Coaster Set ($40)

This ship will whisk me away with my drink :)

Etsy seller paperedtogether: Stowaway Letterpress Coasters ($12)

These could add more color to our living space (the sofa will never be enough now).

Etsy seller 12fifteen: Ready for Spring Letterpress Coasters ($12)

What can I say...I love typefaces.

Etsy seller CarolinaCottage: Fabulous Font Coasters ($15)

OH, I wish these were tile coasters so I could keep them forever.Etsy seller Staza: European Architecture Letterpress Coasters ($15)

I like the vintage labels used for these coasters.

Etsy seller Labelstone: Vintage Turkish Building Boat Coasters ($14)

These coasters pack a punch of color- and they carry that street map feel which is so city inspiring.

Etsy seller Visualingual: Vine Street Coasters ($58)

Meeting Martha

Ok. So you can see from this photo that I didn't really get to "meet" with Martha, but I did buy her new cookbook (for someone special) and got some photo time with her.

I must say that this is the cutest photo.

Yes, Martha enjoyed her coffee from Cafe du Monde and her beignets.

A place for the sofa.

The sofa arrived this weekend and I've been finding myself drifting to it every day after work. The color is smashing and fits perfectly in our little living room (our old hide-a-bed was bulky and seemed to swallow up the side of the room).

So, overall I'm digging our space.

And of course, our favorite chairs.

Sam Paints

I don't know why, but I love these paintings from SamPaints. There's something about the lines that create a sense of eerie depth. I feel like I'm reading a story in each painting.

via: SamPaints

Feeling Kinda Bookish

I love this window display set up at Anthropologie in Manhattan. I am a devotee for beautiful window displays- in fact this would be one of my three dream jobs....

via: Racked

Isn't this just wonderful? Look at how the books have been flopped over onto one another to create repetitive and unique pattern drooping over the edge of the table. Love, love, love it!

Postage art

Have you ever wondered what the rest of the scene from your stamp looks like? These postage stamp paintings take you beyond the small frilly box you stick on envelopes or postcards. You can see the small outline of the original stamp and the painter's interpretation of the rest of the scene.

via: PostageStampPaintings.com

Although all the paintings I looked at are already sold, you should definitely check out these fun works of art.

Agate Coasters

I've always liked this idea of using slices of agate as coasters. The are such beautiful and natural pieces, but this allows them to be useful as well.

Elsewares: Brazilian Agate Coasters ($50/set of 4)

Etsy Prints [clusters]

This is my cluster of recent favorite prints from Etsy. I'm going to start adding to my collection now....

Etsy seller berkleyillustration: Old Timey Biker Daredevil ($15)

Etsy seller altardbeast: Cunning can get you but so far ($15)

Etsy seller ohmycavalier: Two Bird Song ($10)

Etsy seller ohmycavalier: Beehive Bears ($23)

Etsy seller dazeychic: Count the Waves ($20)

Etsy seller papercutdiecut: Die cut-paper cut- Tree kid ($38)

Etsy seller GollyBard: Logs II ($18)

Etsy seller ohmycavalier: Fox Tea ($23)

Etsy seller askey: Storm Clouds ($20)

Etsy seller tabidesigns: Caged Bird ACEO ($4.50)

Etsy seller ohmycavalier: Wren King ($16)

Etsy seller GollyBard: Trousers ($15)

Etsy seller myfolklover: Hiding in the Tallest Grass ($15)

A little cheer-me up...

Whenever my day is going badly, I take a break and read through some of Natalie Dee's comics. These are the only comics that always make me laugh, or giggle, or even snort. If you're having a bad day, take a visit.

Going into Pantone

I have always loved the idea of a coding system for colors, thus I'm loving the different products available that revel in this coding.

Pantone Cell Phones available in Japan
via: One Good Thing

Pantone Collection Dishes
via: Fishs Eddy

Pantone Flight Stools
via: Designer Daily

Pantone Universe Eyewear
via: Design Daily

You can see more fun items available at Pantone's website.

Sewing on my mind

I've been in my craft making mood lately and I've pulled out the sewing machine to start up some sewing projects I've been yearning to get to. My mind is on sewing...perhaps because of SM needing a Halloween costume still.

This is awesome imagery.

Sweet Shoppe Designs: Bad Sewing Machine III by Traci Reed ($2.99)

Fred Aldous: Tailors Chalk (£0.32)

Etsy seller StrawberriesandCream: Linen Mouse Pincushion ($14)

Etsy seller JuJuToo: Vintage Scizzors ($14.95)

Amazon: "Doodle Stitching" by Aimee Ray ($10.17)

The rush of excitement

So this weekend is MY weekend. And by this, I mean that MY store, Macy's, is celebrating not only it's opening but also its 150th year anniversary by having many celebs at my local shopping malls.

via: mediabistro

And best of all, Martha Stewart herself will be one of these many celebs. So, while SM stays home this Saturday waiting for our amazing sofa to be delivered...I will be at Macy's waiting to catch a glimpse (and maybe even a handshake) from Martha Stewart. (and I may wander over to sneak a peak at Kelly Clinton, Tommy Hilfiger, Gavin DeGraw and Steve Madden).

