{ inspired interiors: dreamy whites }

Hi everyone! I missed you yesterday. Did you have a good weekend? I had planned to start a painting project over the weekend, but I realized I still needed to do some more organizing so it was more purging and cleaning. I'm ready for that to be done already! I did take some time to browse a few blogs and Pinterest, which is where I stumbled upon Maria's lovely home. Maria owns the appropriately named, Dreamy Whites online shop and lives with her husband and 5 children on a horse ranch in California.

 

Honestly, I haven't been able to get this home out of my mind. It's images like these that make me want to bust out the paintbrush and paint everything white. Maria makes it look easy, but she does an amazing job carefully editing the elements in her home, mixing in different textures and subtle tones to give her spaces more depth and interest. When you have a few moments, you must browse the beautiful Dreamy Whites blog and french farmhouse inspired shop--hours and hours of eye candy!

Have a beautiful week!

{ in case you were wondering... }

this is my idea of heaven on earth--

You simply must read the story behind this little lakeside gem, 

located {now} in Sugar Creek, Wisconsin.

P.S. Note the radio in the third photo. 

{found here}

{ take out your pencils... }

My eight-year-old daughter is a list maker, a prolific note-taker...a journalist in the making. As a result, she's developed an insatiable appetite for writing supplies. She is especially fond of the the classics: composition books, pink pearl erasers, and made in the USA, No. 2 pencils, which is why I know she would love the Field Notes site as much as I do. 

image via notebookism

image via onpaperwings

Inspired by classic agricultural memo books and ornate pocket ledgers, their signature product--the Field Notes memo book--has inspired a cult-like following. It's easy to see why. I spent, ahem, the better part of an hour exploring their old school product line, blog, and idea files. 

What's a mother to do...feed the obsession further or keep this little treasure all to herself for now?

Psst...Don't miss the Field Notes flickr group--fascinating!

{ back-to-cool... }

If you share my love of vintage school supplies, I encourage you to take a field trip over to Uppercase and take a gander at their much anticipated exhibit, Old School, which celebrates the aesthetics of 20th century education through exhibition and curated objects. 

Inspired by vintage school memorabilia including, flash cards, chalk, crayons, science fairs, class photos...you name it...the exhibition includes over 80 works of art by some of my favorite artists.

I'm inspired to borrow some of the many clever ideas spotted here. I envision a kids' arts and crafts party with an old school twist in my daughter's future...

add pertinent details for cute invitations

fun and easy treats

Gather a few favorite school supplies and fill mini lunch boxes or tins (available at the $1 store) to create cute favors.

I must admit, my daughter and I were feeling too cool for school when we saw this typewriter featured in the exhibit. {Good eye Oma and Opa!}

There's so much more to see...grab your permission slips and check out all the artwork featured here. The exhibit is also documented in a commemorative book. If that isn't enough, you can get your school supply fix here.

{ the ardent sparrow -- and reader special offer }

Rebecca Wagler is a new mom based in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, who recently decided to pursue some of her creative interests and explore the world of jewelry making {squeezing it in while her little one naps}.

 

Fortunately for all of us, she's opened a lovely etsy shop, The Ardent Sparrow, in which she features her distinctive and often, one-of-a-kind, jewelry designs. I adore her combination of antiqued metals and charming vintage elements. 

Imagine any of these pieces with a simple tee and jeans and you go from ho-hum to funky & fabulous {and it's all so reasonably priced to boot}.

Quick Links: 

The Ardent Sparrow shop {updated frequently}

The Ardent Sparrow Blog

Also, be sure to enter "S.HOPtalk" in the message to seller at checkout and you will receive free shipping on any orders over $20. Thank you Rebecca–best wishes with your new endeavor and your adorable little daughter.

Side Note: Several reader comments that were  left over the last couple of days simply disappeared. They were there and then vanished??? Please know that I did read them and have them stored in my email--thanks so much. Hopefully, it's something temporary.

