A Tiger in Your Engine

Letter-Mania

2011-11-08T15:46:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I love all forms and shapes of monogramming. Monograms, give a personal touch to everything, and if you are a little creative, they can give another dimension to personal items, accessories and home furnishings.

They can be done with different kind of materials,

stenciled,

printed,

or embroidered.

You can create a phrase or a quote,

a sample

or simply your signature.

Make gift bags for the Holidays

Personalized towels,

Embroidered napkins

and pillows.

Another words, "say it" with fun projects!

Happy Monogramming!
Cheers,

Button up!

2011-10-19T13:37:00.000-07:00

Love buttons? Or you just happened to have a bunch of extra ones?Use your imagination and get ready to have some fun!

You may want to make some bracelets

and rings

or even earrings

Button jewelry are fun!

But you may come up with some other crafty creations...

...like these gift boxes

or simple storage boxes.

You can transform a picture frame. It will be cute as a button!

make elegant napkin rings

make a planter holder...

or this cute adjustable tote bag.

Another idea: Use your buttons to trim a V-neck or a shirt collar. Buttons will add another dimension.

Buttonworks can be beautiful and unique gifts! So before it gets hectic preparing for the holidays, put your button up your creativity and get to work!

For more ideas follow me on

Enjoy!

Valdese Weavers:Art one thread at the time

2011-04-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

A visit to North Carolina is always a treat, but visiting one of the largest domestic Jacquard loom weavers plant is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had the opportunity to visit Valdese Weaver's and oh, what an amazing place! Considering that I grew up in the textile business, I have developed a very special relationship with fabric; color combination and patterns fascinate me. I had so much fun that I carried the images in my mind for days!

So, let me walk you through so you can see just a little bit of what was there and tell me what you think:

Learning about the history of the Italian family who started the plant was very special...

This is the first crest of the company and how it evolved over the years

It was also interesting learning about textile design, the intricacy of fiber and pattern combination, how a design and a color pick starts and the process to become a fabric...

Watching the beautiful color palettes...

Walking through the designer's offices, made me wanting to apply for a job...

Sampling new designs for the next market

Can you see this cameo one an oval back chair?

Here is a designer "cooking" some good stuff...

And then, I walked through the plant, where everything becomes "real"

The thread dye room

Watching the looms weaving these beautiful fabrics was amazing!

In the air jet weaving looms, a jet of air is used to propel the weft yarn through the shed at speeds of up to 600 ppm.

Oh, these beautiful colors!

Excuse my poor photography, I was in awe!

The showroom.
80,000 SKUs, not bad ha? Can I sleep here?

And the Gallery: Textiles as pieces of Art!

Is this an unbelievable eye treat or it's just me?

Cheers!

Spring is At Hand!

2011-03-27T22:17:00.000-07:00

It's snowed almost all day yesterday and it is so beautiful. The snow is magic indeed! But my heart is in Spring already and I can't go backwards. I think focusing on a little creation that spells beauty and a touch of Spring, will lift me up. I mean this girl-y stuff that can not be enough some times...

So, I decided to dig into my picture treasure and find some fun Spring-y bags that are like blooms of spirit, and let you play the "Inspiration"/"Find" game, and so let the inspiration meet the new arrivals for Spring.

The Inspiration:

Fresh pink hand-embroidered bag with fuschia handle

The Finds:
Glenda Gies Millie Fuschia Chenille Bag

Vera Bradley Cupcakes Pink Super Tote

GlendaGies Fuschia Chenille Flowers Handbag

The Inspiration:
Mulberry Sunflower cross stitched tote

The Finds:

Vera Bradley Eloise Buttercup Handbag

Kiss and Sunburst Ruffled Laundry Bag

Relic Monaco Crossover bag

The Inspiration:

Hibiscus Butterfly Canvas Tote

The Finds:Tianni Floral Garden Tote

Mary Frances Flowers Bead Shoulder Bag

Vera Bradley Hello Dalia Purse

The Inspiration:

Crochet Striped Bag with Bead Handle

The Finds:
Tianni Pink and Aqua Laminated Tote

Relic Crossbody Canvas Spring Bag

Capelli Ring Bead Handle Tote

Happy Spring!

