Where have you been!?

A few people have sent me emails asking where I have been? I guess when you are a daily blogger and than fall off the blogging radar people wonder. I can't tell you how WONDERFUL that feels, to know I am missed. First I was rethinking the blog and its direction, I have started to refocus and am coming up with some great weekly topics and will have more of a definitive "affordable" voice. I love sourcing pieces and bringing you alternative to items we find in our swoon worthy photos. So while I was off working on that my mom became ill and for the last week has been cooped up in the hospital, thankfully it is a concern but not too serious. Anyhow we have been spending lots of time reading all the magazines I have been bringing her. She LOVES her magazines just like me and we have been tearing out pages finding lots of things to blog about. So with this I apologize, I promise to be back as soon as she is up and back to her happy self. After all I am sure she wants to get out of a room that looks like..........

this hospital room (well not nearly this glamorous)

and get back to a cozy retreat that looks something like this. Notice the glorious windows and stack of magazines on the floor? This would be a big upgrade!



In all honesty, knowing my mom this is where she would really prefer to be! Here with a cup of tea and her book looking over the water!

Thanks to all of you who continue to pop over and leave comments, I truly appreciate every single one!
jul

(images from Carolina Business Furniture and Coastal Living via My Home Ideas)

Shade Change

Want to know a quick and easy way to change up a room for fall? Change out your lamp shades. Trust me, I recommend it to clients all the time. Your friends will walk in and instantly wonder what you have done differently. Especially if you are changing from a solid shade to a graphic print one. Take a look at this fun Bamboo Trellis Drum Shade from Shades of Light The details: 16", available in chocolate, kelly green and yellow and only $79. My Favorite detail? It is a linen fabric shade, love that! I have had enough of the "paper shade". So what do you think? Would you try this in your home?

(images from Shades of Light)

Chair love by Judith Miller!

I resist the thought of making any kind of "wish list" until after Thanksgiving but when I saw this book I had to make an exception! "Chairs" with its bright red, simple, to the point cover just beckoned me to open its pages. It's a fantastic education of the chair, how it has evolved and more importantly how each sits. An incredible chronicle of the years where it's form curved and other years when it sat straight is just fascinating. Paired with Nick Pope's photography, Judith Miller's book is one that will make you look at your chairs in a much more loving way...if that is even possible!







(images from San Francisco Chronicle, Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Chicago Tribune)

Mixing it up with Stephen Shubel

Browsing through an old issue of House Beautiful I came across the work of San Francisco designer Stephen Shubel and immediately felt comforted. His combination of vintage, high end and easy to purchase pieces is such a welcoming style. You feel like these rooms are completely attainable and that makes me admire him even more!!








If I could wish for one room of my own it would be this bathroom! It reminds me of a Henri Bendel box, though one in black!! Pure Relaxation!

(images from House Beautiful)

Scouting - Iron Beds under $1000

Lately I have been thinking about Iron Beds and how versatile they can be. There is no need to match wood finishes and most can work with any style room. They are perfect for a smaller room as most are light in scale, what an easy solution, right? In true CreateGirl style I scouted out a few Queen options from simple frames to more intricate all under $1000.

Pottery Barn Claudia Bed $649

Ethan Allen Tango Bed $629



Charles P Rogers Campaign Bed $799



Humble Abode Calypso Bed $549

Do you have an iron bed in your home?

A cozy Jan Shower Library

With the day becoming dark so early courtesy of Daylight Savings Time it makes me want to curl up in a library with a good book. I came across this cocoon like room by Jan Showers and immediately fell in love. The navy walls and same shade panels create such a warmth. Notice the playful zebra rug, patterned pillows and lime green leather chairs? These are all little reminders that this is not a "stuffy" room!! So the next time you wonder if you can paint a room a real dark color use this space as your inspiration. Though be warned you might want to just light a fire and read all the books you have in the house!



(images from Traditional Home and Jan Showers)