Hi yall!

As requested!

These are some my favorite items in my Etsy store right now. Vintage French school stamps. . Can't you just imagine the different art projects you could do with these? Or just frame them as artwork!

Remember, mention that you saw my Etsy store on my blog and receive a 15% discount on the cost of any item you purchase there. Just make your purchase, mention seeing my blog and I'll reimburse you back through your Paypal.

What we did on our summer vacation...

Well it wasn't really what I would call a vacation. I think I just needed a bit of a break from blogging to get energized and reinspired. I do have to say though, Alfie and I have missed you all and can't wait to catch up on your summer.

Though it was mostly work, work, work, we did manage to

1)paint my new vintage 7' cabinet. One more project down.

2)squeeze in hosting a surprise birthday party for a friend at my place

3)get away for a wonderful 4 days at the Auberge property in Del Mar and

4)finally start my Etsy store! Yea!!!!

Here is the cabinet being transformed to something a little more subtle in color. It still needs those vintage glass handles. I just know they are out there in the garage. Somewhere...

Yes, I painted the interior in the same color as the wall as I wanted the cabinet to recede a bit given it's large scale (7'tall x 4'wide).

The trip to San Diego was a quick one, only 4 days, but the most wonderfully relaxing time I have had in a very long time.

My good friend Todd generously shared his friend's offer of their condo at the Auberge property in Del Mar so we had private accommodations with a garden patio. Once we parked the car, we didn't use it again until it was time to leave. Read, hung out by the lap pool, walked the beach, barbequed, wined, dined and just had the best time. It was heaven. No time for a lot of pictures, too busy relaxing!

Alfie had a good visit with grandma who came to babysit. He didn't even miss me according to grandma! Ha!

On the way out we stopped for brunch at Hotel Coronado. I have a great piece of their hotel silver from the 20's. What a truly amazing piece of architecture it is. And of course I love the story of the ghost.

And then there is my new store on Etsy.

I have been procrastinating on setting this up for so long but finally sat still long enough to get it done. Thanks for the holding my hand through it all Deb and Leigh! You two are the best. And the most patient people I know! Now I just have to organize where I am going to store all the inventory. Check it out and let me know what you think.

One of my teacups has already been featured on Beyond the Pale! Make sure to check out her beautiful blog.

P.S. Mention that you saw my Etsy store on my blog and receive a 15% discount on the cost of any item you purchase there. Just make your purchase, mention seeing my blog and I'll reimburse you back through your Paypal.

Ok friends, it's good to be back. Off to see what you all have been up to!

Grin and bear it

Thanks everyone for your patience. We will be back here after August 12th. In the meantime, Alfie sends our greetings! And thanks for your emails and comments. They keep me linked in this busy, crazy time!

Staycation

Just one of the 100 new words to be added to the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.

To read more, go here. I had never heard of vlog, flash mob or sock puppet. Have you?

And I leave you with this beautiful image from the Bahamas. Taking a little blog break/staycation to catch up on things.

Skona Hem

HOBAC, are you out there?

Several of us are wondering what happened to House of Beauty and Culture? Where did they go? We need our daily dose of design and wit inspiration! I tried google which sent me to an artist on Flickr who didn't know what I was asking about. Bummer. Anyone?????

P.S.
Just finally read on Pigtown Design that Walter felt his blog had run it's course. I TOTALLY DISAGREE as I know many do but want to thank you for all your past inspiration and great musical pairings. You once did a very kind post on my little store and I'll always remember you for it. Thanks again!

July 4th

Okay, so what is everyone doing July Fourth weekend? I'm excited it is on a saturday because that means I get 3 whole days off! Woo Hoo! Barbeque, museum, movies and possibly Alameda antique faire. Should be fun! What are your plans?

I feel pretty!

And I smell better too! Thanks for working your magic Joanie, as always.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Eye Candy.

Some beautiful images for your weekend from the Danish company Nostalgi Fyn. Have a good one! Off to take Alfie to the groomers! Yeah!!!

I really, really want these chairs.

House Beautiful

When did she grow up?

I can't believe this is the little girl who started starring in the Harry Potter series at age 10. She is all grown up and quite the stylish lovely young woman of 19 years now. Did you see these images of Emma Watson from her Teen Vogue photo shoot? Stunning!

Eggactly!

It's Friday! Have a great weekend everyone!

Skona Hem

Inspiring images from Skona Hem.

How gorgeous is this hallway in it's simplicity. Of course great bones and lighting helps!

And look what a light, airy feeling this room has even with the darker woods.

I have an antique gothic window that needs repair. I think a mirror treatment is called for after seeing this. And it just might have to stay at home!

I am definitely leaning toward removing my carpets for awhile to expose the bare wood floors. The quiet elegance of this corner is stunning.

I love everything about this kitchen.

Just perfection!

Wouldn't this be an amazing way to start your day?

Speaking of, have a great one!

New Project, Woo Hoo!

So, do you remember all my dining room projects from last year? The pieces are quite different in style but I love how the paint palette pulls them together.

So here is the new dining room project! It measures over 7' tall and 4' wide. In a previous lifetime, this color would have been perfect and I wouldn't have to do a thing to it. But my current obsession with this color palette begs for a fresh coat of paint. The exterior is going to be the same color as the sideboard and the interior will get the same wash of blue gray. I am going to mirror the back of the open space for some reflection.

And of course new glass pulls.

Of course we know how thrilled Alfie is about another big paint project!

Wish me luck!

More.

More beautiful images from danish bloggers. The lighting, the palette, the composition. Just gorgeous, serene style that is easy to live with on a daily basis. Nothing too precious and where imperfection is perfection!

Karin Lindstrom

And Guldkant Palivet