Cheers and more to come,

Mood Board Monday - Nursery Edition

2011-03-07T15:21:00.000-08:00

Making collages and project boards is one of my most favorite things to do, so today I decided to participate in Sarah's Moonboard party over at Pweter+Sage. I chose the French Toddler bed and I am creating a romantic and gracious room setting for a little girl from my favorite store Layla Grace. My room has tall ceilings and chocolate brown walls, and feels soft and sweet...

I chose to set to tone with a Paul Thomas hand tufted wool rug, which will "anchor" the room with its beautiful pattern and color palette.

In the middle of the room I hung a Maura Daniel pink crystal-like chandelier

I thought this French three door pink armoire will give extra storage and will make the room look so delicious!

I added a romantic white chest of drawers,

and I accessorized it with this beautiful roses lamp,

a personalized photo album with brown ribbon and initials by Jan Sevajian

and a pink and brown daisy photo frame.

Then I hung a Victorian reproduction pink mirror over the chest.

I set the crib with soft pink and brown linens by Anette Tatum. This 3 piece crib set added pattern and texture with its polka dot bumper, the jersey crib sheet and the gathered crib skirt in stripe.

I added a soft chenille blanket with contrasting colors

I bought some fabric by the yard and made a couple of curtain panels with pink ribbons, and an extra pair of sheets.

I completed the bed setting with a hand knit Peruvian doll

and a paper doll patterned pink and brown pillow.

What else? For all the toys, a fun and functional pink paper doll pattern storage bin

and a totally un-expected Zebra print kids accent chair in dark brown and white that "jazzes" the room up!

ALL DONE!
I had so much fun!
Thank you Sarah!
Pink kisses and chocolate hugs,

My Favorite New Book

2011-03-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

I recently went through a presentation with the new Country Linens collection by Sanderson textiles, and oh, how fresh and beautiful! The show was accompanied by the "Essence of English Decoration" a book full of Sanderson's inspiring design ideas, new colors and modern patterns, that is now my favorite book!

The book is about the story of England’s leading manufacturer of wallpapers and decorative fabrics, illustrated with archival images and specially taken photographs. Picture the interior of the quintessential English home—whether the chintz parlor of a Victorian row house, a postwar urban flat, or the majestic blue drawing room of Buckingham Palace—and you inevitably picture Sanderson. For 150 years Sanderson has been at the vanguard of every significant movement in European decorative arts, from Arts and Crafts and Art Deco to 1980s country-house style to the vibrant interiors of the twenty-first century, shaping a distinctive style of English decoration beloved throughout the world.

Granted unprecedented access to the Sanderson archives, Mary Schoeser relates the history of the company from its founding to the present day. A preface by renowned British fashion designer Zandra Rhodes and an introduction by Whitworth curator Christine Woods celebrate the importance of the “Sanderson style” in modern British decoration and design.
With over 200 patterns specially selected from the Sanderson archives and reproduced in full color, this book is a font of inspiration for decorators, designers, graphic artists, and collectors. 300 color photographs and illustrations

About the Author:
Mary Schoeser graduated from the University of California and has since worked as a textile curator and consultant for, among other institutions, the National Trust, English Heritage, Liberty of London, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A respected writer on textiles of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, she has contributed to numerous publications and has lectured widely. Her books include World Textiles and Sanderson: The Essence of English Decoration. She lives in England.

I hope you love these books as much as I do...

A Heart From Start to Finish

2011-02-13T19:49:00.000-08:00

Since the new kitchen is in place, I can't stop baking and cooking. How fun! I love my new everything!
And for tomorrow, I am starting my Valentine treat with a fresh apple danish, and I will finish with everybody's favorite, home made brownies. What's in between? Probably a nice cooked meal, and a constant glow on my face for being Mark's Valentine for another year... My friend Desert Cottage asked to share my Love story, I can't get over it and the on-going Love!

How about you?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hearts That Speak LOVE

2011-02-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

Some hearts can be un-conditionally stunning! I am totally in the heart mode, and looking around, I came across some beautiful and fun hearts! It's like Love spelled in different languages, but always bringing the same precious message...

