love diggs

sigh

2008-09-30T14:27:00.006-04:00

again, work is messing with my hobby. Also a allergy induced cold has moved into my throat and head, and I'm trying to pretend like its not there.

I don't have much time, but I wanted to post something happy.

Mati McDonough's paintings and digital collages have been making the blog rounds, but I don't care. I love her work.

Especially her "There is nothing wrong with you." piece. I think it's the perfect little piece of pretty inspiration, and I feel like I know a lot of people who would be soothed by it.

I also love her series of tiger kitty paintings that feature some pretty rad 70's tube socks.

fall.

2008-09-26T13:29:00.002-04:00

I've haven't been able to post often this week, I'll pick it up next week!

Love this fall stationary by little brown pen on etsy.

Le Wall

2008-09-24T12:25:00.003-04:00

I have to admit. I am not really that into the wall sticker craze. I can't really put my finger on why, but I just know I'm not. Anyway, I ran into one that i didn't mind that much, Coat Tree by ferm LIVING. But at $127.00 it isn't really making me itch to run out the door and buy it anytime soon.

You could just as easily paint the same shape on your wall, and attach hooks. And you can do it in any color you want! Viola!

Pop goes my heart....

2008-09-24T11:42:00.004-04:00

I can't help it. Sometimes I get sucked into the dangerous spiral known as the pop culture blogosphere. I almost emerged unscathed this morning, but barely.

Thank Goodness I have my favorite design blogs to come back to and set my head straight.

Now completely unrelated... I've been getting Cookie Magazine. I don't know why. In fact I get a whole heap of magazines that I never recalled ordering, least of all one regarding parenting. So I send it to my sister. Looking over briefly, I realized it's actually really cool, and focuses on some pretty rad design for the home with child. My heart is definitely Popping over these reader designs below.

I was definately inspired by these from Benita in Sweden:

They're not currently on her etsy shop, but Benita created those adorable bird banners above the sofa.

Benita etched the glass herself with her son's name on his bedroom door.

I love Wille's bottle cap collection, and how Benita displayed it for him in shadowboxes so everyone can appreciate it.

Another great collection of maps.

I'm also diggin' Lisa's digs from Venice Beach, CA. Clean, modern, kid friendly & Scandinavian with a touch of beach. Just what I love...

she works hard for her money...

2008-09-23T12:22:00.009-04:00

Back in the office after swimming in allergy medication I finally realized were making me drowsy!
So, finally now at my desk and giving it a once over, am realizing it needs a little tsjuzing! Oy!
I love me some "Working Girl", fall, back to school, and most of all, a clean, beautiful working space. Here are my affordable, style-with-humor finds le desktop.

West Elm gets me every time. I love these canvas magazine butlers and storage bins in pushpins and pens.

I am awful about birthdays. I have no capacity to remember them, and they're scrawled all over random notebooks. I'd love to have them all in one place, like this leather bound, compact Birthday organizer. $25 is well worth the price instead of having to buy Belated B day cards in bulk.

Um, Swoon! Oilcloth, check. Accordion File Folder, check. Envy from office mates, check! Tell me you don't want this right now. By Anna Griffin and available in florals and vintage French textiles.

Sigourney Weaver would have been a much more laid back high powered woman exec with Smencils! You can get a set of ten, various smells! Sharpens like a regular pencil, and are totally environmentally friendly!

Of course you'll need to put your Smencils in something. Why not a super chic Garden Urn Pencil Cup? Tres Chic!

And I couldn't resist adding a few more fabulous finds.

Clockwise from top left:

1. Umbra Bronze Metalla Can $14.99
2. Orla Kiely Pear Notebook $17.00
3. Linen Bulletin Boards $29.99 - $34.99
4. Magnetic Birdie $16.00

Hi Ho, it's off to work you go.....

Ebay Hunter: Fabric Boutique

2008-09-19T14:29:00.003-04:00

Just milling arround, trying to decide on a fabric to reupholster my Louis chair.
I came across a great eBay boutique, Tonic Living, that has modern retro upholstery fabrics that are VERY affordable.

Some great swatches below.

Ikea, You old so and so....

2008-09-19T12:43:00.005-04:00

Sometimes I forget about Ikea. There are a few annoying things about it.
1. An amazing website, with seemingly every item listed as something they can't ship. SO ANNOYING.
2. It's not Ikea's fault, but I associate it with every post college apartment that sports a really hodge podge look.
3. Everyone has it.
4. I have to go to either Elizabeth, NJ or Brooklyn... which is fine, but everyone else in the tri-state area is there too. And we're all caught in that tricky hamster cage together.

