because design should be exciting.......

images: 1.www.dustjacketattic.blogspot.com, 2. ?, 3. Pinterest via Sarah Crawford, 4. matchbook magazine

one piece, new finds..

Does anyone else get the urge to shop during the dead of winter? I always want to refresh my life, home and wardrobe this time of year. Maybe it's because I'm not outside running around like during the warm months, although skiing is on my "to do" list this year. I think it's time to bring my three year old.  The retail companies must know everyone is on the prowl {maybe not spending after the holiday bills arrive} but definitely looking because the catalogs are pouring in. Here is a round up of some of my favorite new finds!! 

1. Shelf - Pottery Barn 2.  Chaine d'Ancre Bracelet from Hermes at a mere $9700, I think I'll be holding off on this one! {seriously imagine adding that to your cart??} who can do that ? someone I guess 3. Bone Mirror from Ballard Design 4. Venus Fly Trap Necklace from J.Crew 5. The Eddie Ballet flat from Tory Burch {look comfy}

Currently loving...

my new "hands free" baby sling, {thank you to my dear friend Lauren C.}, it is the only thing allowing me to steal a few minutes to scan the web and post my blog these days {I'm still officially on maternity leave}..here are a few more items on my favorites list this week!

Ines Fressange's style sense {I've actually admired the fashion model's layered style savvy since seeing her home in the final issue Domino} these images are a great motivator for me to whip myself back into shape.{although I will never look this tiny, I like food too much!} images: The Selby

My chic new diaper bag, from Stella McCartney's line for Adidas. {it's not actually a diaper bag, I think that's why I like it sooo much!}

Today's post on Fric and Frac. Every image lifted my spirits. I keep reminding myself that Spring is around the corner!

{i would switch out the bulbs for a round style}

All the goodies on Fyndes...these are a few of the items that would work at my house right now. Style Court initially brought my attention to this fabulous site full of vintage {some are actually affordable} finds...

Hope you are having a great day!

Today's Find..

I'm such a sucker for a good deal! I'm going to park this fiberglass chair at my kitchen table; all it needs is a bright parrot green seat cushion! {oh and did I mention I found mine at Todd's Farm in Rowley for $10.00 - opening that small store front is sounding better and better everyday.}

and a similar pair at Pieces . {one of my favorites}


I also love Fall foliage. What a gorgeous day it is in Massachusetts today, this fiery tree is in my backyard!

Enjoy the last of your weekend!

Decisions, Decisions..Let's talk lighting

{excuse my premature post earlier} I'm using the newest layout version on blogger, so I need to adapt.

DINING ROOM

So I promised you I'd share my exciting news on Friday, it's the reason I am in crazy nesting mode.{besides the Fall weather} I'm pregnant!! I didn't find out the baby's sex, so stay posted for my nursery options for both a girl or a boy. We're thrilled with the news, but I def. need the next four months to get my home ready!! {yikes}

I have long loved the light fixture in Ruthie Sommers first kitchen {posted in the first issue of Domino}. So I've been on the hunt for something similar for my dining room. I came across the first fixture pictured at Pieces but it was $895.00 and has now sold. So this weekend I was thrilled to find out that I won the Tole Palm leaf pictured below on ebay for..Can you guess how much??? Only $80.00!!. It needs a bit of tlc and some clear round bulbs but I think it will be perfect. {and so was the price}

Now onto the KITCHEN

My chalk board wall in the kitchen is finished {it looks great, I'll post when the area is finished} now I need to find a pendant to hang over the dining table. I want to cast a warm light, to off set the recessed down lights, so I thought a linen pendant would be a smart choice. I've narrowed down my options, here they are. Which do you prefer? I know it's hard to choose because you haven't seen the space.

The Maurice pendant from Jonathan Alder {love this, I wish it cost a bit less}

This is a great custom pendant from Pieces, Inc. but it's def. out of my "snack bracket". Don't get me wrong I wish I could purchase half of Lee Kleinhelter's shop for my home. Be sure to check out their fun new blog, it's full of before + afters. My dream is to someday house my design firm within a smaller shop much like the fabulous Pieces. {hopefully within the next few years}

Circa Lighting

FRIDAY FINDS

HOLIDAY SERVERS - MOTHOLOGY

for the sophisticated table - the contrast of shiny gold + matte brown metal is beautiful

BURBERRY - PLAID TRENCH

on my need, want, have to have list!

ANTHROPOLOGIE - NOVEMBER 2008

nice spread - love the boots + bag

Find of the week..

I thought Fridays would be a perfect day to share my weekly finds. This week it's http://www.retrowalls.com/, they have a great selection of wallcoverings..... Here's a small sample of their inventory.

Have a great weekend!!

I love faux bois, Martha Stewart's been touting it for years, but I still love it.

Very graphic, over sized damask, this comes in other great colors...

Whimsical

Beautiful colors




Glass bead walls in a small powder room would be very glamorous


I can envision this paper in a dining room

Another man's trash...

For those of you who know me, I'm sure you have heard me share one of my
stories about discovering a "find", someone's cast off on the side of road.

My husband is never surprised to get a phone call convincing him to rush to a random local with his truck because I've stumbled on a gem, of course, too large to squeeze into my small car.

I take joy and probably a bit of pride in revamping a stranger's junk into my own treasure. Here are some photos of my latest scores....Check back to view the transformations!!

Oh and if you ever need advice on one of your own goodies, please don't hesitate to email me.

I'm thinking of having these tired beauties sprayed black. I'm also going to recover the cushions with a bright Sunbrella fabric. I've had my eyes open for a similar chair, to seat extra guests on my patio.

My new desk chair, it's just awaiting some lacquer paint and a yummy new coral velvet.

This large mirror still boasts it's "FREE" signage