Unfortunately, we did not come home with a glider, just a new rug for our bedroom. But, we will definitely be going back for any future furniture needs. There are so many choices and the prices are quite friendly. I recommend going when the weather’s relatively nice. You can stroll through town and hit all of the stores on foot. These are some pics I took while shopping to give you an idea…you must check it out!

{ bolts of fabric at the discount fabric store }

{ a few of the MANY accessories in the clearance center }

I haven’t fully embraced Miley Cyrus as an adult celebrity yet, but this dress by Jenny Packham was perfectly demure and sophisticated. I thought she looked terrific.

Don’t the beads on her skirt twinkle like the candlelight lining these concrete steps?

My other favorite was Demi Moore’s Atelier Versace copper ruffles. She always looks so fresh and healthy and last night was no exception. Demi is one of those people who wears the dress, while so many others let the dress wear them.

I decided this bedroom with luxuriously lived-in crisp white bedding, paired with an elegant peach-toned headboard and soft layers was just right.

I love to see what the stars are wearing. There were lots of princess gowns, which I didn’t love; a handful of architectural statements, that were too much for my taste; and plenty of color; all of which I think were trumped this year by the rosy tones and ethereal layers like the dresses above.

What do you think? Were you drawn to a favorite dress or trend?

{images: celebrities, Huffington Post; decor, Living, Etc.}

{Oodles in topaz and Sally in midnight by Studio Bon}

You may remember that I was considering Studio Bon fabric for the nursery.  Well, that was before I priced the fabric.  Unfortunately, it’s not in the budget for Nathan’s room, but I’m holding out hope that I can find a way to work some of this stunning fabric into my decor soon!

But for $5, not only are four 100% cotton dish towels a steal, so are two pillow cases!

I’ve been tinkering with the decor in our bedroom for a long time now and there’s still work to be done. But these inventive pillow cases add just enough dimension to our fairly neutral bedscape (pretty sure I just made that word up!).

The bedroom walls are painted a muted turquoise with glossy white trim. Everything else is in shades of brown and white. For a while we had pops of bright red and more modern artwork going on, too, but I’ve moved those pieces out for a more sedated composition. I really like how the polka dots and stripes play with the more organic lines of our West Elm “Snow Leopard” duvet. And with that narrow turquoise trim at the end of each “towel”, the combination couldn’t be a better fit!

The project was as simple as pinning one polka dot to one striped dish towel, right sides together, and stitching along three edges. No hemming and no cutting.

Any creative re-purposing going on in your world?

{ screenshot of Hammerpress web site }

One of my favorite letterpress companies is Hammerpress based out of Kansas City, Missouri. I love their art prints, quirky holiday cards, and funky notebooks all with their signature layered and unique design. I recently discovered they have redone their web site and added new product. Check it out here.

In addition to the great product they stock, they can work with you to create a complete custom look for your wedding invitations or choose from a selection “stock” invites as well. Not getting hitched? Take advantage of their super design skills for your business cards, stationery, or any other project you’re working on.

Take a few minutes to browse the Hammerpress site and you’ll be hooked, too!

In the meantime, I’ll just marvel at these classy designs by Forbes & Lomax.

{images: Forbes & Lomax — clockwise, close up of Toggle Switch, Toggle Switch, Rotary Dimmer and Push Button}

Aren’t they gorgeous? I remember the push button switch style from my grandparents’ Victorian home, but I have never seen a modern replica with so much sophistication. Notice there are no screws in back plates…

{image from Sarah Richardson Design}

I’m a huge fan of grey and cream – a simple and clean color scheme made interesting by the layering of patterns and textures.  I think I’ve mentioned before that I’m a fabric girl, and it’s the fabrics that make this room for me.  In particular, I love the floral fabric in the curtains and pillows on the bed.

I dug up the source, Designer Fabrics Online, in hopes that I will find a way to use this fabric in my house.  Unfortunately, it’s currently out of stock, but I will keep checking back.  What’s really great about this fabric is that it’s double the usual width at 110 inches wide which makes it perfect for larger projects like a duvet cover or shower curtain, and it clearly makes beautiful curtains.  Designer Fabrics Online has some other fun fabrics, too – it’s worth checking out.

This time of year also makes me want some new pieces for my wardrobe…growing up we always had a shopping day over Spring Break with my mom. Nothing elaborate, but a few fun pieces for the season and I still love to shop for clothes this time of year…something about it is refreshing and makes it feel like warmer days aren’t far to come.

Right now I’m loving…ruffles, breezy, soft fabrics:

{ left image: Anthropologie; right: J Crew catalog }

And natural, tropical, island looks:

{ left: Anthropologie web site; right: J Crew catalog }

What will you be adding to your wardrobe this season?

I often marvel at the sequence of events that lead up to moments like this.

Going through my normal morning routine, I made a pot of coffee while the dog ate her breakfast. I have two mugs that I use almost exclusively, despite the countless others on the shelf. As it happened, those two were buried in the dishwasher so I opted for a different one. After I drained the first cup in about three e-mails, I decided it was just too small and I needed a bigger one. So I select yet another mug that I don’t often use. Well, that bigger mug threw my whole posture off and got under my elbow at my desk — where I sit every morning with a cup of coffee — causing me to spill even more coffee all over my keyboard. Terrific.

Long story short, with computers on my mind I was reminded of this post I read last month on Design*Sponge about BookBooks. What a beautiful way to marry Old World and hi-tech books.

{images: TwelveSouth}

Today, I am back to my familiar mug and typing on thankfully functional keys that have a slightly different tap to them than they used to…

I received a mini cardboard rhino as a gift this week. It’s so delightful! I have seen deer heads available on the web both as a kit, similar to the ones shown below, and also as a solid cardboard shape, but I was not familiar with all the other cardboard creations out there.  Cardboard Safari offers more than just these beastly animals if you like the look. Check out their site for wreath kits, rockets, and more.

I’m thinking I may paint my new friend a bright color…any suggestions? All images from www.cardboardsafari.com.