Dream within Reach

I want...

2012-02-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

...this Arizona poster!

Check out some of the amazing detail here.

Valentines Crafts...

2012-02-08T10:25:00.000-08:00

I don't really consider myself a crafty person. Honestly. I like good design, I like clean design. The DIYs I tackle are typically, well, I like to think they aren't too "crafty" in the bric-a-brac and gingham sense.

This time though, I may be coming extremely close. I wanted to send out some Valentines this year - nothing big, nothing time consuming, something simple. These cards may be bordering on cutesy though.

The supplies: stamp pad and blank cards. All just things I had.

Thumb down on the stamp pad (and proof I am in desperate need of a manicure).

Final product: thumb print hearts. Pretty darn "cute." Took all of two minutes honestly. Homemade and personal (which I like).

Seriously, the easiest project ever - if you are into this sort of thing.

I want...

2012-01-31T09:37:00.001-08:00

I am thinking I need this. Which is weird as I am so not an animal print type of person.

The Shed. The Story.

2012-01-24T15:01:00.000-08:00

Hi folks. Well, finally.
Here is the shed story.
This story was written by MCB for Shelter Magazine, a local home magazine. They came and took photos months ago and it was on the stands around town starting in December. Now, they have finally posted the story online for everyone to enjoy...yay!

Planning on it...

2012-01-19T11:46:00.001-08:00

[from: Ruggles Made]

Right Round Baby Right Round...

2012-01-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

For Rebecca. Reminded me of you.

[from: Artistry Cards]

Hops Heaven

2012-01-16T15:44:00.000-08:00

Wow - I have been a bad blogger. Vacation, visitors in town, work...excuses, excuses.

So, if you hang out with me and/or read this blog. You know I love beer. With a Colorado trip this past summer, and a recent trip to California all included breweries and beer tastings.

[by Man vs. Ink]

So - the latest fantasy? Opening a bottle shop here in Tucson. A bottle shop would have hundreds of craft beers in bottles that you can open and enjoy at the shop. I would also want wine available, a few specialty beers on tap, and big community table.

We visited a store like this in San Diego called Bottlecraft. LOVED IT. There seem to be a bunch popping up all over such as Top Hops in NYC and the Louisville Beer Store.

So what do you think? Should I quit my day job and open a similar spot up in Tucson?

Bad Blogger

2012-01-13T09:06:00.000-08:00

Here it is the new year and I haven't posted in weeks. I thought 2012 might calm down, but it seems as busy as ever!

Resolutions are many and will be shared soon, but in the meantime - I make a resolution today to be a better blogger.

Until that happens, here is a little gift to you - a beautiful painting by Luli Sanchez. Everything she creates is amazing, check her out.

Happy 2012!

Again...

2011-12-29T09:26:00.000-08:00

I have said this before, but this quote speaks to me. I love Telluride and I love winter in Telluride. I just can't deny that I love summer in Telluride even more...simply magical. So, this quote always reminds me that summer is just a state of mind.

Happy New Year!
All the best for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2012.

[from: design is mine, isn't it lovely?]

Nookie.

2011-12-28T11:06:00.001-08:00

Inspiration for today?
Nooks.
I want to just curl up in either of these nooks, pull the curtain and/or shut the doors, and curl up with a good book.
Perfection.

[from: Elements of Style]

Ick...

2011-12-26T10:36:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Mine was full of friends and food (too much food!). It was lovely, relaxing, quiet. But, I have been sick - so sick - entering week two here.

So, posts may be infrequent until the new year.
Love to you all.
Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2012!

Happy Holiday!

2011-12-24T15:56:00.000-08:00

Another year!

Love y'all!

We are hitting the road tomorrow.

California highway 1 for the week.

Pictures to follow.

For now, a lovely Arizona Inn gingerbread house.

Kitty Love

2011-12-15T17:22:00.000-08:00

It is no surprise, I love cats. I know. I am going to turn in to a crazy cat lady.

Here are some cat prints in our home to prove my obsession.

[from Mini and Maximus]

[Enjoi T-shirt stretched on canvas]

[Poster given to my by my sister]

Meow!

All I want for Christmas...

2011-12-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

On my wishlist to Santa this year...

Antler hook. Not sure where I would put it, but I am sure I would find a spot.

This watch. MCB says I can't have one - since he already has one of his own. I don't care. I love it and want one anyway.

I continue on the hunt for the perfect pair of black boots worthy enough for me to drop some serious money on. These are a top contender.

I love this neon scarf. The perfect pop of color.

I have nowhere to use such a fancy bag, but darn if I don't love it. Like lots.

Sharpies. Obsession is not strong enough of a word.

These hand towels. Yes.

This is a good reminder.

I know I have already posted about this bracelet. Too bad. It is lovely.

This cutting board would fulfill my OCD tendencies.

Yes, another scarf. I am sort of into this loopy scarf things all of a sudden. This one looks light and versatile enough to sport year round here in the mountains.

What are YOU asking from Santa this year?

Christmas. The Tree.

2011-12-13T13:45:00.001-08:00

This weekend we finally got our Christmas Tree. Every year, a group of us goes out to a beautiful ranch outside of Telluride to cut down our own trees. It is a very classic western type of thing: sleigh rides, cowboys, hot coco warming over a fire, and Santa - of course.

A couple of photos of our tree this year...

Since Ben (my roommate) was out of town last year for this event, he got to pick out and chop down the tree by himself.

Then this happened.

All was saved though. The biggest (and possibly my most favorite) tree in the condo to date.

Merry Christmas!

Shed Series: Random Bits/What Makes a House a Home

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

So as I mentioned in the last shed post, we are done touring the rooms of the shed. I wanted to end the shed series though with some other images...and have decided to name this post: Random Bits/What Makes a House a Home. Because any house is more than just the rooms inside, it is the people and the memories that make it "home."

MCB - the man, the myth, the shed owner. Do you notice all the red walls behind him? I cannot express how happy I am that they have disappeared. MCB was a busy worker-bee in this picture and throughout everything (mostly) kept that cute smile on his face.

The flooring. Oh boy. There was lots of flooring. Even Anabelle here is amazed by all of the flooring. Thank goodness for MCB's folks - both sets of parents were amazing throughout the entire shed renovation. Thank you Chris, Becky, VW, and Molly!

MCB painting doors on a lovely sunny day.

At one point there was no sink or stove in the shed. Thank goodness for instant coffee (even if it is Starbucks) and a Jet Boil. We would not have survived without these things.

Thankfully the fridge remained plugged in during the renovation. We had cold beers. We drank them. What remained in the fridge throughout the renovation? One sad Bud.

A much needed coffee upgrade arrived once the stove got installed. Yay!

Building furniture, painting, cleaning, and more can be exhausting. Here I am at the end of my rope one night. At least the couch was finished for me to curl up on.

Finally, pretty things have a home. MCB's favorite coffee cups are unpacked.

Our first breakfast in the shed. Things are coming together.

MCB - self portrait. The man has a home he can live in now. A shower and a new robe does a man good - he is happy - thumbs up to the shed.

