Winter Magic

Time is flying by, and my computer is still broken. Leave it to a hectic life of 2 toddlers, holiday parties and shopping and travels, a family wedding, and a horrible bout of the stomach flu. Anyways, no excuses. I am going to be better.

I'm sure lots of you are getting tired of Christmas posts, but this post is 'inspired' by Christmas. We didn't get a tree this year because we left town so early for Derek's semester break. But I have really been loving silver and blue this year.



They are non-traditional in the sense of Christmas decorations, but tend to steer in a traditional direction when paired in home design. So here's to that icy mixture!

Dishware Round-Up

After a full weekend of family gatherings and delicious meals, I am inspired by tabletop. Though I did not host Thanksgiving at my home, it certainly got my wheels turning on what I might have done....mixing patterns and colors. But most of all, it made me realize that I need to add some flavor to my dishware collection (or lack thereof). So here are a few dishes that caught my eye.....what are some of your favorite fun and inspiring dishes?

Kelly Wearstler with Pickard

Gold Glam Love

Anthropologie

Great layering piece

fun accent...adds a girly touch

VivaTerre Dishware

Great for a more earthy look; statement piece.

C. Wonder

Jonathan Adler

West Elm

Love these bowls, anthropologie carries some similar

Warm and Cozy...Velvet Love

First off, I am so SORRY for you readers out there....if any of you have stuck with me. My desktop computer has crashed, so I'm left to an I-Pad (which I can't load photos to or really post much) and my husbands laptop (which has been basically gone the last 3 weeks strait).

I have had lots of post ideas and DIY posts in cue. So stay tuned!

Until then, here is something to warm you up. The air is turning crisp outside and I have taken out some of my Christmas decorations and even started listening to Christmas music (don't judge!). These spaces have been yearning to cuddle up in a snuggie with a good book and hot apple cider!...and you know the common thread?....VELVET. I am loving me some velvet these days!

Gallery Walls

It's no secret that we all love gallery walls. The trick is tweaking it so that you make it your own: different frame colors and materials, mirrors, numbers/letters, silhouettes, plates, clocks, other collected objects, framed objects/art/photographs, and playing with sizes. Pretty much every client I have wants a gallery wall somewhere in their space....so even I too can get stuck in a creative rut and need some inspiration. Here are a few ideas that are beyond just the black frame-white mat....

So get inspired and get creative! See what you have around the house, draw it out on paper, and test it out. There's no time like the present!

It's almost Halloween!

I'm sure by now your neighbors all have their homes covered with spiderwebs and ghosts and pumpkins on the front porch... and perhaps you have a few decorations out yourself. I always find it tricky to not fall into the lure of the generic Target dollar-bin decorations. I have nothing against them, and have a few myself, but it is also nice to have something original in your home.

Here are a few ideas to get you out of your 'spook' style rut:

My friend Meriel demonstrated this wreath on her blog. I just LOVE how it turned out. She chose a nude/orange tulle with black ribbon; also here it is in black tulle with orange ribbon (more spooky Halloweeny).

Another idea is to create your own fall centerpiece. My boys and I went on a fall walk in our neighborhood and gathered up some vibrant leaves, pine cones, and ferns. Not bad for a completely FREE centerpiece, right?

I also love to change out the photos in my frames. At Halloween time I'll put out past Halloween costume photos and pictures of pumpkins from the pumpkin patch. It's a great trip down memory lane :)...sorry no pics because my computer is being weird...

For a more elaborate approach, here is an Edgar Allan Poe vignette to have in your entryway:

Happy decorating!

Super bass

Okay, so not exactly related to interior design but I had to post about this. I'm sure many of you by now have seen this video of this amazing little 8 year old and her cousin singing Nicki Minaj.

Well they were on Ellen and I could not stop crying.

Amazing.

Giveaway Winner

Congratulations @aesheley! You are the lucky winner of adorable and fun terrarium. Send me an email with your address so that I can get this sent off to you! Congrats again!

GIVEAWAY EXTENDED

Yes I will admit. In an attempt to get some more followers and readers to admit they read, (and the fact that I am going out of town this weekend to relax and see friends/family in sunny southern California) I am extending the giveaway until NEXT Friday, October 7. So spread the word and join. You are seriously going to LOVE the terrarium. They are so cute, modern and add a touch of cool flair in ANY space.

So spread the word and I'll keep you posted. Good luck :)

Alternative Wallpaper

For us renters, there isn't always much we can do about our walls. Even painting a neutral color is a no-no to most landlords. Well, I was watching the Nate Berkus show the other day and he showed that you can actually use bed sheets as wallpaper. Who knew?!? Basically you 1. Clean the wall space 2. Spray the top quarter of the wall with heavy spray starch 3. Smooth on the sheet 4. Add some more starch ontop of it and tack it temporarily with a pin. 5. Complete process in sections. 6. Wait for one hour to remove pins and Voila!

I have never tried this before, but am really tempted on trying it for my entry wall. It isn't supposed to leave any damage and be easy to remove. I'm just nervous about the hems and edges. Have any of you tried or heard of this fancy trick?

**Still looking for the image of the foyer Nate did on his episode!

Water For Elephants

Inspiration comes from all art forms...

I saw Water For Elephants a few months back and absolutely loved it! I loved the costumes, the time period, the story....it was just beautiful.

Well I stumbled upon this amazing wedding shoot based on the movie Water For Elephants from the website greenweddingshoes.com. It took my breath away. The photographer Marilyn Nakazato describes the shoot,

“It’s not necessarily trying to mock the look of the movie but rather how we imagined what the main characters, Jacob and Marlena played by Rob and Reese, and how their wedding would have been like. It’s almost as if they had collected things they found in their homes and brought them outside, set their furniture on a nearby grassy area with the trains in the background. The ceremony area was created with a wrought iron gate intertwined with moss and wood to bring a simple and rustic feel.”

Every detail is whimsical, vintage, magical and perfection!

I am also a huge SYTYCD fan and loved the Water For Elephants-inspired group dance. Breathtaking.

Giveaway!!!

It's Giveaway time! I'm sure you are all on the edge of your seats awaiting this giveaway...:)... Sue from the lovely Etsy shop, The Terrarium Shop, has kindly offered to sponsor a giveaway! I bought my tiny terrarium from her and I absolutely adore it. It seriously add a little smile to my face- and my kids :)

What you need to do is become a follower and leave a comment. If you are already a follower just leave a comment. I will close the giveaway NEXT FRIDAY, September 30. So tell your friends and good luck!

Terraniums

I love love terraniums these days. So much so that I bought my own. Being an apartment dweller, I love that they are a little garden in my home.

They can sit on a bookshelf, a nightstand, a larger one for a table centerpiece, or hanging in a corner. Have you also seen the bigger ones that you can stick little model people and animals in? It's a great way to show your sense of humor and quirk.

In fact, I am thinking of a special giveaway so stay tuned!....

Remembering 9/11

I can hardly believe a decade has gone by since this tragic day in history.

It seem just yesterday I was woken up in my freshman dorm room by roommates with the news...as I am sure you remember the exact spot you were.

May we all take a moment to remember those who passed and look towards a brighter future.