finally breathing

Today was the day. The day where we finally launched a project that I have been working on since my 2nd day on the job. I feel like I can finally breathe, but am also completely exhausted from birthing what I consider to be my child.

I had the perfect blog post ready for today but as I began to write I found myself completely drained. Therefore I wanted to post something that makes me smile. It might be a simple photograph but c'mon….how can you not love it. If I ever have a boy and girl I want to reinvent this photo and make it my Christmas card.


Well, that's all for now. Have a wonderful weekend and stay tuned for next week! xoxo

standout staircases

While I consider my overall style to be 'updated traditional,' I have noticed that the older I get the more I am drawn to modern or more contemporary statements. As part of this I have recently had my eye on some standout staircases. These staircases aren't your run-of-the-mill traditional entryway staircase. No, no – these staircases are wow pieces….you know, like a conversation piece.

J'adore (that means I adore) the fine line between art and architecture; the line where architecture becomes a piece of art in itself. Through my recent interest in architecture I have come to the understanding that just about anything (even a bathroom sink or elevator) can become a piece of art if treated with enough care and passion.

Well my friends, this is exactly how I feel about these staircases. Perhaps it is the fact that I am living in a one story home that makes me dream of staircases…one will never know. I do however know that these grand elevations provide moments of modern conversation while assisting in its everyday functionality.

I leave you now with my one final thought (well more like obsession). The idea of mixing old with new and contemporary with traditional. Just think how fabulous these staircases would look in a traditional craftsman style shingled home!

mellow yellow

Awhile back my sister opted for a new iPhone cover. After her purchase she asked me if I liked it. As I gave her a nod of approval she seemed almost shocked that I had nothing more to say so she took it upon herself to explain her decision. This of course led to her logic of "I feel sorry for the color yellow." My dear sweet sister felt sorry that no one likes yellow starburst and skittles and therefore compensated by purchasing a yellow iPhone cover.

I was thinking about this funny incident this morning and therefore decided to dedicate a blog post to the ever endearing mellow yellow. I however happen to love yellow and I crave just about anything lemon. I think there is an old wives tale that lemons will either make you produce all boys or all girls (I can never remember which one). Anyways, point being….I heart yellow!

Yellow, in my taste, is what I would use as a statement piece. Not to go off on a tangent but I will be blogging about statement pieces coming soon so stayed tuned for that one. After all, we have statement jewelry so why not statement furniture. Okay back to yellow – I'm not much of one for soft yellows but instead a bold punch of 'YELLOW, here I am." Below are some pieces that I personally adore for a punch of mellow (or not so mellow) yellow!

bold and bright

This week I am working early hours….7am-4pm! While I'm a total morning girl the combination of it being Monday and waking up at 5am is leaving me feeling a little dull in these early afternoon hours. Therefore, I have looked to some sassy designs for a little inspiration and afternoon pick-me-up.

Not only are these bold and bright spaces exactly what I need right now, but they are also officially going in my 'must have' catalogue of inspiring rooms. This of course brings me to my favorite part about this blog – the fact that it acts as a mood book for styles, designs, and décor that I love. I used to tear out pictures from magazines and keep them in a binder but of course that got lost somewhere between the dorms, theta house, and move back to Cali. But alas, I will never have to manage my clippings again for this blog will be my forever record keeper.

Now…..mark my word that these images will be the inspiration for my next home. I suppose this would be best suited for a small studio or open loft type of space as the bright colors would be a lot to carry throughout an entire home. Right now I am loving the timeless, fun, and classy combination of orange and teal!

green with envy

As much as I adore a crisp white home, I simply cannot deny my love for green. Aside from being my favorite color it is without a doubt an incredible statement maker. There are some colors (such as red in my opinion) that just look better in their solid state. But green really lucked out as it's enjoyed as both a solid and a print.

A good green – like Kelly green – is as timeless as black. Throw in a few gold accessories and you've got yourself a killer bedroom, or perhaps a coat. Quick fashion break...I am so sweet on this Blair Waldorf look I could just scream. When it comes to fashion there is nothing I love more than a pair of tights, savvy statement coat, and chic handbag! Oh Blair!

I'm obsessed with the drum ceramic table in this room and feel as though it's glossy texture makes this room all it's built up to be. While this room makes my heart flutter I can't imagine coming home to such a bold distraction every day after a long day at work. Perhaps this room would be better suited for a weekend getaway or modern guest house.

An upholstered headboard is something that I have always desired for my room. The plush lines and bold fabrics make it a chic accessory in any room. I love it when something practical - like a piece of furniture - becomes an accessory itself due to the divine nature of its design. This particular headboard has me practically drooling with envy.

no change here

I realize that the blog post you are about to read has nothing to do with style, décor, or spaces. But this is however my place to post opinions which at this point just so happens to be political. Simple disclaimer: the point of this blog post is not meant to upset anyone but simply point out how much the state of California sucks (sorry mom for saying sucks).

As if the state of California is not already in complete turmoil we go and elect Boxer and Brown. Clearly most of the other states in this country realize that we are in dire need of change, but not stubborn California…..we opt to make the same mistakes over and over and over again!

However, I should point out that there are 2 pieces of good news here: the right has taken over the house and election commercials are officially over. I look forward to going home today and not finding mounds of political garbage in my mail which at this point has probably killed every last tree in California.

House Results

Governor Results

Senator Results

finishing touches

I've officially lived in my island home for about 2 months now, and while I'm very settled there a few spaces that still require a little more attention. I think I've found just about everything I need to complete my home so now it's just time to take the plunge and make the purchases.

Areas in need of a little TLC include: living room – between the entertainment center and window as well as the empty wall in the den which has been begging for a desk.

For the living room I have selected a rustic blue bench that will be topped off with 4 nautical Etsy prints!

For the den I have been eyeing this mod desk that I will warm up with a few baskets and hang a chalkboard above!

I'm sure it will take some time for my articles to arrive but I can assure you that as soon as they do I will be posting pics to share with y'all!