Monday Inspirations..can't go wrong with scandinavian style

Many artists maintain blogs in addition to their shops and websites to help promote their artwork. Usually their blogs go hand in hand with their products. I'm still working on that-lol. Seriously, one of my faves on Etsy is a shop called Handz ReStyle maintained by artist Jan Skacelik from the Czech Republic. His art prints feature mid century modern home design themes with some Scandinavian flare! I've featured his work before, but today I'm talking about his blog- Design Attractor. If you love all things Scandinavian you'll like this too. I found these gorgeous pics there and had to share! Hope your holiday plans are coming together nicely! I'm headed out of town again-this time to lovely Traverse City to finish my Christmas shopping and have a little date night with my husband-yay!

Here's a look at some pretty scandinavian rooms...

Monday Inspirations...feathers

Over the summer I kind of fell off the blog wagon. I just wanted to be outside I guess. Despite the time and work involved,I have found so much inspiration in the mere act of focusing and searching for things to blog about. It has been good for my soul. I also found that my best posts have been during a time when I adhered to a weekly format in which I began with a topic and continued that topic throughout the week. So, I'm going back to that format. Here's what you can expect:

Monday: Monday Inspirations (this will set the tone for the week)
Tuesday: Pretty Palette, Pinterest Interest, Kid's Corner and/or Misc Stuff (includes any DIY or craft things)
Wednesday: Etsy Artist Finds
Thursday: Jen's Art Additions (artwork from me)
Friday: Rooms and/or Furniture Finds

This week it's Feathers. I always like feathers in the fall. They are simple and cool and add a bit of the unexpected.

Hope you like...

1. Owl Print and textile art Owl-from Abigal Brown on Big Cartel

2. Feathered Skirt from BHLDN

3. Pretty owl print from United Thread

. Jayson Home & Garden

                a) Emma Pendant Lamp-$2,295

                      b) Ceramic feathered trays-$42-52

                      c) Pheasant feather table mat-$24

5. Long Feather Duster Earring-$29 Urban Outfitters

6 & 7. pretty feather art print in a room and a collection of feathers via Pinterest

Monday Inspiration...organization

It's almost back to school time and I really want to be organized.  Ezzie will in Kindergarten this year-so it's my first experience with kids going to school. I wouldn't say I'm panicked-but maybe a little anxious.

One of things about this house that I have a hard time with is the lack of storage space and the awkward entry points. I function better when the house is clean and organized and that is a challenge in this space. Our home is a charming, 1940's cottage style house with lots of character and possibilities. You know what that means right? It needs some work. (I am still working on stairway project catch up here.)

When you walk in the front door there is a tiled area and another door in front you that leads to the (carpeted) living room. The problem with this is that it is small and when the door is open the coat and shelf are behind it, so you have to squeeze in and shut the door to hang your coat and kick off your shoes. If there are 2 or more people-forget about it. I mean we try but it ends up getting piled up with shoes. Plus it isn't insulated and we live in Northern Michigan-you get the picture.

The other way to enter our house is through the garage. This is how about 98% of the people that visit us come in. I cannot tell you how much I dislike this. it's buggy, dirty, and because of the position of the house to the lake-the wind blows directly toward it. In the  the summer it's dusty, fall fills it with leaves and last winter snow drifted to 4 feet out there. I have rugs out there but it needs some attention.

The garage is small-too small to park in. Except for maybe a 2 door Jeep. The reason I know this is because my husband has a 1974 CJ5 project jeep that he pulled into the garage last winter and spray bombed-that's right-spray painted INSIDE!

Sounds ghetto right? It is. We've been having the same disagreement about this space since we moved here. I want a MUDROOM. Not huge-just a clean-non-garage, tiled, drywalled, walkway from the door of garage to the interior door of the house. It doesn't even have to be insulated-just leaf and bug free. Is that too much to ask from quite possibly the handiest man on planet earth? He won't budge though. He says I'm trying to take the garage away. lol-tune in for more as I attempt to Jedi-mind-trick him into thinking it's the best idea he's ever had!

The point is- mudrooms are cool, look nice when you come into a house, help keep you organized and I want one. Here's a few elements that I feel are essential...somewhere to sit or throw your purse and keys, boot tray, hooks, bins, an outdoor rug, shelves and cubby space and a recycling area.