Our first dinner in the shed. MCB cooked salmon caught in Alaska by his Uncle. It was, as you can imagine, delicious.

Anabelle enjoys the sunshine in her new home. The light in the shed is amazing.

Beside coffee, a few of these may have helped get us through the harder times.

A few of MCB's favorites: coffee, his favorite coffee cup, new counters, and the amazing sunshine in the shed. What a great way to start the day.

The IKEA shelves have proven their worth in many ways. The latest discovery? They do a great job of drying skins after an early season ski touring session.

The infamous grolla. Yum.

MCB partakes. And makes a wish (part of the custom).

The shed gets photographed for a magazine spread. Not sure if they make it available digitally. If so, I will be sure to share the story/layout with everyone here.

Cheers to a happy home!

Yep, the shed is pretty wonderful. Nothing like a cold beer on a cold night to celebrate a job well done. Come by soon to share a beer - promise there is more than a lonely Bud in the fridge now.

See you soon.

I want...

2011-12-08T13:37:00.000-08:00

In case anyone is wondering. So lovely.

"dot, dot, dash, dash is YOUR very own monogram on a special morse coded bracelet or necklace." From here.

Shed Series: Bedroom

2011-12-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

So, here we are - at the end of the shed series. The shed is small and there are only so many rooms to cover. And the bedroom, that is the last room to visit. First, get ready to get your mind blown by the awesomeness of the bedroom, cause it is pretty darn amazing. Sadly though, this is our last room...but keep checking back to this here blog for updates. A house is not a static thing and lots will change - and I will be sure to share all that happens around the shed.

With all this said - how about we take a look at the bedroom.

Before. Sigh. This image is - again - the only "before" image we have. As you can see there is one window. Since the bedroom (and entire downstairs for that matter) sits below the ground, this is a window well that only lets in a little light. To note: this image was taken at night, it is not this dark all of the time.

Here you can see the former owner's bed - propped up on cinder blocks to provide storage under the bed. The furniture placement is pretty awkward here. This room is small - like seriously small - so to stuff it with so much furniture made it feel even smaller.

A "during" shot. The carpet was ripped out and this is before the walls were painted. Again, before the epic IKEA adventure, some space planning took place.

Following the epic IKEA adventure, a l-o-t of furniture building took place. The biggest project of them all was the construction of the bed. I believe it took about 3 hours total to put this monster together.

And, here I am after the bed was finally finished. Yippee!

So, now that we have gutted the room, installed new floors, painted, and built all of the furniture...let's get a tour of the completed room. Come on in...

Here is the bed. And that is basically it. Honestly. This room is small - minute actually. So all that fits is the bed...which is fine since all you do in a bedroom is sleep anyway.

Everything in here is from IKEA. The headboard was a genius discovery by MCB. Since there is really not enough room for proper nightstands, this headboard has these adjustable shelves that sit off the ground. The photo above the bed is from MCB's friend (and talented photographer) Nick Wolcott. The lamps are ones I had in storage that I had in my apartment in Savannah. These lamps clamp to the headboard - freeing up much needed space on the shelves for other items.

Here is the only closet in the entire shed. The room is too small for a door, so I bought a curtain and a tension rod from Target as a solution to cover up the closet. This closet holds all of MCB's clothes and the large water heater.

So, here is the bed. It is so cozy and comfortable. But...there is a secret hiding in this bed.

And, voila! The mattress sits on special hinges that allow it to lift up and stay up. The room is too small for any type of storage that slides out from the sides or the ends or anything like that. So, this IKEA box spring is genius as it lifts up for easy access.

Here is MCB's side of the bed. He has a random collection of things on his nightstand shelves. Questions about anything? Ask in the comments section.

And, here is my side of the bed. I have my own little collection of things on my shelves too. And, below the shelves...a basket. This is what I am allotted. I have a basket for my clothes since there is very little storage. Occasionally I transfer clothes between my house and the shed, but really, it has been amazing to discover how very little I need and the various combinations of outfits I can create with only a few items.

So, this is the bedroom.

Hope you have enjoyed touring around the shed. Like I said, make sure to check in often as I will be sure to post shed updates, but also to share other projects happening around my house, friend's houses, Telluride, and more.

Thanks for visiting! Plan a trip to Telluride to visit in person soon or swing by the shed if you are in town for that cocktail I mentioned.

Shed Series: Bathroom

2011-12-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Time to enter the bathroom at the shed. I know, not terribly exciting, but hopefully a little bit inspiring. A lot of work was done in here. So, if you need to go, now you now.

Oh how I wish we had more "before" images to share. What you can see...a gross wood/laminate vanity, wood towel/tp bars, the linoleum tile floor, the shower door, and a hint of the door that opens to the washer/dryer closet. What you cannot see...the gross wood/laminate medicine cabinet, a weird wire rack shelf thing (I have no idea how to even describe it), and another horribly painted red wall (off frame on the right side of image). Sure it worked, but it was t-i-r-e-d.

So enter gutting the bathroom. Mostly. The shower stayed. So did the toilet. Everything else ended up in the dumpster - thankfully.

I haven't mentioned this yet, but every light fixture in the house got replaced. There were gross iron type sconces in the upstairs and downstairs were these weird caged things (can you sort of see it here?). MCB ended up getting some new fixtures at IKEA - for both upstairs and downstairs. They are pretty basic, affordable, efficient, and non-offensive. The best part, MCB learned (on his own) how to install every single light. It is nice when you feel like you can do things on your own instead of paying someone...you know?

So, here is the "after." The floors are updated and feel so nice. The vanity, sink, faucet, medicine cabinet, and wall storage thing are all new and simple. It feels so much bigger and brighter in the shed bathroom.

The walls and trim got painted. So did the door to the washer/dryer closet. All that is in here is a stacked washer/dryer - so nice to have this in the shed.

All new hooks and holders from IKEA as well. Above the toilet is the storage cube thing - which is nice additional room for extra towels and other supplies. In the frame are a bunch of Red Cross pins and such that MCB found and put together in a shadow box - he is crafty that one.

And, here is the sink. It is super tiny, but totally functional.

The sink is really deep. It came with hooks on the side to hang towels off of, a soap dish, and this tray thing. When we unpacked it all and put the tray on the sink I remember thinking - "I will never use this." Guess what, I use it all of the time. It holds a myriad of things...rings when I wash my hands, my hairbrush when I blow dry my hair, makeup, lotions, etc. Pretty smart thinking IKEA.

And, remember this? This bag is from Best Made Company (the one who makes all of the axes we saw on the stair post). This gets used as a hamper in the bathroom. And reminds us...yes, everything here really is wonderful.

The last room - the bedroom - is coming up next. And then the shed series will be done. Sad.

Around the house...

2011-12-03T13:10:00.001-08:00

Today I went home and it was strange. Besides a couple minutes here and a couple of minutes there, I honestly have not been home in six weeks or more. As in, I have not slept in my bed since early October I believe. I have been staying at the shed.

