New E-zine from Design for Mankind

I've been away from my computer, so I haven't read any blogs today. I'm sure I am not the only one with a post about Design For Mankind's new e-zine. I thought I would post my favorite pictures anyway. This month's theme is "Inspiration in the Unexpected". I love this theme and seeing what others find inspirational. I especially like these three photos, but my favorite is the ghost with the balloons. It is a bit disconcerting, but it also makes me chuckle. It was inspired by a recurring nightmare. The photographer recreated as an attempt to confront it, and because it was such an amazing image. Talk about facing your fears.

Eye Catching.

Now I keep noticing patterned tile wall treatments, after seeing the kitchen blacksplash in "My Dream Home". I think the look is so exciting! I guess you could call me a design nerd. Oh well, what can I say. The top picture is from a blog I just found called Decor Fellow. It is a restaurant in Santa Barbara designed by Michael S. Smith.

The second picture is not actually tile, but a wallpaper. This is a great idea for a quick change or a less expensive option. Now, I don't know how long it would hold up as a backsplash. I would consider looking for a nice pattern in a commercial grade paper. They are a little better suited for a kitchen. I found this on Ninainvorm's flickr site.

My Dream Home This Week: San Miguel Retreat.

Happy Monday again! Today is a gorgeous day in Houston. We had a "cold front" come through, which means the air is crisp and fresh. If anyone has ever traveled here, you know crisp air is not easy to come by. The cool breezes remind me of trips I have taken to central Mexico, and make me wish I could go back. I've traveled to Mexico City and Guadalajara, and dream of visiting San Miguel de Allende. Recently, I have noticed more and more articles written about San Miguel as more people discover its beauty. Having said all that, I am enamored with this home in San Miguel that was remodeled by Bosworth Hoedemaker Architects.

The original structure consists of two rooms built right off the cobblestone streets. From there, a central courtyard and additional rooms were added on to the back and top of the rooms. The additions are very new, but they still maintain the tradition of the 18th century structure. I love this home because it reaches me deeply. My family is originally from Mexico, but I was born and raised in the U.S. When I was about 11 yrs. old, my sister and I traveled to Monterrey to visit some distant relatives. Although, Mexico is such a different place; I felt right at home. The vastly different way of living, really touched my soul. I have always thought, that if I had enough money, I would live there at least part time.
The tile bathrooms and kitchen are so amazing. I love the blue and white back splash. It is a traditional detail, but it still looks modern and fresh. So, anyone care to meet me there?

Summer Shopping in Seattle - Gucci & Tory Burch

   Tory Burch Cork flats                                       Gucci catch all                    Moroccan Influenced Caftans

                   

Tory Burch cute take on sneakers                     The season much have- cropped white pants

 

 

White is hot - Tory Burch coat & Gucci purse

  

                                                                Nautical influence on Tory Burch Flats

 

  Eli Tahari  - beautifully detailed                   Tory Burch Wedge

Goodbye to Color Week(s)

Although I have been inspired by color the last couple of weeks, I am saying goodbye to color week for now. I thought a great way to finish it is with these beautiful photos from stylist Hillery Rebeka Sproatt . Time for a brand new week!

Installations Antiques.

I know along the way, I have mentioned how much I love Installations Antiques. I stopped by yesterday, and found out they are having a "Garden Weekend", this week. It starts Thursday (May 1st) evening with a special preview at 6:00. For anyone who has missed out on seeing this great place, this would be a great time to go. Click (here) for more info.

A Houston Girl Comes For a Visit, and I Get a Rude Welcoming.

From Left to Right: Ronda (All the Best), Courtney (Inside the Loop), Joni (Cote de Texas), Paloma (La Dolce Vita)

Last night I got together with some of my Houston blog friends to welcome Ronda of "All the Best". Many of you may be familiar with her amazing blog, but may not know that she is originally from Houston. Ronda currently lives in Scotland, but makes an occasional visit home for some Texas sunshine and heat. We had a lot of fun swapping stories and sharing about our future plans. (Everyone had very interesting plans for the future). Ronda is very intelligent and charming, and I was so excited to meet her. The first question on my mind was, "Does she have a Texas accent or a Scottish one?" I was hoping for some new hybrid accent, but her accent is still quite Texas. I think we all felt right at home together. If you are wondering, I'm the the one on the left in the picture below....yeah, yeah, the "Four Eyes".

