Monday, August 29, 2011

Lemon tree, very pretty

I recently bought a lemon tree for my friend's birthday. As a background story- we have been best of friends since elementary school, and ever since I can remember she (and her family) has ALWAYS had lemons with their water. There was always a lemon on hand and it always made water at the Gurney house so much better (and fancier)than water at my house. Anyways, she and her husband are moving and getting ready to buy their first house. It only seemed a fitting gift. At least, it made sense to us. Whenever me and Red stop moving, I look forward to having my own lemon tree. They really brighten up a room, not to mention their usefulness.
~
1/2/3/4
Friday, August 26, 2011

I would, would you?

Someday....*someday*, I would love to have a blue suede couch or chaise. Knowing myself, I could never commit to a pattern because I would undoubtedly be sick of it in two months. But I think I would love some blue suede for years to come. How about you?
~
(source unknown tumblr)
~
And yes, if you think you spied Jessica Alba- you did. She happens to have gorgeous taste. How about that pink couch? It's funny how colors are so personal. Someone out there would love a pink couch and not grow sick of it.
Monday, August 22, 2011

Decorate with Books

This post was inspired by my recent visit to Borders..... Red and I came away with some amazing deals from their closing sales (if you are living under a rock like me- yes Borders is going out of business and they are having mad sales!). I love the practicality of decorating with books. There's something so cozy and comforting about it. Need I say more? Check out the beauty.
1/2/3/4
Thursday, August 18, 2011

August is the new Fall

I know it's August, BUT I have been hearing horror stories about upstate NY......like it snowing in October all the way through May. This winter is going to be an experience to say the least. Throw blankets are always way overpriced(at least the really pretty ones), so I was excited about this find.
Cococozy, $285
Zgallerie, $59.95
And lastly, don't forget to check out photographer Jewel Peach and her contest!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011

A year ago today,

Red and I reunited after his year long deployment. Tears still come to my eyes when I think about it, it was our happiest day. I say that with gratefulness. Grateful that we were given more years together and grateful for the ultimate sacrifice of so many men and women.
This past weekend, five more soldiers were killed from 10th Mountain Division of Ft. Drum. Another reminder that so many do not get to experience the joy that we did last year. I think it's difficult to understand the sense of community of a military base unless you've experienced it first hand. These are neighbors, gym buddies, co-workers, and friends. My heart goes out to these families, please keep them in your prayers.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Italian Inspiration

Obviously, the architecture in Italy was amazing, but here are some small things I took back with me that I hope to put to use in my own home.
1. Flowers outside of windows
2. These window screens! They were everywhere, and I took far too many pictures.
3. Indoor Hammocks! (at Haus Silbernagl, our bed & breakfast in Castelrotto). This was the owner's personal home which she invited us into.....wonderful isn't it?
4. There were so many beautiful unique doors.
Ps. You really need to check out Jewel's photography and her contest here. She's so gifted!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Design and Its Place in the World

As I continue with this blog, I often struggle with how insignificant interior design is in the grand scheme of life. Don't get me wrong, I love it- it's my hobby and I enjoy it as an art. But when I watch shows where people act like it's life or death if they get the right curtains or have the perfect look I shudder inside. Come on! Really? Are they completely clueless to the world around them? Not to give a pep talk, but I want to be a person who enjoys design and fashion while at the same time having a sort of humble gratitude realizing it's not vital for life. I don't ever want it to be all consuming or to define me as a person. When I hear about tragedies in the world- Japan, Haiti, shootings in Norway, American soldiers being killed this past weekend, wildfires in New Mexico, Tornados in Oklahoma/Missouri, there's a part of me that thinks "why am I doing this blog? There are people dying , sick, and lost..........and I'm writing about how to make your homes pretty?". In the face of real life and real personal tragedies, it feels shallow. But, I think as long as I struggle with this, I'm headed in the right direction. Life is not about consuming more and more things and I want to emphasize that while at the same time enjoying the gift that life is. Let's keep it real folks.
I was ranting about this with my sister-in-law a week or so ago and she suggested I write about it, so blame her (kidding) if you were disappointed with today's post. I am however, adding a pretty picture of a Moroccan interior for you to make up for it.
source unknown tmblr
Monday, August 8, 2011

Moroccan Wedding Blanket

Also known as handira, these blankets are made by the female relatives of the Moroccan bride as a part of the Berber tradition (following her wedding ceremony), in which she ties the blanket around her head like a sort of cape. These wedding blankets are simply gorgeous, and take a long time to make. Morocco is one of those places I dream of visiting, they have such a beautiful culture. As you may already know I'm a little obsessed with their architecture and textiles, but it's easy to see why.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

That's Amore

Italy blew my mind. For as long as I can remember it was at the top of my travel list, so in the back of my mind I was prepared to be a little disappointed. I'm happy to say that Italy exceeded my high expectations.
~
I thought Rome would be incredible, but mainly in a historical way........but it was so much more than the beautiful historic buildings/Vatican/Sistine Chapel (which were...wow). In the alleyways, there was this charm about the city with mopeds and family run restaurants. I fell in love with Rome.
Then there was Venice. I was secretly worried that it would be cheesy with Disney World type street performers. It was the complete opposite, and seemed quaint and untouched like we were stepping back in time. (In fact, Red tells me I was speaking to him in my sleep about how beautiful Venice was.) There were literally no streets, cars, mopeds and instead TONS of canals and bridges. The Italian alps did not disappoint as we hiked Europe's largest alpine meadow from the austrian village Castelrotto(it used to be part of Austria). The view was stunning.
Lake Como was the perfect end to our trip and we sipped wine and sat on our room terrace with the most incredible view. We walked a lot, laughed a lot, ate lots of Gelati, and made lots of memories.