But today...today I came home. It feels nice. We have been spending a lot of time visiting the shed lately on the blog here (don't worry, there are more posts to come), but for today, let's take a [very] little tour around my house.

The bathroom. On my counter sits an old baking tin with things I use - salts for baths, lotion, q-tips, various makeup brushes and such, a candle, and a little battery radio so I can listen to NPR in the morning when I am getting ready. And another flashcard so I can remind myself to "bounce" to it in the morning.

A little bedside vignette. Yes, the lampshade is supposed to be broken, I kind of like it that way. A little ornament frame that I spray painted and hung on the wall using a ribbon has a picture of my dog's namesake, Madison Square in Savannah. Next to it is a framed Sanborn Map of Savannah. Also, remember this silhouette of my dog that I made? Hmm - this seems to be quite the dog/Savannah corner now that I think of it. On top of the frames are wooden models of buildings from NYC from MOMA, my initials in old typewriter keys, a shell found on a beach, and this matchstick case.

A little shelf in my bedroom. Jars of sand from two of my favorite beaches. My initials in old letter blocks. A silly owl from Urban Outfitters. An ikat bowl from Anthropologie full of Japenese washi paper tape. That white thing? That is a card - remember this? Yes - that is an alligator head (from the Farmers Market in New Orleans probably 20 years ago). On the wall is a drawing by the wonderful Molly (there is a long story behind this - for another time maybe), a little mirror, yet another flashcard, and a print from Made By Girl.

The [cluttered] gallery wall behind my TV. Every piece on that wall has a meaning. Do I dare bore you with links to everything and explain what everything is? Ask me in the comments if you want additional information about anything.

And, my bed. Though not used, it is unmade and disheveled. Oh well. Just so you know, there is a loft above my bed that is a little home office.

Ah, home.

Thanks for letting me tour my house a little. Now back to the shed...

(Apologizes for the crappy iPhone photos - the only "camera" I had)

Deck the Halls

2011-12-02T11:59:00.000-08:00

The plan this weekend is to try and replicate this.

[from CB2 blog]

Honestly

2011-12-01T16:07:00.000-08:00

I need to remember this. Cause I do. This should maybe become my mantra for 2012.

[via: design is mine: isn't it lovely?]

my mother's clothes

2011-11-30T17:33:00.000-08:00

Have you seen or read this book?

my mother's clothes by Jeannette Montgomery Barron

She is a SCAD grad so assuming so.

My sweet friend Julie gave it to me and it is beautiful.

[book cover - my mother's clothes]

Shed Series: Stairs

2011-11-30T13:13:00.000-08:00

Let the shed series continue! So, this might not be the most exciting of areas of the shed to explore, but one that I believe deserves its own separate post. Time to go round and round as we spiral down the stairs.

Here is a mid-demolition shot of the top of the stairs, by the front door. This is looking towards the living room (now that you all have toured the entire upstairs). This is a great view of the gross teal trim, the beige front door, and - to the left - the blood red walls that went down the stairs. Also, here is MCB's dog, Anabelle, looking uneasy at the prospect of having to trot up and down the spiral stairs for the next few years to come.

And, here is a shot of the bottom of the spiral stairs. At the top of the image you see the doorway into the bedroom. This image is after all of the carpet had been ripped up (thank goodness). The spiral stairs aren't the prettiest, but they are the most practical for the space - they take up very little room.

And, here is MCB's Pop hard at work. If you don't know Von Wilson, you should probably get to know him. VW is all things - most importantly for this project - he is a very handy guy. In 1.5 days, VW laid every inch of flooring in the shed - including jigging the floor so that it fit perfectly around the base of the spiral stairs. Magic.

And, here is the front door area now. There is one tiny closet in the entire shed (in the bedroom, it also is home to the water heater), so all of the coats are out in the open. MCB purchased another IKEA shelf system for the shed. Living in Telluride means you need a lot of jackets for all types of weather. On the floor you will notice an old crate that gets used to store wet boots. Another crate has since been purchased for on top of the shelf to hold hats, gloves, helmets, nordic boots, you name it.

Blood red wall - gone! Took two coats of primer and two coats of paint to cover it all up - whew.

There is this odd little shelf in the stairwell. Of course, this is the obvious place to store axes (jokes people). The sign there was a gift from a friend - and is illegal for MCB to have as it is a Forest Service trail sign. Shhhh.

Also, no, MCB is not a lumberjack. Actually, MCB does some guest blogging for a great company - Best Made Company - who sends him gear to "test drive" so he can write reviews - hence the axe collection. All of those axes get used too - some wood chopping happened just this past Thanksgiving up in Steamboat with VW.

Looking down the stairs. Thrilling I know. The poster was a gift to MCB from some friends. MCB loves The National (as in lots). I do not (as in lots).

Here we are at the bottom of the stairs.

And, this is me, standing on the bottom step. Wow - I took a lot of stair photos. The door on the left leads you to the bedroom. Off to the right is the entrance to the bathroom. Behind the door is another painting by Michelle Curry Wright. She had loaned it to MCB years ago and just the other day came and swiped it to use in an upcoming show.

And, here we are under the stairs. Storage is a huge issue in the shed. MCB bought a couple of action packers to store bike gear (helmet, shoes, pedals, tools), ski gear (boots, helmets, gloves, goggles), and packs (for biking, skiing, hiking). Living in the mountains means you have so much stuff for all different activities. Outside are additional action packers with camping gear and other such stuff.

So, those are the stairs.
And, these now take us downstairs, where we will tour the bedroom and bathroom...stay tuned!

Erin Font

2011-11-29T19:25:00.000-08:00

I love my sister's handwriting.

I think there should be an Erin font.

Check out the lovely signs she made for our Thanksgiving dishes.

Spotted...

2011-11-29T19:22:00.000-08:00

...this super cute YART sale sign. Love it.

Shed Series: Kitchen

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-08:00

Ok - time to keep the shed series moving right along. I recently asked MCB if I could make a "now we're cooking" joke to introduce the kitchen. He told me that if I had to ask, it probably was a bad joke. He is probably right. So, I have no introduction now except to say - welcome to the shed kitchen.
Let's look around...

Here is a before image - from the kitchen sink. This is, again, from our first tour of the shed back in April. Note the teal window trim, the gauzy curtains, and the dead flowers in the steel thermos. As you can imagine, every bit of this was changed.

Here is another shot from our first visit. Sorry I am in this shot, I had no idea a photo was being taken and it is really the only overview shot of the kitchen from "before" that we have. If you can sort of notice - there is a high bar table with stools on the left side of the image, the previous renters had covered the upper cabinets with makeshift doors with sticks on the front, and pots and pans were hanging from the rafters. I think the best way to describe the space is cluttered.

Here is another before image - of the floor. The linoleum came up and the unfinished cabinets received a much needed face-lift.

An in-progress shot. Matt's Mom, Molly, was a painting fool. Not only did she paint the entire kitchen, she also made meals for all of the hungry workers every day while they were in town. Both Molly and Von (you will see him later) helped out tremendously. MCB is very lucky to have two sets of incredible parents help with this project.

