Shit Girls Say



I know this is everywhere, but it cracks me up (esp. "Can you just ... turn it down a little?...)


Also I have not been able to look at Juliette Lewis and not shudder since Cape Fear....

Thrifting Luck

My amazing neighbour came by this afternoon to watch the boys so I could do some Christmas shopping.  I couldn't help but swing by the nearest Value Village - I hadn't been in so long! - and the gods of thrifting were smiling on me today.  I got this lovely Turkish vase, which is hand signed on the bottom - it will go with the other pretty ceramics we picked up in Turkey.
 I got a pair of interesting brass candlesticks to use in my holiday decorating, as well as this cloche perfect for upcoming entertaining!
These two display cases were I think $1.99 for both.  And below is my most exciting score - a beautiful soft grey A.P.C. turtleneck.  They are selling a similar one online for 135 Euros plus shipping!  Who doesn't need a grey turtleneck in the winter?
I also got a couple of winter videos for the boys, although we only got 10 minutes in to Merry Madagascar before they were bored and went off to find the play dough... oh well, I am sure they will come in handy in the next few months!

Instead of a wreath

I love this idea from Country Living of hanging a pretty basket of greenery from the door instead of a wreath - in this case the home-owners used an old trapper's basket.  You could refresh the boughs all winter long - and add some pretty berries for colour.  Genius!

RRL Autumn/Winter Lookbook

The Autumn/Winter look book from Ralph Lauren brand RRL is sooooo awesome.  Some of it kind of  reminds me of that very cool (and super creepy) HBO series Carnivale.  Sure, you can't always actually make out the clothing... but it sure is evocative.  You can practically hear the clicking of the old film reel and the scratchy, tinny piano music...

Salt Dough Ornaments

The other day the troops were getting mutinous, so I ran to my friend the internet and before you could say "Screaming Melt-Down" we were up to our elbows in salt and flour making ornaments.  I found this great post on Momtastic with a salt dough recipe and the boys loved measuring, mixing, and especially kneading the dough.  We played with it for a while like play dough (no rush!) before rolling it out and getting out the cookie cutters.
For some reason he needs to stick out his tongue to concentrate...

Showing Mr. Fireman the ornaments (Mr. Fireman was a big help)...

We then dired them out in the oven for 4 hours - perfect for cleaning up, having lunch, getting to and from school, and of course - naps!

While the ornaments cooled, we set up the painting station and practiced on some canvases.

The finished products - I made sure to put in the holes before they baked, and then added the red string to hang.  My favourites are their hand prints!

When Dad got home and the paint was dry, we got to hang them!
It was the perfect all-day project, and I love seeing their ornaments on the tree (all near the bottom of course - our tree is a little bottom-heavy this year!)

Our First Visit with Santa

I love this photo...
And this one too...

Light, bright duplex in Madrid

I thought I would share some photos I came across of this beautiful home in Madrid.  They are from micasarevista.com, so I had to use google to translate the accompanying text (achieving some pretty sketchy English let me tell you).  If I am to trust the gist of what I read, it seems this is a duplex in a renovated former brothel called Le Petit Venice.  Cool.  Also, the looks seems to have been created without a ton of cash, since the majority of the pieces are from Ikea, Habitat, and Zara Home.
I like this simple kid's bedroom with the beautiful original art.  That graphic black and white piece just makes me want to get out my crayons... And I love that pretty blue pillow (that was also seen in the living room).
I love Suzanis.  Funny though that they used this one to style the living room as well - hard not to notice the reuse of such a bold piece.  I wonder what this place looks like when not styled for the photos?

Photos from Mi Casa Revista.  Found via Design Elements.

Lulie Wallace paintings

I love these beautiful floral still lifes from painter Lulie Wallace, with their vibrant colours and rugged shapes.   The technique reminds me a lot of David Milne, one of favourite Canadian artists.  These would be great stacked at the end of a narrow hallway, or over a hall table or chair, or as part of a gallery wall... I am already imagining all the places I would put mine!  Check out her colourful blog and her shop for more inspiration.


Found on Design Work Life.