Tri-pod Legs

I love these tri-pod style lamps. I think we're going to go thrifty and jazz up a thrift store floor lamp for now :)

My Red Craving: Little Leather Elephant

Leatherprince: Laura the Elephant Leather Keychain in Lipstick Red

Etsy Shoeflys: New Finds

These are some of my latest favorites from my Shoeflys on Etsy. I always love a good vintage pair of shoes! There's a reason they've lasted this long, right?

Zaasvintageboots: White and Black High Heels

Revivalhouse: Olive Green Leather Bow Pumps

Yesterdaysnew: Ochre Brown Mary Janes

BirdCageVintage: The Quintessential Red Peep Toes

Revivalhouse: 80s Leather Cut-out Sandals

Buffalobeck: 80s Leather Cowboy Boots

Vjones1: Vintage Bow Heels

Zaasvintageboots: Sexy Mustard High Heels

Revivalhouse: Creme Brogue Lace Up Booties

Anthropolification: A new monthly addition

I would like to start a new monthly posting on "Anthropolification". This is a term from Kathleen at Grosgrain that I have blended into my own vocabulary for describing fashion that seems to pop out of an Anthropologie store or catalog. If you've been missing out on Kathleen's amazing Anthropolification designs check out her site here.

Pleated Petal Tank from Grosgrain

Pleated Petal Tank from Anthropologie

For my monthly postings, I will be including comparable finds at more affordable prices and feature handmade designs. I might also link to tutorials from blogs describing how they created an Anthropolification item. We'll see how the postings go and if you have any suggestions or your own Anthropolified example send me an email. I'd love to hear from you!

Saying Goodbyes and Keeping Memories

Giraffes at the Audubon Zoo

I would like to announce that I am back in blogging mode. My family flew in to New Orleans for their first visit since we moved here and we have exhausted ourselves on activities. I made a long list of "Things to Do" for them to pick from while they were here and after reading through the list again last night, we accomplished most of them. I hope they arrive home and sleep like babies because I know I will! We had such a great time and the weather was excellent. I'm looking forward to their next visit already. Isn't it great to have visitors who know you so well they aren't afraid to wash your dishes or fix your broken kitchen light? Or visitors that will stay up till midnight with you just talking? These are my favorite visitors :)

New Poster Fetish: Beautiful Angle

Thanks to Style Garden I have a new poster fetish from Beautiful Angle. Here are my favorites:

DIY: Hemp Pendant Lamps

I love this tutorial on Craftynest on how to make your own pendant lamps from hemp. So crafty and yet so fabulously modern looking! Check out the tutorial here.

Kitchen Storage

I love the look of this storage spot for the kitchen- even the microwave tucked down below. We're currently storing our microwave on top of our fridge! Ugh!

Work Day: Casual Mid-week

A little pop of red.


1. Gap: Suede T-Strap Sandals
2. Urban Outfitters: Vive Le Pop Deep V Neck Tee
3. Urban Outfitters: Serpentine Necklace
4. Kayleefish1: Silver Long Bead Feather Earrings
5. Top Shop: Stripe Tulip Skirt
6. Redbeardvintage: Retro Canvas Travel Bag

The Seed

The Seed from Johnny Kelly on Vimeo.

Dressing Up: Free People Video

I love the video Free People has on their homepage of model, dressing up in different outfits from a pile of clothes, shoes and accessories on the floor in front of her. Watch the video here.

Cross-country bag

I've been thinking a lot about traveling lately (perhaps because of our recent trip home to see family). I would really like to travel to Europe sometime in my life and I'm still waiting on a trip with my girlfriends to Costa Rica (one has in-laws living there). And of course I dream of Canada and being Canadian. I'd like to see if the grass really is greener on the other side.

