Still Depositing: Random Room Inspirations

I'm still trying to remove the (continually adding) room inspiration images I have collected over the last....let's say two years.

We spotted two lamps identical to this at a furniture store a few weeks ago and they were marked at only $30! My eyes were fixed on them and just as I was telling my husband we should buy them a salesman came and posted "sold" tags on them, followed by one very happy customer who will enjoy having these in her home. No hard feelings, we're in need of a floor lamp but I was willing to make the change in plans.


If you're following this year's Spring Cure with AT, then you know what it is like to feel so relieved to not only be starting a project you've thought about for so long, but also just to tackle such a big issue and feel the self-gratitude of accomplishing the task at hand. I am still in the tackling process.

I've been sifting through boxes and boxes and bins and bags full of paper clippings, old greeting cards (including wedding gift cards), magazines, catalogs and all my old school "notes" from design and advertising courses. These things really do all add up. And with a "work-from-home" temptation luring over me I want to feel like my home office is adequate enough to actually work in.

I love this dark blue wall and white trimming!


I am realising my clutter issues in hopes for a brighter future and more organized home office life. I was always so organized where I was working, but the idea of an organized office at home was just unconceivable because of all the paperwork we've collected and feel a need to hold on to. Plus a home office usually doubles as an "everything else room" including workout room, scrapbooking room, sewing room, and storage for all sports equipment (hockey, golf and soccer).

I dream of built-in bookcases, do you?


Yes, I do wish I had a garage or a third room to stuff all these belongings into, but then I'm not tackling the real issue at hand- the fact that most of the clutter is material items we forget we even own because we know its just really clutter.

I am drawn to the low hanging pendant lamp and dark shades.


Instead, I am reaching for my goal of only owning things we enjoy using on a regular basis- because we will have time to enjoy them rather than be constantly cleaning and purging. I have goals set to be able to clean my home without sweating because I know where everything belongs and that it is already well taken care of. Perhaps I can just win a dream home and move in leaving all my belongings at home and start fresh :)

A visit from my secret "bad-boy" crush?

News update: a very large film studio has just recently been set up in New Orleans to host some new blockbuster films and some visiting celebrities (thank you Brad Pitt, but technically in my mind you're thought of as a part-time local now). And to my surprise my secretive crush on "bad-boy" actor Jason Statham has surfaced once again at the news that he will be in town next month to film "The Expendables" (along with Sylvester Stalone, Jet Li and Mickey Rourke)

I know that this is not exciting for you per se, but I must share. For a small town girl, this is BIG news (my husband likes to think otherwise). :)

A High School Reunion-themed Party: You are my Fav

Melanie, over at You are my Fav, posted on a brilliant party idea that I am dying to try. She's been visiting her parents and flipping through old yearbooks, etc. She thinks it would a fun idea to throw a party themed for a high school reunion. She lists her ideas here. (You can also read up on the comments section for more great ideas posted by her readers!)

With how difficult high school is and how much we try to rid ourselves of perhaps not so great memories, I would love to see my current friends as "high schoolers" at a party, knowing that in reality we are so much more mature. :)

Lovin' It: Coral Chandelier

image via: Decorati

I love this coral red chandelier by Moth Design. I would love to hang this over our entryway stairs. Mmmhhm. Awesome!

A place to stay and eat: Inspiration for dining rooms

Another lengthy set of images I have collected (both recent and old) of dining rooms that have inspired me in some way or another. I love the mix of old and new to create a "old" contemporary feel. And for some reason the cleanliness of everything being white is so appealing, yet so very unachievable for my way of living. I hope you enjoy and find inspiration from these as well.

image by: ngoc minh ngo

via: Black*Eiffel

via: LivingEtc

via: Design*Sponge

via: Design*Sponge

via: The Nest

via: Design*Sponge

Again, if you know where an image is from and I have not given it credit, please let me know.
Thanks!

Sunshine Beckoning: a graze in the park

1. Free People: Eyelet Tennis Dress
2. Newport-News: Metallic Straw Hat
3. Anthropologie: Full Bouquet Clip
4. DearGoldenVintage: Pink Cutout Pumps
5. Forever21: Jessenia Cowl Necklace
6. Lulu's: City of Angels Sunglasses
7. linabean: Logan Throw and Go Blanket
8. Gap: Oversized Canvas Tote

Quote of the Day:

Image Dumping: Bedroom Inspirations

I'm freeing up some data storage space and also letting you in on my bedroom style inspirations I've saved.