Pick o' the day: Myrica Leftover Coasters

Please, tell me how cool are these?
Transparent acrylic leftovers are now fun coasters on your coffee table...

Huset-Shop: Myrica Leftover Coasters by Array ($5 each)

The start of an office

Even though our lease is up in February and we've decided to move to a "hipper" neighborhood, I still have this desire to finish setting up our office upstairs. This room started as a storage room and is slowly evolving into it's true space as an office.

I bought this work table from a cute old couple that were moving back to Denmark to be with their children and grandchildren. He had been using it as a shop table for his carpentry projects and had created a sliding drawer on the bottom to hold tools, etc. We took the table apart and painted the top in pistachio green, the legs and base in black.

The chair is from ikea. Because we don't have an ikea nearby I rely on others to bring their ikea goods to our local craigslist...like this chair.

Somehow we started a collection of calendars when we first moved to Louisiana so I've been putting them on the walls like art.

I would love to swap office space with Yvestown. I'm actually going to be purchasing the exact same drawer unit from ikea, but in white.

New Improved Studio 03

via flickr: yvestown

Pick o' the Day: Raccoon Stitch Kit

I've been having fun with DIY lately and spotted "Claus" to make as a pillow for our sofa.


The Curiosity Shoppe: Raccoon Stitch Kit ($26)

Pretty Bitter: Stationary

I spotted these awesome pads on Apartment Therapy and just had to share them with you.

Pretty Bitter: "I Will Do One Thing Today" Pad ($1.99)

Hallmark Gift Boxes

Have any of you seen these zip-boxes from Hallmark before? I think they are a genius way of tapping into what Fedex and other major mailing groups have engineered.

funZIP Gift Boxes ($2.99-3.99)

Sale: The Company Store

I'm drooling over these items on discount at The Company Store.

Casablanca Side Table ($42.99)

Casablanca Mirror ($42.99)

Carmel Table ($38.99)

Don't you just love the lamp in this image?

Napa Nesting Tables ($58.99/set of 2)

I love the chevron pattern on this rug, but it is only available in black now.

Chevron Jute Rug- Black ($34.99-160.99)

Trash Cans [clusters]

I'm really digging industrial looking trash cans lately, especially in the kitchen.

via: Katie Scully on flickr

via: Amber in Norfolk on flickr

This is my ultimate favorite. Clean white design that makes you want to stuff an old soggy ice cream cone into.
TrashCanCentral: StepMaster Series Round Receptacles by United Receptacle ($268.63)

I like the look of the white trash can as well, with a swinging lid.

TrashCanCentral: Swing-top Receptacle by Witt Waste Bins ($181-257)

Add your crumpled paper and....viola!

TrashCanCentral: Blomus Stainless Steel Wastepaper Basket ($85.89)

TrashCanCentral: Blomus Stainless Steel Wastepaper Basket ($72.35)

This definitely has a nice shape to it and can conceal trash with the rounded topper.

TrashCanCentral: Stainless Steel Open Bullet Can ($98.99)

Though I am partial to trash cans with lids (my mother ran an at-home daycare when I grew up and thus I am inherent to follow her rules of covering up trash), I still like the look of this square can. Plus there are rims on either side that secure the trash bag so it doesn't slip down.

TrashCanCentral: Open-Top Stainless Steel Receptacle by United Receptacle ($221.93)

These are by far the best purchase for your money. Here, they are shown set up for recycling bins. Love, love, love.

Crate and Barrel: Slim Step Trash Can by Simple Human ($39.95)

Almost Friday Dance

This is my new favorite dance...

You can see the complete dance here.

Traditional with a Twist

I really enjoy browsing through designers' portfolios. I have found this image to be a favorite of mine. The room looks so peaceful and yet still strangely unique. I really love the umbrella stand and the deer mount. The chandelier also lends a whimsy flare to the room.

via: Jeffers Design Group

Halloween: Childern's Masks

I really love these beautiful kid's masks from Hazel Wood Children.

Zid Zid Animal Masks ($13 each)

More designs:

Pick o' the Day: Ship with Wave Print

I really want this print.

Thumbtack Press: Ship with Wave by Patrick Leger ($29.99)

PersephoneVintage on Etsy

I am really digging PersephoneVintage on etsy. Not only are these items vintage, but some are reconstructed garments that bring an updated look to some fun vintage fabrics. Also, the photos are presented as if from an Anthropologie catalog, which makes me crave these items even more. Here are some of my favorites:

Vintage 70's Brown Ferragamo High Heel Loafers ($59.99)

Vintage 80's Gray Suede Slouch Ankle Pixie Boots ($89.99)

Vintage Woven Criss-Cross Mary Jane Heels ($59.99)

Reconstructed Vintage 80's Metallic Floral Skirt ($69.99)

Reconstructed Vintage 80's Black Mesh Tutu ($69.99)

Vintage 70's Red Embroidered Heart Apron ($39.99)

Reconstructed Vintage 70's Floral Painted Skirt ($32.99)

Turn up the Volume

This little nob connects to your computer by USB and has the capability of scrolling through anything as well as becoming the volume adjustment for the music blasting out of your speakers. You must read up on this amazing nob from Griffin.

