spring wardrobe update

Say hello to my new spring handbag! I thought the bright blue color would do a lot to brighten these dreary days we've been having. (It seems like winter just doesn't want to let go!)

I picked it up from the ever-adorable Roscoe Village boutique, Glam to Go. One of my faves in the city with quite possibly the nicest owner anywhere.

(Turn Lock Pleated Tote by Melie Bianco)

design inspiration: rustic bedroom

There is nothing campy about this rustic retreat. From the cool iron bed and vintage trunk at its foot to the wide plank floors and beamed ceiling, I love everything about this room. And do you see that ladder back cum wing chair off to the side? What a fantastic idea.

(White and wood bedroom from Country Living)

art by kat hannah

Loving the vibrant colors and the child-like appeal of this print.

I know just where I'd hang it...

"Mosey" fine art print by Kat Hannah.

See more of her collection here.
Visit Kat's shop here.

how do i explain this one?

Wow... if any of you are actually still checking in, I'm finally back. Several things kept me from getting to Contented Me (which I am not going to go into here), but I do hope you'll forgive and forget and read on as I promise to get some new posts up asap.

I do have some news... that I can't share just yet, but I am really looking forward to being able to do so soon.

Thanks for sticking around.
xo, Kristin

diy: hanging handkerchief vases from once wed

Once Wed is chock-full of wonderful ideas that could apply to all sorts of occasions (and not just weddings). You'll find ideas for amazing table settings, see fabulous stationary & invitations, and learn how to create lots of great diy projects at home. Like these Hanging Handkerchief Vases. They are so pretty and totally post-worthy (even for all the non-brides out there). I’d like to make a few and just hang them in my kitchen, swapping out the flowers as necessary.

(Click here for the steps for making these lovely handkerchief vases by Laurie.)

tinctory shop on etsy

La la love this.

Made to look like unglazed porcelain, this necklace is actually made from off-white silk smocked with white cotton thread. I think it would look so lovely over a simple black tee. Or ooh! wouldn't it look great on some nice summery-tanned skin with just a tank-top? (seriously day-dreaming of summer...)

Unglazed from Tinctory.

spotlight: story by mia

Some very dear friends of mine will be welcoming little ones later this year (congrats again A, G & J!!) so now begins my hunt for unique, adorable and affordable gift ideas. Naturally, one of my first stops was Etsy, and look what I found! These hand-screened onesies are oh so sweet. Made from organic cotton, with delightful little designs, the onesies are for the modern moms who want to dress their babes in style.

Onesies from Story By Mia on Etsy.

spotlight: tina tarnoff

Perhaps it’s from the Valentine’s weekend high or maybe it’s because I’m a sucker for romance, but I really really love this amazing paper-cut art by Tina Tarnoff. I’m swooning over it. The image is hand-cut from a single (just one?!) sheet of paper, making each piece from the artist an original.

I think it’s beautiful. They all are, actually.

(Autumn Kiss papercut by Tina Tarnoff.)

tgif + happy valentine's day!

Thank goodness the weekend is almost here. I’m looking forward to some quiet time at home, baking cookies and maybe going to see a movie tomorrow night. No matter your plans for Valentine's Day, I hope you get to spend it with those you love.

Strawberry Heart by Life Love Paper on Etsy.

See you next week!

xo, Kristin

So sorry I haven't been posting the last couple days... busy busy at work and not feeling very well to boot. I'll get back to you with a few posts soon.

xo, Kristin

painted pink pantry

Wow. I never knew how much I wanted a pink pantry until I spotted this... It would look so purdy in my kitchen. And is that milkglass I spy? Ahh... be still my heart.

(Photo via Country Home.)

tgif & a recipe!

I have a busy weekend ahead - a bridal shower tomorrow afternoon, a bachelorette party later that night, and my husband's parents are coming in from the 'burbs for dinner on Sunday. I'm really looking forward to all the fun... and also the 50 degree temps the weather-man has been promising!

In whatever spare time I have, I'd like to make these.

(Chocolate Lollipops from Kraft)

Have a great weekend, everyone!
See you next week!

vintage grain sack pillows

I must be nesting. Lately all I can think about is bringing stuff home to make my house prettier and more cozy. Which brings me to these pillows.

Aren't they lovely? The pillows are made from nubby-linen, vintage grain sacks with simple blue stripes running down the center. Only problemo is that these are $125 each, and that's more than I can spend; especially when I have a pup who likes nothing more than to chew on whatever soft goods she can get her paws on.

So do any of you know of another place where I can get grain sack pillows? Or maybe just the grain sacks?

design inspiration: striped rugs

I've been totally digging striped rugs lately. How can I not when I see them in great interiors like these?

Matt Albiani's Foyer in the Domino Mag house tour.

This romantic pink and red bedroom.

Amanda Peet's living room. Check out all those fabulous stripes!

So that's why I ordered this a couple nights ago...

Some pretty things to look at on this mid-week day...

This Kitten Yo-yo Necklace from Cookoorikoo.