I'm not sure where most of these images are from, but you can see that I'm somewhat obsessed with canopy bedding. The hubby isn't a huge fan and frankly I had no idea I was such a big fan until I started looking through images with him a while back. They do seem glamorous, don't they?


I love these dark blue walls with the dark wood of the furniture.


Although you will see that I also love clean, crisp whites as well. This is so unrealistic for our lifestyle though (we have an indoor/outdoor cat who tracks dirt around everywhere and an old house that somehow just accumulates dust on its own).

And of course a splash of red would always work for me!

Shoe Shopping: Etsy Vintage

Sometimes I worry about posting such great finds that when I get there they will be gone. As if any of you would nab up my "wish list" items and then flaunt the item in my face....you wouldn't would you??

Well, my great find for the day is about shoes. I have postponed any shoe shopping for some time. I broke down around Christmas time and purchased some plain black ballerina flats, but sadly these shoes are wearing down very quickly (for $20 I should have known this).

I have difficulty purchasing new shoes for fear that I won't wear them enough to make them worth the price I paid, and yet I worry that if I wear them too often then they won't last as long as I would like them to.

I have this tendency to wear out shoes rather quickly. I buy a pair I love and I find ways to wear them with every outfit I own and the next thing you know the shoes are falling apart left and right.

Oh, on to the great find....

I was browsing around on etsy this morning (what I like to call "window shopping") and I spotted some fun vintage shoes that seemed to be in great shape. The next thing I knew I was searching for shoes in my size under the "vintage" category and saving many shoes I would love to have stashed in my closet.

proxyfalls ($35)

erstwhilevintage ($32)

I had never thought I would find so many fabulous shoes! Those of you who are out there scrounging thrift stores and attic sales for these amazing shoes, I commend you for your hard work and enthusiasm for great product presentation.

DearGoldenVintage ($36)

Shoeville ($87)

annabert ($25)

annabert ($25)

I am officially in love with shoes and in love with etsy vintage sellers!

Recy ($24)

Tauntingly Light: Affordable Stacked Rock Lamp

I first spotted this lamp in VivaTerra's catalog and fell in love. I kept wishing I could find numerous beautiful rocks with pre-drilled holes so I could create my own (for much less than the asking price). I gave up after months of trying to figure out a realistic and affordable way to recreate VivaTerra's rock lamp.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I spotted a very similar lamp on sale ($38.70!!!) on Wisteria's website!

The stones seem a little more polished up and I would definitely switch the lampshade to a round drum, but this is such an amazing steal! My new rule of thumb before I allow myself to purchase anything (especially for our new home) is that I must figure out exactly where the item will go. I'm in the process of searching my house for a place for this lamp. (Alas, I think we need some actual furniture to place the lamp on first...)



I also recently spotted this lamp at Pier 1 that reminded me of this rock lamp, but with a much more modern look.

Clocking in: Starting a new timesheet

I logged my first billable hours of freelance work today and I'm thrilled to know that I have the ability to accomplish a gig at self-employment. I'm reading up on my taxes and deductions. There's so much to learn, but I'm excited for the learning process to start. I've been in limbo mode for such a long time. Hoorah!

Home Updates: Length is important

A big item on my "new home to-do" list is either finding or making extra long curtains for our bedroom, walk-in closet (what we like to call our mediation room) and to cover the actual closet since we've taken down the sliding doors. This totals up to be at least 10 curtains panels needed!

In desperation we spent an entire evening after work traveling to every big name home decor store in search for some affordable long curtains. We ended up finding a sale going on at JCPenny and the hubby found some decorative curtains that we decided to purchase. We got them home and hung them up, happy to finally be rid of the dusty white blinds. Now we wish we would have spent more time choosing the curtains because they are perhaps a little over dramatic and we would also like them to be even longer. Aaah! Curtain woes.

We were told by a friend that a good fabric source is to purchase tablecloths to sew into curtains so we went on a hunt for long tablecloths, but found that they were just as expensive to purchase as the actual curtain itself. I then started thinking about using king sized flat sheets but I have been unsuccessful at finding the right color of sheet and just the flat sheet, not a sheet set.

