Modern House Minimalist Design

Well, I'm cutting it pretty close putting January in the title. Even though February is just a few hours away I thought I'd show you what our dining room has looked like these past couple of weeks. Like most people, I always struggle a bit after Christmas trying to still make things looks cozy and not too bare once all of the greenery comes down. Obviously it's a bit too early for anything that has a spring-like feel to it so I generally keep things pretty simple. Although I do put all of my Christmas greenery away I generally use paperwhites for at least another month or so.  (We have just a few of our Ruffled Table Runners left in stock! ) You can see in the first two photos I had some cute little frames above the wingback chair that were a Christmas gift from my sister-in-law. I really wanted to use them in the living room but they were just too small so I ended up swapping them out with this painting we got several years ago and I think I have a good spot for the frames...

I have seen this on pinterest, but couldn't find a calendar for this year. Yes, I could use a calendar where the days are off, but that bothers the perfectionist side of me. So I made my own calendar! I am a huge fan of having something to follow. I like recipes, directions, things that tell me when and how to do something. This isn't always the case, but with a lot of things it is. So when I found this idea for a calendar I was excited. I can definitely follow a fitness calendar! I can't wait to get started. Here's to fabulous abs this February! Download and print out your own copy HERE .

I was born in England and emigrated to New Zealand when I was only six years old, I consider myself a kiwi but have regularly made trips back to the UK to visit family. The last time I went to England was about 7 years ago when I was living in Brunei and was in desperate need of some culture and floral inspiration for my paintings. During this time I stayed in a London bed and breakfast while visiting the beautiful Chelsea Gardens. The bed and breakfast I chose was a really pretty Victorian Semi detached in Kensington. Rather than stay in impersonal hotels I prefer to choose bed and breakfasts as I have always had pleasant experiences of kind people who go that extra mile to make you feel welcome. I don't truly think you experience a country until you have stayed with someone locally, shared their home and in England, eaten the genuine English cooked breakfast.  I'm really fussy when I'm planning a trip and when I find something I think will suit, I always read the review...

Italian styles homes designs.

Italian styles homes designs.

He was not happy that I wanted a picture of his haircut for the blog. What a trooper! Andy just got his haircut. Normally I wouldn't have given this a second thought, except for the conversation that went down before he got his hair cut: Andy: Hey lets work a haircut for me into our weekend plans. Me: Ok. I'm sure there's a good place around here. Andy: Yeah, about that... Me: What? You've never cared about where your hair was cut before. Andy: Well all the places around here have signs in the windows for weaves. I have one rule, I won't go to a place that advertises weaves. Me: What?! That's ridiculous. Andy: Yeah, but I'm telling you, if they advertise doing weaves they will have no idea how to cut a white man's hair. Just saying. Me: Ahh yes, we are in Oakland now. (Still, how ridiculous!) So we ended up driving into Berkeley for Andy to get his hair cut. Oh my! He got a great hair cut though. I do love him in short hair. :) Andy's hair exactly 1-...

Just wanted to pop in this morning with our newest pillow cover . We thought these would make great wedding gifts. I'll be back tonight with the some photos of our dining room. Have a blessed Thursday!

As we sit here on the last day of the first month of the year, I was reflecting back on 1) where the days went, 2) how they went so fast, 3) how I actually stuck to my “evaluate ” resolution (y’all, I went to Homegoods this week and bought NOTHING!), and 4) how I’ve done nothing but make Disney books for the last two weeks and thus have no new projects to share, I thought I’d highlight the top five of posts of January based on your page views! Honey Does: DIY Flat Screen TV Cabinet   100 Days of School {Free Printable}   The Boys Bath Before & After   I Love {House Portraits}   Dixie Delights Disney World   Speaking of Disney World, this is the last day to get your personalized Disney Signature Books if you’re going in February.  I’ll definitely list them again for those going later in the year!  I’d say the year is off to a pretty perfect start! xoxo

Hi there. Such a busy week over here. Finally today, I am not busy dong something every hour and will have a few hours to just "chill" (though that really means catching up with my looong list of errands).  I was so excited to finally get some of the tole pieces I had told you about a few weeks ago. Few things in life get me this excited at this stage of the game. Just cannot seem to totally squelch my thirst for this stuff....so having an online store is a great way to "have my cake and eat it too", you  know my motto "one for me and one for you"! This is an exceptional line of stunning handpainted tole pieces. I looooove this line. If you are like me and love chinoiserie, tole and all those kinds of things, then you will love this! I only got in a handful of each item so these will not be going online right away, if you want to inquire about something, just email me. Click here . Beautiful planter with scenery and you know how I feel about black..... An...