Friday, February 10, 2012

Weekend Link Love {Valentine's Edition}

Friday, February 10, 2012 0 comments
Hello lovelies, and happy Valentine's weekend! I'm spending the weekend doing a stay-cation of sorts with Eric. We're hopping on the metro for a mini-getaway in nearby Old Town Alexandria, for some exploring, dining and a stay and spa visit at the Vicente Wolf designed Lorien Hotel.

I'm so excited for a little break from real life without the hassle of travel, BUT, if you're hanging around this weekend, I've got more than a few ideas for you.

First, think about tackling this clustered pom-pom DIY from Blue Eyed Yonder. So perfect for a Valentine's Day party, or even a touch of whimsy year-round.

Other great links:
  • It's not too late to send out some last-minute Valentines! I'm completely obsessed with the vintage feel of postage stamps from Mae Mae Paperie. Stamping envelopes with any of these instantly elevates even the most basic card. (here)
  • In other exciting stationery news, Tommy from Specs Appeal just launched his own Etsy shop featuring cards that perfectly capture his charming, yet simple style. Love. (here)
  • After a weekend away, I'm going to be looking forward to a low-key night in on Feb. 14. Cork Market and Gilt City are answering my prayers with special V-day carry-out deal: fried chicken and champagne for two for just $65. (here)
  • Presenting the world's most perfect Valentine's dress. File this under: Someday? (here)
  • One of my new year's resolutions is to learn something new every month. February's goal is to finally learn how to make macarons. This instructional video is hugely helpful, just be prepared to figure out the metric system! (here)
  • If you're around town on Saturday looking your best, you might just get snapped by Refinery 29's photographer. (Details here)
READ MORE - Weekend Link Love {Valentine's Edition}

Love & Affection

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Now this is a four letter word I can wrap my heart around.  L-O-V-E.  “A profoundly tender, passionate affection.” 

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Objects of my affection – in no particular order:

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Flowers from my husband.  (Always a nice surprise!)

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My favorite color.  Can you guess?  (Well, I really do have several but I’m drawn like a moth to a flame for this one.)  (Image – Pinterest)

Vacay & PS 156

Seeing my fellows in their element.  They love mountain streams!  (And I love them.)

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A great, fun bracelet.  (Forever 21)

Mom and Dad

Family.  My touchstones of life. 

Vacay & PS 070

Time in my garden.  (Sun, therapy, peace.)

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Landscape lampshade from Anthropologie (Could design a whole room around it!)

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Smiles and laughter.  (A daily dose is required.)

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Organization.  A great interior always has it.  (IMHO)

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Beauty. Both inside and out.

Happy Heart Day! 

All My Best

READ MORE - Love & Affection

DAY PIN DIY #6 {Valentine's edition}

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I'm so happy today..I'm just came back from a visit to the new house and now I can't wait to move!

We planned the visit with some experts to have a look of the works to do...remove the carpets in the bedrooms and on the stairs, paint everywhere, change the tiles in the kitchen and maybe {I really hope so, but probably we have to wait} remove the window that face on the garden and replace with a French door.


Anyway, Valentine's day is getting closer, so today I've decided to dedicate the DAY PIN DIY to some lovely {and easy!} diy ideas that you can create for your loved one.
Do you have any inspiring idea that you want to share?
I hope you like that gallery and I wish you a very nice and creative weekend!


Sono così felice oggi..sono appena tornata da una visita alla nuova casa e adesso non vedo l'ora di trasferirmi!
Abbiamo programmato la visita con alcuni esperti per dare un'occhiata ai lavori da fare...togliere la moquette nelle camere da letto e sulle scale, dipingere, cambiare le piastrelle in cucina e forse {lo spero davvero, ma probabilmente dovremo aspettare} rimuovere la finestra che si affaccia sul giardino e sostituirla con una porta-finestra.


In ogni caso, il giorno di San Valentino si avvicina, così oggi ho deciso di dedicare il DAY PIN DIY a qualche bella {e facile!} idea fai da te che potete creare per la persona amata.
Avete qualche bella idea che vi va di condividere?
Spero che vi piaccia quella galleria e vi auguro un fine settimana piacevole e creativo!