Hope you like...

a. Lyckhem Occasional Table-IKEA-$129

b. Assortment of boot trays from Gardener's Supply

c.  Logan Storage Bench-Home Decorator's Collection-$249

d. TubTrugs-plastic storage tub-large-$15.99 (I have some of these and LOVE them!)-Tubtrugs.com

e. Shaker style peg hooks-Peg and Rail

f. Indoor/Outdoor rugs-Ballard.com

 g. Clip 9 Hook coat Rack-$29.95-CB2

h. Indoor/outdoor rugs-Dash and Albert

i. Flip top trash can for recyclables Alltrashcans.com

j. Assortment of baskets and storage bins-The Container Store

WEEKLY INSPIRATIONS.....SCANDINAVIAN STYLE

This design style has been around for a while. Emerging in the 50's and 60's, Scandinavian designs exhibit simplicity, minimalism, functionality and affordability. Think Marimekko. Although I don't know about it being affordable - some of the mod furniture pieces I came across on my surfing adventures were up there $$$! But, you can always get a slice of affordable Scandinavian fare at big box giant IKEA!

To me this style is modern, simple and white with natural elements like light wood chairs and pops of colorful graphic art. What do you think of it? Could you do herringbone pattern on your wood floors?

Here's a few examples.
Hope you like...

1.Cole Chair from The Century House

2. Order Valet stand Design House Stockholm

3. Wallpaper from Ferm Living

4. Gotland Sheepskin-Huset

5. Print from artist Ingela P Arrhenius

6. Planter from IKEA-$2.99

7. Ring Binders from Ferm Living

8. Potholder from Happy STHLM

9. Lamendahl's Herring storage jar-Huset

10. Isak cups with oak lid $39 - The Sweden Shop

11. Work lamp $100 - Design House Stockholm

12. Venetsia platter from Arabia Finland

13. Copenhagen Tea Towel-from Ferm Living

14. Ceramic Vases from Ferm Living

15. Pillow from Happy STHLM

16. Elbow chair from The Century House

17. Carrie Baskets-Design House Stockholm

18 Step Ladder-Design House Stockholm

19. Ferm Remix Blanket $145-Huset

HAPPY SURFING!

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS.....COTTAGE BY THE SEA!

Well if you read my blog on a regular basis, you probably know that I appreciate just about every design style out there and represent that variety here on AF. This week is all about the fun summer stylings of the beach cottage!

When summer hits this design style always appeals to me. I don't have a beach cottage home by any means but I think it's fun to incorporate some of these elements during the beachy summer season. There are many different types of beach cottage styles and they all are very popular right now.

 This week I'm focusing on the East Coast Nautical cottage style. We live in a beach community-on Lake Huron-but we don't have lobsters, so it's all about fishing for trout around here! I think I might do a four part beach cottage series to represent the many styles out there. Personally, I love the California Huntington Beach Surfer style cottage stuff! I'm thinking the beach cottage style is an inexhaustible topic! I tend toward the simple and modern so you can expect at least that from me!

So let's keep it simple and stylish with some East Coast Nautical elements for your "summer house"

Hope you like....

1. Barrel Swing-$695 - The Conran Shop

2. Graphic pattern beach hat-bonniesknitting.etsy.com

3. Ceramic drink dispenser-Pottery Barn

4. Silver Lantern light string-Pottery Barn

5. "Keep Calm" beach style art-Cottage Coastal Store

6. fillable clear lamps from Lamps Plus-$99

7. Brussels Coffee Table-Cottage and Bungalow

8. "Pen Duick" replica ship-Nautical Key

9. Shell bowls from Pottery Barn

10. Outdoor Wicker caddy-Pottery Barn

11. Electric Pendant Globe Lamp $276-Nautical Key

12. Decorative Oars-$80-100 Nautical Key

13. White Metal Folding Chair-$99-The Conran Shop

14. Fun pillows from Cottage Coastal and Cottage and Bungalow

15. Vintage Beach Sign-Cottage and Bungalow

16. Lighthouse Stripe rug in Khaki-Dash and Albert

17. Double Happiness Wine Table $1290 (Made in the USA) Cottage and Bungalow

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR TUESDAY'S ANYTHING GOES-BEACH STYLE!

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS.... GIRL TIME TEA PARTY

I'm always talking about boy stuff on my blog because I'm surrounded by boys here at home! But who doesn't love to be a little girl at heart and have a little tea time?


