design sparrow

ALT TAB: WEEK FOUR

2012-01-27T09:54:00.003-07:00

One month into my alt tab project and I'm enjoying myself, are you?

A little house tour: the mantel right now {ever changing}I like minimal and clean after the holidays.

My view looking in. I sit on the sofa looking out so often that it was nice Sunday morning to turn around and look in. There's a lesson there right?

My birthday frogs from Vickers - aren't they the coolest??

And the snowy view.

Last Friday night I was a whirlwind of domesticity as I cooked dinner for myself, prepped a casserole for the next night, baked my favorite sugar free cookies, and made bread for church. The quinoa was boiling, the casserole dish was hanging out on the stove top ready for the curried pork wonder creation ingredients.
{Side note: the recipe I was inspired by, and my review for my revised version.}

After a bit I noticed that I'd turned on the wrong burner, the quinoa was still stone cold while the casserole dish was piping hot. Typical day in my life, nothing new there folks. I made the switch and moved the dish to the back burner to cool. No sooner had I set it down, walked the two steps to the sink and turned my back to grab something when the thing exploded! Not simply broke, or shattered, but full on exploded sending shards of glass all over the room. I think I yelped, my roommate came running, and I stood there stunned for a moment eying the shards of glass all over every surface running through the timing of the event in my mind. If I had lingered for a moment at the stove... I had the goosebumps of a the very lucky almost casualty of cooking gone wrong. My guardian angels must have known this little miss uninsured would have been in a tight spot if this story had ended in stitches.

other photos:

a frozen leaf I found outside

a pretty fence and it's shadow

some lovely bowls I want to own

This week I'm grateful for the beautiful winter weather, smart advice, and music montages.

In anticipation of a very fun themed baby shower we're throwing for our friend tomorrow, my quote of the week:

If I had a world of my own, everything would be nonsense. Nothing would be what it is, because everything would be what it isn't. And contrary wise, what is, it wouldn't be. And what it wouldn't be, it would. You see?
Alice in Wonderland
{photos of the party next week!}

ALT TAB: WEEK THREE

2012-01-20T11:50:00.003-07:00

My week in recap fashion, semi-supported by images for those who wish all stories still came that way:

A few lovelies came to visit us this week at work. The Mies van der Rohe day bed and pavilion chairs from Malik are out front looking gorgeous. For real replicas. I'd like to move my computer out to the showroom and work from there. {Yes, that's a sliver of the Eileen Gray adjustable table too.} Auh, Mid Century Classic, why do I love thee so? I'm trying to keep the drool off all this great stuff.

The brick wall outside. There is no way to capture in blog form the absolutely wonderful smell outside my office right now. Fresh rain mixed with sugary bakery goods from our next door neighbors.

Welcoming home my money tree. It has been living with my Aunt Michele and seems to love the new spot soaking in the sunsets from my big front window.

That's us at Abravanel Hall waiting for funny man Brian Regan to come out and make us laugh last night. That man is hilarious with a capital H. Thanks for sharing your bday gift with me RC1, and thanks for hatching the great idea to crash the party at Grand America afterwords. My eyes were peeled for all my favorite bloggers. If only we were wearing all white to better blend in...

Frosted window panes. Or windshields.

More money tree {what a terribly misleading name.}

A couple shots from my walk to work this morning. Instead of my usual route down E Street I went down D instead. It was a great choice. I think I'll start going up and down different streets every day too add some variety to my short commute. Even though it means I'm a little late I love listening to the bells go off at the cathedral at 8 am. They played Onward Christian Soldiers this morning.

"Desires dictate priorities. Priorities shape choices. Choices determine actions."

Dallin H. Oaks

ALT TAB: WEEK TWO

2012-01-13T10:49:00.001-07:00

I am 100% a fan of this year's Pantone color tangerine tango. As I gathered my photos from the week I began to notice a trend. You see it too? This was an unintentional {or subconscious?}thing. I love orange and coral and all the burnt moody versions of these hues. I have high hopes that the year of tangerine tango is going to be a lovely one.

Photo blurbs from left to right -

It finally snowed here last weekend. It happened overnight, but when it started up again Saturday afternoon I took my books back to the library just for an excuse to be outside and smell the snow.

Behold - my first instagram photo! The subject: my afternoon snack at work, a yummy grapefruit.
No, I didn't get an iphone, but I want one just for the instagram app. Unless my phone meets an untimely demise {I've thought about pushing it in front of a train}I'll hold out for my upgrade in 9 months. {NINE MONTHS?!} Until then, I put my coveting on hold and had myself a life changing epiphany - the ipad at work is just laying around collecting dust. It has been in the box untouched for the past three months I've worked here. Waste not, want not.

The a fore mentioned tangerine tango.

A self portrait when I should have been doing any one of a number of other things.

A 'doily thing' I came across somewhere online that I will attempt soon.

Something that made me smile this week - The sunrise this morning through the window in my living room, with my cat on my lap purring away in hopes of bits of my scrambled egg.

Something I read this week that inspired me: The Japanese word shoshin means openness and eagerness. Zen teacher Shunryo Suzuki-roshi said, "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few."

the quote for the week that caught me Monday and I'm still thinking about the potential of it today.
"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being." - Albert Schweitzer

ALT TAB: WEEK ONE

2012-01-06T11:39:00.002-07:00

I eluded to a new project for 2012 and I'm still playing with how I want to do it, but here is the general idea.

I'll post once a week with a recap of things that make me happy.
Categories might be {but not limited to}:

stuff I'm grateful for
random things that catch my attention
things that make me laugh
something I've learned
a quote for the week
colors I love
and some I spy stuff and other silly games

I'm calling it ALT TAB

So really, the same basic stuff I write about now, but in one succinct post. This came to be from an idea I had last year to do 365 days of gratitude, but now it will include a few other things to hopefully weave a vibrant story for my year. I will still post design projects as separate posts whenever I have things to share.

ALT TAB: WEEK ONE
left to right, top to bottom

lots of elevens on the last day of my year 2011.
{purchased - cafe rio salad, yum! thnx rc1}

Over the holiday break I decided to try every squash available at my grocery store. I've had spaghetti, butternut, acorn, and carnival so far on my little tour. Any suggestions? Hubbard is still my all time favorite, but they don't have it right now.

The Cat woke up from a nap to oversee the placement of a new fuzzy blanket that was given to me as a Christmas gift. She walked over, sniffed it, tried to push it off the love seat {that is slated for a reupholster job this year}and when she couldn't get it out of her space she started pouncing and biting. I take that as strong disapproval. Maybe not to her aesthetic or maybe just one jealous kitty?

a pretty tree on my walk home from work

This is embarrassing, I shouldn't even publicize this info, but give credit where credit is due and all that. Grandma Awesome would call it luck, but when she has beat me 9 out of the last 10 games of golf, I can hardly call it luck. And as if winning wasn't enough, check out that last score. -7! I've never in the history of the game seen someone stay in the negative the entire game.

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly.
paraphrased from a sign I saw standing in line at Barnes & Noble last night.

last bits of 2011

2011-12-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

Millcreek Canyon - The Pipeline Trail

No snow to speak of around here and I can't say I mind all that much. I've gone for a lot of bike rides this week, and thinking about another one today. Something I couldn't do if it went all winter wonder land on me.

Are you setting goals for the new year? What will 2012 bring design sparrow? I've been thinking about that a lot and I'm going to try something new in my last ditch attempt to love blogging again. Maybe the blog and I are in our 5 year slump? {Is that a real thing??} When I first started blogging I was always excited and full of fun stories to share about my adventures while traveling, dating and living life in general. Then I decided to blog for seriously and that has never really fit right in my heart of hearts. I've always liked the idea of a 'dear void' blog where I send out questions to the cosmic void, you know the movie:

Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life - well, valuable, but small - and sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave? So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around? I don't really want an answer. I just want to send this cosmic question out into the void. So good night, dear void.

Soooo... a new format to look forward to and a goal to make it legit. We'll see how it goes!

More to come on this in 2012, for now some last bits of 2011.

yes, I know we're fuzzy, but this is just for my folks when they ask, 'why don't you post photos of yourself anymore?'

The sunset from the Oquirrh Temple last night. Gorgeous night!

"What is to give light, must endure burning." Viktor Frankl

scenes from home

2011-12-23T12:17:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd post a few phone photos from the house of Awesome for all of you who might feel far from home this Christmas.
I won't be anywhere near my computer {if I can help it} so I'll talk to you all next year.

Merry Christmas!

double the relaxation

2011-12-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends just found out she is having twins so the usual nesting has stepped up a notch. Or two.

Not only is she looking for two of everything, she needs somewhere to lay her weary head. She likes this bed for the clean lines and nail head detail. Her room should be as restful as possible, with a few country inspired things for her ultra outdoors dude husband. My choice for lighting is a nod towards her historical preserved home.

We had dinner this week and our other friend has one baby in tow and seems to need an extra set of hands. Two of those little packages of fun to keep her on her toes? Yeah, this girl is going to need somewhere relaxing to{or try to}sleep.

spontaneous patriotism and kindness

2011-12-16T09:51:00.072-07:00

nothing like a little spontaneous patriotism to make me proud to be an American. Or really, just proud to be a human. Who knows why this guy decided to go for a run down the street at the Gateway with a huge flag. He was getting cheered as he ran so maybe it's his workout incentive plan?

when I pulled back into the parking lot at work yesterday I saw some gloves on the fence and I thought 'how nice, someone will be happy.' Then I noticed they were my gloves. I'm that happy someone.

HAPPY WEEKEND.

restoration-esque custom beauty

2011-12-14T09:38:00.008-07:00

What would you do if you fell in love with the perfect vanity for your bathroom, only it was a foot too long? You could look in vain for that second best vanity that would might make your heart beat a little faster like your first true love, or you could just have on made.

That's exactly what we've done. I've been working with one of my favorite clients of all time on remodeling her bathroom and we spent a whirlwind of day putting together a bathroom plan because demolition had already begun at her house. The only hitch in the plans was the piece we really wanted wouldn't fit. This hitch actually turned into a blessing {as most hitches do right?} because we were able to customize and get a great piece of marble for the top that makes the piece all the classier. The piece was installed recently and and the bathroom is all but finished and it is gorgeous. I'll share photos when I have them, until then, a little CAD drawing my cabinet guy drew up for us.

{restoration hardware}

ho ho holy awesome bike ride

2011-12-13T15:25:00.001-07:00

Saturday was the most beautiful day for a bike ride. OK, so realistically it was 37 degrees out and who knows what the wind chill was as I flew down the canyon at high {dad re:completely safe}speeds with the sun in my eyes making for lovely shadows, but maybe not optimum visibility.

I've been waiting for this day for months and months so a little snow on the ground or just above sub freezing temps would not deter me from my fun. The day dawned as the day I would hop on my brand new road bike and the whole paved world opened up to me. I have been mentally plotting out long stretches of west facing road in my spare pondering moments.

I started my maiden voyage at work on South Temple where Jameson {favorite cousin of the week, sorry lovely cousins, I do love you all}dropped off my new bike Friday afternoon. Then climbed the 11 blocks to the top of the avenues without having to weave up the hill one block at a time to catch my breath due to the old bike's lack of gears suitable for climbing.

