instantly hooked.

i needed something really beautiful for inspiration on this grey day so i (naturally) popped onto anthro.  they did not disappoint.  but i can't be too frivolous with my time (blog hopping), preschool is only 3 hours, and so i have to spend time wisely too, aka: shopping.

i am in need of a few hooks for our the legions of jackets, hoodies and totes.  as i scrolled down the page, my heart stopped, eyes widened and i frantically clicked to open a larger picture.  yes.  we have a winner.

Raw Zeolite Hook

how truly pretty it is had my mind in a tizzy: all of the places i need something to hang coats, towels, keys, tote bags for school....
but no.  its not just an anywhere thing.
i think less is more in the case of this particular piece; too many will take away how special it is. 

my mind was still racing of places to hang this little beauty.  and of course, a little jewel box of a powder room would be perfection!  or anywhere that needs demands a dash of gorgeous. 

then i looked at the price.  ouch. 

back to reality. 

i am now considering either of these for the entry - a few of each to make our "stuff" look pretty:

Antler Melody Hook, Rod

Whirled Metal Hook

i see the antler melody hook (1s of 2) on really richly colored walls or on wood panels that have been lime washed.  and the whirled metal would be really gorgeous on a soft pink wall, or a really creamy white but equally right on a chalky grey.  or anywhere really. 

all available at Anthropologie.com

pretty things all in a row

i have been searching for kids furniture --- storage in particular.  i want something fun, fresh, not so juvenile but not without a little whimsy either.

FOUND IT:

these would be entirely cool in an entry way too - for shoes, umbrellas - a whole village of storage
(for a more minimalist look, choose all white). 

designed and made in holland with FSC certified MDF and non toxic paints, 3 gable choices and 12 color choices.  three next to each other would be fantastic, but in the case of these, the more the merrier (and it's storage, who doesn't need extra storage). 

i am a tad overexcited about these and am envisioning endless possibilities of where they could be used.  chic, fun, fresh, functional - all my favorite things wrapped into one great design.

Find them here: coolkidscompany

cleaning up is fun to do

organization - a goal for 2012 (and quite a few years leading up to 2012) and i'm taking a wild guess, but i bet it will be part of many future resolutions. 

we have done a pretty good job of not allowing toys to overwhelm our child house, especially in the living room (this is much easier, of course, if you have a playroom).  however a basket of toys is allowed in the living room (i'm not mommy dearest, but then again, i don't have one of those signs up that says "please excuse the mess the children are making memories"). 

either of these would be great:

Mountain Peaks Bath Basket

chic and in a great pattern that doesn't call out for too much attention.  i love it. 
right now we have:

Green Prayer Mat Basket

and these baskets hold a lot.  they are tough too - woven from plastic prayer mats (and now sold by tons of people, including Serena and Lily).  the amount of abuse they can take without letting it show is why  i'll get a few more and put all in the playroom. 

For our little girl's room, i'm considering ordering these from Pottery Barn Baby.  they are so cute!  i'm not usually one for cutesy stuff, but these may just inspire her to keep it neat up there (and she's almost 3 so they are age appropriate).  i prob won't label them (paints???  in a basket?  who's idea was that?)

toys CONTAINED. 
house neat. 
child can easily help clean up. 
mommy happy. 

*glass of wine and a magazine at the end of the night are in order.

hang ups allowed

my entry is a mess. 

coats and scarves - everywhere.  all the time (unless we are having company, in which case they are promptly thrown into a closet).

not sure i love the look of a traditional coat rack.  they take up floor space (much needed for baskets of shoes) and they feel stern and formal.

i did find a fun alternative:

Symbol Coat rach by Desu Design

i love that it is so minimal and so effective.  takes up very little space. also comes in chrome (the handles). 

sign here

these are soooo cute!  use them at the office, to mark pages in magazines, as place cards at the table, anywhere, anyhow, just be sure to incorporate a fun shot of color into your daily routine (if you want)



Raval page flags by Paper Source

 being organized is.......fun!


Classic tile page flags by Paper Source

http://www.paper-source.com/

artful living

ahh, the desk i've been dreaming about.  i'd be much more likely to do things like open mail, pay bills (maybe) and get organized if the Nelson Swag Leg desk (George Nelson for Herman Miller) were mine

the Cherner Chair also catches my eye.  the lines are just so fluid, provoking and beautiful

and the side view is just as appealing.  not just a chair, but a piece of art (and an inspired seating choice)

and just for fun, the Ribbon Coat Rack by HeadSprung:

inspired and inspiring.