READ MORE - DAY PIN DIY #6 {Valentine's edition}

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Love: V-Day Gifts for Home

Thursday, February 9, 2012 0 comments
After all, they do say, home is where the heart is...

Shop: 1. Astier de Villatte Heart Dish (Alder & Co.) 2. Mr. Darcy Tea Towel (Brookish)
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READ MORE - Love: V-Day Gifts for Home

Humbled

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This happened....and I am Va Klempt







Bloggers’ Choice

Who will make it big in 2012? Our favorite design bloggers tell us which up-and-comers they’re excited about right now:









“Amber Lewis started her career as a textile designer, and her talent for using stunning fabrics in her projects is self evident. I think 2012 will be her year to shine because she successfully merges disparate elements in her décor choices to create gorgeous and infinitely livable interiors. Amber's style is imbued with a laid back, effortless SoCal chic that I find very compelling. She has a talent for layering patterns and textiles as well as for mixing ethnic, tribal elements with more traditional pieces. I also appreciate her inclusion of quirky and unusual artwork in the spaces she decorates. Amber also offers a more affordable e-decorating option for clients, which makes her work more accessible to younger professionals and families — a definite boon for savvy potential clients in 2012!”
CasaSugar Editor Elka Karl





*********



 I am gonna get all emotional up in here....so


Brace yo'Self


If you have a weak gag reflex...


If you think "feelings" are annoying....


or


If you just generally think of me as a cotton headed ninny muggins


then these next couple sentences are not for you


I am gonna shed a single tear, and I am not ashamed..


here goes........





I LOVE my job.


I wake up everyday being excited that I get to be creative for a living. 


I truly believe the old saying "if you love what you do you'll never work a day in your life"


It's a motto I live by..


I knew that when I made the fateful decision to go out on my own in this big bad world of design that I most likely would have ups and downs.
That I would struggle to make my place in this crazy soup of talent and that I may never stand out as a good designer.
 I told myself that as long as I still had the drive and the passion to keep going I would never stop and never look back and try my damnedest to just remember that I was doing what I loved.
I promised myself that I would keep going and giving it 110% until I no longer had it in me.
I would try and stay positive and I would just keep putting out good vibes into the universe.


I would be lying if I said I never dreamt about getting some notoriety for my work.
Of course I have always wanted to impress enough people to keep my self busy and getting referrals. The occasional pat on the back from a family member or two would be all the recognition I would need to plug on. 
I even dreamt of having a few followers on my blog that would give me a comment here and there to keep my little dream alive.


Well, Cut to present time..

 I never dreamt I could be in such awesome company and recognized by the leaders in the industry of all things decor!!!



That shit is just crazy and I must pinch myself!



Not only do I have all of you lovers that follow my blog and care what I have to say.



Not only do I get new readers everyday which still flatters me to no end and read comments that make me love you all even more...



Not only do I have clients that I cherish and more clients that are willing to wait so that I can help them design their homes.



BUT I ALSO



have made some amazing friendships with people who share this love of interior design with me.
and most importantly I still LOVE what I do.


I am in shock and humbled beyond words.
It just keeps getting better and better and my passion grows more with each day.


I truly want to Thank You Lovers from the bottom of my heart for visiting this here bloggy.


You have allowed me to document and share with you this great love of mine.


I would also like to thank Elka from CasaSugar for nominating me for the spot in Elle Decor






Personally I feel like I just gave a really long and annoying golden globes speech.

BUT



Its how I feel

even if it is douchey!






READ MORE - Humbled

Thursday pics {snow & ice}

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Few days ago I've been with my husband to the park to take a walk in the snow and..on the iced lake! This has been my first walk in a week {without counting the hospital visits..}. But I've paid for it..in the evening the fever came back to say "hi!".
Qualche giorno fa sono stata con mio marito al parco per fare una passeggiata nella neve e..sul lago ghiacciato! Questa è stata la mia prima passeggiata in una settimana {senza contare le visite in ospedale..}. Ma l'ho pagata senza sconti..alla sera la febbre è tornata a trovarmi!


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Ilaria Chiaratti 2012
READ MORE - Thursday pics {snow & ice}

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Giveaway Winner!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 0 comments
We have a winner!






Congrats Sara, 
Please email me your details so that I may send you your awesome loot!







READ MORE - Giveaway Winner!