Summer Fun

In keeping with the love of stripes expressed in just the last post, I think this dress would be perfect worn for a Memorial Day BBQ. I'm headed to one at this very moment. . . if only it were hanging in my closet!
Ninth Avenue Vintage

Note to Self

These drapes are pure genius. Remember to think of them when working in a situation that would suit them well.
Elle Decor

Sounds Good

I've had this image in my files for quite some time. The colors and the graphics are just the kind I like most. Today I took a minute to check out the group and I'm glad I did. See for yourself, here.

When In Doubt

Open shelves offer amazing possibility by giving the home owner an open palette that is never fixed. On a whim, the space can take on a new personality simply by changing the items displayed and most anything massed together works.
My Home Ideas, House Beautiful, Marta Stewart

Done

Brooklyn Rehab's most recent shop addition is a perfect gift for Father's Day. Paired with a gift certificate to dad's favorite butcher, it gets even better!

Dynamics

I don't really watch much television but over the weekend I finally sat down and watched 5 episodes of the Nine by Design series and I love it. Sure, it's a show about design, and I do love their work (have to get the book), but what I'm really hooked on is who they seem to be as people and their interactions with each other. I love the model of their marriage. I love the way their family works. I love that they have this crazy life but that there's such a sense of calm to it all. I love that they are able to encourage the individualism of their children and that it hasn't made any of them precocious. I love that Courtney is so naturally beautiful when so many women we see on TV are so overly made up. I love that they seem to be learning along the way and that they see beauty in imperfection.

Have you been watching? What do you think?

Talking about Texture

These pineapple lamps have great texture! Especially with the addition of the linen shades.
Southern Living

For the Garden

A current favorite, Hens and Chicks. The large plants are the Hens, the small off shoots, the Chicks. Does well with neglect, has fantastic form and fills in a planter in no time at all. What more can be asked of a plant. Oh, wait, I forgot, it blooms, long, oddly beautiful flowers.

Perspective of a First Home

Each of these photos are from a home featured in Traditional Home. It is the first home of a college age girl. I love that it has so much character and no big box pieces. The furnishings used are ones that are perfect for the owner now but versatile enough to last a lifetime.

Make Something

If you find this necklace as irresistible as I do, purchase the pattern here. That's right, it's a DIY.

If You Had to Guess

What do you think? A beach house at Cape Cod?
1st Option

Monday Morning

I'm especially fond of this print as it incorporates both my love for the color green and a favorite mantra of mine. It can be found at Sweet Blue Photography.

Imagine

On a daily basis I think about the need to expand my vocabulary to include more descriptive word, words to use on this blog when talking about all of these beautiful images that really do inspire me to at least think about making my home more beautiful. "Love" is overused here and I'm well aware. . .

When I look at this perfect little backyard escape I want to demand of my husband that he drop everything to start and finish such a space for our yard in time for the arrival of our children from school this afternoon. I want to explain to him as he's building it (happily) and I'm helping, that this is going to be amazing and give us the key to a more enjoyable lifestyle. This is the space where he and I will sit in the evenings once the kids have gone to bed and enjoy the cool air after hot summer days. This is the place the kids will play in together making imaginary lives for themselves when left all alone, strengthening their bond with each other. We'll read books, share meals, visit with friends and even sit quietly alone listening to rain fall on it's roof with a cup of coffee here. He will agree wholeheartedly, of course.

If only it were really that simple.

The Beginning of a Love Affair

Climbing hydrangeas, who knew?! If you've fallen in love or even if you need a bit of convincing, read a romantic account of one such plant here.
Floral Images

Adored

These amazing postcard sets from Yellow Owl Workshop come in a matchbook style set with an adorable little pencil. I adore them. Be sure to check out the rest of the offerings from this great shop!

Heading Out

This entry is one that would certainly help to send me out into the world with a positive attitude each day!
Porchlight Interiors

Weekend Plans

Over the weekend, I plan to make myself the proud owner of the Target version of this spread and maybe even finish up the couch I talked about oh, so long ago so that I can show you pictures of it along with the garage sale headboard (also from far back) that has been covered and trimmed. Have a good one.
La Belle Vie

Work, work, work

The machine I've been doing much of my work on is not at all pretty. This one sure is!
Green as a Thistle

Paper Please

The first time I saw these cardboard animal busts was in San Luis Obispo, in a paper store. They had each piece of cardboard covered in a different printed paper. They look amazing that way. I plan to add a set of these great cardboard animal busts to my son's room as soon as school is out and we have a minute to breathe. We will be going with rhinos and leaving them in the raw though for our application.

Field Trip

This morning, how about heading out for a visit to. . . Native Kee, At Swim-Two-Birds and Nibs. Just for a change of pace.
Starbags