a classic {circa 1978}

In putting together images for our "family wall", I came across this one sent from my cousin. It's me and my uncle Russ in New York, he's always been a super-cool motorcycle man. I'm so excited to see this wall in completion - I'll always be reminded of my fantastic family that lives accross the US. xo

pure grace

A girl I work with wears this scent, and I kind of attacked her the other day trying to find out what it was...so now I really have to have it.
philosophy®: pure grace is the clean smell of soap and water, the memory of fresh air woven into a set of crisp, white cotton sheets, a cold deep breath on a snowy winter night, the best summer morning you have ever known, the one white t-shirt that feels better than all the rest. What more could you ask for in a perfume?

snug as a {laptop} bug

These are so adorable! Is your laptop just sitting on your desk, cold and lonely? The solution: make a laptop cozy for your special little friend with felt & velcro. For step by step instructions, go to Design Sponge.

tiny terrariums {under one roof}

I've always loved the idea of having an indoor terrarium. At Paxton Gate there are the most beautiful free standing one's I've ever seen, and each have a little world living in the inside. On researching this post, I found sites dedicated to terrariums that sell everything you'd need to get started: live moss, soil mixes and the right light. I'm ready, I think this will be my next project!
mini terrariums
standing terrarium

Slim Pickins'

The writer's strike is such a drag! The nights are filled with channel surfing and (luckily) a steady stream of Netflix. Last night we stumbled upon The Millionaire Matchmaker, and I'm just about hooked (due to lack of choices, I swear). The show follows Patti, the owner of the Millionaire's Club, who pairs rich men with the women of their dreams. These men may be wealthy and successful, but let me tell you, they need her help. She hires them personal stylists and has them meet with a relationship therapist before meeting the ladies, and then fate takes over...

Finding the love of your life doesn't come cheap: a membership for a California millionaire who doesn't want to travel for love is $15,000, while a man who wants a nationwide search pays $25,000. International memberships cost $100,000 while billionaires who demand constant personal attention pay $150,000. Oh, and girls join for free.

roost {simply beautiful}

On Sunday I attended the SF Gift Show, mainly to check out the
stationary & paper booths and also to hang out with my "fairy"
godmother, Linda, and my mom. The show was packed with everything under
the sun, but Roost stood out (way out) from the crowd. Their
lines are sold at Anthropologie and other gorgeous shops, and they're
based right here in the Bay Area. They design simple, beautiful items;
home furnishings, lighting, glassware and more. I seriously wanted to
open a shop just to be able to order from Roost. Hopefully someday they
will open Roost - the store.

channeling my inner yellow

The sun is shining, and my love for the color yellow is exploding today. I keep coming accross the most beautiful burst of yellow: furniture, accents, wall art, fabric. I've put together a bit of yellow to inspire you all, enjoy!

lamp & bowl, print, pitcher, table, shoes

{ happy friday }

Indulge a little! (oh, and hold on to your umbrellas, we're in for a rainy weekend!).


Scrumptious hot cocoa image by Annabelle Breakey.

love at first latté {dilemma}

I always crave a mid-day latté it's my guilty pleasure, my daily cup of happiness. Afterwards, the days just seems better, I'm ready to tackle dinner, bathtime is a snap, and whatever else may follow. Here's my question - if I make the jump to buy an espresso machine of my very own, would I miss the daily ritual of going to a cafe? Would frothing milk in my kitchen give me the same joy and having the fresh froth handed to me by a smiling 17 year old who knows me by name? It is a dilemma, really, because of the money I spend on these warm treats, and the fact that I could be making them myself. Either way, one of these beauties would look fabulous on my kitchen counter...

pretty checkbook covers {& more}

Ingrid Cusson designs suede covers for journals, address books, photo albums
in New York. I now have a checkbook cover and a business card cover (thank you, Jen!),
both equally unique & special. These gorgeous little creations are
made from suede and decorated withphoto transfers.

Really Really Red {and rad}

THIS CHAIR ROCKS. I want to sit in it and gaze out the window, to have tea in hand and go over the day with my husband, I can already picture it now. Traditional Home is having their annual "Really Really Red" auction, starting now and ending February 29th. Let the bidding begin!

It was the best of times...

