Oh, my darling

My Darling Clementine has a great collection of Christmas cards this season. I love the bold colors and imagery while still feeling overtly festive and joyful. A perfect twist on the traditional images of the season. And it comes in wrapping paper!

They also designed a seasonal "treat" as they call it for the Tate Gallery in London as part of their Designer Christmas Cards range. You can check the special editions out online at the Tate shop.

Check out their website to see a range of their designs - for Christmas and beyond.

Thoughts on a Thursday

Just a beautiful image since I couldn't gather much more today. I love a bold, bright piece in an other wise neutral space.

Spruce in a Bottle

I have a deep love for terrariums in all forms. These sweet ornaments from Etsy seller One Gift One World are the perfect Christmas adaptation, and the added hint of spruce essential oil is a perfect touch to fill all your senses. While these are sold out on her Etsy site, she has a series of other beautiful items that would make a perfect handmade gift for friends and co-workers. Plus, there is the added bonus that a portion of her proceeds go to charity! An all around giving win.

Image from One Gift One World.

Deck the Halls

The Martha Stewart craft fair had some wonderful vendors, and I'm looking forward to posting more about them! I am getting those together and will post in the coming days and weeks.

This past weekend I got all the Christmas put up in the apartment and finished some simple, handmade decorations--all of which make me smile when I get home in the evenings. (I will post those here at some point as well.) But, in the meantime, I've found some inspiring Etsy items for Christmas decorations that I will be sure to file away for next year - and get a better headstart on the decorating front!

Above is one of my favorites from Etsy seller Bookity, a beautiful Shakespearian garland. It would look magical draped over a mantle or a thick Christmas tree with little twinkling lights. I love the scale of the pendants and the detail of the grommet at the top. Simple and lovely.

Image via Bookity.

48 hours and counting

The Martha Stewart holiday craft fair is open to the public this year! The countdown has begun and my comfy shoes are ready. I am excited to see the creativity and vision of so many talented people. I will report back on some inspiring finds.

Collecting Memories

I've been pondering the idea of collections and memory these days - the beauty of items gathered and how they relate to each other and ourselves. I love the idea of how adding to and editing a collection changes the whole, a constant evolution.

Image from Skona Hem

swing time!

How fun!  A swing in the courtyard of the home--what a lovely and whimsical addition.

Lucy, Lucy my sweet

So, finally!  The update I owed on the new pup!  

Look at that face.  I am totally smitten.  Lucy has adjusted well to home, but is still getting used to the sights and sounds of Brooklyn.  But she is a brave soul and ventures on (half walking/half carrying).  However, this does not include going to the bathroom outdoors quite yet.  Progress is slow but sure on that front.  She has officially claimed the apartment as her own and enjoys hopping back and forth through the den with her baby lion cub toy (so cute!).  Lucy is also an award winning snuggler and is always up for an episode of Twin Peaks (I'm on episode 12 of season 2).  

She has totally won my heart.

Open Shelving

There is something I simply love about open shelving in the kitchen.  Well, that is if it can stay organized and clutter-free!

I love the easy access open shelving provides and the way it encourages you to use what you have.  It's amazing how much you can do with a few select pieces.  I enjoy the simple idea of being able to quickly grab a couple of wine glasses when a friend pops in unexpectedly.  There is an element of openness (literal and figurative) that invites guests into your space and your life.  Perhaps that is what I love so much about them.

Shine on.

Lovely.

Puppy!

So, it's official!  I will be the proud mother of a sweet little terrier mix puppy in less than 24 hours!  (No, that is not the dog in the picture.)  And the name is still undecided...but there will certainly be running updates on her and all her antics.  Ah, I am so excited!

I have been culling through etsy and various design stores picking out the best for my new little addition.  The sheer amount is overwhelming!  For now, I just picked up the basics to get by until I know exactly what I want.  But above is some inspiration for a perfect springtime pup.

Above clockwise- dog bowl via etsy, octopus play toy via The Modern Dog, polka dot dog collars via The Modern Pet, and the eicrate via www.gopetdesign.com

Layers

A small reminder of the simple things that delight me.

Simple Reminders

I love the bold simplicity (and message) of this poster by Nick Dewar as part of ReadyMade's Dec/Jan issue featuring poster illustrations that depict our current economic times inspired by populist art from the Great Depression era.

This does a beautiful job of capturing the beauty and joy in the simple things, not to mention my love of the typography and color palette he uses. 

helping hand

I am working from home this morning while I wait for the plumber to arrive and get set-up.  This image has been in a folder on my computer for some time, and recently I've been reminded of how much I need my close friends to bring me back into myself.  And this image is a small visual reminder for me.

image via vi.sualize.us

Spring Cleaning

My landlord is updating my bathroom this week and this has me dreaming of beautiful baths.  While by no means can my sweet little bathing room hold anything more than the typical items, I can't help but day dream of soaking in one of these bright and relaxing spaces.

The snow is gone

I am loving vibrant yellow these days.  It might be that I'm ready for the spring and the accompanying sunshine, but either way a blast of bright yellow adds depth and interest that captures the imagination.