Tuesday, September 30, 2008

{ spooktacular finds }


Boo

We like to keep Halloween kid friendly at our house--a little spooky perhaps, but nothing too scary. These fun, hand-crafted finds keep things festive and friendly for all the sweet little tots who stop by to trick or treat {our favorite part of All Hallows Eve!}. 

Spirited Sources:
one: owl by owlyshadowpuppets
two: halloween inspiration in Matthew Mead's new book
three: happy halloween print by belleandboo
four: personalized hand-painted sign by drooz studio
five: haunted houses cut-outs by owlyshadowpuppets

{background of image via Matthew Mead's free templates}

Monday, September 29, 2008

{ monday making me smile: valentina designs }


I just love these prints from Valentina Designs--such lovely little reminders to embrace the power of positive thinking.

Dreams come True, bird

Something good is going to happen Digital Print

I've made my wish for the week, how 'bout you?

{found via design crush}

Friday, September 26, 2008

{ weekend getaway guide }

1321917752_b67f362765-1
image via flickr fave *Cinnamon

What are your plans for this lovely first weekend in Autumn?
For us, Fall brings about busy weekends. Saturday soccer games, family gatherings, and classmate birthday parties typically have us dashing from one event to the next. This weekend, however, we have a whole day to ourselves. With picture perfect Fall weather forecasted, I plan to savor every second of it...lingering a little longer at our neighborhood cafe, strolling the farmer's market, and venturing to a favorite used book store with my daughter.

Perhaps, you, too, have some time to dabble in a bit of site seeing:
01 :: I am so excited to join in on this project.
02 :: The waiting is over...Mrs. French's shop is open and utterly delightful.
03 :: This one stuck with me all week. 
         You've discovered the awe inspiring Karey, right?
04 :: Absolutely adorable: Merit badges for adults. { thank you Ez }
05 :: Downloadable designs--brilliant! 
         A couple of my faves: this, this & this.

I'd love to hear about your plans {even if you have none...sometimes those are the best kinds of weekends}.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

{ reclaim :: repurpose :: refresh...the house on the hill }

I immediately fell in love with the vintage industrial, modern country vibe of this Grainville, Ohio house featured in the latest issue of Country Living magazine. 



Discovered as a dilapidated, "eclectic Tudor", old-house enthusiasts, Keith and Monique Keegan saw the home's potential and set out to give the home a fresh start--restoring it top to bottom. To jump start the transformation, the couple hosted a demolition party, {brilliant!} putting their talented and handy friends to work {including none other than the oh-so-talented Amy Butler}.  



The result is a stunning, one-of-a-kind home. A mix of old and new and an expert blending of clean lines, natural materials, and metals creates a modern aesthetic that is welcoming and relaxed.  


Monique has personalized the rooms with the vintage cubbies, cabinets, and containers she loves to collect. One of my favorite pieces is her studio worktable from the Packard factory--outfitted with a grocery-store paper and string dispenser. 


The style of the space is kept pared down and clutter free using repurposed storage pieces such as a typesetter's cabinet and tin bread molds (as seen on the lower shelf above).




Old metal egg and fishing baskets house simple, white towels. Don't you love the two vintage mirrors over the limestone counters and porcelain sinks?


The zinc storage pieces underneath the footboard in the master bedroom??? 
Vintage Popsicle molds {how cool is that?}

For more inspiration, check out these Quick links:
The House on the Hill article
A look at the home's "before"

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

{ {i}spy: let's play }


{i}spy: a colorful {and tidy} playroom...

kidsroom

Sources:
01. Tin-Can Caddy Project -- thank you Martha
02. Set of 3 storage suitcase --  Mahar Drygoods
03. Citrus Paperclip set -- Kendra W
04. Kids labels (set of 6) -- Studiojk
05. Clean Up Your Room print -- JohnWGolden
06. Kids Strapping Floor Bins -- Land of Nod
07. Roll.n.Go Crayons -- Lil.B Designs
08. Cardboard 'Mobile Home' -- KidsonRoof
09. Dine.n.Doodle chalk mat -- Lil.B Designs

inspired by one of the many to dos on my ever growing list of home projects: #3...create a fun and organized playroom

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

{ tempting me tuesday: whimsy & spice }



The best things about Autumn may be the cool, crisp evenings and misty mornings that bring about a sense of quiet and peace....and, 
ahem, the occasional indulgence in a sweet treat {after all, bathing suit season is now months and months away}. 

Resisting these sweet indulgences is sure to be all the more difficult since discovering Whimsy & Spice*– a home grown confectionary founded in early 2008 by the husband and wife team of Mark Sopchak and Jenna Park. Whimsy & Spice combines the talented couple's culinary arts and graphic design skills to produce a distinctive line of handmade sweets.





Espresso Brownie with Dulce de Leche

Mouth watering creations like cardamom marshmallows, espresso brownies, and cinnamon chocolate malt biscotti are handmade, hand rolled and hand packaged in Brooklyn NY. I'll take one of each pleasefluffy bites of air don't have calories, right? 


Don't miss the lovely Whimsy & Spice gift and sample sets–deliciously perfect gifts for the upcoming holiday season.

