Just Beautiful Things

Quote of the Week

2011-08-21T04:33:00.000-07:00

Quote of the Week

2011-06-05T11:41:00.000-07:00

This weeks quote goes out to my wonderful Grandmother who after 79 years and a good life passed away this morning. She was an amazing woman who would do anything for anyone, loved God and valued her family above all else. I thought this quote was fitting...

You will forever be in our hearts. Love you Grandma.

Happy Photos

2011-05-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

Well it's been difficult for me to transition back into the work week following a fantastic three day weekend. Hope everyone had a terrific Memorial Weekend! Just took this shot this evening and it made me smile so I wanted to share. : )

Quote of the Week

2011-05-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

Nena Von Giveaway!

2011-05-25T07:31:00.000-07:00

Nena Von has teamed up with us today to offer you this fantastic giveaway! The giveaway is for this beautiful chocolate brown and creme trellis fret work pillow cover!!

All you have to do to enter is leave a comment under this post and you will be automatically entered. Be SURE to leave your email address or some sort of link in the comment box so I can contact you if you are chosen. The number will be randomly chosen from the total number of comments using random.org. The contest ends at midnight tonight (Central Standard Time).

Below are some photos of their booth at the Queen Bee Market.

Some of my favorites...

Where they end up... In beautiful spaces.

Nena Von has a gorgeous selection of pillow covers and drapery that are all available on their etsy store. You can also purchase all of the above pieces and more at RianRae (if you don't see an item listed on RianRae ~ email info@rianrae.com ). A big shout out to Summer for this giveaway! Thank you!! Don't forget to enter!

xoxo,

Jen

And the winner is... (drumroll please) ~ Anna Ferguson/Dean Valore. Congratulations! There was a total of 12 comments by midnight Central/Standard time and I used the random number generator at random.org to get lucky number 7! Thanks to everyone that participated and check back next Wednesday for another giveaway!!

Summer Retreats

2011-05-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

Following a much needed getaway of pure bliss at a rustic retreat on a lake up north this past weekend, I was inspired to share the photos of these great summer cabins. Villa Else in Denmark is the perfect blend of simplicity and rustic with pops of fun color mixed in. The great room with all those windows and wide open ceilings is fabulous. I long for such a place to eat breakfast and enjoy my morning coffee... I originally discovered and read about Villa Else a few days ago on my friend Megan's fabulous blog Beach Bungalow 8.

Villa Else was stylized by Katrine Martensen-Larsen of KML Design along with all the other beautiful getaways in this blog post. Below are photos of the summer retreat fondly named 'between the sky and the sea'. I love how it's perched upon the rocks right at the edge of the sea. The interiors have an airy relaxed quality to them and make me want to curl up on the daybed and take an afternoon nap.

I also really enjoyed 'the coastal path'. Loving the crisp white interiors and the way the living area seems to effortlessly flow into the outdoors.

But my absolute favorite is the blissful hideaway of Danish clothing and jewellery designer Marlene Juhl Jørgensen, in the picturesque village of Tisvilde. Loving the juxtaposition of materials in the interior. Painted and unfinished wood, sparkling crystal and raw metal.

Whew. That was a lot of photos. My apologies, I couldn't narrow them down...

xoxo,

Jen

Quote of the Week

2011-05-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

The Search for Fairies...

2011-05-18T11:24:00.000-07:00

I blogged a few days ago about the letter my oldest daughter had written and left for the 'fairies'. She requested a photo or something to show her they were real. After much thought and debate, I decided upon keeping the photo somewhat mystical and not showing one of a larger fairy. I really want her imagination to fill in the blanks. The below three photos of fireflies in the woods were the favorites that I came across in my search (I apologize as I do not know the source). Loving the ethereal look they have.

The last photo is the one I choose to give her. I printed it out on high gloss photo paper, attached a 'note' written by the fairies in tiny delicate writing, laid it on her dresser and sprinkled it all with glitter. Can't wait for her to discover her response from the fairies!!

xoxo,
Jen

Marolsha Giveaway

2011-05-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Marolsha by Maddy has teamed up with us today to offer you this fantastic giveaway! The giveaway is for this beautiful vintage cabochon and antique brass ring. Maddy is a total sweetheart and we are so excited to be working with her! She loves taking vintage jewels and metals and and incorporating them into her work. Much of her inspiration comes from Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and nature. She creates these enchanting pieces out of her home studio based in Singapore.

