Let there be light

This is such a fun find! I have been looking at this "sunjar" for a few weeks now and feel that as it is the first day of Summer it's the perfect time to purchase! If you leave it out in the sun all day it will be good for 5 bright night time hours!!! Do I hear more time on the deck?! YES!
Happy Summer everyone : )

(image from Delight.com)

Firefighters

Last night 9 firefighters from Charleston South Carolina died in a furniture warehouse fire.

“Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston have perished fighting fire in a most courageous and fearless manner, carrying out their duties,” Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley

Let us not forget that these honorable men and women are out there every single day fighting fires to save our lives. Including one in my own family. A small way to help them is to make sure that every single one of your smoke detectors has a working battery in them.

So if you see a firefighter on the street take a moment to say thanks.

(image from plan59, quote from msnbc)

Sweet Tableware

It has just come to my attention that I use the word "sweet" very often. Not sure where I picked it up but it really is a lovely way to describe something. Now look what I found as I was scouting for some fun tableware?! This platter really is wonderfully sweet, I can just imagine serving my guests their dessert on this! All of the pieces below I found on Fishs Eddy website, I am in love and might need to find more storage space in the kitchen.

These funky people are designed by Cynthia Rowley

Pantone Collection - the bowl in under $7! I am loving that blocked color and the contrast is great! A nice looking table might be choosing one color from the pantone collection like the blue and than mixing in some of the "spot on dinnerware" below. If you really wanted to make it unique add the CB2 clothespin chopsticks I blogged about last month, now that is a fun summer table!

Happy Magnets

Adorable, Is all I have to say! Look at these sweet magnets that I found tonight on Etsy by Dragonflies. They are so unique and will look lovely on the fridge. Also at $6.25 for the bunch they are a nice, just thinking of you gift to pop in the mail. With email and text messaging so much it is nice to get an unexpected gift in the post. She also has some unique coasters that would be a nice house warming gift. They just make me smile and the names are great Dainty Daisy, Sugar Rush and Wildflowers. Lovely!

(images from Etsy)

Can a Thumb Turn Green?

I don't have a green thumb and everyone knows it, but can you turn your thumb green? When I received bamboo for a present they said "there is no way you can kill this". Of course I proved them all wrong and did even though I thought I was taking good care. So this year I am determined to have something grow! Here are some photos I took this morning of all my little babes (I ck on them daily...sometimes twice)! In the coming weeks I will post progress reports, maybe this way I will not get distracted! So all of you out there who think they can't keep plants, flowers or veggies alive give it a try this summer and lets see what we can come up with!



When I walk up the front steps this is what I see. It is so pretty and welcoming I just love the fuschia and purple! Its been a week since we planted these, mom came over to give me expert tips!



Here is my pot of cherry tomatoes both red and orange. I am really pulling for these! I can't wait to be sitting on the deck, walk over and pop a few in my mouth! YUM. I know I need to get some stakes for these.


Above is my hibiscus that my friend Don gave to me! Such a GREAT gift, I have to remember this the next time I need something unique. I absolutely LOVE these orange blossoms, so pretty. Of course always the designer I love it even more because it will complement the orange cherry tomatoes on the deck as well.

black and white all over

Look around you, black and white is everywhere these days! As I was flipping through my latest Harpers Bazaar there was the gorgeous Aerin Lauder (Estee Lauders granddaughter) in an amazing Oscar de la Renta dress. Look at this picture, isn't it just beautiful how her dress reflects in the desk? I love it! The strength of the contrast with black and white always gets me, it makes such a bold statement you have to stop and take a second look. Plus her closet would be the envy of any girl!


This again is an example of how interiors follow fashion trends.
This VisAVi pillow from CB2 has the same feel as her dress and imagine a room designed around the roman shades from Smith and Noble? The only thing is to be careful how many patterned pieces you put in one room, just a few will do the trick!





I absolutely LOVE these black and white containers from Plum Party! Bringing a dish to a dinner party or even just serving your own in these would be pretty cool. Plus with that handy lid I might actually look in the fridge and be prepared to eat the leftovers that were in there!


(images from Harpers Bazaar, Smith and Noble, CB2 and Plum Party)

Adult Graffiti

I have been in love with Wonderful Graffiti for a while now! I am constantly talking about it and have used it in my office with my Coco Chanel quote. It is one of those products that are so unique and make a big impact. You can either choose from one of their quotes or like me send in your own. They have fabulous designers that can help you get the right size and choose the font and color which will compliment your room the best. It is nice to have a different texture on the wall there are only so many pieces of framed art work one can hang in their room. Think of it like a big colorform the type you use to play with when you were younger. It is that easy to put on the wall, the vinyl pieces are easy to clean and even easier to remove! No high tech tools here. Watch when friends come into your room with your adult graffiti I bet you will hear words like WOW, cool and different. Especially since the quote will be personal to you and your space!

(images from wonderful graffiti)

Not your Grams Clothespins

How Great are these "Clothespin Chopsticks" from CB2? I love the bright fun colors and think they would be such a nice surprise to have for a picnic or a casual dinner party. It could also put some fun into kids eating their veggies. Imagine eating a piece of broccoli with these, somehow I think it would taste even better! At $3.95 they are a great deal and to top it off they are dishwasher safe!
(image from CB2)