Exceptions for bikes? Like a little sign. Kismet. Blessings from Heaven.

one of a kind

2011-12-12T10:29:00.001-07:00

{trent gudmundsen}

I got on Facebook this morning to tell my friend and bunk mate from the USNS Comfort a happy birthday and found this painting posted on her wall. Isn't it beautiful? Just like the real girl. Sweet, genuine and uses words like 'hot dog' and 'abomination' in every day conversation, Rachel is one of a kind.

Ang, me, Sloane and Rachel at the LDS Temple in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

auuh, the classics

2011-12-08T16:46:00.000-07:00

I was pricing some Le Corbusier chairs for a client today and smiled to myself because I was pricing Le Corbusier chairs for a client today. I am the biggest nerd for the classics.

If I could have just one classic piece to love forever -- Euro Saarinen's marble pedestal table {top left}, hands down. Or maybe...

Malik Gallery

high speed chase

2011-12-06T17:01:00.007-07:00

{image}

It could be argued that you can't have a high speed chase with someone if that someone isn't aware of being chased. I'll argue the point because how could he not know?

commence story time.

so there I was, minding my own business, mere blocks away from home, my book and my space heater {aka The Cat}waiting for me at the end of a long day. The light turned green and I was about to cross State Street into the Avenues when some joker with a giant trailer attached to his suburban bumped into me. Yes, just a tap, enough to make his trailer ricochet off my car resulting in the need to grip my wheel a bit harder so as not to veer into oncoming traffic. Nothing to flip out over.

The next logical thing to happen in this story would be we pulled over, exchanged information, got the cops involved to give him a ticket so insurance stuff could go smoothly and then I went home and ate some popcorn. But then we wouldn't have a story on our hands would we? Enter twist to the plot.

I followed him up the block and when he passed plenty of acceptable places to pull over I started flashing my lights and honking my horn at him like the mad little hornet I should have been. I was more annoyed than anything else as I followed him around the block asking him out loud if he needed a landing strip to pull over. He took a couple corners like he was trying out his skills for the next smash n crash derby and when he headed back in the direction we had come from I was pretty sure I was taking part in my first {and hopefully not last} high speed chase.

This guy couldn't possibly know who he's dealing with. How could he have know that I live for this kind of thing? That I would consider it a game to stay on his bumper until the bitter end no matter his evasion tactics? If he was trying to shake me off, he'd have to try a lot harder. I was on the line with 911 giving the lady the play by play, "We're heading west on No Temple, now turning south on West Temple, passing 1st, 2nd, now turning left onto 3rd headed East..." That's when the cops took over with their flashing lights and sirens to get his attention and I was more than a little disappointed that I wouldn't be throwing out spikes after all.

His side to the story was he had no idea he'd even hit me, or that I had been following him around town for some time. He was lost, hungry, and looking for the Olive Garden. The cop empathized with him and let him off easy and said when he's hungry he can be a bit spacey too. Well, yeah, me too, but really? Really?!

The end.

{I do hope there is a sequel in the making, maybe How I Took Down My First Smuggling Ring}

before the wind

2011-12-02T16:07:00.002-07:00

before the winds started howling {boy, did they howl - 90 mph!}I was out and about the neighborhood taking care of things:

return library book {Water for Elephants - I wasn't a fan, I didn't even finish it, I'll see the movie instead.} pick up new library book {Sarah's key - a big fan of this book, I will see this movie too when I'm done.}
continue walk to new neighbors house to say hello, welcome to the greatest neighborhood ever
search for friend's dog after we were done visiting the new neighbor because she decided to go meet some neighbors on her own

You know, just regular run of the mill kind of errand type things for a Wednesday night that don't exactly warrant a blog post of their very own. The not so run of the mill bit of the night was the sky. It was long after sunset and yet there was the prettiest blue glow behind the impending storm clouds.
It created the loveliest back ground to my errand running and I found myself walking down the middle of my street watching the branches in contrast to the glowing sky. Good thing there wasn't any traffic right?

While the cat watched her flocks at night.

My favorite quote of the week:

"sometimes i wonder. so much of what i see reminds me of something i saw in a meg ryan movie once, when shouldn't it be the other way around?"

I thought it was the wittiest spin off of a movie quote if I ever heard one. Auuh, someone who loves Meg Ryan movies as much as I do.

Happy Weekend dear void, what will you be doing?

remember this project?

2011-11-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

Remember the parade home from this summer? Refresh your memory by viewing my portfolio.
Just looking at these images this morning brings back a bit of summer warmth to my soon to be snowy winter day.

A big thanks again to the talented Bry Cox {aka RC1 on this blog} for the photography.

Christmas is all around me

2011-11-29T11:03:00.002-07:00

I'm a total nerd for how much I love walking to work. I get all bundled up and carry my travel mug of boiling hot peppermint water like a yummy smelling hand warmer and smile a little smile to myself the whole seven blocks to work.

Yesterday I decided midday to extend my walk home and walk downtown to get some Christmas shopping done and meet a friend for dinner.{Will the novelty of proximity ever wear off?? Doubtful. My nerd is very much a part of me.} That same happy feeling followed me around as I browsed and caught up with said friend and enjoyed a yummy butternut squash soup. Our night got a little more exciting than originally planned when we ended up pushing her car out of traffic since it up and died right there without a warning. There are few people in the world I know who can keep a smile on her face and still make something like that fun, and she just so happens to be one of those rarities. {I didn't once think 'this wouldn't have happened if we were both walking...' OK, I might have, but not for lack of fun, just for love of walking.}

On a side note {can you have a side note if you don't really have a subject to wander off from?} I love the Christmas Season. More so than the actual Christmas Day. I've mentioned a time or two my love for anticipation and nothing beats the feeling of the holiday season in full swing. And it isn't even December just yet!! We still have practically a whole month of music and and pretty lights and yummy smells and gatherings with loved ones and extra kindness to enjoy.

What is your favorite part of this time of year?

along the shoreline trail

2011-11-28T15:13:00.001-07:00

this is what my thanksgiving morning looked like. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend. I had such a relaxing time I've had a hard time getting back into the groove today.

How about you, how was your holiday?

vesper's close up

2011-11-16T13:11:00.009-07:00

the way she struts around the house, you'd think this girl would have a schedule full of photo shoots. This was the first {and probably last}photo shoot Vesper had with a pro. Thanks RC1! His indifference towards all things of the creature variety makes this impromptu image even more valuable. If you think he made my kitty look pretty, you should check out what he does with humans.

I framed it and it will sit on my desk at work.

midnight in paris

2011-11-15T12:40:00.000-07:00

Maybe watching the movie Midnight in Paris last week inspired me as I put this room together, or maybe it is just another example of how much I love mixing natural textures together to create a room with lots of layers? Either way, I'd love to see the walls painted in a rich color inspired from the painting and silk drapery for the large window {North facing so this room needs warmth}

{art crate and barrel leeindustries}

eleven eleven eleven

2011-11-11T18:07:00.001-07:00

as eleven is my favorite number and this date will only happen once in my lifetime I seriously hoped all year leading up to this day that I'd be doing something incredibly cool.

Nothing has happened yet that would be on the highlight reel in my life movie but even though it hasn't been a momentous day because of any one thing, do you ever stop yourself and say, "Hey! This is my life and I totally love it?" I find myself saying that to myself a lot lately.

I'm sure you've been on pins and needles just waiting for me to follow up with my loaded comments about new beginnings and the existence of them in my near future so I'll get right to it.

After two years with Noble House I gave notice and will be done at the end of the month. I have been incredibly blessed by my experience there. Most of all I'm grateful for my wonderful clients.

I will now be working part time for Design Source, a local rep group a mere ten minute walk from my house. I've already started and can tell I'm going to really enjoy myself. The scary part is that while I'll still be in the design industry I won't actually be designing.

Which leads to what I'll be doing with the rest of my time.

I'm officially going out on my own as an Interior Designer.

That sounds like an official announcement right? Like I'm running for office making such bold, wonderful statements. What will I offer the world if I'm nominated? {not reeally, but play along} Lovely interior spaces and kittens for everyone.

But seriously. I'm seriously excited.

What does the sofa have anything to with anything? We're remodeling our showroom and the Gaia from Bernhardt will be part of the changes going on. Photos someday soon.

so wise

2011-11-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

{pinterest}

new beginnings

2011-11-04T16:00:00.001-06:00

Isn't there there something so intoxicating about new beginnings? Stocked with possibilities, lots of anticipation... and I'm totally going to leave you hanging as to what I'm dropping hints about.

So until I share my news, November 4th actual signifies a new beginning in my life that I have always loved celebrating. It's a special day in my family because it was the day I found my way into my very own slice of heaven on earth.

I have angels for parents and my very own super hero for a brother. He made our family all the better by marrying Kwona, throwing an exotic sister into the mix, someone I've always looked up because of her heart of gold. I love my two gorgeous nieces, and two seriously cool nephews. Awesome grandparents I consider dear friends, aunts and uncles I adore, and cousins I can laugh with, and I fit right in because it was meant to be. There are no mistakes in life.

I've been taking stock of the last thirty years and setting some new goals.
Maybe a second go at piano lessons? More watercolor classes? Table Tennis League?
My little list of some things that have filled my years:

15 countries

29 states

17 jobs
1 stint in the navy

18 moves

3 colleges, 1 degree {finally}
3 mountains climbed
4 kitties, 2 pups, 2 hamsters, 4 snakes, gazillions of grasshoppers, crickets, fish, frogs...
6 weeks of ice skating when I wanted to be the next Nancy Kerrigan
1 summer of Tae Kwon Do
2 winters of ski school

100's of books read {re: 100's of imagined adventures}

7 School Plays - The Griffon in Alice in Wonderland was my all time fav because I had a solo and was supposed to be act like a terrible singer, it wasn't a stretch!

0 broken bones

10 {ish}stitches

1 seriously scary roll over car wreck with my very own guardian angel

1 afternoon with the Icuza {Japanese Mob} when I learned to read Korean. That experiences changed the rest of my adventures in that wildly fun country because of the millions of signs that are now so fun to try to read.

other lessons learned:

Learning to love is what this life is all about.

Enjoying the moment makes the memory all the more clear to be enjoyed again later.

Living without hesitation is the only way to go. Not to say pausing to make an important decision isn't necessary, but once that's done, move forward.

My checklist for a life well lived wouldn't amount to much if I was only counting places I've seen or adventures I've had, it's all about my family and friends and the love we share.

My grey sous chef. She sits in the windowsill and watches me while I cook.

within walking distance

2011-11-01T13:54:00.000-06:00

It's still a few months before City Creek will open, but talking about it last night with my friends had me excited for it all over again.

I live within walking distance and have enjoyed watching the progress and look forward to convenient shopping {Nordstrom downtown? heck yes!}

The only downside to the completion? Having that cranes leave. I love cranes mixed in with a cityscape. They inspire me and bring a feeling of change and growth. This rendering also inspires me, makes me want to pull out my markers or design a retail space.

{images from here}

three decades

2011-10-29T11:57:00.000-06:00

My parents wrote a sweet post for my birthday today on their blog. Check it out here.

Thank you for thirty wonderful years!

my idea of a really good time

2011-10-22T14:37:00.000-06:00

why does fall seem to be the shortest season of them all?

on my ipod while I rode

"..falling slowly sing your melody

I'll sing along.."