So, today the search continues in hope that we can find an affordable solution in time to return the current curtains back to the store. Any suggestions are gladly welcome!

All over 26olivestreet

Please, somebody wire me enough money so I can buy up 26olivestreet's entire inventory! I have no idea how new this etsy store is, but this is the first time I've noticed it and I am writing out my all-time "I want more than ever" list. Take a look:

I actually have a collection (uh, two) of these already. I am loving it!

Also, what a clever way of using Poladroid to display shop items. (Hello!!! -vintage items look good on vintage film!) Now, why didn't I think of that??

Oh, and there's so much more in their shop. Here's the link.

A Steal of a Deal: Printmaking Equipment Find

Check out this craigslist posting I just found.
Free old print making equipment!

Um, hello good find? Now if only I had space to move it to...

High School Grins: Found artwork

More purging today....I'm trying to reduce, make that eliminate the paper clutter I have collected over the 24 years of my life. I am a bred female pack rat and I know not what I have anymore. I have been so go, go, go the last few years of my life that I don't sort thru photo after photo or magazine clipping after magazine clipping. At this point the chaos needs to stop. I am striving to be more aware of my surroundings, which includes the items I've packed from home to home. Any tips or suggestions to the madness are gladly accepted :)

I came across this old tissue paper decoupaged image I made when I was in high school. Can you tell what it is?

Apologies: New Home Photos (Before)

So, with the move I have been so caught up in packing and now unpacking that not only have I been super slow getting these photos posted of our new place, but I also am on the look for our camera cord to share with you some new photos I've taken. In the meantime, here are the photos we took of the house before we moved in.

The room off our bedroom. We use it as a "walk-in" closet and meditation room.

The second bedroom. As you can see it has been painted a pumpkin orange. We're thinking of keeping it this way.

The bathroom was recently upgraded and you can tell that it is by far the "newest" room in the house. The opposite wall has a very shallow built-in bookcase that will come in handy for storage.

Some photos of the kitchen- my least favorite part of the house. You can tell that the kitchen was originally designed to not hold all these appliances because of their odd locations and hook-ups.

This room is right off the kitchen. Probably used as a breakfast nook. Perhaps a mini bar would suffice for us. :)

The mantle in the dining room and the doors leading out to the screened porch. The fireplaces have not been in use for the many decades the current owner has lived there so we don't plan on opening them up to build a fire anytime soon. Plus, we live in New Orleans remember?

The fireplace in the living room and doors that lead into the dining room.

This is the first view you have of the house when you walk up the staircase. I love the light in this room (living room).

Tile Me Up: Overstock Bin

Dah! If only I needed something to tile (I'm still waiting on a home of my own)! I came across these beautiful tiles on Overstock's clearance bin. I would love any of these tiles as a backsplash.

Find more tiles here.

Spurring Easter DIY crafts: Williams-Sonoma

I rarely ever step inside of a Williams-Sonoma store because I know I will be drooling over all the fancy cookware and table linens. I do take a sneak peek at their online store every now and then, not like I'm going to be able to buy anything, but because they have some cute little items that I know could be replicated at home. Here are some of my new favorites:

These little chocolate umbrellas could be made with paper and filled with candy, etc. They would be fun for a baby shower.

You can find lots of inspiration for holiday decorations and trinkets. Like these little bird's nests. I'm sure you could find small nests at your local crafts store, or even make your own out of small twigs or moss. The eggs will be easy to find at this time of year!

I remember my mom keeping a big box of coated wire in the craft closet when I was growing up. Boy, I wish I had that box right now because I would whip up a bunch of these egg cups for gifts at Easter. Isn't this the greatest way to show off that beautiful egg you dyed?

Playing in the Rain: Hopscotch

I need to make myself this hopscotch mat asap! Of course, I wouldn't wait for bad weather to hopscotch all over it. To make your own mat to pull out during the dreary days of rain go here to Martha Stewart's project listing.