It's easy to send the boys out to tumble in the yard and have a princess party with just the girls. Of 10 kids there are only 2 girls on our side of the family. Their "mimi" aka Grandma-always throws them a special party she calls the "Nellie-Belle Party"-it's really cute. They dress up, bring their dolls and have lots of chocolate confections.

 This week will be all about the ultimate in girlie-ness-the Tea Party! So put on something pretty, pick some flowers, bring your daughter and her dolly for some pre-Summer outdoor tea party time...

Hope you like...

1. Melanie plateware "Doo The Dishes" set from PopInk  $56 from wishingfish.com

2. Vintage-look garden chair from ABC Home

3. Rose Leaf light string $29.95 Partylights.com

4. Hair accessories Blue Enchanted Bride-ETSY

5. Hand blown Glass Urn-$39 Wisteria.com

6. Polka Dot Tea Pot-Yedi Housewares-Amazon.com

7. Little Citizens Herbal Teas-$10.50 Republic of Tea

8. Pink Blossom Tulle Dress $54.99  Pink Princess

9. Someday My Prince Will Come Dress (Women's ) $42.99 Ruche

10. Ruffled Table Cloth from Pom Pom Interiors-at  LaylaGrace

11. Girls Flower Headband from Two Little Wrens-ETSY

12. Truffle Stand-Amazon.com

13. Izze Sparkling Juice

14. Napkins from PopInk

15. American Girl Doll in the Petal Pink Dress  from  American Girl

16. Hand Painted Teacups-these are from Retro Gal USA-ETSY

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR A TUESDAY TEA PARTY DIY PROJECT....

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS...FOR THE BOYS

I've been needing to think about a cohesive design theme for the boys room. It's slightly difficult because one is a baby ( just 1) and the other is 4 and 1/2-cribs and big boy stuff-hmmm.

 The problem is that boy stuff tends to look a bit babyish to me sometimes and the older one-Ezzie has design preferences-I know right?-he's 4! He LOVES orange-which is cool. He loves dirt bikes and Supercross-particularly the KTM's (orange and black) so I'm treading a fine line here trying not to have a Halloween nightmare going on in there 365 days a year!

I'm probably-no not probably, definitely going to have to do some sort of custom prints with dirt bikes and stuff for him in there. I think I might have to make the bedding too-:) I feel like there are soooo many cute girl things out there that you just see a whole room and buy everything in it! But for me with my boys-it's going to have to be a collected look. I'm liking the grey, white, orange thing right now with a hint of black...here's what I came up with for the boys...

Hope you like...

1.Blake Desk in Blonde-Land of Nod

2. Ceramic Lamp-CB2

3. Orange Retro Wall Clock-Lamps Plus

4. Dirtbike Wall Decal-Modern Decals ETSY

5. Star Embroidered Sheets-Pottery Barn Kids

6. Draper Striped Rug-Dwell Studio 5x8 $200

7. succulent collection for some sculpture (and durable ) greens

8. 11 x 14 Robot print $15-Area Fare Etsy

9. Pillow collection from Jonathan Adler

10. Orange Bus Bookcase -Dwell Studio

11. Grey Arrow pillow-Dwell Studio

12. Custom Fabric Selection-from-Spoonflower

13. Liatorp Bookcase IKEA-$325

14. Ivy Outdoor chair by EMU

15. Orange Bus Frame-Dwell Studio

16. Blake Dresser in Blonde from The Land of Nod

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR SOME

ANYTHING GOES TUESDAY STUFF FOR BOYS...

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS...THINGS TO MAKE MOM SMILE

Mother's Day is right around the corner so I thought I'd dedicate this week to all things MOM! The ideal Mom's Day for me is just spending the day with my boys, relaxing, having some peace, perhaps a slight pampering, doing something I enjoy(like painting or gardening), and maybe not having to cook!

Today's inspirations are a collection of pretty things that help make Mom feel special and cozy! Pretty art, a handmade card, a piece of custom jewelry that celebrates motherhood, some flowery, colorful pieces to smile about and of course a little breakfast in bed....

Hope you like...

