Latest Home Design

Decorate like an Anthropologist...

(taking inspiration from a Phoenix restaurant bathroom)

You all know me by now.

I like to decorate on a budget.

I HAVE to decorate on a budget.

But I like things to look pretty.

Any my husband can be pretty canny with money (definition: chiefly Scottish a : careful, steady)

I can't get everything I want simply by making meatloaf.

What he can't make, I buy...at yard sales, flea markets, thrift shops, Walmart, or Homesense.

Or I make it myself. Unless it involves sewing. Because I've moved on from wrestling with my jammed up sewing machine and glue gun.

But I have always wanted to go to Anthropologie.

So, I went there on my recent trip to Phoenix.

Before crossing the threshold, I was an Anthropologie virgin.

But I crossed over to the dark side and browsed the racks like any respectable newbie would.

Brought an armload of clothes into the dressing room and cursed myself for forgetting my camera.

Laura takes hers in there and has a jolly good time.

(But everything she does is funny).

In the end, I bought this beautiful top:

Except I have since checked out the online reviews and the non-starters said the ruffles make the mid-section look thicker.

Great....

I need that like I need another blog (because I have two).

And then I bought this tea towel:

I spent too much. My mother would agree.

$28 USD

But you forget that I like to decorate on a budget.

And that my husband is canny.

And I like things to look pretty.

And I am a bit obsessed with clotheslines.

So, guess what I am going to do with my $28 tea towel?

WALL ART!!!!!

Yep!

Because even my mum wouldn't scold me for spending that on some art.

Because I am pretty sure she doesn't do the free art thing.

Can't remember my drawings plastering our harvest brown fridge back in the day.

Is it any wonder I have my quirks?

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 frugal decorating 0 comments

Sweet Nielsons and...Smeeks!

While I won't win any prizes for taking any stellar photos with my putz of a camera, can you really find fault in any of these photos of our HOLIDAY photo subjects, the Nielsons? I shamelessly followed around little Nicholas trying to coax him of his more serious demeanour and discovered he- like any self-respecting smart three-year old - knows it is best to hold out for a wad of bubble gum before revealing a smile or two. As you can see, his daddy is wise to his ways:

And when Stephanie said he has the most gorgeous brown eyes (and silky blond hair) she wasn't kidding:

A little blue soda pop appealed to him, too:

The entire Nielson gang (along with their cousins) soon relaxed and offered up some silliness:

And not opposed to gushing when it comes to kids, I declare Stephanie and Christian's children as truly well-mannered, grounded and adorable children. They were a joy to meet and photograph.

And, as we all know, pretty comfortable with being in front of a camera!

You are all going to swoon when you see the photos from the shoot.

I think we will have done Stephanie proud...as she should be as the mother of such a sweet brood.

Oh, and if anyone is wondering...

Christian?

Yep.

He is as wonderfully charming as she says he is.

And sooo in love with his wife!

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See more behind-the scenes of the Smeeks shoot here.

Sunday, June 6, 2010 NieNie, Smeeks 0 comments

Sweet Home, Arizona!

Wanted:

One retirement home, fully furnished in a retro-modern style, in a great location. Walking distance to great restaurants and delis like Postino's and LGO and a no maintenance yard, save for the requisite cactus and palm tree. Grapefruit tree-lined street a must and a social club where regular Scrabble players frequent is a bonus. This home won't be needed for another twenty years or so, but I am under advisement I should start putting my pennies by now!

It goes without saying:

I LOVED ARIZONA!!!

The people, the restaurants, the shopping, the lovely DRY heat, the palm trees and the cacti.

Beautiful, stylish people and all the younger men had cool, funky hairstyles.

I just might have to chase the handyman around the house with a tub of styling gel in hand!

And as for my hair?

Four days of frizz-free hair!!

That's reason enough to retire there, don't you think?

(To read about our experience with the Nielson shoot, please follow along next week over at the Holiday blog!)

Saturday, June 5, 2010 0 comments

Ruffled Top Pattern

This is the ruffle I've been looking for. Thank you Weekend Designer.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010 Sewing 0 comments

Hand Sewing

Annekata is a fairly new blog with a heavy emphasis on hand sewing. She's a girl after my heart and I'll be interested as she builds her handstitched wardrobe. Just look at what she's wearing! Beautiful.

These friendship rings really knock me out. What a great beginner project.

Sewing 0 comments

Out of the Office and into the Desert!

I am away in Arizona this week for the NieNie magazine shoot for Holiday with Matthew Mead. I will be updating via the holiday blog and we will be tweeting about the shoot over there, too.

Pop on over and see what we are up to! Have a great week!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010 0 comments

Wondrous Eiffel Tower At Paris Night Architecture

paris night architecture

Architecture, building design 0 comments