Amen!
Friendships Silhouette Print by Nella Designs
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
{ the comment curator }
Today I'm starting a new feature, The Comment Curator, in which I plan to start and share a collection of fabulous finds and ideas I've discovered via comments left here on little ole S.HOPtalk. Today's fabulous little discovery was spotted on Blondie 'N' SC after Tara left a comment on this post.
I followed her link and discovered these cheerful party centerpieces Tara created with daffodils and peach jars from Traders Joe's.
She had me at the burlap and green ribbon, but when I saw the limes at the bottom of the jars, I couldn't resist sharing the idea with you all. I can't wait to try this for a little soiree we're hosting in a couple of weeks. Thank you Tara for your lovely comment and your inspiring ideas.
Who will be featured next in the Comment Curator? Who knows...leave a comment and it might be you!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
{ fleeting moments... }
I am participating in Kasey's weekly photo challenge in which we are being challenged to capture ourselves or those moments that define us. It's been such a busy week that I was concerned I wouldn't have much material for this week's challenge. As I went through my photos from the last week, however, I was pleased to discover I had captured some of the fleeting moments that defined me and family life over the past week.
I'm so grateful for these reminders...reminders that life is good.
the daily challenge of getting a certain someone out of bed in the morning
First time in the dugout as a player
a stop by the Farmer's market
warm Spring evenings outside
Click here to learn more about Kasey's weekly photo challenge and to check out the other participants' entries.
Monday, April 27, 2009
{ for you... }
Just a little something from me to thank you all for your continued visits and comments. I''m wrapping up a couple of big projects and should then be back to regular posts and stopping by all of your lovely little corners of the world. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend. I look forward to catching up with you soon. ~Suzanne
P.S. I snuck out to the Farmer's Market yesterday and the flowers were heavenly. Must make a habit of stopping by there more often!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
{ wouldn't it be grand? }
{ Currently... }
daydreaming of a carefree a day like this...
{ old news, but just in case you missed it {like I did}...this lovely little snippet was directed by Sofia Coppola }
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
{ monday making me smile...}
the sweet scent of orange blossoms in my garden {& now in my home}
the milkglass compote I scored for $1 this weekend
the birdsong outside my window
What's making you smile on this lovely Monday morning?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
{ a way with words... }
Julene will also create custom sentiments & designs--perfect for special occasions and gift giving.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
{ every once in awhile... }
...one must indulge in pure, unabashed girliness!
Sources:
Mornington Necklace: Muntedkowhai
One-of-a-kind headband: Calexandra
Filigree Scented Candles: Skeem Design
Flora Tee: Elizadaxel
Sparkle Philosphy : Florabond
Update: Must be in the air...check out my dear friend, Mrs. French's post
Sunday, April 12, 2009
{ a banner weekend }
Happy Monday! Did you all have a fabulous weekend? Ours was perfect...beautiful weather and back to back family celebrations. Above is a little post Easter Egg hunt snap shot. It's tradition for all of the "kids" to gather, pour out their gatherings, and negotiate trades. I love that all of the big cousins still make a big deal about it {they love to ensure that our little one--"the baby"--ends up with the most loot at the end of the day :) }. This year's highlight: in addition to candy, the Easter Bunny slipped in some $1 bills--thanks Easter Bunny!
Hope your Monday's off to a great start!
vintage bunting by Made by Mosey
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Friday, April 10, 2009
{ spring cleaning or spring break... }
Happy Friday everyone! What a week...I was quite busy working on some special projects--some of which I look forward to sharing with you soon.
Whew...I feel so much better, but boy do I have my work cut out for me this weekend. How about you...do you have Easter plans? We're looking forward to our annual family Easter egg hunt and celebrating a very special someone's birthday--can't wait. See you all next week...cheers!
The Spring cleaning bug also kicked in and I couldn't resist digging into some long overdue home projects--nothing exciting...closet cleaning, sorting and purging, which seemed like such a good idea when I started. Then, however, it seemed like a much better idea to play and have some Spring break fun with my daughter, which sorta interrupted the actual completion of said projects. Does the starting, but not completing, ever happen to you? Rather than fretting about the mish mash of piles currently strewn about my house--and the fact that it looks messier then when I started--let's pretend I'm all finished and my rooms look something like this now...
