10.30.2009

art to check out

Happy friday!

I fell in love last weekend. Don't worry, Chris isn't jealous. The latest object of my affection? Local Portland artist Brenda Rose's work.

Unknowingly, I've been drooling over her doily clocks for months.

Because, really, how cute are these?

It turns out, she also does amazing multi-media art as well, combining *things like plastic with wood, and vinyl with aged book pages. Into this mix I add a little playfulness between 2D and 3D, all the while trying to keep it simple and clean (and as eco-friendly as possible).* From her website.

This is the piece that got me. The bridge is the St. John's Bridge, which my neighborhood's icon, and is just awe-inspiring.


I love multimedia anyway, but the faded book pages + the bridge just got me. I also love how much depth she creates by blurring the line between 2-D and 3-D.

Here are more examples of her work:








You can see all her work here: brendarose.com

10.29.2009

*this is where we live*


This Is Where We Live from 4th Estate on Vimeo.
I couldn't not share this video with you all. Sweet, magical and completely inspiring.
Enjoy!


*video discovered on Kate Spade's facebook page.*

10.26.2009

inspired: sunny



This door makes me very happy as I sit at work staring at the sheets of rain coming down outside my window. Fall in Oregon. Sigh.

*pics via Simply Seleta's ever-inspiring blog.*

10.25.2009

lazy sunday and an update

We went to pick out a Christmas tree this morning. That's right, it's October 25. And, to further confuse the seasons, yesterday I visited a much more seasonally appropriate pumpkin patch. But, we can rest soundly knowing exactly what our Christmas tree will look like when we pick it up on December 12. It's family tradition. In fact, I could devote an entire post to my family's crazy (albeit awesome) traditions. Have I mentioned that Chris is a saint?


*Hi. I'm from Oregon and I hug trees. In the rain.*
So stereotypical.

My computer is back from the computer doctor's office. To celebrate my practically brand-new computer, I'm giving you all a long-over due update.

The garage.

If you remember, our garage was a structure sorely in need of a little lovin'. While the rest of the exterior had been cleaned, painted and spruced up over the last couple of years, the garage was lop-sided, dry-rotted and looking beyond repair. See here.

So while I set about transforming our entry way, touring beautiful homes for inspiration and cleaning up our pantry, Chris set about reconstructing our dilapidated structure.

Three months, lots of sweat and a complete overhaul later, we have a beautiful garage:




You can see from the pics that there is a still a tiny bit of work to finish. But the rain came early here in Oregon and we haven't had a dry day, when we were actually home, to paint. So, it's done for now. The best part is that the inside it done. Which means, I have my backyard and my back porch back. Hurrah!

The most amazing part of this project, in my opinion? My hubby has amazingly talented friends and family and we didn't pay a dime to contractors. This means, all the demo, framing, roofing, siding, electrical and painting were done for free. And, Chris took all the siding off the building before demo and then reattached is before we painted. This ensured a seamless look between the house and garage, while also sparing our pocketbook and our local landfill. We could not be happier with the result.

10.22.2009

mourning . . .

My computer's hard drive died this week. In it's unexpected death, it took with it so many pictures that I was planning on sharing with you. I'm a little frustrated. Mostly at myself for not backing things up better. And while it's in the shop, I can't upload all the new photos I want to share with you: the garage! artwork in the living room! my amazing garage sale finds!

Until things are back in working order at my house, I'm going share with you some of my top picks from my absolute favorite store. Anthropologie. Swoon. You all can consider this inspiration. Chris can consider this the beginning of my Christmas list. :)


I had a set of pencils exactly like this growing up. I loved them. But I was never sure what to do with them. Now, I would put them in a cute vase wrapped in twine or bright ribbon.


The candle putter-outer (that is the technical term.) is perfect. And functional. Because clearly, bending over and blowing is not as beautiful.


Um, yes please.

Okay, this little guy could.not.be.cuter. He inspired this post. I think I want him at home and at work. He makes me giggle and swoon at the same time. Not an easy feat my friends. Unless you're my husband.


Love the shiny beads paired with the oh-so-orange ribbon.


Love this journal. So perfect for writing down all my blog ideas. And, unable to die. Something I cannot say for my hard drive.


I leave you with the best.smelling.candle. Have you guys smelled this candle? Specifically the volcano flavor. This is a scent I cannot get over and constantly have burning in my house.

10.15.2009

loving

Just a few things I've ran across lately that I can't get out of my head!


Really like the structural look of not having fabric on the lampshade. They also are a great excuse to show off retro light bulbs. Plus, I really like the curves of this particular light.


A look Chris and I agree on! We've been talking about covering one of our tables with steel or copper for months. Looks great in this picture.


I have nothing to say about this bedding, but *yes please*! Oh and major inspiration for curtains.


I love the treatment of vintage utensils here. I have a lot of vintage kitchen utensils from my grandmother that would look amazing framed in shadow boxes.


*photos via Anthropologie, and I THINK Apartment Therapy*

10.14.2009

note to self

These cafe curtains are fabulous and would look great in the nook.


And the burlap chair covers are adorable.



*photo courtesy of the ever-inspiring Knack*

10.07.2009

inspired

I love, love, love this room. The rug absolutely makes it. I saw this awhile back and swooned. When I found it again, randomly, this week I knew I had to save it.


I lust after this cabinet filled with bright fabrics. Someday my sewing room will be organized this beautifully.


*pics via apartment therapy*

10.05.2009

one year ago . . .



. . . I made a vow to marry my best friend. A vow launched me into the craziest adventure of my lifetime. Best.decision.ever.