Vintage string embroidery: Enhabiten

I wish I could embroider something as lovely as these cushions from New Hampshire's etsy seller Enhabiten. I am completely smitten by these designs. Thanks poppytalk!

via: poppytalk

Online Organizing

flickr image via: Chez Larsson

I have been trying to organize my computer the last few days. I've depleted my bookmarks and saved them to an empty webpage so I can retrieve them later if I need to (and also access them from any computer). I purchased an external hard drive for my computer last year and yesterday I finally moved many files from my computer hard drive. My computer is so happy now and runs smoothly!

Today, I've gone through my blog list on Poesia and tried to break up the websites I love to follow into categories. If you see your website listed in the wrong category please let me know- or if you think it belongs under a different heading. I love following along on all your projects and adventures so I love having a direct link to you from my webpage (plus my friends would like to know about you too). I am hoping this categorizing will help make your site more accessible.

Tuesday's Photo Retreat

Honestly, I am getting very tired of boxes and boxes of junk to unload from the move. I'm tired of living in only parts of our house because the other parts don't feel "liveable" yet. I need a retreat to this room:

via: laissezfaire via: oh joy

In Love with the Bristish: Pedlars

Today I have fallen in love with a British online shop called Pedlars.

From L to R (clockwise): Bell Tent (£395.00) Letterboxes (£92.50);
Grandpa Wall Clock (£57.95); Union Jack Bunting (£14.95); Firesteel (£8.95) I have wanted one of these ever since watching Bear Grylls on Discovery Channel's Man vs. Wild.

From L to R (clockwise): Oak Key Rack (£22.50); Birds on the Wire Clothes Pegs (£9.95); Nailbrush (£3.50); Vintage Swiss Army Blankets (£55.50); Cafe Lamp (£43.50).

From L to R (clockwise): Party Sign (£9.95); Anglepoise Type 75 Floor Stand (£49.50); Framed London Routemaster Destination Blinds (£215.00); Large Jute Basket/Bag (£43.50); French Sack Cushion (£24.95).

Pedlars found via Tea For Joy

Growing Art: Pencil Tree

I love people who encourage their children to take up art when they are still young. Art is a great creative outlet for kids! I think this pencil tree is an excellent design for children (or those just young at heart).

You can check out more great finds from Whippet Grey here.

Whippet Grey found via Tea For Joy.

Celebrating the Luck of the Irish

Wedding Obsession: Katie & Ben

Yes, I am still obsessed with weddings after planning my own almost a year ago. I am a diy girl at heart and so I love reading about great new ideas couples come up with to keep their wedding costs low and have a blast at the after-party. I found this great couple's (Katie & Ben) wedding posted on Snippet & Ink and I am LOVING what they did!

Check out more here.

DIY: Blossoms

I wanted to share this fun diy idea from Beautiful Home that I spotted on Room and Serve.

You can find the diy instructions here.

Bathroom Look-Book: Purple Area

It seems that bathrooms are in the rounds lately, which has me encouraged to primp the bathroom in our new rental. I came across some amazing swedish-style bathrooms at Purple Area and I fell in love with this image.

I'm really liking the mix of new designs with old pieces (the contemporary look of the sinks paired with the hanging mirrors). I love the idea of several mirrors!

The Conran Shop: New Favorite Chair

I've been recently introduced to The Conran Shop and I've fallen in love with these new steel and wood chairs. I could easily swap these out with my current dining room chairs- or even add a few to our screened in patio for people watching from above. I'm definitely drooling right now....

The Conran Shop: Steel Wood Chair Red (£285.00)


Oh, and of course it is red :)

Make-Ahead Fruit Pie

Um...hello! This is the greatest thing I have seen for easy prep pies! I'm always on the lookout for quick desserts, but I always feel like pies are so genuine especially if you're asked to bring dessert to someone's house. I also admit to being a lover of pies (my mom made pies once for my birthday instead of a cake). This can also be used to create delicious pie fillings from in-season fruit and preserving for later use. Thank you Sunset magazine for this great tip on freezing pie filling for a quick pie rescue!

Sarah & Abraham: Notepad Tutorial

I came across this awesome notepad tutorial from Sara Tams on her website Sarah & Abraham. I find it amazing to know that making my own notepads could be so easy. Yes! Also, you've got to check out Sara's cute designs on her new storefront website! Thanks, Sara, for this great tutorial!

Type to Music: Nina Simone

I just spotted this amazing video over on Black*Eiffel of Nina Simone singing Feeling Good set to type. I love typography and I love music.

