Friday Finds

An early start to the season has me throwing open the windows and eager to start sprucing up for spring.  I am in love with this Friday's find - a crisp white and bold blue ceramic lamp by Mary McDonald, for Robert Abbey. 
A definite must have!

Enjoy the weekend.

Santorini Squares Lamp, here

Just Sayin'...

Tonight is the 84th annual Academy Awards and I am wondering why Thomas Horn wasn't nominated for Best Actor.  Horn was cast as character, Oskar Schell, in the feature film Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close after winning Jeopardy Kids.  Unfortunately, Extremely Loud is one of those movies you either love or hate - I happened to love it (it does have it's slow moments), however Horn's performance was rivoting and kept me locked to the screen.  Seems to me taking raw natural talent, finessing it and featuring it for the first time in a major movie deserves an Oscar look.  I don't think any of us would argue that George Clooney and Brad Pitt are good, but really - are they any different from one movie to the next?  I think that someone who hasn't acted, who doesn't have a career in acting already, and who can move and mesmerize us with a chilling and stellar performance should be the clear winner - or at the very least a nominee.  After all, isn't it called the Best Actor award??  If a young lad with no acting experience can make us believe - then that's what I call acting.

I am just sayin'.

Martyn Lawrence Bullard visits the Washington Design Center



Yesterday I had the great privilege of being educated and, more importantly, entertained by Martyn Lawrence Bullard.  Part of a panel discussion with Susan North, Senior VP, Design & Creative Director for Schumacher, Martyn was dapper and captivating; engaging the audience with his passion for textiles and worldy travels - where he finds much of his inspiration.  Be sure to check out the new collection, a collaboration between Martyn and Schumacher.  Bright colors and bold patterns combine history with today's designs for a fresh and modern perspective. 

Simply fabulous, Darling.
 



Martyn personalizing my book - "A Delicious Kiss to You"
Simply fabulous, Darling.

Friday Kicks Off Super Bowl XLVI Weekend

Unfortunately my husband's team didn't make it to the Super Bowl this year (not even close) and since I don't really have a favorite team I didn't experience the same sense of loss.  Admittedly, I tend to route for any team with an animal on their helmet - the cuter furry four legged variety prefered. 

However, we are still looking forward to the game - more so from the postion of frolicking with friends.  One doesn't hear the term frolicking used often, but as defined, meaning "to play and move about cheerfully, excitedly, or energetically" - it works for me and is sure to be our game day experience.

I really only watch for the commercials and I cannot wait to see the full Papa John's and Peyton Manning commercial - I have been seeing teasers all week - it looks outrageous.

Whatever game day weekend has in store for you - be sure to enjoy!

Friday Finds a Windy Day

It was a gorgeous January day in DC; blue skies, sunshine and 65, but windy after a thunderstorm this morning.
The windy day gave inspiration to some fun Etsy finds.

Enjoy your weekend

Fun print, here

Windswept Ridge, here

Of course this would appeal to Rabbit Runn Designs - print, here

Scarf on a Windy Day, here

Windswept Tree, here

Carry Me Home, here

Monday Must Have

Monday needed a bit of sunshine - since the weather was wet and dreary - and what better way to brighten a gray day than these vibrant sunny yellow enameled pieces from Billy Cotton - they surely made me smile.

Enamel Flatware, here

Of course, I fell for the enameled candleholder too - this yellow one paired with silver is smashing and be sure to check out the indigo - so sophisticated.  I need a table full.


Enamel Candleholder, here



Friday Finds a Fox

Friday ended quietly, so I spent my afternoon (wisely) "popping in and out" of a few of my favorite online shops doing a little accessory hunting - it's nice to be cozy and warm from home, but feel like I am out shopping...

I fell in love with this little sleeping fox pillow and soon he will be sleeping on my bed.

Makes me want to curl up and take a nap myself, perhaps tomorrow -

Enjoy your weekend.

The Rise and Fall Sleeping Fox Pillow, here

A Tuesday Must Not...

I cannot believe Monday came and went - this year is already passing so quickly - pretty soon it will be Christmas again (dare I say)...

So, since I blew through Monday and didn't give you a new Must Have, I decided for Tuesday, I would present you with a Must Not - and this one is a doozy...

With the business name Rabbit Runn Designs, you can imagine all the wonderful rabbits I have been given and have collected over the years - and I love a lamp, goodness knows, but this is one hot mess in my book. 

I doubt I need to state the obvious - I can't help but think why is this rabbit wearing a lampshade on it's head?  It reminds me of one of those cones a pet has to wear and their heads get so wobbly and they stumble around bumping into things - it's so awkward and this is not only awkward with the tilted shade, but awkward because you cannot even see the rabbit's face - not to mention the color. 

Peter Cottontail would be mortified.

Sometimes a design scores and sometimes it fails - it just goes to show, not everything needs to be a lamp.

   

Friday Finds

This Friday finds me getting in late, but delighted to see a photo, shared via email, of a new custom breakfast table and chairs delivered just this morning to my clients in South Carolina.  I am always happy to breathe a sign of relief when things travel safely.

A special thank you to Charlotte Reeves, a colleague in SC, who made sure the delivery went smoothly - she's the reason I breathe that sigh of relief - thanks Charlotte!

Enjoy your weekend.
 

A custom Quarter Sawn White Oak table, with Onyx finish, and painted and distressed Windsor chairs, in a sage and gray blend with black rub through and tobacco glazing.  Just what the beach house needed, casual and chic.

Monday Must Haves - Pretty Packages

Today isn't so much about a must have, but rather a must do...
Under normal circumstances, today would be recycle day - but given it's a holiday, I will drop off the stack of paper that's accumulated over the past couple weeks at my local recycle center myself.  It's hard to say good-bye to all that beautiful wrap that sits patiently in the recycle bin.  It reminds me of all those pretty packages that used to be under my tree - so, here's a little creative inspiration to tuck away for next time - it's not only gorgeous, but green.

And let's not forget about all those holiday cards - consider a greeting card recycling program such as St. Jude's Ranch, here.  The children at St. Jude's Ranch earn money by creating new holiday cards from the old.

Enjoy.



Use peppermint candy instead of styrofoam peanuts - it's easy to recyle those!
image via Country Living. 




Even simple can be stunning! 
Kraft paper and scrapbooking "scraps" can be wonderful package decor.
image via Country Living



A bow made out of Christmas bulbs - I love this idea! 
Next time the bulbs blow - think about saving them for this clever look. 
Or even one as a package tie could be fun and unique
image via Good Housekeeping

Again, taking something so simple and turning it into something special - recycling at it's best.
Image via Diana from the Blog: Anyone Can Decorate



Fabric gift wrap - an easy idea for a designer, as we always have fabric samples and scraps left over.
image via Martha Stewart










HAPPY 2012!

Wishing us all a bright new year - Happy 2012!