Obsessed with good design, style, color, fashion and living by the water, this is me dipping my toes into the big world o' blogging and looking at the amazing images, products, projects and ideas floating out there.
Oof. Got a very late start to blogging this morning. Somehow this day is just flying by faster than I can grasp the hours. But, isn't this memo pad from Birdcage Cards so adorable and perfect for early January (month o' the will-I-keep-them-or-not resolutions)? It's a good one to strive for: As originally found on Love Obsess Inspire.
Kind of makes me feel a bit better about not getting to blogging earlier today. Let's just say I was busy being in the now. Sorry for the short delay, but I'm here, now. :)
Now that I've sat down to blog for the day, I'll be back with more soon. Stick we me on this fast-moving Hump Day!
Does anyone know where this photo came from? I only saved the quilt info (which, if you're curious, is the poppies quilt from John Robshaw). Der. Sorry for the unaccredited photo.
I was going through my home design files the other day and came across the above photo, which I had ever-so-brilliantly labeled as "bad room but good textile layering_John Robshaw Poppies quilt." Thanks, real helpful, R.
I think what I meant by that brilliant labeling job was that when I look at each item in this room individually, I don't really like them (not a fan of the curtains, the lighting fixture, or even, surprisingly, the headboard), but all in all, I love this room.
Whoever designed it (again, not sure whom, since I so aptly labeled the image) did a great job of layering things in this room so that all together, it really works. I don't necessarily love those black pillows or the tri-section headboard, but with the layered bedding it looks so good. How sunny and nice would it be to wake up in that gorgeous bed on a dreary winter day?
The bedding mix is the real winner in this room, so I'm going to try to remember that the next time we update our linens (ahem, registry items).
I know this is super dorky of me, AND we've been watching less TV to boot, but I'm really siked to check out the show Undercover Boss. The teaser previews are on CBS now and the show premieres after the Super Bowl in February (2/7).
The "plot" is brilliant: C-level executives go undercover in their own companies and work alongside their employees (often the lowest level workers) without the employees knowing who the exec is. The first episode has the President and C.O.O. of Waste Management actually cleaning out porta-potties, collecting trash from a landfill, and so on.
It's a genius marketing scheme for the companies participating, too - free PR for the execs who are willing to do this, and even better PR if they seem like approachable, nice people while doing it.
I've already set my DVR. Now I'm just interested to see how the episode with the CEO of Hooters goes...
One of my New Year's resolutions - are you totally sick of hearing about these yet? I kind of am, especially since I don't normally even make resolutions! - is to cook at home more often. I always think about how much healthier it is, plus cost efficient, but when push comes to shove, we often order food or go out. It seems so much more fun and exciting...? Anyway, we're going to make an effort to cook at home three nights a week at least and one of my go-to staples is homemade pizza.
B and I share the fortunate/unfortunate fact that we could eat pizza every day, forever, so pizza is always popular around here. I don't make the dough from scratch - that may have to wait for New Year's resolutions 2015 or something! - but Trader Joe's makes a really good dough for only 99 cents a bag. They sell regular crust, herbed or whole wheat. (We usually get the whole wheat, but it's admittedly a bit more sticky than the regular).
The entire pizza gets a layer of tomato sauce (I use jar pasta sauce, not "pizza sauce" from the can, ick) and we switch up what kind of sauce now and then. We also use fresh basil from B's basil plants when there's enough to pick. My half of the pizza is usually goat cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, while B's side is traditional mozzarella and pepperoni.
Since I make pizza so often (about once a week?), I'm looking to branch out in 2010 with our toppings choices. About a month or so ago, I had half an onion left over from something else, so I decided to caramelize it and added it, along with some yellow peppers, to the pizza. It was delicious. I've tried broccoli and yellow squash as toppings in the past too, but they've come out slightly burnt and not the best. B doesn't like mushrooms, so that's out, and I'm really not a fan of olives. So with that in mind, what other toppings and combos are out there? I'm thinking BBQ chicken might be the next one to try...mmm...but I know there are a ton of other topping options that we may be missing out on.
So? Any great ideas from you all? Do you have any favorite pizza toppings? Do you love pizza as much as we do, or are we just TBM obsessed? (TBM = tomato, basil, mozzarella.) Any great ideas we have to try? Please share!
I just downloaded this new screen-saver (why not switch things up a bit for the New Year, right?) and I'm eagerly awaiting the minute I stop typing and this bad boy comes up on screen.
It was totally free from 9031.com and I love the clean look of it, plus it's utilitarian - clock at a glance! Thanks to Swiss Miss for the heads up on this cool screen-saver.
Hahahahaha. This is not one of my New Year's resolutions, but only because I was already so clearly not in the leggings-as-pants category. They would look like sausage casings on my legs! Funny, nonetheless.
Kate* has a bunch of other cute and funny illustrations on her Flickr page, plus a book on the way of her Daily Consumptions.
Do you have any fashion resolutions for 2010? I didn't make any sartorial goals, but I should definitely focus on only buying items that I need, love or fit perfectly (or that I'll actually get tailored). Guess that means bye bye to my secret Forever21 addiction. Shoot, did I just blog that out loud?
That's definitely something I can stand to work on.