Some of my favorites...

Marolsha has a gorgeous selection of necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings that are all available on their etsy store. You can also purchase all of the above pieces and more at RianRae (if you don't see an item listed on RianRae ~ email info@rianrae.com ). A big shout out to Maddy for this giveaway! Thank you!! Don't forget to enter!

xoxo,
Jen

And the winner is... (drumroll please) ~ Al of skylarkmanor. Congratulations Al! There was a total of 17 comments by midnight Central/Standard time and I used the random number generator at random.org to get lucky number 5! Thanks to everyone that participated and check back next Wednesday for another giveaway!!

Letter to the fairies

2011-05-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

I found this note on our sofa yesterday morning with the camera sitting on top of it. It was written by my 7 year old daughter, Saylee.

To: fairies

From: Saylee a fan of yours

Dear fairies, I am not going to harm you. But will you send me a photo of one of you guys. Will not show anyone but my best friend shes a fan too. P.S. Send me a note back.

She is forever writing me the best love notes but this letter to the fairies is something new for her. She is such an amazing child with the biggest heart and great imagination. Still trying to figure out my response but I believe it's going to involve a picture of some sort sent in the mail with fairy dust (glitter) and such in the envelope. Still brainstorming ideas and want to make it really special for her...

Quote of the Week and Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T06:19:00.000-07:00

Girl's Room Redo by Giannetti Designs...

2011-05-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across this room redo by Giannetti Designs this morning and fell in love... Brooke Giannetti designed this room redo for her daughter Leila's evolving style and it turned out so beautiful.

Read more about this gorgeous room redo over at Brooke's blog.

Handmade with Heart

2011-05-06T14:20:00.000-07:00

My sweet cousin Ali surprised me with this beautiful quilt stitched together from squares of our beloved Grandfather's favorite t-shirts. It was an early Birthday gift that was handmade with lots of love. I love her thoughtfulness and couldn't be more excited about my new quilt!

I asked her to share a little bit about her idea for the quilt, the process and the sentiment behind it. This was what she gave to me to share...

"When Grandpa passed away it was a hard time for the entire family. There was a sad sort of devastation that swept through us. He was a man that I thought would live forever. Grandpa could fix anything, build anything. He was stoic and strong. Nothing could hurt him. But cancer swept through his body and within days he was taken from us.

As Grandma began the early stages of clearing out the cottage (their home) she handed me a stack of Grandpa's white t-shirts. The t-shirts he wore day in and day out under his plaid button up shirts. I carried them home and carefully packed them away not knowing what I would do with them but not wanting to throw them away.

Months went by and one day as I puttered on the computer I came across a tutorial on Kojodesigns. She had made a knotted quilt almost identical to the anthropologie bedding that I had known my dear Jeni would love. A crazy exciting idea went through my head.... I was going to make that quilt, and Grandpa's t-shirts would be the perfect material!

The reason I say this is crazy is because although I like to think of myself as crafty, I've never sewed much more than a quick hem or tightened up a loose button. With some encouragement from my aunt and my girlfriend I brought out the t-shirts and began the process.

Many mistakes were made and the blanket is far from flawless, but it was made with love and I know what it means to my cousin to have pieces of something treasured stitched together for her."

Ali

Thank you SO much Ali and for sharing the story with us. The girls and I have already shared moments snuggling under the new quilt together. One particular Sunday morning stands out in my mind when my little girl looked up at me and said, "It's like getting a big hug from Papa... *happy tears*". Our grandfather was a special man who touched the lives of so many. He will be forever in our hearts and missed always...

Below are some pics of the quilt from the tutorial Ali got the instructions from at kojodesigns. Absolutely gorgeous...

Will be doing a 'handmade with heart' post every Friday. If you have a beautiful handmade project with a great story behind it, we would love to hear about it. Please send all submissions to jen.justbeautifulthings.blogspot.com

xoxo,

Jen

Wordy Bird Studios Giveaway

2011-05-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Wordy Bird Studios has teamed up with us today to offer you this fantastic giveaway! The giveaway is for this gorgeous trio of whimsical birdcages wall decal. All you have to do is leave a comment under this post and you will be automatically entered. The number will be randomly chosen from the total number of comments using random.org. If you don't have a google blog, be sure to leave your email address or some sort of link in the comment box so I can contact you if you are chosen. The contest ends at midnight tonight (Central Standard Time).