The Cameo

Luxurious

Murano blend

She is a Lady!

Italian passion

Heart cakes

Fragile and simple

Aqua marina magic

Kiss the Cook!

Loving swirl

I think I am in love...

Illuminating

Wild

Adventurous

Rather patriotic

I love... ice cream!

Cupid's steps

Intermingling

Fenti heart

And the heart beat

...from my heart to yours!

Love For No Reason

2011-01-18T19:43:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had a grand fantasy about ultimate love that you've given up on?

Do you long to feel less burdened by worry, stress, or struggle and to experience the ecstasy of an open heart?

Have there been times you've buried your pain in workaholism, over-eating, or over-spending?

Do you feel disappointed that something is missing in your experience of love?

What if the deeper love you are aching for really IS possible? How amazing would it be if you could do something RIGHT NOW to invite that into your life. . .

You CAN.

In her newest book, Love For No Reason: 7 Steps to Creating a Life of Unconditional Love, Marci Shimoff offers a revolutionary step-by-step program to live in a profound state of unconditional love EVERY DAY of your life. The kind of love that wells up from deep within and doesn't depend on another person, situation, or romantic partner.

This simple, holistic program--based on current scientific research, ancient wisdom, proven techniques, and Marci's interviews with 150 Love Luminaries--will make you a magnet for love.

In Love for No Reason, Marci offers a breakthrough approach to experiencing a lasting state of unconditional love—the kind of love that doesn’t depend on another person, situation, or romantic partner, and that you can access at any time and in any circumstance. This is the deepest and truest form of love and is the key to lasting joy and fulfillment in life.

Like her New York Times bestselling book Happy for No Reason, this compelling and life-changing book draws on cutting-edge scientific research, ancient, time-tested wisdom from cultures across the globe, interviews with 150 experts (Love Luminaries), and practical, proven tools and techniques. Love for No Reason provides a revolutionary 7-step program that will open your heart, make you a magnet for love, and transform your life.

You’ll learn how to:

Open your heart fully and experience a profound and lasting love from the inside rather than needing to get it from the outside
Bring more love to your family, friends, community and the world without overgiving and burning out
Feel unconditional love for yourself and stop beating yourself up, criticizing and condemning yourself.
Turn off your body’s stress response and activate the physiology of love to improve your health and well-being.
Make your romantic relationships more fulfilling.
Experience more success and satisfaction at work.
Respond with love even to the things that you find most challenging in your life.
Break through the boundaries that block love’s flow—including past negative experiences, limiting beliefs about love, judgments and self-doubt.
Connect to that state of unconditional love inside that will make you naturally more loving and draw more love into your life.

This is love at its highest and best – it’s what people want most deeply and it’s what the world needs most urgently. Whatever your experience of love is right now—whether you’re in pain or feeling great—you can learn to love at a higher level starting today!

“Marci Shimoff has her finger on the pulse of the greatest evolutionary leap in the history of humanity—our leap out of fear into the attitudinal matrix of love. In Love for No Reason, she provides to the world…a compelling case for the power of love. This book has answers. And Marci Shimoff is a worthy guide.”
—from the Foreword by Marianne Williamson, #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Return to Love

“Love for No Reason helps us establish a foundation of unconditional love that supports greater happiness in our lives. Poignant stories and Marci Shimoff’s characteristic insights guide us to understand at a visceral level how we can love for no reason.”
--Dr. Mehmet Oz, coauthor of YOU: Raising Your Child

“Marci Shimoff has written another life-changing book. In Love for No Reason, she lays out a powerful and comprehensive program that anyone can do to experience a more lasting state of unconditional love. If you want to experience inner fulfillment on a whole new level, read this book.”
—Jack Canfield, New York Times bestselling author of The Success Principles and cocreator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series

"Marci Shimoff once again touches the heart with her new book, Love for No Reason... a guide to creating a life of love and happiness that saturates your soul. Thank you. Marci, for this important and inspiring book."
--Mariel Hemingway, Award-winning actress, author of Healthy Living from the Inside Out

"Love for No Reason is a brilliant how-to guide for expanding your capacity tolove. Highly recommended."
--John Gray, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus

