Ashes & Pears

Reality?

2011-03-09T21:31:00.000-05:00

I have to admit I am a bit obsessed with Bethenny Ever After. Who's with me? I watched a few of the episodes from Bethenny Getting Married and fell in love with her and her now husband Mr. Hoppy. Her witty sense of humor and tell-it-how-it-is personality make me laugh. Also, there is a part of me that relates to her. She is always looking for the best way to balance her marriage, work load, extended family and being a mom. And her baby nurse is completely inappropriate and hilarious!

I also wish they would get Skinny Girl margaritas in Raleigh!

Gubbins House - Bridle Road Residence

2011-03-06T16:41:00.000-05:00

This unassuming house is all about its integration into the rugged landscape in Cape Town, South Africa.

It was designed by Antonio Zaninovic who practices in Madrid, Spain. This house is perfectly integrated into the hillside at the base of Table Mountain and has an amazing view of the city and harbour. I love the clean lines and simplicity of this house. The interiors of the residence are by Lucien Rees of New York City-based Rees Roberts + Partners and the landscape by David Kelly of Rees Roberts + Partners. It expresses a nice combination of modern, Scandinavian & Japanese architecture. There was an attention to sustainability by use of local materials such as poured finish concrete and balau wood.

The design allows the home to open out into the natural landscape and blurs the lines between interior and exterior, providing amazing outdoor living spaces. Much deserved, the house was awarded an American Society of Landscape Architects 2010 Honor Award .

Room of the Week

2011-02-15T21:12:00.000-05:00

Check out this amazing reading nook from kara paslay.I love the soft color palette and what a perfect place to display a large map.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T08:25:00.000-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day everyone, especially my sweet husband who I couldn't live without!

Superbowling

2011-02-08T22:26:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone had a great weekend and enjoyed watching the superbowl ~~commercials~~ game on Sunday. We had a bunch of people over for chili and football viewing. It was a blast! I had to add a little decoration to the party. I got this awesome idea from here and here. It was really easy - just tread string through the pom-pom of your choice, make a tiny knot and repeat. Then I just made the team logos out of scrapbooking paper and threaded them on the end. Do you like the astroturf table runner? Quite festive if I do say so myself!

Few more petals ...

2011-02-04T23:47:00.001-05:00

I bought these for my little cousins for Christmas. They are so cute and very well-made. Check out PetitCalla's etsy shop for these adorable accessories for you or your little girl.

Ready for some color

2011-01-30T17:29:00.003-05:00

We've had a burst of warm weather in NC this weekend. It makes me ready for Spring.

These colorful cards design from Artecnia will probably tide me over until the weather warms up for good. They also make a unique Valentine for someone you love. So add a little color to your life this winter until the real flowers start blooming.

How cool is this gadget

2011-01-29T14:42:00.004-05:00

This little gadget is great and cheapo. Only 10 bucks and fits pretty much any bottle top. Definitely solves the problem of trying to carry a tripod with you or try to extend your arm far enough to get everyone in the shot.

Find on Amazon

Whale of a story ...

2010-05-12T21:56:00.003-04:00

I was at anthro today and I must have this.

You will be mine ...

2009-11-22T16:16:00.002-05:00

bird cushion in blue by roddy & ginger

I just ordered fabric from Tonic Living to recover two chairs that I bought of craigslist (6 months ago) and I think Mr. birdie would look great with it.

Christmas already ...

2009-11-09T21:49:00.006-05:00

by Hello Little One

by Oh Joy

by Dwell Studio

I can't believe that it is already November. Where did the year go! This means it's almost December - which means I need to get a move on with my Christmas cards. Holy Moly!!!
This year I am going to send out a photo card with our "child" all dressed up. Bo is super excited about his holiday sweater (sarcasm). So I spent the evening looking through the MANY sites with holiday photo cards. I love so many of the ones on tiny prints that I just posted a few of my favorites. I will post the "real one" closer to Christmas.

Friday goodies ...

2009-11-06T20:42:00.006-05:00

These are all the amazing work of Lisa Leonard. Check out her site here.