Reasons why I love it:
1. Streamlined modern Scandinavian design.
2. Absurdly affordable prices.
3. Free breakfast before 10:30am.
4. Swedish meatballs.

In honor of my "love" for Ikea, I've decided to swap Sale-a-Ganza with Ikea-Ganza, because they're so dirt cheap anyhow....

Clockwise from bottom left

1. Bram Baskets (set of three) $6.99
2. Rens Sheepskin Rug!!!! $19.99
3. Bild Poster $12.00
4. Brod Horses $12.99
5. Ovation Vase $12.99
6. Stockholm Chair $299.00
7. Blomster Vases $9.99
8. Pjas Basket (Basket with Base) $12.99
9. Bastant Chest $59.99
10. Salong Vase $9.99

Shut Up: I'm Flor-ed

2008-09-17T13:47:00.003-04:00

Most of the time, when my Flor catalog comes in, I just chuck in the recycle bin. But last night I popped it in my bag to take a peek at on my morning Path ride.

I don't have any use for Flor's products at the moment, but I really do love the idea of the consciousnesses of the product, as well as the versatility and afford ability. But mostly, I love how they've styled their catalog. Some great inspiration on every page. Lots of Scandinavian influence (their's something Ikea on every page), mixing mid-centch pieces with something worn and loved. My favorite is the dining room staging.

danke flor!

Ebay Hunter: Say Cheese!

2008-09-17T12:26:00.005-04:00

I love cheese. If I had my way, and Gisele Buncheon's body I would put friggin' cheese on everything that goes in my mouth. It's the most amazing natural occurance via coagulation, EVER. (probably the only, actually.)

So, with that, I devote my ebay hunt to that which diplays and transports cheese.

Cheese serving platters and cutting boards are one of my favorite things. It's a family cornerstone, and must be served in a spread at every gathering.

I came across this really cool one (above) sold on VivaTerra, but for $69!!! Are you kidding me? I mean I know its eco friendly and all, but shoot.

Well, you know what's also eco friendly? Ebaying. Happens to be friendly on the wallet, too.

Tell me you don't just love these groovy 70's cheese platters? A beautiful unused Cutter and Buck marble board, and a slate Williams Sonoma cheese borad, with slate! All between starting bids of $4 - $19.99!!!

Cheese Boxes have been collectible forever. Probably the one rustic looking collectible that is still available for pennies, and in great abundance. Knock on wood.

These cheese boxes are avail at starting bids from $.99 - $4.99. Think of the all the possibilities!!!

DIYeah!

2008-09-16T10:51:00.004-04:00

I'm making good on some of my DIYeah promises.
This one isn't huge, but it still has made quite a difference for making my home more happy.
A little old cafe table crying out for help. It's jz's from apartments past, and although its scale is perfect for our terrace balcony, it's been looking a little beat up.

I sanded, wiped down, primed, spray painted, and viola! Ready for enjoyment for the last dog days of summer.

This process was actually really enjoyable. I think it would have been more so, if I didn't live in an apartment building that is reminiscent of Melrose Place (see pool courtyard in background). I tried to do this during work hours, when I had less of a chance of people staring out their windows, wondering who the crazy spray paint girl is (I did like 3 coats...)

Shut Up

2008-09-15T16:02:00.003-04:00

I don't typically like to repost from other blogs, but I couldn't help myself on this one.
It's such a nice little nugget of inspiration. Angela Adam's home sneak peek from design*sponge.
I love this collection of buoys hanging by the door. Neon and pink. I will never tire of buoy decor, but I love this fresh take on it.

I also love the little basket on the floor that is a home for moss and succulents....

West Elm - You old so and so...

2008-09-15T14:48:00.005-04:00

Yea, I know. An underused phrase.
I use it because of my love hate relationship with mass-marketed, style in a snap, production houses.

Love, because my design junkie brain was first nursed on their endless supply of catalog mailings. As a young girl, I would flip through Pottery Barn, fantasizing and trying to come up with ways to convince my mother to redecorate the dining room. Endless, almost hypnotic inspiration, page for page, for furniture coordination and color schemes. Sucking you in, and making you realize if you go one more day without your Montego Dining Collection, you could potentially suffer from hypothermia.

Hate, because of it's tendency to spurn such crazy trends. Suddenly, your mail-ordered-personality-defining candle wall hanging is, surprisingly, also personality defining for Jan and George down the block.

But I digress... West Elm is definately one of my obsessions. I still thumb carefully through each delivered catalog, totally redundant from the last, dog-earring every little whim or inspiration. Even from that burn, when I bought 5 pillows, of which I later learned would be double the price, since I was buying a "pillow cover" and "pillow insert." Tricksters.

