Souvenirs:
furniture

Working within a small space, our master bedroom is just that: small (or cozy depending on how I feel that day)
Here's my question (which I don't ask for very often): "Is it okay to put a sleigh bed in front of the window?"
this is what my bedroom looks like now...

We enjoy our views of the barns and prairie through our master bedroom window on one side, and on the other side is a view of the ancient oak tree — another great view -

so we have tucked our bed in a sort of alcove... which is okay, but I'm up for some change, and moving furniture is #1 on my list to do, unless I think of some other way to decorate that "alcove"
it is where I do a lot of reading and writing... so it needs to be soothing... serene... relaxing (input other relaxing words here)

I know I'm probably nuts to do this project now (with the holidays here and all) but the funny thing is, this is the time I go out shopping at retail stores the most!! I RARELY go shopping... so why not use some birthday money and do it right?
right
i thought so

My inspiration is coming from two LOVELY ladies that I adore here on the net, and am very happy to call them my friends as well...
Lulu (from Dusty Lu)
and
Jo (from Secret Garden Cottage)

I'll be posting some Q&A with both Lulu and Jo in the upcoming week, so stay tuned for the progress!!
xo+blessings,

The whole concept behind my master bedroom is to "un-decorate"...

like I told Lulu over the phone ******* (which was so hilarious, because she literally took me out to a healthy breakfast, a ride across part of California all while taking care of her precious son while on the phone... I loved it Lu!) ******* that my great admiration for so many beautiful fabrics tempts me so often to buy these sumptuous fabrics, but I do NOT desire to have a bedroom that is 'decorated', but nicely put together with good design elements in mind.

Which is why I also thought of Lulu, from Dusty Lu Interiors
her and her husband have their own design business, but beyond that, I have seen what Lulu does on the inside of her own home (as you will see in the pictures in this post... they are all of her home)
*her answers are also in italics*
1) When you design your rooms, do you have a focal point? Yes, I look for a focal point every room, or I make one, with a large piece of furniture, architecture like a fireplace mantel, artwork, etc. and center it.

2) How do you achieve an understated feminine approach to your style? Easy, simplicity with detail.

3) what would you classify your style as? I really don't like to nail down one specific style I like, because my taste evolves all the time. One thing I know is certain I love and try to incorporate white into my designs.

4) how do you achieve an overall cohesive look to your home? I buy what I love, and when you do that it all comes together and you can never go wrong.

5) If you were to design my bedroom, by knowing me personally, and seeing my style on my blog, while incorporating your style techniques, how would design my bedroom? First, I would like to say I enjoyed our conversation very much the other day on the phone. It gave me a chance to get to know you better, you are very genuine and so nice. When I spoke to you we suggested using a silver or silver blue paint color, I recently used both colors in two homes I helped design and decorate. When I design spaces I try to make it both masculine and feminine. When designing a bedroom, I believe it is a very personal space, and you need to consider both parties. I suggested keeping your gorgeous dark walnut sleigh bed to add that masculine touch and adding pretty fabrics for a feminine touch. The paint colors can go both ways, and when you accessories you can bring in natural elements to anchor the room and that can add both a feminine and masculine feel.

6)what elements would you include in your design plan? I love the use of symmetry especially in a bedroom, it gives an overall calming affect.

Lulu and I are digging a little deeper into the design now and actually picking out paint colors and furniture placement... and this could not be more fun!
If you haven't visited Lulu's online journal, then you may not know some really cool things about her! Like her constant zeal for learning — she's always taking these awesome classes that she shares with her readers (the last one being photography which was so interesting to me)...
her home has been featured in magazines and on the Internet
why is there a picture of Rachel here?

because Lulu has also has been Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Couture photographer for many projects...
the great things about having a job like that, is that it keeps her at home (where she wants to be) with her son. She's expecting her second baby and I couldn't be more thrilled (and somewhat disappointed she won't be making the trip here to Illinois in May — lol)
Her schedule sounds so busy, seriously, and for her to take the time to help me like this, is just so amazing to me... thank you Lulu... it really means a lot...
xo+blessings,

the more and more time I spend on this farm, the more I realize how we become who we are by simply just working with what we have, and listening to our surroundings... opening our eyes

that is the great thing about life
it is constantly changing... with new ideas... and right now, with advent season upon me and the farm, a new perspective on quite a few things have entered into my life here
and yes, even in my farm kitchen...

