this week I'm loving...

apparently, a lot.

slope side via ffffound

this coffee table & rug combo via swissmiss

a delicate gift via Bird & Banner

a warm cup of coffee via decorology

a cold beer via behance

casual Friday via Auburn & Ivory

outdoor living via please sir

fishermen via Design Crush

winners via the Little Big House

smart brunettes via Haute Design

effective packaging via Little Bits & Blogs

jars and more jars via ffffound

soaking room via delight by design

the hat via ffffound

eerie cell phone illumination via Head Over Heels

poison apples via Design Crush

reflections via the Little Big House

runners via Head Over Heels

a fresh perspective on Afghanistan via Boston

ever the falling rain via this isn't happiness

this week I'm loving...kitchen organization

{images: copper pots - the Little Big House, peg board - Made by Girl, dream pantry and dish room - two ellie,  rustic kitchen - style files, chile con queso recipe in paper - seesaw designs}

this week I'm loving...cute animals

This post is so totally unlike me but I cannot help it.  I book marked animal after animal for no good reason but their sweet faces. 

{baby porcupine, puppy and ostrich - Unruly Things, Puss in Boots - ffffound, squirrel - Lalipourie, pumpkin diorama - Miss Jane, snow deer - ffffound}

Pictorial Webster's A Visual Dictionary of Curiosities: a winner!

And the winner is... Melissa! 

here was her comment:  

Oh my .... could there be a more perfect book for moi? Love this!

Hmmm....Halloween? For some reason, I have never liked it and maybe it is because just the thought of a ghost or ghoul jumping out to scare me leaves me with nightmares for weeks! And yes, I am a grown adult!

grab bags

Just after college I had the opportunity to participate in something called a "poverty simulation".   For one weekend, me and about 20 others received a crash course on poverty in America.  We learned about many reasons, misconceptions and even possible solutions for this complicated topic.  From there we "took to the streets".  With nothing but the clothes on our backs and a sleeping bag, we spent the weekend figuring out how to make-do.  It was very humbling and very eye-opening.  I remember a group of former sorority sisters driving by wide-eyed as I stood on a corner with a sign asking for help.  Undoubtedly, it was one of the best experiences of my life.  Sometimes we need to stand on the other side of the sign to gain some perspective. 

One of the bits of wisdom that I remember most from that time was that when you approach a homeless person, whether walking up or approaching them in your car - make eye contact.  If you don't want to give them anything else, at least offer them a smile.  Many of us avoid eye contact at all cost, not wanting to engage the person in any way.  We were taught about the dehumanizing effect of person after person avoiding eye contact with someone.  It can be more crippling than nearly any other aspect of poverty.  We don't know this person's story, and really it doesn't matter.  What matters is that this person is another member of the human race and should be treated as such.

My kids are really interested in the homeless people in our area.  I have spent the last year kicking myself whenever I forget to have something on hand to offer them as I always like to give something.  So finally a couple of weeks back I finally got my bottom over to Sams and the kids and I walked the aisles determining what would be the best items to include in our "grab bags" for our homeless neighbors.  We ended up getting large ziploc freezer bags and filling them each with a water bottle, clif bar, beef jerkey, toothbrush, breath strips, wet wipes, gum, chapstick, and a pair of socks. We also wrote little notes and added those as well. The whole thing cost a little over $100 for about 25 bags.  I refer to them as grab bags beacuse the point is to keep them on hand so you have something to grab and offer when you need it.

We put several in my car and several in my husbands.  The kids loved putting the bags together and it spawned lots of lively conversation about a myriad of related topics.  They are now quick to point out when they see a homeless person and are thrilled to have something to share with them.  It's a small thing.  It may not change the face of poverty in this nation, but it sure changes the face of the neighbor we just met. 

Sean suggested that we add area shelter information and I am going to try to get that into the bags today.  It has been such a great project for the kids, and for us.  I'm hoping that we stick with this one for the long haul and as we start to run low on bags we quickly run out and replenish.  It's such a small effort to demonstrate love to some folks that may really be needing some.  

{image by dailyad}

hey Jude flowchart

love this.

spotted here.

