Spooktacular!

Happy Haunting!

The "It" Room: Momcave

Word on the street is, Mancave: Out, Momcave: In.
As I see it, a Momcave is a space devoted to the imagination, relaxation, and fancies of the woman of the house. That woman need not literally be a parent, as almost all women are mothers to someone or something - even if it's a houseplant!

In my mind's eye, my Momcave would be part sitting/reading area, creative workspace, with a little corner exercise studio - a place where I could capture the fertile ideas that always come up during the monotony of the treadmill, and bring them to fruition - a living mood board, if you will.

It would be inspired...

..but organized

warm...

source

...but whimsical

How about you? Give me your dream Momcave!

Superfood: Kale Juice

Real-quick like...If you've heard of all the health benefits of kale (there are many, read here), but like me, can't quite acquire a taste for the greens, might I suggest fresh kale juice. I tried it for the first time today - made it at home.
I took a handful of fresh kale, and rough-chopped it, did the same with about half a raw carrot. Shredded some fresh ginger, and blended it all with about 1 1/2 cups of water. Then, poured the mixture through a sieve to get the vitamin and mineral rich extraction.

The taste is pleasant and mild - fresh but not necessarily earthy, like some wheatgrass juices.
I added my shot to a bit of fresh-squeezed OJ, and topped it with a dollop of organic honey we received as a gift from a farmer friend in Rio. (I know, how annoyingly granola of me!)
To be honest, it is heavenly! Try it sometime.

Pity Party

Each year, around this time, I begin to get just a wee bit resentful that I'm not back home, enjoying the likes of...
Pumpkin patches with kiddos

Glorious foliage (this does happen in Texas, ya know!)

...and seasonal food and drink, complete with appropriate outdoor temperature

...so, I think we just might need to partake of the natural spring-fed hot water pools at Caldas Novas - about three hours drive from our casa. I've heard they're quite therapeutic, especially when taken with a choice caprioska.

It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got - I'm gonna soak up the sun.
- Sheryl Crow

Thinking Pink

As you all must know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I think it's so amazing and encouraging to see just how global the campaign has become. In Rio de Janeiro, the famous Christ the Redeemer statue takes on a rosy hue during October to signify Brazil's commitment to breast cancer awareness. As the month winds down, I hope all the "pink" efforts have put us one step closer to eradicating the disease, and sufficiently celebrated those who have beat it!

Don't Pretend...

..You don't immediately see yourself lying in that bed with coffee and blogs, and being perfectly content to ignore the rest of the world.

source

Happy Weekend

Deep Thoughts: Rich Hippie

I came across this (not necessarily new) spread. A home decorated by Dallas designer, Michelle Nussbaumer. The style is described as "Rich Hippie." And it was a "temporary" home for the clients. Uh huh. Take a gander, then, let's talk...

What's your first impression?

Do you, like me, think, "Well, if we took some of the elements away, I could deal?"

Or does your little devious inner voice gasp at the sheer excess of it all? For instance, take those curtains in the (tangerine??) dining room - the felt flowers were hand-drawn and sewn by Nussbaumer her assistants. This is a designer known for her vast knowledge of antiques, and she goes for a DIY felt project? If I were the client, I'd be more than a little ticked at the "quirky" use of my funds...

Here, in the Batik-laden sunroom, she used a clementine velvet sofa (which I kinda lerve), but paired it with a French Country coffee table that probably has serious provenance, but that I swear you could recreate via Hobby Lobby. Oh, and get this...she stated that the bench/coffee table was washed with a cream white, because "bright white paint looks cheap" (or something along those lines) Really? Go back and check out that dining room table....

Office/Library of a World Traveler = Good

But, are you seeing my point, here? Yes, designers have an obligation to create a space that adheres to clients' wishes, and perhaps this client wanted the "I have so much money, I can have a 'temporary,' eccentric home" look. But, I would argue that designers also need to push past their own whims. To me, this space is wasteful.
It reminds me of some line in Ben Hurr or other epic film where there's a Ruler who does nasty things because [insert snooty accent] "It amuses me."