Feeling Good, Nina Simone
Uploaded by mrfnk

A word on reality

I'm not sure if any of you subscribe to the daily e-newsletters from Apartment Therapy, but I wanted to share the latest email I received. AT's Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan has hit the nail on the head when it comes to my feelings about the recent recession and jobs being lost. I think all of this pain is bringing us to reality and helping us to discover what is most important to us.

Here's the email:

AT on the New Reality 2009

"It's kind of like we all went overboard," said Ms. Taylor, 33. "And we're trying to get back to where we should have been." ~ from the NYTimes today

I read the article quoted above this morning with a mixture of amusement and satisfaction - not quite in the "I told you so..." kind of way, but more of a "Phew!..." kind of way. Written by Shaila Dewan, this article that is one of many lately that are attempting to identify not economic shifts that are going on around us, but the internal shifts that are redefining our sense of reality in a way that hasn't been experienced in generations.

While for many the news is grim - my friend who works in finance, calls what is happening right now, "a car crashing in slow motion" - and jobs are being lost left and right, I keep thinking that what we are witnessing is a return to Reality (with a capital R), which is a place that we haven't been in for a long time. And, despite the pain, this reclaimed sense of Reality is one real bright spot that is worth talking about.

In the go-go times that we've been in for so long, many assumptions have just become accepted that have papered over a subterranean sense of unhappiness that we've not been allowed to admit. One of the biggest, I think, was that there was something beyond hard work that would lead to riches and the ability to leave behind the relatively poorer rabble. Call it "financial agility" or "cleverness" or "luck," there has been a gold rush mentality for a long time, that created a numbing effect not only for those left behind, but also for those in front.

With any rush, the overall effect is rarely one of happiness. As everyone rushes, family, friends and the earth gets left behind, stress sets in, and a greater sense of fending for oneself becomes common. Just last year there was an article in Fortune Magazine about "unhappy millionaires," those folks who were successful, but not successful enough by yesterday's remarkably rich metrics to feel successful or financially secure.

"I think this economy was a good way to cure my compulsive shopping habit," Maxine Frankel, 59, a high school teacher from Skokie, Ill..... "It's kind of funny, but I feel much more satisfied with the things money can't buy, like the well-being of my family. I'm just not seeking happiness from material things anymore."

As the Dalai Lama says, the goal of life is simple, it is to be happy, and when cravings are unchecked happiness is impossible.

As our economy "de-leverages" and the illusory power of credit and debt is removed from every facet of our lives, we are starting to see things for what they are worth, and to see ourselves for what we are worth. Just yesterday I visited a home that a year ago was priced at $1.3 million dollars and just sold for $750,000. That's not a huge discount, that's what it's actually worth when you remove the inflation of an economy based on borrowed money.

Unlike the loss of super-powers, knowing what things are really worth and knowing can be a very grounding and gratifying experience. It allows us to get off the endless wheel of chasing our cravings, and get back to simply seeing what it feels like to aim for happiness.

As Katherine Hable said at last week's meetup, "We are our own stimulus package," and I believe that.

We live in a remarkable country, with remarkable people, and with the collapsing of the debt bubble, we may just rediscover how good that reality feels.

Best,

Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan

This idea of finding out what is important to you in a time of struggle reminds me of so many people I talk to that were living in New Orleans when Katrina hit and the city flooded. They all talk about being able to start over, start fresh. Yes, they lost many valuable and personal belongings either from the storm or the flood, but now, years later, they look back and are able to see all the unnecessary items they were holding onto or the lifestyle they were living. Now they live more simplistic and decluttered lives. They appreciate the city and the people that are living here. Its a sense of awareness. An awareness that only comes when reality slaps you in the face.

No-Work Day: shopping

If I were to open my closet and have it be the internet, I would go shopping in this outfit. :) For those of you who know me well, you know that I am not a "pink" kind of girl, but this is an outfit I am loving right now.

