spotlight: she's crafty

Some irresistible handmade goodies for the bambinos...

From the very talented Hadley Fierlinger of She's Crafty.

Visit her Etsy shop for more great handmade goods.

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Another weekend is upon us, dear readers. Have a lovely one!

See you next week!
xo, Kristin

(Free Spirit by Shirae)

See the rest of her collection here.

spotlight: city of dionne stationary

I simply cannot resist cute and unique stationary. The cards are hand-illustrated by the very talented Dionne (check out her blog!)

(Simple Joys in Life, set of 4 cards, $12.50)

See the rest of her collection here.

travel: waterfront cottage

I want to go there now...

A three-bedroom Maine cottage rental right on the water. Porches, a fireplace and nearby lobster bakes? I'm in!

(Maine Cottage Rental)

(PS - thank you, Liz Lemon, for giving me a cheeky line to say all. the. time.)

spotlight: periwinkle bloom

Have you seen the lovely collection of organic tots' attire from Periwinklebloom? I'm finding it hard to resist...

(Gathered Dress, $48; Bubble Dress, $62)

design inspiration: holly aird's london retreat

From the online gallery on Living Etc. ...when can I move in?

(A pretty flowery rug brightens up the neutrals of all those comfy pieces of upholstery.)

(A beautiful farm table gets a new lot on life.)

(I never would have thought to put a big photograph on the backsplash of the stove. And now I can't stop thinking about it)

(Such colorful bedding! I am loving that embroidered trim on the sheets.)

(I have never seen a pink tub. Nor have I loved a tub so much.)

(A perfectly playful child's room decked out in bright colors.)

To see the rest of the photos from this amazing house tour, please click here. I know you'll enjoy!

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I'm hoping all of your weekend wishes come true.

See you next week!
xo, Kristin

(Everyone Needs a Wish Jar 5 x 7 print, $8, by Beth Retro)

I first saw Beth's work on Creature Comforts.

See the rest of her collection here.

spotlight: weeds & wild things

Hello, wee little village.

I'd like to take you home with me.

(Shelf City by Weeds and Wild Things on Etsy)

butterfly garland

I came across this butterfly garland at Via Maris NYC and think it is simply lovely...

(Butterfly Garland, 80" long x 7" high, $20)

spotlight: carol hannah

This silk chiffon dress - in a dreamy lavendar - is pretty as can be. It's just perfect for a summer wedding. I especially love the back...

(Lavendar Avenue Dress by CarolHannah, available at Etsy)

See the rest of the collection here.

design inspiration: child's room (and some news!)

I have some wonderful news, my dear readers... I'm pleased as punch to tell you that my husband and I are expecting twins this fall! We are beyond thrilled and a little nervous too, as I'm sure you can imagine. So, you'll definitely be seeing more baby/child themed posts as we move through this pregnancy and prepare our life for the little bundles.

Now more than ever, I am looking at kids' rooms with a whole new energy. I spied this wonderful vintage-inspired room and just had to share it with you.

Isn't it lovely?

(Vintage Child's Room from Country Living)

tgif + happy easter!

Wishing you and yours a fun-filled Easter.
(One that hopefully includes lots of chocolate!)

(Spring in Our Kitchen by Moline)

(Gosh, I love EVERY single photo she posts. I'd move in if I could!)

spotlight: print*pattern*paper

Such a cute, easy way to to decorate a child's room... I love these wall cards from Rebecca, the uber-talented artist at Print*Pattern*Paper.

Numbered 1 through 10, the cards feature adorable images and text. Kid-friendly yet not too saccharine, these card creations give the perfect dose of fun and color for the modern kid's room.

(Wall Cards from Print*Pattern*Paper)

Available in two sizes: 5x7 ($18) and 8x10 ($32)

design inspiration: photo gallery wall

Another brilliant arrangement of photos and artwork; this time winding up a staircase. (Amanda Peet's staircase!) I am so inspired by gallery walls like this (and this and this) -- I just have to do this somewhere in my house.

(Amanda Peet: House Tour via Domino Mag)

spotlight: elizabeth rosas earrings

These shimmering dangle earrings are pretty as can be. They're made with hand punched discs of silver with a snake skin-like texture. I think they'd add a bit of "wow" to any outfit.

(Dangle Earrings by eRosas Jewelry)

For more from her collection visit the shop.

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Have a wonderful weekend!

(Grape Hyacinth by Hannie on Flickr)

spotlight: lamixx

Mama needs to update her wardrobe, and I have had my eye on this top for months. Every time I look at it, I think just how cute it would be with a pair of ballerina flats and black leggings.

I think it's time to bite the bullet...

(Check Mate Slanted Bow Top by Lamixx)

See the rest of Jacqueline Rose's collection here.

spotlight: bukushuns by djenya

I have never in my life "ooh-ed" out loud over bookends until I spotted these. Are they not the cleverest little things you've seen?

I'll just leave it to Djenya, the artist, to describe:

"Bukushuns - or Book Cushions - are hand-made ceramic bookends that look like soft little pillows. They are filled with sand and sealed, making them heavy enough to hold up your entire library. Can also be used as door-stops, paper-weights, or simply as decorative sculptures to put on your shelf."

(Bukushuns by Djenya on Etsy)

design inspiration: modern-retro kitchen

Here is a perfect example of just how interesting an all white room can be once you add a just a few colorful accessories. The mantle showcasing bright plates, the pitcher of fresh flowers and the checkered tablecloth have just what it takes to enliven the room, and thanks to the blank canvas of the walls, they really pop as accents.

I love the tiled floor, too (tho' I'm not sure what it would be like to clean with all those grout lines).

(Modern-Retro Kitchen on Living Etc.)

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)

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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.)