It would just be wrong if I didn't so much as mention the season finale of Real Housewives of Orange County.
It was a big lead-up to Laurie's wedding, which was so much prettier than I thought it would be, I pictured baroque gold columns with peach flowers...but I really thought it was all tasteful. How about the orchid clusters hanging form the trees, loved that!
ok, here's the lowdown on our ladies:
Tamra - wow. words cannot express how much her voice bothers me, she does need to grow up, so that was a good realization for her.
Jeanna - looking good! Divorce was the best
choice, give her a few more months and she'll be rockin'.
Vicki - so, so sad, that Vicky. Her jealousy oozed from every make up smothered pore on her face.
Laurie - great wedding, and I'll admit, I shed a tear when she met with her son & the psychiatrist, but please answer me this - is she a transvestite? Her face looked particularly weird last night, lips all askew and cheek implants higher than usual.
Quinn - ewww. yuck. The blonde wig and alter ego, Roxy made her debut I could not stop laughing, WHAT was that? Note to the producers: please find a new housewife! I cannot bare to look at that never ending cleavage for another season.
Joe - That was just unnecessary, I felt awkward and I wasn't even there. Que - everybody look at the sidewalk now - and...Go!


So very scripted, so very full of product placement, so incredibly cheesy, but you know I'll be back for more!

wallpaper {color pop}

Over the years wallpaper has made a bold comeback, the patterns are gorgeous and fresh, the colors pop and liven up a room. BUT, could I actually do it? Not so sure, but on a small scale, it really looks amazing.

Yellow & Lavender

Retro Paper

before & after {if only...}

As much blood, sweat and tears as it would take, I've always been a little envious of "before & after" home stories. Sunset usually has some pretty great renovation stories, as well as Cottage Living. It's pretty amazing what fresh paint, new windows and doors will do for a home. And then, think of all the decorating to be done; flea markets, antiquing, the works!

the perfect outfit {via EmilyStyle}

After talking to some friends, it seems that we all have a "weekend outfit" or a "go-to" outfit of sorts, the one we all feel most comfy in and feel stylish at the same time. Well, I'd say MissEm, of EmilyStyle hit it right on the head with her version of the perfect outfit.

Jeans - a great, relaxed boot cut will do just fine

top/tank - you can never have enough soft tanks & tee's

jacket - I heart this a million times over.

flats - loving cute metallic flats with jeans

bag - oversized & roomy = good thing

jewelry - basic and looks great with the metallic shoes!

Thank you, Emily for letting me share, a

hammock chairs {inside or out}

I spotted these chairs in an old issue of Blueprint (RIP), they feature a gorgeous double chair hammock, but I could only find this pic of the 2 singles. I love the texture, and neutral tone. I'd like one in my bedroom in a sunny corner for reading magazines.

garden lanterns

I love the way lanterns look scattered in a garden, hung in the trees and lining the steps to a home. These are such a steal! I can't wait until the rains have stopped and we can spruce up our outdoor living spaces again.

Paris Hotel Boutique {oui oui!}

Paris Hotel Boutique is a rare find, I've been exploring the website and it's chock full of Domino-esque vintage one-of-a-kind pieces. Browse the artwork, furniture, and lighting; I found a 1919 French wedding menu that is just gorgeous (and good for inspiration). Celebrate the glitz and glamour of a bygone era!

{ happy friday }

have a blissful weekend!



photo by Angelo Cavalli

pray for surf

I'm posting this not because I surf, but for my husband who does. When the surf is bad (aka "flat", "blown out" or "mushy"), he is not a happy camper, and thus, neither am I. I dedicate this to you, honey, may you have some nice rides ahead courtesy of this little surf goddess card.

card by Maeve Donohue / Via SFGirlbybay

thoughtful & tout sweet

My cousin is such a clever one - she sent me these adorable cards with backs that read: "Amber, will you be my bridesmaid?" and on the other, "Ruby, will you be my flower girl?". I was teary, and totally honored!

fun wrap ideas

The Holidays are long gone, but this wrap from Sandy Stone Design Studio caught my eye! It features a vintage pattern envelope and is embellished with a vintage belt and measuring tape; more styles available, $9; huntandgatherantiques.com.

design Thursday

I've taken the first step in starting my own design business! Today I registered my company name (I can't leak it just yet) with the county clerk, so it's official, got the big stamp and everything. I've taken Thursdays off from my freelance job to stay home and design my line of invitations & other paper goodies, and eventually get the website up and running. I am beyond excited, I am so ready. Working on my logo now, and this just may be my outlet for opinions, suggestions, etc. Thank you to everyone who comments, and please know that even though I don't really know you face to face, you inspire me and I value your opinions!

fabric {with a twist}

Volksfaden. Can we just discuss this website for a moment?? They've taken old black & white photos and layered on modern fabrics in bold color. SO cool. The old photos are so full of character, and the fabric, a collection of Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry & more) is vast - check out the sale fabric, too!

flowers in your hair

I'm a total flower child, well, actually I'm the product of two super hippie parents who trekked to Haight Ashbury
from New York in the 60's to frolic about, so I'm more of a love-flower
child of flower children. Flowers (not talking carnations here) look so
pretty in hair, and these lovelies are just right.