Damien Rice

overnight pumpkin oats

2011-10-21T11:40:00.001-06:00

All things pumpkin are very OK by me so this super easy breakfast has been a favorite for me this week.

Wanna try it?

The night before I put 1/2 cup oats {old fashion, not instant}, 1/2 cup coconut milk, a heaping spoonful of pumpkin butter and a banana in a dish and put it in my fridge. The next morning I add a handful of walnuts and mix it all together. {I save the walnuts for the morning so there is a little crunch to the mix.} I've also added quinoa in the past for an extra boost of protein.

This pretty feathered friend stopped by for an unexpected visit Sunday morning. I went out on the porch to put some napkins on the table for a brunch we were hosting and found her trembling from what I imagined was quite a shock for an innocent flying object rudely grounded by an invisible barrier in the ski. {aka a large window} Bet that was a story to tell around the bird feeder, "Nothin' but blue skies, then wam!..."

wish list: my reading chair

2011-10-18T17:21:00.001-06:00

I moved my room around to create a better workspace in the adjoining area that I haven't used much. In the process of moving my drafting table into an alcove I created an empty corner at the end of my bed that would be the perfect spot for a cozy reading chair. Right now I have a small chair there pretending to be comfortable but it's begging to be replaced by something I could curl up in and tackle my growing pile of books.

My ever changing style has been revolving around all things wing back so it comes as a surprise that if I were making the decision today I'd go for the bottom right boxy chair. While I'm drawn to the graceful curves of the top left and middle chair I don't imagine spending some serious reading time in them.

All my fabric options are soft to the touch and while the middle one looks much darker online, it's as light as the others and the color of a dusty khaki with more warm tones than what you'd expect from something called khaki. 70% cotton/30% acrylic and so, so cozy.

I'd add a small kidney pillow in a pattern to give it some life.

And a blanket would be somewhere near by for sure.

Then comes the ottoman! Another place I'd have fun with pattern/texture and today my mood is leaning more towards the bottom right option because it's feminine and would look really pretty with any of the chairs, even the modern boxy one. It'd take it down a notch and get that eclectic mixed feeling I seem to love.

{Chairs/upholstery by lee. Fabricut. Restoration Hardware fur blanket. West Elm throw.}

subtle autumn tablescape

2011-10-15T11:49:00.002-06:00

The mountains this morning as I drove to work were a blazing red with beautiful blue skies as the perfect contrast totally getting me in the mood for my favorite season. I'd like to set this table for a fall dinner {butternut squash anyone?} and see the leaves change outside the windows.

a few things I'd bring to the table to create a setting with some earthy texture, a bit of gold and candle light.

{west elm for the plates and crate and barrel for everything else}

Happy weekend friends.

give us the grand america

2011-10-10T16:40:00.000-06:00

When our clients asked us to design their home to feel like the Grand America my thoughts immediately went to pretty marble, sparkly glass, lush fabrics and classy, timeless elegance. Their style is very formal so it has given me a chance to play with velvets, embroidered silks and the like.

Normally my sketches for clients during the design process are quick and on the back of whatever piece of scrap paper is handy and that quick sketch will get the idea across.

This was still a quick little thing {and the flaws drive me crazy!} but at least along with the fabric selections and spec sheets of all the furniture to go in to the home I'll have a sample of what one of the rooms might look like completed so they can get the full vision. They call this particular room their 'sanctuary'. Situated off their master bedroom, it is a small room they plan to use to relax.

hello october

2011-10-01T23:11:00.004-06:00

"... if you allowed yourself to be enchanted by the beauty to be seen in even ordinary things, then all things would prove to be extraordinary."

from Dean Koontz Breathless

City Creek Canyon

perspective

2011-09-29T13:14:00.004-06:00

Imagine for a minute that you're holding a small rock right up to your eye. What do you see? Are you focused on the rock, or can you see the view behind it? You could be surrounded by the most beautiful landscape, but all you can see right now is that rock.

Now hold the rock at arms length. It isn't so big anymore, in fact, it fits nicely in the palm of your hand. You are much bigger than the rock. From this vantage point you can see clearly how it fits into the surrounding scenery.

After facing the obstacle and seeing it for what it is in proportion to everything else it doesn't seem so obtrusive. Placing it back on the ground with the other stones it merely becomes part of the path. Part of where you've been. Without it you wouldn't get where you're going, but certainly you don't need to pick it up and take it with you. Soon it will be far below blended in with other obstacles overcome and it will be a sweet reminder of the climb.

{images from my hike yesterday at Brighton Ski Resort.}

do tarantulas bite?

2011-09-22T17:25:00.002-06:00

To show my dependance on the all powerful google I decided not to pick up the pretty spider like I wanted to because I wasn't sure how much trouble I would be in if she bit me without first consulting dear google.

Yes, google let me know they bite. It'd feel like a bee sting. Unless I was allergic. Can you get tested for tarantula allergies like you would an egg or pollen allergy? That box isn't provided on most forms where you're asked to check all known allergies. Aprin - no, eggs - no, tarantulas... maybe?

So I let the spider alone and we went our separate ways. This is a favorite spot of mine on the BST trail with a great vantage point of the city.

My breakfast yesterday.

{yes, I think I'll be one of those people who takes pictures of recipes I try and post about them.}

The short stack. Mini cinnamon spelt pancakes with blueberries and applesauce/agave syrup.

I got the recipe here though I didn't add the maca or protein powder, instead opting for a heaping teaspoon of ground flax seed and a bit more cinnamon. I also tried them with pears and it was a perfect blend of harvest time flavors.

More and more grapes. Do you live near me? Do you want some because I have heaps and heaps growing in my back yard.

change

2011-09-17T12:25:00.002-06:00

{photo from my garden this morning. Those juicy grapes were a tasty pre breakfast treat.}

If you're a regular visitor to my corner of the blogosphere you've probably noticed a decline in posts.
{Maybe I'm the only one who has noticed?}

I think about writing, but my interest has wandered and while I know it's my space to do with what I may I don't want to stray from design related topics. Though when it comes down to it I don't have much to say at the moment. I'm not bored with design, far from it. I've never been happier with my work and I'm still reading a few of my favorite design blogs, but my blog hopping has taken a different direction lately as my focus has changed.

I don't think I'm ready to give up on writing completely, I love the community and comradery, but for now I'm taking the pressure off myself to write regularly in hopes that I'll feel more inspired by doing so.

Until then, I'll enjoy my hopping around new sites {to me} like this, and over here, and a smattering of my favorites.

I've enjoyed the nostalgia this week as I'm reminded of how I spent Chuseok {Korean Thanksgiving} last year with my family in Daegu and surrounding areas.

I went back and read about climbing mountains, wandering the markets and open roads on my brother's hog cruiser, and playing on the beach. It was almost like being there, minus the hugs and teasing.

Please keep checking in to see where this change takes design sparrow. I hope for a post a week for now while I figure things out.
I'd love your help. What brings you to design sparrow?

wanderlust

2011-09-13T10:51:00.000-06:00

Wish I were here. Somewhere in the middle of a really long hike.

Are you in the mood for some change in scenery today? Where would you like to go?

extrodinary expansion

2011-09-06T16:43:00.001-06:00

Please ignore the lopsidedness of this photo. I visited a client last week to see the end result of enduring months of a renovation that grew in size {as most will do}and was in such awe of the transformation I didn't much care how the images were turning out as much as I cared about taking it all in.

The custom Lee sofa was my small contribution to this project. We spent a fun afternoon selecting the frame and fabric back when the new sitting area was still her cramped kitchen/dining area. Then I got updates on the project as the sofa selections were submitted, ordered and delivered. Sometimes she'd stop in just to get away from the dust and stress of it all and we'd talk through her latest decisions. So when it was complete she invited me over to see how it all turned out.

She has a fantastic taste in artwork and has many wonderful pieces throughout her house. Many originals with great stories of how she acquired them. She built her mantle with a friend years ago, then refinished it with a little glaze to update it.

The Pantry. {Oh, the pantry!} Separated by a swinging door from the rest of the kitchen, this room is utility meets fantastic. Love the metal counter tops and shelves.

She thought of everything when it came to designing her kitchen.

She had Robert McArthur do the floor plan. The rest is the result of an artistic person combing magazines with a plan evolving from carefully considering the things that mattered most to her. She talked lovingly of how she chose the subway tile for the wonderful subtle color and the things she learned along the way about kitchen design. The smell of curry bubbling away on the stove only added to the appeal of this room.

Loved her drawers with pegs to hold her plates.

And the 12" deep cupboards running the length of her island for extra storage.

Her home office with the old pup snoozing away.
It can be seen through the window to the left of the mantle so having that glimpse of the black and white tile looks great with the tile on the fireplace.

I've witnessed the transformation a renovation has on a woman in her kitchen a few times before and it always makes me smile. Each time it's like the room is a unique and perfectly suited extension of the woman herself.

sunflowers at dusk

2011-09-04T00:35:00.005-06:00

I often go walking in meadows of clover,

And I gather armfuls of blossoms of blue.
I gather the blossoms the whole meadow over;
Dear mother, all flowers remind me of you.

O mother, I give you my love with each flower
To give forth sweet fragrance a whole lifetime through;
For if I love blossoms and meadows and walking,
I learn how to love them, dear mother, from you.

{music}

Happy Birthday Mom.

She won't see this for a few days since she's off watching the animal migration in Kenya.

fresh from the market

2011-09-03T13:13:00.000-06:00

I woke up early this morning as has become Saturday tradition this summer and laid in bed wondering what to do with myself until it was time to go to work. Read this on the porch? Bake something yummy? Ride up the canyon and enjoy the crisp air that travels down the mountain with the river and pools in pockets in the morning shade. Tempting, I even headed in that direction first. But decided instead to ride to the farmers market and find something for breakfast. I filled up my backpack with tomatoes, a very long seedless cucumber and a bag of peaches.

I loved seeing these girls wrapped up in blankets in their family's stall. Neither of them seemed very awake. Bet they've been there every Saturday this summer doing the same thing? It reminded me of the early mornings I'd wrap up in my blanket to ride along when my brother had a paper route.

A bike propelled piano. Why not?

Happy Saturday friends.

Harvest Paintings

2011-09-02T12:35:00.000-06:00

The Gleaners - Jean Francois Millet

Growing up this was one of my favorite paintings hanging in the halls of the school I went to. I loved the colors and imagining what life might be like if I were one of The Gleaners. It was positioned in the hallway near the music room and if I sat in the right chair I could see it while we sang. A client mentioned it today and how she has always loved it too. She thought it'd work perfectly in her new living room since her walls are a warm golden hue. I couldn't agree more.

I was very excited for her and hopes she purchases it. I came back to work and looked up just to enjoy the feeling I get when I look at it.

While I was at it, I looked for other harvest inspired paintings.

Robert Zund

John Stoa

Norman Lloyd

Happy harvest time dear friends.

velvet glam

2011-09-01T12:03:00.000-06:00

My client and I laughed as we selected fabrics for her new sofa because she and I have something in common. We can change design directions on a dime. The perfect example: She has been in love with an off white sectional on our showroom floor for months and was determined to buy it. It was all but loaded on the delivery truck when on a whim she asked to see some tufted options. One thing lead to another and now we're exploring a completely different direction for her family room. I'm a huge fan of the velvety blue upholstery she has chosen.