Painting cabinets can be a pain, but well worth the effort.
This image also shows the old counter and sink.

Molly was reading the newspaper one day and noticed an ad from a condo complex that was undergoing renovations. They were advertising a sale for all of their old appliances as they were upgrading each unit. Stoves = $35. Refrigerators = $35. The sizes were perfect for the shed...super duper small. Previously in the shed there was just a mini-fridge that sat below the counters. MCB and I went online to look at larger options and small fridges seemed to run about $400. Not that that is terrible, but you cannot possibly beat $35. The $35 stove was in much better shape than the existing shed stove, so that got swapped too.

Molly decided that the white fridge was fine, but terribly boring. She taped the edges of the doors and gave them a quick spray with chalkboard paint. The black is a nice contrast to the light colors of the shed and the chalkboard is a great place to write lists, notes, and a great way to keep a toddler entertained during breakfast (yes, this has happened).

Here is the kitchen now - clean, bright, and clutter free (as much as possible). All of the cabinets are painted the same color as the trim. New IKEA butcher block counters and a new sink/faucet. Off to the left you can see the fold down kitchen table. When folded, it creates this lovely little shelf for books and keys and such. The rug is a Dash & Albert rug - one of the indoor/outdoor styles, meaning not only can you hose it off to get it clean, but it wears well.

A closer image of the sink area. All of the dishes are from IKEA. MCB likes the Basil Mrs. Meyers cleaner - smells yummy. He has also started collecting jadeite - MCB has two teacups and saucers.

To corral cords, MCB found this old cheese box. I found these flashcards in Savannah (remember?) and gave him one. Also, in a pinch before his big magazine shoot, I put a card in an extra IKEA frame (it says: boy on a bike)...it fits in nicely.

And, here is the table - down.

Here it is up. Remember the stools from the living room? Here is how they get used.

And, here is where MCB likes to work - at the table, with his teacup, and his Eames chair. The sun comes through the kitchen window and provides such lovely light. It is a great little work desk. That's the thing about small spaces - making areas serve multiple uses is key.

Here are the $35 appliances in action. As I mentioned, before, there was only a mini-fridge that would sit below a counter on the right side of the stove. This new fridge is a huge improvement. MCB purchased a few shelving systems at IKEA that have come in handy. In the kitchen, this shelf provides nice additional storage. MCB found the clock at a junk shop in Montrose. The Canada Dry box on top of the fridge (another junk shop score) is where all of the booze gets stored.

And here is a detail shot from above the stove - the "coffee station." On the little shelf there houses a cream pitcher, the shuguh bowl (from my house), and coffee spoons. The espresso pot painting was a gift to MCB from a local artist, Michelle Curry Wright. I have one of her paintings as well - she is great. To the left of the painting is a photo of MCB as a kid drinking coffee. Molly put together this photo with a cute little saying in a frame. It is adorable.

So, that is the kitchen. I wish I had more before images for you as the transformation has been so dramatic. It is cute, it is cozy, it is actually really comfortable to cook in this kitchen.

And, basically, between the kitchen and the living room - we have concluded the upstairs.
There is plenty more to share though...don't worry.

Thankful

2011-11-28T09:48:00.001-08:00

I know I owe you all more shed photos. Don't worry, they are ready to post - all of the images are uploaded and everything - so I promise more to come soon.

In the meantime, I just had to share a little project that took place over Thanksgiving this year. MCB and I had the pleasure of visiting his family in Steamboat Springs for the holiday. And no visit would be complete without a follow-up post about something crafty happening - I mean, remember these people?

So, while the turkey was cooking (In a paper bag no less - have you ever heard of such a thing? It was delicious!), we got started on table decorations. Molly purchased all of the fixings...and here is how everything turned out.

We had some small pumpkins that we cleaned out and filled with water.

A bunch of [inexpensive] beautiful flowers were trimmed and piled together.

And then stuffed in the pumpkin - voila! So easy, festive, and cute.

We made three.

And here is the table.

Lots to be thankful this year...hope you all had wonderful Thanksgiving holidays as well.

Shed Series: Living Room

2011-11-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

Ok. So now that you have seen the outside, let's take a tour of the inside. Come on in...

Welcome to the first room we will visit - the Living Room. You all have seen this image before - when discussing to paint or not to paint rafters. This is the before image from the first day MCB was able to tour the space. It is not the best image, like I said I didn't get a chance to get many "before" shots. Note the teal trim color - and what you can't see is that the window trim inside the molding is a deep purple color. Oh yeah, and that red wall in the spiral stairwell...the combination was, well, interesting to say the least.

This is why I don't have more "before" images. The day after MCB bought the shed, his Dad (who happened to be in town) started ripping everything up. Which was so very wonderful. The disgusting carpet (so gross) and the linoleum got pulled up immediately. Chris was a workhorse - demo and painting until the wee hours of the morning. Becky, MCB's step-mom, did an amazing job of keeping everything clean throughout this phase of the project.

The dogs monitored our progress. For a while, the mini-fridge and the stove from the kitchen got moved to the middle of the living room so that the counters and sink could be installed. As you can see, prior to our trip to IKEA, I did a little space planning. I measured out all of the furniture using the dimensions provided online to make sure the furniture MCB was planning on buying would fit in the space. Outlined are the sofa and TV locker.

We were painting fools. The hard part was working long days at our jobs and then coming to the shed at night to work well into the morning. Exhausting. MCB picked out all of his own paint and I think he did a pretty great job. All of the trim (goodbye teal and purple!) is now "atrium white" and the walls (goodbye blood red!) are now "ashwood" - all Benjamin Moore. Clean, fresh, lovely.

There was a LOT of IKEA furniture building. MCB literally had no furniture - nothing. So, we bought everything. And then we had to build it.

After all of the demo, painting, installation of new floors, furniture building, and so on - we finally had a chance to hang art. MCB has a great collection of art and I think for him, putting it on the walls made it feel like things were getting accomplished.

Now things are done, in place, and (for the most part) finished. So, here is the final result. The art is on the wall. There are various prints here - from Ben Knight and Nick Wolcott. MCB also recently purchased a print by Dan Budnik, a well-known civil rights photographer. Also on the wall is print from a WSJ photographer of a man in Afghanistan. MCB's close friend is a reporter for the NYT and has been reporting from Iraq and Afghanistan this past year. This print was a surprise housewarming gift and is such a lovely addition to MCB's collection.

Across from the couch is the Eames chair which is no longer on spec and is now a permanent fixture. Also, the TV. What gets watched? Honestly all we watch is football and Chopped. Next to the TV is a lamp I had in high school - there is no place in my condo for it, so glad it has a home at the shed.

Here is the sofa - IKEA's Karlstad. The dark gray slipcover hides a variety of sins. And, this sofa is comfy. Like so comfy, a certain blogger may fall asleep on it every night.

