Nate, I have a little design crush on you!!

Can you blame me?? Look at those eyes and that wavy hair! More importantly, look at his design!!! I love Nate Berkus. He is one of my favorite designers and someone that I really admire a great deal. Nate uses a lot of natural elements in his design creating warmth and texture. Nate once said on Oprah that he thought it important to use an element of the sea in each room. It could be a shell or a piece of coral, just something that you would find at the beach. I love this concept and actually try to do this in my own home. Nate is great about using items that are personal to the client and showcases them in a unique way, whether it be a collection or family pictures. Again, another design strategy that I like to incorporate into my designs. I could honestly study his website all day to get ideas. Nate is so clever and yet so simplistic in his style. It is elegant and still functional. Nate, I love you and your style!! (And your eyes and wavy hair, lets just get it all out here!!!) Take a look at http://nateberkus.com/

New Blog Find

I read a lot of blogs each day and I get especially excited when I find a new one!! Thought I would share it with you...http://pinkwallpaper.blogspot.com/ Be sure to check it out!! Great pictures!!

So true...

Learn More About Me While I Procrastinate Doing a Space Plan!!

I found this questionare on a blog that I frequent and thought it might be fun to do. Just in case any of you wanted to know a little bit more about yours truly!!

1. What is your favorite thing to snack on while your blogging?
Well, I tend to eat granola bars while I write my blogs, basically because they are easy to munch on while typing! However, it really depends on the time of day. Right now I am thinking about lunch!! I try to keep my snacks somewhat healthy!


2. What is one thing you wouldn't want to live without?
My husband. He keeps me sane and in check, plus he is pretty easy on the eyes and fun to be with!

3. Beach, Mountains, or Farm?
BEACH!!!!! It is my favorite place to vacation, and living there was pretty great to!!

.4. What's your least favorite chore/household duty?
Emptying the dishwasher. UGH, I just dread it!!


5. Who do people say you remind them of?
A few differnet people come to mind. The one I hear the most is my mom. We look alike, walk alike and times we even talk alike...HEHE!! Seriously, we are very similiar. Another is Kristin Wigg from Saturday Night Live. She does a few characters that I attempt to imitate. I take it as a compliment, she is crazy funny!!!

6. Prefer parties and socializing or staying home with the fam?
This is a tough one. I love going to parties and hosting parties. Love it! But when it comes to meetings, I have a hard time making myself go. There is something about being home in the evenings and not wanting to leave the house again. You are in for the night and cozy and it just feels weird to leave! But, I usually will and I will have a great time. But I could totally be a homebody as well!!

7. What's your all time favorite movie?
Annie. I have loved the musical since I was about 4 and use to dress up as Annie pretty much everyday. I could watch it over and over again. I also enjoy Clueless. Another one that I could watch over and over again. Not sure why??

8. Do you sleep in your make-up or remove it like a good little girl every night?
Remove it!! I wasn't raised in a barn!!!

9. Do you have a hidden talent or a deep desire to learn something that you've never had a chance to learn?
Wow, this is a hard one. I don't know about hidden talents (besides touching my tongue to my nose) but there are plenty of things I want to learn. I want to learn to play the guitar and write music, to sew really well, to knit a sweater, write a book, learn another language, learn about real estate. I could literally go on all day with this!!

10. What's one strange thing you're really good at?
I am really good at doing impersonations. Or so I tell myself I am!! And I can tap dance really well!! I love it!

11. What first attracted you to your spouse?
He was cute, I loved his glasses. He was so smart and so funny. The best part was how he listened to me. Everything I said he acted like it was the best thing he had ever heard. He made me feel so special. He still does that today, 9 years later!

12. What is something you love to smell?
Anything sweet baking like cookies or cake. Lillies, and roses. Buttercream Yankee candles. Fresh laundry.

13. Tell something about you that you know irritates people.
I am really hard on myself and do not give myself a break. I know that irritates my husband.

14. When you have extra money, what's the first thing you think to do with it?
SHOP! Maybe try to save a little bit!

15. Are you a silent laugher or a loud laugher?
Loud, sometimes too loud!! But if I need to be, I can be silent, like in a movie theater or if something happens that I shouldn't laugh at but I do anyways.