Thomas O'Brien

I rarely, if ever post photos of an entire home.  Typically this is because I like details here and there, but am not sold on the feel of the entire space.  It has been two years since I first laid eyes on Thomas O'Brien's Soho apartment and I believe I have thought of this home more than any other that I have laid eyes on.  The funny thing is that here I may not be in love with every detail but the space has me sold from start to finish.  Casual, elegant, rich, masculine, - I am referring to the space not O'Brien himself - though it's not a stretch to believe he may be all these things as well. His home feels highly personal and the colors make me want to move right in and stay a good, long time.  I think that if I had to choose one entire home that achieves the feel that I am going for, this may well be it.  Though I would have to go all out color in the kids spaces, at least.

{all images via Aero Studios}

destination: North Carolina

We're back.  The whole thing was pretty sublime, really.  Very mild temperatures, brilliant autumn displays, misty rain, fog, sunshine, blue skies, and days of uninterrupted time with my Love.  It was as near to perfection as I've experienced. 

Here's a quick run-down of our favorites, should you find yourself lucky enough to be heading to the Old North State:

We spent the first couple of days in the Triangle area.  We stayed at the Carolina Inn beside the UNC campus and it was lovely and southern and the perfect location from which to explore the region.  We ate at  La Farm and Watts Grocery.  Both very good but nothing compared to the local institution, Sunrise Biscuit Kitchen.  This place doesn't even have tables, it's only drive-thru, and the line heads out onto the road and pretty decently backs up traffic.  With good reason...those biscuits are the real deal. 

We also took a historic trolley tour of Raleigh which we really enjoyed.  Of the region, we fell most in love with Chapel Hill.

From there we headed up to Asheville.  Had we any idea how much we would adore it, we would have gone nowhere else.  Downtown, the River Arts District, The Blue Ridge Parkway, The Biltmore - each stop was more fantastic then the last.  We were, quite literally, in our version of heaven. 

We ate at The Admiral - a fantastic dive gastro-pub, The Sunny Point Cafe - where Sean who is the picture of understatement claimed he had the best meal of his life (fried green tomato sandwich, goat cheese, & bacon on a croissant) and 12 Bones, where I know I had the best sandwhich of my life - a BLT, green tomatoes.  We left town with a new obsession - can you guess what it is?

Needless to say, you had to tear us away from that town.  I think we have found "our place" that we will be returning to again and again.  We even found the most amazing, secluded lake that we now fantasize about one day owning a little place on. 

Speaking of secluded little get-aways - the Biltmore, wowza.  My sisters family breezed through there last summer and were less than impressed so I have to say that I had low expectations.  Yes, it is the largest private residence in the country, but sometimes it's like - you've seen one big fancy house, you've seen them all.  Well Sean and I were pretty much blown away by the whole place.  And I fully understand why my sisters clan was not.  If you are in the vicinity, I HIGHLY recommend going to the Biltmore.  At $60 a person, you want to know that you are getting your moneys worth - and there is plenty to see and do to make a day of it.  Give yourself lots of time to see it all.  But this is the crucial part - don't go if you're not going to pay the extra $10 a person and get the guided audio tour.  Without it, it is just another big, fancy home.  The tour really makes the place come alive.  There is so much fascinating back story and intricate detailing that you totally miss on your own.  To fully appreciate the home you need to understand the man who built it and the people who stayed there.  We will be going back, next time with more time on our hands.  And I'll be bringing a notebook to jot things down.  The style inspiration there was endless.

{Funny side note: We saw The Duggar family and their camera crew while we were at the Biltmore.  I think that I heard that they were filmimg their Christmas episode there.  I really wanted to talk with Jim-Bob and Michelle.  I have questions.}

So, it was a splendid weekend.  I am so happy to be back with my babies but really I just want to pack them up and head back.  One day, perhaps.

{Here are some great resources...we used "The Newcomers Guide to North Carolina", "Travel North Carolina""Backroads of North Carolina" to help plan our trip.}

rendezvous

I'm off to meet my Love for our weekend away. Wishing you a weekend full of bright leaves, soft sweaters and plenty of good time with the one that you love most.  Be back Tuesday!

xo

image from {this is glamorous}

Pictorial Webster's A Visual Dictionary of Curiosities: a Giveaway!

It's a little difficult to admit this in the presence of all of my festive online peers, but I've never been so keen on Halloween.  A holiday dedicated to the gory, grotesque and fearsome?  In my world, holidays are meant to be a respite from such things.  If it were just fun costumes and candy I'd be all in.  It's just that if I see that "scream mask" one more year, I'll... you know, scream. 