Her husband doesn't like 'pretend furniture', you know the type, the pretty stuff you can't get cozy on. But this sofa is pretty and comfortable and since the 'serious TV watching' happens downstairs in the other family room, why not glam this one up a little was our reply to his concern. This couple is so fun to work with. Lots of kidding around as we try different ideas. Right now we're playing with mixing up the feminine fabric with older 'dusty' rugs and lots of silver accents to work with the adjoining kitchen, but who knows what tomorrow will bring? Sometimes I like a client who has so many ideas to explore, because one day we'll land on the right one and run with it.

my adventure in Dubai

2011-08-31T12:55:00.003-06:00

Did I tell you about that time I went to Dubai?

It all started when I found what seemed to be the perfect flight to Africa to visit my parents with two layovers in Dubai. After hunting the web over for the perfect layover either in London or New York, having Dubai pop up in the search was a pleasant surprise. The only downside was seriously silly amounts of time trapped in the airport. I spent a total of 20 hours in the United Emirates although only a small fraction of that time was useable adventure hours due to overnight layovers.

I started out my adventure by breaking the number one cardinal rule for single female travelers the world over. Warning bells and an inflatable 'idiot' sign should have bounced into position over my head as I followed a stranger into the parking structure and got into the back seat of his unmarked taxi cab. I'd read online these guys were plentiful and harmless, but would charge much more than a regular taxi. He did seem harmless and my gut instinct wasn't going into a state of panic so I threw caution to the fragrant jasmine wind, finagled a deal then set off with a very enthusiastic tour guide with great taste in music and a trunk to store my carry on.

My one thought for safety sake as I hopped into his car with all my pent up energy from the long flight was to stop and look directly into a security camera as if to say, 'Remember my face when they realize I've gone missing.' Then I said a little prayer that I wouldn't end up in the trunk with my carry on and we were off.

We went to the Spice Souk first where the aromas of all the wonderful things for sale mixed with the local music blasting from the shops set the mood for the rest of the night. We then drove a short distance along the creek to the Gold Souk neighborhood.

I could have stopped the tour right then and there to watch the restaurant boats on the Dubai Creek, but we had lots to see.

We went to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and watched a water show set to more really great music. Then we went to the largest mall in the world next door and looked at the massive shark tank. I was quickly seeing firsthand how everything in Dubai seems to be out to be the biggest and greatest.

Next up, all the outrageous hotels, including Burj Al Arab {the 7 star hotel I'm standing in front of in the one photo I have of myself in Dubai}, The Atlantis and a few others that blend together in my memory filed under excessively expensive, rolled in extravagant and dipped in over the top opulence.

Burj Al Arab above, Atlantis below.

Was an evening wandering this beautiful city with an excitable Indian man worth the unshakeable feeling of suspended animation that comes with hours spent in an airport? An enthusiastic heck yes!! I've learned you have to make sacrifices for adventure.

And besides, the Dubai airport has showers and recliners so it wasn't all that bad.
{photos borrowed from here, here, here, here}

inspired by: The Help

2011-08-29T13:33:00.000-06:00

King of Queens by Fabricut was used in The Help on a beautiful settee along with a load of other beautiful fabrics that distracted me from the story at times, but only added to how much I enjoyed the movie.

I used this fabric in the parade of homes this summer and recognized a few others during the movie from projects I've done in the past. I had to refrain from poking my friend each time I noticed another great fabric, but she did say at the end of the movie that she had guessed I was really enjoying the set design. Guess she knows me pretty well.

Wouldn't it be fun to dress more circa 1960 feminine with all those great full skirts, belts and pretty heels?

If you haven't seen this movie yet, I highly recommend it. Bryce Dallas Howard plays Hilly Holbrook - the kind of villain we love to hate.

Little Cottonwood Canyon: Part Two

2011-08-23T05:39:00.005-06:00

Alta is at the top of my list for favorite places to ski. That might have something to do with the free skiing available every afternoon for a couple hours which only allows for a few runs down the mountain, but that is just fine for me. Besides the great price, Alta is set way up in the canyon and completely beautiful in the winter.

{The only lift available for the free ski is the one in the background behind the moose and her babies.}

So it is funny to me that I've never even questioned what this winter paradise might look like during other seasons. I was looking at the mountain from a whole new perspective since my usual way of having fun at a ski resort is going down, not up.

We had been hiking for ten minutes or so when we came around a corner and the entire scene came alive with color.

The sun was setting, casting great shadows and streams of light all over the place. The flowers were all competing to be the prettiest thing ever. There wasn't another human being in sight and there was a peaceful quiet to the place. At one point I felt like I needed to see something ugly just to feel like I was still on earth. I've never seen anything quite like a blanket of wildflowers in every direction.

Little Cottonwood Canyon: Part One

2011-08-22T16:57:00.000-06:00

I went for a hike over the weekend that turned into two separate hikes. The two experiences really couldn't have been more different from each other for just one evening spent in the same canyon.

The first hike was overcast, very green, and rained the whole time. The rain was the refreshing kind, just enough to cool me down and remind me of the great northwest that I love. It was the thunder that seemed to be getting louder and closer that made us turn around way before we were ready to quit.

The storm passed by the time we got back to the trail head and I really could have been content with the evening at this point. Had I known where we were headed next I would have turned around on this hike even sooner...

{part two later}

leather 101: pigmented or aniline?

2011-08-20T15:02:00.001-06:00

Leather is indestructible, right?

That is one of the most common questions I am asked when working with a client who is considering leather for their home. Often, they are weighing the option of the more expensive leather over an upholstery option. They are hoping that selecting the leather would be equivalent to a bullet proof vest for their new investment. This would be a true statement in most cases for a pigmented leather, but not all leathers are created equal.

Understanding the options available and being realistic about how you are going to use the furniture in your home are my best bits of advice I can offer at this stage of the design. Will it be used in a family room with small children and pets and popcorn? How about direct sunlight?

A little leather 101

Pigmented leather has been treated with a pigment for color consistency while also having a top coat added for protection. This leather will have maximum resistance to wear and fading though it will still need to be conditioned regularly so the leather doesn't dry out or crack. The downside of pigmented leather? The color will only have been applied to the surface layer {like a paint in a sense}so if it is scratched the natural color will show through.

Pure Aniline leather is soaked in large vats or barrels of dye so the color is soaked into every layer of the hide. The color will be lighter and darker in areas due to the way it soaks into the hide naturally. In my opinion the color inconsistencies and inherent imperfections from healed scars and wrinkles on the animal all add to the appeal of this type of leather. No top coat for protection is applied on a pure aniline, just a wax that adds to the softness so this leather will fade in sunlight and oils will soak in creating dark spots. Regular use will create a great patina over time. Like a well worn leather coat. Totally gorgeous.

A perfect case study in how aniline differs from pigmented leather:

A wonderful client called yesterday to ask what she could do for her leather sofa she bought from us a few months ago. She'd gotten a pedicure then snuggled up on the sofa and the oils they used on her feet soaked into the cushion leaving a terrible black splotch on the cushion. She couldn't believe this had happened since she'd had other leather furniture before and never had to worry about this before. But this new one even got spots if she got water drops on it. Is there something wrong with it? No, just the difference between between the types of leather out there.

I suggested ordering a leather degreaser foam to apply to the rough side of the leather {inside the cushion in this case}. It will pull the oils through the leather, hopefully lightening the dark spot on her cushion.

So what if you want the great imperfections of aniline while getting the protection and durability of pigmented? The perfect compromise: Find a protected or semi - aniline leather which has a little pigment added and a top coat of some kind {different options and methods out there}added for strength and will keep the leather from fading in sunlight while allowing the beautiful natural imperfections to be seen.

inspired by: 3form's paper cut

2011-08-16T12:52:00.000-06:00

this new product from 3form has me thinking about how fun it'd be to design a commercial space with something as cool as Paper Cut, a panel that would look great in a many applications. I picture it in a school library, or maybe the reception area of a publishing house... I love the bold color and layered stripes.

The really great thing about Paper Cut? It is made from old 3form product catalogs as part of their many efforts to be a sustainable company.

Way to go 3form!

over the weekend

2011-08-15T14:00:00.001-06:00

I love climbing hills on my bike. Especially when there are clouds like this to add to the 'this is my beautiful life' sensation that comes with being outside doing something I really, really enjoy.

Did you have a nice weekend?

visual rewind

2011-08-13T17:05:00.002-06:00

Poking around in my image files I've decided to start sharing some of them sporadically with the stories that go along with them. A visual rewind?

There isn't a specific story that goes along with these images, I just liked them today because they remind me of a time in my life when I was figuring out what was most important to me. Far from home and feeling very spoiled for my secure place in the world, I was struggling with my career choice. How could I feel good about going home after seeing so much need in the world and doing something so frivolous?

I've fought that inner battle with myself ever since then and do my best to not get caught up in the materialistic side of the industry and keep my intentions as pure as possible. On the wonderful flip side there is the satisfaction of making a space feel comfortable and safe. Creating something that can be called home is much more than frivolous. It makes my soul smile. We all need that feeling of coming home.

Seeing these people with furniture on their scooter gave me the idea that no matter where we are we need beauty in our lives, and that's what I do. A tiny contribution, but it's what I can do right now.

...an unfinished thought because I could ramble in this vein awhile.

{Colombia 2009}

crate and barrel

2011-08-11T15:24:00.003-06:00

It must mean the Crate and Barrel store is almost ready to open because I received their catalog in the mail out of the blue this week.

Since they started construction at Fashion Place I've been watching the progress because I'm curious how this one will differ from the others. Similar in modern styling and true to their fantastic branding, each store is modern, sleek and classy and would be easily identifiable even without their great bold name placed artfully on the facade.

{Have I even mentioned in my other design life I'd love to do retail/restaurant design? I'd love to be part of a branding/visual display team that is clearly great at what they do.}

Catalog shopping has always been a game for me. The rules: pick an item from each page to buy. Just one. Sometimes it's hard because there are too many options, sometimes harder still because there isn't a thing on the page I'd give away as a white elephant gift if I had one laying around.

You play that game too? I thought so. I played it as a kid going through my Grandma Awesome's Avon brochures and never gave it up.

Even without the game, I was finding all kinds of great items. Especially the reclaimed wood/metal dining table, french inspired chairs and pretty gadgets for my kitchen. I don't own a scale, but if I did, I'd like it to be made out of bamboo. And that goes for my canisters too. And those pretty outdoor chairs? Cozy!

Welcome to Utah crate and barrel.

there was the tiniest

2011-08-09T15:28:00.000-06:00

bit of fall in the air this morning {it might have had more to do with a fall-ish smell?}but it added to my already growing excitement for sweater weather. Don't read me wrong, I'm not at all in a hurry for summer to end but I do love it when the next season is close enough to anticipate.

Browsing around {and paying attention to the color forecast earlier this year} I've been noticing a lot of warm leathers and great color combinations that have my imagination flying through the possibilities.

On my short list: a really great tailored blazer and a rain coat style coat in a light neutral to pair with bright scarves.

