{Saturday Sleep-in}

This cool and calm, modern room (photo unknown) creates a no nonsense approach to getting your zzzzs. this room is definitely about sleep.

{To do lists}

I went to visit one of my fave illustrators Mary Kate McDevitt, and I stopped and laughed at myself. Mary Kate breaks it down and makes you smile.
Please see Exhibit A:

Or perhaps Exhibit B:


Mary Kate's sweet take on what is usually an Everest-esque take of to-do lists makes me re-think all my inner insanity. So back to the surprise...Mary Kate's new 'Mini Goals' notepad from Chronicle books! 100 pages of her amazing illustrations. They are on pre-order at Chronicle Books.

{table scapes by night}

Pal Elizabeth and I were both enamoured of this very clever idea by the ever clever maven Martha. What a stylish way to celebrate a birthday or even sadly at a wake. I like the idea of taking photos of a famous city and lighting up a table scape with scenes of Paris or NYC by night scape. The possibilities are endless.

{PB&J for me}

The kind folks at Bake it Pretty have shared that the new Cakewich baking pans have just arrived. I think they are so whimsical, cake shaped like white sandwich bread? Think of all the possibilities...

{let my light shine}

I’m eager to tackle this lantern diy project from Karen at Maggiemakes. named after her adorable black lab, Karen’s blog primarily focuses on crafts for around the home and provides great instructions and photos. I can’t wait to grab a hammer and a can and give it a go. Thanks Karen!

{living in Young Victoria}

Amy Merrick is taking a break this week so Grace thought that maybe another Amy Elizabeth from Williamsburg, Brooklyn might pinch hit! I’ve had Young Victoria in my DVD collection for quite a while. Love Emily Blunt! And, I must say that I’m prone to like any movie where Julian Fellowes is involved (He wrote the script for Gosford Park and had a starring role in one of my guilty pleasures – Monarch of the Glen ). This is one beautiful movie and – except for the corset part – this is the kind of movie that I’d just love to crawl into. Who am I kidding – I’ve never met a period piece that I didn’t like.
[image above, clockwise from top left: medieval knights chess set $174.95 (similar to shown), tufted wallpaper, easel and paint kit $98.99, 3 tier server $29.99, vendome gold goblet $17.99, pear drop earrings $81 (similar to shown) sconce $315, iron crown $44]

I love how everything is lightened up – it’s not that heavy Victoriana – this the Queen young and in love and thing (OK, she was probably never as thin as Emily Blunt, but in her later years, she sure could chow!) My favorite part of the movie? Definitely when after her five hour coronation, she actually returns to the palace and gives her beloved pooch – Dash – a bath!

[image above, clockwise from top left: topysy-turvy wallpaper $148, top hat head band (band is missing from photo) $18.50, emersonmade corsage $325, wax seal $34, silver bell $2.95, crystal candelabra $114.14, palace glass $22, cone topiary $62, king charles spaniel (from cavalier rescue usa)]

{Saturday Sleep-in}

With Eat Pray Love on the horizon, I have reread the book and was inspired by this beautiful napping place by Anthropologie.

{history mystery}

My aunt recently featured this Bridal Game, found in one of my Grandma's books, on her blog MJ's Table Talk. It is a copy of a Bridal Shower Game from the 60s that my grandmother had stuck away. Notice it was actually typed on a type writer...love that...and then my grandma's hand written notes are the answers. Looks like she was a star homemaker with a clever sense of humor! It is great for a good laugh and a peek into a period in time when only men brought home the BACON. See how many you can guess! Happy Birthday Grandma!

{paper doll lovin'}

Today I'm admiring the unique and diverse talent of Portuguese artist Ana Ventura. Visit her website, blog, and shop for more. In the US, you can find her prints at Twig. Thanks Charlotte's Fancy for sharing.

{first class service}

I just discovered the Paper Nickel Stamp Co. yesterday and am completely enamored. I love their logo, their clean branding and best of all their concept. They sell vintage stamps for your most special mail. Sure there's companies that do this but it's such a pain in the butt and it's not as beautiful a client experience. The PNS will even work with you to find colors, decades, motifs etc. to put together your stamps. I just am crazy about this. I haven't placed my order yet, but I shall one day...

{an evening out}

Love Janet Hill and need an evening out soon, so I am sharing what I believe would make a perfect evening. Oh, to have one of her original art pieces.

{Bon Mot Monday}

“Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands—and then eat just one of the pieces.”
― Judith Viorst

{Moonlight Court} featured at juried craft fair

The summer season at the Jersey Shore has officially begun.....

