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}

10 things that make Summer Ellis happy:

Who: Summer Ellis

Where: France

What: jewelry designer and owner of the shop Summer Ellis Bijouterie

 

1: Drinking tea - on the back porch with my Mum and having a wee chat, preparing tea with friends after lunch, or making a little tray in the morning with a little carafe of creamer and a pretty vintage tea cup.

2: Creating: anything really, decorating a room, stationary, web-sites, new recipes and jewelry of course. I just love to create! I'm most content when I'm making something.

3: Inspiration: Anthropologie inspires me, Nigella Lawson inspires me, perusing lovely blogs when I need a quick break during my day inspires me, art and photos oh and so much more!

4: Cooking: when I cook I make a big mess but I promise I'm getting better. Not just making food, but kitchen tools... {like my pink spatulas} and pretty casserole dishes, preparing the table and having friends over.

 

5: Being outside, or bringing the outside in. I love to have lots of light, big uncovered windows are best. My room currently has 2 big sky lights!

6: When it rains. It makes me feel like getting cozy on the couch drinking tea and watching a movie. It's as if the day is saying "go ahead take a day off".

7: Sundays. I'm kind of an all or nothing gal. So during the week I'm not good at taking breaks its all go go go. So Sundays I rest. I try not to even turn on my computer. Wow! I know.

 

8: Unique colour combinations. I know it's funny, but I don't have a favourite colour; I have favourite colour combinations. Like in the summer I was loving kelly green and aqua blue. Then the other day I was wearing my bright orange wool coat from Anthro and I popped on a thin headband {which I often do} and it was this purply burgundy colour and I was like wow that is an amazing colour combo!

 

9: That "I really miss you" feeling I get when my husband isn't home. Cause then I'm so thankful for him, and think about how wonderful he is and how excited I am for him to come back to be with me. : )

10: Comfy Clothes. I LOVE to be comfortable... I'm sorry.  Fashion is fun, but not at the expense of comfort. If you can look stylish and feel like you have pj's on then you've really mastered something. My top comfy clothes are my uggs... and my J.Crew sherpa lined hoodie. I think Chip & Pepper jeans are the MOST comfortable jeans I've tried on, but I still don't own a pair. I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair or charcoal grey sweat pants. The thick kind but that fit cute, but aren't to tight. I swear they aren't out there, but I would love suggestions!

{images: 1- Kathryn Krueger, 2- Bowhaus, 3- saganaga, 4- lefleurpixie, 5- Toronto Styles, 6- Daily Mail UK, 7- simpletess, 8- mclarecal , 9- duet-weddings, 10- delight by design, 11-*lemonade*,12- Kathryn Krueger, 13- Decorative Deluxe, 14- Studio 7, 15- Pluma, 16- Kathryn Krueger, 17- design mind, 18- brand channel}

*Kathryn Krueger also photographs all of Summer's designs for her website.  Click here to see a post on more of Kathryn's stunning photography.

10 things that make Natalie Pimpo happy (or 11)

Who:  Natalie Pimpo

Where: Chicago

What: mother to two gorgeous girls, truly the best wife I have ever met, mentor at Teen Mother Choices (a ministry to pregnant teenagers).  To me: big sister, best friend and endless inspiration.

here's Nat's 10:

 

Family.  Nothing in life brings me more happiness than spending time with those I love.  Billy and the girls, Mom and Dad, Em and Jame and their precious families.  I get happy just thinking about you.

 

Jesus.  I can't make a happiness list without saying this.  His Word, His Voice, singing to Him, learning more about Him: Beth Moore studies, Bill Johnson's podcasts, John Bevere books.  Hearing what He is doing in other peoples lives.   Loving the girls at TMC and watching them grow.  Love it all.

White sand beaches and turquoise blue water...anywhere, anytime.  Oh! and an umbrella in the sand.  I love the combination of the warmth of the sunshine and the cool of the water. 

add Ice cold beer.  There's nothing quite as refreshing to me with Mexican Food.

Geja's Fondue... romantic and quiet and delicious.  Sitting across the table from my sweetest boy, sharing a bottle of wine and lovely hours of time together.  Need I say more?

My Ugg Slippers.  Normally I wouldn't care what I was slipping my foot into, however, a slipper will never be the same.  Nothing compares.  I can't wait to get home and put them on.  First thing in the morning... and last thing at night.   I think it is just the perfect combination of blessed warmth with breath-ability.  Not sure why I love them as I do... but oh, it's love.  Sean, do you know what I am talkin' about?