this cabinet was in my craft room... it's a small nook off the living room which I use to sew and create in
but when Fifi was here, she made a comment that this white hutch, was out of place... that it didn't fit into the rest of the house except for the kitchen (where we have white cabinets)

I didn't get upset... not in the slightest!... but it got me thinking on that ever since she brought it to my attention
I just thought it looked good where it was... but who am I? certainly no decorator!!
so this past week, I moved that hutch into the kitchen, where the chippy paint/jelly cupboard was... 


make sure you stop and smell the roses wherever you are... these are still from my birthday! 
within the hutch, I tucked a few treasures...

a few ornaments here and there...

it brightened up this space even more... in all areas of the kitchen

sometimes friends and family make fun of me moving furniture around like this, but call me silly, but doing so, changes the physical and mental atmosphere here... decorating therapy so to speak possibly
*************** i know my little "Christmas Cowboy" is in this photo... he had a birthday this past week... and he looooves being a cowboy (i love it too)

have a wonderful weekend!
xo+blessings,

this weekend I took down the bird pictures and crucifix, and moved some furniture around as well -
(please click on images to be taken to their sources)
and thoughts are turning towards Christmas... but first, before anything, there is Advent

As eager as I am to spend another winter here, there are some changes going on with my decorating (surprise surprise)
some key elements I am focusing on: — Christ — simple — organic/natural — comfortable

and for the girls' room! color + vintage + farmhouse

peaceful advent blessings,

the feeling of Christmas has started early here...

it started as soon as that wonderful smell of gingerbread was baking in my oven

what is it about these little guys that makes me chuckle? they are funny to me... little gingerbread people

i adapted an old recipe i had and am super happy with the way they came out... fluffy/thick/delicious!

i will be selling them all bagged up and ready for you at Christmas in the Alley this weekend in Sycamore

If you haven't been to Sherrie's store, A Ruffled Nest, it is completely all decked out for Christmas... as I have been over there helping her get things ready... all I can say is it is SO fun in there and having other dealers participate next door amongst the twinkly lights and live sounds of Christmas... going in and out of the old brick buildings while meandering through all the Christmas decorations... well... it's going to be so much fun I cannot wait!

My daughter has made the most delicious homemade hot cocoa mixes she has nestled inside vintage mugs that will be there for sale at Christmas in the Alley...

each mug with 2 generous helpings of cocoa for those chilly evenings (with mini marshmallows and a candy cane:) are $10 each

she has also made some snow globes from vintage mason jars! (I'll be sharing that tomorrow)

Jason has also been working on some terrific handmade/ hand carved gifts...

there are knives, baby spoons, honey dippers, serving spoons, buttons, lunch boards, cutting boards, rolling pins... We are so very excited to share these with you!!

more information on all of Jason's hand carved items and the other items, will be all up this week...

everyone is feeling creative... and getting back to crocheting and knitting in the early mornings before we start school...

there is always a hearty breakfast... and to see the kids work together like this every morning warms my heart more than any cup of coffee...

on a personal note, a new fitness regime has started... and it's due to how baby Daniel isn't snuggling up to his Mama to nurse any longer... it's always such a sad time for me... I already miss him warm in my arms... his independence is surfacing... as is his personality!! He has this laugh that is hilarious... like a sneaky laugh "hah hah"... if I can catch him, I'll record it, because it cracks me up...

he'll sit there in my bedroom and hide from me... I'll say "where's Daniel... I don't see him anywhere??" and I hear in the closet a slight "hah hah"...

I don't know what is going to be more time consuming for me this week;
preparing for Advent
or baking for Christmas in the Alley

I have been changing up the decorating around here too... it's been a lot of fun putting up new curtains... moving furniture... totally changing up my bedroom too...

sharing all of it in good time...

hope you all had wonderful Thanksgiving weekend... we all needed that break around here!!!!

xo+ a bit of Christmas blessings,

i am cleaning out the house, rearranging furniture, helping a friend with her computer 'stuff', hosting a young man's get together and creating a simple pot of chili today

the sun rose beautiful, all your prayers are so welcomed for my dad

he's doing so much better...

thank you so so much

i was listening to someone speak about our connection with each other... how when Christ said 'love they neighbor' what did he mean besides smiling at them, helping them out when they need it, donating to a good cause, helping in a disaster... it went deeper than that

isn't it beautiful how when Christ was preaching he rarely 'said it like it is' but rather made us think... a deeper sense of neighbor for example

this speaker was explaining how our souls are connected to one another because of Him, and because of this, we have the ability to embrace them even after they pass from this world...

