Photographer Wanna-Be?

Beautiful photography studio* - I see a certain designer's influence, do You???

So, I'm doing my morning Facebook sweep, and see a comment by this talented (and recently published!) woman, about a photography feature on her friend, Marla. It all leads me to the read the feature interview on a lovely blog called The Savvy Photographer.

I know many of you like me, have awesome cameras, but don't necessarily feel your comfort and skill level matches the power of your equipment. I know I'm never fully satisfied with my images, and want to soak up anything that might make me a better amateur/hobbyist photographer. However, I find reading about the technical aspects of photography to be very dry, and quite frankly, not that inspiring.

What DOES inspire me are great images. I think for purposes of blogging, good, or at least decent pictures are of the utmost importance. There are many blogs full of great content, but if they're strewn with small, poorly-lit, flash-captured images, I'm unlikely to stick around. On the other hand, a blog could write little more than ya-da, ya-da, blah, blah, blah, but if the accompanying photos are amazing and tell the story, I'm glued.

I plan to have professional portraits taken of Avery, and then the newbie Giese when we're Stateside, so I've been trolling a lot of photography sites. I'd seriously donate a limb (well, maybe a lock of hair) to have a sitting with Marla, but probably need a Texas photog this go-round) Seeing various photographers' work has made it all the more evident that there are people with talent behind the lens, and then there are people who were BORN to capture the moments of life. Obviously, I'm hoping to hire the latter...

If you share my interest, check out The Savvy Photographer (no, I'm not being paid for the plug). Not only are the images to die for, but there's several sponsors who offer workshops and tutorials that just might turn you (and me) from a wanna-be to a self-respecting amateur photographer!

*Studio photo by Marla and Shane Photographers, as featured by The Savvy Photographer

Upscale Lamps

I finally received my March issues of House Beautiful and Traditional Home yesterday. Upon first flip-through, I noticed an uptick in large scale lamps used in several of the spreads. Have you picked up on this lamp super-sizing trend?
The most obvious example I found was in this family room done by Ruthie Sommers in TH. (By the way, this colorful and family-friendly home is a fave between the two issues)

Although a bit hidden by the sofa, you can tell the celadon green gourd lamp is huge! If it is wired for double lighting, I'm guessing it provides adequate light for a good part of the room, but more importantly for lamp luvahs like myself, it adds instant drama - undoubtedly a statement piece!

In House Beautiful's ode to blue issue, the Venetian glass lamps chosen by Tobi Fairley for this foyer make a truly luscious statement. If you're gonna drop thousands on a set of lamps, you better believe bigger is better!

I've always considered smaller-scale lamps appropriate for bedside tables, to help create a more intimate feel, but I've definitely had a change of heart. These grand, silver trophy lamps only reinforce the stately comfort of this bedroom.

Again, another blue setting - this time a dining room done by Kristen Panitch who took advantage of scale by placing two, large gourd lamps atop an already tall buffet. The lampshades top out three-quarters of the way up the curtain panel, and yet they don't look strange. In fact, they are perfect!

My sister recently needed a pair of lamps for her dining room console. She wasn't sold on the style of these, but I convinced her the scale alone made them worth a try. With a bit more table styling, the pair will soon take center stage!

I'll be anxious to hit up the closest HomeGoods (where sister's lamps were bought) when I'm Stateside to see if there's any more large and in charge lamps!

Obsessing (or weird Nesting)

So, yesterday, the Matters of Style gals posted on their newfound love of the black and gold combo. Their post stopped me in my tracks, because I've been itching to paint this french provencial desk we have in our living room.

We use it as a sofa/console table. It's a hand-me-down from Ben's grandparents, and he has expressed disdain over my attempts at a makeover. However, he's out of town this week...

Do you really think he could berate his 8-month pregnant wife for taking out her nesting instincts on an old desk, when it could bask in a lot of glory like this?

The MoS gurus went for a high lacquer look, which I AM fond of, but something tells me a flat black/extra-shiny gold hardware combo might feel fresh, too. Something like this..

I could also gold up the base of those wedding-gift buffet lamps I have, and update the shades. Whatcha think? While the cat's away, the mice DO play??? Honey, know you're reading this in Rio, so how 'bout it?

Design Dilemma: The Whole Shebang

I mentioned a design project I've been asked to assist with in Texas. My Mom and Sister are in on the gig, too, as the homeowner is my sister's MIL. The room in question is the front, or formal living area of a 1950s era ranch. We're starting with a clean slate, so I'm very excited about the opportunity to work ideas from the ground up. Chances are, we'll get the big stuff accomplished, but we're hoping to convince the homeowner, Mary, to be patient and "cultivate" her accessories over time; not only to provide the uniqueness to her home she desires, but to help guide her in her own tastes.

