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). 

Entry Love

every entry needs a little love.  i happen to love this mirror and console combination.
love the tones, details, shapes and scale.

Austin Studded Octagon Mirror

Kara Console Table

lots of other great combinations out there, but i am pretty excited about this one right now.

simple is as simple does

understated and beautiful, this is one chic bottle opener

http://okstore.la/gallery.php?id=152

all lit up

its getting darker out earlier and it could be depressing....unless.... you were flipping these lights on, in which case, you need not the sun to go down to enjoy how gorgeous they are.

light light can go on the ceiling or act as a sconce, either way, absolutely beautiful

Suzanne Kasler for Circa Lighting

simple but stunning:

Suzanne Kasler for Circa Lighting

or this sexy little thing would be amazing in a place where low lighting is key

Clodagh for Circa lighting

to keep the look modern, clean and interesting:

FECIOLI PENDANT by David Easton

love the shape and think this is a very handsome light

Small Regency Wall Light by Sandy Chapman

and Circa Lighting has no shortage of beautiful lighting, I could post a few more, but i think you might want to check it out for yourself....

http://www.circalighting.com/index.aspx

pretty FUN things

i have to admit to loving this for all the wrong reasons.  yes, i am all for peace, but what i really like are the gold dots and the impact of this dish.  i see it so many different places - not just at the table, but on a vanity with bottles of perfume, hung on the wall, as a catch all for the entryway....  good for the holidays or for a shot of 70's glam.

http://www.cameonouveau.com/Gold-Peace-Sign-Dinner-Plate-p/h_plat_001.htm

(there is also an understated version of this for a peace loving minimalist)

while i'm in the holiday kinda mood (strange since it is almost 70degrees here today), might as well post this (it's the right side of the photo we are focusing on)

wine bottle accessories

the fur stole is cracking me up.  drinking in style has taken on a whole new meaning.  what a fun way to bring a bottle of wine over during the holidays (or champagne on New Years).   yes, the santa is cute too, but the fur is the winner here.

sofa envy

i have sofa envy.  very simple.  i long for a chesterfield in a moody color, in a sumptuous fabric.

thackery chesterfield

this is the kind of sofa that invites you in and says "come on in, stay for a while.  get cozy" 
and i want it.  love the color, love the low back.  love how comfortable it looks.