Read Jenna's picks here on J.Crew's site. {yes, I do love that we share the same name.}

In parting, an all time favorite movie quote about the way fall makes me happy,

"If I knew your address, I'd send you a bouquet of freshly sharpened pencils."

summer fun

2011-08-08T17:17:00.000-06:00

a peek at my weekend.

on the phone

2011-08-07T22:40:00.000-06:00

with this cute girl. See you in Hawaii in June 2012 Seaira {and family}.

advice from Andy Warhol

2011-08-06T13:59:00.000-06:00

{JMR 2011}

"Don't think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it's good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art."

A fitting quote to come across today. I collected some paints and brushes this morning on the way out of the door with the intent of doing something whimsical and soft with an elephant for someone in my life who just so happens to love elephants. I didn't mean for it to turn out so... nursery art. Oh well, she can hold onto it for future use if she likes, or use it for a coaster now... I don't much care about the outcome, I just had fun creating something for my friend to let her know she's cool in my book.

{etsy elephant search while I waited for inspiration to strike.}

More great advice:

It's not who you are that holds you back. It's who you think you're not.

Be a fruit loop in a world full of cheerios.

Jonathon Adler's 10 commandments

2011-08-05T11:55:00.003-06:00

I read Jonathon Adler's 10 commandments a few years back and got a kick out of his fun sense of humor about design. I ran across them again today and thought I'd share them with you.

#1 Thou shalt embrace maximalism. Thou wilt find minimalism to be something of a bummer in thy abode. Thou wilt grow tired of an endless sea of beige and thou wilt long for a splash of color & a dollop of pattern! Bargello pillows, Furnace bottles, and rustic modern lamps - these shalt be the accessories that add some panache to your pad.

#2 Thou shalt not deny thyself hotelish comfort at home. Thy rooms shalt feel like the most opulent hotel rooms in which thou hast ever stayed. Thou art worth it.

#3 Thou shalt buy an X-Bench.

Then, thou shalt buy another. Thou shalt use them in pairs, perfect under thy console or placed near thy sofa. Thou shalt rest thy feet upon them & so will thy guests. In fact, thy guests might even fight over who gets to rest upon them. Therefore, thou shalt establish house rules about thy X-Benches. Perhaps thou should consider a sign up sheet.

#4 If thy nest needeth zest, consider thy crest! Thou shalt emblazon with thine initials wherever possible.

#5 Thou shalt mix fancy with frisky.

Thou shalt not be overly formal, for if thou art, thou will be sad. Conversely, thou shalt not be overly whimsical, for if thou art thou will not feel chic. Therefore, thou shalt embrace a mix, pairing the chic classical foundation - excellent proportions, classic furniture - with a layer of playful punctuation. Then thou shalt rest.

#6 Thou shalt honor the funsters of yore.

David Hicks, Alexander Girard, Piero Fornasetti, Bonnie Cashin, Bjorn Wiinblad - if thou dost not knoweth them, thou should. Thou can use Google Images to learn more about them and thou shalt channel their fun, idiosyncratic, playful spirit in thine own interiors. Thy home will be fun, happy, and chic.

#7 Thou shalt not commit murder, unless thou art murdering for a decorative accessory. If thou should find thyself at one of our stores and seeth the last bird bowl on our shelf, thou shalt feel free to use whatever means necessary to obtain that special something.

#8 Thou shalt not be afraid of orange.

Thou shalt use orange copiously in thy interior, whether it beeth in an orange breakfast room or via the zing of an orange lacquered box. Thou might even consider painting thy front door orange to pique thy neighbor's curiosity. Thou shalt also covet chocolate brown.

#9 Thou shalt play ping pong.

Better still, thou shalt have a ping pong table in thy living room. Then, lo, thou shalt play ping pong with thy spouse rather than sitting around watching thy tv.

#10 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house.

In fact, after following these 10 commandments, thy neighbor might covet thy house.

{images from blogs all over, just do google image seach}

I'm not one of those kind of cat people

2011-08-04T22:07:00.036-06:00

Before you judge me for writing an entry about my cat, I'll preface this with a firm, heartfelt declaration that I am not one of those cat people.

People can talk about their dog until they're blue in the face and so long as they don't dress it up, tote it around in a stroller {I've seen this!}or feed it cooked meals stating 'special dietary needs' their vets would even think peculiar and excessive, people would say, 'they love their dog, how nice.' You could even include the dog in a family portrait and your friends are still going to accept the fact that the dog is just a furry, four legged member of the family.

But if a girl, a single girl at that, talks about her cat? {on her blog no less}

Well then...

You know what you're thinking right? Right?! I'm thinking the same thing!! And I love animals, dogs and cats equally.

I do believe there are two distinct kinds of animal people, and the true litmus test to see if I fall into the category with those people is the honest answer to some very telling questions:

I'll never post a video of Vesper Lynn to YouTube no matter how funny I think she is, I'll never dress her up or knit her booties, never will I try to give her a bath or brush her teeth, and I'll never take her to the spa to get a kitty massage, {I know, what the what?! It seriously is a thing}and I most definitely don't post about her here all that often. Really, can you think of the last time?

It is a fine line my friends. I've asked to be told if I ever cross it.

So this may be treading dangerously close to the line by telling you this...

Today is our one year anniversary.

We celebrated with dinner on the porch earlier this week. A tuna melt {with swiss and lavender spice}on toast for me, and straight tuna in her pretty Asian bowl for her.

So, to Vesper - mouser of the catch and release variety - saddest sounding meower in the history of meowers, and true fur ball companion who enjoys sitting on the porch watching the neighbors as much as I do - thanks for some hilarious memories and a really good year.

{Photos from last fall hanging in the garden at our old place on 9th.}

drool worthy

2011-08-03T08:15:00.001-06:00

I've spent a considerable amount of time on the Specialized site drooling over these two road bikes.

I'm not in any hurry. Just doing my homework and enjoying the process so that one day when browsing turns to shopping I'll be well informed and more than ready to fly down a canyon on my new beautiful speed machine.

On the one hand the Dolce {above}with the red handles that would be the end all decision maker if it were only about looks, would be a giant upgrade over the heavy hunk of purple metal that I've loved riding for years. {I really do love my bike and feel disloyal considering an upgrade.}

But then I start reading about dear Ruby below and my eyes get a little bit bigger and my heart beats faster when I think about the hills we'd conquer together with her Shimano 105 drive train, the miles we'd cover on her Fulcrum Racing wheels and her super light carbon frame that I can pick up one handed... She inspires me to consider adventures including endurance races and riding further and higher than I ever have before.

Oh my, dear Ruby, you are a thing of beauty.

I rode both of them last night. I'm not sure if a few passes around the parking lot is the best way to know what bike is best for me. If only they loaned them out for a real ride... maybe they do? I forgot to ask.

"Light bulb."

parade float

2011-08-02T10:47:00.000-06:00

I've had a lot of requests from family and friends to post pictures of the float we've been working on for the past six months.

Almost every Wednesday since January I have spent the afternoon in a warehouse building replicas of homes from the avenues, painting, glittering, laying sod, cutting fringe... many seemingly insignificant details that we would laugh about as we worked on it because the life span of a float during a parade is about 40 seconds from 40 feet away.

The amount of detail that went into this thing was mind blowing.

Aside from the hours of planning and gathering the required materials needed, a retired architect built the 4 churches spending more than 400 hours on them. 25 homes were constructed and given out to our neighbors to decorate and personalize. 800 + paper flowers were made to go around the edges. A professional artist donated his time for the murals painted on the base. And that's just naming a few projects I could think of quickly. Our roughest guess is that well over 1,000 hours were put into this thing.

There was a steady stream of people stopping by to help or just say hello and check the progress. And the master mind behind the whole project, Susan, made sure that every detail was considered and carried out flawlessly. She was a joy to work and laugh with each week. She came in under budget and right on schedule and even had time to plan a preview party and a lunch after the parade to make sure everyone knew how much she appreciated them. Talk about the perfect leader.

The banner running around the base of the float is made up of images from the Utah Historical Society showing generations of the people from the five faiths represented on our float. Why just these five? Because there is a choir in our area made up of people from each congregation that my stake is a part of so it seemed fitting to focus on them.

A little detail shot of one of the houses I worked on. Yes, that's my Vesper in the window.

I had fun with this project, but this is happily the end to my career in float building. Two is more than enough for me!

rain, rain stay awhile

2011-08-01T00:00:00.001-06:00

I went for a walk in the rain today.

It smelled wonderful and everything was so fresh and green.

The Salt Lake Cemetery is a pretty cool place to wander around for all the history and cool stone sculptures. I liked this hill today for the view of the city in the distance.

Glad I had my umbrella because a few blocks from home, the light sprinkle/drizzle turned to total downpour. I stayed dry, except for soggy shoes.

distracted by great vintage style

2011-07-30T15:47:00.001-06:00

Leave it to me to be distracted by Hayley Atwell's great costumes in Captain America.

I like Marvel action thrillers as much as the next girl, but I don't have a long attention span in the fighting scenes so I really appreciated the pretty costumes and cool 1940's details in this movie for zoning out purposes while the good guys fought off another yet another round of the bad guys.

If I could have it my way there would be just the right amount of fighting {cut the usual dose in half}, add a bit more intelligent dialogue and unpredictable twists in the plot, keep the same sweet love story twisting through it all and there you have it - a toned down action thriller that I might want to see a second time.

Now to hit up the right vintage thrift store to find a belted high waist wool skirt like hers...

mandu, dear mandu

2011-07-29T17:22:00.003-06:00

Did you know with the new way things are set up with google/gmail/picasa all your blog pictures are lined up chronologically for easy viewing on your task bar under 'photos'? I discovered this last week and have went back today to enjoy a trip down memory lane and came away with a unquenchable craving for mandu. Why oh why does Utah lack on our Korean food?

While I was browsing I also got it in my head that my little hairs could not grow fast enough. I'd like this length when I wake up tomorrow pretty please. I'll up the dose of vitamins and see what happens.

inspired by: new neighbors

2011-07-22T11:24:00.001-06:00

Earlier this week I went over to my new neighbors house and even though they just moved in I can tell these girls are loaded with some seriously awesome style. I love what they've already done with the home already and as they talked about their plans I could see it all coming together beautifully.

The main room off the kitchen is painted this really great blue that could be daunting to just about anyone moving into a new place. It is an unexpected bold color in a historically preserved home that was originally built for less than $3,000.

I love the art they chose {a thrift store score} and the distressed wood/glass cocktail table you can't see in my bad phone photo below.

My habit of finishing the room in my head kicked in as I looked at the photo this morning I decided I'd add a zebra rug, some honey toned leather chairs that would work with the original hardwood floors, a few pillows with loads of texture and a few little details to add the shimmer and funk that I think every room should have. And to make the fireplace glow I'd pile in as many glass votive candles of varying sizes as possible.

{everything from West Elm}

speaking of sage brush

2011-07-20T12:21:00.000-06:00

I want to be in my car hours from home and hours from my destination surrounded by scenery like this.

{photos from road trip last August to St. George and Las Vegas for Market.}

watercolor

2011-07-19T16:03:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love the smell of summer rain?

the only way I think it can smell any fresher is to add a little sage brush to the mix.

