Pattern and Whimsy

For those of you who have used wallpaper in your homes, I envy you! I absolutely love the idea of it, but at the same time it kind of terrifies me. It seems so PERMANENT. And you must truly love the pattern, because once it is up, it's up. It's not like you can just paint over it...

I think one of my next projects at home would be to paper either a wall in our master bedroom, or if we do have another child, I think it would be great in a nursery too. I got sucked into a whole lot of wallpaper research Friday night, and here were a few of my favorites...

By Walnut Wallpaper

I am OBSESSED with this one...perfect for a little boys room!!! image via Smitten Design

and these SHOES...absolutely adorable!

subtle pattern, but very cute

soft pink elephants

very cheerful yellow and white floral

BY GIVEN CAMPBELL:

I am obsessed with this line. It is very graphic and bright, but if you did it on just one wall, think how adorable?

they also do custom monograms!!!!

Good kids collection by Urban Source Chicago:

and very Kitschy by Ferm Living

How about you? Have you done wallpaper in your home?

One SWEET Find...

I wish I had the time to attend flea markets, antique stores and estate sales to search out those perfect accent pieces for my home. Unfortunately, I just don't have the time...weeding through it all is nearly impossible. If this is an area you struggle with, just let Jackie (of fave Blog Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle) and her new amazing store, One Sweet Find do it for you!

She has scoured the California coast to find amazing, one of a kind trinkets and decor to add a pop of color or some interest to your home. Her prices are phenomenal, which makes the "find" all the better!

Here are just a few of my favorite items from her shop...

this gorgeous horn is SOLD...but isn't it fabulous?

Now visit her darling SHOP for more of her great finds...

who knew?

Happy Monday everyone! We had a nice snowy weekend, but you know what? I am sick of it! Enough already! Geeeeeez.

So, anyway, I had a lot of time to browse the internet and read up on my fave blogs. I have added a few to my reading list, one of them being The Zhush.  Which is a verb meaning"to Primp of fluff". I love it, it's the perfect name for this blog which is all about elements of style...be it the home, fashion, what have you. The author has fabulous taste and I always enjoy reading what she has to say. It's definitely one to add to your list!

This weekend she posted a great time waster. A home decorating quiz on Sproost.com that tells you what your decorating style is. Since I feel all over the place when it comes to home aesthetics, I knew this quiz would enlighten me. After  rating a bunch of home decor pictures, it turns out I am 43% French Eclectic, 28% Classic and I forget the 3rd one, I think it was Nantucket/Beachy.

It's funny because I don't think my house looks French Eclectic at all, but, it's a style I lean towards for sure. My husband had a lot of great furniture before we met, so I have inherited it. But, maybe our next home I will have the opportunity to mix things up a bit...here are some examples of French Eclectic from Sproost.com

X is for...eXquisite

X is a hard one, so I kind of cheated on this letter. But it is in the word "exquisite" so I decided to work around that. I just re-subscribed to Elle Decor after taking a year off. I am so glad I did, it's one of my absolutely favorite magazines. Only downside...it gives me major home envy. In the most recent issue they featured the home of Oprah Show producer, Ellen Raiketen's Chicago apartment. Holy Cow. Give me the keys, I want to move in with her. Every detail, her colors, the furnitue, the artwork...EXQUISITE!

In the article, Ellen describes her taste as being all over the board. She claims to be a bit "hollywood regency, flea market, midcentury French, modern, granny chic, beachy, and english club". When I read this I could totally relate! My taste in home decor is very schizophrenic too. But for Ellen, with the help of Nate Berkus and Anne Coyle she was able to combine all of her different aesthetics into one gorgeous home. By the way, Ellen was able to buy the 2 units above them and undergo a 20 month renovation to expand their space and create a home that would accommodate her family, which includes 2 growing boys.

Please excuse my scanner, my pics don't do it justice.  But here are some of my favorite rooms in the home...

the Dressing room is phenomenal. Love the big windows and all the natural light. The Chandelier is vintage Bauges. The rug is patchwork cowhide. How amazing is that?

I am not so crazy about the table and chairs, BUT...those hand painted silk wall coverings speak to me. If you look closely there are birds and beautiful flowers. And the mirrored buffet table is a fun pop to the otherwise formal room. The chandelier is Ventetian.

This is the library. It is so cozy to me, I would love to sit in this room and read or work on my blog. Ha! The wall color is phenomenal, it is called Off Black by Farrow and Ball. I need this color in my home. I also am planning to do a wall cluster like she has done here. It's such a great way to display smaller photos and works of art.

The bottom two pics are of her boys rooms. I doubt my son would be sporting a cashmere Hermes throw, but I love that she has that thrown in there! I especially love her clean white kitchen and the breakfast nook. 

I guess I will be calling Nate next time I need to re-do my home...

A is for...

I always have a million ideas swirling in my head, and I guess that is why writing a blog is good for me, it kind of organizes my thoughts or "passions" or ideas of the moment. I thought it might be fun to do a series of posts using the good ol' ABC's as my inspiration....so let's get started!

A is for Alora Ambiance. This fabulous line of fragrance diffusers and candles has been around since 2000. I first discovered them at Barney's in Chicago. At first I scoffed at the price tag ($80 for a big diffuser) BUT, they last almost 6 months and their scents are truly amazing (don't even think "plug in" they are wayyyy better). I love candles, but the diffuser gives a continuous scent without the worry of starting a fire and without being too overpowering. Trust me, they are worth every penny!