1. Lulu's: Monique Top in White
2. ModCloth: Secret Garden Peep Toes in Beige
3. Gap: Sailor Jeans
4. Charlotte Russe: Leaf Oval Earrings
5. Jcrew: Editor Satchel

Jcrew: Perfect Shorts

I was on the hunt for shorts today. I have either out grown or worn out the few shorts I own, and I knew I could not make it through another New Orleans summer without some new digs. So I scoured the net and took off to go shopping today. I came across oh too many butt revealing shorts or shorts so long they were no longer shorts (note to self that I can no longer shop for shorts at teenage stores). I finally laid eyes on these amazing Frankie Chino shorts at Jcrew and knew they were exactly what I was looking for. Yes! The perfect fit and the right length. I grabbed up several of these in different colors. Yes!

Jcrew: Stretch Chino Frankie Short ($39.50)

Emilíana Torrini: Jungle Drum

I'm just getting ready to call it a night, but I wanted to share this super sweet music video of Emilíana Torrini that I spotted over at Black*Eiffel. This is video is so fabulous. I was tapping my foot and drumming my fingers.

My Family

This is a photo of my grandmother and grandfather the day after their wedding in 1955. What a dapper man!

Michelle King Photography: Under the Sea Wedding

These wedding photos from Michelle King are so fantastic...I don't know what else to say!

Thank you to Michelle's friend, Nicole, at A Little Sussy for posting on these!

Breaking the Box: Starting off Freelance

So, in the process of moving I am also trying to tackle this new "freelancing" for my old job. I've been asked numerous unknowns about my rates, what kind of work I'm willing to do, etc. Because I am an AIGA member I have found some great resources on putting together some forms and business agreements. A big question looming in the back of my mind was about starting up my own self-employment. I found an amazing source to answer my questions from Michelle Goodman, author of My So-Called Freelance Life and The Anti 9-to-5 Guide. Her website is stuffed full of wonderful tips (including taxes).

If you're looking into freelancing, I highly recommend Michelle's site. (I'll be visiting it daily...)

MoMA: New Arrivals

I love to scroll through the new arrivals at the MoMA store online and I spotted some great items today.

Terracotta Bud Vase

Folding Bird House

Herb Planter

Spooner Bottle Opener

Our cat is ultra picky when it comes to drinking water in our house (for some reason rain puddles outside will quench his thirst but a bowl of water does not?) We find ourselves leaving the sink on after letting him get his fill of running water, but now I might invest in this affordable water dispenser. I've looked into many water dispensers at pet stores, but we've been reluctant to shell out $40-80 to try a product we don't know our cat will accept. I would be willing to give this one a try.

Small Pet Water Dispenser

Sunday Laundry Shirt Dress GIVEAWAY!!!!

I am drooling over not only this dress but the fun laundromat photos. I'm doubling crossing my fingers for this dress giveaway.

Sunday Laundry Shirt Dress GIVEAWAY!!!!

Clothes Crush: JCrew

JCrew has added to their spring line and I'm am seriously crushing- the fine fabrics, the choice of colors, the little details. I have just turned in my HUGE wishlist online :) Some of my favorite looks from the new arrivals:

Cotton cashmere ruffle cardigan

Merino crosshatch cardigan

Canvas atelier jacket

Anita Top

Slub cotton ruffled scoopneck


Also, isn't this model just darling? I hope I'm as energetic and good looking as she is when I get older.

Pick o' the Day: Glass votive holders

I must have an eye for images on glass today. I came across these votive holders and now I imagine them glowing all over the new house. I love the little scene of the trees and people.

Arcadia Votive Duo by maryink ($18)

DIY Tuesday: Etched Glass Storage Jars

I love it when Martha Stewart's team can pull together a great DIY that is more than a tote bag or folded card. I saw these etched storage jars in the recent publication but was reminded how much I want to try my hand at this when I received my daily MS email this morning.

I use storage jars identical to these, so of course this seems like a no-brainer in my mind.

For directions visit this link.

Man-iac Monday: Finding Pens

The MUT: Aluminum Pencil Holder ($22)

For those who like to keep pens handy- and be able to locate them outside of a cup on a shelf or a divider in a drawer. This pencil holder is very industrial looking so I know it would get a thumbs up.

Pick o' the Day: Tape Timer

I love this tape measurer design from Chiasso that counts down your cooking/baking time in your kitchen. So fun! Chiasso is actually offering some great sales right now so if you're looking to shop for some modern home items scroll through their inventory.


Tape Timer: on sale for $8 at Chiasso