Northern Delights

And oh, are they a delight! I love Scandinavian design.

This book in now at the top of my Christmas list. I love these images already. Right up my alley - simple, clean, minimalist, nature-inspired.

Sorry the images are so small. The book is coming from overseas and doesn't seem wildly popular here yet. Here's a quick write up:

"Northern Delights reveals why hardly any other interior or product design is so timeless, so functional, so aesthetic, and of such high quality as that of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. The book’s stunning selection of Scandinavian design ranges from individual products to skillfully staged living spaces. Although it also presents iconic designs, the book focuses on the work of young talents who are consciously building upon local sustainable design traditions and further developing them in a way that is consistent, intelligent, and reflects an unerring sense of style."

I underlined an important part of this passage. Local sustainable design. So important. I am trying to weave these words into my design approach as much as possible. Still exploring how to truly do this but I am just glad it's a concept that's becoming popular.

What about you? What's on the top of your Christmas list?

Just what we've been waiting for...

The Eyn. iphone storage case. $29.95

This is fantastic. Seems to hold your credit cards and a bit of money. Just your keys, the Eyn and off you go!  Have a great weekend everyone!

Side note - this blog if not about promoting products. I don't receive kick-backs. But I will feature cool products when I see them, and this is one of them!

Japenese inspired bathroom

I love simple, calming, earthy design. And here it is. Natural materials with a splash of color. 

Great post from Remodilista.com. Japanese inspired bathroom, soaking tub. Notice that this is a relatively small space but it's a great combination of materials and they make it work.

Thursday's weather

Happy Thursday! Feels like spring here, but it's really February. Scary? Or great? Or both?

Very cool Amsterdam map, all art'd up. 

Sophie's birthday party ... again

I had good intentions with this party. I had a plan for it to be very cheap. In the end, I hurt my back two days before and had to outsource food and cupcakes.  Overall, between the dollar store and Michael's crafts everything was pretty cheap. Balloons, martha stewart streamers cut and hung from the ceiling, some tulips and a photo montage basically summed up the decor.

Had I been able to make the gluten free cupcakes and wraps myself, this party would have been a record breaker for me.

So glad it's over. No more parties for 11 months. Woohoo!

a special day

This girl is 4 today. Another week of birthday preparing. And today is the day! Another year....gone by way too fast!

Cool polly pocket clock below was handmade by a very talented family member - check out her website here! www.appleheadstudios.com

Hello! And, NYC apartment

New Post. Woohoo!

I have taken a break, yes. I have been thinking about my blog alot lately. Thinking about how and when and if I should post.  I've decided I am just too inspired by great design and clever beautiful artsy things to walk away from this forever. So I will continue to post, every now and then, and hopefully most of you will find me.

So you don't think I just dropped the ball entirely. Over the past few months, I have been pulling my house together (coming along, not really picture ready..yet), getting through the holidays, planning many birthday parties, and last but not least, I have started a new career venture, a health coaching program. I will be creating an additional blog focusing on holistic health later in the spring. All good stuff. But I missed this. And I have lots of posts hanging out in my head waiting to be released.

For today, here's what I saw when I logged onto Remodelista yesterday.  This is a NYC west village apartment. I loved the sliding window panel so much I had to show you. More proof that it's never about the size of your home, it's all about how you use the space!