"There are thousands of books that educate us on how to give and receive love. But this unique and powerful book does that and more--it shows us how to BE love, which is what we are at the most profound root of the Self."
-- Michael Bernard Beckwith, founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center and author of Spiritual Liberation: Fulfilling Your Soul’s Potential

"In ways both profound and practical, this book shows you proven ways to open the gates of love. Grounded in brain science, and illuminated by spirit, it helps you find the love that's already in you and around you. Funny, warm, and with lots of practical suggestions, Marci Shimoff’s voice is with you in every page, like a good friend speaking from the heart."
--Rick Hanson, Ph.D, author of Buddha's Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom

"This is perhaps the most important book a person could ever read. Love for No Reason is about who we are at our core, and it shows us that the societies we create and the lives we live are a product of how we love. Marci Shimoff not only offers hope, she gives us a roadmap showing what we can do to improve our lives and the lives of others."
--Roko Belic, Academy Award-nominated film director, Genghis Blues and Happy

"Love it! Marci Shimoff has written another book that will help millions of people. It comes in exactly the right doses of insight, research, compassion, and human, heartfelt sharing. Love for No Reason is a gem with loads of helpful information that’s instantly applicable! And the reminder that love conquers all is the exact prescription for what the world needs most today."
--Mike Dooley, author of the NY Times bestseller Infinite Possibilities

"What the world needs now is Marci Shimoff and her extraordinary handbook on how unconditional love can end heartache, feed the soul, and light the world."
--Lynne McTaggart, author of the bestsellers The Field and The Intention Experiment

Organize Make It Fun!

2011-01-03T21:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!
My family and I have survived a remodeling, the sale of our house, the packing, the new home hunt, the move, the unpacking, and now the settling... Did I mention a full time job and a regular run of the family schedule? And if that's not enough, we just gutted the kitchen of the new house for a complete make-over! We felt we were missing a project, ha, ha!...
And, I know, I missed my blog, but seriously it was impossible to keep it up with everything going on. Now part of the New year's resolution, I am back on the blogging trail.
Since I am still feathering the nest, I am deeply into sorting and organizing, creating little areas for this and that... Surfing on line, I found some amazing deals, and as I was visiting my picture collection, I found some fun organization ideas that I thought would be good to share.

For instance, a splash of color, and some patterned labeled boxes, make a whole difference.

Jars: A color story full of texture. You will never miss what you are looking for...

The magic of baskets and storage boxes: Repetition gives amazing results!

A modern innovation: Transparent closet and cabinet doors, for everything to be visible and neat.

Shelf racks: Always handy and practical, are waiting for your creativity.

And if you have the luxury of extra drawers, here is the way to go for all your linens. Roll laundered and pressed tablecloths around cardboard tubes and tie them loosely with ribbon. Re-ironing before dinner is not fun!

Happy Organizing!

Indulge with Ice Cream

2010-08-10T21:07:00.000-07:00

If I need to replace my dinner with dessert, that should be ICE CREAM! Ice cream is one of the world's all-time favorite treats, and the combination of flavor and color is virtually un-limited.

This exotic "dish" for instance is made out of sugar-dusted pineapple slices topped with pistachio ice cream mixed with light whipped cream. You can sprinkle some fresh pistachios and add a couple of drops of lemon for more taste. Does it sound good?

How about these exotic tacos made out of delicious almond cookies. The taco shells are the base of these mouthwatering sandwiches filled with pistachio ice cream topped with fresh nuts and shredded coconut. Mmm...

This refreshing "salad" is a cantaloupe/watermelon combo, mixed with lemon sorbet and topped with lemon zest. Using a melon baller, create cantaloupe and watermelon balls and mix them with the sorbet. Easy-breeze!

For a really fine taste and something more gourmet, mix fresh melon, whipped cream and fresh spearmint in the blender and let it freeze for at least 6 hours in a rectangular container. When really hard, cut it in small square pieces and serve it with fresh melon and spearmint leaves for decoration.

This is a classic! Chocolate mousse ice cream with fresh strawberries; a dash of shredded dark chocolate and optional brandy syrup makes this treat sensational!