My favorite treats:  Toblerone Chocolate, the milk chocolate with bits of nougat.  Heaven.  And Tammy White's Carmel apples... yep, they'll be in heaven too!  She's got a secret and man are these babies unreal!

Just picked produce.  In particular, fresh juicy nectaries and home grown tomatoes.  I could have done so well in the Garden of Eden.  There is nothing like either one.  You don't need to add a thing, just pick and eat.  Oh, for the love-

Jewelry.  Diamonds are pure loveliness.  But I am just as crazy with my Pandora and Chamilia bracelets.  Love the stories and the memories with both.  Em - the charms you gave me mean the world to me!

Facials - shockingly.  They really relax me, way more so than a massage.  I don't know why but the shoulders and head and face do it for me.  I love them.  I can relax without anticipating the next move, just the way I like it.

And last but certainly not least, my Mac.  I tried to make my list just 10, but how can you leave out the greatest invention of our time?  PCers - you truly do not know what you are missing.

{images: 1, 2, Jesus, BobbieBoy's beach, Jay B Sauceda's beer, jtcho78's Geja's, Uggs, Tobelerone, carmel apples, nectarines, jacki-dee's tomatoes, bracelet, facial, Mac}

10 things that make Amy Twomey happy:

who: amy twomey
where: dallas, texas
what: mom of three little rascals, professional photographer, writer for dallas morning news, and an aspiring cook

 
1. [cameras] well...this was bit obvious huh? ok. but it had to make my top 10. by the way, these are by no means in any order of importance.
2. [rock climbing] when time means nothing and all thoughts of worry and anxiety dissipate into thin air.
3. [our blog project] my current obsession, a place where i can challenge myself daily and push my creative self to the extreme.
4. [vintage bicycles] ahhh. nothing is better then cool wind blowing in your face while riding nowhere important at all, just passing time.

5. [polaroid heart wall art] this i had to post, well...just because of my love for design and that someone actually incorporated polaroids. perfection.
6. [my three children] without them i would be empty, they are my absolute everything that fills me every day. i love them so much it hurts.
7. [cooking] a new friend. a new passion. a new door is opening and my eyes are full with excitement. flavors, sauces, mixtures....we are eating well.
8. [knitting] when will I ever finish my scarf? who knows, all that matters is it makes me happy.
9. [letters in the mail] no day is better then a day you have a personal piece of mail to open from an old friend. i love mail.

10.[my husband] seriously, must i say more. i married the man of my dreams and I am so lucky. He still gives me chills and butterflies, i swear.
 

{images from here 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10}

10 things that make Brooke Rosolino happy:

Who:  Brooke Rosolino

Where:  Nashville

What: my dear friend.  She's also a killer personal trainer and author of the blog Nashville Health Nut. 

1: My husband - I am telling you he is the funniest, WEIRDEST, and most wonderful person I have ever met.  He is also a wonderful musician and songwriter.  Check out his new EP on itunes (Justin Rosolino)

2: 8 hours of sleep - I LOVE SLEEP and when I get enough of it! 

3: The small things in life -  Weather is be my husband bringing me home a half-eaten muffin or the way he devours my vegan cookies I make him.  A child's smile.  A phone call from a dear friend.  Taking naps on Sunday afternoons accidentally.

4: Sweating - I know that sounds gross but weather it is running, hot yoga, or spinning it makes me feel alive and I am sooo thankful I am able to have the health to do this.

5: My mom and Dad - I adore them they are sooo precious to me and some of my dearest friends.  My heart aches to live in the same city with them one day!

6: Wine with friends - I love drinking a good(and always cheap) glass of wine with girlfriends.

7: The Mountains - I love being in God's creation like this. It just reminds me how small I am and how big He is.

8: The Mornings - The world is quiet early in the morning and my soul breaths deeply at this time.

9: Lululemon - My FAVORITE workout clothes brand!  I am telling you they make your butt look amazing and they are so comfy and cute.

10: Local coffee shops with a good book that I cant seem to put down - enough said.
 

"10 things" Summer Celebrities

There seem to be two types of people - those who go on and on about their favorite this and their favorite that.  And then the types that have never been able to narrow it down to one color, one food, one destination.  well, favorites are my favorite but I do understand the pressure. 

That's why I love the "10 things that make me happy" lists so much.  Loads of favorites, minimum pressure.   It just has to make you happy, ya know?  Such a nice middle ground for the two types, I think.

