Creative Spaces

Wow, this is a real treat. I've been able to blog for the past three days straight. Nice! Just as well - tomorrow is Monday and back to work. You know what that means...

Anywho, I had a fabulous brunch with a girlfriend this afternoon. When I came home, I threw on some sweats, kicked my feet up, and resumed my usual online browsing.

I found a blog I just had to bookmark - the Carrie Leber PR Blog - and spent almost an hour straight reading through her archive. I swear - there's nothing better than visual treats! It can be nature, fashion, a beautiful home, a gorgeous man - it doesn't matter. Eye candy never gave me a cavity!

I had to share a post she wrote about Traditional Home's feature on Where Women Create, because I absolutely loved makeup maven Bobbi Brown's office.

Now granted, right now I may not have my own business or a need for a space that resembles this. But DAMN! A girl sure can dream. One day, this will be my reality. And I enjoy eye candy like this because it serves as motivation and gives me great ideas. Love it!!!

She even has an outdoor space that resembles an Italian villa. I couldn't imagine a better place to sit and eat lunch or have a coffee break. Oh, my mental wheels are a-turning!

Photos: Traditional Home

Wrap Me Up

West Elm has some new bedding that not only reminds me of the upcoming Fall season, but definitely has me craving those first Fall nights... with the cool breeze flowing through the window, possibly curled up with a great book and a cup of green tea. What better way to end the day, everyday?

I absolutely love those chalkboard picture frames above the bed. How creative?! I now want to do something like that for my home office space :-)

Browns, greens, oranges, camels... oh my!

Photos (and more!): West Elm

Friday Finds: Gwyneth & Spruce

Hello there! I cannot tell you how happy I am that today is Friday and I have two days away from work to look forward to. I met up with my boyfriend after work for drinks, and now I'm relaxing at home... catching up on blogs and doing some online window shopping :-)

Design Sponge featured a before and after from Spruce - and I liked it so much that I automatically clicked on the link to their Etsy site. I will spare you yet another reminder of how much I love Etsy and share this pic of a pillow they have for sale:


I seriously want to decorate an entire room based on this pillow. I love the blossom tree design, and I really like the use of black, charcoal, fuschia and cream. Here are a few more pieces from Spruce's collection:

Photos: Spruce

The contrasting patterns and chalkboard wall in that last photo is pure fun! Gotta love it.

And for more fun - this pic of Gwyneth Paltrow made it to Vogue's Ten Best Dressed of the Week:

Photo: Vogue

It's the modern day "Oh, I'm just running errands and grabbing a quick bite to eat" outfit. F-U-N!!!

Autumn Jumpstart

I came across these darling looks browsing through one of my favorite sites, and couldn't help making a mental wishlist. There's still one week left in August, but today was a bit breezy and there was a crisp feeling in the air. I hope it lasts so I can begin wearing some transitional pieces. I wouldn't mind incorporating some of the below looks.

I absolutely love a lady-like ensemble! The ruffles and cinched-in waist are a must. I work in a creative environment with a lot of young people, so right now I live in jeans. If I wore an outfit like this, I would feel double my age. But I do love to throw in a skirt or dress every now and again

The flower details... the belt... the purple suede booties... must I go on???

The tunic and long necklace automatically say "I'm not trying too hard " ;-)

Can someone please gift me with this dress???

All looks (and soooo much more) can be found at Anthropologie

Oh Baby!

Oh yeah, I love a creative challenge! A good friend has asked me for ideas for an upcoming baby shower. Right away, two things came to mind: handmade and under-budget. For those who remember my venture into creating handmade greeting cards (I'm thinking a resurrection is in order!), I love the personal touch handmade goods have to offer.

So here's what I'm thinking...

Most baby showers I've been to are overly stuffy with baby goods and baby decorations. Yes, I am aware that it is a baby shower. But what about the mommy?!?! She's been carrying around an extra 20+ pounds - along with all the aches/pains/cravings that come with it - and it's time to have an event/celebration for her!

I came across these pics on Project Nursery and loved the sophistication that was incorporated into the baby shower:

What mom-to-be wouldn't appreciate a set-up like this?? You can set the color scheme to be whatever you want

Favors and treats in glass jars that are inexpensive at Ikea

Handmade signs that you could make yourself or find templates for online

Cupcakes!!! Yeah, I guess a sheet cake could do the trick, but you couldn't put handmade picks in a sheet cake. The scalloped punch and "B" and "Baby Shower" stamps are available at craft stores. What's even better is that you can bake your own cupcakes

Cake tiers are available at Target for a reasonable price - and you can always reuse them

Project Nursery also had this tutorial for making a paper garland that I thought could add a sweet touch to any event:

More handmade options can be found at Oh Baby Custom Shower Decor:

I like this favor box, which can be order online or purchased at craft stores


Cake pops - another alternative to a sheet cake, plus they also add to the decor

I wouldn't want to go overboard on the decorations, but I like these do-it-yourself tricks that you can personalize. This no-sew fabric banner may say Happy Birthday, but you can just as easily buy the fabric of your choice (maybe a nice way to add some baby motifs) and have it read Congratulations!


One of my favorites are these flower blossoms from Made that are created with napkins. Yes - napkins!!!


If that doesn't help, you can spend forever being inspired by Amy Atlas' esteemed portfolio. Here are a few pics from there:


My last reco is to have a few mini flower bouquets on the table. Flowers add to any table setting. Happy planning!!!

Photo: here

Guess What I'm Doing Tonight?

Yep, I'm diving into the September issue of Vogue! I like Halle Berry, and I'm glad to see her on the cover. If I look that healthy and good when I'm in my forties, I will certainly not complain. If you haven't picked up your issue, run fast - it just came out today and Barnes & Noble's only had a few issues left. This is sure to keep me busy for a few days :-)

Chic Crochet

I am seriously thisclose to dedicating this blog to Etsy. I love that site!!! I try not to go on everyday because I can literally get sucked in for hours. Well, I couldn't help myself today. I started browsing around, and found myself drawn to cozy and chic crochet items. I'm sorry, but I am so excited for Fall! And what says Fall more than chunky crochet?

Knit Knot Necklace by Wonder Wonder

Mocha Brown Mittens by Anner'Street

Hand Crocheted Light Brown Collar Necklace by Call Me Mimi

Neck Warmer in Claret by Nina Ramone

John Derian for Target

I'm still delighting over the current issue of Lonny Magazine, and one of their features is John Derian's line for Target debuting on September 5th. I had no idea who he was until I read the spread, so I decided to google him. Needless to say, his website has me excited to see what he's going to do for Target. Here are a few pics from Lonny:

I kind-of want everything I see here :-)

Fun serving plates

Photos: Lonny Magazine

Etsy Fun: studio3ten

I've been stuck at home for over a day now with a horrible root canal infection. I can't remember the last time I was in this much pain :-(

I've been doing a lot of sleeping, but today I'm coming up for air. What better way to cheer myself up than browse Etsy for the cutest, most unique handmade goods.

Today, the illustrations by Suzanne Millius of studio3ten caught my eye. I love the colors and patterns she uses, mixed in with affirmative statements. Right up my ally! Check out her esty shop to see all of her art work - I really like her I Love Being Me print.

Reading is FUNdamental

Morning all :-)

I couldn't help posting Kate Spade's Book of the Month Clutch:

Seriously - how cute is this bag?? It's fab and functional. It's offered in The Great Gatsby, but if I had my choice, I would choose another book.

What book would you want to carry?
Photos: Kate Spade