Friday Finds

Friday finds me feeling a bit tearful.  I don't like to think about taking down the Christmas tree. 
I love the glow of the white lights and all my favorite ornaments mingling amongst them - but I know it's time - although I will likely only put away the ornaments today and leave the lights and the tree until Sunday :-)

I did want to share a tree idea that I found from our friends at re-nest, here.  What an absolutely clever way to display ornaments and not take up a lot of space.  This would be the perfect backdrop for my vintage and rustic ornaments.  I put up three trees each year - one with nothing but animal ornaments (my favorite tree), one with all primitives, handmade and vintage decor and the last tree gets a more formal dress of red, white, blue, gold, silver and my collection of White House ornaments. 

So, even though I have to put away the decorations for this season, I can still be thinking about Christmas.

Now, I am off to look for some scrap lumber...I know we must have some in the shed. 

Oh Honey...  I have an idea I want to run by you...



Enjoy your weekend and Happy New Year!!!!

Monday Must Haves

Happy Monday after Christmas!  I am already looking forward to the new year ahead and new projects. 
Of course I have been admiring some unique pieces on the Anthropologie website and am looking forward to an upcoming project where I can use a couple of these great finds.

I probably need this chair - I have had my eye on it for some time now...

I love this ottoman - the casual patchwork detail which invites the sit on me and prop your feet on me attitude coupled with the clear base that says I am sexy and sleek - it's such a sassy piece!

simply awesome - I love vintage industrial design

In particular, the green chair - I can see that pairing well with the dining table.  It reminds me to pull my old bentwood chairs out of the attic and give them a new coat of paint - perhaps in the green...

Friday Finds

Friday found me snooping, early, through my stocking and finding Origins Ginger Essence perfume, here.  I love, love, love the Origins line - cruetly free and earth friendly.

I just couldn't wait any longer -
Thank you Santa!






"spicy ginger is balanced by the refreshing zeal of bergamot, lemon and lime to create a sensuous synergy between warm and cool, energy and calm, tempest and tranquility"

Let's Dish!




Oh my gosh - I just had the opportunity to "dish" for the first time. 

Friends thought it might be a fun way to spend time together and relax before Christmas, not to mention stock the fridge in time for the holidays with meals you just pull out of the freezer when you need 'em. 

It was a FABULOUS idea and so much fun. 

The store was twirling with men, women, teenagers - all in their bandanas and aprons - yes, I had to wear a bandana...  Even more ridiculous than me wearing one was me trying to put one on - I guess I will never make it as a biker.  I finally resorted to having the manager put it on me because I was laughing so hard (my friends were laughing even harder).  I had no trouble donning my apron - thankfully. 

Anyway, back to "dishing" - it's as easy as 1-2-3.  You arrive, you check in, you go to the meal prep station (you sign up in advance) and you begin preparing - it was awesome.  I got to come home with tasty meals and didn't have to wash a single bowl or grocery shop for ingredients!

Let's Dish is big on handwashing, but so am I, so I loved that - the meal prep stations were well stocked, clean and the instructions were simple to follow - I didn't even need my glasses - a plus! 

I am already looking forward to going back.
 

Monday Must Haves

I find something new each time I venture out of the house or surf the net - today's Monday Must Have is this cool hammered silver-plated magazine caddy, it blends perfectly this time of year, especially since I have my house decorated with mercury glass ornaments and candleholders (and no shortage of shelter mags).
At only $99, this little guy is the perfect accent!

A Wisteria Exclusive, here

Friday Finds

This Friday finds me under the weather - I have been fighting whatever has been going around so that I can enjoy my Christmas.  I have family coming to town and of course, lots of holiday parties to attend.
So, I find myself this afternoon cozying up by my fireplace, complete with my trio of kittens to keep me company, and since I am cozy and warm under one of my favorite throws, it's prompted me to think about a new one for next year - take a peek at ones I am considering.

I love the orange window pane - gotta have this one!
Overstock  here

Okay, so the multi color is great too - which to decide on...  Spring or Fall - or one for each season? 
Again, here's the orange I love.
Overstock here

No orange, but these are so warm and so comfy - I already have the Garnet, the Fog and the Dune - I have one in almost every room - perhaps it's time to get one more - especially since they are on sale!
Restoration Hardware

A Rabbit Runn First - A Custom Desk!