A few of their best sellers are...

Uno: a mix of Lemon, Orange, Basil, Jasmine, Rose, Muguet, Sandalwood, Musk and Honey

Due: a blend of cucumber, beech, musk rose, jasmine, vanilla, basil, ylang-ylang and Cedarwood

Tre: orange, grape, pine, raspberry, rose, mandarin, vanilla, amber and heliotrope

Isola: (one of my faves!) Gardenia, Tuberose and Fig

Bimbi (originally made for a baby nursery, but great in a kitchen or bathroom!) lavender, chamomile and bergamot

Feeling Chirpy...

Despite the foot of snow that is accumulating outside and despite the fact that we have practically 6 months to summer, I am kind of in the mood for spring. I mean, Target already has their resort swim wear out! Like I needed a reminder that swimsuit season is around the corner....ughhhhh, why did I eat so much of that Peppermint Bark?!!!!  Anyhow, I digress...

So, for Christmas my in-laws gifted me another place setting to my Juliska everyday dishes (White Berry and Thread pattern). We have a very nice Simon Pearce set, but it is a bit masculine. In fact, my husband had them before we met. I decided it was time to start a new setting that was a bit more feminine and something that we could use everyday. I have always loved Juliska glass, and I was overjoyed when they came out with their ceramic dishes a few years ago. They are SO durable...chip resistant, microwave, dishwasher safe, etc. Here is what it looks like...

I decided that since we are close to having enough to actually serve people on, it would be nice to get some fresh table linens. Something to make the table look a bit more soft. Well, I could not have been more delighted to stumble upon these fabulous Bird placemats from Dwell...they were JUST what I was picturing...

And to continue with the bird theme...I found these on Z.Gallerie...

and for a meal that is more formal or festive?!

but let me tell you they really got me when I saw this on Dwell's website....AHHHHHH...the bird obsession continues...

Chinois Blue sheet set $260

I heart Home Goods

My dear friend Amy of "The Huntress Lives" and my other friend Jennifer have both mentioned to me that I NEEDED to go to Home Goods. If you don't know what Home Goods is, it is Marshall's home store that is FULL of fabulous home stuff...anything from decorative, to kitchen stuff, rugs, bathroom accessories, you name it! Both of these girls have amazing taste, so I finally decided to head their advice and check it out.

My mom and I went and when I walked in it was just about as exciting as an H&M shopping trip. They had so many great things and the prices were unreal. They had these amazing Chinese Pedestal stools (that I have been dying to get) for $30 a piece! I decided to hold off on them until I know exactly where I would put them, but I did make a few other great purchases that I would love to share!

I had gone there with a plan to find some accessories for my coffee table. I found this adorable ceramic Fu Dog for $13

This great little sparkly Christmas tree for my Demilune...$7

and lastly I was looking for a tray for my bathroom and some pretty little things to put cotton balls and q-tips in. I found this tray in the Kitchen section for $10, the pretty cup was $5 and the little jewelry box that I now use for cotton balls was $4!!! The pretty white bud vase was from Crate and Barrell for $7

I can't wait to go back and see what I can find on my next trip!

The stockings were hung by the hip mom with style and flare...

I have been on an ENDLESS search for the perfect stockings. I want something unique, not too juvenile, and with a touch of style so that I enjoy looking at them for a month. I searched through Etsy and found some WONDERFUL options. The best part is they are super affordable and I always love supporting handmade artists! here are my favorites (so far!)...

Plum Cushion (great pillow resource) on Etsy is now making Stockings out of her gorgeous fabrics!!!! LOVE!

Adorable Felt creations by RikRak on Etsy

The silhouette and details on these by MissMosh are darling

And if I had a Shabby chic home, I would go with these...

By Berry Lane on Etsy

A little paper goes a long way...

I have a slight shopping problem when it comes to paper. I am one of those people with stacks of card-stock, note cards, stickers and wrapping paper stashed in my guest room closet. The great thing about my little stash is that I am always  prepared when it comes time to wrap a gift or make a card! I have to thank one of my favorite stores, Paper Source for providing me with GOBS of creative inspiration.

Paper Source is unbelievable. They have everything from greeting cards, to ribbon, custom invitations, toys and gifts and then EVERYTHING that you would need to create beautiful paper-goods yourself. Here are a few of my favorite items that will get you started on a card-making frenzy...

Paper Source has a lovely variety of printable note-cards in a variety of sizes and colors. They make it fool-proof by providing online print templates for every card they sell.

To make your envelopes more interesting, they have envelope liners that you can add just by gluing them to the inside of the envelope. They have a ton of great patterns to choose from to add some pattern to solid stationery.

I am obsessed with their flower making kits! You can add these to a card or even a package for a fun, whimsical touch.

I just discovered their labels (with online print templates) They are fabulous. You can add your guests address or use them for a return address. They are super easy to print and really add a personal touch to your stationery

I had to throw this in there, because it's a new addition to Paper Source and I love it! It's TAPE...yes, gorgeous printed tape. You can use it as "ribbon" around a plain package. It looks amazing and it's simple for those who don't love using real ribbon.