If you are just now getting back to blog reading a summertime break you may have missed some great entries in our "10 things that make me happy" series.  The summer seemed to be filled with what we here at wide open spaces call celebrities.  Now, wide open spaces is an equal opportunity blog, we love the favorites of democrats and republicans, all races, both sexes, all ages.  And yet, there is something about hearing from those people we so admire or are at least terribly intrigued by...

So, if you haven't gotten the chance yet, check these out:

Design*Sponge's Grace Bonney

Ban.do creator Jamie Coulter

Actress Lynn Collins of Wolverine

CasaSugar's Elka Karl

Absolutely Beautiful Things' Anna Spiro

Domino Magazine's Editor Deborah Needleman*

Oh, and there has been rumor of a possible upcoming "10 things" list with Tony Hale a.k.a Buster Bluth from Arrested Development. 

Buster is my favorite.

*this was adapted from a post on Casa Sugar with the help of some of Deborah's personal photos

{emmy collage}

10 things that make Nicole Iwawaki happy:

Who:  Nicole Iwawaki

Where: San Francisco Bay Area

What:  author of the heartwarming blog deliajude. I love her self description there:  I am a mom, wife, child of God, daughter, sister, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, granddaughter, friend, champion of the deaf, runner, hiker, crafter, cleaner, artist, student, chef, baker, gardener, blogger and a wee bit crazy.

(Obviously my husband, kids, family and my God are all in the top 10 things that make me happy but let's go beyond that.)  10 random things that make me happy in no particular order, of course:

1:  J.R. Watkins cleaning products, particularly the lemon dish soap. Seriously read the label..."free yourself".

2:  Chocolate, especially in the form of chocolate milk, chocolate milkshakes or chocolate ice cream...okay, any form, the darker the better.

3:  Dolly Parton, lately I am loving "The Grass is Blue", especially when my sister is singing it when we are hiking the lake district.

4:  Traveling...my favorite destination is Italy but I am anxious to take my kids to Paris someday.

5:   Anne of Green Gables.  Did I mention I am Canadian?

6:  Birds...paintings, photos, ceramic figures, books about, birds on necklaces, on a wire...I don't like to hold birds though.  Like Charley Harper depictions!

7:  Farm fresh eggs with golden orange yolks that stand up in the pan.

8:  Creamy whole milk cappuccinos or lattes...depending on the day.

9:  Freshly washed bed linens...I want to be like Oprah and have someone put fresh sheets on my bed everyday...the key is someone else.

10:  It goes without saying but Anthrolpologie makes me happy...the store inspires me, the catalogue is always stellar and the website is fun to explore....maybe I should work there someday.

 

10 things that make Anna Spiro happy:

who:  Anna Spiro

where: Brisbane, Australia

what: author of the gorgeous blog absolutely beautiful things, owner & decorator divine behind the shop/interior design firm Black + Spiro.

 

1 – My Family – My husband Brad, Our son Harry, Our Golden Retriever puppy Ned & our Maltese Terrier Charlie and also my parent’s and my brothers too.  They all make me happy.  My family is everything.
 
2 – The long hot bath I have every single night after I have finished my work, cooked dinner and put our son to bed.
 
3 – Walking on the beach in front of our house at Stradbroke Island with our golden retriever Ned on a Sunday morning and then going for a long swim in the ocean with Ned in tow.
 
4 – Getting my takeaway coffee from Jamie's every morning after I drop Harry at school on my way to work.
 
5 – Going on holidays with my boys to Hawaii…..we absolutely LOVE Hawaii!

 
6 – Sleeping in on a Saturday morning.
 
7 – Beautiful Fabrics – I mostly love bright printed patterned linens...they are my favourite!!
 
8 – Fresh pink flowers arranged in blue and white ginger jars.
 
9 – Nina Campbell pink candles.  They smell divine and I love the pink glass jar they come in.
 
10 – When my shop {Black & Spiro} is looking beautiful and is full of lovely customers.

*and I just discovered the Anna and her husband share the same wedding anniversary as Sean & I.  Yesterday was a sweet day for us all!  Congrats to Anna & Brad!

10 things that make EvaBear happy -

And Eva's birthday week continues on...

who: Eva Isabel.  (Eva is pronounced like Ava.  We just wanted to make things difficult.)

where: down the hall in the pale blue room

what: feisty & lovely 5 year-old- extraordinaire. oh, and the apple of my eye.

