What You Really Love

Inspired by Ez, I made this from one of our hiking photos for my husband, who I am sure is desperately missing the mountains as he sits in his office today...

(The quote is by Rumi - that part is a bit hard to see!)
(Also, if anyone wants to print it out,  I am happy to send the file.) xo

Lost in Deep Dark Africa

I love this online shop Deep Dark Africa, which features beautiful hand-made contemporary African design objects.  It's like Etsy, but just for Africa!  I know that while in South Africa, I found they had such a strong craft and artisan community (although my perspective is suspect since I was immersed in it from the get-go).  Not surprisingly, the flavour of the hand-made objects and art pieces in South Africa so very different from anything I had been used to in Canada, a little edgier and more provocative, even in something as simple as ceramics.  I brought home as much as my bags would allow, but that was over 10 years ago (!!) and my taste has changed so much I feel like I need another trip back!  Or maybe I can save on airfare and just dive in to this great store.  See how online shopping just saved me all kinds of money??*

*PS I am also happy to justify other people's purchases.  Let me know if you need help explaining something, and I will send you at least 5 reasons your purchase made perfect sense.


Via The Style Files

Sukan kilim pillows

The amazing etsy shop Sukan is nothing but pure crack for pillow lovers.  They are made from old kilim rugs, suzanis, and other Middle Eastern carpets and I want one of each - I really do.  Several of them are on sale for the ridiculous price of $29, how is a girl to resist??  The colours are so rich, and each one tells a story.

Believe it or not, the Sukan shop has 41 PAGES of more pillows like this!

You just need a few (and maybe a sun-bleached Mediterranean pied-a-terre) to create a look like this:

Nuevo Estilo

Or just a couple (and an impeccably-designed Victorian in Parkdale) to have a room like this:

Marion House Book

Or just a handful (and whom-ever does Ellen Pompeo's design) for a sexy bedroom like this (ok - so these pillows are West-African, but you get the idea):

Elle Decor

Even Pottery Barn approves:

Pottery Barn via Pearly Notes   (p.s.  Pottery Barn also has them on sale)

As does Lonny Magazine:

My little guy from Turkey looks lonely...

Seems foolish NOT to get a few, don't you think? :)

The Getty Centre

We went to the Getty Centre yesterday on a rather cold and rainy day.  It was actually lovely for the light and the lack of people!  I took a boat load of photos, as the architecture and all that gorgeous travertine were at least as interesting as the collection it held inside.

From Above

Flying out to California from Minnesota we got some incredible views of Colorado, and I couldn't resist pulling out the iPhone for a few snaps.  

Doesn't this one look like a board game?  Connect 4 maybe?