so last night, i laid in bed, read some soulful inspirations, closed my eyes and imagined something i have never imagined...

that God is here with me, my Dad, and all that I see... but it's like having it completely dark, and when someone turned on a strong light you'd see God... that the veil was lifted from this life... that heaven is not up in the clouds, but rather, all around us... we just aren't able to see it because our souls are not completely to Him...

well, mine isn't

i unfortunately hold myself back from completeness into 'that realm of heaven'... i love my kids, my husband, my farm, my life, and all these material possessions...

slowly, He is making me realize this and I am able to embrace this life in joys and sorrows while at the same time (trying to be) completely His

when the sun comes up so strong and brilliant and the day is filled with so much, i am completely thankful i can still help others and enjoy this life... and learn more each day or night about who i am... who He made me

peace + soulful blessings,

my heart is completely strong and beating within me for you all visiting this weekend

if i could show you my heart, it would be cracking my rib bones from the swelling of love for this event

i love it

i love the excitement, the stress, the organization, the emails, the phone calls...

i seriously (seriously) can say i do not care if it rains, snows, hails, or if the sun shines bright

all i care is that i make this a place for you to take time to enjoy

enjoy this gift of life that God has given you...

to hear the symphony of blessings amongst the prickly thorns

to look upon the land and see the glorious nature and feel the softness of the grass as it sways

that the time here you spend is not for you, but to glorify

glorify the One who gave it to you

a thankful embrace of the autumn splendor which our (oh so needs work) farmette has

you will never find grandeur here

don't expect a marvelously weeded bed with clean stalls and immaculately clean children

we live a real life and within that real life is a chorus of praise for what we have no matter how much work it
is, or the amount of dirt that gets under our fingernails

no matter how much we try, it never (ever) is the way we dream it will be

not one thing in this life is perfect
not one
but it's ours...
it's our home... a place we have settled down

all i care is that i make this a place for you to take time to enjoy... somewhere to come with friends or your mom...

to come say hi in the bakery where i will be with my sister, daughter, and dear friend...

to pick out something special i baked with you in mind

to get a cup of coffee and sit beneath the branches in my 'natural bakery' and listen to the live music and chat... dream... relax...

this takes a lot of work

a lot of effort on all our parts — all the dealers sitting in their creative spaces and making one of a kind creations that they love and want to share... the hours of painting and refinishing the furniture... the excitement of finding vintage flannels all around the Midwest to compliment your favorite tall boots and leggings...

work within the families coordinating time for their mom to go out with her friends

effort to save up money to enjoy some shopping to ruffle your nest

the drive out to our farm

it means more than you all know having you here and helping support those men and women who are amazing creators and artists

for all i care...

peace + blessings,

sometimes when you walk into a home, you can just feel the soul there

for me, it's not when you walk into a home filled with items from homegoods or new furniture stores, but things they have accumulated over the years... from flea markets, roadside stands within their journeys, items they have collected within their walks in the woods, or that antique that caught their eye and spoke to them somehow — how they purchased it and took it home with them...

i am one of those people that likes to surround myself with items that we love

so many of us are...

it's not to show off to others or impress friends and family, or at least, it shouldn't be

our homes are reflections of who we are... some of us have read this before... and this is very true

at various times in my life, i purge and go sparse

right now, i am wanting my walls and bookcases dripping with books and textures and all sorts of pictures and collected items

something that will be more expressive in who i am... who we are
this can be difficult when i over think things, and don't have that certain couch i have been eyeing for years, or that old school cupboard at the local antiques store, or the chandelier being replaced, etc, etc... but making do with what we have can be discouraging, or it can be even more of an expression of us
most of our furniture and items were given to us or bought at flea markets or tag sales or local thrift stores
I can honestly say only some of the fabric used for curtains is new — it's just how i am — how we are -
our splurges are on that special piece that we find and know it will fit right in

but how do we know how to express your soul into your home?
embrace what you own, look for treasures... but most importantly, be comfortable with who you are right now and it will be shown how ever you choose to place things in your home

peace+blessings,

(all pictures from my *inspiration* Pinterest board)

do you ever see "diy" stuff here?
nope
well, rarely
do you ever see Anne Marie painting something?
nope
why is that you wonder??

hhhhhmmm... could be because I like making cupcakes rather than painting, or even weeding for that matter
I'm not much of a painter, but so admire people who do it well, and with the right 'stuff'

so downtown in DeKalb, there is a new store
Carter's Cottage
and Christie, the owner, is a certified, bonfied, dealer of this precious paint...