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
{ anna joyce }
Love, love, love these charming wall canvases by artist Anna Joyce. Their sweet scenes remind me of all the Springtime critter activity going on right outside my window these days and I just adore her inspired mix of colors and prints.
Each wall panel is hand sewn and one-of-a-kind using vintage and new fabric on stretched linen.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
{ a model citizen }
I'm so excited to share an exciting new addition to our fair city with you all today, The Citizen Hotel, which marks the newest addition to Joie De Vivre's collection of boutique hotels. We try to stay in one of these delightful hotels whenever we plan an overnight stay in San Francisco. Each property captures the essence of its City with its own distinct personality, impeccable design elements, and {hip} vibe. So, I was thrilled when I heard one was coming to Sacramento and recently had the good fortune of being treated to a tour of the hotel {thank you Sarah!} Would you like to see what all the hoopla's about? Follow me...
image via the Sacramento Archives & Museum Collection Center
The Citizen Hotel's building, formerly the beloved Cal State Life Insurance building--had fallen to serious neglect and disrepair in recent decades. In true Joie De Vivre fashion, the developers of the hotel fully restored the building to its original 1920s era grandeur--and then some--ensuring that its distinctive architectural elements were preserved and honored. The results, as you will see, are stunning.
The law library themed lobby and registration area is a nod to the building's former tenants--many of whom were local Sacramento law firms. Fun Fact: the law books you see lining the walls were donated by former tenants of the building.
the original outgoing letter box found just off the lobby
The guest rooms are absolutely gorgeous. It's obvious the designers took extra care to blend the charm of the building's historic past with modern conveniences and technologies
Playful political references--a tribute to the hotel's adjacency to the State Capitol--add to the hotel's fun factor
I loved the the bags for the hotel's complimentary blow dryers
and the Citizen's version of "do not disturb"
Each room had an amazing view
All of this--coupled with an out of this world restaurant--what's not to love? {Be sure to treat yourself to the complimentary muffins served at their Sunday brunches.}
This is merely a sneak peek of all there is to discover via the Citizen Hotel site and blog {and of course, an actual visit to the hotel}. Have I enticed you all to come experience Sacramento's downtown renaissance for yourself? Please say, yes!
Quick links:
The Citizen Hotel
The blog: We Approve This Message
Sacramento Events at Sacramento365
Monday, April 6, 2009
{ inspired by: sunset magazine }
Over the weekend I had a chance to catch up on some magazine reading and ended up spending an hour or so oogling over the February issue of Sunset Magazine. Sunset has always been a favorite of mine, but over the last year or so, they've really kicked it up a notch. It was difficult to choose which articles to read because every. single. one sounded great--from West Coast travel escapes and drool worthy home tours to the inside scoop on making designer flower arrangements at home.
After seeing interior designer, Sheri Sheridan's Oakland home tour and reading through her secrets of freestyle decorating, I just knew I had to share it with you all. Are you ready for a little design inspiration to kick off the week? Let's go...
Rule: Shun Labels {love this!}--instead, Sheridan mixes time periods and styles so they work together.
Rule: Salvage Something--Sheridan found this little bench in disrepair. She repaired the leg, repainted the frame, and used a fabric remnant to reupholster the cushion. Isn't it lovely?
Rule: Celebrate Tchotchkes--Make what you already have display-worthy
Rule: Be selective when shopping--choose low cost options and accent with pricier items. Here, a budget friendly solid color pillow from Crate and Barrel is mixed with a designer accent pillow by Thomas Paul.
What do you think? I love it when practical mixes with pretty, don't you? If you would like to view more of this home tour and Sheri Sheridan's design tips, click here. Be sure to take a moment to browse Sunset's fabulous site, where you can visit many more inspirational galleries and access most of the feature articles found in the mag.
All images by Thomas J. Story via Sunset Magazine