I recently designed and had fabricated my very first, truly custom, furniture piece.  This desk I created for one of my clients' office.  The wood is figured walnut and the legs were finished by yours truly :-)
They are made out out of wood and painted to look like metal - they really fool the eye.
I couldn't be happier with the finished product.  It far exceeded my expectations and I cannot wait to get my creative juices flowing for my next custom piece.
   

Don't those legs look like brushed steel?  I haven't put the drawer pulls on yet, but plan to get to those this week, I was just too excited to show this off! 



A mousehole in the bottom of the leg means only one cord to wrangle with - the power supply is hidden inside and all computer related cords drop through grommets in the top to connect to one source.  Very tidy!





Friday Finds

This Friday finds me reminiscing about my visits to NYC.  I just love going to NY during the Christmas season, well, anytime, but Christmas in particular since it's so twinkly with lights and stunning window displays.  I don't know if I will get there this season, so if not - at least I have my memories and lots of photos!

Me on top of the Empire State Building - I could really see all the twinkly lights from this vantage point

Have a wonderful weekend.

 

The Scent of Christmas

If anyone were to ask my husband what my favorite scents are, he could name them pretty easily because they never change.  Tops on my list are pine trees (the Christmas version).  It could smell like Christmas in my home year round and I would never tire of it.  Close behind is the scent of laundry after it's been hanging in the warm sun.  In keeping with the outdoor theme, I love the crisp smell of winter, especially after it's snowed and everything is still and pure.   Lastly, lilacs.  I enjoy catching a hint of their sweet fragrance on a soft spring wind.

Imagine my delight when I noticed that Trapp Candles introduced a few new holiday scents (I have been giving these candles as hostess gifts for years now and everyone loves them).

Of course, I've had my "White Fir" burning since October, in anticipation of the holidays, and this season they released "Winter Air" - so, now they have two of my all time favorite scents! 

I've always said, any candle can smell good in a box, but what about when it's lit - these deliver.  For me, they are without question the best candles I have ever found - their scent that permeates the whole house in only a few minutes.

So it's going to be tough decision - will it be "White Fir" or "Winter Air"? 

I think I'll light them both! 

Pendant Love

While looking for a flush mount ceiling fixture - I happened upon these pendant lights from Jamie Young - I can't wait until I have a project for these - they are stunning.  Mercury glass and seeded celadon, amber and clear combined with various metals.  I am in love!



The following Jamie Young pendants found through Lamps Plus

Friday Finds

Well, this Friday found me working hard, but since I work out of my home I was able to do a little online shopping, all while multi tasking during a conference call.  I am enjoying crossing off items on my list. 

So far, I have finished shopping for six of the ten children I am helping this season.  It was truly bittersweet reading the one item posted beside each child - no where did I see a cell phone or an ipad or an mp3 player - just simple things like shoes, hats and scarves. 

Oh sure, there was the occasional firetruck or a baby doll, but more so were the things no child should have to wish for from Santa.    

When I was a child, I had a list for Santa and I more times than not, I recall seeing most of it under the tree on Christmas morning.  Seeing a child wish for a coat, wish for shoes, wish for socks. 

It humbles me.




~ enjoy your weekend

Good Tidings

It's December 1st, the official start of the Christmas season for me anyways, and this holiday season, I am fortunate to have the devotion of a wonderful husband, the support of a loving family, the closeness of my truest friends, the opportunity to own my own business (the prospect to succeed), health that I try to never take for granted and gratefulness for all of those.

I don’t need anything else for Christmas, especially since it's doubtful that Santa will drop a million bucks in my stocking.

Instead, I am spreading my good tidings in as many ways possible – volunteerism and donations to all the places I can think of.  Today my reach is local - selecting 10 children who deserve a merrier Christmas.  There are many more children on the list, please visit  http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F094CACA92FA64-gift to sign up. 

If you find yourself, this holiday season, as fortunate as me – consider spreading your own holiday cheer and when you find yourself desperate for that perfect gift - think about someone less fortunate - the spirit of giving - one size fits all.

Friday Finds

Since it's Black Friday - today finds me completely avoiding the mall madness and doing a little online shopping instead.

I found this sublime lamp, through Anthropologie, and it'll be on the way soon. 

It fits the needs for one of my latest projects - a waterfront master bedroom redo.  The colors are soothing, yet lively, and I love the shape and the scrolling details. 