Anyhow, my latest obessions, a la West Elm

Of course, seems like the whole world is obessed with the Parsons Collection. Myself, I like the desk in white lacquer.

This Cut Glass lamp is less opaque looking and really stunning in person. I bid on one on ebay, but I couldn't keep up :(

Eh. Their newest home accent, that is self-proclaimed whimsy. Narrative Animals. I think I'll pass on the shadow puppet turtle, but I would go in for the Top Hat Bunny. And at $19 a pop, and used in the right context, could be great.

Love these raw wood trays.

And a new found obsession with sheepskin and flotaki rugs. Try to tell me rollin around on this puppy wouldn't be a slice of fun....

Ebay Hunter: Trays

2008-09-15T14:28:00.004-04:00

So I have an idea for my TV console/wall unit. It involves finding some lacquered trays. Of course, for some reason, the regular mass produced trays out there are strangely priced into the stratosphere....

Thus, Ebay Hunter mission... Trays.

I was very happy to see what was out there. An array of trays. Lots of silver out there, which could be really cool for a wall collage. And lots beer branded and Oriental trays as well. The lacquered ones were hard to come, but they were there. I LOVE these inlaid horse and shrimp trays!

Sale A Ganza! 9.12

2008-09-12T16:23:00.003-04:00

eh... not my favorite set. polyvore is getting on my nerves, it won't allow me to paste from certain websites.
anyway, my vision was chic east for cheap cheap cheap.

From left:
1. Pier One Wood Folding Chair $24.68
2. CB2 Saddle Barstools $99.95
3. CB2 Aman Placemat $2.95
4. CB2 Beaker Candleholders $.95-1.50
5. Pier 1 Xing Carved Stool $49.98
6. Pier 1 Vertical Stripe Stemwear $2.98 each
7. Loft Party Nesting Bowls $8.50
8. Pier 1 Chili Table Lamp $54.98

i added what i couldn't paste in polyvore down below.

Crate and Barrel Shaw Media Storage $1399.00
Anthropologie Lutdinzi Basket $39.95
And finally, the beautiful nutruel to anchor a white and red color popped room:
Anthropologie Battenburg Rug $39.99 - 99.95

whiz bang

2008-09-12T15:40:00.002-04:00

i love wisit on this season's Top Design 2.
he's my new favorite best friend. he's weird, sings opera, is a fashion designer, and has the weirdest speaking voice i've ever heard. and don't tell me this picture doesn't just want to make you hug him.

his bunker collboration, with marriage bed was, as j.a. put it, "j'dorable."

go u.s.a

2008-09-11T10:39:00.003-04:00

such a weird morning. i woke up late, rushed to work half asleep. its beautiful outside today, feels like the consumate summer/fall straddler day. i ran into dunkin' donuts to get a coffee, and caught some of the 9/11 memorial on tv. I was struck by both how emotional my response was, as well as how i hadn't even remembered until then. sigh.

i clicked over to Charmingwall, and was delighted to find, not only really adorably brilliant prints for sale by burgeoning artists, but also, the most beautifully designed website. I'm not kidding, this website is crazy cool.

it makes me happy to look at such whimsical pieces. reminding me to be thankful that i'm in a position to do the things i love. and i daydream about anything I might want to do, and actually have it be potentially possible. go usa.

OMG

2008-09-09T18:14:00.007-04:00

job overload.
i hate it when my career starts interfering with my hobby. sheesh.

anywhozzle...
i'd thought i'd post something that makes my spirit rise. such is the job of a sample sale.
chi-chi overpriced nyc designer sample sales, yes? even better? a Modern Economy ONLINE Sample Sale.
mark your calendars!

below is from "life & limb" based in the ever so trendy portland. bringing to you some jazzy plants i would love to get my hands on.
rae dunn's beautifully simple pottery.
perch's super cute and ubiquitous "campy vases and even better, their super cute "plant orb"

Ahh. I feel balanced now. Chi restored.

SHUT UP

2008-09-08T14:53:00.006-04:00

My new feature, features interiors & other that i'm super ga-ga about. Once I set eyes on them, I gasp and oogle, and yea, I'm like... "shut up!!"

So what better than to start with my fav subject as of late, J.A?

This pic above is one of my favorite wall hanging vingnette's of all time. Without a doubt. This mixture of high and low, different print mediums, frames, etc that have a sense of humor, seriousness and effortless chic attitude. Unexpected pieces, and a sense that each and every one was specifically selected and loved by it's owner for a reason.

