September Resolutions

My shopping spree didn't go all that well in New York, so I splurged and bought a new flatscreen television and a Breville Juicer. Now I get to rework my gallery wall, buy a few new prints, and gold leaf some frames. I'll also be heading to the Farmer's Market to stock up on end of summer produce and get juicing.

Do you feel inspired with the pending season change?

August Resolutions

It's finally August and I can't wait to go to the US Open. To distract myself until the end of the month, I thought it might be nice to do a few projects like hanging hooks by my entry, printing a large scale photo on Kinko's large format blueprint printer, and maybe get started meditating with this 28-day meditation program from Yoga Journal. I also have a pretty hefty budget for some SoHo shopping, but I'll have to let you know how successful I am in the overwhelmingly busy stores of NYC!

Do you have any exciting plans for August?

July Resolutions

It's hard to believe the year is already halfway over, but (glass half full) we still have six months, right? I'm going to try to take my yoga practice to the next level and take some classes at the Avenues Yoga studio. I think it will be nice to get a different perspective and to meet new people.

My Poppin order is arriving Thursday to get my office in tip-top shape and I'm hoping to make that space a little more inspirational and inviting. The best project is always the one you are starting next, so I'd like to try my hand at DIY concrete planters and these apparently amazing raised waffles.

Any fun projects, or interests you are hoping to further, for the next half of the year?

It's Friday!

It's been a long two weeks of the Australian Open, the 18-hour time difference is a killer.  But the final is this weekend and it's going to be a little anticlimactic, unless Federer can keep it up after his five-setter with Tsonga.  I also might take a quick trip out to IKEA on Sunday, Rast hack anyone?
Here are a few links from the week:

'Beautiful' playlist on 8tracks

I'm also planning to make this DIY Sugar Lip Scrub

These Irish Coffee Ice Pops are gorgeous

Love this video with children's book author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers

20% off sale at Good Night, Day

A mini-guide to quickly pickled veggies

(love this wedding)

Jessica Decker + Kollabora Giant Cross-Stitch

How great are these giant cross-stitch kits from Jessica Decker + Kollabora?  They would add a quick and easy graphic art piece to any wall.  The giant anchor is fantastic.

Anchors Away

Deer in Headlights

via Swiss Miss

DIY: Tassel Garland

I've been a little obsessed with these tissue paper tassel garlands.  I already have some leftover patterned tissue paper in oranges and reds ready to go for this weekend project.  It's such a fun way to add color and whimsy to any space.

(via Linen, Lace, & Love) 

(via Design & Form)

Purlbee: Nautical Needlepoint Coasters

Loving these needlepoint coasters, the nautical flags are divine.  They also included a chart of all the nautical flags and their alphabet counterparts, very fun.

(Purlbee: Laura's Loop Nautical Needlepoint Coasters)

Interior Inspiration: Wallpaper Panels

Using wallpaper as panels is a quick way to add color and personality to a space without committing to wallpaper paste.  It's also great for renters because you can easily take it with you.  (Jenny Komenda of Little Green Notebook has a great tutorial for mounting wallpaper panels with acrylic.)

This is also a great excuse to go to a local wallpaper supplier and check out their remnants.

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P.S. You can find some of my favorite wallpaper sources here.

Secret Holiday & Co.

For some reason, I've been thinking a lot about quilting lately.  These 'little quilts' from Ashley of Secret Holiday & Co. are bold, geometric, and youthful in all the right ways.

via Size Too Small

Divine Interiors: Quilt

I love this quilt from The Purl Bee.  It's simple, graphic, and modern.

The Purl Bee Wedding Quilt

Interior Inspiration: Yellow Doors

There is something to be said for the pop of interest allowed by painted doors, whether it is a crisp white, moody black, or a lively yellow.  It's a fun way to add color and personality to any space.

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Interior Inspiration: Pot Racks

Pot racks add a lived-in charm to kitchens.  I love that they are practical, but can also add a sense of fun and whimsy to a working kitchen.

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Interior Inspiration: Gallery Walls

Gallery walls are a great way to add personality to the space.  They are also a great way to show eclectic art collections and add dimension to the room.

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Interior Inspiration: Painted Stripes

I love painting stripes or a chevron on a wall.  It add dimension to the space for only the cost of a can of paint.  It can be as fancy as an intricate chevron pattern or as simple as bold stripes, but it always adds a dose of personality to any space.

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Tutorials: Herringbone Pattern, Chevron Stripes

DIY: Glass Succulent Planters

These succulent planters are made from wine bottles.  You just cut the bottle and use a dremel to soften the edge.  What a great idea.

Wool and the Gang

These knitting kits from Wool and the Gang are so cool.  I've been teaching myself to knit and these kits come with everything, the yarn, needles, pattern, etc.  What a fantastic (albeit expensive) way to practice a bigger project, like a sweater, or to learn new stitches.

 Lacey Sissi Scarf Kit

Stripy Coco Mariniere Kit