Now, what's next on my list...


Where will Friday find you - Enjoy your weekend!

Firle Fileds Lamp

Happy Thanksgiving

A time for quiet reflection and gratefulness for another year spent with family and friends.  Also a time to give thanks for all the blessings this year has brought - may you all be happy and healthy this holiday season.

I found a quote I''d like to share.

"In the happy moments praise God.
 In the difficult moments seek God.
 In the quiet moments trust God.
 In every moment thank God."

Happy Thanksgiving.

Friday Finds

This is my find of the week, perhaps of the month.  I have been looking all over for the perfect "bin" to keep my on-going client projects in - you know all the things one collects; such as fabric swatches, paint chips, tile samples - all those little things that need a home - well - these are the perfect, perfect size.  So perfect because they fit, as if made for, my Liatorp (IKEA shout out) bookcase cabinets with doors (the doors keep out the kittens and the dust) - another fabulous find.  Aside from fitting so well, they have even more going for them - their clear walls allow me to see the contents quickly and the notched handles provide easy handling.  I have enjoyed spending the evening filling and lining up all my new bins - it's like Christmas over here - I couldn't be more thrilled and at only $5.99 a bin, for the large - I bought out the store!

Have a great weekend!

Multi Purpose Bin, The Container Store

"Hoot" Couture

The Owl is once again making a strong appearance in fashion and home design - nearly 40 years later.
Although owls have never really disappeared, they have recently gained in popularity for home decor as well as fashion, especially jewelry. 

I am sure a lot of us will recall the owls of the 70's - all the vintage treasures like macrame owls, owl trivets and owl salt and pepper shakers can be found on ebay and etsy right now. 

The owl's appeal is both mysterious and whimsical, making is a suitable choice for home decor - let's face it, there aren't that many animals that can trend in both directions - ever think a cow was mysterious? 

The owl motif is particularly popular for children in both room decor and clothing design. 
Whooo (sorry, I just had to) doesn't think a wise old own with big round eyes isn't cute?

Now, no matter how cute they are - if you are over 7, limit how many owls you wear and decorate with - cause a little goes a long way and it's best to make a statement with a few than to over do.  There's no faster way to kill a trend and send those owls back into hiding than by saturating the market.



 
Owl wall sticker  I love how this little guy appears to be "perched" on the bed.

Owl bookends from Pottery Barn Kids



Owl dessert plates, from West Elm


Owl lamp, from West Elm.  I think this could be great in a home office or library.



Owl embroidered pillow

Friday Finds

Today's find is West Elm's Lourdes Sanchez Bull's Eye Rug - needing something vibrant and youthful for one of my projects for a child's bedroom, this rug comes in the clear winner.

Have a great weekend.

Friday Finds

This Friday finds me starting to think about the upcoming holidays and the parties I will be attending - so, on this brisk fall evening, I am busy scouring the Etsy website looking for unique hostess gifts. 

Imagine my delight in finding the perfect tea towel - a rabbit!

It's available through White House Black Cat - and you know I have three black cats and
you know I am Rabbit Runn Designs.  This was meant to be! 

I'd better stock up.

Don't forget to check out http://www.etsy.com/ for unique, one of a kind treasures of your very own.



                                                Handmade Le Lapin Tea Towel

Friday Finds

So, this Friday finds me just back from Orange, VA where I watched my husband experience his first tandem skydive with a couple of his good buddies.  Thrilling and awesome were the adjectives on hand for today.  I think the adrenaline rush has finally worn off and there are bound to be some pretty sweet dreams ahead.

Where did Friday find you?

~ Enjoy your weekend.

Be sure to check out Skydive Orange for further information

Alexandria ASID Peer Group Helps Habitat For Humanity Score BIG!

Saturday October 8th marked the 4th annual BIG SALE, a community outreach project spearheaded and supported by my ASID peer group pairing with Alexandria, VA's ReStore.

Designers volunteered their time, over several weeks, requesting and collecting donations.  Then they got busy pricing and organizing in time to open to the public the morning of the BIG SALE. 

The crisp autumn day certainly brought out the shoppers - when the doors opened, the patrons made a bee line direct to the designer sales area.
 