Also jump over to Centsational Girl and check out her awesome giveaway she is having right now. The winner of the giveaway wins a $100 dollar gift certificate to shop Lisa's store. So you could buy any of the above and more for just about anyone. (or just yourself!)

Branches ...

2009-11-04T20:20:00.003-05:00

How great would these look in a nursery!

Eye candy to show off the family tree from my tree & me. (spotted on Design*Sponge)

I love tracing my family tree. I am so intriged to see where "I came from" and feel some kind of connection to my past. My great-great grandfather was in the civil war (he carried ice for the soldiers). How cool is that! Also my mom's family has lived in North Carolina for at least 6 generations. That's what I would calls some roots.

What's in a name ...

2009-11-02T19:48:00.004-05:00

How beautiful are these vintage inspired peices from Sumiko. I love vintage pieces - new or old (oh the irony)! Sumiko is run by Evelyn and run out of Italy. She is very inspired by the colors and spirit of her seaside town in Italy but she loves Japan hence the shop name.

Happy Halloween ...

2009-10-30T18:07:00.009-04:00

I love Halloween!

Not for all the scary, gruesome movies or the ghouls and goblins, but for the excitement that it brings. How it allows all ages to be imaginative for one night. For how it brings out all the great elements of fall, like pumpkins & scarecrows & and a few fake spiders in fake webs.

All images from Martha Stewart

I have such great memories of going out on chilly evenings in my not-so-awesome costumes (one year I was a ballerina church mouse - go figure) with my friends to gather all the candy we could carry. I think that is what makes me so excited about waiting at the door to hand out candy to all the adorably dresses kids in our neighborhood. It makes me remember all my neighbors - the cool one that gave out whole candy bars and the not so cool one that gave out key chains for his company (but for some reason we went to his house every year holding out hope). My real aspiration is to be the neighbor that has awesome decorations and possibly a haunted attraction like a casket or something in the front yard every year - but for now I will stick with the spider web and plastic skeleton. Whatever kind of neighbor or trick-or-treater you are I hope you have an exciting Halloween full of ridiculous costumes and great memories!And remember all those pumpkins can go to good use in a yummy pumpkin bread later!

Balance ...

2009-10-24T15:04:00.004-04:00

It has been almost 2 months since I posted. As I sat here getting ready to type - I realized that sometimes life gets in the way. It can get in the way of the things you love to do, need to do, have to do ... And the reality is - it is all about balance.
I am a person that stresses. I stress about the big stuff and the little stuff - it's the way of cope. But in the end I have come to understand that everything balances out. No matter how much time I stress about a project at work, it still gets done. I might have to work a few (or a lot) extra hours, but I accomplish nothing when I am pulling my hair out.
So I need to balance better. I need to know that things are going to get done. And that I need to focus more on the things that make me happy! (including blogging)

So today I bring you a poster that flat out makes me smile.

by Studio Mela

Friday treat ...

2009-08-28T10:10:00.010-04:00

Amy's Bike Blind Drawing - 1 [Oil Pastel on Paper]

Cranks -18 [Acrylic on Paper]
Goldie on Gray [Screenprint]

These beatiful pieces are all done by Taliah Lempert. All in different mediums and all so amazing. Taliah has a deep love for bikes and cycling and I think all of that is expressed in her work. Take a look at her website and fall in love with this alternative form of transportation too.

Bags galore ...

2009-08-25T20:32:00.008-04:00

I am not much of a clothes-horse but I do love accessories, especially bags. I have a bunch - they have their own closet. I have very few designer bags but I do love to drool over them and dream about them. Marc Jacobs is one of my favorite designers. Check out these two bags from him. I love the whimsy of his new line "Flights of Fancy". 'Pretty Nylon - Little Tat' Tote -$158

'Flights of Fancy - Applique Shopper' - $428

Weekend wrap-up ...

2009-08-24T19:30:00.005-04:00

S and I headed to the mountains to see family this weekend. On our way back we stopped at the Biltmore House in Asheville. It had been forever since either of us had been and surprisingly we had never been together.It is such an amazing place and if you have never visited I would highly recommend it. You aren't allowed to take picture inside but the rooms are breathtaking. They just opened 4 new rooms to the public in the Louis IV suite. The detail and lavishness that is put into these rooms just astounds me. They also had this really beautiful flower carpet on the South Terrace. It only last 15 days so I am so glad we got to see it. A great way to wrap up the weekend!