Next to the locker is another Karlstad item, a little chair. We also bought a stack of stools that we use at the kitchen table (more on that later), but they also get used for additional seating. The lockers were attached to the back of the shed and housed paint and other random items. These got cleaned up and brought inside. They now provide much needed storage for shoes, ski gear, bike gear, hats, and other miscellaneous items.

Above the chair are these prints. One is a photo of a power plant outside of Craig, CO that we recently drove past - the photo is moody and cool. Remember this scary junk shop? MCB picked up some of these rusty stars there and nailed them into the wall. Also hanging is a sweet photo of MCB and his grandfather heading out on a fishing trip when MCB was a little boy.

Just another shot of the locker, chair, stools.

And, remember the rafters? They stayed unpainted (thankfully).

That is the Living Room. It is very cozy and very comfortable for entertaining.
Come by for a cocktail sometime, won't you?

Shed Series: And so it begins...

2011-11-20T14:38:00.000-08:00

Yes, and so it begins. I have finally been able to pull together all of the shed photos - from before, during, and after. While there aren't as many "before" images as I would like, hopefully the ones I do have will give you all the sense of what the shed once looked like and what it has since become.

I plan on going room by room (don't worry, it is small so it won't take too long) with my posts.

So, let's get started - welcome to 586.5 West Pacific in Telluride, Colorado.

Here is the shed from the first day we had an opportunity to visit. The sign on the front side is to indicate that this shed will be reviewed by our local HARC (Historic Architectural Review Commission) Board. The lot the shed sits on will, one day, get developed. Since Telluride is a historic district, this means that there is a volunteer board that reviews all development plans within the town to ensure their compliance with prescribed guidelines in order to maintain Telluride's historic character.

This shed is a "protected" building within the town's historic guidelines. Probably built near the turn of the last century, this means that this shed cannot be altered. The shed adds to the historic character of the town in that Telluride has a mix of high Victorian homes, railroad warehouse buildings, small miner cabins, and many sheds. These sheds must maintain their rough exteriors, cannot be added onto, and may not be moved from their original locations.

The shed went before the HARC board as the front house on the lot will be renovated and the middle (now open) portion of the lot will be developed - as an addition to the front house. The shed will remain exactly where it is and how it looks.

Here is the happy little house. All 491 sq ft.

The shed is covered in a plethora of materials like rough hewn boards and various types of metal siding - in both vertical and horizontal configurations.

This is the view from the shed - lots of big condos in the area.

MCB wasn't digging the taupe colored front door.

So, it is now green.

Here is the front door on a recent snowy day. We are now on the hunt for some cool "numbers" to put on the front door. Maybe a stencil? Maybe some nail on metal type numbers? Who knows.

Also, I want to note this now - with two dogs between us, you will find dogs creeping into many of the images. Cannot be helped. Woof.

There is a little patio type area out front of the shed. Right now it houses bikes - MCB's townie and the tandem (aka. USS Montana).

So, welcome to the shed. It is cute, it is cozy, and I cannot wait to show you around.

This will be our year

2011-11-20T11:53:00.000-08:00

Feeling nostalgic.

This is a wonderful song by the Zombies that fits the mood.

Found this video on You Tube with someone's old home movies.

Just lovely.

Finally....

2011-11-18T07:07:00.000-08:00

...crawling out of the rabbit hole I jumped down.

It has been 1 week from the wedding and I am still recovering. It was magical, emotional, beautiful, tiring, and a work of art. I am sure I will post more pics as we get the professional photos, but here is a peek from Bree and Claude's wedding....well mostly the design stuff because I am proud of our work. We transformed a space that is no longer a restaurant in to a 4 room space for eating, dancing, drinking, etc. Plus an outside there was a photobooth, fire pit, and cocktail space. Wow.

A shaky video of the procession: http://youtu.be/fRrS5p6ApgA This does not do it justice - but you can hear the awesome bagpipes and drums. I cried through the entire service.

the entrance - flags designed and assembled

the entry way and bar

amazing photo wall with family pics

this is where I spent many many hours....

please note the chair covers - those were made by me. :)

dancing, belly dancers and karaoke happened here

cake cut with a sword

Yeppers

2011-11-15T09:22:00.001-08:00

You betcha.

[from: MaryKateMcDevitt]

PS. The shed is being photographed for a magazine spread this afternoon. All of the "touch-ups" finally happened. Since the shed will be clean and lookin' good, guess who will be there snapping photos too to share right here? Finally.

Two Things...

2011-11-14T11:42:00.001-08:00

Two things I am digging today. Both found here (how convenient).

On another note, I need to find time to get on Pinterest and mess around. I need more hours in my day I believe.

Monday, Monday...

2011-11-14T09:08:00.000-08:00

Ok. Sorry. I guess my last post may have been a little darker than intended. Yes, it was a super crappy week - but, life moves on and things are good. I promise. Sorry to vent and make anyone worry.

The weekend ended on a high note though. Here is a peek...

9 days. Yep, our ski resort opens in 9 days. I still am not quite sure where summer went. Heck, I am not sure where fall went even. What a blur. Saturday morning I went to our local ski swap more to chat with friends than to actually shop. It was fun.

This was a low point of the weekend. MCB dropped his phone on the kitchen floor. He has insurance, he ordered a new one. But even replacement phones are expensive. He was upset - rightly so. Sad.

My new favorite dinner. MCB is really stepping up his game. Elk bolognese with mascarpone cheese. nomZ as we say around here. Delish.

And this was Sunday night. A friend brought over a Grolla. Never heard of it? Me neither. Apparently this is a popular thing when you are on a hut trip in Italy. I know, so random. Mike (the friend) is a guide. He picked one of these grolla things up on a recent trek. It is made of wood. You fill it with grappa and coffee, you light it on fire, it has four spouts. You cover the spouts and drink. It was weird. And certainly not something I expected to do while watching football. I liked it though. You learn something new everyday. I will hopefully be sharing the grolla again soon.

How was your weekend?

This week...

2011-11-11T09:56:00.000-08:00

Whew. Thank heavens it is Friday. Honestly. I hate to be a downer and I hate to complain - really I do - particularly in a space that is supposed to be full of pretty things and a source for inspiration..this week has been a doozie though. I feel drained and overwhelmed. I have been doing my best to keep my chin up, but man it has been hard. Here are a few things that helped make this week a little brighter - or at least interesting.

Sorry to vent. Hoping next week things are back on track. I know in your worlds there are weddings this weekend and babies to swoon over. Here's to a weekend full of love and baby cuddles. See you on the other side.

Telluride Brewing Company finally opened! Rebecca and Scott - wish we could be sharing a beer together this weekend. Matt and his motley crew got on their snow bikes (Pugsley) and rode across the valley floor to the brewery after work the other night. Matt was very proud of his hunting and gathering when he arrived back home with a delicious growler of beer for us to share.

I had to go up to Montrose on Wednesday for a doctors appointment. I won't go into details, but please please make sure to not only wear gobs of sunscreen, but it must contain zinc oxide. Anyway, while there I went to the "big" supermarket to pick up some items. This was a display inside. So absolutely random. Cause when you are shooting elk, someone better bring the Gouda.