when I was there shopping, and meeting Christie, she was just opening the first boxes...
so exciting!

she's a total cutie, and we hit it off... we had so much to talk about... we literally talked about repelling in the south to flea market shopping...
if you are in the area, her shop is a must go!!
I even picked up a great turquoise metal youth chair that is now my oldest duaghter's art chair (more on that this week — we re-decorated her room!!)
here's Christie!

make sure you tell her I said "Hi!" when you go in...
so... who out there has used Annie Sloan paint?? and what did you think? (I really like the finish it gives on the furniture... a softness about it)

xo+blessings,

trying to marry the two ideas was getting so complicated... when, as life, it shouldn't be

I stuck to that good ol' advice "buy what you love"

the pink satin throw is vintage... bought at one of my most favorite stores: Cracker Jax, in DeKalb, IL.
I was the recipient to a most generous gift certificate from a very good friend, so with that gift, I bought the satin throw and the bark cloth

The barkcloth is a vintage piece — and when I purchased it, it was a wide valance. With a quick cut of the scissors, I sewed up the side I cut, and because it was lined, all I had to do is slip my king size pillows in it and walla: 2 pillow covers for our king size bed!

I am not sure yet what to do over the bed... I have oil paintings... an old sign... a shelf... and old window... I just don't know yet... time will tell!
The blue French desk and love seat was purchased at another great little shop with tremendously inexpensive prices on furniture: Sweet Blessings in Rochelle, IL. I am not one to divulge pricing... but let me just tell you that both pieces together were under $150
the desk's flip down front was already off, but I propped it up in back, and added a collection of icons that Jason's sister has given to us over the years...

the couch is (I'm guessing) from the 1920's and in very good shape — with vintage blue chenille fabric and heavy springs... the small little round table was just given to me by my mom and dad... it was my grandmother's... just perfect to hold an ironstone platter with two cordial glasses and a bottle of locally made brandy:)

the mirror was bartered years ago for work Jason did at someone's house, and the dresser was bought just before Daniel was born — and had been in the girl's room up until a few days ago...
the vintage satin bright blue little organizer was previously used in "it's day" for holding stockings, but now holds my jewelry I love to see and use daily...

english tin from goodwill — hair pick from Cracker Jax

yellow and full of happy memories, the vintage travel case sitting atop my dresser was purchased on that recent road trip to Indiana to a fantastic! shop: Hot House Market... Carrie is one of my favorite display artists, and she had this idea of using the travel case as a jewelry box... as do i... and now it holds my summer jewelry as well as my most treasured vintage scarves I grab to throw on my head during the summer (small bowtie necklace also from Hot House Market)... earrings on far left, the ones with the little bees in middle and far right are from Tracy... i love her jewelry!! — and her:)

xo+blessings,

just one of my inspiration picture (via country living)

not so much "clutter", and I am working on my daughter to create an oil painting of our dog Samson who passed a few years ago (a black Tibetan Mastiff)
someday Jason will build us something like this on either side of the bed... I just know it:)
to see more of my inspiration, see my pinterest board: "current project"
our master bedroom (you will see why this is a project)
it's a place... sorely neglected... it was painted a deep orange on the one wall behind our bed — a sleigh bed that is espresso (but you could also say 'black')
the bed came with two nightstands and even though I like the King size (to squeeze a number of children with us at any given time) I really have never cared for it... or the night stands...
it was from a customer of Jason's for a job he was doing... the man was moving to Hong Kong and needed to sell his furniture... so a deal we didn't want to pass up...
but, it is modern... not bad... but just not what I have in mind for this 'undecorated' look
here's the 'before'

our style isn't a "style" really... so we jokingly call it "Farm Style" it's a blend of anything we have on hand really natural woods and found objects
pieces that tell a story

the hallway's built in linen closet... will never paint this... love it

a peek into our bedroom...

the armoire is gone it was from our original small little farmhouse in a small town where we started raising our family so I moved it into the little boys room...

this shot of the bed was taken in '09 — tried to disguise the orange wall... to no avail...