Cooking in style ...

2009-08-20T09:39:00.007-04:00

How can you not be inspired to cook by this stylish apron? Designed by SaraSmedley, the butcher's apron is designed in honor of Julia Child. Has anyone seen that movie yet? I really want to go see it but doubt I can drag S along. Guess that means a girls night!

Urban Outfitters ...

2009-08-19T09:45:00.003-04:00

Urban Outfitters definitely has cute clothes BUT they also have the greatest home accessories. That are reasonable too.

Clockwise from upper left - Atlas Shower Curtain - $20, Orange Sheep Wall Art - $58, Oak Jewelry Stand - $14, Quail Feather Graphic Plate - $6, Industrial Loft Fan- $48, Predator + Prey Wall Art by Andrew Holder - $38, Acid Etch Letters - $14, Cloudtrap Pillow by Valerie Lueth - $28

DIY silhouettes ...

2009-08-18T18:22:00.007-04:00

I am sure you have seen silhouettes showing up all over the place as a DIY project. Well I decided to give it a try for our bedroom. My inspiration was from the owners of three potato four. I saw the sneak peek of their home on Design *Sponge and loved the way they had incorporated their family "portrait" at their stair case. Click here for their instructions. I have adjusted them a little below because I didn't follow theirs exactly.

What you’ll need:
- A side profile photo (I took one of each of us - including the dog - just for this project. That way we were all facing the same way and there was a solid color background.)
- Xacto Knife
- Photoshop or another photo editing software
- Glue Stick or double sided tape
- Black Acid-Free Cardstock Paper
- Scrapbooking paper or wallpaper
- Picture frame

Instructions:

1. Download the photo(s) you took and open them with Photoshop. Select the background and delete it so that all that is left is your silhouette. Max out the contrast and darkness so you get a black silhouette on a white background.

2. Next, print the photo. You skip step one and just trace the colored photo but the black and white one makes it a little easier. Remember when you are printing to keep in mind the size of your frame.

3. Tape the print down to the black card stock.

4. Cut your silhouette out using the x-acto knife. If you need to adjust your tape so that the printed photo stays secured to the cardstock.

5. Then take your finished silhouette and mount it to the scrapbook paper. You should cut this down to the size of the frame prior to attaching the silhouette. Use the glue stick or double sided tape to secure your silhouette.

6. Place in your frame and enjoy!

3/50 ...

2009-08-12T08:03:00.003-04:00

This is such a great idea and is popping up on blogs all over the place. I am going to make a concious effort to shop local (sorry target) and you should too. What are your favorite local shops?

Typography ...

2009-08-11T10:17:00.004-04:00

Carnival game padels & Time coded key rack - Three Potato Four

I love the use of typography in these pieces. Though random these primitive items bring visual interest to any wall.

Argyle ...

2009-08-10T20:44:00.007-04:00

1. Plush dog bone toys - Big Dog Boutique 2. Placemats - India Rose 3. Melamine plate - Preppy Plate 4. Sweater Jacket - Banana Republic 5. Flats - Jessica Bennett 6. Sweater dress - Old Navy 7. Umbrella - Old Navy 8. Pillows - Pottery Barn

I know I'm on the last wave of this fashion statement, but I just can't help it. Argyle has been around for a few seasons now but I keep feeling myself drawn to it. I was at Old Navy this past weekend and tried on everything they had in argyle (I only bought one though - restraint!)

I might have to blame this obsession on the First Lady. Michele Obama always looks so put together and she has been known to wear some argyle. Do you have a favorite print that no matter what you want to have around?

Wrapping it up ...

2009-08-07T22:37:00.001-04:00

I thought I would leave you with a great painting from Eric Graham before the weekend. It is suppose to be hot here, so everyone stay cool. Happy Friday!

Favor ideas ...