Do you have a favorite summer smell?

a short cut

2011-07-14T17:14:00.001-06:00

that I enjoy to and from my friend's apartment on So Temple. It cuts the block in half and is much more fun than the regular old sidewalk. I discovered it not too long ago, but have had plenty of chances to use it since. We even caught the tail end of the baseball game fireworks from this vantage point the other night framed in between the two buildings. The sound bounced around the buildings making the experience pretty cool.

I'm fighting the urge to apologize for not blogging {a blogging faux pas}so I'll say instead that I'm so enjoying summer so much I haven't been thinking about stuff to share.

The chorus of the song I think about on such occasions:

Didn't have a camera by my side this time
Hoping I would see the world with both my eyes
Maybe I will tell you all about it
When I'm in the mood
To lose my way
With words

-John Mayer

A photo from my phone when I probably should have had both hands on my handlebars coming down City Creek Canyon last weekend.

summer artists on poppytalk

2011-07-07T16:19:00.000-06:00

{Samantha French}

One of my favorite sites online is poppytalk handmade for the collaboration of creative types. It is an online street market with different artists each month selling their wares.

{artstream studios}

{Leah Giberson}

{sycamore street press}

master sitting area

2011-07-05T17:08:00.000-06:00

Today I worked on a project with a client who is going to order a loveseat and accent piece for her master bedroom. She likes botanical prints, her husband loves the color blue. These are some of the fabrics and items we are considering.

{To know more about any of them, contact me. Everything, except the pillows, is available through Noble House. Pillows are ZGallerie.}

inspired by: yarn bombers

2011-07-02T12:36:00.004-06:00

Around town I've been noticing normal inanimate objects with a little extra flair.

I thought it must be a Utah thing, maybe even part of the art festival last weekend? But after reading an article in the Times {my favorite source for weird facts} I found out it is a world wide movement called yarn bombing, or gorilla knitting. I did an image search and was instantly wishing I knew how to knit so I could go attack something with some yarn.

Knitters - grab your gear and let me know when you have done some public work!

{images from here, here, here, here...do an image search, that's what I did.}

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DILLON!! NINE YRS OLD TODAY!!

classic sofa

2011-07-01T12:50:00.000-06:00

Lee is a versatile line so when a client came in this morning wanting a new sofa for her living room that was both timeless {re:traditional} and current {re: grey} I went for the lee catalog knowing we could find many great options for her.

I like the sofas she was drawn to, especially the top left one. The curve of the back with the slipcover style is tailored, but not too fussy. She has some bossy curtains already in the space she is trying to work around {She regrets them, but can't nix them after the money she spent. Don't you hate those guilt trips?} The bristol metal is my favorite option for the sofa fabric. Reads like mohair so it'd be that timeless element she is after, but in a warm grey to satisfy the need for a hip twist to traditional. The penelope ochre {top left}, gilman mink {top right} and bennett linen {bottom right} are fun options for the pillows for both her new sofa and existing chairs with a small scale tone on tone gold pattern.

{images from Lee}

more parade home images

2011-06-30T15:25:00.000-06:00

can now be seen on Bry's blog where he gives a few glimpses into our parade home as well as showcases the artwork he created to hang in the home. It was a fun process to sit in each room with him and go through his images and pick the perfect one specifically for each space. His photography captures the imagination and helps create the emotion I believe makes an interior space successful.

As always, a real pleasure working with Bry on a creative project. If you ever need a photographer, I know just the guy.

{above images borrowed from his site.}

a few parade home photos

2011-06-28T22:08:00.000-06:00

In the early stages of designing this home I imagined using a wonderful painting by Tony Cox as the focal point.. I had seen it at a few of his shows over the years and it has always been a favorite of mine so as I thought about the color story of the home I thought it should be reflective and fresh, like water and nature. Perfectly captured in his painting. I continued making selections for the room, ordering furniture and the rug, all the while still imagining pulling everything together with his painting, but never working up the courage to actually ask until weeks into the project. I'm so glad he agreed, and as he and his dad hung it I sat across the room with goose bumps seeing it all together for the first time.

The parade started on Friday the 24th {happy birthday to my dear brother} and we've had a great turn out and wonderful comments from the guests walking through the home.

It has been a really fun project to work on and I'm thrilled with the way it turned out.

Now if the house could sell, along with everything in it!

Last Thursday, the day before the parade started, we had the home photographed by the very talented Bry Cox and he also installed his photography into the home putting the finishing touch on each room. Many of the compliments to the home have been people's enthusiastic interest in the beautiful large scale photography.
{The images in the post unfortunately are not his. They are mine, and not at all close in comparison to his quality. Sorry folks. I'll direct you to his site when/if he posts them.}

Later that evening I took my Grandma and Aunt Vicky through the home for the first official tour I'd given of my very first parade home {kinda a milestone in my wee little career don't you think?}. We went outside after and enjoyed the sunset reflecting off of the giant clouds rolling through the valley while the fighter jets did their maneuvers.

Custom Order 40% Sale

2011-06-25T12:39:00.000-06:00

As part of our Parade of Homes Sale {50% off one accessory when you visit our parade home in Layton #18} we are doing a 40 off sale on everything in the store, including special orders. If it were me, today I'd like one of the tables above, with the white base instead of the black and white Windsor inspired chairs, also seen in black here.

And then maybe some comfy chairs in a fresh Kate Spade-ish green and a pretty grey sofa from Lee, along with a few accessories from Uttermost...

A hefty wish list for one Saturday morning isn't it?

Zenzele: A letter for My Daughter

2011-06-22T23:29:00.001-06:00

I've been watching the BBC's The Number One Ladies Detective Agency and reading Zenzele: A letter for My Daughter and have really enjoyed getting a glimpse of day to day life in Botswana on Zimbabwe, resp.

Pretty much everything the BBC does, I like. So I wasn't surprised that I got sucked into the show. The first episode of season one was my favorite because it is setting the scene for the story and shows the main character as a child growing up and learning from her father to love and appreciate her country. The music and scenery are beautiful and the characters are easy to love. I can't wait for the second season.

Zenzele is a wonderful book written by a mother to her daughter as the daughter goes off to college in Europe. The mother is fearful that her daughter will lose herself in the Western world and become embarrassed by her African heritage.
I wish I could describe how reading her thoughts makes me feel. I know it is fiction, but based on what I'm sure are real feelings because it strikes me as truth. It makes me feel inadequate and fired up all at once. I've edited my rambling down to these few sentences because paragraphs later I was still trying to get to the point. What I do know: Africa captured my imagination and a chunk of my heart and finding great literature and movies that let me get lost in a different place is so fun. What it'd be like to be from such a great continent I'll never know, but I envy them in a way I can't explain.

See the goat on the back of this motorcycle? Dinner perhaps? I decided instead of some savory demise, he was just out for a nice ride with his family.

{all images taken May 2011}

my sweet father

2011-06-19T23:44:00.001-06:00

Happy Father's Day Dad!

My aunt is in town from VA and she likes to look through the photo albums stacked in my grandma's closet. She picks them at random and pulls them down, transporting us into some other time. I like hearing the commentary and taking in all the great snapshots of the lives of my wonderful family. I liked this especially today because I was missing my parents and seeing them made me smile. This picture of my beautiful mom and sweet dad was taken in 1982 in my grandparents backyard. I can practically smell the bbq smoke, hear the jazz and feel the warm cement on my bare feet.

This is my Grandpa Awesome.

This picture was taken at the cabin he built in Heber, Utah.

from my window

2011-06-18T16:19:00.005-06:00

today as I flew home from Phoenix.

on my walk this morning

2011-06-16T17:53:00.000-06:00

I walked over to my neighbors house this morning and found another little graffiti tag on the sidewalk. Call me a bad person, but I actually kind of like the little tags that don't end up messing up walls or personal property. Sure, it's illegal, and may be ugly to some, but it made me smile this morning.

Found this one earlier this week a few blocks away. Same artist?

isn't this pretty? I snapped a quick little shot of her living room while we were chatting.

pressed gingko leaf

2011-06-15T04:04:00.002-06:00

came across this little lovely on the sidewalk on our way to grab dinner to go after my friends and I laid out our blankets claiming our space on the grass for the concert in the park. I stuffed it in the moleskine as a little reminder of a perfect summer night.

packing day

2011-06-14T15:42:00.000-06:00

Taking inventory today of everything that will be packed and getting it wrapped and ready to go.

Tomorrow we'll load everything on the truck, including the sofa that arrived today from North Carolina.

{talk about cutting it close}

Thursday we'll start staging.

Parade Home - stats

2011-06-13T12:51:00.001-06:00

With just under two weeks until the parade of homes starts, I thought I'd give you a few details about the builder, Guy Haskell of Haskell Homes, and a few details about the home:

Building homes for 22 years, including 8 Parade Homes.
Utah’s exclusive "Green Lean" builder with average of 23.5% more energy efficiency than Energy Star at NO additional cost.
Nationally certified Green Builder.
Grandeur with unmatched affordability.
Revolutionary E-Nook - A Must See.
Generation’s Room - From bedroom to apartment to mother-in-law suite.
Theater room with snack kitchen.
4 large bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and 3-car tandem garage.
Guest suite or apartment with separate entrance.

Info and rendering borrowed from UtahParade.com.

For floor plan and more info go here.

SLC Summer 2011 - The summer of {mostly} free fun

2011-06-10T12:34:00.004-06:00

A peony this large fresh my garden this morning can mean only one thing:

Summer is officially here!!

And while this is my kind of summer afternoon weather {Wednesday's storm}, I'm looking forward to all kinds of sunny summer good times right here in my neighborhood.

Outdoor fun {most within walking/biking distance} going on the next few months:

MOVIES

Friday Nights Movies Under the Stars - State Capital

Gallivan Center Monday Night Movies {All four Indiana Jones Movies this summer}

Friday Night Flicks - {rotates from park to park in the SLC area}

ART

Utah Art Fest - June 23rd - 26th {Ride your bike & buy your ticket in advance for discounts}

Free & year round - Third Friday Gallery Stroll

CONCERTS

Twilight Series Free at Pioneer Park - Thursdays at 5 {Excited especially She and Him in August!!}

Brigham Young Historical Park Concert Series

The Farmers Market

Avenues Street Fair

Visit Downtown Alliance or SLC Arts Counsel for more fun.

This is just the beginning! I won't even start listing the rodeos, parades, and out of town Strawberry/Peach/ etc Days. I'll add to the list as things come up and if you know of anything local going on be sure to let me know!

simply lovely

2011-06-07T10:29:00.000-06:00

I was out wandering through blog land yesterday in search of something completely unrelated to this but when I came across this image I stopped in my tracks and gawked. Simply lovely.

{oh joy}

Murchison Falls National Park

2011-06-06T01:57:00.049-06:00

Murchison Falls, a national park in Uganda on the Nile.
May 2011

We saw bazillions of DLT's - Deer Like Things {not their official name, but it worked for us}, monkeys, lizards, gorgeous birds of every color and size, elephants, a mamma lion and her cubs, a super poisonous puff adder {a snake that moves like a caterpillar}, hippos, crocodiles, and lots of other creatures.

But my all time favorite is still the giraffe.

We went on a game drive after dinner the first night we were there and it was absolutely perfect weather for it. A storm way off in one direction was creating a cool breeze and all those moody dark clouds I love with lots of sunshine. My big brother Ben, nephew Devin and I stood up in our the third row sunroof the full 3 hours we were out exploring so we could enjoy everything in 360. Ben and I kept saying, "I can't believe we are here right now doing this!" It was a fun balancing act going over all the ruts and pot holes and we laughed a lot.
{I love laughing, who doesn't?}

The experience in itself was better than I could have imagined.