More of their beautiful decals...

Wordy Bird Studios has a great selection of unique vinyl decals that are all available on their etsy store. You can also purchase all of the above decals and more at RianRae. A big shout out to Wordy Bird Studios for this great giveaway! Thank you!! Don't forget to enter!

xoxo,
Jen

And the winner is... (drumroll please) ~ phillipsmi. Congratulations Michelle! There was a total of 11 comments by midnight Central/Standard time and I used the random number generator at random.org to get lucky number 7! Thanks to everyone that participated and check back next Wednesday for another giveaway!!

The Cullen House from Twilight continued...

2011-05-03T14:56:00.000-07:00

I did a post on the Cullen House in the movie Twilight a while back but came across more pics of this modern and simple yet absolutely stunning home and wanted to share them.

Enjoy!

xoxo,
Jen

Tine K Home new 2011 and Agent for the US

2011-05-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

I am loving all the gorgeous photos from the new Tine K Home Spring/Summer 2011 collection. The color palette of muted greys and whites is so soothing to the eye and calming to the soul.

So excited to announce that I am now the agent for Tine K Home products in the United States so if you are a retailer and are interested in carrying this fabulous line here in the states, contact me at jen.justbeautifulthings@gmail.com, I would be happy to answer any questions you have or assist with opening up the line for your shop.

xoxo,
Jen

Manic Monday

2011-05-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2011-05-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

A Sweet Tablescape Challenge - The McCartneys

2011-05-01T08:13:00.000-07:00

I love this tablescape designed and photographed by local duo The McCartneys for an April Vendor Challenge they participated in via Brenda's Wedding Blog. The pastel Spring colors, flowers and fabrics against the rustic backdrop create the perfect juxtaposition for this beautiful photo shoot. Kelsy and her husband Butch, gathered the items for the tablescape from various local vendors as well as several etsy stores.

Super excited for Kelsy as one of the photos she did for this shoot made it on the cover of the Best Wedding Sites Magazine. And you have to read the beautiful post her husband Butch wrote about Kelsy and her excitement when she found out the news. Truly there is nothing sweeter than love.

Vendor List for the gathered items for the shoot:

Cupcakes: Sweet Lola's Cupcakery & BakeShop
Flower Centerpiece & table: evolutions in design
Paper Goods: The Event Essentials
Robin Egg Blue Floral Cloth Napkins: The Artists’ House
Bitty Blue Bites: The Fetching Hound
Pink, Green, and Blue Easter Truffles: Hits the Spot
Cotton Candy Fudge: Jewel of the Lion

DIY cupcakes in a mason jar: instructions

Sunshine through the Frost

2011-04-29T06:13:00.000-07:00

It seems as though we've been waiting for sunshine and Spring forever... As the sun decided to finally make an appearance today, I wanted to share this photo from this morning. Happy Day!!

Sweet Little Easter Gift

2011-04-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

My oldest gave me the sweetest gift for Easter. A handmade petite clay cupcake complete with a cherry on top she created in art class. She even wrapped it and hid it until Easter to give to me. ***Love***

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2011-04-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

Have a Wonderful Easter!!

2011-04-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

Spring Cleaning and Erin Smith Art Cards

2011-03-31T15:20:00.000-07:00

Since Spring seems to be trying to fight it's way through the cold and snow, I've been doing my part to will it here with some heavy duty Spring Cleaning. Always an undertaking, everything gets sorted, organized and cleaned. In the process, I've realized I have way too much stuff that I don't need. My basement is now full of piles that are sorted into 'throw away', 'consign' or 'donate'.

This matted print from Erin Smith Art says it best.

Love the colors and photos she uses in her work. But most of all I enjoy her witty and somewhat sarcastic words of humor that both make me smile and nod my head in agreement...

RianRae is now carrying many of the cards from her line. Check them out here.

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2011-01-02T06:04:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Here's to a fantastic 2011!!

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-12-06T05:19:00.000-08:00

Photo and quote found at La Dolce Vita.

It's that time again...

