thankful

Even though I try to be thankful 365 days a year it doesn't always happen. Life gets in the way, stressful events occur and I get thrown off track. I'm looking forward to a trip to Ohio and a few days to simply give thanks for all of the amazing people in my life. Ironic, perhaps, coming from a person who loves to fill homes with "things."

As I look back on all that has happened this year I am most thankful for the support and love that I've recieved. Publically showcasing my passion for well-made furniture and all things design has not only opened new doors of opportunity and friendship for me but it has also strengthened existing bonds in ways that I didn't expect. Next year is going to be an exciting time for me so if you are reading this post thank you. I've got some awesome things in store for 2013 and that new logo sitting at the top of the screen is only the beginning. Blog face-lift, here I come!  

Happy Thanksgiving!



change, change, chaaaaange

I'm sorry for being MIA lately. Over these last few weeks I've been making some big life decisions and while I'm not quite ready to share all the details just yet, I will tell you that I am positioning myself to make a pretty big, scary and exciting leap.

Please forgive me if my posts for the rest of 2012 are a bit sporadic and chaotic. I will be busy getting all of my ducks in a row for some big announcements in 2013.

This is a poster that hangs in my home office and I love it because it reminds me that it's ok to fight for my own happiness. It doesn't make me ungrateful for my past but rather it empowers me to take hold of my future. So much of what I am about to embark on has been made possible by the people reading and supporting my blog, so thank you from the bottom of my heart! I can't wait to share more of my next adventure with you.

glitter guide

"My house, like my wardrobe, features a mix of high-end statement pieces and thrift store finds, vintage and modern, and unexpected color combinations."

-Marlien Rentmeester

For fashion trends and interior design tips one of my favorite blogs to follow is the fresh, and sparkly, Glitter Guide. Fashion and design are such personal forms of expression, it's only natural that they intertwine. I'm obsessed with the "style at home" segment because it features insight and advice from highly successful, inspirational women in tandem with photographs of their living spaces. Presenting a relatable departure from the glossy pages of styled magazine spreads, the homes manage to be both functional and tres chic. The feature this week is no exception.

It's not often that I come across someone whose personal style and interior design approach are so in tune with my own. Phillip Lim has never personally complimented my jewelry and I might not have the guts to put leopard carpet in my guest room (yet)  but it's always reassuring to have a design philosophy in common with someone so talented.  As the west coast editor of Lucky Magazine, Marlien Rentmeester is know for her eclectic taste "mixing Zara and Marni, Topshop and vintage designer." Combining old with new and vintage with couture is a look I personally strive to achieve and am consistently in awe of those who master it effortlessly.

As if Marlien wasn't fabulous enough, she also has her own fashion blog. 

If I had to define the style I am aiming for in our home it would be very similar to Marlien's. Rather that following a strict color scheme her home appears to be collected; almost as if each piece has its own story.

To me this house represents the perfect balance: comfortable and casual enough for everyday family living yet chic enough to throw an adult-only dinner party on a whim.

...and I wasn't kidding about the leopard carpet.

all photos via