1.Watercolor Art Prints from PrintmakerJenn--Etsy

2. Rivulets White quilt-Anthropologie-Queen $328

3. Watercolor flower pillows-Bluegraybell.co.uk

4. Boudoir Bed-queen $899 -Urban Barn.com

5. XL Ginger jars from Ada and Darcy

6. Pillows from Table Tonic

7. Chevron lampshade $95 -Ada and Darcy

9. Mother's Day card-Tabletopmade-ETSY

10. Mother's custom jewelry-Charmies online

11. Side table-Freedom.co.uk

12. TAZO tea-starbucksstore.com

13. Marimekko Oiva Teapot-Safari Living.com

14. Blueberry Jam from Stonewall Kitchen

15. White Hampton Tray from Whiteshed.co.au

16. Patterned Vase from Ada and Darcy

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR A TUESDAY PRETTY PALETTE!

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS...A HINT OF MINT

HELLO FRIENDS!


This week I'm focusing on some minty things I like. Normally I'm not much of pastel gal but I've come to realize that this blog let's me explore lots of design styles that appeal to me but don't necessarily show up in my own home. I think alot of us are like that right? "Oh-I love that-but I can't pull it off with my stuff and I can't go buy new stuff!" There's a lot of things we don't even dare to consider.


 I guess this is more of a design appreciation blog than any thing else. In the case of this weeks inspiration-I actually do have some of this color going on in our house-but it wasn't at first by choice!

When we moved into our current house last year, the main bathroom had floor to chest minty blue square tile around the entire perimeter of the room. I'm sure it's original to the house, so that makes it vintage 40's but not in a cool way!

 Anyways-I went with the beige + minty blue combo in there and it's kind-of OK for now. Is it my dream bath-certainly not! However when I look around for design and decorating inspiration for this color palette, I've found that I kind of like a hint of mint here and there and have incorporated it elsewhere in our house....


Maybe you'll like it too....

1.Easton dining chair in Seafoam-Russell and Mackenna.com

2.Butterflies "MUM" card-Paperchase.co.uk

3.Digital scrapbooking papers-VN digital art ETSY

4.Bubbled glass knobs-Anthropologie.com

5.KitchenAid mixer in Pistachio

6.Terrazza Jeanette purse-Kate Spade

7. Mikasa dinnerware from Macy's

8.Zig Zag bedding from Urban Outfitters

9. Little Brown Pen-Paris prints on Etsy

10. Teapot in Pistachio from Bee House

11. Women's Mint bike from Makais

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR A TUESDAY PRETTY PALETTE!

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS...EASTER DECORATING

Well-This Monday post is a bit different because I'm having a condensed week here on the blog. We are heading to Pennsylvania for a quick trip and so there won't be any posts on Thursday or Friday-so I'm packing more things into Monday and Tuesday! The topic focus this week is of course- Easter decorating! The inspirations for today consist of pretty images that evoke the freshness, color and festivity of the season. Plus a get the look Easter table and yummy food pic!

Hope you like....

BHG.COM

BHG.COM





VIA REAL SIMPLE

VIA MY SWEET SAVANNAH

VIA REAL SIMPLE

LOOK AT THE DRIPPING WISTERIA-WOW LOVE IT!

via decor8

via Good Life of Design

PHOTOGRAPHY FROM SILKE ZANDER

SILKE ZANDER

SILKE ZANDER

GET THE LOOK...EASTER TABLE

The Easter table can be festive and fun with lots of colors and textures that compliment the season. Get a layered look with just a few props...

via My Sweet Savannah..

1. rolled moss-saveoncrafts.com

2. Stockton dinnerware 29.99 Crate and Barrel

3. Pretty seed packets-rareseeds.com

4. footed Helen vase 69.00 Pottery Barn

5. Montana Goblet-Pottery Barn

6. Collection of vases-12.00-44.00 Pottery Barn

7. Linen Hemstitch napkins-Pottery Barn

8. Egg candles-Oriental Trading Company

9. Yes-Pottery Barn- bunny S & P shakers-18.99

10-lots of pretty flowers in Pink-these are Peonies



yum! via La Belle Vie...



SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR TUESDAY ANYTHING GOES...EASTER STUFF!

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS...THE GREAT OUTDOORS VOL I...HAVE A SEAT

Finally it warmed up a little outside and we were able to think about all the things there is to do outdoors! My husband got the patio furniture out this weekend and we cleaned the yard of debris-it felt great! I love outdoor entertaining and my youngsters love to run around and play all day long-so it's really nice to have a pretty space to hang out . So this week it's all about the Great Outdoors and my Monday Inspirations in particular are all about the seating selection. This collection of lovelies show us that we do not have to buy outdoor patio sets at Walmart and Home Depot. Have a look at the modern outdoor chairs that are making me swoon....

hope you like....