2010-11-01T12:22:00.001-07:00

Hard to believe but it really is that time again. Seems like it came crazy fast this year. I still haven't recovered from our busy summer and now we are launching into the Christmas season... Absolutely loving the Holiday decor in the home of interior designer Shana Smith recently featured in Better Homes and Gardens. She does a great job of using a neutral backdrop, mixing in greens and items from nature and punching it up with lime green and pops of black and white. Beautiful and inspiring...

Fall festivities with my girls

2010-10-20T06:58:00.000-07:00

We have been busy with fall activities since the leaves started to turn. Harvest fests, hayrides, games, painting pumpkins and searching for costumes! Below are some of my favorite shots...

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-09-06T06:28:00.001-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-08-02T06:58:00.001-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-07-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-06-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-06-14T14:13:00.001-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-05-31T07:52:00.001-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-05-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-04-26T05:02:00.001-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-04-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-02-15T06:42:00.000-08:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-02-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

In honor of this upcoming Valentine's Day...

Shop Pictures from Holland

2010-01-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

My friend Stina took these photos of a gorgeous shop in Holland. I don't have the name of it at this time but she is checking and will let me know. Would love it if they have a website as well so I can direct you to that. I love the airy feel of the space and the mix of cottage and industrial accents together. The main color scheme of grey and white is very soothing and allows the textures and materials of the products to take center stage...

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-01-31T11:20:00.000-08:00

Barn House Marketplace

2010-01-28T15:49:00.000-08:00

The Boys of Barn House just launched an online marketplace to showcase a collection of their wonderful wares. I am in love with their Vintage Home & Garden shows and the new website is just as gorgeous. They describe their new venture as, "Barn House Marketplace is an extension of the Vintage Home & Garden shows we host on our small farm in SW Washington. It is a reflection of our quest to live sustainably and our love for collection, reusing and repurposing beautiful vintage treasures. It is a testament to the community of talented decorators, artists and designers who we call The Barn House Family. And collectively, it is a small representation of The Barn House Experience."

Well said guys... Below are some of my favorite finds from the site. Check out more here and also their blog at http://www.barnhousebh.com/.

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-01-25T15:31:00.000-08:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-01-18T13:47:00.001-08:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2010-01-04T11:05:00.001-08:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-11-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-11-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-11-09T06:46:00.000-08:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-10-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Never Let Anyone Get Your Goat

2009-10-25T05:49:00.000-07:00

Came across this today and thought it was cute, had to share.

A Proposal of a Thousand Pumpkins

2009-10-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

Loved this sweet story about John Laing and his creative and labor intensive marriage proposal to Ariel Baruch. He had taken one thousand pumpkins and laid them out to spell, "Ari, Will You Marry Me?" in 80 foot letters across a one acre field. Then, he took her out for a fall drive and when she saw the proposal, needless to say, she was speechless. But of course said yes. Awww...

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-10-19T05:13:00.001-07:00

Favorite Summer Pics with the Girls

2009-10-18T13:04:00.000-07:00

I am feeling sentimental reminiscing about the great times had with my girls over the summer and wanted to share my favorite snapshots from those moments...

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-10-12T04:03:00.000-07:00

Fall Harvest Fest with my Girls

2009-10-11T18:42:00.000-07:00

Took my girls to the Fall Harvest Fest downtown Saturday. The girls had a blast with the baby animals and loved the carriage ride. Of course the huge suckers were a hit as well!

Shabby Chic New Couture Store

2009-10-11T15:08:00.000-07:00

I was so pleased to read that Rachel Ashwell just opened up a new Shabby Chic Couture location. This is her first step back into the world of retail since her company filed for Chapter 11 in the Spring. In her new store, she offers some fresh new designs for slipcovered furniture in her same favorite fabrics and great new furniture pieces made in the USA of reclaimed woods.

I am so hoping this means that they will once again open up the opportunity for boutiques to carry the Shabby Chic furniture line. I loved it before and it looks like I would love the new line even more. Photos courtesy of http://www.rachelashwellshabbychic.blogspot.com/.

A Tracy Porter Home

2009-10-10T06:22:00.000-07:00

Tracy Porter's gorgeous home in Ripon, WI just went on the market. Without even getting into how amazing this sprawling 116 acre estate and the exterior of this home is, the interior of the home is beautiful and a true reflection of Tracy's unique style. The bathroom she designed for her boys is super cute and classy at the same time. I am loving the mix of white cabinets, industrial stainless steel counter tops and dressy chandeliers in the kitchen.