{list by Eva, descriptions by me.}

chocolate ice cream.  for awhile there it was mint chocolate chip until she discovered how much more chocolate-y chocolate ice cream is.  the girl knows what's up.

taking pictures.  she received this v-tech camera for Christmas and will go around snapping pictures non-stop so long as we keep the thing charged up.

Montessori.  When we switched Eva to her current school, midway through last school year, I wasn't sure what to expect.  She got in the car at 2:30 after her first full day of school ever with tears in her eyes.  "I don't want to go home, I want to live there."  Both heartbreaking and thrilling.  It is such a gift to bring Eva to a place everyday that she simply loves to be.  Yesterday she was beyond exited that she had washed little towels with soap and water on a scrub board and then brought them outside to pin on the clothes line.  She felt very grown up and very capable.  And at least someone in our house knows how to do laundry by hand!

ribbons, bows, jewelry, skirts, dresses, ruffles...  I am not a girly-girl and had no idea that I was capable of creating one but alas...

sparkles.  Eva specified that this needed to be it's own item.

build-a-bear.  she has now made a pink cat named "blue eyes" at the workshop and a small bear  named "soft baby bear" that was an at home kit.  Both times she has been beyond thrilled with them and she typically doesn't like stuffed animals all that much.  and i must admit, when she kisses the little silken heart and then puts in the bear, I'm kind of sold as well.  that is some good marketing.

China.  yeah, this is pretty random.  i have no idea where her deep love for China came from but it is a fact.  her face lights up whenever she spots anyone or anything from China.  she was sorely disappointed when she learned we were adopting from Thailand.  so close yet so far away. 

the monkey bars.  you name the hour, she'll be there. these are her latest, proudest achievement.

horses, specifically Indy.  Last year, two of my in-laws horses had babies, Indy & Husker - and they were gifted to my kids.  As you can imagine, this has caused an endless source of delight.  Eva loves to go on rides with her Poppy (grandpa) but at this age she is just as excited to do all the chores that go along with horse care.  A ranch is a great place to learn some good work ethic!

Her special box.  Just before Eva was born I purchased a little cardboard suitcase to hold all the cards that she was receiving.  After she was born, in went the hospital bracelets, the baby Bible, etc...  It has become her most treasured item.  She could sit on her bed for hours slowly removing each item and basking over each thing.  Surely some grocery store bought greeting card with "love, Great Grandma" penned at the bottom, has never brought a child so much joy.

10 things that make Elka Karl happy:

 

Who: Elka Karl

Where: Berkeley, CA

What: Editor of home design site CasaSugar

1: Getting surprise photo emails while I’m at work. Our friends Tom and Chelsea are our tenants, and Tom is also a fantastic photographer.  Tom and Chelsea are also super best friends/caretakers with our dogs Ozzie and Haiko and often email pictures of the pups to me during the day to let me know what they’re up to. It makes me ridiculously happy.

2: Traveling to Ashland, WI, to stay at my friends Luci and Lydia’s schoolhouse. These sisters own a 19th century brownstone schoolhouse up on Lake Superior, where they run their small business, teach yoga classes, and in general live my dream life. I love to spend a week or so there every year and pretend I’m a permanent resident.

3: Backpacking with my husband. Sometimes I cry. Often I bruise and bleed. And I usually complain or yell at some point. But wow, I have seen some of the most amazing places in the world thanks to my hubby’s hardcore backpacking ethic. I always, always feel blessed and happy to have gone through the experience, even if I’m sore and scarred from it.

4: Thrift shopping. It’s seriously a problem. Give me a good flea market, garage sale, or small-town thrift shop, and I will find the diamond in the rough hiding inside it. This vase, which I bought from Thrift Town in San Leandro for $1.99, strikes me as particularly Jonathan Adler-esque, and it’s become one of my absolute favorites for displaying flowers.

5: The Paramount Movie Classics series at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland.  The Paramount is this stunning art deco theatre in downtown Oakland. Call me a sap, but every time Jim Riggs ascends from the floor playing his Mighty Wurlitzer, and the crowd begins to clap to the beat of the tune he’s playing, I get teary-eyed. There’s such an amazing feeling of community and Oakland pride at the Paramount on these nights!

 

6: Fresh ruby red grapefruit Bombay Sapphire tonics at Café Van Kleef in Oakland.  Seriously, the best, simplest, freshest cocktail ever. Plus, you can while away many an hour simply staring at the insane décor at Van Kleef’s.

7: Riding with friends in the East Bay Hills. In spite of a fractured back due to a bucking incident a year and a half ago, I still can’t keep away from the ponies. For now, I’m doing a share-care with a friend’s horse, but someday, I hope to have my own horse again.