The rest just tugs at my palm beach chic/70's lo-fi heart strings. Like I'm visting Auntie Mame out at her summer home, spending the whole time making hodge podge cold pasta salads, using cocktail shakers and lounging in Lily Pulitzer.

This dining room below reminds me of my Grandmothers. I think it 's the wall color, white radiator, and formal table. The woman knew what she was doing.

Don't tell me you don't get a kick out of this. Maybe not the most practical, but definitely lovable.

You play me like a fiddle, jonathan.

J.A.'s love for upholstered X stools is one I've had since birth.

i'm itchin' for....

2008-09-08T13:33:00.004-04:00

of course. the salary-unattainable jonathan adler pottery. my lil ole salary can't handle his hefty price points, but i can't blame him. it's personal, beautiful, and i'm picking out my registry already.... who says a girl can't plan ahead?

I love Jonathan Adler. This is no surprise.
I would love to "blow my nest egg" on one of his bowls, only,
a. i have no nest egg
and b. am waiting on the j.a. fairy to slip some changes beneath my pillow, and she hath yet to arrive. She's like 5 years overdue.

Thus I will just have to keep lusting, lusting, lusting...

Sale A Ganza! 9/5

2008-09-05T12:35:00.002-04:00

I'm not even sure if Friday is the best day to even check out sale, but darn it, everyday is a deal hunting day in my book.

Not my best collage, but I couldn't resist sharing these pieces.

Clockwise from top:
1. Zgallerie Capri Table Lamp $149.99
2. Zgallerie Delano Outdoor Dining Chair $199.99
3. Restoration Hardware All-Weather Wicker Roll Back Coffee Table $149.99
4. CB2 Wire Accent Balls $3.95-$4.95
5. Zgallerie Out/Indoor Cane Rug $134.89
6. Wisteria Cooper's Draftsman Stool $149.00
7. Zgallerie Cork Hurricane's $5.89
8. CB2 Mod Pillow $7.95
9. Zgallerie Carafe Vase $19.95

Looks like I'm really eating my words on Zgallerie this week. What can I say. We must be open to change.

Things I Can't Have

2008-09-04T13:47:00.005-04:00

As of seeing TD2 last night, I jaunted over to Kelly Wearstler's sight and checked out her portfolio.

One thing I though interesting is that it's pretty clear she has A LOT of money for which to complete her projects. But one thing that never gets old, its the art of unexpected objects and pieces that create the most interest. Perhaps she's a little heavier with her accessorizing than I would like, but it's definitely a look.

Below is a shot from her from a restaurant in the Miami Tides Hotel. These tented leather chairs are featured all over the hotel. I love the chandeliers and the bowls? animal shell? collected on the wall.

This room is a model she decorated for downtown LA condos. Such a pretty vignette. Asian elements, diaphanous art, tight wall art configuration, and of course, a zebra skin rug.

This look is a little heavy for me, but still great inspiration...

This is one of the suites in the Tides Hotel. Those lamps are amazing. And the trellis room separators. I love mixing all these different values of white with a splash of orange and yellow.

This is crazy! In her whimsically decorated High Roller sweet in the Hard Rock Las Vegas. Walking in must feel like being on the set of Casino. There is tounge in cheek gold, glitter & gaudy everywhere. The best is this honey combed mirror personal bowling alley...

TD2: Top Design 2

2008-09-04T10:57:00.004-04:00

As I got home late night, after a part time job I've recently taken up, I was excited to find that the new episode of Project Runway, or as I affectionately refer to it as, "p-runs", was followed by the season premiere of Top Design 2.

I can't wait to see how things pan out. And I know I'll be loving it for the following reasons...

1. India Hicks. She. is. my. hero. Her books are amazing, her stlye is amazing, her very own Bahamas island, her gorgeous husband and kids are amazing.... I wonder if she hasn't had one to many chemical peels though.... but i digress.

2. Kelly Wearstler. Not only is she a world renowned amazing designer, she brings some FANTABOULOS ensembles to the table. I cannot wait to see this beret, fro/comb-out hair she is rocking in previews, in all it's glory. In short, she's the embodiment of fierce.

3. Inspiring designs on a dime. Not only is it inspiring to see what people will come up with in a short window of time, but it's best and better when they have limited funds. This is foremost important to me as I'm not rolling around in dough, and looking for inspiration for a shoestring budget.

4. Johnathan Adler. Not only is he such an respected entrepreneur, designer, and ambassador of color, he's like you best caddy girlfriend that ain't afraid to tell it like it is. Check out Johnathon's hi-LAR-i-ous blog that will follow each episode, play by play. He cherishes that Golden Girls reference always lightens the mood.

