Bringing Outdoor Fabrics In

Many people don't realize that outdoor fabrics are so great for the indoors. They are the only material, including leather, that doesn't fade in sunlight and can be washed or cleaned easily. Many companies, like Perennials, have hundreds of gorgeous fabrics, including velvets and animal prints, that are so soft and cozy you would never know they were outdoor fabrics. My next apartment is going to include at least three of these from Perennials - so gorgeous!
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Gap Ad

My niece Lily is trying out for a GAP ad - isn't she gorgemous? Love you Lilybug!
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Cheap Chic

So excited for this latest find! Urvi is in India and she is making the most gorgeous beaded pillow covers and selling them in her Etsy shop, The Home Centric. Including this mirrored one that I just scored for under $30 bucks! It is an exact replica of the John Robshaw one that costs $330 buckaroos so I am a very happy camper right now. If you are in the market for some absolutely beautiful and well-made pillow covers, then head over to her Etsy shop here. She has over 700 styles to choose from! Happy Shopping...
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Sparkly Baubles

I love rings! Aren't these just the most gorgeous you have ever seen?? If anyone wants to know how to win my heart, just present me with this gray diamond ring from Satomi Kawakita or a stunning quartz ring by Billy Bride. Thanks to an amazing blogger, This is Glamorous, for turning me on to these gems... pun intended!
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Modern Style from Anthropologie

I usually don't shop Anthropologie for home stuff, mostly because I can get it all for cheaper through my own store, but also because it is too bright and funky for me. I am moving into a very pale, modern vibe. These items from Anthro will fit right in to my next look...
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Maddie is on the way!

Elizabeth went into labor today so Maddie is on her way to us! I hope she is healthy, happy, and a good sleeper! I know that she is going to change Elizabeth and Matt's lives for the better and they are all going to be an amazing family. Good thing we got the nursery done in advance, as she was not due for another week or so!
Can't wait to meet her!
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I Heart Eddie Bauer

Got the latest Eddie Bauer catalog in the mail yesterday and was on the verge of throwing it out like I always do, when I decided to browse through it. I was amazed! You know how everyone is doing the faux fur vest this year but they all look like cheap teddy bears cut up and pasted into a vest? Well, Eddie Bauer has the best one I have seen, with no teddy bears harmed, and for only $99! Also, the pendleton blankets are amazing (especially this native american inspired one). Who doesn't look sexy in duck boots? They remind me of taking horseback riding lessons as a kid. All the cool girls wore duck boots in the barn instead of riding boots. So versatile!
- Bonus EB item - this fabulous flashlight that will attach to anything - the wrap around legs are magnetic. Anyone could use one in their stocking this Christmas!
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MoMa Holiday Gifts

I don't know about the rest of you, but I am already starting to think about Christmas presents. Gifts to give, and gifts to ask for! I am going to do several blogs leading up to the holidays with great gift suggestions for everyone in your family. Of course with an eye to the recession, all of these gifts are under $200. Many on today's list are under $50! My absolute go-to shopping spot is MoMa Museum. The store at MoMa has something for everyone on your list. Because it is a museum, you know the quality and design element is going to be amazing, the prices are shockingly affordable, and the gifts are always unique. Many people (like my mother) keep a gift closet of wonderful treasures so they will always have a gift on hand if they need one. MoMa is great for that because most things are unisex and good for a wide range of ages. Put a few of these in your gift closet and you will always have a wonderful present on hand. The 3D Home Builder (above) is my fave as a designer. You have everything you need in this kit to build your dream home! How creative is that?

These watches are inspired by the shapes on soccer balls. Wouldn't this be a great gift for that soccer loving teen or modern design lover in your life?



This constructible straw is just one of the dozens of funky games and toys MoMa has for kids. How about five or six of these "brain teaser" toys as stocking stuffers? So much fun!

Here is one of my favorites from Japanese "no brand" brand Muji. These speakers go with you wherever you go and attach to your ipod. I love these for all the time, not just for trips!


