{ friday finds... }

Adorn yourself with these new additions from LuxeDeluxe...

handcrafted loveliness indeed!

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Going cuckoo (sorry I couldn't resist) over 

these a*dor*a*ble clocks from DecoyLab

As we wrap up this week I just want to say thank you to all of the new friends who stopped by to say hello this week and to all of you loyal readers, who keep coming back...it thrills me to see and read your comments...have a wonderful weekend!

{ a hunting we will go... }

This weekend marks the Oakland Museum of CA's annual White Elephant Sale–the Bay Area's biggest (96,000 square feet of treasures) and best rummage sale, sponsored by the Oakland Museum Woman's Board. It will be a fun girls outing with my mom and my daughter (who has fortunately acquired a taste for the 'thrill of the hunt' in her quest to add to her collection of vintage Peter Pan books. Little one now has over 35 books in her collection. Train 'em when their young I tell ya! It's my first time going, so I'll be sure to come back with a full report (and hopefully some goodies to share).

photo courtesy of flickr fave: punk rawk purl

If you're within driving distance to the Bay Area, it might be worth your while to plan a last minute road trip and also take advantage of Sunday's Alameda Point Antique and Collectibles Faire as well. It promises to be one of those gloriously sunny Bay Area weekends, so you really can't go wrong. 

Whatever your weekend plans, may you have a happy one!

{ buzzworthy shop: cox & cox }

Cox & Cox is another exciting and new find (to me) from the UK. This mail order catalog and online shop was started in 2001 by two friends whose backgrounds included catalog design, styling, film and photography. Their developed talents are evident in Cox & Cox's gorgeous photography, engaging product copy, and carefully edited product selection. 

The creative duo borrowed inspiration from their childhoods to find and offer products that have a nostalgic and retro feel with a contemporary twist, creating timeless offerings.

The inspired gift giving ideas are both unique and thoughtful.

In addition to home and garden accents, the catalog features some great ideas for entertaining including unique favors that are perfect for weddings and special celebrations.

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The 'Children's Corner' and 'Craft Diva' are filled with fun and special gifts as well as decorating ideas.

I love this photo, which features the butterfly wall stickers available on the site. But how 'bout those chairs and that pillow...inspiration for some DIY projects!

You can request a catalog here and international shipping is available. I love discovering fresh, new resources and had so much fun browsing Cox & Cox–I hope you do as well.

{ all images courtesy of Cox & Cox }

{ design for mankind ezine ~ issue II }

Hot off the press...Today, Erin of Design for Mankind, released the second issue of her new–wildly popular monthly ezine ~ Inspiration { issue II }. The best part is you can download a free copy here for a behind the scenes glimpse at what truly inspires artists, bloggers and designers–including some of my faves...Cindy and Scott Krikawa of Quaint Handmade, Jeanine Hayes @ Aphrochic, and some wonderful new finds.

Tip: If you haven't already, visit Erin's blog, Design for Mankind, and check out her equally addictive Dailies feature. 

{ tempting me tuesday: baileys home & garden }

I recently discovered UK based, Baileys Home & Garden–and couldn't resist sharing it with you all. The site features simple yet stylish, eco-friendly products for home and garden. I just love the crisp and clean aesthetic of their practical-minded goods.

They have an amazing eye for design–infusing found objects and vintage inspired pieces with a slightly contemporary feel by mixing clean lines with rough textures, recycled materials with stainless steel and glass.

Who thought house chores could look so appealing...

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The site also features some lovely offerings for the garden, kids and bath–all beautifully presented through their stunning photography. The owners, Mark and Sally Bailey, have also authored a book, Recylced Home, which is available through Amazon UK...I've added it to my wishlist.

{ spring into action }

So, I followed my own advice and ventured out to Trader Joe's yesterday–in the midst of a huge downpour–to buy a little Spring cheer for our home. TJ's has the best deals on flowers.

This is in a corner in our living room. The 'vase' was my great grandmother's (I believe) silver teapot. It's true, I do need pick up some silver polish...but for now, I rather like the unpolished texture of this lovely little hand-me-down.

Here is a little bunch I created for my daughter's room. This is where I'm able to indulge my love of pink–a sharp contrast from the rest of our home. 

One of my goals this year is to improve my (er, acquire) photography skills. I'd like to take some classes eventually, but am more or less just experimenting and picking up a pointer or two online when I'm able. 

kate spade

I can think of about a thousand things I would do differently with both of my shots–if I were to do them over–but I'm resisting the urge to obsess, and instead, just do it!  It's fun to test the limits of my little point and shoot Canon PowerShot.

Sharing of any and all photography tips & tricks is greatly appreciated....

Happy Monday!

{ giving 'props'...}

Stumbled upon this over the weekend...enjoy! 

oh the wonder of it all...

{ discovered via Nectar & Light–a delightful blog...one of my new faves! }

image courtesy of Martha Stewart

{ fresh friday picks }

from the latest anthropologie catalog

I thought I'd create a little Spring cheer around here as I see rain, rain, and more rain is in the forecast for the weekend. I am loving the pop of color and texture of these flowering branches–created by 'forcing' early blooms indoors. 