8: Gioia’s Pizza in Berkeley.  For election night, I ordered a “Broccoli Obama” pie. This pizza is seriously good, but yes, with lemon oil, broccoli, and paper-thin butternut squash slices on various pies, it’s not your average corner slice.

 

9: The Current, Minneapolis’s public radio station.  This station seriously rocks. It’s where I’ve heard everything from Grizzly Bear to Bon Iver to MC Rut and more . . . Just consistently plays amazing music, with great DJs.

 

10: Fabric shopping (and the eventual sewing of said fabric). I can spend hours at Stone Mountain and Daughter in Berkeley, going through their 1/2 price cottons or gorgeous Joel Dewberry and Amy Butler fabrics. So. Much. Fabric.

10 things that make Charlane Griffith happy:

                                                                                                          {photo by Charlane Griffith}

 who: Charlane Griffith

what: an unemployed banker/ hopeful photographer

          and owner of the etsy shop Three Parts Whimsy

where: Montgomery, Alabama

1: Family – I treasure the closeness of my family every day and know that I’m lucky and blessed that we all love each other as much as we do. It’s hard to come by this level of unconditional love.

2: Caswell and Massey Almond Cold Cream Soap – so rich and luxurious that my skin thanks me each time I indulge in it. It’s a guilty pleasure.

3: Real Simple magazine – the photography and styling makes me fall in love each month.

4: Cooking for family and friends – the joy I get from cooking something enjoyed by everyone can light up my day.

5: The smell of fresh linens straight from the dryer (or line-dried).

6: Pets – I have two pugs and one cat. And who can’t be happy looking into the little smooshed faces? These are my two with a visiting “cousin” for a playdate.

7: Watching a thunderstorm from the safety of my home. That energy and fury is beautiful to behold and humbling at the same time.

8: Music – I love a bit of all of it but I love turning on my iPod and finding a random song that makes me dance. Lately it’s ‘Boom Boom Pow’ by the Black Eyed Peas but tomorrow it could be something by Van Morrison, the Beatles – anything from the 40’s until today.

9: Thrifting and finding the perfect little bit of something. I have an obsession lately with old bottles and vintage linens. I love digging through goodwill or other thrift stores to find ‘buried’ treasure.

10: Candles – the smell, the warm and the comfort of candles. Lately vanilla and grapefruit have been my obsessions but Vanilla Cupcake by Yankee Candle is a favorite.

{images: family - mereshadow, linens - Abby Lane, pot - allgreen, tablescape - Real Simple, bottles- tanakawho, pug- cureanything, lightening - Scott Stringham}

10 things that make Deborah Needleman happy

Yep, we're a little "10 things" happy over here today but I couldn't resist. I just spotted this interview with former editor of Domino Magazine, Deborah Needleman at CasaSugar. Seeing as I did steal the whole "10 things" idea from Domino in the first place, possibly from Deborah herself - it only seemed fitting to post her "10 things" list here. So without further adieu -

Who: Deborah Needleman

Where: NYC

What: Founding Editor of Domino Magazine.

(Doborah started off with this great little peice of "10 things" trivia: "Well, first of all, we never let people say their children or their dogs!!! Too boring and obvious.")

1. Nearly all Santa Maria Novella products (if I could only choose one thing, it'd be their potpourri. But I'm crazy about the milk body cream, the honeysuckle perfume, and the pomegranate soap and bath salts). I am obsessed with scent — on my body and in my home!
2. My veg garden. (Really, seeing my children eat their way through our veg garden, but at Domino I would've edited that out as too sentimental!)
3. Making flower arrangements for the house.
4. My white parsons table (I have two) — and a brilliant new parsons side table in the pitch-perfect green color.
5. Comfy chairs in kitchens and bathrooms.
6. Cheap weekly blowouts from walk-in, no-appointment places.
7. Summer dinner outside with friends.
8. Staying in a lovely hotel room (never a trendy hotel, I like old-school, old-fashioned hotels). I love that nothing belongs to me and the beds are perfectly made. The Duc du St. Simon in Paris is pretty excellent.
9. Bobbi Brown makeup. Makes you look sun-kissed, not dolled up.
10. I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't say this, but having a decorator!! Specifically having the genius Rita Konig as a decorator!

{images: 1, 2,3 - Deborah's own, 4, 5, 6, 7 - Deborah's own, 8, 9, 10}

10 things that make Melinda Lewis happy:

Who: Melinda Lewis

Where: Harlem

What: the woman behind the fantastic lifestyle & decor blog Get Togetha.  This girl has style to spare!