2009-08-06T18:13:00.009-04:00

Some friends of ours got married just over a month ago. They had these really neat wedding favors - flower seeds. (I forgot to take a picture of the actual favor but the one above is similar) The image is of some you can order online, but where's the fun in that. It is a great DIY project that you could use for any occasion.

Supplies:
- coin envelopes from office supply store (these come in kraft paper, white and I have even seen them translucent)
- ribbon
- label (paper or sticker) printed with whatever the favor is for
- craft glue
- flower seeds

Put a few seeds in each envelope and seal them. Wrap the ribbon around securing with craft glue and put cut ends on front. Place label over the cut ends of the ribbon. On the back you can put another label with the kind of seeds and planting instructions. It's that easy.

Well I was really excited because I never seem to have luck with getting seeds to grow, but I decided to plant these two weeks ago. And looky there - they are starting to sprout. I can't wait to see what they look like, since just like I forgot to take a picture of the favors I also forgot what it said I was planting.

Thanks Madi & Whitley!

Obsess much ...

2009-08-05T17:15:00.006-04:00

So this post makes me realize that I am a little green and white obsessed lately. (But they're just so pretty!) I will try to suppress this addiction in later posts but I had to show you these pillows by pillowhappy. And I am also excited to report she is just down the road in Wilmington. Might have to make a trip to the beach to shop local!!!

Loving me some vintage ...

2009-08-04T16:02:00.006-04:00

I love these wall hangings (or "wears") by neawar. I love modern design but am always drawn to vintage pieces. I think the two look richer when combined together.

The aftermath ...

2009-08-04T12:39:00.010-04:00

For all you interested readers - here's my recount from a night at Sunny Sky's.

First things first - this cool guy greets you as you approach the shop on 55. I mean what is cooler than a ice cream cone wearing shades?
Being as childish as 20-somethings can be, we dared the "new guy" in our office to eat the Cold Sweat ice cream. And he being the champ that he is took us up on it. So the waiver was signed and the kiddie cone was presented. Yes - they will only serve the Cold Sweat ice cream in the kiddie size. He began eating it proclaiming that it wasn't so bad. But then the nose started running and the eyes started watering. It was obvious that it was pretty hot. Well we couldn't let him suffer though our entire outing so I ran into get him a mint chocolate chip. While inside, the rest of the group took a lick - they all were not happy when I returned. The poor cone ended up face down in a Route 44 cup from Sonic.

Those are whole peppers you see peeking out!

But other than that adventure I have to say that Sunny Sky's will be getting our business again. It was some of the best ice cream I have ever had. I got the Oatmeal Cookie flavor and S tried out two with Strawberry Cheescake and Peanut Butter Fudge. I taste tested a bunch too and they were all excellent (minus the banana pudding - not my favorite). They have so many flavors that they are not all displayed at the counter, hence the list on the porch.
So a dare was taken, ice cream was devoured, fun was had and of course t-shirts were bought. All equaling an excellent evening out with friends.

If you are ever just North of Angier on NC 55 stop by Sunny Sky's Homemade Ice Cream - but DO NOT try the Cold Sweat!

Short post ...

2009-08-03T13:23:00.004-04:00

Sorry this post will have to be a short one. I have a bunch of stuff I "need" to blog about but I just haven't had the time to sit down and do it. Tonight some co-workers and their significants are headed to Sonic for a hotdog and tator tots - which may or may not be covered in chili AND cheese. Then we are making the trek down to Angier to visit Sunny Skies Homemade Ice Cream. Their claim to fame is the Cold Sweat flavor - it's made with habenero peppers. I will NOT be trying that one. (I love how the cold sweat has it's own website.)

I do want to point out to everyone if you are interested - it's design*sponge's 5th anniversary. Grace has come up with this great thank you to all her readers. Each month a new artist will create a unique wallpaper for your computer. This month's design is by Deanne Cheuk. The dark watercolor adores my work computer for this month. I am looking forward to the new design each month.

Music and food ...

2009-07-31T10:33:00.002-04:00

Check out this article I found on MNN. Not only is Jason Mraz a great musician but he's a farmer. Or at least grows his own avacados - yummy. Quite a cool tidbit and I also enjoyed reading about all the rest of the farmers under 40.