Color Pop

2008-09-03T14:32:00.004-04:00

It's still going on, the saga that is the wall behind my couch. jz's request is something of color......
Not that I would want to use any of these, per say, it was fun to see what was out there.... in my price range.

lucky you...

2008-09-03T13:24:00.003-04:00

i'm not often a subscriber of luck, given that i'm slightly clumsy, and often wondering just why I only have umbrellas on sunny days and am without during torrential downpours...

but I'm irish, I can't help it. And how could you resist these?

Curitosity Shoppe sells these, and provides us with the old tales of how hanging it open side up collects luck, and open side down spreads luck down upon those leaving.
And as per suggestion of design*sponge, I wandered over to hable construction, (it's right by my office, and I never knew, for shame) and took a look at the bevy of fabric covered horseshoes in their super cool shop.

And just for kicks, I did a search on ebay. If you can cut through the jewelery smog (type "rustic horseshoes") there was quite a bit to be found.

Good Luck!

Ebay Hunter: Milk Glass

2008-09-03T12:36:00.003-04:00

When I was a 17, I had a summer job that allowed me to go home during lunch. For which I had a 4 month long binge obsession with Martha Stewart Living. It was really bad, but I've recovered.

Anyhow, as much as Martha Martha-ed me out, I got to experience the joy of knowing things that would become strange obsessions. One of those would be milk glass. And although I'm not much of a cake maker, which rules out owning the abundance of milk glass cake stands around, I still like to peruse ebay for milk glass finds in green and blue.

Check out some of the thousands available:
I'm totes going to bid on this green owl. So I'm not telling you where to find it. If you're a resourceful ebayer, you'll know what to do.

This ring holder is pretty groovy.
These salt and pepper shakers how red is featured on milk glass. Mostly as an accent on white.
I love this blue handgun Westinhouse paperweight. How groovy is that.
And your classic white. Cool bowls/vases you could use as planters or to hold colorful accents.

Letterpress

2008-09-02T14:51:00.006-04:00

I trying to find something to hang behind my couch. Seems the longer I wait the harder the task.
I stumbled upon some cool letterpress on etsy, reaffirming my lifelong love of strong graphic type.

Here are just a few cool letterpress notecards and poster cards....

Red, White & Sale

2008-08-28T13:47:00.004-04:00

Ok, so this isn't exactly the Sale-a-Ganza feature, but I tried to combine some things here to celebrate my FREE attendance of the 2008 US OPEN tomorrow morning! I'm totally pumped. In honor of the Open, I'm sharing some great red, white and blue sale, and my picks of US Open Merch... some, Ralph Lauren comissioned & created. (Boy, he's been busy with the Olympics and the Open back to back).
How could you go wrong? The ball's in your court now! Ok, so I'm not so great with the tennis jokes...

Clockwise from the top:
1. US Open Youth Girls Zip Up $74.00
2. Thomas Paul Gothic Dessert Plate Set $23.10
3. US Open Ralph Lauren Tote $75 - $115
4. US Open Rubber Tennis Duckie - $8
5. Ikea Lack Side Table - $6.99 (in store only)
6. Pottery Barn Kids Cortland Track Lighting - $59.99 - $99.99
7. CB2 Graffiti Pillow - $19.95
8. Crate & Barrel Henley Pillow - $16.95
9. CB2 Bauhaus Table Lamp - $39.95

And if I may also leave you with an around-the-house helpful tennis ball trick. Save yourself the time and money of dry-cleaning your down filled blankets and coats... wash and then throw in the dryer with a canister's worth of tennis balls. Viola! Fluffed to high heaven!

DIYeah!

2008-08-27T13:38:00.005-04:00

Work has been a thorn in my side today.... so I didn't have much time wander over here.

One thing I HAVE resolved as of today, are setting my DIY projects into motion:

1. "HIS" & "HER" to hang over the double sinks in the b-room. I can't wait!
I'm thinking of using this "Marisco" type. Hopefully jz will like too.2. My patio furniture is looking pretty rag-tag as of late. It's a small cafe table, with worn pressed plywood and wire legs. I thinking something in the spirit of a nice turqiouse for the chairs & base of the table, and Mod Podging the top with a rattan print. I am super pumped at the prospect of this. And why wouldn't I be?