(can anyone say "a sorry attempt to decorate"??)

but I think it was a few years ago now that my friend Lulu and I were on the phone and she was urging me to: — get rid of the armoire... check! — paint... check!! — chandelier... I'm working on that...
(to check out more about how this master bedroom has slowly being done, go here)
I'm approaching this room with a romantic softness that will naturally infuse our farm and prairie life
no 'decorating' or such
I'm totally flying by the seat of my pants (per usual)
and wanting to finish this project by Saturday
why?
a very special reason... that I will indulge you in on a later day

xo+master blessings,

plenty of attention and soft as can be
a welcome new addition to the farm
little roo

I'm working on our master bedroom this week: — painting — sewing — moving furniture
I hope you don't mind me sharing the process! have a great day
xo+blessings,

i used vintage blue string, glued it on like a script font (i used modgepodge)
leaving the ball of string was my idea, but then jason suggested I put it on a branch with a bird's nest resting in it's crook... he's brilliant!

the metal letters aren't exactly what i wanted on it — i wanted vintage metal letters — (still on the hunt!)

Sherrie loved it — and that's all that matters!!!

and I can't wait to have her grand opening!! music & eats & vintage & industrial & painted furniture & (hopefully) even a sip of wine in the mix

here's some shots of her place at the 'soft opening' earlier this month... 

entrance in the south alley behind main street

i want that screen door

a lot of her items sold so she is working practically every day to paint some more items (she uses Annie Sloan paint)

I put together her new flyer

which was so fun to do:

front...

and back...

see you there!

trying to avoid bananas is hard for this mother of six... it's so easy to keep a few on hand in the cooler in the car for a quick snack for baby Daniel or the other kids (or me)... but it is not a local fruit

if I was to eat local fruits that are available at my farmer's market it would be mostly berries in the late spring — summer and then apples, peaches, and the possible plum

not complaining, but pretty much just whining that I wouldn't be able to eat bananas again if I go with that idea of only eating seasonal and local with no waste

with all that being said, I did recently have a few bananas on hand, and some ripe strawberries

for this food styling, I brought it into one of my favorite pieces of furniture that rests off of our living room... it's an old cabinet, and Jason replaced the back boards with a wide tongue and groove... a recently favorite place for me to take photographs of my last food styling job for Jo Packham's new book which I had the honor and priviledge to work on
(more on that later)

even makes a great dessert if served with ice cream or freshly whipped cream

in blueberry season, add whole blueberries as a substitute for strawberries

xo+kitchen blessings,

• LOCALLY RAISED ALL BEEF HOT DOGS & BRATWURST (Chi-town style)
• ANTIQUES
• VINTAGE ITEMS
• PAINTED FURNITURE
• HAND SEWN BAGS
• CUPCAKES & SWEET TREATS
• PICNIC IDEAS + ITEMS
• HAND PAINTED SILHOUETTES
• ART JOURNALS
• HATS
• SHABBY-CHIC STYLE HOME DECOR
• COLORFUL VINTAGE ITEMS
• CAKE PEDESTALS
• FARMHOUSE DECOR
• CLOTHING — prairie style
• and so much more

~safe travels~

xo+barn sale blessings,
Jason &

and family...

my world is full of color...

the perennial gardens are just starting to pop

recently I went out shopping & found a turquoise table that I had EVERY intention of putting in our "Sweet Life" display at the event

but after I cleaned it up inside I noticed how much it reminded me of the gardens just steps away from my living room...

it's created a whole new look in here now!



i love Jenn's pillow i purchased from her new line
(she's bringing similar pieces to the sale)
adding some apple blossomed branches and the feel of the house is so much more of an extension of our gardens... our farm...



I have never seen my French linen look so complementary

adding more branches to the other rooms helps connect them

i brought out items i had tucked away...
there was something missing...
so I added my sail boat oil painting collection... it gave me just the right amount of color & texture i was inspired by

now my home is a true reflection of the outdoors... the natural wood trim and dark lines of the furniture are like the tree branches... colors are the flowers... lace is the rugged fence surrounding the potager & gravel paths
nature inspired me once again... but in a totally colorful way!!
Fifi has put together the coolest outfit for the Boho-Ball... hope you are coming to meet her & dressing up yourself!!!
click on picture to go see a "Fifi-styleBoho-outfit"

xo+colorful farm blessings,



Jenn: the lamps are PERFECT!

my sunroom is almost done being transformed into me and the baby's nest...
I've gathered some of my favorite things for in here...
like this sweet little vintage gown for a "her"...

and I just found this sweet turquoise colored baby rosary that I grouped with some of my collection of old Mass Missals...