Growing up my grandparents always had a garden in their backyard. I spent a lot of time helping my Popo tend to all the vegetables and fruits. They would also buy what they didn't grow from local farms to can or turn into jams, etc. I have fond memories of sitting on the back patio with my mom and grandma snapping beans and shucking corn. Moments like that have given me respect for where my food comes from and the hard work that went into it.

I want to be able to have that at my own house. S and I are planning on starting our own little vegetable garden in the back next spring. I have decided on the spot for it in our postage stamp of a back yard. This fall we are going to remove the bush, etc. from the area and start getting it ready for the spring. I am thinking it might be best to elevate it slightly, but I will have to look into that - it might cause standing water under our deck which is never a good thing.

I think we will grow:

Tomatoes

Corn (not sure if this will work with our space restraints)

Okra

Squash

Onions

Herbs - but I will put these up on the deck in pots to keep them away from the rabbits

Do you have a garden? What do you grow?

Table search ...

2009-07-30T20:02:00.013-04:00

So I am currently on the search for an outdoor table for our back deck. We have lived in our house for 4 years and still have nothing more than 4 foldable chairs for seating. And let me note its a big deck and part of the reason we bought the house - but anyway.

One day at Lowe's I found these cool retro chairs in green and blue.The key here is they have some bounce to them. S won't let me buy outdoor furniture unless the chairs bounce - it's a rule. Also the chairs are SUPER CHEAP - only $35 a piece - a bonus. I have always like the 50's style cast iron patio furniture, especially the gliders. Like these from Vintage Gliders - aren't the back cut outs just neat and the fact that they are restored is amazing.

But like I mentioned I need to keep this purchase on the cheap side. Now the problem with the cool, cheap chairs from Lowe's is the table that goes with them is tiny. We were hoping to buy 4 chairs and a dining table, but no such luck.

So here are a few tables that I have been eyeing for inspiration if anything:

Overlap dining table from West Elm (sold out)

Fusion Tribu Dining Table by Henry Hall (super expensive)

Parson's table from West Elm (not for outdoors)

inside out dining table from CB2

Now check out those chairs - I have been obsessed with them since I saw this picture. Of course CB2 doesn't carry them anymore - just my luck.

So what are your thoughts? Any suggestions on another table? Votes for one of these? Where I can find these awesome CB2 chairs?

Let the search continue.

Mraz ...

2009-07-30T19:44:00.005-04:00

"...Because life's too short anyway
But at least it's better then average
As long as you got me
And I got you..."

I didn't get to post yesterday because S and I headed straight to the Jason Mraz concert after work. It was a great show. I just adore his music and luckily I found tickets on Craigslist for less than face value. AND they were 2nd row!

We have had some crazy storms down South this summer, but luckily what was predicted to be an all night boomer ended around 5. So we of course brought our umbrellas and raincoats but the skies stayed clear and beautiful the whole night. He had a great set list with an awesome cover of Lionel Richie's All Night Long - I loved it! And he also played my all time favorite You and I Both, so I went home happy. Oh and check out the percussionist Toca's golden gnome. We actually got to give him five after the concert. Too cool!

"...And it takes no time to fall in love

But it takes you years to know what love is..."

Telling time ...

2009-07-28T09:02:00.004-04:00

I found this etsy shop awhile back but haven't had a chance to post it. These clocks are delicious and I must have the honeycomb one immediately. I know exactly where I will put it ... hint, hint S. They are done by pilotdesign. I love how graphic each of his clocks are and how they have a slight retro feel.

Prayers from east to west ...

2009-07-27T18:58:00.006-04:00

Today I write with a somber tone. I found out last night that a friend of mine from college has gone missing. His name is Elias Sorokin. He grew up in Carboro but in the past few years moved west to the LA area. He has been missing since Monday July 20th.

"... he went up to Northern California for a few meetings and has not returned to LA. He was last seen Monday evening 7/20/09 around 8 pm in Oakland.

A text was received to my dear friend Andrea (his good friend and business partner) on Monday night at 10 pm that he would be arriving back to LA around 4 am, Tuesday morning. He has not been heard of since.

We have now found out that someone has tried to cash a falsified check (he carries his check book on him at all times) and tried to use his credit cards."