Btw, I have always loved the type on the mod podge label. And for some reason I have always referred to it as "modge podge" and will continue to do so.
3. Finally, my scariest one. DIY Upholster. I've never reupholstered before, so I'm slightly nervous about the whole thing. But I have heard, you should start with chairs. This one seems slightly complicated, having to replace springs. I bought it for $10 at a antique shop in Mississippi. It's crying out for help, and it's completely unusable, besides it's current job of collecting dirty laundry. So I'll just take a deep breath, have my patience on hand, and get out my staple gun. I will do swatch search tomorrow, but I'm thinking a nuetral tweed, or a super fun print. I know, opposite ends of the spectrum.

So that's it! I'm totally accountable, now that I've put it out there in the DIY universe.
Wish me luck!

Aloha

2008-08-26T22:09:00.004-04:00

I don't know what made me think of it, but somehow, this evening my mind tangented over to my childhood and then trips I took with the family, just the five of us.

When I was very young, 6 or 7, my family made our second trip to Disney World (i don't remember the first) and we checked into the ever so groovy, warm and inviting Polynesian Resort.

When I think back, I recall being incredibly shocked that such a place could be so beautiful and exotic. My already cultivated love of the beach grew 3 fold staying in this foreign and gorgeous environment. It sealed my quest to find myself in Hawaii later in life (still workin on it), and also spurred endless afternoons of playing "Blue Lagoon" and "Swiss Family Robinson" in my backyard well into 6th grade...

I perused around, and was happy to find my first faux look into to the South Seas was still doing well and updated, rocking that mod, seventies, lo-fi, groovy look (with updated electronics and a flat rate to boot - $350 a night!!!!).

Anyway, I think I'll muse on about that inspiration for the next few days. And start my Hawaii fund too. Aloha.

A Pear of a Time

2008-08-26T15:29:00.004-04:00

First, I'm la-la-loving "My Deco File" on Domino. I've saved a whole hoopla o' stuff so far.

Cruising around on Domino, I continued looking for inspiration in my quest for behind-the-couch art/vignette.

I love Marimekko, but I've never really thought it was much of my aesthetic. But I adore the traditional green pears transferred to white & brown prints. Anyone know where I can find them? God? Are you there? It's me, Margaret.
Also happened upon this cute find on Anthro. I love when they mix their trademark whimsical, organic and rustic items with pieces that have a more Mod sensibility, like this Calandria Chair . Of course this thing is $1500, so it will have to serve as inspiration for the time being.

Sham a Lama

2008-08-26T11:12:00.003-04:00

Good morning. A nice breezy, fall-esque day here in the West Village.

I'm totally diggin' these Euro Shams, and heck, the whole "Chocolate Plaza" bedding set from zgallerie.
$59.95 for the "Euro Pillow." I'm wondering if this means the whole Euro pillow and sham? It's not listed separately.

They also have the color palette in reverse, but I've always been a sucker for an all-white bed.

Zgallerie doesn't often do it for me, it sometimes feels like a more gaudy Bed, Bath and Beyond, but if you isolate each piece, there is great stuff hanging around. When they get it right, they get it right.

Sale A Ganza!

2008-08-25T14:05:00.003-04:00

My second time posting my long overdue sale-a-ganza.
Great finds out there, cheap cheap cheap!

Clockwise from right
1.CB2 Ashton Wall Mirror $79.95
2.CB2 Rex Chair $29.95
3.CB2 Rumba Vase $1.95
4.cb2 Set of 3 Shesham Mirrors $39.95
5.Crate & Barrel Market Bowl Set $18.95
6. Crate & Barrel Taiga Pillow $24.95
7.Crate & Barrel Gabriel Sconces $149.00

Exhibit A

2008-08-25T13:06:00.004-04:00

There's something so nice about having a few hours to oneself to use solely for the purpose of purging your email inbox. I feel like all balanced has been restored to office 406.

Now that my next work project doesn't start for another few days, I'm using this time to muse over what vignette I should arrange behind my couch. It's been a bleak, blank wall for the past 10 months, and my indecision cannot go on any longer.... Well, my shallow pockets ain't helping either.

I'm really feeling like some art exhibition posters may hit the spot. There's something I like about exhibition art, rock show posters, and prints in general. The mixture of type and graphic. I'm diggin the below, but I'm still feeling like I wanna get my hands on something with a 70's vibe....

Tauk to Me

2008-08-21T10:41:00.005-04:00

So, every summer since i was introduced to it, I try to get my butt down to Montauk. At least twice, if not prefereably 8-9 times. It's ultimately my dream to have a little surf shack of my own here.

I adore a beach feel so much in interiors, and although I respect the old and classic aesthtic, I love to see new and innovative ways of bringing the beach in.