This red and pink pillow-strewn day bed on Country Home.

These handmade felt "Dot" vases by Papaver Vert at Rose & Radish.

valentine card round up - part 2

And here's Part 2. Again, all for sale at Etsy. Love is in the air -- so go and spread some cheer!

Row 1: Valentine Vespa from Winifred Studios, You and Me from Julie Ann A, Love Valentines from Creative Thursday;

Row 2: Heart Balloon From Little Brown Pen, Together from Sarah Parrott, Fold & Seal Valentines from Vol 25;

Row 3: Strawberry Heart Bunny from Argyle Whale, Love You Pop-up from Tracy Chong

valentine card round up - part 1

Part 1 of a two-part round-up of lovely handmade Valentine's. All for sale at Etsy.

Row 1: PB to my J from Sarah Marie Designs, XOXO Mini Card from Paper Hearts Card Co.;

Row 2: Set/3 Children's Valentine's from Little Brown Pen, Valentine Tickets from Boys Mama X Two;

Row 3: Valentine Tree from The Craft Pantry, Hedgehogs from Twin Raven Press.

PS - those Hedgehogs are quite possibly the cutest creatures ever...

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I had so much fun finding photos like this a couple weeks ago, that I couldn't resist posting another today with my weekend send-off.

Have a good one!
xo, kristin

(Jump! on Immortally Yours' flickr.)

design inspiration: parisian kitchen

That's it. I'm signing up for those French classes now.

I cannot wait any longer to cross the pond and see some of the beautiful French interiors that have been inspiring me for years. Like this tiny, crowded kitchen - its walls adorned with lovely objects and a bright yellow window that casts a warm glow over the room.

I especially dig that chocolat clock.

The kitchen of Eric Bergere, p. 64 of Paris Interiors from Taschen Books.

dream house: butler's pantry

When my husband and I fantastize about our dream house, I always add that I want a butler's pantry off the kitchen with its very own sink and plenty of room to move and groove. Here's where I'd arrange flowers and store my ever-growing collection of vases. This dreamy space is exactly what I have in mind...


Isn't that collection of old photographs above the sink fantastic? It's another great place for a gallery wall that I never would have thought of.

I can't take credit for this one, though... Mary Ruffle found it first.

spotlight: eryn brinie apparel

Soft-colors, feminine silhouettes, natural lines. I love everything about the Eryn Brinie collection.

spotlight: betsy b design

This lovely tunic top has everything I’m looking for in my ’09 wardrobe. It’s made from a natural material (embroidered Italian cotton), it’s handmade to my measurements, and the pullover styling is fuss-free yet chic with pretty hand-finished pleats on both the front and back. Plus, boatnecks look good on me. It’s a crisp & classic white shirt… updated!

If it came in more colors, I'd buy them all.

Pleated Boatneck Tunic
See more at the Betsy B Design shop on Etsy.

(I discovered Betsy B via Simple Song.)

horne (aka the place where I covet everything)

Horne has so many beautiful objects for the home that I’ve been oohing and aahing through the site all morning. When I saw the Crackery Crockery Teacup #2 from Ornamented Life, my heart skipped a beat. It’s gorgeous! It is the most delicate, lovely little cup I’ve seen.

Be sure to read up on the background of this design. It makes this little number even more special.

(Crackery Crockery Teacup #2)
(Via Oh Joy! and Simple Song)

tgif

When I was a little girl, I usually went to sleep with one or two of my stuffed animals each night, but every once in a while I'd gather the whole group up and crawl into bed with all of them. I'd line them up around me from head to toe and sleep like that all night. Just me and my stuffed animals in my little twin bed - snug as bugs in a rug. Thinking back on that now makes me smile.

... and so does this.

I hope that something this weekend makes you smile too.
xo kristin

(Family Portrait by Doc18 on flickr.)

shopping conundrum

I’m flummoxed… there are so many wonderful, lovely dresses just calling my name, but I don’t know how to choose… which would you pick?

1. Stewart Brown Party Dress ($149) at Beklina.

2. Loyale Solano Tunic ($90) on Beklina.

3. Lemonstory by Kimenna Fall Shirt Dress ($92) on Etsy.

4. Lemonstory by Kimenna Abstract Art Jersey Dress ($100) on Etsy.

Right now, I'm thinking it would be #3 first, then #2, then #1, and finally #4. But I really love them ALL!

delightful dessert table

I'd get married all over again if it meant I could have a dessert table like this. Four balloons and an all-white palette make for a truly gorgeous display, no?

Amy Atlas... she is an event-planning genius.

(Photos from the Bridal Brunch Dessert Table (portfolio pages 6-10). / Jo also swoons.)

a special spot at the window

This photo makes me happy. The neat little table for two puts a smile on my face. It's begging the question, won't you join me for some tea and an afternoon of gazing out at the yard?

(photo by the ultra-talented Alicia Lynn Carrier.)