16. Where is your favorite place to shop?
The Loft, Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy.

17. What's one thing you'd do more often if you had more time?
Maybe take a class is something, read more and learn more. I don't feel like I learn enough new things anymore!


18. Are you a big spender or frugal?
Try to be pretty frugal.

19. Who is your favorite character of all time?
In a book? I loved Romana Quimby. She was just the best.

20. Would you want to be famous?
Absolutely!!! I would love to have my own tv show someday. Who wouldn't want that right???

I would LOVE to see some of your responses! E-mail them to me!!!

The Plum Cushion

I just came across this great etsy seller Plum Cushion. She makes fabulous pillows with designer fabrics. I love how bright and fun the patterns are, she really has a flare for putting sharp palettes together. Please visit the Plum Cushion Shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7209753. And how great are the Christmas stockings????

Hello Rug...I Love You!!!

This rug is sheer perfection. As a lover of anything with stripes, I really feel like this rug should be in my home!! Plus this kitchen is fabulous!! Look at the red knobs on the stove!! Love it!!!

The Great Sofa Search

Most of you loyal readers know about my living room saga. Its so sad really...a whole living room completely empty except for 2 very sad tables. Well, I am now diligently on the hunt for a sofa and chairs!! Hooray!!! As I began my search this morning, I realized how many sofas there are out there and how many of them speak to me and say "let me come to your home". So far, these are my top five sofas today. I am sure within the week, I will see five more each day that also speak to me!! Hopefully the right sofa will present itself to me soon!! I don't know how much longer I can stare into that empty room!! Which sofa do you like?? What style speaks to you??

Speechless

I don't even have any words for this post. Just amazing. The designer is Katie Ridder. You HAVE to visit her website http://www.katieridder.com/. These two pictures are simply not enough. I just stumbled upon her and HAD to share with all of you!! Enjoy and be sure to wipe the drool off the keyboard when you are done!

Design Studio Envy

Office space of Jennifer Ramos at http://madebygirl.blogspot.com/

Everyday as I work away in my studio, I daydream about what I really want my office space to look like. Not that I am not happy in my studio. I just have days when I wish I could work in a studio like this one. Its so bright, organized and fun! Makes me want to paint my walls a warm rich color, hang some funky art and buy a ton of boxes to organize "stuff"(and to make it pretty).

What does your work space look like? Is it inspiring or does it make you want to take a nap??

Rooms I Love Today

This room is so tasteful and natural. I love the beige and white elements, not to strong, allowing natural wood of the table and the mirror to be the dominant elements of the space. The windows and the rocks in front of the fireplace bring a nice touch of nature in. I could curl up and read a book in this space!






I love this bathroom! Of course it is a bath because it has a tub and a sink, but it reminds me of a den or a study. The lamps add a touch of whimsey to this somewhat serious space. All the wood is warm and cozy and makes me think I could soak in this tub until I was very wrinkly!

Orange You Glad...Part 2

I am not sure if it is the fall weather, the changing leaves, or the fact that I look great in orange (wink!!) but I am finding myself drawn to this juicy color. It is rich and warm and when done correctly, so inviting and chic. I am sure most of you are cringing at the thought of this color even entering your home unless it is on a pumpkin. However, open your mind to the possibilities of this color on a wall, so dramatic!!

Sorry for the repeat of pictures! Not sure why it did it, or how to remove them!! Enjoy them twice!!!

(These pics are courtesy of http://www.lauracaseyinteriors.com/blog/. Check out her site, an amazing designer!!)

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!!!!

I LOVE FALL!!!! It is my absolute favorite season!! I love the crisp cool air, the crunchy leaves under my feet, sweaters and jeans, hot chocolate! I love it all! I especially love fall colors, so warm and rich. What a great time to add some of these colors to your home!

I would love to say I took these amazing pictures, however, I got them from a blog that is great for all you crafty mamas out there: http://www.soulemama.com/soulemama/ Be sure and visit for some fall craft ideas!