1. Poppystar armchair by Sergis
2. Re-trove armchair by Emu
3. Pantone folding outdoor chair by Seletti
4. Branch chair by Choro
5. Breeze armchair by Sergis
6. Chips chair by MYYOUR
7. Aria armchair by La Palma
8. Hee chair by Hay
9. Ivy chair by Emu
10 Pattern chair by Emu
11 Lisboa chair by Serralunga
12 Sixties Low by Fermob
13 Victoria opaque Ghost chair by Kartell
14 Luxembourg chair by Fermob
15 Luxembourg armchair by Fermob

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR ANYTHING GOES TUESDAY....

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS..ALL THE PRETTY COLORS

I think I'm just really craving spring. I can't believe it snowed yesterday-big, fluffy, pretty flakes I'll admit-but it was heavy and wet-my husband had to knock snow off the dish twice while trying to watch Supercross. He's dreaming of getting his dirtbike out and I just really want some flowers in the yard. Spring in northern Michigan is slow to come so I'm going to have to cultivate some colorful things right here...

This week will be about all things bright and colorful and you might just find a flower or two....

Hope you like....

ONE-loving the colors and OH MY those painted floors are wonderful-from the booth for Style at Home at the Interior Design Show in Toronto....

TWO- cute little outdoor floor mat from Jellybean at Porchscapes.com...

THREE- fun stationary and gifts from Pinecone and Chickadee...

FOUR- I just really like this fabric headboard and the freshness and color going on in this room from Desire to Inspire...

FIVE-aren't these beautiful-from Jill Rosenwald's Etsy shop-check out her studio here and her blog here....

SIX- pretty little garden chairs from Anthropologie....

SEVEN-vintage postage waterlily pillow from Next Modern Home...

EIGHT-the sweetest flowery fabrics from Liberty of London...

NINE -dream of spring with these...Sethunya sheet set from Anthropologie...


SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR TUESDAY ANYTHING GOES...LOST AND FOUND...

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS-OFFICE SPACE PART I

Hello friends...

I've been spending alot more time lately in the office here at home-and let me tell you-it's not that inspiring! I call it "ghetto chic". Seriously though,  I share this space with 2 little boys (1 and 4) so it tends to look as if a tornado rolled through. I actually don't mind that part as long as everything has a dedicated spot to go afterwards. I thrive when things are organized.

My space is in serious need of some good organization and pretty re-styling. Since we do so much in here-it really is the most multi-purpose area of our home-the office has to accomplish many tasks and requires certain things.

A. KID STORAGE-toys, books, crayons, army guys, blocks etc etc...
B. HOME STORAGE-I keep extras in here too ie: bath linens/towels
C. MOM STORAGE-I'm talking major craft stuff, sewing machine, paints, canvases, etc
D. OFFICE ESSENTIALS- computer area, desk, open shelving, printer, files, supplies, etc
E. KIDS TABLE +CHAIRS-crafting, coloring, playing
F. ART TABLE FOR MOM
G. GOOD LIGHTING

Plus I want it to be pretty! So I mocked up 2 very different office styles to accommodate both Mom and boys. Today is part I and Tuesday I'll show you the other one and you can kindly tell me which you like best!

OFFICE SPACE PART I-RELAXING RETREAT....

1. Alphabet art print (customizable)-Area Fare-Etsy-11x14  $18 (coming soon!)

2. Fabric for the curtains-Contempo curtains.com

3. Offi Trundle desk for kids-Modern Seed

4. Spa Blue (sunbrella/washable) Graham Storage Ottoman-Ballard.com

5. Green urn-Modern Chic Home

6. Emeco Navy chair (kids)-Modern Seed

7. Atoll Antique Mirror-Ballard.com

8. Aspelund 3-door Wardrobe $199- IKEA

9. Porcelain pendant lamp-ZAinteriors.com

10. BOHO clock-Foreside Home and Garden

11. Desk chair-Ballard.com

12. chair fabric-pretty!

13."Honesty" Wallpaper from Graham and Brown

14. Iron bird accent-Foreside Home and Garden

15. Office Supplies from The Container Store

16. Liatorp Desk-IKEA

17. warm grey paint

18. Atelier Task lamp $239-Restoration Hardware

19. Indoor/outdoor rug-Lamps Plus

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR PART II OF THE OFFICE SPACE-THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL! 