But to avoid looking like a total dud, I've decided to do my own little version of trick or treat.  I just so happen to have a second copy of the new Pictorial Webster's.  It is called a Visual Dictionary of Curiosities and the name is very apt.  Filled with 1,500 historical engravings from the Webster's dictionaries of the 1900's - this volume includes everything from the simple to the strange.  It is a beautiful, alphabetical journey with maybe just a touch of a spooky element. It seems like the perfect treat for this All Hallows Eve.

If you would like the chance to win just leave a comment below with your favorite or least favorite thing about this holiday.  I'll choose a winner next Friday. 

{And yes, my kids are getting dressed up and going trick-or-treating.  Only this year the honor of escorting them will fall upon my husband's mother and sister.  Sean and I are sneaking out of town...remember?}

10 things that make Amber Fawson happy:

Who: Amber Fawson

Where: Northern California

What: Mother and domestic genius. Queen of all things gift giving and gratitude.  Author to one of my all-time favorite sites - giverslog.

1: Anything alfresco. Outdoor concerts, chess in the park, a shower on the beach, drawing en plain air, people-watching in the city. And of course, dining alfresco and picnics, lots and lots of picnics (that photo is from this SF restaurant).

2: The mix of practical and beautiful. I think this is why I love to shop architectural salvage (LOVE Ohmega salvage in Berkeley—anyone know a good place near Sacramento?) All of it is so very pretty and functional. I think this is also why my favorite art is posters, like those by Hatch Show Print.

3: Impromptu dance parties. These were great in the dorm with roommates, and are even better in the family room with my three kids.

4. Getting the perfect fond in a pan while cooking a nice meal. I always pause and have my own secret victory moment.

5. Just the necessities, neatly organized. Whenever I start coveting a new kitchen or crafting tool, I go organize a closet or drawer. I get the instant gratification of seeing everything lined up in its place, looking back at me, and I feel much better. I think this rule also governs my favorite foods. I love fresh, simple foods. Like sparkling water and a slice of black bread with cheese.

6. A blank notebook, no lines, no nothing. That way it’s ready for writing or sketching or listing or charting. Oh, and a good felt tip.

7. Men in collared shirts, especially my honey. We’ve been married a few years now, and I still get a thrill when he walks into the room just after putting on a collared shirt. It’s one of those little luxuries in my life.

8. Friends who are good at things I’m not. (Like my fashion-capable friends, or friends who can hunt down bargains. I need these women!)

9. Laying in a hammock on a day when the sky is scattered lightly with clouds with a novel in hand. This is getting pretty rare now with three kiddos, so I’ve made the happy substitution of laying in the hammock with a kid on each side and a stack of picture books on my lap.

10. Experiencing a new city with a local. A couple highlights that come to mind are visiting St. George, Utah and being shown a great running path, or seeing Mainz Germany and the Guttenberg museum. I felt so reverent in both.
 

{additional images: 4, 5, 7, 10}

happy anniversary

Forty-two years ago today my parents eloped.

I called this morning to wish them a happy anniversary and my dad yelled to my mom that it was almost wedding time.  He was recounting the exact hour that they had met at the church to say their vows with only a very few friends there privy to their secret.  You see, my mother was Jewish, my father, Catholic.  My mothers' father forbid them to see each other, let alone marry.

My father went on to tell me, this morning on the phone, how just the month before, on his birthday he had bought himself a yellow Camaro convertible.  It was the first year that Camaros were available and he went in and bought the lone one off the showroom floor.  In those days, batteries didn't come sealed as you had to add water yourself.  Apparently the dealership had forgotten to add water to the battery and it died on this very morning, forty-two years ago.  My father had taken the car to be washed just before heading to the church and that's where it died.  Some water to the battery, a jumpstart, and a quick wash later and he was off to the chapel.

I loved hearing him recount every detail.  I love that he has tucked it all away in his heart, precious because of what it all meant.  That washing the car was his final act of singleness.  That he was anxious over the dead battery because his bride was waiting.  I love how forty-two years later he still watches the clock to mark the hour.  I am so thrilled that the sweet lace dress my mother wore that day, off the rack from Saks, I got the chance to wear at my own wedding.

I love that today, so many years later, the two of them are out together alone for the day - looking for adventure.  Trying new things. Relsihing what they've been given and what they still have.

Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!  Your marriage is not only a gift to each other but also to us, your children.  Thank you.