When I do finally get my chance to take these trips, I would love to travel with a leather bag around my arms. This screams "I am an expert traveler" to me.
My top recent finds:

SuzisCornerBoutique: Vintage Hartmann Luggage

Aboxofsnow: World Traveler Skyway Suitcase

Veronicavartic: The Wolf Weekend Traveler Bag

Lightyearsvintage: Huge 1950's Leather Carryall

Forever 21: Ellison Tote Bag

Forever 21: Tori Leather Shoulder Bag

Forever 21: Samara Leather Tote

Urban Outfitters: Deux Lux Traveler Knapsack

Station_85: Latico Brown Leather Backpack

Kevinstly: Brown Tote Shoulder Bag

Pick o' the Day: An Apple a Day

So, I lied about posting yesterday morning. I don't want to whine and complain, but I was way too busy running errands. I did however get to see one of my best friends during her short visit here and after a night of drinking, I feel that I should taking care of my health more than I have been (this is my hint to let you know I have a slight hangover :)

I think this "Apple-a-day" poster would get me set on the right foot.

VikDesign's "An Apple a Day" Letterpress Poster

Keep track of your apple-eating habits by placing the grower's sticker on the chart. This is definitely record keeping at its finest.

Return from Spudland

via: *Dario*

We're just getting back from our trip to Idaho! I will check back in tomorrow morning.

Easter weekend getaway

stunning image via: P.J. Maracle


I will be out for the rest of the week. Be back from my trip on Monday!
Have a great Easter weekend!

Rules for Children: leaving behind a legacy

A "must check out" for today is to 1001 rules for my unborn sun.



I love it!

Work Day: Traveling Lightly

I'm packing my bags to fly to Idaho to spend time with my family for Easter weekend. This is my packing agenda: travel light. Many of these items I already own, but I'm dreaming of owning this adorable yellow jacket. It would be just what I needed for transitioning to the cooler Idaho weather.

1. Gap: The new Cuffed Tee
2. Ginazetts: Simple Hoops Earrings
3. ModCloth: Yellow Crescent Scarf
4. Banana Republic: Flatiron Tote
5. Forever 21: White Colored Skinny Jean
6. Zappos: Nena flats by Type Z
7. Lulu's: Witherspoon Jacket by BB Dakota

Invitations to your own circus: Caroline Armelle

How amazing are these circus invitations made by Caroline Armelle for her son's 2nd Birthday party? You can read her construction methods here.

Childhood Memories: Betty Boop Favorites

Reminiscing on some old Betty Boop cartoons I used to watch growing up. These were my favorites.

Who ever thought you'd get fat by laughing?!? Betty Boop sure did!

The catnipped cat was always a favorite!

I think I was secretly in love with Gramps too! A car that can give me a milkshake? Yes, please!

Sometimes I feel the same way when I'm cooking...

Work Day: Running Errands

I'm hoping to run some errands today- maybe a new driver's license (eek!)


1. Boden: Chic Leather Bag ($198)
2. Nordstrom: Joe's Jeans 'Provocateur' ($172)
3. Forever 21: Floral Chiffon Top ($19.80)
4. Stamp: Sterling Blades Earrings ($34)
5. Endless: Rocket Dog Dingo Sandal ($39.95)

Starting a Collection: "Piggy" Banks

I wanted to show off my new collection of "piggy" banks- thanks to 26olivestreet for my two new additions!

Strawberry Festival: Overload

Saturday we drove to Ponchatoula to experience the Strawberry Festival- not knowing what to expect really. Ponchatoula is a small community that is definitely proud of their antiques and crafts. And of course we saw LOTS of strawberries. Before you even got to the grounds there were crates of strawberries being sold out of the back of trucks parked alongside of the street! We purchased a small basket of strawberries from the wife of the Strawberry Festival's King- local celebrity sighting!

Not only were there strawberries by the crates, there were also bikers by the dozens! For some reason strawberries obviously attract the Harley Davidson crowd...or pehaps the antiques...or the strawberry daiquiris and late night music. Whatever attracted them was like flowers to bees! I've never been to a real Harley Davidson get-together, but I've never seen so many bikes at one time before!