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS: Bunnies, Birdies, Branches, and Blooms....

That's right it's finally time for me to decorate for spring! I'm pretty sure almost everywhere else is in full on spring mode-plants beginning to sprout and the weather is slowly warming, but up here in Northern MI-it's COLD! No plants, no green, not yet anyway, but it is the official first day of spring!

 I did some spring cleaning over the weekend-took tons of clothing and baby stuff to goodwill and cleaned out the garage a bit. I also did some much needed organizational stuff in the bedrooms and some good ol' fashioned scrubbing of everything! AHH-doesn't that feel good? I love it when the house is clean-not just "picked up" I'm talking-your mother-in-law is coming to stay with you-clean! :)

Anyway the partial spring cleaning event made me realize that I need to get some cute little spring things out and around the house this week. All week I'll be focusing on some seasonal decorating inspiration. I have some crafts planned and some more painted windows coming this Friday and I just might finally paint the hall and walls by the staircase-blue???...it should be fun!

 Adding little things to your decor for the season is pretty easy-toss out a fresh pillow or new duvet, maybe if it's in the budget-- a pretty rug. Art can really liven up your space too-head over to Etsy for budget friendly prints or do a little DIY of your own! Don't forget to get out some cute spring jewelry and accessories for yourself as well! Here's some of my springtime decorating Monday Inspirations....

hope you like....

1. Maine Cottage Jill dining chair in Tweet Suite

2. Pottery Barn Woodland organic duvet

3. Oil painting of Robin's Nest-Studiolara316-Etsy

4. Emma Feather pendant light-Jayson Home and Garden

5. Flower pillow-Bedbuggs-Etsy $21.60

6. Paper Wreath-cute DIY idea-Dana and Carol-Etsy $25

7. DIY bunny garland idea

8. beautiful rose centerpiece- Jayson H & G

9. Green side table $225 Uncommon-Etsy

10. Vernal Cusp Rug-Anthropologie

11. Bunny statue-Pottery Barn

12. Dalmatian blown glass bird-Ittala Toikka

13. Bird lights-Pottery Barn

14. Fresh and Pretty-Happy Stockholm-via Decor 8

15. Bunny clutch-Jcarterhandmade-Etsy

16. pretty spring necklace-Papernstitch-Etsy

17. Bunny and Hare kitchen towels-Wisteria.com

18. Spring Bird frame-Cherry and East

19. Pottery Barn Easter Vignette

20. Classic chinese garden stool

21. Artwork-Brownpaperbagart-Etsy

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR SOME ANYTHING GOES TUESDAY STUFF....

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS TYPOGRAPHY....

I love Monday-really. I like the fresh start a new week brings. On this blog I do weekly themes-so by Friday, of course I'm relieved that the weekend is here and I can hang out more with my boys, but I also get completely saturated with the theme by then. I always look forward to the new things I come in contact with when I begin a new week of blogging!

This week is all about letters, numbers, and typography in general! I don't think I'll ever tire of this subject! I LOVE all the things out there for us to decorate our spaces and ourselves, that have been inspired by typography! Here's a few to kick off a week of letters and numbers....

Hope you like....

1.Fabric covered chair from Louellacourt blog

2. Lorem Ipsem cuff $ 59 Veer.com

3. numbered pots Pottery Barn

4. art piece via Tattered and Inked blog

5. Letter Light-Twine.com

6. Lucky # knobs  $8  Anthropologie.com

7. Ordinal Dresser $998 Anthropologie.com

8. Alphabet coasters-Jayson Home and Garden

9.Numbered napkins-Heather Lins $120 set of 6

10. "Old McDonald" pillow-Gallop Lifestyle

11. Vintage typewriter-Three Potato Four.com

12. Stenciled market tote-Grower's Daughter-Etsy

13. Eye chart via Design *Sponge

14. "May the force be with you" poster 8.5x11.5  $15 Handz. Etsy

15. Barbara Coupe designs via Decor 8

16. font-Veer.com

17. Lettershop ring-Etsy

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR A LITTLE TUESDAY ST.PATTY'S INSPIRED TYPOGRAPHY ITSY BITSY...