Then it got better, if that is at all possible.

Our driver, Eamon, stopped the truck where a bunch of DLT's and other animals were all standing completely still. A contrast from all the frolicking and racing we were seeing in every direction. Something in the bushes was making them hold their ground and stay very alert. An unseen big cat was our guess.

Among all the animals was a herd of giraffes. We counted at least 20 standing along the ridge. It isn't typical to see so many together like that.

When we started down the trail again we came around some trees and found ourselves in the middle of even more giraffes. 20 more easy. Then 20 more! Then 20 more a little ways after that!!! Eamon said he'd never seen anything like it in all his years as a guide.

And they were just as curious about us as we were about them.

That experience goes down in my life as book as truly magical.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West

2011-06-03T17:04:00.000-06:00

I was in Arizona last weekend and when my great aunt asked if there was anything I especially wanted to do I didn't even have to think about it. We went and took a tour of Taliesin West in Scottsdale.

Built by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930's.

Known for his organic architecture, he used a lot of triangles in his design because he saw them occurring in the desert landscape and also liked the shadows they cast.

"Whether people are fully conscious of this or not, they actually derive countenance and sustenance from the 'atmosphere' of the things they live in or with. They are rooted in them just as a plant is in the soil in which it is planted." - FLW

I was surprised by his use of Asian ceramics in almost every building and outside as well cemented right in with the desert rocks in the walls as points of interest. I loved learning that he bought a lot of the ceramics in bulk from a store at a large discount because they was damaged. A bargain hunter!

It wasn't a stretch of imagination to envision life at Taliesin when Wright was there with his third wife and his apprentices creating an oasis among the cactus and enjoying the beautiful landscape. The 1920's - 30's seemed to have been such a glamorous time to live.

Read more about Taliesin and "the greatest American architect of all time" here.

MEMORIAL DAY: when the music stopped

2011-05-30T00:07:00.005-06:00

{Panama 2009}

I have a love the goes to my core for our military. This year I've been reading our country's history starting at the American Revolution to WWII and my appreciation has only grown.

My brother is an Army guy, both my Grandpa's served our beautiful country, as did my dad. You could say I had a stint in the Navy {humanitarian mission aboard the USNS Comfort} and now have many good friends spread across our great globe doing their part and know from experience how courageous they are even when they are tired, lonely and far from home.

Any time I hear the National Anthem I get goosebumps. I fight the urge to hug any man in uniform. I have a beef with the stereotype that Americans haven't done much to fix. We're perceived as lazy, entitled, forgetful. I don't believe this completely. I think there is more good in us than bad, but I do believe we could do better.

Below is a story written by a Chaplain in Iraq. For those of you who have never gone to a movie on a military base, the National Anthem is played before the movie begins.

When the Music Stopped

I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3' here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium that we use for movies as well as memorial services and other large gatherings.

As is the custom at all military bases, we stood to attention when The National Anthem began before the main feature.

All was going well until three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem, the music stopped.

Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-to-22-year-olds back in the States? I imagine that there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments, and everyone would sit down and yell for the movie to begin. Of course, that is, only if they had stood for The National Anthem in the first place.

Here in Iraq 1,000 soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again, and the soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. Again, though, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect 1,000 soldiers standing at attention to do?? Frankly, I expected some laughter, and everyone would eventually sit down and wait for the movie to start.

No!!. . . You could have heard a pin drop while every soldier continued to stand at attention.

Suddenly, there was a lone voice from the front of the auditorium then a dozen voices, and soon the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off:

"And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say, does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave,
o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave."

It was the most inspiring moment I have had in Iraq, and I wanted you to know what kind of U.S. Soldiers are serving you!

Remember them as they fight for us!

Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins, LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad.

God Bless America and all of our troops serving throughout the world.
Happy Memorial Day dear friends.

best moment of my week: U2 Concert

2011-05-28T01:01:00.048-06:00

Best moment of my week: Hands downs, the U2 Concert Tuesday night at the Rice Eccles Stadium.

I had no preconceptions although I've heard they put on quite the show. Um, major understatement. I've tried comparing it to any of the other concerts I've been to, but I've never experienced anything quite like it.

I had chills when Bono and the rest of the band walked on stage for the first time.

I was awed by this iconic band's ability to go beyond the show and create an entire atmosphere.
Starstruck by Bono and his leather pants and sunglasses and charm.

Touched by his humility and sincerity as he thanked his crew and fans and his sincere apology for cancelling the show last year while he had back surgery.

Inspired by his efforts to make a difference in the world. {And not because it is good for his image.}

Overwhelmed by the flood of memories that came with hearing some of my all time favorite songs.

Completely caught up in the moment.

Thank you U2.

sneak peek: upcoming parade home

2011-05-27T00:48:00.022-06:00

A tiny {tiny} sneak peek of what is going on.

Just under a month until the parade of homes begins. I am really happy with how things are looking when we visited the site yesterday. The floor plan is very open and has lots of natural light and the kinds of details we all love in a home.

If you are in the area I hope you'll come see my first parade home.

June 24th - July 10th

More info here with updates coming soon.

Travel Treasurs {cont.}: Arica from AY

2011-05-26T00:01:00.018-06:00

I'm going to sneak in one last guest blogger for the Travel Treasure series I did a couple of weeks ago while I was away because I didn't get the chance to post the entry Arica sent me and she is just too great not to introduce you to her. {That is if you haven't already found her beautiful blog.}

It is like a breath of fresh California air. For sure go check AY out right after you read about her fun travel treasures.

For me, my travel treasures are always JEWELRY! It's what catches my eye wherever I go. I usually have on a necklace or two, a couple of rings, and some bracelets to give my watch company. Really, I'm a hoarder, and might look a touch ridiculous, but I'm alright with that. I haven't traveled too many places in life, but my usual stops have been Mexico, Hawaii, and a touch of the Caribbean (Tropical much? I'm also addicted to the ocean, but that's another story). Talking about rings, I have two favorites from trips that I will own so long as I live. My first is from the left: 5th row, 2nd ring down. It's a hollow kukui nut ring I FOUND in Hawaii. Yes found. Just magically in my car as if it was from heaven above. I've worn it hundreds of times since. The second is the first row on the right, at the very bottom. We recently took a trip to LA and while browsing the old antique shops on Magnolia, I found this gem, and have been obsessed with this turquoise infused Native American ring ever since!

I'm headed to Palm Springs in a week, and while I'm there you can guarantee I'll find whatever jewelry stand I can to take a treasure home with me.

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful treasures Arica!

inspirded by: Adrienne's place

2011-05-24T01:56:00.000-06:00

Imagine after a long day of moving furniture {staging parade home in fragments in the showroom right now}and walking into a cool oasis for a night of fun with good friends. My friend Adrienne has created just that. And the greatest thing about it, it is so her. She'll be the first to point out the tiny flaws no one else can see, but that is just so Adri too. A Perfectionist. I love her for it. From the peacock inspired colors, fresh flowers and yummy food - every detail is lovingly considered when it comes to her place.

While the chicken was on the bbq we were talking about colors for the lower staircase. What would you expect from a roomful of designers? Right now it is a light aqua and will soon be a golden tone with a bit of green in it for a bold contrast to the deep turquoise, if you can call it that. It's a chameleon of a color, constantly changing with the light.

I get teased endlessly for always snapping pictures so when the camera is turned around me I squirm big time.

Happy Birthday Adri, dear.

Mother's Day in Uganda

2011-05-21T22:13:00.012-06:00

It was a pleasant surprise to find that our ever changing dates for our trip ending up including Mother's Day. I can't think of the last time my brother and I were both with our mom on the holiday.

My parents wanted to introduce us to some of their friends so we drove out along one of the many dirt roads in Mbale, then turned off down an even more narrow dirt road.

This was the kind of Africa I wanted to see and really experience. One evening just wasn't enough meeting the people my parents have gotten to know. But it was a lot of fun even if it was short lived.

The great thing about taking pictures of the kids is if you show them the image taken of them they light up and laugh and scream and want more pictures and soon you have a whole gang of kids that want in on the action.

This is Peter with his truck he made. He really impressed my nephew Devin with his creativity.

This is William with his gorgeous granddaughter. He is a pastor and lives in the building behind him. It is just a short walk to his church building. He took us over to see it and some of the kids we were playing with followed us but hung around the door unsure if they wanted to follow us in. Soon they did and more and more children gathered in and sat with us on the benches. My mom asked if they wanted to sing a song. I've uploaded a short clip of the action below.

sippi falls and Mbale market place

2011-05-20T16:34:00.002-06:00

Have you ever slept under mosquito netting? If you haven't, I hope you'll have that experience some day. I'd like to sleep under mosquito netting every night for the rest of my life. It's like being in a cloud. Maybe it wouldn't be quite as fun without the chorus of wacky sounding birds that started up early every morning outside my window making the experience truly unique.

Are you tired of reliving my latest trip with me yet? It's only been two days worth of images and bits of stories, and believe me I'll try to keep it to a minimum and only share my top favorites and get back to regular life posts soon.

above: Sippi Falls

{See the 3 seperate falls staggering back from the center to the right upper corner?}
below: Same vantage point looking the opposite direction.

Below is the market place in Mbale where my parents shop. Really {really} great prices for fresh produce. Even better, my parents have avocado, mango, banana and other trees in their yard so they are pretty set on fresh fruit. I had sticker shock when I came home and wanted to load up on avocados after enjoying them fresh off the tree last week.

I love how busy life is in Africa. There are people out and about everywhere. Talking, laughing, smiling. There is so much going on I know I was only taking in a sliver of what was going on around me at any given moment. The two images above, and the three below were all taken from the same spot where I stood while my mom took all of a minute to negotiate a price on a pineapple.

in Jinja: kilombera and the source of the nile

2011-05-18T21:31:00.002-06:00

With over 600 images to sort through I don't know what to share with you. I can't possibly begin to tell you about everything I experienced, but I can give you a sample of some of the things I saw. For every image I brought home with me in my fast little camera, I have countless more snap shots in my memory. I don't know how anyone could leave Africa without leaving a bit of their heart there. I know I did.

Boda Boda - Motorcycle taxis. No limit to how many passengers can be piled on or what kind of load they'll carry.

The source of the Nile. An underwater natural spring in Lake Victoria. It takes the water 3 months to travel the course of the longest river in the world.

We visited a shop where they create hand woven fabrics. The name of their company, Kilombera, is the name of an African weaver bird. The male makes the nest and if the female doesn't like it she rips it to shreds and he starts over.

We spent a bunch of time driving and dubbed it our 'Toyota Safari' for all the wonderful sites we saw going from one place to the next. Ranking our favorite parts of the trip, the time spent driving is right at the top of my list because of the constant change in scenery and time with the family.

Papyrus fields below and a type of Protea above.

i'm home

2011-05-14T23:57:00.001-06:00

1o take offs and 10 landings later and the fastest 8 days of my life in Uganda and I feel like we packed in about as much fun possible into the last 2 weeks.