{ second sunday finds...}

Welcome back everyone. Did you all have a wonderful weekend? I hope so. We had friends from out of town stay with us for the weekend ~ a busy & fun time. Yesterday was the second Sunday of the month and you know what that means...The Second Sunday Antique Fair! I woke up early and popped over there while everyone else slept in. 

Would you like to see what I found?

I instantly fell in love with this huge enamelware platter-I just adore the colors and unique design. Oh...and how could I resist the little aqua vase for $1?

Shhhh...these are a surprise for my daughter -- two Peter Pan books to add to her collection. They are both original, 1st print editions from 1952. I plan to save each one for a special occasion or reward. It's rare to find one that she doesn't already have, so she's going to go nuts when she sees these.

The books were a bit of a splurge, so my spending stopped there. There were, however, several other treasures that caught my eye. Here are the ones that got away...

A fabulous vintage metal lounger

Vintage, doll-sized patio set

Cool globes

An amazing bakelite picnic set from the 1930s --
complete with a tin bread box.

How utterly charming!

Fun school writing tablets

Have I ever mentioned my obsession with chalkboards? I own several. I look at this photo and am truly amazed that I somehow resisted this one. Hmmmm...I'm thinking this missed opportunity might haunt me ; ).

I'm curious...do you have any collectibles or vintage obsessions that you find irresistible? Do tell...

{ map it out...}

image via Pottery Barn

I have a small collection of maps and vintage-inspired map prints that have been sitting around collecting dust–waiting for me to frame them. These images have inspired me, instead, to just go for it--display and enjoy them now...worry about frames later {if ever}.

image via living etc.

What is it about maps that I find so irresistible? Perhaps it's recalling the special places we've traveled or that they provide the possibility and inspiration for future travels. Then again, it might be the dreamy blues and greens and typographical elements to which I'm drawn.

Benita uses a wall sized map as inspiration in her son's room-- incorporating the map colors throughout--isn't it fabulous?

image via emma's design blogg

image via nibs blog

I had one of those, "why didn't I think of that?" moments when I spotted this image. Old school maps as window shades-brilliant!

image via nibs blog

image via threepotatofour

Inspired? Try the sources below to create a similar look in your home:

Old School Maps: three potato four { love this shop} 

Vintage-inspired map prints: Cavallini & Co.

{reasonably priced at $4.50 for a 22 x 28" printed sheet}

{ 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...

~ ~ ~

~ ~ ~

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.

{ T is for Thursday... }

When I unpacked this adored vintage print that my mom recently handed down to me, and studied its sweet sentiment, I started fantasizing about a simple life – one in which Thursdays could be set aside for baking or, perhaps, Mondays would be reserved for laundry. Around here, things typically get done when they get done. However, in my desire to create balance and a more simplified life, I'm finding the idea of a few established routines rather appealing. I don't anticipate ever embracing a rigidly scheduled lifestyle, but I like the idea of creating some simple routines that become the foundation for cherished traditions down the road. Perhaps someday, my family and I will look back and fondly remember the scent of fresh baked goodies in our home on Thursday afternoons. A girl can dream...

Do you have any favorite family routines, traditions or rituals? Do tell...

{ wednesday whimsy }

Add some whimsy to your Wednesday with these charming finds from etsy.

Composed of both new & vintage found objects,  J. Mundo Designs' 

one-of-a-kind pieces are created by hand with splendid attention to detail. 

Pictured here: Charming (l) Heartbreaker (c) & Change of Seasons (r) necklaces.

As unique & beautiful as the places they represent, the Strand neck wrap (l) and Baker Street scarflette (r) are from Boutique Pink Designs' London Collection of hand crocheted and knitted scarves and wraps.  These made to order designs include repurposed vintage earrings, brooches and charms for a touch of yesteryear whimsy.

Childhood memories, vintage finds and a fascination with the adventures of 'Alice in Wonderland' inspire each piece in Hoolala's storied collection of fun jewelry designs from Northhampton, England. Treat yourself or a well deserving friend to the sterling silver and pewter Smile necklace (l) or the silver vintage Magical Wishing Chair necklace (r).