Speaking of chocolate, take a peak at this chocolate-hazelnut treat! On a walnut cake tart, we put a cup of hazelnut-chocolate ice cream, topped with fresh banana rosettes and fresh coconut slices. Serve on a pedestal platter and sprinkle with ground cinnamon. You'll be called the queen of indulges.

Besides the taste, I love the look of this watermelon ice cream. Mix about 1lb of strawberry ice cream with chocolate chips and let them freeze. Cover the surface of a round bowl with clear plastic and put a thin layer of pistachio ice cream first. Then a thin layer of vanilla and last a thick layer of the strawberry/chocolate chip mix and let it stay in the freezer for a few hours. Cut the watermelon ice cream in triangles, remove the plastic and serve!

If you are a fruit lover, this dish made from scratch will be your favorite! Use an ice cream maker and mix fresh cream, sugar, eggs and fresh basil. Let it freeze for a while and put a few scoops over cut bananas, peaches, kiwis and strawberries. Optional brandy syrup and mint can be the final touch.

Another fruit haven is this lemon bavarois ice cream, topped with grapes and peaches. Sprinkle the fruit with confection sugar and lemon juice. A few rays of cherry syrup will make it a wow dessert!

Here is an elegant sweet dish that will treat your discriminating guests. Mix fresh cream with strawberries and add it to 1lb vanilla ice cream. Put the entire mix in a stainless steel or cake mold and let it freeze for several hours. Make some vanilla pudding and when ready to serve, take the ice cream out of the mold and cover it with the pudding. Decorate with fresh strawberries and meringue cookies.

...And don't forget the kids! Watch them beam when you give them this home made tri-colored bar!

Cover a rectangular pan or container with wax paper, and put layers of strawberry, apricot and cherry ice cream.

When well frozen, turn it over in a long platter, and put popsicle sticks in every inch. Cut the bars and HURRAY!

Recommended for most collections:

THE ULTIMATE ICE CREAM BOOK $11.55

Here are recipes for just about every ice cream imaginable, from four different versions of plain old vanilla to Avocado Ice Cream (it's really more of a chilled guacamole served as a garnish for gazpacho). Weinstein includes dozens of basic recipes for ice creams, sorbets, and granitas, with innumerable variations, along with sodas and shakes, hot fudge and other toppings, and even homemade ice cream cones.

MAKING ARTISAN GELATO:45 Recipes and Techniques for Crafting Flavor-Infused Gelato and Sorbet at Home $16.49

The word gelato, in Italian, simply means “ice cream,” but its meaning has shifted to define a type of high-end frozen dessert, made with milk, not cream. Gelato also has 35% less air whipped into it than ice cream, heightening its rich mouthfeel without tipping the scales. Gelato, in all its luxury, is simple to make at home with a standard ice-cream maker.
Making Artisan Gelato, following on the heels of Making Artisan Chocolates, will offer 45+ recipes and flavor variations for exquisite frozen desserts, made from all-natural ingredients available at any grocery store or farmer’s market.
From pureeing and straining fruit to tempering egg yolks for a creamy base, the gelato-making techniques included in Making Artisan Gelato ensure quality concoctions. Recipe flavors run the gamut—nuts, spices, chocolate, fruit, herbs, and more—with novel flavor pairings that go beyond your standard-issue fare.

THE ICE CREAM BIBLE $16.29

Capturing the essence of summer with homemade ice creams, sorbets, gelatos and ices.

Using the easy and delicious recipes in The Ice Cream Bible and an ice cream maker, home chefs will have everything needed to make a range of luscious frozen desserts to satisfy everyone all year round.

The Little Book Of Promises

2010-08-03T20:23:00.000-07:00

"Promises hold powerful energy that unfulfilled or not explored can limit our potential. With The Little Book of Big Promises, Peggy Rometo, one of the most genuine, authentic, and caring people I know, gives us the key to unlock a treasure chest of tools to transform our pain into healing, make peace with adversity, and open the door to our true potential. Peggy is the real deal, and so is this book!"
--Demi Moore

We all make promises to ourselves and to others. Some are small and simple, some are serious and lasting. The big promises we make guide our lives in immeasurable ways, but we don't come into this world consciously remembering what they are.
In this book, intuitive healer Peggy Rometo shows you how to uncover your hidden promises. By selecting and focusing on nine significant events that have helped shape you--starting as early as childhood--you will be able to explore the mystery and beauty of your inner life. Looking at these events and your reactions to them begins to reveal your promises--promises that outline the actions, intentions, and qualities you're meant to express--and bring forth what is needed to act as a bridge from one stage of your life to the next.

