Livin' La Dolce Vita

Photo via So Ninion

I'm very excited today! The lovely Paloma of La Dolce Vita invited me to be part of her "10 Things I Can't Live Without" series. This couldn't have come at a better time, because I've been in such a blogging funk. Sitting and writing about what really matters to me is a great way to get my creative juices flowing again. So, check me out here! 

A Woman's Home Is Her Castle

Now THIS is real estate shopping! Last week Remodelista mentioned this home only in passing but I had to investigate it further. Wow! As it turns out there is a CASTLE for sale here in Texas. I can say I've never heard of a Texas castle, but now I know there is one in where else but Austin

The living room/lodge blows me away. I guess this is enough space for dining parties, no?

Finally, I could rule over my own little kingdom...even if I'm the only person who believes in it:)

On The Quirky Side

Hello everyone! For those of you who may wonder where I've been, I apologize for the long silence. Life's been kind of crazy lately and my blogging has been paying the price. Well, I did want to post this unique and quirky loft in New York. Designed by Bohl Architects, it uses plenty of fun and off-beat details.

Ha, ha! This detail really cracks me up. I mean, if you want a random blue eye staring at you; why not have one, right?
(I have a feeling this photo may cause some controversy amongst readers)

As a designer, I've always found it frustrating that so many people will only live with things that others approve of! I can't say how many times I've heard the words, "I need to know if my sister likes it" or "My mother", "My neighbors"...etc. Why?! If its your home and your place to live and rest, why can't it just mean something to you? I look as a home as a sanctuary and as a place that feeds your inner self. So shouldn't it be a true representation of yourself? Ahhh, this has been my soapbox for many years. I hope at least a few people will stop and consider my words and take true ownership of their environment.
Don't know why I seem so bossy today.

Happy "Dream Home" Year!!

OK, HGTV...you finally got me. You actually went and built my dream home!!! Wow! Oh what a way to start the New Year, dreaming about a modern adobe house set in New Mexico...ahhhh! I have to admit that although HGTV's "Dream Homes" are always nice, I never really gave them any thought. It never occurred to me to think about entering or anything... but This One? I'm going to do it! I know it sounds ridiculous to think I might win, but this really is the home Mark and I have imagined over and over for years! Having grown up as West Texas kids, who often traveled to New Mexico, we can't get the landscape out of our systems and y'all know how I feel about Santa Fe!

Waking up to a wall of windows overlooking the grounds, is definitely part of the dream:)

Well, I've already set my DVR for this! On the first day of a new year, it always feels like all dreams are possible, right?

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Winter Wear?

So the oddest thing has happened here in Houston, Tx...its been like winter time around here! Last week we had actual snow! Yeah, SNOW!!! Supposedly, today is going to get cold again. The funny thing about living on the Gulf Coast is that when cold weather appears, everyone is scrambling to find something to wear! We don't exactly keep winter coats and gloves on hand. So, I'm taking this opportunity to share an online store I'm loving right now called Old Town Clothing. I find it satisfies two of my deepest (usually unmentioned) desires. 1. To dress like I came out of an old movie 2. To wear men's clothing (yes, I have confessed to this before).

Honestly, I would have liked to post every photo on their website...I love everything! Sometimes I try to talk Mark into wearing these type of clothes, but he won't ever go there. Oh well.
Thanks to Ancient Industries for introducing me to this site:)

White Elephant Antiques

Well, guess what...North Star Antiques was CLOSED!!! Yeah, I made Mark drive all the way over there, just to find they weren't open. Ughh! Just to be clear, I did call a couple of days in a row, but no one responded. Maybe that should have been a hint. Oh well, far be it for me to give up on a shopping trip. Luckily, I did find White Elephant Antiques was open. I'm sure many of you have read about this great place. Its really incredible! I lost track of how long we walked around, because every booth was so great. 

I'm crazy about this display! A board w/ chalkboard paint and the tiniest little hand, holding up music for an automated piano. It a total statement piece!

So, my plan didn't exactly work out the way I imagined, but it was still a blast! I actually have quite a few more photos on my Flickr site HERE. You didn't think I would keep it down to only 8 pics did you?