This just in: Moroccan poufs

My obsession is well documented at this point. But I just came across a nice selection at an even nicer price on Table Tonic. Best price I've seen for the silver and gold varieties ever. Hmm...how many poufs are too many to have in a house I wonder...

I WANT: Organic canvas bins by 3 Sprouts

Particularly partial to them in the gender neutral giraffe & monkey variety (which coincidentally would look great in Baby's nursery) but I think all of them are downright adorable. I love that they're nice and big at 17" high x 20" in diameter. They collapse for easy storage when not in use which, per my mom friends with young kids will be exactly never.

Available at lots of kids retailers online and on Amazon.com.

I WANT: Union Jack painted dresser

Sweet Jesus, I love this dresser. It will likely take years of my life to paint something like this but I can't stop thinking about it. Cuz, y'know...another tedious furniture painting project is exactly what my to-do list needs right now.

{Image via Decor Demon}

Things that changed my life this week

Craiglook - an aggregation website that lets you stalk out whatever you want across all Craig's List sites in 1 simple search.

A smattering of things I've already found that I can't live without (but will have to because a lot of them are sold :(

I am desperate for a vintage Chesterfield sofa, ideally in linen or white but this blue is pretty dreamy too.

$150 on New Haven Craig's List

Louis dining chairs - I need 4 for my dining room. This bare wood/linen combo would actually be perfect.

$175 a piece on Austin's Craig's List

This dresser would have been perfect as the changing table in our nursery (per our original inspiration!)

$250 on Burbank's Craig's List

...and no, I don't have any idea how I would get all this stuff to me. But I do know that I'm well on my way to staring in the next season of Hoarders with this website!

I want

this coat rack designed by South African artist Heath Nash of colored phone wire.

Via Complete Pad

But NOT for $440. Sadness :(

This picture

Makes me want to up and move to California immediately. The agave (?) symmetry pulls you in, that pink doors dares you not to look at what's beyond. And what's beyond? Of course a perfect California courtyard. I believe I spy a fabulous gazebo in the distance.

Moroccan Poufs...it's a problem

As in, I can't stop thinking about the perfect, plump little ball of color with just the right contrasting stitching. And of course the internet is more than happy to oblige with image upon image of the little beauties in some gorgeous rooms.









This image started my obsession with these colorful balls and I believe I have reached the end of the internet in my search for affordable (under $100) but stylish color options. My findings? Mixed. There are lots of options for authenticity...that's really not the problem. But finding the just right balance between too ethnic and Elle Decor appropriate styling is tough on a budget.

Favorite splurge options include John Derian and Tazi Designs for great colors and sizes. Lower cost options can be found at Fine-Crafts.com and eBay.

Sigh...so I want this:



But am trying to compromise and get this:



Note the $162 dollar different...a piece! (did I mention I want 2?). Same? Or too much of a compromise?

Chiang Mai Dragon

I have almost 2 yards of this fabric. And endless ideas for what I could do with it to make my surroundings instantly more fabulous. The problem? Anytime I get close to it with scissors, I almost break out in hives. Performance anxiety? Or am I just paralyzed by the thought of taking scissors to a $200/yd fabric (note: I got mine on eBay but still!).

There is no shortage of inspiration on the interwebs for how savvy ladies are using this fabric. They all look amazing, but I still haven't landed on the "the one" idea that will allow this gorgeous pattern and color combo to shine.

via Absolutely Beautiful Things

via Sweet Nothings

via The Desk of Annie

via Isuwannee

via Little Green Notebook

With a dog and soon to be baby in the house, I'm starting to think using my Chiang Mai on a surface that neither of those buggers can touch might be the way to go. Daisy enjoys rubbing her fresh-from-the-dog-bowl-face on ottomans and couch edges. Babies seem fond of crawling up on them with their goldfish cracker hands. A chair will suffer the same fate and, *gasp* get sat on! Though look closely at those dining chairs above...they appear to be vinyl covered to protect them. Hmm...this could be a solution. Then of course there's the part of me that says "it's just fabric" and "let's put it somewhere we can enjoy it and live with it everyday".

via Elements of Style

I am loving this Chiang Mai bulletin board via Elements of Style. Maybe it's the downright utilitarian use of such a lux fabric that intrigues me? Or the fact that it almost looks like a work of art on the wall.

Am I putting too much emphasis on finding "the right place" and hence it will continue to live in a neatly folded pile in my office? Probably. This seems to be what I do. Hence I have blank walls and lots of stuff but no fully decorated rooms?

I have convinced myself that the perfect spot for this fabric would be on a re-upholstered pair of x-base benches. I could tuck them under a console table for just a dash of color and extra occasional seating when I need it. Now I just need the benches!

The arguement for dormers

I am a bad blogger. I know this. I have neglected you. But I have the best intentions I swear. It's just things have gotten a little crazy recently.

As you can imagine, there is lots to do in the way of feathering our nest with this new arrival. Hopefully I will find my blogging mojo and keep you all filled in here. In the meantime, I'll continue to post random pictures of things I'm obsessed with.

Such as


Sadly I have no idea where I found this picture. But I do know that I love it. Lots. And if I ever find myself in a quaint New England Cape with dormers upstairs, this will be mine.

I WANT: Vintage bus stop sign

In my other, much more glamorous life, I am an urban dweller, living in a converted Leather District loft in Boston. And in that life, this vintage bus route sign would look amazing against a white, modern backdrop.

Sadly, it's been sold. Even more sadly, it was like $400. Um...yea...no.

My ever resourceful brother made an annoyingly keen observation. If I can just get over the coolness of having it be an actual piece of urban memorabilia from the city I love, this seems like it would be a fairly easy DIY project with Adobe Illustrator + large format printer.

I WANT: X base stools

{Image: Little Green Notebook}


{Image: More Ways to Waste Time}




{Image: More Ways to Waste Time}