Holiday Home

 

When I take a moment to think about this holiday season I feel blessed with an abundance like no other this year.  Blessed to have my family (close by), a sound body and mind, love that continues to grow, confidence, peace of mind, and a steadfast passion to create- all on the brink of my 30th birthday (no less).  And a large part of this happiness comes from this little creative outlet of a blog and all the great people I've been so fortunate to meet along the way!  Your comments truly inspire me and help to motivate me to keep going and growing.  Thank you for all your encouraging thoughts and good cheer.
I can't wait to keep pouring my thoughts and ideas and share them with you here!  Here are a few snippets of what my home currently looks like this year.  Check out another amazing holiday home from my friend Theresa from inspirationCooperative.  Theresa said by sharing photos of your home, it's almost as if we (bloggers) are spending the holidays together!  I couldn't agree more with you Theresa!

Book Review: Amy Butler Midwest Modern

 

Photographs by David Butler

Happy Monday to everyone today!!  Today I'm happy to share a book review of one of my most creative inspirational people..Amy Butler.  She is and continues to be a creative force in the fabric design, pattern, and craft world.  Constantly expanding her hard and soft lines to include everything from plates, rugs, wallpaper, bedding, patterns, and a line of stationary (just to name a few).  I received this book Midwest Modern from my brother a few years ago for Christmas and I still reference it to help me whenever I am stuck in a creative rut or just need a fresh new perspective on things.  It's more of a lifestyle book and I think that's why I keep this book within arms reach on the bookshelf at home.  My favorite section of the book is getting a tour of her interiors where she displays a lot of her fabrics and patterns as a kind of rotating gallery of products while getting a glimpse of her studio space on the lower level of her home.  How fun to be able to divide your home into a completely separate work and live space!  A girl can dream, right?!  I hope to make room for this dream someday down the road at our next place.  But for now I'm glad to have a book where I can seek new creative ideas in design, home interiors, prints, fabrics, and home/work life. 

Toot Toot!

I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I never officially (and I'm all about official) shared with you my labor of love for the past year!  The quaint & comfy coach house Joe and I call home.  It was photographed by the awesome Apartment Therapy editor Jason Loper last month.  Today I share with you a few of my favorite photos from the shoot.  But you can check out the full post including all the juicy resource details here.  Our home is a continual work in progress, in fact I was writing a list today on my morning commute of decor details I'd like to complete before the summers over.  Mostly because it involves painting and leaving the windows open for long periods for things to dry.  The details of that I'll leave for another day.  For now we are enjoying all the work we put into the place by having a few impromptu bbq's, chill'n with the neighbors with cocktails, and just enjoying summer in the city. Oh and did I mention we signed another year on the lease?  I truly take comfort in the fact that we can nest another year in a space I feel we have made our own.  What's on your decor to do list before the summers end?

 Photography: Jason Loper

Surprise Birthday Decor

My big sis is turning the big 3-0 this Saturday.  And to celebrate her big day she and her husband are throwing it at her favorite sushi restaurant, Tank Sushi in the city!  It's a really quaint, fun atmosphere located in Logan Square.  And as a surprise to her I wanted to decorate the room that they have reserved for dinner.  I called the restaurant this morning and they said it would be fine to come in early to decorate the room.  So I have lots to do this week!!  I've put together an inspiration board for the party and will use this as a guide.  I love the pink and yellow color pallette!  I can't wait to get started!  And I can't wait to see her smile when she walks in! Wish me luck :)

 

Photos by Creature Comforts and Martha Stewart