Country Home

You can easily fool mother nature and create the look yourself by following these simple steps.

Country Home Magazine ~ March 2008

Need instant gratification? Pick-up an inexpensive, mixed bouquet of blooms from the grocery store and divide it up to create miniature bouquets throughout your home. Get creative with containers–tea cups, vintage silver, spice jars and recycled bottles add interest and charm. 

I love these unique offerings from Pottery Barn as well { thanks for the tip Tori }

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I'm already feeling perkier, aren't you? Discover more bouquet 'how to' at Country Home {the new March issue is great by the way...pick one up if you can }.

I'm wrapping up a work project, so will be signing off until Monday. Until then, I leave you with some inspiring links I've discovered while out and about this week...think of it as your weekend site~seeing guide. Who knows, you might even be inspired to complete a rainy day project–I've been eyeing the paint cans and brushes myself...

Explore the newly created Pikaland–conceived by Amy, the creative talent behind re:makeables. Many of my favorite indie artists ~ as well as some fresh finds ~ conveniently gathered in one place–love it! 

Paint it pretty. Rainy, wintery days are perfect for tackling an indoor DIY project. Currently inspired by this, this and Erin's post from yesterday.

Find romance in Rome and lose yourself in the dreamy photography featured here.

Have a wonderful weekend friends...thank you for all of the 

lovely comments this week ~ they truly make my day!

{ more wow for your walls }

Oh la la...Harmonie Interieure from France, has just launched an extraordinary line of adhesive wall art that is unlike anything else I've seen. If the dreamy photography is any indication, the designs have a sophisticated wallpaper or stencil feel to them ( vs. a cutsie decal effect). 

I think I've found one for every room in my house.

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how sweet are these por les enfants...

and one for the office...

The photography on the site is worth a visit in itself. You can also read through simple 'how to' instructions and peruse the 58 available colors. Don't be alarmed by the French text, most pages also include an English translation.

{ discovered via larger than ink }

{ wednesday whimsy: deck the walls }

hopscotch print: Land of Nod

I have several walls in my house that are in desperate need of some lovin'. For starters, we have a veeeeery long, empty hallway & niche, which also serve as a back entrance and family 'drop zone'.  Another blank canvas is our finished basement, which I'm planning to convert into a family/play room. 

the alphabet series from dripstick.com in wrapped canvas; 

prints also available on etsy

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the travel series from dripstick.com in wrapped canvas; 

prints also available on etsy.

I like to mix up wall displays with family photos and art/prints {although I still need to play around with this some }. I'm especially inspired by pieces with a fun or thoughtful message or that recall favorite memories. 

fun by order of the management signs by john w. golden found on etsy.

Perhaps these whimsical finds will inspire me to take action–I'd love to pair a couple of the kid themed prints with a reasonably priced vintage school chalkboard–all the ones I've seen at flea markets were pricey. If not, I'll try a diy chalkboard wall.

How about you? Do you have any creative wall solutions 

or art resources you'd like to share?

{ words to live by... }

Last week, I had the good fortune of taking a vacation from winter to enjoy a little fun in the sun with my family.

 

Nothing like a sampling of heaven on earth to chase away the winter doldrums. 

Inspired by Amanda's recent post, I thought I'd share my February 10 - ten little joys that are making me smile this week.

1. watching hubby and little one swim amidst a setting sun.

2. the new freckles on my daughter's nose.

3. discovering fresh, new shades of pink, yellow, and blue...

4. the sound of waves crashing on the shore.

5. the chance to rest both body and mind.

6. fresh fruit, bread, milk { & chocolate chip cookies }...a welcome back gift from our thoughtful neighbors.

7. familiar faces at the airport to welcome us home.

8. juicy oranges ready for picking.

9. the promise that Spring will arrive–eventually.

10. an extra day to ease back into our routine.

May you, too, be blessed with an abundance of joy!

Back to S.HOPtalk tomorrow {hopefully my brain will be back from vacation by then }.

 

{ friday finds...make it personal }

Add a personal twist to gifts, correspondence–even your walls–with these fab finds:

clockwise from top left: 1. anthropologie   2.  turtle papers on etsy  

3. lotusjewlerystudio on etsy  4. turtle papers on etsy

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clockwise from top left: 1.  anthropologie  2. luckymebeads on etsy

3. sweetpaperie on etsy   4. bellabludesigns on etsy

happy friday!

{ happy valentine's day }

Treat yourself to something special today...you deserve it. 

These are a few of my favorite things...

1. imogene & annie found on etsy 2. lilymoon print found on etsy 

3. j.crew ballet flats 4. 'inspire' by lollia

xx oo

{ spring is calling }

I'm so ready for it...aren't you?

I'm on the road this week and internet connectivity has been a bit unreliable. I have some goodies in the works and will be back tomorrow with more Spring cheer. Until then, I leave you with this charming little print from studiolyon on etsy.