More photos and the complete listing at http://www.tracyporterspace.com/.

Down Pipe #26 and Hashai

2009-10-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with this fabulous gray blue color called Down Pipe #26 by Farrow & Ball. I first read about it on beachbungalow8. Clicked to the link for hashai, the blog of Anna Beth Chao and saw the wonderful before and afters of her bedrooms and wanted to share them. For not having any professional background in design, Anna has got some serious talent. The first photo below is of her bedroom which she transformed with the help of Down Pipe #26. The other four photos are the before and afters of her daughter's room remodel.

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-10-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

New Uses for Old Things

2009-10-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

Real Simple Online listed their All-Time Favorite 50 New Uses for Old Things and I thought they had a lot of great ideas. Some I had already used myself in the past, like wrapping a wet paintbrush in a plastic bag to keep until the next day but there are some surprises in there too. The four shown below were some of my favorites but there are 46 more for you to check out right here.

Bucks County Designer Showhouse 2009

2009-09-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

I am loving the Bucks County Designer Showhouse put together by my friend Christine Edmonds and her crew. They own Trove Decor, an evolving collection of vintage finds that they collect and then revive into one of a kind showpieces. About 10,000 people attend the showhouse and benefits go to their local hospital. The photos below show a great sample of before and afters from their project. The theme they went with was apothecary cottage/naturalist's workshop theme. I absolutely love it. All of their furniture and home accessories are vintage and one of a kind. This includes vintage rewired alabaster lamps, marble topped tables, twig chandeliers, and wire baskets.

I want one of my own like this to fix up so very badly... Read more about this great designer showhouse project right here.

Billy Joel's Beachfront Home

2009-09-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

Billy Joel's Beachfront Home in Sagaponack is on the market and it is gorgeous! You can pick up this beauty for a cool 22 million (ahem, ya right). I love the cedar shingles, open concept, soaring ceilings and industrial appliances. The interior has been decorated by the crazy talented Nate Berkus. The master bathroom is a site to behold and I can admit I've already entertained a few fantasies of soaking in that tub while gazing out over the ocean.

But for all the splendor of the main house, I would just as happily move into this cute little studio guest house and make it my home. Read more about his house listing here.

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-09-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-09-14T13:09:00.000-07:00

A Palette of Compassion

2009-09-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share the work of local artist David Hummer. He is amazingly talented but also has a very kind heart and his story of compassion was just featured on CNN. The following paragraphs are taken from the article written for CNN.

This story is not about his artistic talents, it’s about how he has helped make the world a better place. According to David “In 1989, while he was in Manhattan on a business trip with a fellow gallery owner he realized his work was about to take a different direction. He had just exited a building where they were showing Hockney’s latest work. A gallery where one with means could purchase a work of art priced in the millions. It was then that he noticed a homeless man sitting on the sidewalk with a sign on his lap asking for help. This extreme contrast of wealth and poverty came as a shock.

A few years later his work transformed into realist portraits of homeless people in an attempt to create an awareness of an ever-increasing problem in the US. He abandoned his gallery business and would spend the next 15 years producing these portraits and working with homeless shelters and nonprofit organizations”.

Read more about this wonderful story right here, http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-327828.

Although the story is featured around his previous work of the homeless, he also does some beautiful work with children, some of my favorites shown above. The last two are currently hanging in my studio and were done with sharpie marker and watercolor. You can view more of his work on his site at http://www.davidanthonyhummer.com/. If you are interested in a personal commission with David, please contact me and I would be happy to get you in touch with him. Enjoy:)

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-08-31T05:35:00.000-07:00

The Moth and The Cocoon

2009-08-25T06:07:00.000-07:00

A man found a cocoon of an emperor moth. He took it home, so that he could watch the moth come out of the cocoon. One day, a small opening appeared, and he sat still, watching for several hours, as the moth struggled to force its body through the little hole. Then, it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared, as if, it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no farther. It seemed to be stuck. Then, the man in his kindness, decided to help the moth.
So, he took a pair of scissors, and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon. The moth then emerged easily. But, it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. The man continued to watch the moth, because he expected, at any moment, the wings would enlarge and expand to be able to support the body, which would contract in time. Neither happened! In fact, the little moth spent the rest of its life, crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. It never was able to fly.

