It's like Gatbsy goes to a South Carolina beach. I'm in love.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Cherry Blossoms
Sorry about this lack of furniture this week, but preparing for Easter and a sick baby has got me a little behind. So this week you get lots of pictures!
Another perk to growing up in DC? The Cherry Blossoms. These 3000 trees that bloom annually around the Tidal Basin are one of my favorite moments in spring. If you ever go, get up and go early so you can actually appreciate the beauty of the trees instead of fighting your way through thousands of tourists. Here are a few pictures I snapped (from the car...sorry ,little man was sleeping and I didn't want to bother him!). This is the trees in early bloom.
In a few days, they will look like this:
And to be honest, for a lot of people, these are more than trees; they too are a sign of hope, a promise of new life that has been repeating itself in this very spot since 1912. We noticed over the weekend that "Bloom Watch" was literally the only positive segment of the morning news. And it's nice in a way, that something as simple as a blossom can hold the whole nation captive for 2 weeks. A welcome break from bad news and a reminder that the simple things can indeed make us happy.
Enjoy your Tuesday!
Another perk to growing up in DC? The Cherry Blossoms. These 3000 trees that bloom annually around the Tidal Basin are one of my favorite moments in spring. If you ever go, get up and go early so you can actually appreciate the beauty of the trees instead of fighting your way through thousands of tourists. Here are a few pictures I snapped (from the car...sorry ,little man was sleeping and I didn't want to bother him!). This is the trees in early bloom.
In a few days, they will look like this:
And to be honest, for a lot of people, these are more than trees; they too are a sign of hope, a promise of new life that has been repeating itself in this very spot since 1912. We noticed over the weekend that "Bloom Watch" was literally the only positive segment of the morning news. And it's nice in a way, that something as simple as a blossom can hold the whole nation captive for 2 weeks. A welcome break from bad news and a reminder that the simple things can indeed make us happy.
Enjoy your Tuesday!
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Workhouse
Over the weekend I took a trip to my hometown just south of Washington, DC. Growing up in DC was wonderful and really gave me an appreciation for history and art. So when I heard an Arts Council had turned the old Lorton Prison into a workhouse and gallery for artists, I knew it had to be on my list of places to visit during our quick trip.
The original prison was built in 1916 and most notably, held 168 women who were arrested during the women's suffrage movement. I used to pass prison often as a teenager while trying to avoid 95 traffic getting to school. My older brother and I used to hate to drive by it at night, partly because of the scary guard towers and wire fencing and partly because we were pretty sure it was haunted.
This is how I remember it looking:
Today, it has been tranformed to a safehaven for artists- a place to work and create, while socializing with other artists and vistors. On our sunny Saturday, many of the artists were in their "cells" working hard and were happy to have us come in a chat. I loved being able to see first hand the beginnings of their work. The art ranges from watercolors to oil paintings, pastels, scultpture and glass work, and everything inbetween. All the work is for sale too and many come already framed. I found the prices to be very reasonable, especially for a place where you can have a cup of coffee with the person who created your very own original piece.
Here are a few pictures I took of the grounds and of one of the hallways that used to be a cell block for prisoners but is now home to art!
Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures inside the cells, but you can visit the Workhouse Arts Center for more info. They are open from 11-7 and offer a lot of classes (my mom is currently taking one and loves it!), as well as other fun community events.
The original prison was built in 1916 and most notably, held 168 women who were arrested during the women's suffrage movement. I used to pass prison often as a teenager while trying to avoid 95 traffic getting to school. My older brother and I used to hate to drive by it at night, partly because of the scary guard towers and wire fencing and partly because we were pretty sure it was haunted.
This is how I remember it looking:
Today, it has been tranformed to a safehaven for artists- a place to work and create, while socializing with other artists and vistors. On our sunny Saturday, many of the artists were in their "cells" working hard and were happy to have us come in a chat. I loved being able to see first hand the beginnings of their work. The art ranges from watercolors to oil paintings, pastels, scultpture and glass work, and everything inbetween. All the work is for sale too and many come already framed. I found the prices to be very reasonable, especially for a place where you can have a cup of coffee with the person who created your very own original piece.
Here are a few pictures I took of the grounds and of one of the hallways that used to be a cell block for prisoners but is now home to art!