It is the weird "in-between" season here. Too cold and wet to bike, but not enough snow to really ski just yet. I took the dogs on an afternoon snow hike. And, yes, it was as cold and dreary as it looks.

Gave a presentation at one of our local schools for work. They have a huge wall dedicated to student artistic interpretations of bikes. I went a little nuts snapping photos. I absolutely loved this project.

The dogs got new toys this week. Belle sniffed hers and has been snuggling with it all week. Maddie immediately destroyed hers - I have never seen so much stuffing!

A peek in to my week

2011-11-09T06:28:00.000-08:00

Crafting for Bree's wedding is in full swing at my house.

Full reports and photos on the other side.

I spend all my time here.

I will be happy when I do not have to see this fabric again.

Shoe clips for the bridesmaids.

Beer coozies. Mmmmm

Coming Soon...

2011-11-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

I know I have been saying it forever now (it seems), but I promise, shed before and afters are coming soon. I finally have some before photos. MCB & his Dad are "doers" and just went in and started demo before I could really get the images I wanted for my "before" shots. So, I have some that the boys took, just not the ones I really wanted. What I wanted to show you was just how bad the shed was as it is so wonderful now. A little bit of touch up paint still needs to happen, a little styling and then I can get some great "after" shots.

Until then, I leave you with this - a demo photo. In it you can see the gross carpet/linoleum being removed. Also, you can see the blood red wall that was the bane of my existence - so many coats to cover - why were the renters allowed to use that horrid color? Also notice the door trim - horrible teal. All of the window/door trim throughout the shed was painted teal and purple (to, you know, coordinate with the red?). It took two coats of primer and four coats of paint to cover up that trim - and touch-ups are still happening. Ugh.

Thanks for your patience while I get these images pulled together.
I cannot wait to share MCB's shed with you guys! Soon - promise.

Boo!

2011-10-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

A Halloween color story from the shed. Orange and Black. Have a spooktacular day!

Pillows.

Orange Eames. Yes, it is staying.

Matt loves a good bunting (his joke). This is the fridge in the shed. The doors are spray painted with chalkboard paint. Adorable.

Pumpkin. Waiting to be carved.

Two dogs, 400 sq ft. Lots of dog hair.

Yum. Home baked goodies.

For Me...

2011-10-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

Remember this post? This print was made for me!

Bachelorette tunes for you

2011-10-23T08:16:00.000-07:00

I have been consumed.

As a maid (matron?) of honor.

Bridal shower - check.

Bachelorette - check.

Here is the mix from the Bachelorette Lots of guilty pleasures.

Enjoy.

You Betcha...

2011-10-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

So, I know I owe everyone a shed before & after series. There are still some things to do around the shed (this weekend?). Also, I need to get all of the before photos on my computer so I can properly cull them down and organize them for your viewing pleasure.

In the meantime, MCB has this number on spec from a new design store in town. Of course, I think it is awesome. Someone (and that someone is actually not just me) is having fun designing their new space. And I approve.

bike days

2011-10-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

It is finally feeling like Fall here in AZ!

Bike riding season is here again!

Wouldn't you love to find this on your bike?

[from heroes and criminals]

The Tucson Bicycle Belles are going to design their own to give out.

[photo credits unknown]

Happy riding!

Junque...

2011-10-04T13:49:00.000-07:00

Had about two seconds to junk recently. Went to a new place. It was full of a lot of random farming equipment and old cars. The owner had a cat without a tail and he wore a taser on his belt. I was scared. Then I walked past his trailer (on the property) and noticed this collection of light covers/reflectors. I want them all. I love them. I love this. I won't be going back, but happy for this moment of beauty.

It is beautiful

2011-10-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

I did not make this mix, but I sure love it.

[from for me, for you]

ps. Sonchia skip the first song - you are not a National fan right?

This Just In...

2011-09-30T14:03:00.001-07:00

A photo. From the shed. The counters and sink got installed last night (late). It is all slowly coming together. It will be rad. Can't wait to share it with you all soonish.

Lampshade Lust

2011-09-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Saw this lamp online today. Hmm - thinking I might just buy me a cheap white shade and some sharpies and try a little DIY. You know, with all of this free time on my hands and all.
LOVE.

I...I...Ikea...

2011-09-23T10:50:00.001-07:00

This evening MCB and I are off to IKEA. It will be a whirlwind shopping trip. A seven hour drive up to Denver tonight after work, shopping tomorrow morning, and then a seven hour drive back to Telluride tomorrow evening. I am exhausted already. It needs to get done though - as the big purchase will be flooring which needs to get installed Sunday.

So, I wanted to give a little sneak peak of a couple of items that will be purchased tomorrow. This is only a small sampling of what MCB is buying. Space saving items are a must as the shed is a mere 491 sq. ft.

We have been up late night every night after work painting away. The disgusting red walls are [finally] gone and it is slowly starting to come together. I promise some before and after photos once things are in a little better shape at the shed. It is going to be amazing though - can't wait to share.

In the meantime - here are some items that will be coming back with us from IKEA tomorrow.

This little locker will make a great TV stand.

I love this lamp. Hotness.

The bedroom is the tiniest bedroom I think I have ever seen in my life. It will hold a bed. Period. So, this little headboard number will at least give MCB some "nightstand-like" shelves. I can't wait to see it installed.

I saw this bed in a NYT article and thought it was genius. MCB's new bedroom is too small to pull drawers or anything like that from the sides. So, this is the best way to store stuff. I cannot wait to see this thing in action. Such a smart idea IKEA.

And this. This will go up in the kitchen. Mostly it will be down I suspect. But, the great part is that when it is down, it creates a little shelf. I think this is where keys and such will tossed.

Hmm - interesting that everything I am posting is white. Weird. I swear there will be color.
You will just have to wait and see.

Somewhere in Middle America...

2011-09-21T05:06:00.000-07:00

Off to Omaha today for the wedding of Rob (Scott's brother) and Michelle.

Looking forward to some Fall weather (it is 98 in Tucson today)!

[Rob's mailbox - photo by me]

Out...

2011-09-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

This happened last night. Gross carpet...gone. Disgusting linolium...gone. Thankfully, I did not participate in this activity. Good on the guys for getting this done.

Now - time for paint. Seems the votes are in - no paint on the rafters.

The Shed.

2011-09-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Finally. After months and months of waiting - MCB finally closed on his first house. It is all very exciting. MCB is now the proud owner of a 491 sq. ft. historic (free standing!) alley shed in Telluride. Lots of work will be done over the course of the next couple of weeks and I hope to share some of the projects here in the blog. Heading out at lunch today to help pick out paint. I can't wait to see this cute little place evolve.

In the meantime, here is the decision du jour. Rafters. First off, this photo was taken during the first visit to the shed, when the renters were still living there. So, pay no attention to the gross decor. Ugh. Instead, notice the rafters. The thought is this - paint the ceiling "ceiling white." The trim will be "atrium white." The walls will be a nice warm green, gray, khaki type of color called "ashwood." All Benjamin Moore (of course).

