me, myself and I.

I've heard models remark that modeling is a tough job.

Standing in front of a camera all day...tough?

I get it now.

My very talented friend is one amazing photographer. She was very patient with me as I tried to pull off "cool" without it looking forced, "calm" without feeling terribly self-concious, "collected" without looking nervous.

(Images courtesy of Wondertime Photo).

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Holiday Christmas Card.

(Images courtesy of Wondertime Photo).

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December events.

Preschool Christmas party:

Does the idea of a gospel preaching frog seem weird to you? These two boys thought so too.

He is now an official Camo Belt.

1st time mowing the lawn himself.



After one long year, these yummies finally ripened.

My hands itched for an hour after I peeled one.

Is that normal?

These two discovered how cool dry ice can be.



I've been busy working on my 4:20 and other projects.

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estate sale stalking.

My favorite Thursday morning ritual of checking out the new postings for the weekend estate sales left me brimming with envy. Sadly, with my garage is stuffed with four chairs, a dresser and a coffee table so I've banned myself from taking in anymore furniture (rather my husband has put the nix on anymore furniture until he can bring his car back in the garage). I can still stalk and dream.

Just love this frame. So many possibilities...spray the frame, take out the picture, make a chalk or jewelry board. It is even lovely enough to leave it as is - now that's a new concept.

The lines on the sofa are gorgeous. Usually old furniture screams "RE-UPHOLSTER ME!" but this baby is actually quite lovely as is.

I first passed up this table but I keep coming back to it. Equestrian is all the rage these days. I think it would look dynamite in a super sophisticated space. It would be that one eclectic piece that just makes the space great because it's unpredictable.
Love these dining chairs! Paint and re-upholster please.

How about that sideboard hiding in the back? Great, right?!

Oh, that French chair in the corner! I've been wanting to get my hands on one of these for a while. I'm also really drawn to the gold ottoman.

Check out sale details here.

Someone is going to make some fabulous scores this weekend. Wish it were me!

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paperclip chandeliers.

I'm always on the lookout for cool DIY projects and I've found one that tops em all. Check out these chandeliers. They're made of paperclips...PAPERCLIPS! Who woulda thunk it? Penelope Bridge of ReDesign Technologies Environmental Art and Design - THAT'S WHO! She sells them in her Etsy Store and describes her style as urban rustic. If you're really ambitious you can even purchase the instructions to make one yourself. However, she warns, "not a project for the impatient." I'm seriously tempted to attempt one.

Go here for a chance to win one her amazing pieces (along with many other items by other talented Etsy shop owners).

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Christmas gifts.

I grew up in a cult-de-sac where every family was like the Cleavers. Neighbors planted flowers in the summer, hung Christmas lights in the winter, borrowed a cup of sugar when it was needed, etc. There was a long standing tradition that neighborly gifts were given during the holidays without fail. Things such as fine bottles of honey, freshly baked cookies, homemade truffles were a sampling of expected gifts.

It was always cute to see my single dad try and come up with something "lovely" to give the neighbors each Christmas. My favorite year was when he and I walked a box of Carmel Corn (from the mall) to each family. It was "yum" mixed with a bit of bachelor. Great memories.

Each year I've tried hard to keep up the tradition of neighborly gift giving, however, I can hardly say they've all been lovely.

Here's my plan this year:

Plate found at thrift stores + ...

Candlestick holders found at thrift stores + ...

Epoxy =

Merry Christmas neighbor...sorry for running over your trash can the other day.

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all I want for Christmas is...

As many of you know, I'm enamored with the idea that good design doesn't have to cost a fortune. I just love when second-hand furniture and clever people come together to produce magic.

I spied these chairs on Craigslist for $25.00 each. It took all my strength not to pick up the phone and buy them from the seller on the spot. Some new cushions and they'd be dynamite. Reminded me a lot of Joi's chairs from Nuestra Vida Dulce.

Speaking of Joi, have you seen her blog? This girl speaks my language.
Check out her living room.

She has serious vision when it comes to the potential of furniture. A lot of her furniture picks are pieces my grandma may have had in her living room.

Before.


After.

This ain't yo gramma's living room!

How about those ceiling medallions?...Genius.

Coffee table...$20.00 yard sale find.

Trellis pillows...sheets from Homegoods.

End table...$20.00 Craigslist makeover.

Her kitchen before.

After:


My favorite of all is a feature she does called, "What's Good in Your Hood?" She picks a reader's city and scours Craigslist for the best scores. She is to Craiglist what Eddie Ross is to flea markets.

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today was a good day.

My sweet brother and sister in-law welcomed baby Oakland in to the world today.

This was an especially triumphant occasion for them because a little over a year ago they lost their first baby. Two days before baby Mac was due, Cali went in for a routine check-up and doctors were unable to find Baby Mac's heartbeat. You can see his story here.

Congratulations Josh and Cali. We can't wait to meet Oakland!

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