If this stairwell were sans the blah-beige carpet, I might, might be able to give it a pass...but something about these carpetted stairs makes it beyond repair.

Bedroom madness

So, tell me, am I getting bogged down? Do I need to take a deep breath, and remember that design is a world where style is ultimately subjective, and where there really is no accountability on the part of the designer, so long as the client agrees and signs the invoices?
Set me straight, peeps!

On a lighter note...If you're a mommy-to-be or new mommy, check out my guest post today at Odi et Amo featuring my Advice for New Moms.

Yea or Nay?

Sooooo....I'm kind of a celeb surgery stalker. It's fascinating to me, to see two equally well-funded people go under the knife. Where one looks somewhat natural, the other ends up a freak show. Sad little vice of mine, I know.
What say you about Sharon Stone, here, at age 52 rockin' a teeny bikini and rather decent boob job? She's always denied having surgery (can we say, "mincing words?)" But, I think she can probably tell us to stuff it - I know if I look like this at 52, I'll be saying that! Thoughts?

from here

Craving: Mineral Linen

A loooong time ago, when I first saw this image of a beach home designed by Tom Scheerer, I thought it was one of the prettiest rooms I'd seen. Just for the record, if I had a Design Lover, Tom would be it.

But, upon new review, I realize one of the items I'm most drawn to is that sofa. It appears to be a delicate, ice blue linen. I'm dying to cover something in this fresh, classic fabric. Kasler's linen fabric from Ballard looks lovely, and the price is do-able.

...although the blush colorway gives mineral a really good run for its money.

I can see how pastel linen might make you think you'd be pigeonholed into a certain design scheme, i.e. "beachy."

hb

...but when there's looks like this, I beg to differ...

Tufted tuxedo, be still, heart!

Sunday Dinner...

..or any meal, really. 'Round this table. With all this art. Lovely.

Turn off the light, though. Candles. Yes.

anna spiro

Finally....Isla's Nursery

I figured since Isla will be six months old next week, it was time for me to post pics of her nursery. It's not perfect, and certainly not perfectly styled, but, who am I kidding? More than likely, it will never be. For now, it's a pretty and pleasant space for our baby girl.

Almost everything is on its second tour of duty, although a couple pieces have been freshened up with new paint or upholstery.

I'm so glad we kept the map of Paris artwork in this room, rather than move it with Avery's bed - it works soooo much better!

There's just some things I have to live with - like hideous air-conditioning units - but the floors sure are nice.

Reupholstering the glider in the gray ikat, and adding the yellow pouf in lieu of the standard ottoman certainly helped the scene.

My changing table is a repurposed, small buffet. In Avery's nursery, it was white. For this time 'round, it got a gray paint/brass hardware facelift.

I may tire of the wall color at some point, but right now, I'm so in love with it! In the morning, it's fresh and crisp, but as night falls, it takes on a jewel-box quality. (Don't be hatin' on my sad lampshade - it's on the to-do list)

I just finished up the "art installation" above the crib the other day. Remember that I'd been inspired by de Gournay wallpaper, so I wanted to reference Chinoiserie, as well as giving something interesting for Isla to see. Not sure I have a calling as an artist, but you get the idea. Do you think the canvas should be a different color? Ben says deep blue might look better...

Did'ya notice anything else??

Tee Hee... that's right, the munchkin all this fuss is about! Little bit worth it! ;)

Design Dilemma Sources: Jana's Room

Shortly after I posted the update on Jana's room, I realized I hadn't sourced a thing, and several of you have commented or emailed wanting some deets....

That Faburlous (typo - I'm keepin' it!) Wall Color: Benjamin Moore - Harbor Gray
You all seemed to love it in Jana's room, and you've probably seen it before...

design-crisis

nest egg

Fabric for armchairs: Calico Corners Key WestMid-Century console (found via Dallas Craigs) in the sitting room nook: repainted Krylon Sun Yellow

Gray silk ikat accent pillows: from this Ebay vendor, and I can just about guarantee you won't find better prices for this look.

French Bulldog silhouette: Mod-Dog.com (sooooo ordering one for my sister and BIL!)

Sunburst Mirror above mantel: Jana's own DIY version - see here