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

box it up

big box stores... friend or foe?  i am undecided - friend for deals, sales and some good finds.  foe - for all the usual reasons...

however, i do look to Crate & Barrel, West Elm and PB for everyday items and am usually pleasantly surprised by CB and West Elm.  PB has some nice sideboards and armoires as of late.

so here is a round up of some of the best new items from Crate and Barrel. 

Marimekko Pieni Unikko II Outdoor bean bag

fun colorson this - more for a place that gets a lot of shade, because it reads as hot.  on the cooler side

Marimekko Pienet Kivet Outdoor Bean Bag

better for spots that get a lot of sun.  these are super cute and pretty affordable at $79.95.  you don't need but one or 2 to really make a statement.  (there is also a black and white version).

and these baskets are so cute, i totally see them as a wastebasket for a desk, or with towels rolled up in them at the door, ready for the beach or pool

Santoso Large Basket

and the next set of baskets (i'm loving natural textures and how practical baskets are lately) would look great in a bathroom for storage, in an entry stacked, or next to a table...  millions of uses

Set of 3 Timaru Baskets

the Timaru baskets, i think, would look better in a group than alone.  and now onto the big stuff.... furniture.  this next one captures my heart - i love a swivel chair, and i love the shape.  we'd have to upgrade that cushion to something a little more plush and in a fabric fabric, but hey, it's awesome.

Calypso Swivel Lounge Chair

how about 4 of these around an outdoor fireplace?  with a cooler near by, maybe even within arms reach (lazy girl).  

this chaise is pretty just as it is.  like the soft slip covered look and would keep with the shabby chic, easy, beachy theme. 

Portico Chaise

looks super cozy and i like the arms.  nice tall back - good for reading.  best maybe in a bedroom.  how about 2 side by side (facing each other) in a reading nook?

West Elm next week.

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.

best of the west (elm)

 i popped on to west elm today to look at a rug and wound up checking out the new arrivals - so glad i did!  here are some of my favorites, in all categories... bare with me, there is much awesomeness to choose from (and i think i found my new dinnerware).  the mixing bowls and washed linen pillow covers are just gorgeous.

porcelian hurricane vases



david stark dinnerware
aka my new dinnerware or least new salad plates!





mixing bowls



david stark string lights



rajasthan printed dhurrie




 

washed linen pillow covers
*in sumptuous colors - and i bet they are really soft, LOVE these!*



david stark rope basket

mediterranean block print napkins
*would LOVE these with the seersucker placemats

woven drink bucket



seersucker placemats and napkin


and there's a lot more to check out.  very impressed!