My family plays Dirty Santa every year, and the gift usually has a value of $20-$30 dollars. I think the speakers above and this great set of screwdrivers would make an amazing gift for Dirty Santa. Once again, these are from Muji, so the packaging is beautiful in it's simplicity. There are 10 heads in the set - so convenient anywhere in the house!

I have always loved these rubber baskets - and you can wash them in the dishwasher! They are soft rubber that looks like crochet; what a cool idea. I like the white best, and can see one on a stack of magazines - a beautiful way to wrangle the remote controls!


Here is a great way to support your loved one who is a "closet" decorator! This pendant light folds flat and opens like the pages of a book. It is super inexpensive and adds a great modern touch to any space. I would love this over a casual dining space or in a teen's room.

Here is a great idea for a techie during Hannukah. A menorah made out of a motherboard and led lights! So funny and functional!


A great framed print by a famous artist is an amazing gift for anyone. This bright Ellsworth Kelly poster would really look great in any home, and makes you look like an art aficionado - double gift!


Aren't these blocks gorgeous? They are based on the Girard font, by famous designer Alexander Girard (you may be familiar with the red Love poster). This is a great way to get toddlers to start appreciating beautiful art at a young age!


Lest you think all the gifts from MoMa are going to be art and design related, just look at these amazing earrings by Alexis Bittar. Yes, MoMa has jewelry, too!


Here is a great piece that will impress anyone - even that mother-in-law who isn't too sure about you yet... A gorgeous ombre cashmere scarf is one of the most beautiful gifts from MoMa, and sure to please anyone.
Head on over to MoMa's website and check it out! I bet you find lots of goodies for your loved ones. Happy Holiday Shopping!
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New Lonny

I know everyone in blogland posts about the new online magazines when they come out, but with all of our shelter mags being shut down, what more are we to do? Here are my fave images from the recent Lonny. It's the best issue yet, I think!
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Found It! Sideways Cross Necklace

I have loved this gold sideways cross necklace since Taylor wore it in the first two seasons of The Rachel Zoe Project. More recently, Kelly Ripa and other stars have been spotted with it. I believe they have the $900 one, but Etsy is loaded with gold filled and pure gold ones for a lot less. Luluka has the gold fill one for $39, and Classic Designs has the solid gold one for $140. I know what I will be asking for this Christmas!
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Sweet and Sour Nursery

I am so glad that some of you were able to see the nursery and love it as much as we do! I am waiting to hear back from a magazine regarding publication so I cannot have the photos posted here but I will post them as soon as I know something! Talk soon!
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Ceiling Stripes!

Well I am back from San Diego and the nursery looks great! I wanted to post on stripes because it has been a very popular nursery theme lately and looks amazing on walls and ceilings. It is actually quite simple to do stripes, if you don't have any unusual circumstances or texture on the surface, as we did. A couple of tips: DO NOT use a super strong painter's tape, such as Lock Tite. It will pull up your original paint, especially if there is lots of humidity in the area. Also, do not skip the step where you paint over the entire taped off area with your original color. This seals the sides of the tape and prevents bleeding for a super perfect line.

So, mark and draw off your lines. A chalk string is so perfect for this and will save you loads of time. You have to have two people for this - see my fabulous co-worker Rebecca in these shots...Then tape off all your stripes and the surrounding walls to protect them. Then paint over the entire area with the original wall color that is underneath.

Then paint your stripes! If the undercolor is white you may only need one coat, but if you do two, make sure you let the first coat dry well first.

Your stripes are done! Let them dry a bit before pulling off the tape and remember that the tape has wet paint on it! Don't just let it fall on your floor - drop it onto the plastic protective sheeting.

Finished stripes look perfect! I will have a new post with pics of the nursery, including the ceiling, which looks like a beach cabana to me and makes us so happy! I have been obsessed with stripes for over a year now but I think my stripe days are behind me. It's a lot of work but so worth it in the end!
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Sweet and Sour Nursery - 3 days away!

I'm off to San Diego today to paint, hammer, and decorate the heck out of a nursery! We have been planning and scheming for 8 months so even though there is a lot of work ahead, it is very exciting. I can't wait to share this modern, cozy nursery with you. I hope Maddy Hensley loves it just as much as we do! Check in next week for the pics...
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