Please pray that Elias will be found alive and unharmed. He has the kindest soul of anyone I have ever met. He wouldn't hurt a fly and is always wanting to lend a hand to someone in need. I pray that whoever has him or wherever he is, God will watch over him until he can return home to his friends and family.

I am posting these amazing hand engraved votive holders from daydreemdesign as a visual to Elias until he returns.

Junk...

2009-07-25T14:36:00.007-04:00

So I am slightly disheartened to post this afternoon. I went to yard sales this morning and in the back of my mind I was going to post a picture of some great find that I found on my adventure. BUT I bought nothing, and I am pretty sure that people just have junk - or at least that is what they were getting rid of today.

But let's not let my failure at yard sale shopping ruin today's post. Once again (if not every day of my life) etsy provides me access to some amazing artists all over the world. Today however I have discovered a sculptor/ceramic artist just down the road in Asheville - elementclaystudio.

I just adore how nature has inspired everything in her shop. I especially am drawn to the sea urchin below. I love how she has left the exterior unglazed and then inside the bowl is a pop of this beautiful ocean blue glaze. I enjoy how she has captured the texture of the sea urchin. The texture grabs your attention and she has utilized that in many of her other pieces.

I also must post this series of pears from her collection, because of the name of this blog (which I will need to get around to explaining one of these days). Once again I love how simple and clean her work is. I can just imagine a cluster of these pears displayed on my mantel.

I hope to meet you some day Heather when I am up that way and visit your studio. Until then keep up the amazing work! Not sure if I will be motivated to get out early next weekend, BUT maybe next Saturday I will have something to post from a less junky yard sale experience - maybe.

Cuteness ...

2009-07-24T18:13:00.010-04:00

I never posted my picture from driving up to the mountains last week. Every time I see those Smokey's peer around the bend at me it just puts me at ease. What an amazing thing that God created and put on this earth in my home state! Though I love the beach and the warm weather - I am a mountain girl at heart. And did I mention the weather was AMAZING!

As for the designey thing for today - check out this cuteness from kg+ab out of Brooklyn. I don't know what I would put in this cupcake but whatever it would be it would make me cooler. kg+ab have a bunch of amazing white porcelain items on the etsy site, so be sure and check them out. And none of my friends be surprised if they receive a non-edible pastry for their birthday.

Fond memories ...

2009-07-23T19:35:00.006-04:00

I was tooling around on Etsy this evening and I found this neat poster from Roll & Tumble Press.

It brought back fond memories of my weeks in Arkansas every summer visiting my grandpa. He lived in a small town in southern Arkansas, Camden. There wasn't a lot to do, so we were usually tasked with entertaining ourselves.

My grandpa had an old brownie camera that was stuck up in the top cabinet in the kitchen. Every summer when we would go visit I would get it down and "take pictures". When I found it one day when helping my mom hunt down some sort of pot or pan, I wished that there would be a half used roll in there that I would find and we could get developed. It didn't but I still thought it was the coolest. Luckily before my grandpa pasted away I brought it home with me. It's one of the few things I have of his but I treasure it so much. (The image to the right is the same camera that I have now.)

I have never been much of a photographer - I have this innate ability to take the worst, unfocused pictures. BUT I love photographs, especially old ones. I love the story behind them and the people in them many of which I never got to meet. I have a bunch of old photographs on my family and some of S's. Having a connection to the past is very important to me.

After Supper blogging

2009-07-21T18:59:00.008-04:00

As I promised here is the real blog for today. I wish I could blog at work but I think that would just not be a good idea. Maybe if things slow down that can fill my time. But for now I will just have to wait for the evenings or after-supper.

And while I'm on the subject I think that supper is a word that just doesn't get used enough. I think I will start using it on a regular basis. Not sure if I will replace lunch with dinner, but I think supper will definitely be a nice addition to my vocab. Since I have been on vacation the whole weekend I didn't have much time to find anything new to post.

