Brazilian Road Trips, Birds and Non-Scientific Surveys

We took a little road trip this weekend to Rio Quente. The area (Southern-Central Brazil) is known for its natural, thermal springs, and there are many attractions centered around warm-water activities. Our destination was a water park - aptly named Hot Park - to let the kids scamper in the lazy waters while the Winter air temps are mild-to-cool.

The drive was longish, but amazingly-scenic...

The park is like an oasis in the middle of the Brazilian cerrado (High Plains)

...and, the girls had a great time wearing themselves out

Inside the park, there's also a bird preserve. Now, I have a thing with tropical birds, not a weird thing - I just think they're incredibly beautiful, and amazingly-intelligent. Every time I see one up close, I'm more convinced I want one as a pet.

My favorite - Mr. Toucan (If I had one, I'd name him Mr. T - original, right? ;)

Incredible Hyacinth Macaw.

Several of the parrots in the preserve were very friendly - LOOK at his coloring!

So, I was still in "bird-want mode" when I spied this ginormous painting at a local display. Ben said it belonged right next to the Velvet Elvis, but I think it was pretty amazing - especially given the scale. I picture it in a room with large, white walls (ahem, our casa), but without other tropical references. Balance it out.

So, tell me. Am I off my rocker? Has the taste side of my brain taken a vacation, too, or could this painting steal a room? Set me straight, Peeps!

Pin-Therapy

Please don't tell me you're not Pinning yet. "Pinning?" As in Pinterest - the interwebs' most delicious collection of all things imagery, and notorious vacuum of precious time? I could (and do) spend hours pouring over images - from delicious design I may have otherwise missed, to clever quotes and phrases - selecting my personal favorites to add to my Pin Boards.

To say it's addictive is entirely cliché, BUT after reviewing my collection of pins, I've come to the conclusion that pins just might be a window to the soul. OK, well it may not be a spiritual experience, but it certainly provides a clue as to what charms you, what defines your style.

Through the lens of my pins, I'm clearly not over yellow. I don't know what that says about my soul, but it sure does soothe me (in an energizing kind of way).

Source: thingssheloves.tumblr.com via Alison on Pinterest

Source: sweetseas.blogspot.com via Alison on Pinterest

Source: 2.bp.blogspot.com via Alison on Pinterest

Source: frommoontomoon.blogspot.com via Alison on Pinterest

Source: ginger-ella.tumblr.com via Alison on Pinterest

Source: blonde4christ.blogspot.com via Alison on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Alison on Pinterest

Source: eshakti.com via Alison on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Alison on Pinterest

Source: littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com via Alison on Pinterest

If you can't get enough of what floats my creative boat through the blog, you should definitely

Custom Sofas on the Cheap(ish)

I've apparently been living under a rock. I only recently learned about the Custom Sofa Design website, where you can (as the name infers) design your own sofa. There are tons of styles to choose from, several grades of worthwhile fabrics, trim (like nailhead and contrast welting) and, even cushion upgrades like feather and down blend. So basically, you can work up your dream sofa like the pros, but drop significantly less cash.

**Update** They went out of business (wah waaaah), but are referring clients to Sofa Craft. It seems the options are similar, but there isn't the mind-boggling assortment of them. They also don't preview fabric samples, which makes it difficult to visualize.

The possibilities are limitless, and the range of styles could be used in any type of interior. Some of my favorite styles are:

the Lola

the Desmond

The Kentwood

the Leon

...which I used as the starting point for a little design board goodness

Mirror, Chandy, Painting, Floor Lamp, Coffee Table, X Benches

But wait! There's More! Headboards and beds - shapes of which you'll recognize from very high-end vendors.

the Marc

In a fawn velvet
Hello Luvah!

the Octavia

Punch it up in a begonia linen -
It could be....Braziliant!

Has anyone had any experience with their products? If so, spill it!

Top O' the Mornin' to Ya!

I made these Orange Muffins. Well, actually, I riffed* a bit off-recipe according to my taste, and availability of ingredients. Made a bit of Orange Butter to up the ante. They are sunshine in your mouth!

*Part whole wheat flour, plain yogurt instead of sour cream, added flax meal, shredded coconut, and cranberries.

P.S. - Food blog sloooowly coming to fruition!

Art...How Bazaar!

If there's one thing I would recommend a design client splurge on, it would be art. Art is so personal, and for that reason, it's a wonderful way to immediately imbue a room with the owner's flair - a key element in making a space not just lovely, but unique.
I just spied the new art offerings in Serena and Lily's Bazaar - some are originals, others are more budget-friendly reprints.
Here's my top choices:

Pt Reyes 3 by Karen Smidth - Reminds me of a painting we bought in Arles, France, and gave to my in-laws (wish I'd a kept it for myself! ;)

RedSky by S. Paster - Perfect above a bedside table to bring in accent colors in an otherwise neutral palette.

Another Party by Sara Westover - Perfectly-whimsical for a child's room

Umbrella by P. Norwood - Because everyone needs a good beach scene.

Woman with Palm Trees by Victor Di Gesu - Clearly a reference to Matisse, but since I'll never own a Matisse, this might work.

Happy Weekend, Stalkers!

I'm not above this...

Posting about a killa giveaway in order to garner extra entries, that is. Design for Mankind is giving away an iPad 2, so get on it. BUT, know that I never win anything, so my time is due ;)

Product Review: Overstock Chevron Kilim Rug

A few weeks ago, I spied a tweet by designer and fellow blogstress, Camila about a chevron rug on Overstock. As I'm still on the chevron bandwagon, I linked over to the clearance website, and found this: Chevron Kilim Rug...

The price was too good to pass up ($130 for my 5x8), especially considering it's a natural fiber (i.e. wool and jute) rug.
It arrived today, and I have to say I'm initially very pleased. Now, don't get me wrong, this was not an expensive rug, so it is not very thick, and I don't imagine the weave is very hearty, but it gives great impact, which is what I wanted. I also like that it has a more natural, textural feel - making it at least somewhat unique among the sea of chevron rugs out there.

For now, ours is making itself at home in our entry. (yes, I know I need a larger console)

So, to summarize: Chevron kilim via Overstock gets a thumbs-up for value and looks. Bad news: I think I probably bought the last one, as it was under "high sell-out risk," and I can no longer find it on the site.

Lesson: It pays to Tweet! Follow me if you're not already!

Braziliant

So, a few weeks ago, I coined the word, "Braziliant."
Brilliant + Brazil = Braziliant.
Contextual example: "You're so Braziliant, you don't even know it!"

Apparently, Essie - makers of can't-touch-this shades of nail polish (doesn't everyone wear Ballet Slippers for their wedding?), are apparently riding my wave.

Behold, Braziliant.

Described as, "a hot orange with a touch of shimmer."
What a perfect encapsulation of the South American soul. I do love the orange/coral trend.

Essie: I'll expect my royalty check forthwith.

The View from Down Here

....is saturated. How's yours?