We grabbed two strawberry daiquiris (made with real strawberries) and ordered a bloomin' onion- delicious! We joined the crowds weaving about food vendors, craft huts and carnival games.

The weather was amazing and I even scored cotton candy from the hubby! As you can guess, several hours of extra large daiquiris, sun and cotton candy was sugar and heat overload so we packed up our strawberries and headed home. What a great time!

Some Spring for the Weekend

image via: theflowerexpert

We're just getting ready to leave for the Strawberry Festival, but I wanted to share some Spring with you before I head out.

Click here to transport yourself to beautiful Spring flowers and create your own garden!

Thanks for the link, Mom!

Getting Inspired: Handmade Nation

I think Kate Bingaman-Burt is pretty damn cool.

Pick o' the Day: Pickin' Strawberries

I am leaving tomorrow to attend the Strawberry Festival in Ponchatoula and I can't wait! My mouth is watering for strawberries (don't worry, I won't be entering the strawberry eating contest any time soon)!

Some strawberry eye candy for you:

Strawberry Shortcake Letterpress Recipe Card by DingbatPress

Thanks to Jen at the Haystack Needle for some great strawberry finds!

Masquerade [cluster]

I realize that it has been a very long time since I have posted a cluster and I just happened to be intensely interested in searching for masks on etsy today.
Etsy sellers always impress me!


1. lbjphotography: Reservoir Sheep Photographic Print
2. Merimask: Golden Wolf Mask
3. TomBanwell: White Rabbit Leather Mask
4. lovelyart: Breakfast at Tiffany's Sleep Mask
5. eslita: Bird Mask Papercut Print
6. rosiemusic: Too Shy No. 3

1. hughesandnordberg: Owl Mask
2. DeweyDecimalCrafts: Bonez Crocheted Skull
3. Merimask: Japanese Goldfish Mask
4. MATTY8080: Grizzly Bear Mask Print
5. MaryElise: Lumberjack Mustache Mask
6. thelittlechickadee: La Chevre, The Masked Ball Silhouette Print

1. pamelaklaffke: Cuniculus (Rabbit) Greeting Card
2. Merimask: Coyote Leather Mask
3. WaterSleepPhoto: Mask Photo Print
4. MATTY8080: Two Deer Mask Print
5. Leatherartworks: Kill Bill Crazy 88 Black Mask
6. norakaren: I do Mask
7. Faerywhere: Autumn Maple Leaf Leather Mask
8. Lupin: Bird Mask

My Red Craving: Coral Pillow

I want to make a pillow like this. I love the fun coral texture!

Room Layout Progress: Scale Drawings

When moving into a new home, I like to draw out small scale (or close enough) drawings of the room layouts so I can get an idea of where I want to position furniture. This helps eliminate the multitude of options I have in my head to get more realistic options. Sometimes you look at a space your standing in and think "Oh, yeah. I could totally fit the sofa, four arm chairs and coffee table in here." Then you start moving the items in and realize that no, you can't fit all these pieces in the room. So, scale drawings help me speed up the process.

This is a drawing of our living room. You can see that below the room I made small drawings of the furniture I hoped to place in the room as well. This allowed me to see how much space I was going to be using up. I also added some furniture that we don't have (like small end tables), but I wanted to see how it would fit into the space if they were purchased.

After being recent college graduates and then moving across the country, we don't own a lot of furniture. So, moving into this home has allowed us to start furniture shopping and filling in what we have seen as gaps (like nightstands). I've found that these drawings also help me to realize that purchasing a large armoire I spotted at the thrift store doesn't make sense because I have no place or purpose for it- even though it is fabulous looking.

I've found over the years of drawing these layouts that it is beneficial to mark where your doorways, windows and electrical outlets are. Nobody want to set up a living space only to realize that you'll have to run a 15' extension cord around the room just to get the table lamp to function!

