Paper Splurge

I definitely had the online shopping bug this weekend! To curb my spending, I limited my purchases to a few small treats from Paper Source. They're colorful, fun, useful and I know they'll make me happy when the arrive!

Fuschia Business Cards and Gold Baby Envelopes (above): I love the new fuschia color they're using! Especially paired with these gold envelopes. They'll be so fun to play with.


I also decided I needed new correspondence cards. I picked up a pack of the strawberry A4 size notecards with coordinating poppy envelopes. And then I HAD to get these adorable poppy and strawberry labels (below) to match. So fun!


Did you treat yourself this weekend? What did you buy?

Afterglow...

This is how the sky looks outside my window right now...a cool combination of purples and pinks. It's right before sunset and this was the "afterglow" after yet another torrential rainstorm here in NY...sunshine, where are you?

Happy Friday, everyone! Have a wonderful weekend!

Graham and Green Sale Alert!

Ok, they may be located in the UK, but if you're looking for some colorful, modern, design inspiration, I highly recommend heading over to the Graham and Green web site. They're currently having their Summer Sale and it bursting with amazing finds!

I'm currently coveting these Turned Wood Table Lamps in Teal (hello, trendy new color!) and Aubergine.




I also have my eye on this Black Shield Mirror...I'm in a dramatic mood today :)



I also would LOVE to use these pretty Rose Lights for a child's birthday party....hmm...I may have to order a set or two!

Etsy Find: Paper Flower Bouquet

Photo via etsy.com

In need of a little crafty inspiration, I logged onto Etsy.com this afternoon. As soon as I spotted this Paper Flower Bouquet, I knew I had to share it!

The talented seller (box 64 studios) has beautiful flowers made from handmade papers for sale. I love the cool prints--you could get lost gazing into each flower's center. They remind me a bit of the Norsa paper flower kits from Paper-Source. But the best part is that if you buy these paper flowers, they're already made!

I love the idea of buying this bouquet for a new mom who'd much rather take care of her new baby than worry about watering fresh flowers! Or honestly, at $15 for each bouquet, how sweet (and budget-friendly) would it be to stock up on a bunch for a wedding?

Why I Heart Kate Spade

My obsession with Kate Spade goes back to about 1999, the year I made my first KS purchase, a classic microfiber silver-grey handbag (at a NYC sample sale, of course!). My collection slowly grew thanks to sample sales and outlet shops. Many of her home designs even appeared on my wedding registry (the Library Stripe and Larabee Dot vases to name a few).

I love her ads, her website, her books, her humorous approach to American glamour. And now today, she gave me one more reason to heart her: the Mariachi Ric Rac jewelry collection.













These affordable, colorful, perfect-for-summer bangles, earrings and rings (above) are so refreshing. I'm not usually a fan of gold jewelery but I love the bold pops of colored enamel against the gold. I think the earrings are my favorite. They'd be perfect this summer, paired with a pair of white jeans, a flowy top and of course, a cocktail in hand.

"Bling It On" Dinner Party

Anxious to watch the Real Housewives of New Jersey Reunion Special tonight, I was inspired to pull together a fantasy dinner party for the cast. Between their over-the-top jewels, over-the-top homes and over-the-top personalities...I felt inspired to pull together a dinner party that's all about the BLING!

Here, some of the accessories I would choose for these outrageous ladies...

Crystal Drop Napkin Rings from Z.Gallerie

Dauphine Candlesticks (in gold) from Rosanna, Inc.

Gold Feather Birds from Plum Party
I would clip these gold beauties to everyone's plate for a touch of whimsical glamour.

Crystalline Toasting Flutes from Swarovski
If you look close enough, you can see the crystals floating in the stems of the flutes.

And for a party favor...I would gift everyone with a set of the Bling Ear Buds (also from Z. Gallerie) for their iPods!

Paper Love at Purl Soho!

Photo via purlbee.com

Purl Soho is one of my favorite crafty shops, they stock the most amazing yarns and fabrics and notions. I don't get to visit the store on Sullivan Street in NYC all that often, but I LOVE their online site and their blog, The Purl Bee. They always have cool projects with very thorough step-by-step postings such as these cute summery curtains (above). I think I am going to give them a try, I really need to get sewing again!