The color pattern is vibrant yet soft... soft silky textures with quilted throws... dark woods and painted furniture...

a definite gypsy farmgirl mix...
Hope you enjoyed the music I featured in yesterday's post... (if you didn't... scroll down)
Josh e-mailed me telling me how cool it is that we are homesteading... he inspires me... I even wrote a song after seeing that performance... so thank YOU Josh... anytime you are in Chi-town — I'd be happy to cook you a fresh organic meal while you play my guitar (but don't be surprised if my kids join in on the Bodhran and congas)
Wishing you all a fantastic day filled with joy and happiness...
xo+blessings,

our home is not a home without the freedom for the children to self-discover their pathway in life... I know each of them will do different things... have different lives from each other...

we have a basement... as well as an attic... but most of the activity happens in the living room... I guess that's why it's called the 'living room' eh? the forts are becoming quite elaborate... with many mazes and tunnels...

finding their path through all the colors is so fun for them...

the oldest daughter is now making dolls... so super cute!!

even me

I have my ways of having respite... and it oftentimes involves coffee and the kitchen...

but there are those times when I am able to get out of the house... (imagine!)

and this weekend is one of them... my friend Sherrie has her studio doors open this weekend -
Friday 5-8pm and Saturday 10-2pm... for more info, go to her facebook page: a ruffled nest... the studio

in case you haven't been there before, she sells everything from painted furniture to architectural salvage

xo + looking forward to the weekend already blessings,

yes, about the baby due in a few short weeks... but honestly, this May Event is really the best thing that could be for me right now... a blessing if you will...

My Hungarian roots are colorized by the true gypsy blood that runs through my veins...

photo credit: gypsy purplestories of dirt floor huts, and brushing the dirt with a special rake to make patterns in the floor when company comes to visit... seriously...
no joke!! I am from Gypsy Blood (I know what you are thinking... "oooohhhh... that explains it!) lol
you have no idea how badly I want to make a gypsy hut of my own...
or at least bring in more textures and colors into my home decor...
so I'm trying...
I just bought 2 pink chairs for my living room — PINK! (do you think my gypsy soul is telling me it's a girl?) 
Our home is pretty 'prairie farmhouse', but I came up with a new one that I really like: "PRAIRIE GYPSY"
that's me!

photo credit: Tobias Harvey

but I tend to crave solitude colors as well... and would love to spruce up the corn crib like this: 

photo credit: Virginia McDonald see? didn't I tell you I was random?
thoughts are like that when you just had a braxton/hicks contraction and some sugared treats with milk (craving)
I tend to dress the same way... sometimes pure linen with simple drop earrings... or a classic long denim skirt with a t-shirt top and funky hat or head scarf
it never is the same
and neither should my "decorating"
I am no decorator... not one bit do I think so, but I do like expressing myself around my home with sometimes new furniture, new drapes I made, or a simple throw

and don't you worry! I am still focused on that master bedroom!!
inspiration via linenandlavender.blogspot

focused

just on about 20 different things right now

xo+blessings,

I'm so thrilled to tell you that I am expanding on this conceptual journey of 'beauty'

putting together a room, with all it's rearranging of furniture and the play of light on a certain chair, or the way the bookcase it now highlighted by your side lamp all invokes a story of how you visual your space

yes, I am rearranging again

this room is awesome with the archway... and I keep trying to incorporate that space into the living room space (as you see, it's the living room again:) however, the coziness keeps telling me to embrace that beauty of coziness!!

it's high time that the blue floral couch from 1940 gets moved out... it just doesn't fit my decor anymore

and the hutch... it has housed crafts, silver, everyday dishes, bowls, and now is in the living room waiting...
poor thing

baby Daniel is thoroughly confused and delighted to have a plethora of crawling space (notice the 'moving men' under the couch)
my current (material) desires are to achieve an earthy easy elegance into this farmhouse with softness

here's some of my inspiration:

I've always been a great 'lover' of things black and white, and would love to add some more of that into the house... 

designtoinspire.net 

this photo has it (almost) all of what I'm thinking: natural wood, black, white, texture, a bit of industrial, clean + simple (what it is lacking is more color) 

skema this entry has the red I really like, the antique piece, the natural wood around doorway, the pops of color... and though paisley might be "out" I still think this looks great 

Canadian house to home

as soon as I saw this, I instantly wanted to put up some more of my oil paintings... good thing I didn't put them out to sell them at the barn sale!

country living
the open shelving idea is really striking a chord with me, there's talk of using remaining wood from the sunroom remodel (douglas fir) for the shelves 

countryliving

beautifullife


~have a great rest of the day~
peace + blessings,