Using a three-step process including guided meditations, energy work, visualizations, and other practices that allow you to tap into your intuition, Peggy teaches you how to reconnect with the creative forces and intrinsic wisdom of the universe, cultivate awareness and trust, and uncover the promises you made. Throughout the process, you will learn to break free of self-destructive tendencies, jealousy, guilt, fear, and other inhibiting habits that hold you back from embodying your true self.
In the end, you will find your current promise and honor your overarching promise: to share who you are with the world.

This book is intended to give you a solid experience, a tangible connection with the Creator, as much as that is possible given that we're speaking about something the mind cannot really grasp. To help you develop the trust this work requires, I'll introduce you to practices for accessing information about yourself and your life that you may not even know you have available to you, using exercises that progressively deepen your connection to your intuition. Along the way, we'll look at the obstacles that get in the way of our fulfilling our promises--old patterns, beliefs, stories, and fears--and find ways to break free of these old bonds. Finally, we'll explore what you can ultimately do with the information you get about your promises, how deeply they can enrich your life and how to go on working with them once you've put this book down.

The Little Book of Big Promises is an easy, quick read, but it is formidable, too. It's for those who want to know the truth for themselves, who aren't willing to believe it without discovering and experiencing it firsthand. In other words, it's for you.

Jute: Nature and Beauty inter-twined!

2010-07-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

I am working on a Green and LEED project right now and I am inspired to explore more eco-friendly materials for my design. Jute is one my favorites for the texture and the look that it gives...

Twine, made out of natural fibers like jute, hemp, burlap or sisal, can be a beautiful artistic touch in much of our home decorating.

Sisal fringes, tassels and tiebacks give the natural look to our linen drawers

throw pillows and coverlets

They can also be great bookmarks

Here is a thought to embroider twine through cutwork linens

Trim a little curtain

or make crisp pretty pillows and sachets.

Use twine to trim little purses and other accessories

or monogram your journal or photo album

And for an organic, natural look in the kitchen, wrap twine around vases, pots, bottles, trays or anything elese you can imagine. I love the look!

GOT JUTE?

Back To Earth - Throw Pillow Covers - Linen Pilllow Cover with Jute Embroidery

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T14:41:00.000-07:00

My favorite Reds, Whites and Blues. Happy 4th of July!

Singing in the Rain

2010-06-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

Our house is finally on the market, and I have to say keeping it spotless for showings every day with a full time job and family it's a lot of work, but we got to do it...
I am sad to put my blogs on the back burner, but there is only one of me-and I have to say my kids and hubby are helping a lot!
Any way, I don't know about anywhere else in the country, but in Missouri it rains, rains, rains... And I appreciate that God waters my garden for free but can it please stop?
On a rainy day like today, I got inspired to dig in my picture selection and find some fun, artistic umbrellas, that bring sun to the face and make you sing...

Using water proof paint, you can give this "cactus" look to a plane green umbrella, with a few white stokes and a flower on the top.

Or write words in different languages; giving a scroll shape let them gradually enlarge.

You can make a dreamy dome filling your umbrella with stars.

You can put fun polka dots in different sizes and colors, or add little round mirrors with clear silicone.

Of course, you can create your own "Picasso".

Here is another creative idea: Sow or glue a pretty artificial flower on each wedge of the umbrella. Secure the flower by sowing a clear button on the inside part of it.

I like this walking Banana tree!

But my favorites are these blooming flowers umbrellas. They are so colorful and fun!

Now if you are not into the painting and crafts at all, but you want the fun, here are some ready to go umbrellas that will keep you out of the crowd:

Sunflower Umbrella

Blue Morpho Umbrella

Gerbera Daisy Umbrella

New Mom?