Photos via purlsoho.com

But what I'm even more excited about is that now they are stocking wrapping paper (above), well really, its more like art paper. I would use this paper for tons of decoupage projects or to mat photos or just frame the paper as is for instant art. When you think of it that way, $9 for two sheets for what can ultimately become artwork is a steal!

Junk Chic

Photo via CountryHome.com

I just finished writing a column that was basically about turning trash into treasure (I'll post it here when its published in August!) So many of us scour antique centers, yard sales, even eBay, looking for a diamond in the rough. Something that's inexpensive but has plenty of potential.

I love the idea of recycling found objects into something new and useful. Projects are my passion and so today I wanted to share a few of the amazing resources I often turn to for a bit of "junk chic" inspiration...

Photo via JunkMarketStyle.com

JunkMarketStyle.com: Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer started their "Junk Market Style" a few years ago. They're super smart and passionate about their projects. They think up the most creative ideas like creating this adorable floral centerpiece (above) out of a collection of empty green glass bottles and a crate - fitted with casters! I love it. Check out some of their other party projects on the Country Home web site (another sad magazine-casualty of the economy).

Photo via ReadyMade.com

ReadyMade.com: Based in California (so you know its cool), I love this magazine's fearless approach to quirky projects for the home. Plus, how could you not love a magazine that includes designer/photographer/creative genius Todd Oldham as a contributor? Here's a link to his clever Deep-Sea LEDs (basically lights made out of empty soda bottles.) Check out the picture above.

Photo via DannySeo.com

DannySeo.com: The ultimate eco-conscious lifestyle guru, Danny made green "cool" before everyone else did. I have been to several Danny Seo events and even met him a few times, but my favorite resource is still his Simply Green: Parties book. It is packed, I mean packed with clever party-friendly recycling ideas. Everything from gift-wrapping to place card ideas to centerpieces, I refer to this book often.

Chrysanthemum Love

I recently had a lovely lesson on Japanese culture. The more I listened, the more I realized how much of it has inspired me in so many ways.

I was most excited to learn that the Chrysanthemum is an official flower of Japan. The Japanese even have a day named in its honor...September 9 is Chrysanthemum Day....who knew?!

Photo via Brides.com

I am always drawn to this "official flower" of Japan. The big, billowy variety, such as spider mums (above) are my favorites. I love them in shades of white, bright green and hot pink. Plus, they're great to decorate with. A few large stems make a big impact in a vase for a small amount of money. Look for them at your local florist.

Photo via Target.com

I also adore the shape of chrysanthemums in fabric and wallpaper too, like this gorgeous gold print from Graham and Brown available at Target....



...and how pretty would this illustration be framed and hung in a bedroom or a home office? It is an image from the New International Encyclopedia, which was only printed in the 1900s. I may have to hunt down a reproduction.

How about you, what is your favorite flower?

Drool-Worthy Decorating for Summer

Photo from PointClickHome.com

I was drooling over this gorgeous outdoor space on PointClickHome.com this morning and I had to share it with all of you! Isn't it gorgeous? Couldn't you just see yourself sitting here sipping a few summer cocktails with your girlfriends?

This amazing space is from the home of the talented designer Doug Meyer, who lives in Miami. It is one of many gorgeous photos from the story, "A Home with Fearless Color," from the June 2009 issue of Metropolitan Home. All of those amazing, bold colors might be much for some of us living outside of Miami, but there are plenty of decorating ideas to take away!

I love how that turquoise blue and lime green rug pulls the entire space together and those low-back chairs look super comfy and so pretty dressed up in their floral pillows. Those gold ottomans look like little glistening coins. I love what he did here!

Personally, now all I think that room above needs is this ADORABLE little portable grill from Anthropologie that I read about it on Daily Candy this morning. Fire up the grill!

Photo from DailyCandy.com

Card Night Kickoff!

Pink poker chip set from World PokerTour.com

On Saturday night we hosted our first-annual Card Night! My cousin and her husband came by for a casual night of playing cards, good food and lots of laughs. I highly recommend this recession-friendly activity.

