Excuse My Mommy Moment

Okay, I'm breaking out the proud mommy on this one. I was reading Shutter Sisters and found a site called Picasion.com. Its a super simple way of making GIF's from your photos, which is something I've wanted to do; but have been too lazy to learn. Now, I don't have to learn! Hooray!!

I took this series of photos, quite some time ago but thought they would be great as a GIF. I realize that here in America its the middle of winter and I'm posting photos of Liam running through a sprinkler. Hey, maybe it will make you "think" warm.

A Few Words Of Thanks.

Saint Cecilia Hotel (Photo by Carolina)

I had to sneak in another post to say thanks. First, I wanted to point out my beautiful new banner. I'm so excited about it!! A couple of months ago, I took down my old banner; because it didn't suite me anymore. Finally, I found something that represents me now. I want to thank one of my dearest friends, Sara Reeves of Pumpernickel Ink for her great work. How she managed to make sense of my ramblings, I'll never know!

Second, a quick thanks to Furnish.co.uk for including me on their favorite blog round-up . I still feel surprised and excited when I'm included in these lists with blogs that are so fabulous!

Shopping Off The Beaten Path

Hello everyone! I'm so excited to share the goodies I found this past weekend. As I mentioned yesterday, I spent a weekend in Dallas, wandering and finding new and interesting things. Perhaps my favorite find was the shops of the lower Greenville area, along Henderson ave. They are a funky mix of vintage furniture and decorative accessories sourced from independent designers. They are so fresh! In fact, most of these shops have been in business less than two years.   

 Our first stop was Sputnik Modern. Although, not a large shop; its packed with very cool and original mid-century furnishings. Ahh, heaven for a vintage lover like me:) I think I loved most, the collection of leather chairs. Beautiful!

 I wish I could move in here. I'm sure they wouldn't mind, right?

 If, Sputnik does not have enough mod furniture for you; go across the street to their second shop called Form. Also, both of these stores can be found on 1st Dibs.

Next, we stopped at a very unique jewelry boutique called; The Shining.  All the intriguing pieces sold here are designed by independent jewelry designers. If you gotta have jewelry like no one else, this is your place. I would have liked to have taken everything there home with me.

 The showroom is very minimal and mostly white, but very welcoming.  Everything in it has such a beautiful texture.

 I'm crazy about these rings! Check out The Shining's blog, too

Finally, we stopped at We Are 1976. 

This is such a fun store! Its like taking everything that's great about Etsy and placing it in your favorite corner store. Again, the pieces here are made by smaller independent designers from around the world. There's more cool things in this place than I have time to describe.

If you are out "last minute" Christmas shopping, this is a great place to find unique gifts at great prices. P.S. be sure and stop at The Pearl Cup Espresso bar for a very delicious cup of coffee. Trust me, you won't regret it.

The Curious Vignette

(Maxime Clair)

I finally did something I've wanted to do for quite a while. I started my own Flickr group! Its been on my mind for a long time, but I couldn't decide what the theme should be. Finally, this week it hit me, how about photos of unusual vignettes! As is often the case, I thought of this for myself first. I wanted a group for the many photos I take of "curious" moments. So I'm inviting all of you who like to preserve these types of configurations to check out my group and maybe join it! (Here)

(Yataro1)

(Carolina Eclectic)

(Kaylovesvintage)

I'm Making Big Changes!

So we have finally made the decision to move। In fact, school districts have forced us into the decision, but I don't care because I've been ready for a change!! So, currently I am in the process of preparing the house to put on the market and to somehow de-personalize my very, VERY personal space. Wish me luck!

Moving Right Along

This week marks Liam's 5th birthday! I'm having trouble adjusting to not having a "baby" around, anymore. He's growing and changing so much. Thanks to Grandma, he now has his own car to drive. Yikes! This things is so big, it needs its own garage. Thanks Mom, I think.
Speaking of growing up, at his birthday party I saw him holding hands with one of his little girl friends! Yes! For a second I thought I saw my life flashing in front of me...my baby!!!! Just last week he told me he was "in love" with a different little girl. Help me, Lord!

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:)

Finally Recovering From The Market!

Wow, I'm finally back!
Its taken a few days to recover from the market. Not that I was exhausted so much, but getting my house back in order again! Yikes!!! Never mind the amount of things I put off last week that are now catching up to me this week. Thankfully, I can say that we still had a great time:)

As usual, there was an array of amazing objects everywhere. When I arrived early Sunday morning, I made the decision to only allow myself to buy things after I had sold some of my own. Also, I couldn't spend more than I made. That would not have gone over well with Mark, trust me.

The funny thing about the market is that now its a place to catch up w/ friends and acquaintances. I had a chance to run into fellow bloggers, favorite shop owners, and readers! It was great fun. Above, are photos of Cheryl Schulke's (Stash Studios) amazing handmade bags. They really more awesome than a photo can capture. As the bloggers who stopped by to show some love, I want to say thanks to the ladies of La Dolce Vita, What Would Jane Austen Do?, and Under A Paper Moon. I'm not forgetting anyone, am I? After a while, Sunday became a bit of a blur. Even my tireless 4 year old had to take an occasional break!

I had the amazing pleasure of sharing my space with several wonderful (and much better prepared) ladies. (Except I don't know blond lady in the middle. Oh well, it was like a big ole' party) Maura (on the right) thanks for all your help, and Mark said, "Thanks for the wine!"

I love the idea of an "Industrial Christmas!"

Don't ask me what these wire bowl type things are for, but I do love their shape.

Cool or creepy? Haven't quite decided yet.

I even had a chance to hang out with Mary of The Fabulous Flea. Some of you may remember and article I wrote about her shop here. P.S. if you want to see more of her amazing finds, The Fab Flea will be open tomorrow; (11/12) so check it out.
Finally, I want to thank all of you readers who stopped by and introduced yourselves. Its such a pleasure to meet you and I'm so grateful to know that you regularly take the time to read this blog:)