Quick links:
Psst: New Yorkers can also visit W & S at the Brooklyn flea this weekend.

{Thank you Nichole for the introduction}

Monday, September 22, 2008

{ monday morning blues... }

A hint of vintage + a dab of blue to jump start your Monday...

Cotton Pool Notes
cotton pool notes Cotton Idea Studio

erez by you.
navy ruffle trench {on sale} j.crew

My creation by you.
pom pom bobbypins dangsworld
blue velvet ribbon caramelos
elise necklace luxedeluxe
tissue garland caramelos

 Enamel Mugs - Set of 3 (powder blue)
vintage enamel mugs three potato four

Welcome back...have a wonderful week.

Friday, September 19, 2008

{ weekend getaway guide }


weekendgetaway
image via country living

I present...your weekend site seeing guide for .09.19.08:

01 :: Live near SF? This sounds like a fabulous way to spend the day. 
02 :: A decadent color palette to freshen your outdoor spaces for Fall.
03 :: Sometimes it's the little things.
04 :: My head is swirling with ideas and plans after seeing this.

Cheers...have a lovely weekend!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

{ reclaim :: repurpose :: refresh: knack studios }


studio front by knack studios.
studio front

I'm kicking off the return of this S.HOPtalk feature with a visit to Knack Studios--the oh-so-inspiring brainchild of Barb Blair, who personifies {in my humble opinion} the growing movement toward slow design. If I lived anywhere near Greenville, South Carolina--Knackstudios' home base–I would be camped out there every. single. day. 

cake knobs by knack studios.
Barb uses her talent for hunting down and repurposing found objects to create Knack's collection of home products. The result is a line of one-of-a-kinds offerings--featured and sold in her studio space--geared toward a distinctly urban professional lifestyle. Barb describes her eclectic pieces as sleek yet warm, detailed but relaxed. 
These are some of my faves:



Knack - April 056 by knack studios.


sideways shot by knack studios.

full desk shot by knack studios.

And don't you love before & afters? 

before:
before with glass by knack studios.

after:
orange styled 2 by knack studios.

before:

after:

"new" black and gray cabinets filled with goodies from Thomas Paul

Barb certainly has a knack for turning drab into fab, don't you think? 

For those of us who don't have the option of popping by Knack Studios and loading up a trailer full of her amazing recreations, Barb has created a Try it Yourself paint and prep tutorial, of which, I plan to take full advantage. Oh....and if you do live in the Greenville area, I'd love to hear an eye witness report back.

Quick Links:

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

{ differences }


The more I watch this ad the more I love it. {The magic is in the ending}.


Sorry for the light posting...it's been a busy week. I hope to be caught up by tomorrow.

{Thanks Steve for passing this along}

Monday, September 15, 2008

{ monday making me smile: artist leontine may greenburg

I absolutely adore these petite watercolor paintings by artist Leontine May Greenburg, based in Jackson Heights New York.

Constellations by leontine.
Three little paintings by leontine.

Detail of "Just Before Spring" by leontine.

I am especially fond of her playful chandelier series.

Quick links:

On the go today...hope you all had a lovely weekend.

Friday, September 12, 2008

{ take it outside... }

hdg

I love the simplicity of dining al fresco in early Fall. The cooler, crisp evenings make for perfect gatherings in our backyard. A casual dinner on the patio, followed by silly chatter and shared stories around our beloved, no frills fireplace, and I'm in heaven.

hdf

The simple elegance featured in these images is a reminder that a well edited mix of elements, accented by the magic of candlelight, is all it takes to instantly transform one's space into a fresh, welcoming retreat for friends and family. Well, yes...there are the weeds and wild ivy I should tend to first. {I guess you know what I'll be doing this weekend}. 

hde

I hope you all have fabulous plans for the weekend! Thanks for sharing a bit of your week with me here. 
~Suzanne
Images found via my latest discovery {and obsession}, House Doctor.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

{ it's back... }

{i}spy is back...
featuring my favorite finds & inspirations for the young 
{and young at heart}...

{i}spy: something deliciously cute 

Preschooler Bento #57: August 7, 2008
image via Wendy Copley


{i}spy: a magical day filled with tiny treasures


{i}spy: the best use of paper fans–ever!




{i}spy: fun party favors



{i}spy: a little lady in red 



{i}spy: picture perfect styling


{i}spy: a time-out spot for moi

A tree house getaway

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

{ chic for cheap: a day with the girls }

I couldn't resist joining in on Ez and Melissa's fun....

adaywiththegirls

To play, visit here and here {don't miss Melissa's new digs}

Sources:
Belted Twill Jacket: Old Navy $25-
Peony Silk Lined Clutch: Red Ruby Rose $75.00
Gray ruffle knit scarf: Gap $24.50
Total: $223.49

Monday, September 8, 2008

{ monday making me smile: boho photography }


I've fallen head over heels for the dreamy photography of Denise Lynette Andrade {aka Boho Girl}. I find her photos peaceful, romantic, inspiring--just what I needed to ease back into a new week after a wildly busy weekend.

vintage bottles



my fair lady

Don't miss:
Boho girl's blog
The beautiful {and new} Boho site.

Welcome back...how was your weekend?