Summer Ellis Bijouterie: a winner!

And the winner is...#13, Diana.  Your Twitter miraculously got you the win!

terrariums

As the weather changes and all the green begins to die back I find myself more and more drawn to little bits of the color to bring inside.  Terrariums have become very popular and I think that they perfectly fill this role.  I never knew that they could also be cute, and yes, funny, until I saw these.

They are from the etsy shop weegreenspot and I am afraid that my windowsill will be quite discontent until it provides a home to all three.

spotted here.

moomah

Have you ever come across a concept and felt tinges of pain in you heart that you didn't come up with it?   What I'm feeling is a bit more than a tinge and it's over moomah, in Tribeca.  If I'm not genius enough to create this space, I'd settle for living near it. 

The brain child of Tracey Stewart (Jon Stewart's wife!), this multi-purpose destination is a kid friendly space like no other.  I just wrote to inquire about franchise opportunities and no, I'm not kidding.  Doesn't ever city deserve such a wonderland?

This is "Supertryer", moomah's mascot.  He has an assortment of ways to encourage young and old to try new things.  Here you find him enjoying afternoon tea.

And don't even get me started on their logos, branding and materials.  Really phenomenal.

See more of moomah here. 

{all images via moomah, Design*Sponge and Apartment One}

this week I'm loving...

this simply perfect facade: festive and understated.  via Black*Eiffel

that chandelier.  nowhere to put it but my dreams. via Apartment Therapy

this bike. though it might be hard to tell the kids to stop touching each other.  via handmade charlotte

that side table.  sigh.  I am not sure I have ever loved a piece of furniture so.  via {this is glamorous}

a book as thrilling as safari. shouldn't all stories leap from the pages?  via Ffffound

these stunning vessels.  simple silhouettes with saturated punch. via Ffffound

risk takers.  make a big splash.  via Ffffound

good advice for said risk takers. via Lolita

this necklace.  and everything else in her shop.  via unruly things

leather on leather.  equestrian cool. via Ruby Press

clear boundaries.  via You are My Fave

steam by candlelight = perfection.  via Head Over Heels

Paris encapsulated via S.HOP Talk

unexpected Ikat via Ffffound

everything being secondary to the books  via Apartment Therapy

being prepared for inspiration via swissmiss

dreams.  and purpose.  via what anna loves

plane spotting via Double Takes

inviting the wild things in via Erin Ever After

romantic symmetry via {this is glamorous}

this ring.  the perfect replacement ring, no?  via Oh Joy's ffffound

white accenting white.  via Apartment Therapy

a good wedding getaway.  via Tea for Joy

eternal sunshine: enjoy today, it's all we're promised.  via sweet home style

leaves

Sean and I are taking off alone next Friday to go to North Carolina, drive up the Blue Ridge Parkway and leaf gaze.  We also plan to hop out of the car and crunch, crunch, crunch our way up Grandfather Mountain and maybe try to see some of the waterfalls, as well.

I cannot wait. 

{images: 1, 2, 3, 4}

free downloadable chore chart

We have just started doing the  chore thing with Eva and I have been looking for a way to get the whole system organized, so I was positively thrilled when I just happened upon this free chore chart over at Apartment Therapy that you can download over at ModEco Kids.

My favorite part of the chart is the line "This is how I contribute to my family."  Of course our children contribute to our families in far more (and far more important) ways then merely doing chores!  Still, I think this is a really important aspect of family that often gets overlooked today.  Many kids don't feel necessary to their family.  They feel that their family could get by just fine without them.  I think we do great service to our children's work ethic, character and self esteem when they see they they have a role within the family and that them filling this role allows the family to function at its best.

Well, I didn't mean to go off on all of that but...

Get your handy chore chart right here.

giverslog

Have you visited the site giverslog?  Holy Smokes, guys.  It is such a fantastic resource.  Amber has built the most beautiful site all around great gift giving.  She is immensely talented and her tutorials, gift guides and roundups are worth gold.

I was so honored that Amber asked me to kick off a new series of interviews on - what else - great gifts. Head over to her site to check out some of my favorite gifts - given, received or dreaming about.  Thank you, Amber!

{Oh, and I think you guys will be thanking me soon for sharing this phenomenal resource!}

{images: a stack of photos: a class in calligraphy: a trip to France, a vintage book: flowers in a jar}

tags

these are adorable.

spotted here.