Green Fiend

I am really having a green moment - grass, kelley, mint, emerald - I love them all right now. I guess those malachite tables a couple of days ago really got to me! Saw this last apartment over at Bazaar of Serendipity and can't get it off my mind... I think emerald green will be the accent color in my next space, and I wouldn't be surprised if green is the color for 2011!
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Bachelor Pad Begins...

So my brother needs some design help - a bachelor pad is in order! He likes super duper modern and sleek, like this Corbusier-inspired chair. He has a black leather sofa already and a wood trunk from my mother. I do not like 100% of any style, and I really don't like it when someone designs a room that completely fights with the architecture (like medieval castle furniture in a small ranch house)... Since he is a renter and there is no architecture to speak of, and lower ceilings, etc.. I think he should focus on modern classics and masculine vintage pieces that he can take with him wherever he moves. Another important thing for a man is art that speaks to his hobbies and represents who he is. My brother belongs to the shooting range and loves to hunt, so I think this police silhouette target would be a cool piece of art framed. I am loving this Nate Berkus designed apartment for inspiration.
Can't wait to get started on this project!
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Craft Fairs

Well, I am off this weekend to the Handworks Craft Show in Jackson, Mississippi. Many of the artists there belong to a craftsmen's guild or are mothers who are creating art out of their home so that they can stay home with their children. I think craft shows and fairs are a great way to find unique pieces for your home or for gifts. The craftsmen's guild in your state has artists from all over the country as members. Just look at these pieces from the Mississippi Craftsmen's Guild! Blown glass (Roger Styers), collectible Choctaw Indian baskets, jewelry, pottery, clothes, sculptures - they have everything!
Craftsmen's Guilds are a great way to find a woodworker or builder to do custom pieces for your home, as well. This x-base desk was done for designer Laurie Smith by Bryan Smyda. It is all hand-crafted and I have been drooling over it for seven years!
Take the chance next time there is a craft fair in your town or look up your local Craftsmen's Guild. You will be glad you did!
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Malachite Schmalachite

I usually cannot stand malachite. I think it looks cheap and even when it is real I think it looks fake. That being said, I love these two tables with a passion. Gorgeous!
Have you ever thought you disliked something only to fall in love with it when it is used in a certain way?
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Nursery Revealed

I am so excited that Erin at House of Turquoise blogged on the nursery in San Diego. Here are the complete pictures - it was so overcast that I could not get a lot of light in there but it is still cozy and we are so proud of it. Little Madeleine Elizabeth Hensley loves it, too!
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Thank You

I want to give a huge Thank You to Erin at House of Turquoise for blogging about the San Diego nursery, and Rebecca at Rebecca June for blogging about my apartment. Sometimes it is so hard to continue blogging. I started this blog for myself and my family, but you certainly go through times where you feel like no one is looking at it and the entire thing is pointless. These two women responded to my questions and supported me from the beginning. They have amazing, interesting, creative blogs and lives and I am so thankful to have met them!
So thanks again, and thank you to YOU for stopping by occasionally. It means a lot to me.
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Holiday Slim Down

I know most people make New Year's resolutions at the beginning of the year, but I didn't accomplish mine this year so I am having to catch up now. I am determined to lose 20 lbs by the end of the year! I never had to work hard to stay in shape in my 20's and now I am finding that it is all hitting me very hard. I hate "exercise" more than anything. The act of intentionally going out to sweat can be very depressing and hard to get motivated for. If you can find something you love though, like playing a sport or being outside in a beautiful place (like our Audubon Park), it makes it a little easier.
If you have to stay indoors the best video I have ever done is the Tracy Anderson Method workout. The cardio dvd is terrible, so don't waste your time. The sculpting dvd is amazing and you will see results very quickly if you do it 4-5 times a week.
When I do cardio I do it in these sweat shorts from Pacillo. They are super huge and embarrassing, so get the extra small or small size. You won't care how embarrassing they are when you pull them off and are soaked in sweat!
I have found that I can sit on the bike for an hour without even noticing the time if I take my Kindle and read. I love the Kindle so much, and the new ones are so inexpensive!
My fave music for working out are songs by women with a driving beat and a powerful message, that make me feel strong and sexy. Good ones to try are "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry, "On Top of the World" by the Pussycat Dolls, and "Only Girl in the World" by Rihanna.
Happy Exercising!
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Before and After - Art Stays the Same

I believe this living room belongs to one of the amazing designers at M. Design in Los Angeles. This wall decal was so amazing that she is able to change her entire color story as she wishes. I like the coral best - which do you prefer?
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Waylande Gregory on Gilt

I have always been a collector of beautiful accessories, especially glass (Murano lamps and ashtrays to Swedish Holmegaard vases), anything in shagreen, and I really love the ceramics of Waylande Gregory. Mr. Gregory was an iconic sculptor whose revolutionary techniques defined ceramics of the 20th century. He passed away in 1971, but his estate is now re-issuing his beautiful work, and it can be found at Barneys, 1stDibs, Vivre, and Elements in Chicago (to name a few). I am a member of Gilt Group and they had a selection of his pieces for half off this past week! I can't wait to get them in the mail!
Do you collect anything?
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Tiny Apartment Finally Done!

Well, I started this blog with a tiny, empty apartment back in February and it is finally done. I think this just goes to show that even a really small space takes months to do right, even with a designer focusing 100%. This culture is so accustomed to the HGTV one weekend design idea, and don't realize that the final reveal show takes months of planning and purchasing and the only things done in one weekend are the last touches (with a full crew!)...
Every project I do has a completely different feel and I love that. I have already moved on to my next style and can't wait to move again! hahaha
But for now this is my fave project on my website. Talk soon!
E