Sadie Wren {welcome!}

I had the pleasure of meeting this dainty little bundle today, Sadie Wren. She is the daughter of my best friend since the first grade, Rosalie, and her husband Greg. Congratulations to you both, she's a beauty!

textile & texture {Lisa Soloman}

I love the textures & colors used by artist Lisa Soloman. The colors are just right for my bedroom, or any sunny room. Some of her work is letterpress with actual hand stitching, very cool indeed.

via Design Crush

Dwell Studios for Target

Thank you, Domino magazine for putting some truth behind the rumor - Dwell Studios is designing an entire line of furnishings, textiles & accessories for Target. Here's to hoping it stays cool before reaching the Target shelves...

an ode to S P R I N G

This bit of happy spring time fashion popped up in my email today...oh Anthro, you know me so well.

pretty storage ideas

January seems to be the month for organization, and these ideas make the process a little more fun. Stack three cake stands for a tier of storage to hold craft or office supplies. Sort your craft supplies in a series of lidded glass jars. An old caddy filled with vintage cups becomes a handy place to store pencils, scissors, and anything else you want to keep upright.

images from Country Home

teeny tiny ballerinas

It doesn't really get much cuter that this, folks. Tiny ballet slippers, tiny leotards and the tiniest of bodies fluttering about. It was viewing day at Ruby's ballet school, usually we are not allowed in, so these days are a treat.

the bedside lamp

We've purchased the new nightstands, and I'm now looking for the bedside table lamps to top them off. There are SO many to choose from, I'm not sure whether to go with bold color or something neutral so that my bedding & art can be bold. Here's a bit of the selection I've narrowed it down to...any favorites?

green glass gourd

blue glass & white squares

chocolate glass lamp

bronze genie lamp

sweet summertime {sigh}

This always seems to be the toughest part of the year, when everything is cold and wet, and the thought of a sunny day is but a distant dream. The new J.Crew catalog is chock full of goodness, bright colors and anything but the winter blah's. These dresses are all about vacation; think warm, tropical, balmy breezes...keep dreaming, I won't wake you.

LuckyShops {and so can we!}

Once a year I read about this fabulous event (in New York) where people line up for blocks to get the best deals in town. I'm talking about all the amazing clothes featured in Lucky month after month, being sold under one rooftop for a fraction of the price (only to be scooped up by lucky New Yorker's). Now we can partake! Lucky & Blue Fly have teamed up, check it out!

a spritz {from the past}

Flipping through the new Lucky I came across an ad for Estee Lauder's White Linen, and I did a double take. This stuff is still around?? It brought me back to my well stocked bedroom vanity during the high school years - White Linen, Eternity and let's not forget the oh-so-subtle Poison. I actually used to dab Drakkar Noir (notorious late 80's/early 90's boy scent) on my pillow case at night to remind me of my boyfriend. Scents really do bring me back.

Zara Home {a dreamy overseas tease}

Why oh why won't Zara Home online come to the United States?? Word on the street is that Zara Home is cheap chic with gorgeous collections and roomy stores throughout Europe. So unfair.

Four or Fourteen?!

No, I haven't gone mom-blog on you, but I had to share this. I was organizing my digital photos when I came across this one of my daughter, Ruby, from only 2 months ago, taken in Mexico. She is four, but somehow looks about fourteen and it's freaking me out. I'm not sure if it's the pose, the mini-skirt or what, but I'm baffled. Does it really happen this fast?!

mixed frame photo wall

Ever since we looked at our home for the first time and saw the staircase, I knew it was destined to become a photo wall. I envisioned old family photos, the dreamy shot of my great grandma lying in a field of wildflowers, the black & white photo booth strip of my grandparents taken on their honeymoon, that type of thing. That was 6 years ago - and now this image from the new PB catalog has rekindled the photo wall fire in me. I love the mixed up frames, all different but still uniform & clean.

best movie - {e v e r}

Words cannot express the pure, utter, unabashed love I have for this movie. It's just that good.

Etsy {a fresh daily dose}

Fresh, inspiring Etsy shops of the day:

white bird paper wreath

felt flower hair clips (for kids)

leaf card holder

pink feather cards