ReStore is Habitat for Humanity's resale outlet, selling reusable and surplus building materials to the public in addition to furniture, accessories and appliances.  ReStore accepts donated goods which are then sold at a fraction of the retail price. All proceeds help local Habitat affiliates fund the construction of Habitat homes within their communities.  This year our designer and industry partner donations brought in over $7400. 00 for ReStore and combined with general sales for the day, ReStore had an overall total in excess of $10,000.00!  Any ASID marked items that did not sell during the special sale hours were then blended with ReStore's merchandise.  The remaining items have been selling throughout the past weeks and have added nearly $2,000.00 more to the BIG SALE tally.

Next time you are thinking about renovating, think about the ReStore - you will not only be reducing what goes into our landfills, but supporting a great cause - with a tax donation benefit as well!  And even if you aren't renovating, be sure to check out ReStore for some wonderful finds - recently I found a farm table - only $35 because it had a missing center drawer.  I researched the maker, in Sperryville VA, and contacted them about making a replacement drawer - $95 later, I have a complete custom table with a value of $950 and I only spent $130 - what a steal!

Friday Finds

Okay, call me crazy - but I have had my eye on this for two years and I finally snatched it up - and it was on sale! 

Given that I have 3 black and white cats and given that I love Halloween and throw an awesome party each year (this year it's the 13th annual) I just had to give into temptation and snatch up this kitschy little kitty.

I think it's going to look pretty cool sitting out front perched in my ivy bed with it's eyes glowing.  All I need to do is pull out my fog machine and I'll be set.  (I don't really have one...yet)

This was my Friday Find.  Have a great weekend.

Grandin Road's Inflatable Black Halloween Cat

Friday Finds

Friday started out with gray clouds, wind and rain but later gave way to a lovely sunny day and look what I found glistening in my front yard -

I don't think I have ever noticed a spider's web so tightly woven - I know the poor spider must have been exhausted after running around and around and around in circles.

But, the design - genius.

How will nature inspire you?

A Day at the Fair, Waterford, VA

Today was a lovely day for a drive to the historic town of Waterford, VA - especially since this was the weekend for the Waterford Fair which includes a tour of homes and a juried crafts exhibit.  The town is closed off to traffic of the wheeled variety and the homes and streets are opened up to traffic of the two legged variety (and a few four legged friends as well).  Waterford comes alive with art and entertainment and funnel cakes!

"The Waterford Fair is the oldest juried crafts fair in Virginia.  In addition to historic homes open for tour, 155 juried heritage craftspeople (many nationally known) provide hands-on demonstrations, entertainers provide continuous traditional music and dance, Colonial and Civil War-era militia encamp and demonstrate, and there are children's activities throughout the weekend.  The proceeds from the Fair are used to carry out the Waterford Foundation's mission of education and preservation."  The Waterford Fair

"In 1970, the Secretary of the Interior determined that the Waterford Historic District possessed national significance and designated it a National Historic Landmark. It is the highest designation of historic significance possible in the U.S., and places it on par with Mt. Vernon and Monticello—a rare honor.
The determination was based on what the Secretary perceived as an extraordinary balance between the buildings of an intact historic agrarian village and the unspoiled agricultural setting that surrounds it. Waterford is also rare in that it is still a living community."  The Waterford Foundation

Enjoy the pics from my day at the Fair.



Here's a home that I spent time in when I was younger, it hasn't changed a bit. 
Close friends used to live here and I spent my fair share of time hanging out in Waterford.




The Old School staircase.  I was enchanted by the worn stair treads carved out by years of footsteps.



A sunny yellow door says come on in, what a cheerful welcome.

An unexpected spot for a miniature pumpkin, but I love the contrast of texture and color 

Looks like snow birds sunning on a hot tin roof

A quaint front porch, complete with the light blue ceiling

Autumn colors abound!

I just love this historic home and it's rustic grace



I took home a running rabbit cookie cutter



Quest for Light

I thought I had my selection made for a client project - until I found out that my backorder turned into  discontinued. 

So, my quest began - again. 

After exhausting my collection of lighting catalogs I set about typing the words "shade chandelier" into google images and it brought up all sorts of options, some good and some not so good. 

Then, Eureka!  I came across just what I was looking for - and more.

The following selections I found through Shades of Light - I just ordered number 3. 

Friday Finds

The new West Elm catalog showed up in the mailbox today and I had to take a look - check out some of my new favorite Friday Finds.




Wood Tile Three Drawer Dresser 



Turned Pedestal Side Table



Bliss Ottoman