Andrew Galup via Design Elements

One of my favourite blogs for inspiring interiors, Design Elements, recently posted an interview with Maryland-based designer Andrew Galuppi (pictured above - um....yeah...trying to edit myself...).  Perusing his portfolio I didn't go completely mad for his work, although it is very nice (could be the photography isn't great), but he had a quote in the interview that completely resonated with me:

“A space should support you. Everything you choose to surround yourself with, carries a vibration that affects you daily. Balance and harmony in your home will mirror itself in an abundant life.”

Isn't that lovely?  I certainly feel that way in my house - there is nothing around me that I don't love and doesn't have some sort of significance for me, and it all combines to give me a peaceful, contented feeling when I look around.  What the quote really made me realize, though, is that this does carry through to the rest of my life - when my home is in chaos I am grumpy, flustered and irritable.  When everything is in its place everything sort of glows for me and I feel much more calm and centered.  It's all a little airy-fairy I know, but it is always nice to see your thoughts expressed so well by someone else.  What do you think of his quote?  Below is some work from his portfolio:

photo: William Waldron for Elle Decor, design: Andrew Galuppi

photo: William Waldron for Elle Decor, design: Andrew Galuppi

Happy Birthday Will!

Today was Will's 4th birthday (I am still in shock that he is that old) and we hosted a drop-in party to celebrate.  It was a day full of good friends and cute kids and SUGAR.  The kids and I made some simple construction paper decorations yesterday and last night I was up until after midnight making this damn cake and cupcakes.  The photos are terrible - I blame the tiredness and hectic pace of the day, but they are awful!  I am kind of disappointed I didn't take more time to capture the day, but I guess it is a testament to how much fun we were having.

William requested a rainbow cake with purple icing, so I thought I would go with the (cheap and easy) rainbow theme for the day!  The crown was his idea - I think someone in his class had a birthday this week, and got a crown and cupcakes.  His wish was my command - how can I deny this face?

The new furniture layout seemed to work out well... ;p

The cake recipe I got here, and I kind of wish I had gone with a simpler recipe, especially as I was starting the boiled outer icing at midnight last night.  It was three coloured layers with three different-coloured layers of icing in between.

Maybe these colours broke my camera?

The finished layers looks disturbingly like a Big Mac...

Yeah - quite the knife, eh?  I wasn't messing around...

In the end the icing layers didn't show up very much, but people seemed to enjoy it none-the-less, especially the little guys!

It was a really wonderful time with some fabulous friends.  The boys were wonderful despite what must have been a pretty overwhelming day.  It's no wonder Will went to bed asking to have another birthday tomorrow!  I think I need the year to recuperate...  :)

Rachel Rose

You may sense my resistance to the impending cool months in my posting of these gorgeous, soft silky shirts - or maybe it is just squeezing every moment in this summer-like weather?  Regardless, I love the watercolour ink blot feeling of these hand-painted shirts and dresses, and the vivid indigo dyes. The best of strong and soft in one shirt.

Visit Rachel's esty shop here or her website here to see more loveliness!  And maybe I will suck it up and do a knitting post next - who knows?

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? :)

Happy Thanksgiving

May your blessings overwhelm you.

youngfrankk on etsy

I love this collection of hand-hammered jewellery by Christine Young of Richmond, Virginia.  The brass is lovely, warm, and golden and it so perfect when shaped into these unique organic shapes.  Her shop youngfrankk on etsy is the perfect place to get a new statement piece for fall!  Here are some of my favourites:

Thanks to Melissa for pointing the way!