There are some rooms in our new home that we've been debating over what they should really be used for. As an example, we have a small empty room that is right before you enter the kitchen. I would assume that this could be have been used as a breakfast nook before, but we love the large dining room and didn't plan on eating anywhere else. Because we have no entry hallway (a long staircase leads you directly into a main doorway that branches off in four directions), I've been thinking of using this room as a drop-off location for mail, keys, muddy boots. After drawing out the scale layout we decided that it would be fun to use this room as a place for friends to relax in if we're cooking in the kitchen. So, we're looking to add a few comfy chairs and a buffet console to store liquor in. A buffet will also free up shelf space in our pantry to hold small appliances that have been neglected to sit on the floor.



Right now, the spare room has been my main concern. We own a large metal desk that we planted in the room right away because it is so heavy to move. I've been working around the desk to put up shelving, but we will soon have visitors coming to stay with us and I am in need to make this room more accessible and comfortable. The layout above is where items are currently placed, but I will have to rearrange the drawing to find a layout that will allow me to fit in a full sized air mattress.

Pick o' the Day: Key Cabinet

I love the look of this galvanized metal key cabinet from Pottery Barn- and I'm also impressed that its just $49 (not that $49 is cheap, but cheap for Pottery Barn items).

April's Countdown: Checking my list off

The month of April is packed with traveling for us- not necessarily us traveling, but also visitors traveling to see us. I'm in need to get my home prepped and set so I'm not stuffing and stacking things in closets at the last minute. #1 on my priority today is to rearrange our office layout so it will be easier to put up a full sized air mattress for visitors, but still manageable for me to work at my desk everyday.

Some home office inspirations:

This would be so wonderful- a mini office to actually get you out of the house .

My Red Craving: Garden Bell

purchase here

More wedding photos

My Gramsbear sent us a small photo album she scrapped together from our wedding. I love reminiscing on these beautiful memories!

Pick o' the Day: Chalkboard Mail Unit

DaWanda emailed me to let me know that I have saved many items in my favorites folder, but have not purchased any of them for way too long. Of course I know this! I would have to be a millionaire to be able to buy the so many things I want (not need) from DaWanda's crafty little sellers.

Spinifix: OTA Chalkboard Unit

Although, I could make room on my "need" list for this awesome chalkboard organizer! DaWanda included an image of this chalkboard at the bottom of the email they sent- almost convincing me to buy it out of guilt and love.

Drying Dishes Dilemma: Wall Rack?

I've been searching high and low for products or ideas on creating a dish drying rack that I can mount on the wall to ease up on our much needed counter space in what our friend called our "french-style kitchen".


French or not, I would love to get my hands on this drying cupboard from Ikea's Italian store. Although I'm not sure if an actual cabinet could be installed near the sink in our kitchen...

I love the look of these racks, but at $175 plus shipping can be overly pricey :(

The Finland version.

If a cupboard right above the sink was permissable, this would be the ideal. Of all the images I could find, this drainer seems to line up perfectly with the sink so it would seem any excess water from wet dishes could drop right in to the sink. Wonderful!

This photo makes the idea seem so simple and beautiful!

I was able to locate this rack used for built-ins from Buller Limited in the United Kingdom. They seem to be selling for around £14.74 (not sure about shipping to the U.S. though).

I guess if you already had a cupboard above the sink, you could set up a rack like this to at least get the dish drainer off the counter top.

Here are some more inspirational images for this "wall mounted dish drainer" phenomenon.

designed by Kevin Mark Low

via: HGTV makeover


And some simple diy ideas using a traditional dish drainer. This one is mounted right to the wall.


This dish drainer has been added to, but once again just attached directly to the wall.

Dreaming of Wild Things

Ok. So its 1 o'clock in the morning and I'm watching movie trailers for the upcoming movie Where the Wild Things Are. This used to be one of my favorite books growing up and I'm so impressed with the way this movie looks. So sweet. Can't wait. Now it is bedtime for me.