What the man, in his kindness and haste, did not understand was, the restricting cocoon and the struggle, required for the moth to get through the tiny opening, were God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the moth, into its wings, so it would be ready for flight, once it achieved its freedom from the cocoon. Freedom and flight would only come after the struggle. By depriving the moth of a struggle, the man deprived the moth of health.

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If we were to go through our life without any obstacles, we would be crippled. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. Give every opportunity a chance, leave no room for regrets, and don't forget the power in the struggle.

~Author Unknown~

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-08-24T05:53:00.000-07:00

Random Acts of Kindness with Secret Agent L

2009-08-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

I have always enjoyed surprises myself and thus have found pleasure over the years in doing little things for people that make them smile. I love that feeling you get the moment you see the face of someone you care about light up because you thought to do something special for them, no matter how big or small. It makes my heart do a little 'flip flop' and it feels oh so good. But what about a random act of kindness for someone you will never meet and that will never be able to repay you? I just read about a woman who has made it her mission to do just that, meet Secret Agent L. Her tag line is, "specializing in anonymous acts of kindness and day-brightening". How cool is that.

You can sign up to be an honorary agent and Secret Agent L will send you a mission. I am thinking about going undercover myself, I always wanted to be a secret agent (although I will admit, part of that fantasy involved me performing some really killer karate moves as well). Stay tuned for more details and photos on my "assignment". If you decide to perform your own mission or have your own story of a recent random act of kindness you have experienced, I would love to hear about it.

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-08-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

Tent Decorating with the Barn House Boys

2009-08-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

I have blogged about the Barn House Boys and all their fabulousness before but had to share the results of the beautiful tent decorating contest they recently put on for their guests.

If someone put this together for me on my property, I just might consider moving in permanently...

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-08-10T06:58:00.000-07:00

More Great Girls Room Ideas

2009-08-07T08:17:00.001-07:00

Came across some more creative ideas for little girl's rooms. Although many of these ideas would work just as well in a boy's room. Love the acrylic frames that allow you to change out your child's artwork as often as desired and the enlarged photo cut into even sections and framed. The cozy reading area is another great idea that helps keep books organized and encourages reading.

Photos courtesy of Real Simple online. Read more here.

Great Ideas for Girls Rooms

2009-08-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

Looking for some inspiration for redecorating a bedroom shared by two little girls, I came across these ideas and loved them. If anyone has any unique suggestions, I would love to hear them!

Photos courtesy of Country Living online. Check out more here.

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-08-04T13:15:00.001-07:00

Creative Birthday Cakes & Cupcakes for Kids

2009-07-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

Loved these creative cake ideas and since this is the week of Birthday's in my family, it seemed fitting to do a post on cakes. Wish I would have taken the time to create one of these beauties for my little girl's special day last Friday. These would be sure to bring delight and a big a smile to any little girl...

Photos courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens online.

Check out more here.

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-07-27T08:58:00.000-07:00

Happy 6th Birthday Saylee!

2009-07-24T04:32:00.001-07:00

My oldest turns six years old today. This six years with you sweetheart has been the most wonderful, fantastic, and challenging six years of my life. What a ride it has been. I love you.

Country Dinner Party

2009-07-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

What a romantic party to attend, where the guests can only reach the table by canoe trip across a pond. An old tire and galvanized tub are repurposed as an ice bucket. Fresh cut flowers, dancing on the porch, all fit the "black tie with a twist" theme. Love it...

Photos courtesy of Country Living Online. Read more right here.

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-07-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-07-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

A New York Farmhouse

2009-07-08T12:58:00.000-07:00

The rooms of this New York Farmhouse are humble yet beautiful at the same time. I find them very refreshing...

Photos courtesy of Country Living online. Check out more here.

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-07-06T08:58:00.000-07:00

Haunting Fairytale Photography

2009-07-01T11:34:00.000-07:00

I am enthralled with the photography of Tim Walker.
It is hauntingly beautiful...

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-06-29T04:28:00.001-07:00

Country Houses

2009-06-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

I love a good country house and fell in love with these images when I saw them. I am drawn to the rough hewn beams and of course the Dwell Studio bedding, always loved them...

Images courtesy of Canadian House & Home online.

Check out more right here.

