With the New Year just around the corner, it is inevitable, impossible to resist the urge the organize. Industrial shelving is such a versatile and affordable option. Once piles of fabric, books and baubles are placed on them, there is a beautiful contrast to the sternness of their structure. There's nothing I like more than that kind of contrast. Find them here.
I hope everyone had a perfect holiday. I did and now I'm looking forward to the new year. It'll be time for a new calendar, this one is beautiful.
Contractor's paper is my favorite wrap. I've been using it exclusively for a few years now. I love it's versatility. It can be dressed up to look as glamorous as these or left alone and have a vintage postal package feel. The components for this years gifts will be paper, masking tape, and golden paper dessert doilies, a white pen and some yarn/ribbon in a color that has yet to be determined. Now I just need to get to it!
I had the most pleasant surprise of an unexpected gift in the mail on Friday. A copy of Paris Handmade was sent to me by a friend. So, of course, my weekend was spent dreaming of visits to all of the Parisian shops that fill it's pages. That's not a bad way to spend a few days!
Another adorable and unexpected knitted scarf. This one can be found at Emmadime.
There's rain in our forecast from now until Christmas. It's perfect, natures way of slowing things down. Who wants to go out to run errands when they can be sitting by a warm fire instead?!
If I were making a list this year, it'd look like this but I think a simple gift of Honey Bees to benefit someone less fortunate via Heifer International would be even better.
Breads are a favorite in our household; dumplings, Beirocks (hand held German meat pies), Kuchen and cinnamon rolls. All of which are made on an extra large cutting board that hides in our kitchen cabinet. I love the idea of an exposed work station instead.
"Fifty years ago, a group of Italian scholars gathered together to discuss a problem: how to preserve traditional Italian cooking. They formed the Italian Academy of Cuisine to document classic recipes from every region. The academies more than seven thousand associates spread out to villages everywhere, interviewing grandmothers and farmers at their stoves, transcribing their recipes-many of which had never been documented."- Jayson Home and Garden
Entertaining a mild obsession with an antique secretary desk on craigslist this morning. All I can see is potential but try as I might, I can't figure out anywhere to put it in our house. It's a classic case of not needing it until I see it.
Thank you to everyone who's been asking how I'm doing. Things are going well so far. I've had two of four weeks of chemo/radiation treatment and really shouldn't complain (I'll save that for later, if it becomes necessary) because other than being exhausted and not feeling well, it has not been horrible. I simply spend most days laying on the couch.
Someone might find this knotted scarf under the tree from me this year. Of course, that's assuming I can manage to pick up a few more knitting skills like increasing and slipping off purl wise. Both sound so simple but are not proving to be as of yet. Doing my best to keep in mind, "patience, is a virtue".
Found two vintage horse trophies via Modish Vintage. They've been a perfect addition to the horse theme bedroom our eldest and I have been slowly piecing together for her.
Love this simple color palate and the feeling of warmth that it gives. Even just a hint of that coppery color goes a long way and more of it is even better.
I'm being completely honest when I tell you, I've been thinking of doing this very thing, antlers from tree branches. It really works. Rue magazine read my mind.
This is only one example of the fine work to be found at Irregular Expressions, be sure to take a look.
Today I'm loving the idea of using multiple bird prints in my master bedroom! Thinking about all of the color that would be introduced; not to mention the beauty and interest, it just seems perfect. I've been at a bit of a standstill in that room since I attempted to reupholster the couch there. Which I did immediately after getting a new kitten. That turned out to be a bad idea. But now, the couch is being sent out to the upholsterer for completion and I think I'll start searching out some prints.
Vintage stamps available at Anthropologie, 50 in each envelope, a great beginning for a collection!
Posts here will be few and far between for now. The snag I mentioned a few weeks back is actually more like an unraveling of sorts in the form of cervical cancer. The long and short of which means surgeries (#2 tomorrow) and then chemo therapy and radiation treatment for 6 weeks as soon as I've recovered from that. I'm not looking forward to any of it but I know I can do it. I've had many life experiences that have been far from ideal and so I hope that they might have prepared me for dealing with something like this. . . and I am ever an optimist. I will be fine but it will be awhile. So, send a healing vibe my way if you have some energy to share and I'll be forever grateful. I'll be back here as I am able.
Warrior- 1.) One who is engaged in or experienced in battle. 2.) One who is engaged aggressively or energetically in any activity, cause or conflict.
It's time to plant bulbs for spring blooms. While I'm not very good at delayed gratification, I make an exception when it comes to bulbs. For all of the hard work it takes to plant them, the rewards are many; years and years of beautiful blooms. Plus they increase in the number of flowers each year, entirely on their own! This year, I'm in favor of the daffodil, Accent. The color combination is just so pretty.
It's happened, we had rain yesterday and more on the way today so immediately we begin to think about cold weather foods. Chili, soups, stews, and breads; anything that simmers all day on the stove top. One of our favorite things to do as a family involves getting together in our kitchen with another family. We all work together to cook and eat all day long. It makes us all so happy.
My yard and garden and I have become a bit detached over the last few months. Our summer was unusually mild so garden production was disappointing. I have been preoccupied so I've hardly set foot into the yard in ages. Today, I have the day off, I think I'll spend it outside.
I have to say that for the most part, I love the Tucker line available at Target right now. The prints are perfect as are the length of the dresses. The only thing I don't love is that they're made from 100% Polyester and I'm not sure if I can bring myself to wear them just for that reason. I really want to though.
Yes, I'm still stuck on American Indian style. . . therefore, I am hopelessly in love with this necklace from Mania Mania.
I have to tell you, I adore this art piece because of it's complex simplicity. Simple in that it has been created simply using wax seal stamps. Complex in that search for said stamps (the perfect ones for the project) could become rather time consuming. I will now be on the look out at every estate sale from now on though,that is for sure.
A monochromatic doesn't mean dull. Look at all this variety in textures. I'm interested, I love the layered look!
The perfect backyard shed is still not a reality for me. Maybe the dreaming part is the best part, I may never know. For now, I have to say; dark paint, white trim with plants growing up the side is an exciting option to consider for someday.
So often maps are full of beautiful colors so why not cover the walls completely in those tones? I've found that it works wonders to use the various colors from one map as the color scheme for the entire house; a cheat sheet of sorts.
Friends, I've run into a little snag. Nothing that can't be mended but I'll have to take a little time off to do so. I won't be posting for a week or two but I do hope to be able to do some visiting to your blogs between now and then. See you back here soon. Karyn
As far as I'm concerned, whoever first decided to stop using built in shelves, had the wrong idea.