That's 48 hours in a plane, 24 zombie layover hours in various airports {LAX, PHX, DXB, AMH, EBB} countless in flight movies {may I strongly suggest Catfish}, a high score I'd like to see someone try to beat in that crazy addicting Bejeweled {seat number 49D} and countless wonderful memories with my family.

If I could, I'd press rewind and do it all over again.

Can't wait to share some of it with you. But for now I'm happy to have my kitty cat rolled up in a ball on my lap and my legs stretched out in front of me.

I love Africa. It's amazing I even came home.

Travel Treasures: Amanda from {re}cycled consign and design

2011-05-13T00:02:00.059-06:00

Our next guest writes from beautiful southern Utah, {where I seem to have left part of my heart} and while I haven't yet had the chance to visit Amanda's shop, I can't wait {!!} because I know it just has to be stocked to the brim with treasures to gawk and drool over. Just from the style oozing out of her blog, you know this girl has a true talent for finding the beauty in something others might miss.

Hey everyone I am Amanda from {re}cycled consign and design, I am so excited to be part of Jenna's guest post's while she is out! Her blog is so much fun and she is so adorably cute I could never pass up the opportunity to hang out over here! She asked me to share my favorite treasures I have found from some of my travels.

One of the best things to do while traveling is to check out some of the favorite spots from the locals {they live there so they know best}. I adore thrift shopping and vintage finds so I always ask about those first...food is a close second! I picked up this vintage broach at a flea market in San Clemente California, I wear it a lot but when it's not in use it is displayed on my decorative towels by my bathtub. I see it everyday and wish it was time to pack up and head to the beach house :)

Now this one is really a gem...I came across these rolls of vintage wallpaper in a consignment shop{like mine} in Orange County Cali. I just knew they were exactly what I wanted to design my front room around. I had them framed and they were instant art. I adore the navy color and raised velvet texture.

I adore this picture of my hubster and me at one of our favorite restaurants at the pier in Cali. we can eat buckets full of clams and listen to the waves break on the shore. It truly is one of the places that I am the most happy, the beach is part of my soul!

I hope everyone has a few items in their home that means something dear to you...you don't have to travel far to have memories that you would never trade!

I am planning a trip to Italy in June and will be sure to bring back a few more treasures I adore.

Thanks Jenna for having me, you are a real gem. Big kisses to you and all your dear followers!

Thank you, Amanda!

I agree with you, memories can be made anywhere and are especially special when made with those we love.

Travel Treasures: Kim from Fill Your Well

2011-05-12T00:01:00.005-06:00

What can I tell you about Kim?

Her blog, fill your well, is California cool rolled up in sincerity, and dipped in a plethora of wonderful treasures she finds all over the web. She talks about gratitude, and things that make her happy like life with her Mister, and fashion, and causes out there worth talking about. Plus, her eye for style and sharing her finds has lead me on many adventures into places I probably wouldn't have found without her help. {I won't even get started on the wedding she talked about a couple of weeks ago that I'm still dreaming about.}

Instead, lets welcome Kim!

hi everyone! this is kim from fill your well. i was so excited when jenna asked me to do a guest post on a favorite travel treasure because 1.) i love her blog!, and 2.) i am the proud owner of the most amazing souvenir ever - an elephant painting!

okay, okay, so for those of you who read my blog, you know that i always talk about my elephant painting whenever the subject of honeymoons, traveling, or souvenirs come up. but it's just so incredible, i can't help myself.

i acquired my treasure last september when my partner and i took our honeymoon in thailand. being the amazing man that he is, dannon planned part of our honeymoon at a working elephant ranch where we lived among the elephants and mahouts {the thai version of a cowboy}. this was a serious adventure - scrubbing the elephants clean, riding them to the river several times a day, playing with the newborn baby elephant, and cleaning out the fields. that's right, i worked in elephant dung on my honeymoon... and loved every second of it!

there weren't fences or trainers keeping us separate from the elephants. we would open our door in the wee hours of the morning to a jungle full of these giant animals. before we got there, i wondered how safe i would feel. i'm barely 5 feet tall, and these elephants were about a gazillion times my size. but i quickly discovered that elephants are the most gentle creatures with such beautiful souls.

yes, those elephants, and our time living with them, was magical to say the least! we knew we had to bring back something from our stay, which obviously needed to be a baby elephant. unfortunately, a carry-on with elephant legs sticking out the sides was way too easily identifiable {"oh no officer, this is just how my luggage was designed..."}. so dannon and i decided to go with the much easier-to-carry souvenir of an elephant painting, and when i say "elephant painting" i don't mean a painting of an elephant, i mean a painting by an elephant. yup, a handful of the elephants at the ranch love to paint! it's a bonding experience that they get to have with their mahouts, whom they love dearly - just like little children love to play with their parents. adorable? yes! what's more is that these mahouts are often uneducated villagers who work with the elephants 15 hours a day. both the elephants and the mahouts come from tough backgrounds with difficult stories, so to be able to create art together, which is then purchased by visitors is a beautiful experience for all.

we chose this lovely painting that both dannon and i fell in love with immediately. we knew this would be the focal piece of any home we have through our lives, so we chose one that would match our style. i love that we will not only have a cool conversation piece, but we'll also have a beautiful piece of art to forever remind us of our adventure!

Thank you Kim! That sounds like a honeymoon you'll never forget! And that painting is seriously cool.

Travel Treasure: Caty of The Bee's Knees

2011-05-11T00:02:00.019-06:00

Happy Wednesday everyone, today's guest blogger is Caty. We met while working in a bridal shop and then we scattered and went out separate ways, but lucky for me she keeps a blog. Caty is a unique gem of a girl who has an uncanny way of finding joy in the simple things of life. I can think of a few occasions I've gone to her blog specifically for a pick me up and left with a smile on my face. Enjoy Caty and her travel treasure.

Hello, everyone! My name is Caty and I am the writer for The Bee's Knees. Jenna has asked me to post a photo of a treasure I found while traveling and write a little bit about it. The adventure I have chosen to share is my recent trip to Orlando, Florida. The treasure? The opportunity to indulge my imagination and live, if only for a few days, a long-time dream of mine. To convey that gift as best as I can, I'll show you a photo from the park itself...

While growing up, I, along with millions, discovered the Harry Potter book series. I was one of the “handful” of people who actually aged along with the three main characters. When Harry, Ron, and Hermione were eleven years old, so was I. I had always been a big fan of writing and reading, so the connection I made with the books wasn't surprising to anyone. But now, as an adult, I look back on that time with the realization that something special really clicked. Of all the books I have read in my lifetime (a whopping 24 years), some have touched my heart, others have made an impact on my life. But none of them have affected me the way J.K. Rowling's brilliant imagination has. I grew up in the "Bible Belt," so I had a few friends who weren't allowed to read Harry Potter due to the belief that it encouraged witchcraft, sorcery, and harmful teachings. I felt as though they had lost a loved one without knowing it! The seven-novel-long story is anything but negative. It is filled with so many amazing lessons on faith, courage, friendship, family, sacrifice, death, and the battle between good and evil.

My husband, Gabriel, didn’t read the books until after we were married, but he became just as enamored with them. For our late honeymoon, we decided to travel down to Orlando, Florida and visit Universal Studios during Thanksgiving 2010. Last summer, they completed the life-size, all-encompassing Harry Potter world, complete with Hogsmeade shops and the beloved Hogwarts castle.

The creators made an entire Diagon Alley/Hogsmeade collaboration that makes you feel as though you yourself are visiting the world of Harry Potter. With the movies’ soundtracks playing overhead, you can buy delicious butter beer, find a wand of your very own, send an Owl Post back home, or listen to the Hogwarts student choir perform with a toad. You can walk the trails past the Dragon Challenge roller coaster and find the Tri-Wizard Champions' tent, Hagrid's hut, the Womping Willow chowing down on the flying car, and gaze over the entire park with the castle in the background.

I decided to post this particular photo because it was the first time I really saw the castle. I won’t lie, I’m fairly certain I teared up a little at the sight. Have you ever experienced a time when everything felt so “in the moment” and it was next to impossible trying to indulge any sort of worry or negative thought? That is what the park gave to me. I had an extremely hard time leaving. And now, every time Gabriel and I hear the distinct twinkling notes of the Harry Potter suite, we look at each other and simultaneously reminisce on our own days at Hogwarts.

[read about the entire trip and see all the photos here]

Thank you Caty! I literally got goosebumps as I felt your excitement of being transported into the wonderful world that is Harry Potter. No lie, every fall I get the hankering for all things Hogwarts.

Travel Treasures: Autumn from Design Dump

2011-05-10T00:01:00.007-06:00

I met my next guest blogger, the lovely Autumn, at Alice Lane at the blogging event last December and I've had the pleasure of getting to know her more through Design Dump as well as being a source for some pretty chairs and case goods for a few of her clients. She has an ultra classy style and with loads of experience, she has taught me so much already.

Autumn:

One of things that my husband and I enjoy doing when we travel is checking out

the local shops and boutiques. Almost by accident, a collection of necklaces

gathered on some of our travels was born.

The first necklace in my "travel collection" was purchased in Mexico on an anniversary trip.

Since then, several others have been added. We don't always buy a necklace on every trip we take.

It is more of an organic experience when we "find" a new piece to add to the collection.

I have quite a few necklaces hanging on some hooks in my bathroom, but these 5 will always be among my favorites.

When I look at or wear one of them, I am immediately whisked away to that little boutique or small shop where we found and bought each one. I love the ones that I have, and I look forward to the

necklaces and memories that will surely be collected in the years to come.

Thank you Autumn!

PS - a little bonus, go here to read about one of her fun trips.

Travel Treasures: Kirsten of 6th Street Design School

2011-05-09T00:01:00.004-06:00

I've asked some of my favorite bloggers to share their favorite travel treasures with you while I'm away. This is really exciting for me, I've never had guest bloggers before!

I'm happy to introduce the first guest, Kirsten Krason of 6th Street Design School. I met her a few years ago while we were in the same interior design program. I've been awestruck as I've watched her career take off in a major way.

"When I was in college I moved to Russia for 5 months to teach English at an Elementary School. I bought a lot of stuff that I have since gotten rid of but the one thing that has stuck around is this painting of St. Basils. When I was in Russia I met a man who stood by this church everyday and would paint it. He painted it exactly as he saw it. I had him paint one for me and every time I see this painting I think of that exact day and that exact moment that I was visiting this church." - Kirsten

Thank you Kirsten! If you haven't already checked out 6th Street Design Design School, do it today.

flashback: last one

2011-05-07T01:39:00.000-06:00

Beautiful sisters.

one of a bunch of pictures theses fun kids wanted to have taken.

curious ostrich that came right up close so we could regard each other eye to eye

love the polka dot and turquoise!

nice kitty.

baby lions chew on everything

My favorite wild animal. She was so pretty and gentle.
Notice how the trees are all pruned to a certain height? The height of the giraffe to be exact.

"I'm ten years old. My life is half over and I don't even know if I'm black with white stripes or white with black stripes!" - Marty

View from a hot air balloon.

flashback: Africa's breadbasket and other sundries

2011-05-06T01:32:00.000-06:00

A few more images from our drive to the Cape Peninsula.

Two of the world’s oceans meet off the tip of the Cape Peninsula: the warmer Indian Ocean on the east and the colder Atlantic Ocean on the west.