So, I know I said it before, but I'm really excited for this new year. Maybe it was because 2009 was so craptastic, but I feel like 2010 will (hopefully) be a considerably better year. Are you looking forward to this January and the year beyond? We're already starting to book up - with my mom's birthday, my birthday (Feb. 16th, in case you were wondering...mark your calendars now!), and various parties and celebrations - so I'm hoping that bodes fun times and good things.
Also, the Polar Bear Plunge is coming up on January 30th. It'll be here faster than we realize. Anyone up for it this year? I'll be posting more on it later, but please join us if you want to dip in the icy cold Chesapeake Bay for charity (and fun too, I swear!).
More posts to come later today and throughout the week. See you back here soon?
Happy New Year's Eve, all! I am so looking forward to tonight and to ushering in 2010. I'm always surprised when NYE slyly sneaks up on me - "What, it's New Year's Eve already? Wasn't it just Thanksgiving?" - but always thankful to greet a fresh year. I don't usually do resolutions (I'd probably keep them for about 2.2 seconds), but I like the chance to start anew on 1/1. Also, the celebrating on 12/31 is pretty fun too. :)
So what are you up to tonight? Big parties out on the town? Intimate gatherings with friends at home? We're still up in the air (poor B is still a bit sick), so we're not sure if we're willing to brave the freezing cold to party it up in either Phila or downtown Annapolis, or if we'll just keep it mellow with friends closeby. I'm sure it'll be fun no matter what.
If you are celebrating in, here are some fun decorating ideas from La Diva herself, Martha. How easy would it be to throw all the clocks in your house on a mantel, or add stick-on letters (from an office supply store) onto glasses? Party decor, done.
Aren't these rooftop houses in NYC cool? Since real estate is at such a premium in the city that never sleeps (and has very little free space left), these people made the best of it and found their own spaces atop buildings. The view must be amazing and you have your very own standalone in a place where four walls of your own is rare. Genius!
*Does anyone remember Admiral Boom from Mary Poppins? These little rooftop houses kind of remind me of the Admiral on his rooftop ship...
As the decade draws to a close (gulp), this chart is a funny way to take a look back at some of the fascinators from the past 10 years. Can you believe "I.M." was a new verb in 2000 and "download" was in 2002? Wow. I suddenly feel really old.
Click on the link below to the NYT to see the chart in greater detail. I can't believe a new decade is almost here!
Good morning! I hope you all had wonderful holiday weekends. Anything fun to report?
We had a nice holiday break full of family, food (so much food!), great gifts and catching up with friends and family from all over the country, but unfortunately my dear B came down with the flu last night after we got home from PA. The poor guy never gets sick so it's weird to see him so knocked out. So, I hate to do this to you all, but I need to take a day to take care of my sick muffin. I'll be back before 2010 I promise! Hope to see you back here in a day or so?
We're officially heading out for the rest of the week/weekend so I'll be gone until at least Monday, but I hope you all have a wonderful holiday!
And of course I couldn't resist throwing in one more gorgeous thing before I go. Isn't this vintage-y holiday wreath (shown above and below) so cheery and pretty? Whitney made it herself using antique ornaments. Love it! Wreath and photos from The Smith Family blog
Happy holidays everyone! Hope to see you back here again next week - when we'll almost be in to 2010!
This wintery tabletop is so etheral and cozy. Love it! The hanging centerpiece is absolutely genius - and seems like it could actually be pretty easy to make yourself, if you're feeling ambitious - and the gem-tone colors paired with an abundance of white make everything pretty. This photo was from a wedding, but could work for any holiday fete or even New Year's Eve. So bring on the parties!
With all the holiday parties and plethora of get-togethers this time of year, leftovers are inevitable, as is the need to decorate a table. I love this idea, which I found today on Amy Atlas' blog, Sweet Designs.
Aren't these Party Starters cake boxes super cute? Now if you have friends over to your house and want to share the leftover dessert, you have an easy way to sent them home with some cake.
I also love that each of these boxes can be put together to make a cute cake centerpiece: For a child's birthday party, you could fill each single box with little favors (bouncy balls, gum, whatever) and let each child take one home as a party favor. Decor and favors all in one!
You can buy plain boxes to decorate yourself, or pick from holiday and themed boxes, or even custom orders; all are available on the Party Starters site or via their Etsy shop.
It's almost here! If you're working today, here's wishing that you get out early so you can start enjoying your looong holiday week and weekend (or feverishly wrapping gifts and packing, as I'm doing). I have a few more quick posts today before we head out until next week, so stop by a tiny bit later!
Isn't this dress, which was made from blue and white porcelain from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, so cool? Li Xiaofeng, the artist, also made jackets, headpieces and a fire hydrant from this ancient china.
This living room (by design legend Windsor Smith) looks comfy and chic as is, but doesn't that amazing turquoise door just make the whole scene? I love the pops of red (love the chairs in the back) and blue against the crisp white couch and the overall palette of neutrals, but that door has got to be my favorite part of the room. It's a good reminder to consider each part of a room - even the little things, such as the insides of doors, trim and mouldings - when designing your space. This room seems like it would be the perfect place for a Malibu Christmas. :) Photo found on House of Turquoise, originally from C Magazine.
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