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS: KIDS AND CRITTERS

I don't think anything inspires me right now as much as my children! I believe inspiration comes from things you see, touch,  and come in contact with in some way. You move through phases throughout your life and things that were once relevant and seemingly "YOU" aren't anymore-your different-you like different things. I love that-and I try to view my life that way too-as a thing in motion, always fluid and evolving. Right now-I AM MOM-to two young children-1 and 4-this is me-- it's what I do--it's what I'm surrounded by. It is what inspires me most and speaks to me the loudest. Children's themes are also very colorful and fun-it makes me happy-especially in a world that is so bad every time I turn on the news. So this week I'm focusing on colorful kids things and a couple of critters too! Hope you like.....

1. Collins rocker with magenta Marimekko flower print-Clever Tomato

2. room I love via- Stella and Henry blog

3. Big Toe Ugly doll-The Land of Nod

4. Pink school chair-Clever Tomato

5. Toy storage-OEUF.com

6. Zoku electric quick pop maker-$49.95-Williams Sonoma

7. Mojo chairs-Land of Nod

8. Robot pillows-Ferm Living

9. Sparrow trundle bed-OEUF

10. ISAK numbers wall board

11. rock tee from Mini Boden

12. Bunk beds with cool robot bedding-Land of Nod

13. Porcelain Owl lamp-$44.00-House 8810

14. Animal pals-Land of Nod

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR SOME AF LINKS ALOT AND OTHER MISC KID STUFF...

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS: A LITTLE GREEN PLEASE...

Well, I am starting to crave a little green and thought I'd bring that into focus this week. When I started thinking about spring and the world turning green again I felt pretty happy. I know it's going to be wet and muddy and sloppy-but that's ok as long it gets here soon!

 Green-yes, muddy, wet, becoming mossy, shoots sprouting-hmmm it all began to remind me of a children's book full of twisty tangled trees with mushrooms popping and owls watching! A real English woodland from a fantasy! Sounds wonderful right? I need a woodland fantasy right about now because I awaken everyday to a winter wonderland and it's getting old! So here are Monday's Inspirations........Green and Mossy...

1. Orla Kiely cork chair-Heals.co.uk

2. Alex and Ani eagle cuff $79-Spiritbeautylounge.com

3. artist Russela-via Designsquish

4. Danish Terrarium from Design Green via Tink makes art blog

5. Those Alaskan Girls-ETSY

6. Scotch naturals nail polish-Spirit Beauty Lounge

7. Great Horned Owls-photography by Richard Ditch

8. Botanical print via Design Squish blog

9. Lily lamp by Yonoh for Fambeuna

10. Serena and Lily fabric

11. Mushroom Illustration via Design Squish

12. birch plant holders

13. chair from Danish designers Lund and Paarman

14. ceramic tree trunk in silver-Z. Gallerie

15. Wise One pendants from within4walls.uk

16. "A seat in the Forest" -Lulufroot-Etsy

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR TUESDAY COLLECTIONS....

MONDAY INSPIRATIONS WHITE AND BRANCHES....

Well I know we are all eager for spring and have been inundated by pink and green things all over the web and in the stores proclaiming "Spring is here!" Sadly here in Northern Michigan people can still go ice fishing and you know what that means-spring is nowhere in sight!

 What is in sight are lots of branches and newly fallen snow. Since I missed 6 weeks of the winter brutality I'm not totally sick of it yet! We had a nice little thaw and temps reached into the 40's-I mean that's t-shirt weather compared to a normal February day! That led me to think about spring in it's earliest form, a transitional period of cold whiteness turning muddy and branchy, gray skies with some occasional blue. Spring is about to appear but winter is not over yet. So, this week I'm exploring themes of the white and branchy (that's not really a word but I like it!)-transitional period before spring actually appears.....hope you like!

1. Sofa-In Duplo series from Danish manufacturer Erik Jorgensen

2. snowy branches

3. gift wrap from Kate's Paperier

4. a collection of little white ceramic animals

5. vases from IKEA

6. Hampton lattice rug-Calypso Home

7. branch pillows-Maries Cosy Cushions-Etsy

8. fur throw-$350.00 Calypso Home

9. White room with branches in a vase-via Decor 8

10. white pouf-Calypso Home

11. owl flask-whimsy and dink-Etsy

12. decorative wall panel from B & N

13. snowy flower

14. Home Away Dual Time alarm clock for travellers-by Vancouver designer Kitmen Keung

15. branch chandelier in white-Arteriors

16. fog and spade fabric-Serena and Lily

17. interior garden stool

18. dishes-Happy STHLM via decor 8

SEE YOU TOMORROW FOR SOME AROUND THE HOUSE THINGS