So, about the rude welcoming. It was not from the lovely ladies at dinner, but at my own house. I got home and as soon as I opened the door, I see my husband in the entry way with crossed arms and an angry look. I look around and there is no Liam to be found. "What happened?", I said. "We went on a tirade", Mark says. I take a couple of steps forward and see my sofa with black markings on the arm. "Oh no!", and then I see my little side table that had an alabaster top ,with no more top. There was only a sad little metal base sitting there. "How did this happen?", I asked. Mark said, "I dozed off for a bit while watching t.v." I couldn't believe what I was seeing, I mean I was gone for 3hrs, tops! "Oh, he wrote on the wood floor too," Mark said. While Mark was napping, Liam found a nice little Sharpie (black, of course) and proceeded to write on whatever he came across. Along the way tipping over my table and breaking the top into several pieces. I'm not even certain how that happened. Needless to say, Mark was pretty steamed and had already put Liam to bed. Of course as I walk down the hall, there is Liam peeking out of his door and comes running out when he sees me. I asked him if he wrote all over the furniture, and he said "I'm sorry Mama, it was an atsident" (his version of accident), " I love you Mama". I know he was trying to charm me, but I also know he felt bad. I gave him a speech about taking care of our things and so on and then sent him to bed. The funny thing is that bed time is usually a struggle, but last night he went right to bed without hesitation.

So, as far as I know there is no way to remove black marker from chenille fabric, right? I guess I will be coming up with some kind of arm covers. TODDLERS!

Sensual Color

Happy Friday, everyone! I am going to keep this post short, because I woke up with the world's worst migraine! As soon as I can look at the monitor a little longer, I will post pictures of a fun get-together I went to last night :)
I couldn't resist showing off these beautiful pictures. It is a British home that consists of my favorite color palette. I am drawn to the chocolate and red tones in the wood combined with creamy tones and varying shades of purple. I've always found these colors very sensual.

The bright settee gives the room a jolt of life. I also love the jewel tone, purple chair. The fabric looks like it might be velvet or mohair. I love either fabric, because the color becomes multi-dimensional. I found these images via Desire to Inspire.

Modern Color With Traditional Touches.

I'm salivating over these photos. This is a wonderful example of combining modern color and details with traditional furniture. I think many people think "modern" is cold and impersonal or bright and harsh. I love that this house shows that modern and traditional can live together and make a very comfortable home.

This home was designed by Woodson and Rummerfield. This designer duo is definately a new favorite of mine.

Great Ebay Finds.

I really enjoy reading Joanna Goddard's blog, Cup of Jo. She always posts beautiful photos and interesting articles. I really enjoy her style. She is selling some of her personal items on Ebay, and true to her style...they are very cool. My favorite pieces are the postcards and charming dress. Ahh, to be an "Xtra Small".

Colorful Table Runners.

These fun table runners are from a Santa Monica store called Huset. They are dedicated to bringing Scandinavian design to the U.S. I have to say, I am not very big on using table runners; but these are too good to pass up. The vintage Swedish patterns are great for adding color to a room.

I'm Back

I have been frantically trying to stay afloat.....that means I have been doing the proverbial juggling act of a circus acrobat.  When that happens in life some things have to give and that happened to be my daily Blog Postings.  Thanks to all of you who missed me and expressed your concern as to my whereabouts. I was in my office, and out and about town(s) - Vancouver and Seattle, creating and designing for 3 new clients.  The dynamics of the creative process is a very nebulous thing for me.  It happens in a vacuum of frenzied momentum and somewhat wondrous, and at times, inexplicable flashes.  So now that things are settling back to normal (not that I have that word in my vocabulary) I will be eagerly posting on my current inspirations.....Ready, Set, Go..........

"Color Week" Continues.

I enjoyed "Color Week" so much, I decided to continue it. I ran out of time, and didn't post everything I wanted. Here a few pictures I took over the weekend.

I'm Back and Feeling Fabulous...

Hi everyone, I'm back. I took a short trip with my family and got some rest. I didn't even come close to a computer for several days! I would like to thank everyone for the very nice comments. I didn't mean to sound depressed...just a little tired and stressed. I just wanted to say that everyone's comments really mean a lot to me. I was happy to come back and see this lovely photo on Coco Kelley's blog. It is by Slim AArons and one of my favorite photos ever. Slim Aaron made a name for himself by photographing some of the world's most fabulous people. I decided to take the lead from Cassandra and post a few more of my favorite Aarons photos.

Dolores del Rio in Acapulco.

The very fabulous Truman Capote.
I'm not certain who this is, but if she can work a monocle; I LIKE her! Maybe I need a monocle?