Mary has been uncertain where to begin with the project, but likes the white slips/sea grass/touch of zebra look that has become a sort of hallmark look in coastal Texas design. However, she wants to keep it a tad formal yet approachable - the crisp white shirt and pearls version of a room. This spread from Country Living has a few key pieces she honed in on - the settee and zebra rug.I've been trying to source a bit, so we can hit the ground running when I arrive in Texas. We'd prefer to buy in-person, and not pay shipping costs, however, I'm at the mercy of geography for a couple more weeks. Here's what I've come up with so far:

This linen settee from Wisteria would substitute nicely for an antique, French piece.

Mary loves it, and was ready to order immediately, but, this one item would eat up a large chunk of our budget. I think we can find something similar - perhaps at the upcoming Spring Antique shows in Round Top and Marburger. I'm also game for a Craiglist/DIY version if we come up short. **You Houston gal pals out there - know of some go-to places for this look? I'll be making at least one scouting/shopping trip to H-town, and need a refresher**

Side chair options will depend on Mary's willingness to mix styles, but here's a few of my thoughts - all by Ballard.














We'll definitely be incorporating some zebra, but I've been trying to think of something besides the standard faux rug or ottoman/coffee table. Overstock never lets me down - a pair of these empire zebra benches could round off the seating options, placed in front of the fireplace.

But, this printed trunk could serve well as a practical-yet-stylish coffee table.

Side tables, lamps and art yet to be unearthed. Thoughts? Suggestions?

A Calgon Moment is Needed

Sorry for the weak post week... I need to be here right now.Well, OK, maybe not THIS remote, seeing as I'm in the final stretches of pregnancy, but at least far, FAR away from the Government Bureaucracy that has plagued my week.

Happy Weekend, and hope to see you with something more inspiring on the flip side!
image cred

Lust vs. Must

Simply dying for a pair of these lamps...

But, since I can't have, made an impulse buy of this vintage brass tray with bamboo edging.

Besides, this site, dedicated to all things vintage, antique, or handmade (and organized by color!) was too cool not to support.

As Martha as I get

Every once in a Blue Moon, my inner Martha appears. Yesterday, I needed to put together something for Avery's closest buddies for Valentine's, so she and I decided to go slightly above and beyond on the cupcakes. Don't worry, I'm not giving myself airs, the mix and icing were straight out of a box, but it did the job!

Super easy - just make your cupcakes

Ice them if you like. Then, make a cut-out of a shape - adding a toothpick as a "handle" helps.

Dust with powdered sugar, then remove the cut-out.

It seemed the powdered sugar began to melt into the icing, so I tried a few without (plus, I kinda like icing-free cupcakes - Oh, the horror!) Still, made for a pretty picture...

And, of course - the aftermath.

I think we're still on a sugar high!

Brazilian Valentine's Brunch

We hit up our favorite brunch spot this morning. They have a wonderful breakfast for two that includes typical Americano fare of eggs and ham, but is especially yummy because of the fresh bread, yogurt/fruit/granola and juice that is part of the offering. The outdoor atmosphere is perfectly pleasant, and includes a playset for the pint-sized diners (good thinking, huh?!)

The best part is, it's not just a restaurante... there's fruits and veggies

...fresh bread

And, incredibly artful desserts - perfect for a Valentine's sweetie.

Hope your day is full of life's desserts!

Style Size {apparently matters}

Have you seen this apartment, featured in the NYT? This is 178 square feet of pure, unadulterated, design genius, in my opinion. Why? Obviously - it looks SO MUCH BIGGER!

The story behind the space is equally cool - habitué, Zach Motl, is a clever collector and DIYer. He had been working several jobs including as an intern for Miles Redd (to quote Napoleon Dynamite: "Luck-eee!") when he spied a full-time position for a junior designer at an upscale architecture and design firm.

The job requirements included knowledge of autoCAD, and three years design experience - neither of which he had...

Instead, he sent the firm photos of his studio apartment.

He got the job...

P.S. - I spy some remnants of that Miles Redd internship in those lacquered, blue walls!

Go here to read the full story - it rocks.

T-minus Ten...and Counting

Hit the 30 week mark this week, so I thought I might attempt a belly shot to commemorate the last ten week countdown. Baby Girl (still unnamed) is consistently measuring a week ahead; I don't know if that means she'll arrive a week or so ahead of due date, or if she'll just be a bigger baby than Avery was. I know I'm bigger than I was the first go-round - ugh.

Anyway, for family and friends far away.... le pic bellee