2010-05-06T21:26:00.000-07:00

I barely could think of Mother's Day coming, being in the middle of remodeling our home and getting ready to sell it. All different emotions come through my mind about memories and all touches in this very special place. The kids grew up here, but we need to move on...
Despite my busy-ness though, I can't resist talking about these baby pictures I found with this adorable pettiskirts that would make any mom want another one! I remember when my daughter was little, I had so much fun changing outfits and play with her like she was my baby doll...

I just love babies! I could be a mom for ever...

Look at this romantic abundance!

And this blossomed ruffled Garden!

How about this polka dot hat and the Fuchsia-pink combo pettiskirt?

And for the sophisticated baby Black and Pink raffled pettiskirt.

I think this angel just came out of haven with this dreamy blue pettiskirt.

Life is a Wild adventure, isn't it?

Mmm... Chocolate and Raspberry... sounds good!

...or just plain Strawberry-that will be fine!

Hey! You want a ride with me to Dreamland?

All I wanna do is having fun even when I sleep with my Zebra pettiskirt...

I'm loving it !

Happy Mother's Day!

House to "Home" in One Day!

2010-04-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

I know I have disappeared, but between a full time job, taking care of my family, preparing our home to put it in the market and my major project in Florida, I have been a little busy!

And the most exciting part of my "busy-ness" --besides all the remodeling work we are doing here at home-- is the success of the delivery of all furnishings and the set up of the Florida house.
I can not describe my excitement and joy to see a completely empty house one day, and have it done and ready to go the day after! Oh my, I had a blast! And OK, I worked very hard until late, but who counts hours and labor when work is full of joy, accomplishment and recognition!

My clients, St. Louis home owners, hired me to help them with their second dream home in Destin, Florida; their request: COMFORTABLE AND FUN! The cool part is that I have worked all details through floor plans and pictures, I hadn't been to the house before. I just loved how it all came out together, even if my pictures can not do justice to it.
To be there from A to Z, unwrap everything, hang pictures, figure details, and take a moment to sit and smell the new and fresh, was a gift from God! I can not put in words the appreciation and fulfillment that I felt. What a treat!

Natural Capiz Shell Pendant and Tortoise Shell collage wall panel.

Right before the last hanging project

I love the shell pillows on these comfy chairs by Century Furniture

and the "hair on hide" Zebrino ottoman by Vanguard.

The breakfast area

The family room, and Oscar who is wondering why we don't play with him anymore!

I am missing a coral table next to the chair... it didn't make it to the delivery

The Master bedroom is scrumptious, and oh these chases!... I love the detail of interior of this end-table in tangerine orange by Baker. I know the chases need to be closer to it, I just didn't have time for the last details, I barely made my flight back home!
PS: Window treatments to follow soon...

XOXO,

Decoupage For Easter Decoration

2010-03-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

Are you ready for Easter?

If not, here are some last minute thoughts with easy decoupage projects.

You can make a bunch of Easter eggs and bells, and incorporate them with fresh plants or flowers.

You have old stamps or photographs?

How about some colorful eggs that will host your sweet treats?

Or you can just use simple white paper and make dreamy egg shaped vases...

Happy Easter!

"Easter Feel" Design

2010-03-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

Do these rooms remind you Easter? I was browsing through the Diamond Baratta Design site by William Diamond and Anthony Baratta and -what a joy- to see all these fresh and fun colors! Pastel or bold, it feels to me a whole flower bed is in the room with lots of movement and the intention to have fun... Just right on the season! And yes, I love their "out of the box" work!

Easter Bunnies

2010-03-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is the bunny season again. Easter bunnies, are so my favorite and who doesn't love them?
For adorable, festive tablescapes, Easter bunnies are so cute on tableware and dreamy linens...Is it the love that they bring to the table?