I think the rafters should stay wood, sort of rustic-like. MCB is thinking of white washing them.
Anyone else have a vote here?

A peek in to the weekend....

2011-09-19T07:04:00.000-07:00

Taco Tote

Finished invitations for Bree's bridal shower

Still enjoying yummy beers from our Colorado trip!

Sunday Song

2011-09-18T10:36:00.000-07:00

A lovely Sunday song for you.

[Lana del Rey - Video Games]

Can we?

2011-09-13T15:31:00.001-07:00

Yes, let's.

[from: Shaun Sundholm]

Don't forget...

2011-09-12T21:51:00.000-07:00

Thank you Cathy for the reminder - Missoni for Target tomorrow!

So many lovely things - check it out here.

Love List...

2011-09-12T09:09:00.001-07:00

Happy Monday. A little romance to start off your week. Make a list for someone you love today.

PS. Of course I would nerd out over an architect's love list.

[from: Abbey Goes Design Scouting]

If I had a wedding....

2011-09-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

The majority of the time I am happy that Scott and I eloped. It made sense for us - our wedding day was fun and stress-free. The times I wish I did have a wedding is when I think about how special it would be to have my parents and close friends around. The other thing that makes me wish that I had a wedding? Invitations.
I love them.
If I had a desert wedding I would want my invites to look like this.

[by designer Alison Iven]

Truth

2011-09-06T15:47:00.001-07:00

I need to remember this. You do too.

[from: Urban Comfort]

TJ love

2011-09-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

Scott just got home from a Trader Joe's conference and check out the cute TJ lunchbox and thermos they game him! I can't wait to pack his lunch next week.

Speaking of TJ design love - my friend Michelle brought back the TJ bag from NY - so cute (Trader Joe's has a reusable bag for each state).

Watch This...

2011-09-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

My favorite - ever. I cry even talking about it. Seriously. Watch it now.
This scene pictured above? Absolutely positively heartbreaking.

Name Game

2011-09-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

How adorable are these rings? I have said it before and I will say it again, I love anything with a monogram or initial. I would love a couple of these rings with the initials of those I love, all stacked together. So simple, so lovely.

Feeling Flat

2011-09-01T08:49:00.001-07:00

Last night at dinner MCB and I had a conversation about footwear. Yes, we are weird like that. Anyway, as the temperatures around here begin to dip already, we both realized that we would be strapping on our Sorels again quite soon. I was lamenting the fact that there is never a good time to be "cute" here - between the weather (be it snow or rain) and the terrain there is just no way you can wear cute shoes without absolutely ruining them. So, I am regulated to boots or weather-proof flip flops. So boring. And then today I run across these. How cute are these? To know that I can never wear shoes like this here kills me. Sigh.

Sum-Sum-Summer

2011-08-30T16:45:00.000-07:00

I want it to be summer forever. I need this to remind me of the smell of the green mountain grass, the colors of the wildflowers, the sounds of babbling brooks, the glistening of the sunshine, and the feel of the wind in my hair as I race my bike down Main Street come January.
Stay just a little longer summer - how about it?

Colorful Creation...

2011-08-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

Wow. Love this project. Maybe worth doing on a smaller scale?
Maybe I can give it a whirl some day.

I think I am on a color kick. First this and now this?

Back to School

2011-08-24T06:56:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of school in Pima College land, and therefore work will be crazy busy.

I love the first day of school - always have. My mom tucked sweet notes in to my packed lunch to remind me she loved me and to have fun. I sure love these sweet napkins below!

[found on Urban Bird and Co.]

Love this...

2011-08-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

I really really do.

[from: Design Mom]

Haul

2011-08-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

MCB got me this lovely gift - it arrived yesterday. My first order of business, obviously putting my dog inside. My new favorite tote. Best Made Company has wonderful stuff - you should really check them out.

Yes, everything here really is wonderful.

Monday, Monday...

2011-08-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

Trying to think happy thoughts this Monday. Top of the list? This scarf. This makes me happy.

Feeling Crafty

2011-08-14T07:46:00.000-07:00

Yep....

[image found on Uppercase]

Excited for Crafternoon today at this lovely new spot in Downtown Tucson.

(picture taken before they added lots of comfy chairs and big tables)

Today...

2011-08-10T09:05:00.001-07:00

[from: Design Is Mine]

Ring a Ding Dong...

2011-08-07T09:50:00.000-07:00

Wow. This is beyond random - but I could not stop watching. Maybe it will make you smile too!

Friday Faves

2011-08-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

Hi all. Another week has wizzed past. Where is summer going? I feel as though I have barely had time to enjoy any of it. Hope everyone is having a lovely summer and have some fun this weekend!

I remain infatuated by table skirts.

So pretty in pink.

These geode earrings rock.

Seriously. Check out this kitchen. Perfection.

A bike seat on a wall? Love.

Yep. I dig it.

Thinking someone around here might deserve this. Possible weekend project for me - yay.

Lovin...

2011-08-04T22:10:00.000-07:00

Lovin' this beer and the label design...

{from New Belguim Brewery - picture by me]

Happy Birthday Pony!

2011-07-31T11:51:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Cathy! I would bring you a pony if I could....

[From Dear Hancock]

From the bathroom wall

2011-07-30T17:28:00.000-07:00

You are exactly where you should be....

[Wisdom found on the wall of the bathroom at The Grill]

Friday Faves

2011-07-29T16:09:00.000-07:00

It is finally Friday - what a week! Hope you all are doing something wonderful with your weekends.
Get out there and enjoy yourselves!

If I had my druthers, I would be here - all. weekend. long.

Digging these scalloped shorts.

This minty fresh round-up is simply lovely.

I have posted this image before. A bathroom reno might finally be happening at the condo. Starting to pull together an inspiration file. Hex tiles and subway tiles are top of the list.

Not ready for fall just yet. But if I were - I would want everything J.Crew has in their fall lookbook.

And, MCB and I just started watching this. He is already addicted (I might be too).

A dog with a sweater....

2011-07-26T07:12:00.000-07:00

...that is it. Just a funny picture from our trip. Saw this old car with the dog hood ornament with its own knitted sweater.

Flower Power

2011-07-25T15:47:00.000-07:00

I have said it before and I will say it again - nature is amazing. I mean, just look at this color palate. Seriously. While on a hike this weekend MCB & I ran into this wonderful plant/flower. I have no idea what it is, but it is like 2 feet tall with all of these amazing flowers all up and down. I had to stop, despite a pending downpour, to marvel at the colors - blues, creams, greens. This image cannot possibly do it justice.
Anyway, I know, random thought for the day but mother nature has one heck of an eye for colors.

It's Friday, Friday...

2011-07-22T11:48:00.001-07:00

So, I know I said I haven't been inspired by much out in blogland lately. Well, maybe that was a bit harsh. Cause obviously, I have found some things here that I am digging. So get ready for some fun, fun, fun (I know, lame Rebecca Black reference) for your eyes.