 

Clock wise:

Black DSW Chair....This Chair is everything to me: modern, urban, structural, architectural, good looks, interesting, and looks good in any environment. LOVE!!

3Q Gingham Plaid tunic....when I dress I don't like to think about it so this shirt is perfect with my favorite dark denim and some cowboy boots.

Harlem Really Cooks....one of my cookbook faves and a lovely ode to my neighborhood....

Gold Sequin Pillow....I'm smitten with the lux and classic feel of this well made decor piece.

Noir Vases...I really love CB2 and every season they manage to come out with chic & affordable accessories that make you cry "oooh la la..."

Le Petite Breakfast Tray....perfect for a homemade Saturday brunch....and the vase part adds just the right touch.

Dwell Studio Table Napkins...I love the artsy playful uncasual/casual feel of these Mosaic napkins.

Mystic Wall Clock...I love the modern simplicity with a touch of Victorian arms that this clock gives off....I have it centered in my living room and I always get compliments....

Age of Industry Ring....I'm not a jewelry person; but I love a good stand out cocktail ring....its completes the look of my signature style.

Manana Floor Lamp....Quite the unusual floor lamp no?

10 things that make Kathryn Krueger happy (or 11)

Who: Kathryn Krueger

Where: Waco

What: reigning photog in the heart of Texas at, ahem, only 25 years of age. 

 (Check out some of her fantastic images in my post from yesterday.)

1. Keith Carter - The way Keith understands how to translate ordinary life in front of him into images that are rich in composition and seemingly other-worldy mesmerizes me.

2. Great stationary - particularly letter press and calligraphy. I love typography and fine papers. I find them charming and particularly lovely that you get to hold a little piece of art in your hands. Paper Source is one sure fire way to get me to spend way too much money!

3. Sufjan Stevens - One of the best musicians / composers of my generation. I adore his music and the uniqueness of his processes in creating it.

4. Diamondback's Happy Hour - This summer one of Waco's best restaurants has the most incredible happy hour. My favorite combo is their kobe beef sliders, the sunshine roll, and their perfect mojito.

5. Tina Fey - I mean, what's not to love? She is hilarious and responsible for 30 Rock. That makes me happy.

6. Punkin - My hysterical and wonderful dachshund. She rules.

7. Nigella Lawson - I first discovered Nigella back in high school when I worked for a British family. Ever since I have fallen in love with everything Nigella - her recipies, her classic style, her cookware and now her new website - check it out!

8. Chicago - The city I grew up in. I am so nostalgic about everything along the North Shore up to the city. It makes me so happy to do almost anything in Chicago - ride the train, go sailing, shop, lounge around the art institute, or traipse up and down State Street.

9. My besties - What would life be like without the people you love most? These are my people on our last trip to LA. True, we do look a little like our mom made us pose this way for the Christmas card, but whatever, we have the best time doing anything. Kerry (far right) is the first to get married and I am so excited to be shooting her wedding next weekend!

10. Lattes, coffee, cappuccinos - Yes, yes, and yes! This is a pic of a cafe con leche - one of Spain's greatest treasures.

11. Fresh flowers - particularly peonies.  I am crazy about fresh flowers and feel that a room just isn't complete or lived in without them.  We had a lovely garden growing up.  Peonies are my favorite because I find them miraculous and hysterical, like some flustered bird after the rain.

{editors note: one thing in particular that I love about Kathryn's list is that her love of people.  People make her happy!  Somehow on a list of 11 things that make her happy, she managed to mention 7 people and a dog!  All this to say - people that love people make me happy.}

10 things that make Grace Bonney happy:

Who: Grace Bonney

Where: Brooklyn

What: the blogstress behind the cult favorite Design * Sponge and a personal blogging hero to yours truly.

Here's Grace's 10 things, clockwise from top left:

1. flagon lamp:  i'm really into worn-out wood right now, things that look soft and light and beachy. this lamp reminds me of the old cork lamps we used to have in summer rental homes on the outer banks in north carolina.

2. loeffler randall heels:  i'm obsessed witht his color blue right now- i want it on my feet, on my body and in my hair. if only it was high school and i could dye a big chunk of my hair this color again. these loeffler randall shoes combine my favorite color of the moment with that light wood look i'm into. perfection.

3. peace treaty scarf:  i'm sort of a steven alan nut so i love checking out their new accessories. this scarf is such a great summer piece, and it has the sort of colors that go really well with a tan (if i ever get one).

