Dallas Holiday

Hello! I'm working away, trying to get everything done in a short week; just like most of you are. Although, not totally certain; I think we may be traveling to Dallas for the weekend. I really hope we do because I LOVE Dallas shopping:) In order to find the best sites, I like to check out Style Swoon for great hints. Check it out. Its a great blog! Anyway, I saw an article about a shop called North Star Antiques. This place is going at the top of my list to see.

(Photos via Style Swoon)

(Photos via North Star Antiques website)
I'm just hoping they are open Thanksgiving weekend. Please, please be open!!!!!

Goodbye To Tired Holiday Decor!

As the holidays approach I usually write about my dislike of boring decorating ideas. I never understand why so many of us can't let go of "Grandma's decorating" ideas when it comes to Christmas! As it turns out, the folks at Found feel the same way and they (unlike me) decided to do something about it. Tuesday evening they are opening their doors and sharing lots of fresh and stylish decorating ideas.

Great tip: Use fresh greenery! It has a wonderful aroma and looks amazing in any home.

When it comes down to it, what bothers me about most holiday decorating is its garishness. You know, most of us would never consider living with tacky, shiny objects on a regular basis; but we don't give it a second thought at Christmas time. Why? Subtlety, can be so much more beautiful. Also, subtle doesn't have to mean boring. It can be very unique and charming.

Don't you love this color!!

Okay, I admit I can be a bit of a Scrooge. Fortunately, even Found's lumps of coal come in a charming package. Ha, Ha!
Here's some more info. Maybe I'll see some of you there:)

The Cool Room

I'm feeling inspired by an Australian furniture store called "The Cool Room".
This is a guy after my own heart. He started collecting quirky and unique
objects since childhood and now shares them with the world.

This reminds me of being a kid and begging my mom to buy vintage jewelry and 1950's dinette sets.
Not that she usually listened to me, except for the jewelry. I collected vintage earrings, rings, and
necklaces that I would wear while still in elementary school. The funny thing is, to this day;
my jewelry is collected in the exact same manner!

Happiness

So, Friday afternoon we decided to drive to Austin at the last minute. Many of you may know that my husband and I make Austin trips on a regular basis. I do a lot of wondering around whenever I'm there, so I kind of assumed I was familiar w/ most of the shopping sites...but I discovered I was wrong! (I get so excited when I find new places to shop). Driving down South 1st, I discovered a group of shops called Happiness. There isn't an easy way to describe it. It sits behind a couple of funky vintage clothing stores. You kind of have to know where it is, because its hard to see. Basically, its a collection of tiny sheds. They are centered around a tree-lined courtyard and are filled the works of various artists. The little sheds feature different types of art and handmade objects. My favorite pieces were the creative planters. Happiness really lives up to its name; I forgot about all my troubles and became absorbed in the bohemian atmosphere.

Quiet Please...

I am not a morning person.
I do not like losing an extra hour in the morning, they are tough enough. As you can see, I am sort of grouchy today and need a quiet place to collect my thoughts. I had a fun weekend, and want to write about it, but that will have to wait till later.
Now, where's my coffee?

Good Times

Last week I had several opportunities for great shopping.
In fact, there were so many, I had to turn down a few events. First was the debut of
Barbara Hill's accessory line @ Found for the Home. It was a great deal of fun, and
there was a great turn-out. Barbara's furnishings were so witty and unique, they were a big hit.

BTW, I spoke to Barbara and told her I knew from my coffee shop.
Fortunately, I could tell she didn't remember me from the "Love your hair" comment.
So I guess that's a good thing;). Check out my Flickr site, there are many more photos of the nights events.
Also, I met a great artist named Mary Beth Woiccak. Her work is amazing, check it out here.

One event down, next was the return of the Urban Market. It was an incredibly beautiful day, and I basked in all the rusty and worn pieces. (Makes me feel at home). More photos here.

I'm Tired, I'm Stressed...Only Junking Will Help.

Junking is a real term right? If not, I'm sure you all know what I mean.
Its the act of searching through and hunting for junk!! I have yet to figure out why I love it so much, but it does my soul good:)
Many of you may have noticed that I have been slow on posting lately. I have to admit that my work has been taking all my time and energy.
I'm struggling w/ feeling any amount of creativity or inspiration.

I know, "Boo hoo".
Over the weekend we had a few rare child free hours. (Thanks to my lovely sister and brother-in-law)
So I took the time to hit some "antique" stores, to relieve some stress.
Some of my favorite Houston haunts are located along several blocks of Westheimer.
Finding so many hidden gems made me very happy. Here are a few of my favorite finds.

This is such a cool Valentine's themed window display!

Of course I must include chairs.

I feel a little better, now. Aahhh.

Peeping Tom.

Earlier in the week I mentioned I would share a look into some personal spaces. Here is the first. This is the home of Luise Helm of Berlin, otherwise known as Allerleirau; on her Flickr site. I wanted to show this personal space, because it has such attention to detail. I really love the fun little vignettes spread throughout the house, and I especially love her collection of old photos. The photo of the girl w/ the unknown person in a bear costume is hilarious. I would love to see that every morning:)

The stairs have such amazing details. They like an art installation.

Another great idea is the wire basket hung on the wall. Great storage and stylish too.

Oh, The Other Carolina!!

I say this jokingly of course. This article is about Carolina Herrera Jr...pas moi.
This apartment is so wonderful with all of its beautiful color and pattern.
Funny enough, I think my favorite part is the found blackboard,
Carolina uses to collect photos and notes.

Those of you who read regularly, know I'm not big on too many patterns,
but I am fascinated with this bedroom!
What don't I like about this article? Now I feel like the frumpiest Carolina around:(