{sigh} I just love it.

spotlight: photographer irene suchocki

Looky-loo at the stunning portfolio of photographer-extraordinaire Irene Suchocki. In her own words, she’s a "purveyor of little poems for the eyes" – and oh, ain’t it so? Her photos are beautiful, dazzling, and whimsical. My heart skips a beat just looking at the magic of those glowing heart lights strung up over the street. Lucky for us, we can buy her prints here.

"Looking for Love"

"We Hold the Future"

letterpress love: Chewing the Cud

Sending cards is one of the simplest ways to put a smile on someone's face, and
I’m a sucker for letterpress. So of course when I saw these lovely hand-made cards from Chewing the Cud, I started to swoon. The colors are very chic (loving the combo of red, brown and light blue right now), and the designs have that modern-vintage vibe. Plus, they’re clever… let’s ketch*up? …chuckles…

Cards from Chewing the Cud on Etsy.

tgif

Never have I wanted a weekend to come more badly. I’m looking forward to a trip to the movies, an early morning yoga class, baking cookies, reading my new Domino magazine, and lots of naps...

See you next week!
xo, kristin

(click here to see rest of deuce-ish photostream)

let's shop: anthropologie

Brrr! To say it's cold today would be an understatement. It’s minus zero here in Chicago with windchills that make your eyes water and your fingers and toes go numb. Kinda makes you want to throw the covers back over your head and not even get out of bed.

The perfect cure to the chilly day blues? For me, it’s looking at the lovely spring line at Anthropologie. The cheery spring colors in blue, yellow and pink and whimsical polka-dot patterns remind me that spring is somewhere around the corner.

for your home...

for you...

{home: Flower Frenzy Dishtowels * Happy-As-A-Lark Coasters * Ditsy Dot Bowls}

{you: Skystones Necklace * View-From-Above Cardigan * Graphite Garden Scarf}

shopping at paper n stitch

I had no idea such a wonderful treasure-trove of goodies existed at Paper n Stitch until the lovely Ez told us about it. Oh, the treasures await at this Etsy-like space that features the work of artists, designers, and creative types selling their handmade goods.

A few of my favorite things...

Gold Rose Pendant from Plum and Sage.

Favorite Mittens from PLYtextiles.

The Courtyard Garden print from Gretchenmist.

my resolutions

Joslyn inspired me. I haven’t thought much about resolutions for the New Year, but I decided I should make at least a few. Even if I’m a little late, it’s better than never, right?

These are the things I want to do this year…

Stop procrastinating. (This is a very tall order. I couldn’t even come up with my resolution list on time. From now on - Do it now. Do it now. Do it now.)

Keep bouquets of fresh flowers. (Flowers make me happy. Trader Joe’s has a great selection – for cheap – and in a few months it’ll be farmer’s market time again. This should be an easy one.)

Try a new recipe once a week. (Time to put that stack of cookbooks to use.)

Take more pictures. (What good is a camera sitting in a drawer? Get it out, get out there and snap up as many photos of this life as you can before it passes by. Capture the beauty of the every day.)

Stop swearing. (I don’t look like a truck-driver, so why should I sound like one? Besides, "shut the front door" sounds so much more clever than the alternative.)

Perfect the Ashtanga headstand in yoga class. (Hold it for 20 counts, drop your legs to look like an L for 5 and then raise your legs back up for a count before exiting the pose. Do this with grace. 20 counts feels like an eternity, but I swear I will get this by the end of ’09.)

design inspiration: chalkboard wall

One of the things on my grand to-do list is to open a bakery. That's not about to happen any time soon, but when it does, I want to have a wall like this.

I love the retro table & chairs, and those wide plank floors are simply lovely.

(By Cat Scratch via my new fave Mary Ruffle.)

spotlight: ouma party dress

If only I had a party to go to...

Striped Babydoll Party Dress by Ouma on Etsy.

tgif

Woo hoo!
The weekend is almost here!

Let the good times roll.

See you next week!
xo kristin

(one of 365 days of photos in 2007 by Berly816)

design inspiration: framed photo gallery

What an inspiration for creating a framed photo gallery at home (from the brilliant minds at Sixx Design). Just looking at those pretty black frames lined up in not-so-neat rows tempts me to copy this idea at the top of our stairs.

But I also still love this idea.

(I found this lovely photo via Mary. Be sure to check out her sites here and here... they're full of amazing photos that are sure to inspire.)

spotlight: handmade bags by moop

I {heart} these bags from Moop. Handmade in Massachusetts, the design of each bag is based on the mantra "form follows function"... and from what I can see the forms are lovely indeed!

The Messenger * The Tote

spotlight: Emily Ryan

I am swooning over these super cute dresses by Emily Ryan on Etsy. The design and materials are very organic in nature and the cozy materials (cotton sweatshirt and soft cotton jersey) make these frocks a great choice for the wintry weather. Pair them with leggings, a chunky piece of jewelry and boots for a chic look.

Ruffle Dress and Cowl-Neck Pocket Tunic

happy new year!

Here's to good things in the year ahead.

Little Birds' New Year on Flickr.