4. antique turqouise ring:  erie basin is one of my favorite shops in nyc- russell stocks the most unique vintage and antique jewelry. whenever it's summer i feel the hippy in me come out and suddenly i start hunting for turquoise again..

5. faux bamboo chandelier:  there will never be a time in my life when i don't want a faux bamboo chandelier. i just think they are the coolest lights.and this green color? it tones down the tiki-ness of it all and makes it feel totally modern.

6. rilli quilt:  i could never afford this beautiful quilt, but the rich pink color makes me seriously consider a small loan. who wouldn't want to curl up with something so intense and beautiful?

7. mast brothers chocolate:  these artisan chocolate makers happen to be as cute (in a very steampunk way) as the wrapping they use for their chocolates. the majority of them are dark chocolate (my favorite) and they make a variety with salt and pepper that i looove.

8. copenhagen carafe:  i really enjoy making everyday drinks feel special- it's the only way i can trick myself into drinking more water (which i naturally find boring, compared to delicious sugary drinks topped with whipped cream). so these little carafes would be great for what i call "home-spa water": water with a few slices of cucumber, watermelon or lime.

9. vintage floral plate:  i'm a sucker for florals and this plate would be so perfect for small summer desserts. i can just imagine a pretty meringue on top of it, waiting to be eaten.

10. liberty bungalow dress:  when you combine two of my favorite things: steven alan and liberty prints, i'm a very happy girl. sadly i tried on this dress and it looked awful on me (long baggy dresses don't do anything for a short girl like me) but it is almost too cute not to buy and break all the fashion rules.

10 Things That Make Lynn Collins Happy

From Guest-poster Tawny:

 

Who:  Lynn Collins

Where:  New York City

What:  Wife and actress, you can currently see her in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, but make sure you rent the Merchant of Venice to see her mad Shakespeare skills

To me:  Friend since junior high and encourager of creativity.

 

#1 christian louboutins

#2 lush bath products

#3 astros.com

#4 italian vogue

#5 texas hold em

#6 alexa rodulfo candles

#7 joey of new york nude lip pencil

#8 russian caravan pine smoked black tea  

#9 las ventanas

#10 any and all of the black eyed peas

10 Things That Make Jamie Coulter Happy:

by Guest-poster, Tawny:

Who: Jamie Coulter of Ban.do fame. You can't talk to her and not laugh.

And you would never guess it, but she also has an insanely clean house.

Where: Los Angeles

What: Wife, funny girl and creator of beautiful things

To me: College friend, she and her husband get credit for bringing me and my husband together.

1.  In-N-Out Burger  (I get a cheeseburger animal style, 
     well done, no lettuce)

2.  Jeff Koons - Puppy (is there anything cooler?)

3.  Red Stripe beer (I also call it "jamie juice")

4.  ban.do (best accessories on the planet!)

5.  The Rolling Stones (Hot Rocks 1964-1971)

6.  Gummi Bears (I love Haribo Gold-Bears.
     I go through three bags a week)
 
7.  Love Love Love to laugh 
     (pic of me and my best friend Jen laughing 
     at something inappropriate)
 
8.  Alternative Apparel's Heather Burnout t- shirts  
     (I wear them all of the time, they feel all worn in and yummy)
 
9.  Chef Thomas Keller  
     (Bouchon and French Laundry are my fave restaurants.  
     Always worth a trip to Yountville)

10.  Versailles (I mean, c'mon.  I like to picture like I'm 
      Marie Antoinette.  Kid in a candy store)

10 things that make Sarah Bianchi happy:

Who: Sarah Bianchi

Where: Boston

What: Church-planter & new mom. 

To me: a dear old friend & an utter inspiration.

Number one: Jesus. Hands down, nothing makes me more happy than the nearness of the presence of God. He makes every thing in life SO much more wonderful.

One thing I ask of the Lord, this one thing I seek, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon His beauty, to find Him in the place His Glory dwells." Psalm 27:4

Number two: moments with my husband ... whether it's a vacation to our favorite little town of Manzanillo, Mexico or just a long walk along the Charles River, time with Jeff is a treasure to me.

Number three: running the Esplanade in the fall. The beauty of the golden shades of fall arching over the path that runs miles upon miles into the city of Boston until you reach the infamous Boston Harbor.

Number four: San Pellegrino - Aranciata on a warm summer day

Number five: Miele Vacuum Cleaners (easy on the old hard wood floors in Boston and easy on your back)

Number six: James Mark Gulley - unplugged. Sitting around listening to his latest songs written to his kids or beautiful wife, Maria. 