Inspirational Quote of the Week

2009-06-22T06:01:00.000-07:00

Inspirational Budget Bathroom Makeover

2009-06-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

Still searching for inspiration for our bath remodel and came across this cool transformation. This homeowner used corrugated metal as a shower surround and refurbished secondhand cast offs for materials. His luxe chandelier was a steal and the shower curtain a splurge (we sell the prom night shower curtain here). The result is a unique and gorgeous budget friendly bath.

Photos courtesy of Country Living online. Click here to read more.

Homemade Popsicle Recipes

2009-06-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

Since the weather has FINALLY warmed up here in Wisconsin, I am feeling inspired to whip together a yummy summer treat for the girls. These homemade popsicles just might fit the bill.

Photos courtesy of Country Living online.

Check out these yummy recipes here.

Peek Inside Amy Butler's Studio

2009-06-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

I love Amy Butler and her line of fabrics and and the fact that she is a Midwest gal like myself! She has a unique decorating style that really speaks to me. Raw woods, industrial pieces, and punchy fabrics all combine for a great down to earth look. Enjoy this sneak peek inside her amazing treetop studio...

Photos courtesy of Amy Butler Design.

The Farm Chicks

2009-06-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

Loved the photos the BarnHouse boys posted of The Farm Chicks show. Wish I could have attended, looks like a great collection of vendors and some awesome stuff!

Bathroom Design Ideas

2009-06-11T05:27:00.000-07:00

We are talking about remodeling our smaller bathroom and I came across these photos in my search for some inspiration. Love the rustic and country touches in these baths. A furniture piece in the bath can provide great storage as well as help give the room a more cozy feel.

Photos courtesy of Country Living online.

Ideas for Summer Decorating

2009-06-08T07:26:00.001-07:00

Loved these summer decorating ideas from Canadian House and Home. A great online source chalk full of wonderful inspirations so be sure to check them out. I found this online site via the amazing blog decor8. In this particular article, Canadian House and Home tells us to, "Get inspired by the season's bright summer dresses, endless blue skies, beach vacations, casual camp style and sunny hues". Sounds great to me! I love decorating with splashes of bright color, lots of texture, and mixing it up with some rustic and unexpected pieces so this really appealed to me.

I am super in love with the second photo of the tufted headboard surrounded by barnwood beams. We have some great old barnwood beams in the barn, I think I feel a project coming on...

Dream House on Price Edward Island

2009-06-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

Loved the beautiful photos of this dream house on Prince Edward Island but was also drawn to the touching story surrounding this wonderful family and their beautiful home...

Photos courtesy of Country Living online.

Read about their heartwarming story here.

God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy.

2009-06-03T06:06:00.001-07:00

My daughter made me laugh outloud this morning when I saw this was what she had written on her chalkboard.

"God is great, beer is good, and people are crazy." Billy Currington

Clingstone

2009-06-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Be still my beating *heart*... Can you imagine having this place as your own private getaway? Clingstone is located in the Narraganaset bay of Rhode Island. The house boasts 4 stories and 23 rooms. Despite it's massive size, the interior of the house appears to still encompass that cozy welcoming feel of a smaller cottage. The most amazing part of the story of this house to me is that the current owner, Henry Wood, purchased the house in 1961 for the sum of $3,600.00. It had sat vacant for over two decades but I would still say he got one heck of a bargain.

My favorite part just might be the sign posted on the wall next to the ladder that leads up to the rooftop...

The story originally ran in the New York times but I read about it on the fabulous blog of Megan Arquette, who writes the blog BeachBungalow8. Read more about Clingstone on her blog here.

Loving Chalkboard Walls

2009-05-25T19:28:00.001-07:00

I have longed to put a chalkboard wall in my home for quite sometime now but am now thinking of doing one in the studio. Maybe with some whimsical chalk drawings of ferns & botanicals...

Photos courtesy of Desire to Inspire and Apartment Therapy.

Setting the Table for Memorial Day

2009-05-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

Check out these gorgeous ideas for setting an outdoor table for Memorial Day and more here.

Barn Girl

2009-05-19T06:47:00.000-07:00

Some photos of Sydney in front of the barn...

Kindergarten Crush

2009-05-19T06:35:00.000-07:00

My oldest daughter has been smitten with this boy 'Nate' from her Kindergarten class since just about the first day. She has already informed me that she is going to marry him someday. The papers below were in her backpack last night when I unpacked it.

The child is going to give me gray hair before I turn '30'. How about you? Have any stories to share about a "kindergarten crush"?