Griffin Technology: Powermate ($45)

Umm...can I add this to my Christmas Wish List...or Gotta-Have-It List?

In the Tool Shop [clusters]

After reading my weekly emails from Maxwell at Apartment Therapy, I was intrigued by a visit he had with Chris Plantan while in Minneapolis. Chris has created a chic way to organize her office supplies by using tool chests she paints (red tool chests are a little obvious, but she cleverly disguises hers in white and silver). I love this trick and I've been shopping around for similar pieces to give second uses to.

This tool box looks nice without a new paint job.
Tool Storage Warehouse: Homak Black 2 Drawer Handy Carry Tool Box ($17.86)

This trash can could be really fun to add an industrial look to a room.Tool Storage Warehouse: Justrite 6 Gallon Red Oily Waste Can (call for pricing)

This could definitely take the place of my kitchen trash can.
Tool Storage Warehouse: Justrite 4.5 Gallon Cease-Fire Waste Receptacles (call for pricing)

I would like to keep my pencils, scissors, etc. stashed away in this box.Tool Storage Warehouse: Waterloo Low Profile Tool Box ($8.75)

I love the look of this bag with its inside walls to separate my small craft items.ToolBoxesDirect.com: Small Parts Organizer ($9.99)

I have decided that this would beToolBoxesDirect.com: Excel 3 Tray 1 Drawer Tool Cart ($99.99)

This cart could also suffice, though it doesn't have a drawer to keep drink stirrers, etc.ToolBoxesDirect.com: Waterloo Basic Utility Cart ($77.99)

And lastly, I think this is the ultimate in tool chests. You could store almost anything in this guy.Tool Storage Warehouse: International Tool Boxes 14" Circular Saw Box ($32.77)

You can also find other fun industrial products to search through at Uline.

Oh, babies!

I have been thinking of babies lately. Mostly because of the placement I am in...just married and friends being pregnant. So, today I wanted to post about some cool gifts, etc. that are excellent for new moms.

First, because I used to work for BOB and will never purchase another stroller...I must add this beautiful and durable Revolution stroller from BOB.

Happy Mothers: 2008 Revolution Single Jogging Stroller - Chocolate/Blue ($389)

This bowl is genius and was "winner of the prestigious Babble Award"!
BunnyburyBaby: Catch Bowl by Boon ($6.95)

This bottle is so cool. I also like the glass bottles that are now available- so old school.Bunnybury Baby: Adiri Natural Nurser Baby Bottle ($11.95)

I like that this baby powder has no scent and is organic.BunnyburyBaby: Organic Unscented Baby Powder by Little Twig ($10.95)

This is one hot diaper bag- though the price is outrageous.
BunnyburyBaby: Yellow Seed Pod MotherShip Diaper Bag by Fleurville ($125.95)

You can buy these next items as sets for your favorite new mommy.Etsy seller TurtleParkTots: Eat Baby- Baby/Toddler Bib ($10)

Etsy seller TurtleParkTots: Change-me-anywhere Changing Pad/Blanket ($20)

Etsy seller TurtleParkTots: Change-me-anywhere Diaper Keeper ($14)

These are the best gifts to hand out at your next baby shower!Etsy seller Foliage: Handsoap Set ($17/set of 10)

Every child should grow up with a sock monkey!Etsy seller hoffeeandanuffin: New Blue Red Heel Sock Monkey ($35)

Another beautiful design!Etsy seller bluejeanjess: Burp Cloth/Mini Changing Pad ($6)

These are too adorable.Etsy seller Sally1: Baby Blue Button Loafers ($20)

Etsy seller Sellebrate Design: Sporty Boy Booties - Brown ($9.49)

Another excellent gift package.Etsy seller Valeriya: Petals and Apples in Pink Burp Cloth set ($15)

I have seen these wall graphics popping up all over, but I think they are best appropriate when placed in a child's space for invoking a strong imagination.Etsy seller elly nelly: Safari Wall Graphic ($32)

And, if she plans on breast feeding this cover can help her and the baby feel more comfortable.Etsy seller WildHoneyPie: Chocolate Brown Damask Nursing Cover ($18.50)

And some more cute baby booties- who doesn't ooh and aah over baby booties?Etsy seller Sally1: Cotton Daisy MaryJane Booties- Deep Purple ($20)

Pick o' the Day: Dahlia Cloche

Etsy Seller Jessicatara: Dahlia Cloche ($75)