My favorite girls at Tauk are always bringing me inspiration and ideas when i visit their self described "funky best friend vibe" shop. So I was elated to learn they have a website!!! and even their own design firm in BK. A look at their portfolio sent me reeling. Such a delightful morning treat!

All the classic items like rattan and light, worn wood pieces are present, but always tempered with a personal sensibility and shots of color, like a super hyper yellow in the kitchen and a union jack upholstered chaise! Shells, recycled oil paintings, palm beach patterns and surf photos repeat themselves in different places in the house. And what has to be my favortie, a palm tree landscape wallpaper, that I've been dreaming of getting for years, but was way too chicken to. YAY TAUK!

huff puff

2008-08-19T11:55:00.001-04:00

LOVE these drawings by Krisatomic.
My absolute fav. Nice to look at on a Tuesday morning.

I'm Back!!

2008-08-15T11:00:00.005-04:00

Argh! Work has been killing me! Early mornings and late working nights, few blog posts make.

Anyhow. I finally got a subscription to ReadyMade Mag. That is my reward to myself for all my hard work these past 2 weeks. I may have a jaunt over to forever21, but don't tell.

Anyhow, I'm mulling over what kind of Thank You notes to give the fine folks who donated to my Half Marathon run for Autism. I'm thinking of making something myself, but not exactly sure yet. In my quest I've been searching on buyolympia.com

I think I may go the route of collaging something like this great notecard by Little Who. Heartwarming but hip.

Also came across this cut little card by Little Otsu - who makes great, tounge in cheek books and cards from recycled and alternative materials. "Green Girl". Love it!

Also stumbled along this amazing 70's art by Dream of Stars. Ridiculously awesome prints. My only issue I take with this is that I would love this as a print, but she sells them on raglan tee's. Sigh.
I'll let you know where I end up!

Sale-a-ganza!

2008-07-25T14:07:00.003-04:00

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Yay! I put together my first collage courtesy of Polyvore. My new most favorite thing in the world. So easy.

Anyhow, I'm not entirely thrilled with the layout, but hey, its my first go round. I'm sure I'll get better.

That being said, I dedicated this collage to so awesome 7.25.08 sales!!! Pier One, far and away one this go round. Super chip and super cheap deals. Head over or peruse online, because they'll probs be swiped by the time the weekend is over.

I love these $4.99 timers shaped like cupcakes from Urbanoutfitters.com.

Click on the item to link to where its from.

mike & chris

2008-07-25T12:43:00.002-04:00

heart it.

I HEART PATTERN

2008-07-25T11:54:00.005-04:00

I love love love design*sponge. I've been following a contest wherein readers submit use of pattern in their homes, other readers vote on best use, and they win gorg Lena Corwin pillow. Of course this is all in honor of the release of Lena's new book, "Printing by Hand", a ridiculously inspiring and creative book on her printing ideas. She's super amazing.

Anyhow, what I'm really trying to get at is this amazing use of pattern on one of design*sponge reader submissions. This floor is crazy awesome. I can't wait till I get my farmhouse and sand it down to paint this on. Needless to say, vote for Katherine's awesome farmhouse floor or any of the other oodles of amazing submissions.

Also, I'll leave you with one of Lena's hand printed patterns. Such a beautiful way to spruce up an old and tired dresser for a kid's room. I also love the little wood carved birds on the floor that I've seen at the MOMA store but can't find on their website. Which maybe means the universe is telling me I shouldn't walk over to the soho store to buy them, and if I did, I would hope when I got there, the universe would protect me from buying them by way of them being sold out.

***After reading this post before I published it, I edited it and noticed my superfluous use of words like "awesome" "crazy""amazing""super". I apologize I was excited, and next time I'll use my thesaurus.

amuse bouche beach

2008-07-24T13:52:00.003-04:00

My obsession will all things beach interiors is getting a little campy and literal. I went to the beach all last week and came back with a bitchin' tan, 2 shell study canvases, and a rafia tassel with a spotted cowrie shell attached. Now that I look at the Shell studies sitting on the floor of my apartment, I kinda wanna groan. Apparantly, a week in Sea Girt, NJ , staring at trillion dollar homes that somehow manage to still look quaint, gave me the idea I was getting my very own beach cottage soon. What? The Beach Cottage Fairy tokd me so.

We'll see. I'll post those studies I got for a steal and you can let me know what you think.

Thumbing through the July/August Metropolitan Home, I was set straight by this awesome editorial on a Jersey Shore home by Designer Carl D’Aquino and architect Francine Monaco for a young and groovy Manhattan family. It's beach without the obvious odds and ends floating around - coral, natical prints, etc. And now it's my current inspiration for my beach cottage. Just let me dream, ok?