Happy Friday!

Loving this antique brass roundup. Warm. Inviting. Classic.

I could eat here.

Everything about this kitchen is dreamy. Love Love Love.

Maps + Flowers? Sold.

This wants to be in my belly.

I know. Weird. I like it.

The pink walls might be a bit much for me, but everything else - awesome.

And quite possibly my most favorite thing as seen on the interwebs this week.
LOVE.

Map Love

2011-07-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

The secret lives of Maps - wow!

(thank you for sending Michael!)

Thought you all would like it too...

[Flamenco: Middle America by Ingrid Dabringer]

Lemons.

2011-07-19T14:40:00.000-07:00

Sonch, last week you wrote that you aren't feeling so inspired lately...I am not either...all the blogs have the same images from the same magazines that I read. Since I am home all summer, I really wanted to get our house "finished," and I was looking forward to having a little time to use some inspiration from somewhere, so far, nada.

Then we got hit with this...POW! So the possibility of moving for the 5th time in 5 years is looming, and the fact that my home is on the Internet with messy sheets and a view of my baby's room is just flat out WRONG.

The bright side to all this is that I wake up to that little face above...even at 3 in the morning it is amazing! Also I have "finished" his room..so there will be some better photos to share soon...take-that-lame-o-landlord!

Back to reality

2011-07-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

A wonderful vacation. Back to work today (but at a new job!).

I loved this bumper sticker below.

Right now...

2011-07-15T16:31:00.001-07:00

I wish I could be here.

Happy Friday.

[MCB photo credit. Image from a camping trip we took to Moab, UT in April 2011]

Today's Mantra...

2011-07-13T12:28:00.001-07:00

Not a terribly exciting image, but one that certainly defines most days.

On another note, though I have been finding a lot of inspiration about in the world (sigh, I really need to get photos off of MCB's camera), I have been finding little to re-post from the internet. Nothing seems to be really exciting me lately. Is it because I see the same things over and over on all of the blogs? Is it just that everything seems so "meh" out there?
Anyone else feeling this way?

OK - I promise, personal posts to come. Soon.

[via: Abbey Goes Design Scouting]

I want...

2011-07-07T09:59:00.001-07:00

To see this. Sigh. Lovely.

Things I Am Loving (Friday Edition)...

2011-07-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

Loving this collection of doors.

I just want to sit and be still. Here would be lovely.
[from: A Cup of Jo]

I want a collection of Turkish Bath Towels. Badly.

Loving every single piece that sfgirlbybay is taking with her to Paris.
I wish I were cool enough to dress like a Parisian.

I so want this to be true.
[from: that's happy]

I need to spend time at this pool. Or any pool for that matter, but this one is pretty dreamy.

Ridiculously excited for the Tour de France to start this weekend. I am seriously obsessed.
[from: CrowBiz]

Happy Weekend. Sorry for the lack of posts lately, life has been busy. 2/3 of us Blog Girls are getting together this coming week - I am sure fun posts will follow. YAY!

Pony Party

2011-06-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

In a time that seems long ago - I used to go to the Kentucky Derby with college friends.

I love horses, fancy hats and even mint juleps.

Check out these gorgeous Derby invites.

[from Oh so Beautiful Paper].

Summer Reading

2011-06-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Scott for my awesome birthday gift - Yay Kindle! This will be perfect for traveling and help with my obsessive book buying. Yes, I will still prefer the actual paper version...but so far I am having fun downloading magazines and books - and excited not to haul around tons of reading materials on trips.

I plan to try out this "how-to" to make my own Kindle cover.

[From Chica and Jo]

Summer reading - any suggestions? So far I downloaded - Winter's Bone, a subscription to the New Yorker, and the third book in the Hunger Games series. What are you reading?

Yay! Birthday!

2011-06-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

Rebecca: Hope you are having an amazing day celebrating YOU. Happy Birthday!!

[from: You Are My Fave]

I Like...

2011-06-15T09:48:00.000-07:00

I like this today. That's it.

[from: formerinhabitants]

Arizona + Wine = Good

2011-06-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

Blood into Wine is about winemakers in Jerome, Arizona . The twist - it focuses on the lead singer from Tool - who made a big move from CA to AZ to pursue his new calling. It is pretty good (and free on Netflix). My favorite parts are the shots of Arizona. The opening credits are lovely. In the film - I could have sworn he said he had a wine called "Sonchia" - but I have failed to find it online.

Likin' Lichen

2011-06-10T09:42:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here in the mountains! This girl couldn't be happier. So beyond sitting in the sunshine, riding my bike, and wearing flip flops - I have been hiking. As in lots. And I love that every time I hike, I am inspired. By the beautiful babbling brooks, the yellow-green budding aspen leaves, the warm glow of the sun setting on the mountains. And also lichen. I love me some lichen. Look at the colors! Isn't nature amazing? The variations of greens mixing with the lovely gray shade of the stone. The orange accent on other rocks. All of it - astounding. So, let your nature freak flag fly - what inspires you most when you are out there in the big wide world?

OK - my ode to mother nature is over. Soon - more "design" type of posts to come. New gallery wall hung in my house. Photos to come!

These go together

2011-06-02T09:21:00.000-07:00

This print ...

[small talk studio]

...with this song.

In love...

2011-06-02T09:16:00.001-07:00

...with this video. With letterpress. With the process.

Letterpress from Naomie Ross on Vimeo.

For today...

2011-05-27T07:02:00.000-07:00

Freshmen Orientations started yesterday. They are fun but draining. I have two sessions week from now until July. Whew. So - here is the mantra for the busy times.

Happy Friday friends.

[Anthony Burrill]

I hope so...

2011-05-26T15:21:00.000-07:00

I do. I hope it is ok - ok that I haven't been posting a lot lately. It is not that I don't think about posting, it is just that I have been feeling under the weather and overwhelmed [with work]. So, hopefully this weekend will be full of lots of relaxation and regrouping. I won't be gone long, promise, just for maybe another day or so. Sorry for the lack of posts and hope it is ok that I have been gone.

[from: Secret Holiday]

Happy 43

2011-05-24T21:47:00.000-07:00

Happy #43 wedding anniversary to my parents. A few sweet photos. The first picture is the day they were dropped (the day Paul gave Nona his fraternity pin). The second is obviously the big wedding day (love my aunt Lucy as the bridesmaid in pink).

Happy Day -- Nona and Paul!

Trying to...

2011-05-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

[Taken by the lovely Michelle - vote for it here]

Summer Shoe Love

2011-05-20T11:43:00.000-07:00

Just picked up my new shoes handmade by my friend Charlie of Freesoles.

Versatile. Simple. Changeable styles. Love em.

Here's The Thing...

2011-05-18T09:09:00.001-07:00

I love this idea. Like love love love. I love maps. I love chalkboards. Together - simply fantastic. Here's the thing though - each of these maps are made to order with the state of your choice. While that is great and all - if I wanted one of Colorado, wouldn't it just be a big boring rectangle?

[from: shopdirtsa]