Unfortunately, I did not get any pictures inside the cells, but you can visit the Workhouse Arts Center for more info. They are open from 11-7 and offer a lot of classes (my mom is currently taking one and loves it!), as well as other fun community events.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Easter Centerpieces
So this weekend I am hosting Easter brunch for 10 family members. For some, this may seem daunting but I, in fact, absolutely love it. I have been working on things around my home to make it warm and cozy, while giving my husband a list of outdoor updates to finish before Thursday. And while most things I have planned already, I can't seem to decide on my table-scape. But here are a few just lovely inspirations...
From Southern Living
I adore the color combination in this one- purple and yellow is such a great mix of modern and classic. Plus, it is easy to do and would look great with my mix-matched china.
I am not much for butterflies, but I really like the way this centerpiece looks thrown together and purposeful all at once.
From Jamie's Furbish Studio in Raleigh, NC (via her blog.) How cute are the gold letters as place cards??
Sweet and simple from Good Housekeeping
This year is the first time I've cute forsythia and put it in a vase. It is so pretty! Here is a great example on the table from hgtv.com
Also from hgtv.com, pretty china and real silver as the centerpiece? Love.
From Southern Living
I adore the color combination in this one- purple and yellow is such a great mix of modern and classic. Plus, it is easy to do and would look great with my mix-matched china.
I am not much for butterflies, but I really like the way this centerpiece looks thrown together and purposeful all at once.
From Jamie's Furbish Studio in Raleigh, NC (via her blog.) How cute are the gold letters as place cards??
Sweet and simple from Good Housekeeping
This year is the first time I've cute forsythia and put it in a vase. It is so pretty! Here is a great example on the table from hgtv.com
Also from hgtv.com, pretty china and real silver as the centerpiece? Love.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Very busy day...
So I will send you to visit another great blog for some Daffodil-decorating loveliness. Enjoy! Thanks MoS Girls!
Matters of Style
Matters of Style
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Happy Anniversary!
A quick break for a personal reflection... Today, three years ago, I married the most wonderful man on the planet. Now, after one year apart while he was in Iraq, followed by a big move to NC and the pregnancy, then, year three with raising our little man- we are finally feeling settled. I could write a page about how amazing our relationship is, but instead, I sum it up in a few words:
I have a beautiful life.
Here are a few from March 24, 2007:
I wish I could share more, but earlier this year, my computer was stolen and I lost some of the best pictures. But I hope you enjoy these!!
I have a beautiful life.
Here are a few from March 24, 2007:
I wish I could share more, but earlier this year, my computer was stolen and I lost some of the best pictures. But I hope you enjoy these!!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
My logo!
Many, many, many thousands of thanks to my dear friend Laura K who took the time out of her busy NYC advertising schedule to make my logo. Isn't it fabulous?!?
Art Imitating Life...
Every day on my way to work, I see this group of flowering trees,
and the color combination has really hit a cord with me. I love the way the white, pink and yellow work together, as well as the soft grayness of the trunks and unblossomed trees around them. Often, when I am inspired by nature, I want to dress like it (think pretty blues at the beach and black on a rainy day...) and it got me thinking, is anyone else feeling this spring color combo?
A short while later, and a few visits to my favorite stores on-line, I found out that I am not alone. Check out the similiarities between my trees and these pieces. What a hapy spring wardrobe!
Anthropologie
Ann Taylor Loft
J. Crew
Bannana Republic
As I began collecting this pictures, I noticed they all had a watercolor type detail. I was never much for watercolors, I am more of an oil paiting girl, but in these early weeks of spring, it really works. And if we can wear it on our backs, why not bring it in the home? Thanks to Etsy, where people post and sell handmade goods, I found 3 beautiful and affordable original watercolors in my color palate.
Pink Orchids on Green $20
(Wouldn't this look beautiful hanging over my bamboo chair from a few posts ago?)
Rose Watercolor: $25
Daffodils Print: $25
Lastly, out of mere coincidence, I bought this fabric from Karen Gray a few days ago.
I had no idea what to do with it, but I knew I needed it. After this post it is clear that it will become the cushion on my recently purchased sad little wooden bench and become this week's project.