So this would be a perfect time to post about one of my favorite local artist. I met Renee at last year's Handmade Market (I use 'met' loosely here). I stopped by Wolfie + the Sneak's booth and feel in love with their work. I bought a calendar which brightens my work cube every day. I wish I had bought more because she has less stuff on her etsy site nowadays. The image on the left is the July image from my fav little calendar. I have plans to make something really cool out of all the images when this year is up ... but I have a few months to go! The image to the right is from the farmer's market series. Doesn't it make you hungry for some fresh fruit and a yummy slice of tomato.

I also have another one of her pieces hanging in my house. I am considering getting the Summer & Spring but I need to find the right place for them to hang out. Maybe in the kitchen!

Images from Wolfie + the Sneak

Relaxing must come to an end

2009-07-21T08:21:00.008-04:00

I just returned from a long weekend at the lake. Friends, food, some beverages and sun - you really can't beat that. I will have to post tonight since I am at work. Unless you want to see PDFs from review agencies because I have nothing pretty to show you here.

On the road again ...

2009-07-14T08:42:00.007-04:00

I am off to the mountains for work today. I have a meeting with a facilities dept. of one of the local universities. Luckily it is just down the road from my in laws so I will be sleeping on the couch and getting to visit a bit on this trip as well.

I also hope to swing into one of the cute shops up that way and buy a LATE birthday present for K. I am such a bad friend her birthday was almost 2 weeks ago and I am just now getting around to getting her something. Procrastination is my middle name.

I wish I could afford to get her one of these:

Images: Credited to shopTwig

These are by Ruth Tomilson from her Flora collection. The first time I saw these I thought the flowers were felt, but they are actually porcelain. What skill! Her other collections are just as amazing. I just love how delicate and feminine all of her work is but not in a traditional way.

Letting go

2009-07-13T10:07:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I spent a good portion of the day cleaning out two of the closets upstairs. I sadly have to admit they were full of wedding stuff. Yes as in stuff from S and my wedding 3+ years ago. It is amazing that I have ignored it all for so long. However, it was cool to look through cards I kept from friends and family or my wedding planning notebook. I still think I would be a good event planner!
The biggest thing I tackled was getting the melted votive candles out of 78 glass votive holders. This was something I had put off because wax sucks. But after some googling, I found two ways of removing these old candles. The first was putting them in the freezer. This was the cleanest method but was only 50% effective. So I moved onto the messier method - melting the wax. I placed the votives face down on a cookie sheet covered in aluminum foil. Then set the oven at 200 degrees and walked away. This worked to get the candle out and was pretty cool to watch each one slowly melt and then plop onto the sheet. Unfortunately, it didnt leave the holders clean of wax. All the wax that slid down the sides then melted in a thin layer. Oh well. I am planning on selling a lot of the stuff including the votive holders so hopefully some bride out there will be willing to do a little work to remove the rest.

Dogs and Design

2009-07-11T10:35:00.006-04:00

I religiously follow Design*Sponge and have gotten a lot of amazing ideas from Grace and others cool posts. Secretly I dream of having a blog that is followed as much as Grace and Joy (they are my blogging heroes).

For the past 6 months S and I have been seriously talking about getting another dog. When I say seriously I mean I surf the internet for cuties and then send him links to which he responses cute or super cute. We are making a lot of headway. One thing that holds us back is we have the bestest doggie in the whole wide world. The Bobo! And we worry that no dog will ever hold a candle to his awesomeness. Secondly S wants a border collie, period. And I lean more to the small to medium size dogs. Anyway all this rambling brings me be back to d*s. On a recent post about a cool folding screen turned headboard there was the cutest picture of a border collie pup - and I fell in love. Of course we are no closer to getting a second dog, but we both agreed this doggie was super cute! Now I need to find a picture of Bo to post. He is beyond super cute but unfortunately the does not have a stylish headboard to pose in front of. I need to put that on the list of things to work on in our house. Which is always a work in progress!

Welcome

2009-07-11T10:31:00.004-04:00

I hope I can keep this up. S and I tried a blog for a little while but it came to a halt at the end of last year. My real goal with this blog is to talk more about design-y things. I find so much inspiration from different design blogs and always think in the back of my head 'i could do this'. Well here I am doing it or at least trying. I hope my readers find this useful or at least entertaining.