We kept it low-key, focusing on the game, food and drinks, so of course, I am anxious to talk about our menu (sorry, forgot to take photos)! Here was our “pub-style” menu:

Sliders. I’m addicted. I used ground sirloin, an egg, bread crumbs and teriyaki sauce (what? YES...it gives it nice flavor). Roll your pieces the size of a meatball and then flatten into a patty. Under the broil about 4 minutes each side and you’re done. Serve them on dinner rolls. Prepare at least 4 per person.

Toppings:

• Chopped-up turkey bacon mixed into crumbled bleu cheese.
• Carmelized onions
• Cheddar
• Ketchup, pickles and other condiments as appropriate to your guests.

Watermelon, tomato and basil skewers. This is a condensed version of my cousin’s recipe. Cut up watermelon and tomatoes into bite-size chunks and thread onto bbq skewers alternating with torn pieces of basil. Just before serving, sprinkle on lemon juice, salt and cracked pepper. Delicious and refreshing.

Garlic Fries. Run to your local Trader Joe’s and pick them up. They taste like warm garlic knots married crispy fries.

Cocktails. Beer goes nicely, but try and seek out specialties from local breweries to make it interesting.

We ate before playing and then had a variety of snacks to munch on while we played. Tortilla chips, mini pitas and your favorite dips will do the trick. Then, before we called it a night….S’mores!

Classic S’mores calls for marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. Might I recommend the thick-cut cinnamon graham crackers from Trader Joe’s and Hershey’s Special Dark chocolate…oh, and then you must try making S’mores with Nutella…this chocolate hazelnut spread should be a staple in everyone’s pantry.

As for the actual playing, some of us still might have a way to go, but it was a blast learning!

Friday Inspiration Files

I'm thinking of starting a new "column" every Friday...Friday Inspiration Files. Just a round-up of images, ideas, links and/or other goodies from my files to carry us all into the weekend!

First up...gorgeous shoes from an old Nordstrom catalog that I adore...



...fluffy coconut cupcakes (sorry I don't remember where this clip was from)...



and this exotic tablescape from the Real Simple web site. I love the floating orchids and candlelight...

Happy Weekend!!

Gotta have it? Maybe not.

I just finished reading this clever article over at HouseBeautiful.com: Home Accessories You Don't Need. In it, nine well-known designers talk about the home products they had to have but then realized they really didn't need. Brilliant.

Dransfield & Ross Linen napkin from ThePicketFence.com

It was so refreshing to hear entertaining guru Colin Cowie talk about how the vodka shot set he thought was so great, really wasn't or how designer Victoria Neal refuses to buy linen napkins no matter how gorgeous they are because she just can't bare to iron them all the time. I completely agree!

How about you? What are some of the "gotta-have-it" home accessories you thought you needed but really could have lived without?

Here's my top three:

1. Sushi for two dining set. I'm not brave enough to make sushi at home (or order it in...I can only eat it when I'm dining out!)

2. Faux Fur throw and pillows. When they started to shed I just had to toss them.

3. Ice Cream Maker. Who has the time or energy when there's a Cold Stone Creamery nearby.

Stylish Organization Ideas: See Jane Work

I've always loved stationery and office supplies. I vividly remember playing "office" and "school" when I was little. Now that I'm all grown up (sort of!) I'm ready to pull together my very own home office.

This hot pink desk ensemble from the "Desk of the Month" section at See Jane Work. is the perfect inspiration. That punchy pink is amazing and I love how all of the white supplies look so crisp against it. How glam is that white patent leather Webster's Dictionary?!

If you aren't already familiar with See Jane Work, you must pop on over. In addition to posting stylized desk ideas each month they also stock an amazing inventory of product.

Some of my favorites from them right now include Thomas Paul file folders, Orla Kiely notebooks (below) and the See Jane Work Basics - simple, elegant and hardworking must-haves.

I'm also digging these super-cute patent leather cases for my new business cards!

And don't forget to check out their "Pulling it Together" section. You'll find smart organizing tips we can all use!

All photos from SeeJaneWork.com