Stay tuned...
and the color combination has really hit a cord with me. I love the way the white, pink and yellow work together, as well as the soft grayness of the trunks and unblossomed trees around them. Often, when I am inspired by nature, I want to dress like it (think pretty blues at the beach and black on a rainy day...) and it got me thinking, is anyone else feeling this spring color combo?
A short while later, and a few visits to my favorite stores on-line, I found out that I am not alone. Check out the similiarities between my trees and these pieces. What a hapy spring wardrobe!
Anthropologie
Ann Taylor Loft
J. Crew
Bannana Republic
As I began collecting this pictures, I noticed they all had a watercolor type detail. I was never much for watercolors, I am more of an oil paiting girl, but in these early weeks of spring, it really works. And if we can wear it on our backs, why not bring it in the home? Thanks to Etsy, where people post and sell handmade goods, I found 3 beautiful and affordable original watercolors in my color palate.
Pink Orchids on Green $20
(Wouldn't this look beautiful hanging over my bamboo chair from a few posts ago?)
Rose Watercolor: $25
Daffodils Print: $25
Lastly, out of mere coincidence, I bought this fabric from Karen Gray a few days ago.
I had no idea what to do with it, but I knew I needed it. After this post it is clear that it will become the cushion on my recently purchased sad little wooden bench and become this week's project.
Stay tuned...
Friday, March 19, 2010
Happy Friday!
This weekend's weather... 70s and sunny! Bring it on!
Thank you for coming with me on this journey. See you next week with new inspiration (and a new project!) Have a hope-filled weekend :)
Thank you for coming with me on this journey. See you next week with new inspiration (and a new project!) Have a hope-filled weekend :)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Love, Cullen
PS- If you have never been to Savannah, GA for St. Patty's Day, please add it to your bucket list immediately. It is one of the best times I've ever had. Cheers!
Monday, March 15, 2010
The First Project!
It started with:
-a $20 bamboo chair from Goodwill. It was quite scratched up, had a metal bar instead of bamboo leg in the middle and smelled a bit like old Chinese food, but I could see some potential!
First, I sanded the chair down. The stain that was on it was a pretty color, but actually really sticky. It look a lot of patience, but gave me a smooth frame to work with. Then, I spray painted it white. Did you know there is a muscle in the arm that can get sore from spray painting? I need to get to the Y more often...
Then, it was to my dining room table (I am lacking in work space...) to reupholster the seat cushion. Staple gun? Check. Pliers? Check. Scissors? Check.
Fabulous Fabric? Check!
The first cushion I made had blue pipping with pink roses- I decided I didn't like it.
So, it was a bit harder to match the pattern and make the damask work, but the finished result looks much better!
Check out the gorgeous details of the original woodwork...
It will be up for sale tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes!
PS- Not sure if colored bamboo works for you? Check out these styles
Also, thanks to Karen Gray for the beautiful pink damask fabric!
-a $20 bamboo chair from Goodwill. It was quite scratched up, had a metal bar instead of bamboo leg in the middle and smelled a bit like old Chinese food, but I could see some potential!
First, I sanded the chair down. The stain that was on it was a pretty color, but actually really sticky. It look a lot of patience, but gave me a smooth frame to work with. Then, I spray painted it white. Did you know there is a muscle in the arm that can get sore from spray painting? I need to get to the Y more often...
Then, it was to my dining room table (I am lacking in work space...) to reupholster the seat cushion. Staple gun? Check. Pliers? Check. Scissors? Check.
Fabulous Fabric? Check!
The first cushion I made had blue pipping with pink roses- I decided I didn't like it.
So, it was a bit harder to match the pattern and make the damask work, but the finished result looks much better!
Check out the gorgeous details of the original woodwork...
It will be up for sale tomorrow. I will let you know how it goes!
PS- Not sure if colored bamboo works for you? Check out these styles
Also, thanks to Karen Gray for the beautiful pink damask fabric!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
This week I Hope...
For blue skies
For reasons to wear this necklace over and over (thanks Francesa's)
To sell this chair (more on that tomorrow!)
That something makes you smile as big as this
Or this
Happy Monday!
For reasons to wear this necklace over and over (thanks Francesa's)
To sell this chair (more on that tomorrow!)
That something makes you smile as big as this
Or this
Happy Monday!
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