Number seven: Stokke Crib - for the urban family~ living in such a small space, this crib is slightly more narrow than a standard doorway, so when we have overnight guests, we just wheel the baby into our room. it's design is clever, clean, and simple.

Number eight: Sofie Le-Giraffe (for my baby boy) An organic toy make out of rubber from the actual rubber tree. She squeaks. She has become his little companion. :)  One night he was crying with all his might. All of a sudden, we heard nothing but silence and then ... SQUEAK! He loves this toy.

Number nine: watching the sunset from the beaches of Nantucket Island.

Number ten: pictures of my mom in her 20's. it's so fun to look back through her history. she looked so care-free and full of wonder. and such a babe.

{images: Esplanade - cognitive.evolution, Nantucket - mr_skot, woman on beach - Corey Holms}

10 things that make Paula Coldiron happy:

Who:  Paula Coldiron
Where:  Birmingham, AL
What:  Stay at home mom, who hopes to open her own etsy shop with little girl dresses soon and who also dabbles in decorating.  Author of one of my all-time favorite blogs:  two ellie.

1: My family, okay so maybe they aren't really things but they bring me the most joy.

2: My Bible, especially Ecclesiastes 11: 5-6 for where I am in life right now. A sweet friend/blogger actually made this for me.

3: My Nikon D300, my husband just upgraded cameras so now I am the proud owner of this baby. I just love being able to capture life's little moments to have forever.

4: Bonne Maman preserves is a new love for me. It was actually introduced to me by Emily, but now I really can not get enough. I put it on warm biscuits in the morning or mix it with cottage cheese for a tasty dessert.

5: Mrs. Meyers cleaning products especially the lavender scent. It just makes cleaning just a little bit better.

6: Nantaka Joy notebooks. I carry one in my purse at all times. I never know when I will need to write down a fabulous paint color I've seen or a new recipe.

7: fresh flowers, whether in my garden or on my table can always bring a smile to my face.

8: I just adore pretty stationary. Right now I am hooked on Suann's lovely work from SimpleSong Design's. The quality is just superb.

9: My running shoes. I am so much more alive and happier when I work out regularly whether it's a spin class, running, or doing light weights.

10: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree oil shampoo and conditioner have been long time favorites of mine. The way it smells and the tingle it produces makes me feel as if I am at the spa.

{image of flowers - saipua}

10 things that make Joslyn Taylor happy (or 11)

I am so thrilled to have Simple Lovely's Joslyn Taylor sharing here today.  Joslyn's blog was one of the very first ones (and one of the few today) to resonate with me on multiple levels.  She also shines through as down-to-earth, compassionate and super cool.

Here's (11) things that make Joslyn happy:

:1: Alice Waters – Her passion and philosophy about food is so inspiring. I love that she’s unbending and uncompromising about her views…a true visionary.

:2: My Bike – For all sorts of reasons I won’t bore you with here, I didn’t ride a bike from age 10-30. Now I try to ride as much as possible and feel instantly transported to my childhood every time I coast down a hill. (image via jorg and olif – not my bike, but I sure would love one of these beauties.)

:3: Dishes from Heath Ceramics – Pieces from Heath are completely timeless. My friend Amy uses the Heath coffee cups that her mother got as a wedding gift, and they’re still gorgeous.

:4: Coffee – love the smell, the taste, the ritual…everything about it. I get excited when I go to bed knowing I get to wake up to a cup of good, strong coffee with cream and a little sugar.

:5: Wes Anderson movies – Anderson’s attention to all the details is amazing. Every time I re-watch one of his movies I catch something different.

:6: Sofia Coppola – I’m in awe of her style, her talent, her movies, her taste…She’s just extremely, extremely cool.

:7: John Coltrane – My musical tastes are pretty diverse (Vampire Weekend and Robinella are currently on heavy rotation), but my ear never tires of classic jazz. Coltrane is one of my all time faves.

:8: NPR – my commute to and from work is always Morning Edition and All Things Considered. Always…I never change the channel, even during the pledge drive, sad.

:9: Marfa, Texas – Spare, lovely, incredibly friendly, cultured and a smidge haunting. A perfect little town.

:10: Cooking with friends or family – One of life’s great pleasures is cramming into the kitchen with a bunch of people you love and creating something delicious to enjoy together.

:11: Gold Toned Jewelry – I wear a piece every day without fail.