Thoughts....

A Place to Sit

What a fun area! I imagine curling up and reading a book, visting with a good friend or watching a thunder storm in this spot. I love the yellow and gray colors too.

Bright Entry

I love how simple this entry is; from the pocka dot wallpaper to the symmetrical mirrors on the wall to the funky tree coat hanger to the great accessories on the simple side table.

Summer Lovin'

I know this post is all about food but there are just somethings that are making my summer yummier! One of the most enjoyable treats ever are FRESH PEAS! Thanks grandma for letting raid your garden; you made my whole week. How can you not love popsicles? They are just so refreshing and cool on these hot summer nights
I'm not a huge fun of marshmallows but when it involves a campfire and a roasting stick I love toasted marshmallows!
My new favorite is sushi, I'm just wondering why I haven't discovered this sooner.
And a delicious grapefruit always makes me smile. What are some of your favorite summer treats?

Aqua Obsession

I'm painting my basement family room this color and it's pretty much amazing and bright and everything nice! I will post pictures of my family room once it's all done (which could be awhile with how projects are getting done around here lately!) But I love the aqua combined with white and dark woods. Blues in any shade help to open up a space and make a room feel larger. Accenting aqua with whites creates a fresh, crisp, light feel. And I believe whenever you had plants and greenery the space feels alive and airy!

Romantic Cottage

I love the comfortable atmosphere these rooms invoke. I love these fabrics.

Yellow is always a great choice to liven and brighten any space.

Chandeliers add a touch of class and charm.

The 2 toned walls in this space add a fun twist and play on color. Comfort is my #1 factor in design!

What We Are Meant To Become

A story is told of a caterpillar named Yellow who was trying to discover what she should do with her life. In her wanderings she came upon another caterpillar caught in some gauzy filament. Concerned, she asked if she could help. The other caterpillar explained that the filament was all apart of becoming a butterfly. When Yellow heard the word Butterfly, her whole insides leaped. "But what is a butterfly?" she asked. The cocooned caterpillar explained, "it’s what you are meant to become." Yellow was so intrigued but a bit defiant. "How can I believe there's a butterfly inside you or me when all I see is a fuzzy worm?" after further reflection she pensively asked, "How does one become a butterfly" and the answer? "You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar."

-Trina Paulus, Hope for the flowers

(found on this blog friend's website)

Yummy

I recently found an amazing textile designer, Jane Churchill. She has a very romantic, fresh style. I love the mix of shiny and dull in this stylized leaf pattern fabric.
She also designs wallpaper. This room has such a fun feminine atmosphere.

This seems inspired by a classic pattern but has a new modern twist.

I love the whimsy and playfulness of this wallpaper and sofa.

This Could Be Me

I'm just going to pretend that I look this classy when I'm out with my dogs. If only I had a chauffeur.... I'll work on that part.

Going Somewhere?

I think this dresser is great!

Reflection

At the center of your being you have the answers; you know who you are and you know what you want.

-Lao Tzu

Put a Little Funky in your Laundry Room

I love laundry rooms. I feel like this is a place where you can be as bright and funky as you want to be. Do you remember my laundry room? I love the open shelves and the blue subway tiles.

Things I Like About Today

1. I'm looking really tan!
2. I had a really yummy lunch, chicken enchiladas and spanish rice
3. I have discovered I like casual summery skirts, they make me feel pretty
4. Chocolate chip cookies are one of my favorite endulgences- the really soft gooey ones, YUM
5. Life feels balanced- at least for today (everyone knows that can change on a daily or sometimes hourly basis)
6. I'm helping a friend choose paint colors for her house tonight
7. I went to the dentist and I had no cavities
8. I got really excited about peach season, I think I'm going to can a bushel or two for myself this year!
9. I'm in an overall good mood
10. The weather outside is great, I need to be outside more!

Blue for Energy?

Just looking at this picture wakes me up! I imagine being in this room would give you lots of energy. The combination of neutrals with such a bright, vivid color definitely adds drama and excitement.

First Things First

Life is short. Eat dessert first!

-Jacques TorresI want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert.

-Jason Love

There is nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with chocolate.

-Linda Grayson Put "eating chocolate" at the top of your things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing will get done.

-Unknown

Limey and Light

I love the white and lime green! It feels so fresh and springy and relaxing.I bet the view out the window is amazing too.

Movement

It takes a lot of courage to

release the familiar and seemingly

secure, to embrace the new.

But there is no security in

what is no longer meaningful.

There is more security in the

adventurous and exciting,

for in movement there is life

and in change there is power.

- Alan Cohen

(I found this on my blog friend Heidi's blog)

Really Pennies?

Okay so these aren't "real" pennies but they are called pennies tiles. They are small ceramic tiles glued to a larger mesh backing and installed on walls, floor, tubs and pretty much any surface you want them on.They come in all colors.... iridescent reds

Finishes... metallic

Sizes.... these are 3" Smaller 1" tiles
Floors and wallsBacksplashes, I love that these are clear

Lime green and grays are great.

Kitchens- I love black and white with red accents!

Dining Al Fresco

Doesn't this picture make you want to have a party?

I'm headed off to a family reunion for the rest of the week; I think the scenery will look somewhat like this place, minus the floral fabric canopy! But lots of family, some fishing, games and lots of good ol' chatting. I'm so excited!

Finding Peace in Simplicity

I think this room is really great; its so simple but has such a sophisticated atmosphere. I love all the shades of gray. The furniture has beautiful upholstery and looks super comfortable. I think the black cabinets are super sleek and striking. The stainless steel appliances and barstool frames keep with this achromatic color scheme. The zebra print ottoman adds the punch of drama to the room while the vases with greenery give the room some natural color. And I love how the coffered ceiling is highlighted with the white trim.

The solid color pillows add to the refined feeling of the room and the black and white print with its wide white frames is a nice final touch.

I Really am a Hopeless Romantic... sigh

I do believe in love. I believe in the turn my world upside down,

sweep me off my feet,

and the can't eat, can't sleep kind of love!

And one day I will experience it for keeps; the kind that stories are made of,

I'll find the one person I want to grow old with,

the one person that no matter what we are doing it's great because we are together,

and it will be my fairytale!

Someday.....