Shots of blue everywhere and organic materials give it that exact fresh off the beach feel. Low maintenance and style all in one.

But my favorite so far has to be this chandelier fixture. The Designer combines three Chisolm Hall fixtures from the Urban Electric Company of Charleston into a single piece remeniscient of a box kite. I shivered with delight when I saw it. Even better, the topmost cube lines up with the mullions of the stairwell windows.

Sigh.... One day. One day.

Truckin'

2008-07-23T14:05:00.005-04:00

Or to be more specific... runnin'. Running for Autism.
My adorably gorgeous and brilliant nephew, Jackson, has been diagnosed with Autism - the second most common developmental disorder in the US. Research is absolutely crucial.

Jackson needs us. That's why I'm shapin' up and shippin' out. I've got my kicks and I've got my iPod and I'm trekking out to the lush landscape of Central Park this Sunday, at 6am, for the 2008 NYC Half Marathon, courtesy of OAR: Organization for Autism Research.

Myself and 63 other good people have raised over 50K to support our cause to fund studies regarding research. We're also all jumping in to do that Half Marathon trot... incidentally, a cool 13.1 miles.

I'll let you know how I do, and get back to you on how amazing it should be, shin splints and all.

Can't let Jack Jack down.

http://www.firstgiving.com/hurleymaura

Things I Can't Have

2008-07-23T12:47:00.005-04:00

I am entusiastically (with undertones of what might be detected as an ever so slight tinge of bitterness) starting a blog portion, "Things I Can't Have" ....due to the misfortune that is my salary. That's okay though. Don't get it twisted, this is a glass half full thing for me. Now I get to pull together all the things I ever wanted in one place. Yay. I should have named this "Things I Can't Have... for Now." There, that's much more optimistic. Damn salary.

Until all my salary woes are solved this will do, just fine.

Chloe Sevigny's Hallway

Love it. Wallpaper has never been so exciting. The double sconce. And the Muse bag hanging of the closet door don't hurt either. Can't think of anything nicer to look at.

Thus began my quest with finding some affordable trellice fabric, for which to reupholster this darn Louis chair I picked up at an antique store. I can't afford to get it reupholstered (my quotes were $780, $745, $650 & $1500...um gah!) I'm trying to work up the gall to DIY.... a whole 'nother animal, whole 'nother post.

Now for something I can have, but am wondering if this is becoming all together too played out? But then again, you'll only be happy with "you" on your walls.... That being said, I think I'll test drive my "For Like Ever" print, and see how it goes. I've long admired the Village Type Co-op. I love the typography and the graphic design is amazing. It reminds me of a Type Hot Air Balloon rising above the pixelated clouds.

If it becomes as ubiquitous as Faux Vintage Urban Outfitter Tees, I'll chuck it in the next incinerator I happen to pass.

Miss Magnolia Rose

2008-07-23T11:34:00.003-04:00

So I couldn't just let my one little post sit all alone on its first day.

Instead, I came prepared. (I know, teachers pet.)

Well, call me what you will, but everyday, on my way to the daily grind, I'm more than priveledged to walk by Magnolia Flowers in the West Village, Hudson Street.

The quaintest and cutest place in a 6 block stretch, but don't let them fool you. This place is a machine for events and weddings all over the city.

I personally, have a great appreciate of the more domestic, layperson foliage they set out every morning by 9:30. Delicate ferns and moss, and sun appropriate perennials. Thank you, Magnolia Flowers, for not reminding me that I won't be picking out wedding arrangements anytime soon. Instead you offer me basil and parsley and something purty to look at that won't cost me my first born.

Yay.

Where to start

2008-07-23T11:11:00.005-04:00

So. I've had this itch to scratch for a while now. Do your own blog. Do you own blog....
Only there's been this one hurtle I've been avoiding. The ever so awkward first post.
Well my mind is bubbling over and I decided to just bite the bullet and take a great big chomp.
Yes, I realize the world is not short of bloggers, but I've decided that a semi-unplanned awkward introduction can't stop me from joining the ranks.

I LOVE these chunky resin earrings by Villa-Design: distinctive glass beads and jewelery.
They're by Mary and aptly named the "Infinity Earrings". Who doesn't love african inspiried, huge, chunky, and lightweight earrings to accompany them on their way to a summer cocktail?
Not me, I say.

So anyway, I thought this would be a great place to start, with circles, which I adore. No beginning, no end, and really bitchin' when they're super chic and hanging from your earlobes.

Hello Blogger World!