..... And we're looking forward to another great Your Heart's Desire Craft Boutique beginning this Friday, July 9th thru Sunday, the 18th.

Come see us. We have wonderful items from over 60 artisans, some only one-of-a-kind, so come in early. Get an early start on your Christmas shopping in our "Christmas in July" section.

There are 14 new artisans({that's me!!!}) participating in this show along with your old favorites. As always, we feature Best Darn Foods where a spectacular new barbeque sauce has been added to the lineup of favorite dips and soups. (Samples are always available for taste testing. ) Don't forget Maryann's homemade candy featuring her chocolate covered apples. And, also, new his show are Andrea's specialty baked goods. We've also recruited a wonderful new artisan who embroiders right on the premises. Tempted yet? Come in and see what we're raving about!

For directions, visit our website at YHDcrafts.com

{Saturday sleep in}

What a neat bed to wake up in...the tree trunk posts capped off by the birds nest. Wow-such artistry!

Photo unknown and via Haute Whimsy

{Sargent and the sea}

This July the Royal Academy of Arts will present an exhibition of works by John Singer Sargent RA (1856-1925). Sargent is, of course, best known as a portraitist. Less familiar is his passion for the sea and the remarkable range of maritime works that he produced in the early years of his career. Over 80 paintings, drawings and watercolours produced during the young artist’s travels from Paris to the Normandy and Brittany coasts, the Italian island of Capri, Morocco and to various Mediterranean ports will form the subject of this revelatory exhibition. The exhibition dates are 10 July – 26 September 2010.

{saving the gulf}

Tiny Showcase have paired up with the incomparable Jen Corace to publish a lovely new print to benefit the Gulf Restoration Network.

“The Gulf Restoration Network is committed to uniting and empowering people to protect and restore the natural resources of the Gulf Region for future generations. The GRN’s vision is that the Gulf of Mexico will continue to be a natural, economic, and recreational resource that is central to the culture and heritage of five states and three nations. The people of the region will be stewards of this vital but imperiled treasure, and they will assume the responsibility of returning the Gulf to its previous splendor.”

Jen’s print entitled Down, Down, Down is an unsigned edition and will only be available June 8th through June 18th, 2010. It will no longer be available for purchase after that date - so go buy one now! Each print sold raises $15 dollars for the Gulf Restoration Network.

Down, Down, Down

Jen Corace

archival inks printed on a 290gsm natural white printmaking paper

7″ x 10″ (plus border for framing)

$30.00

{On the road again}

Spied this very clever map helper on Martha Stewart--boy, oh boy, that Martha! Go the extra mile in your party invites. Send photographic markers along with written directions to avoid any confusion. How very clever!

{Pile of Craft Fair-Day 10}

Our last artist in the 10 day series is a devotee of the simple lines found in nature. From Kimono jewelry to pieces seemingly plucked right out of a garden, Tiger Lilly Shop artist Allison Fomich has her finger on the pulse of nature and all its beauty.

{Bon Mot Monday}

For Michelle-

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake.”
― Robert Louis Stevenson

Calle Bayona by Andrew Moore

{Pile of Craft Fair-Day 9}

Found Studio is a great place to find the original collage art of Kacey Buchanan Stafford. Her art is fresh and whimsical. I like her bold use of color mixed with vintage images. What a clever way to showcase vintage items without being overlydone.

{Saturday Sleep-in}

Love this bedroom from Anthropologie, from the quilted red comforter to the beautiful columns and archways. I'm on my way, be there in a sec.

{Pile of Craft Fair-Day 8}

Yummy and Company makes some very interesting jewelry using black clay and silver for a majority of their pieces. The combo is very striking. Although the color combo is very modern, the pieces have a flair of traditional as well, like little flowers embossed into the clay.

{Pile of Craft Fair-Day 7}

As you, gentle readers, all know-I love my two cats Jack and Ted. As well as my love of Jane Austen and all things Regency. So, naturally I am drawn to portraiture. Well, Vanessa of Pidge pidge creates either in embroidery or applique a portrait of your pet sitting in a very dignified pose. If only I had the wall space...My boys would look very regency and regal, perhaps even presidential.

{Pile of Craft Fair-Day 6}

Artist Shawna Pincus sells pottery under the name Pinkkiss Pottery. Not seen above in the pictures, she had a line that was offered at the craft fair that mimicked plates and mugs from centuries ago, featuring tall ships and nautical fair. I was mesmerized by her juxtaposition of the new and the old. I ended up buying some ceramic buttons to make into rings. Wish there was more time in the day to craft. Her buttons are beautiful, just like the rest of her large pottery pieces.