Bunny Napkin Rings - Set of 6 by tag® $15

Set an adorable table this Easter with these Bunny Napkin Rings. Shown here with our aqua hemstitch napkins, they will bring a sweet and playful look to any Easter table or Spring Celebration.
Features:
• Set of 6 napkin rings
• Hand embroidered cutout felt bunny
• Velcro closure
• Spot clean

Size: 5 3/4" diameter

Bunny & Chick Embroidered Towels - Set of 2 by tag® $11.99

Brighten up your winter kitchen decor with our Bunny & Chick Embroidered by tag®. This set of two towels will add a "spring" to your step when it's time to dry dishes. Features:• Material: 100% Cotton• Embroidered designs w/serge stitch scalloped edge• Towels come folded & tied with blue twill tape• Machine wash cold separately; tumble dry low• Set of two towels. Size: 16''tall x 22''wide

The Chicken or The Egg?

2010-03-21T15:52:00.000-07:00

I don't know which goes first, but for Easter decoration, chicken and eggs are making a grant parade in many different faces, embellishing our tables and homes.

Leaf printed Easter eggs are so easy to make, and they bring Spring right to the table.

For a natural look center piece, they can be filled with small plants put together in a nest,

or they can be simply decorated with white paint.

Easter eggs can sit on silver leaf painted egg holders,

or be wrapped with tulle, sashes and flowers.

Chicken and eggs can be a great inspiration for fun embroidery projects

making our linens special

and with personality

giving this special touch.

Easter eggs can be dreamy

and fun!

Spring wears new pillows

2010-03-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

For a fresh Spring look, pillows can do the magic.

They can dress a pair of Adirondak chairs...

or a bench,

a wicker chair in the porch,

or a pull-up chair in the Sun room.

Throw pillows can be crafted with doodle ribbon stitch

cut embroidery

crewel

or cross stitch

They can wear Lilies

Poppies

or Lilacs.

Pillows can make the ZEN life comfortable

and sophisticated.

The can give a "plush" feel to any sleek surface

add color

or just be FUN!

I so much love pillows!

Colorful Stitchery by Kristin Nicholas

65 Hot Embroidery Projects to Personalize Your Home

Why Am I having a Blog?

2010-03-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

I have been away from posting for a few days, my good excuse is watching the Olympics -an always favorite event for my entire family. But the deep true reason for been away, is a crisis of "oh why am I doing this?" "Who really wants to know what am I doing" "There are so many thousands of good blogs out there-what different can I offer?" "My English is not good enough-what if I do mistakes?"...Another words, I was under the influence of what Eckart Tolle eloquently calls "the voice in the head " in the "New Earth" book.
The voice is another name for the ego, the thought that always tries to tell us that we are not enough and wants to separate us from our true identity: pure intelligence, all quality spiritual beings. And many times, we don't even recognize that voice, because it goes on so often and in a crafty way, that makes us believe that the suggested thought is ours. Well, I got tempted for a while, especially after watching a particular blog how fast it grew, how many new followers visited in a month, and how many hundreds of comments have been posted! What a dam thing-excuse my language!
One of my first spiritual teachers about 20 years ago said to me: "Comparing yourself with others is death!" What a great thought-I will never forget that.
So, to the question what am I doing here and why, the true answer is "I HAVE FUN!" I enjoy every little moment of it, every post is a little victory to my own limitations, this is my second blog in a year, and a year ago, I didn't know how to copy and paste! So lots to overcome and lots of things to be grateful for. In reality, I let my creativity come out, and oh, what a joy that is-whether anybody is watching or not...

I don't know if this happens to anybody else, but every time I hit the button "publish" I feel I send away this molecule of love coming out of my heart for whatever I do. I love creating beautiful rooms, I love cooking for others, I love sharing spiritual truth, I love art, I love empowering by transformation, I love helping people being "HOME"! This is what the Tiger in Your Engine is. Even if there are not enough comments and bravos, it's the energy of love, carried from picture to picture, from word to word-even in my non skillful English.

So, it is all about Love! And I feel peace. Thank you blog-world that you are there, whether I see you or not. You give me the permission to simply be...

Blessings,
Maria

Where Old Phone Cords Go

2010-02-25T20:07:00.000-08:00

I can't get over the creativity and artistic expression of some people... Communication has never been so peaceful before!
Every one of these sheep is made from telephones and cords... check out their feet!
Presented at the Museum of Communications in Frankfurt.

A Basement and not only!

2010-02-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

This client's lower level is way beyond the place that most people would call "the basement",-a place that you put all the odds and ends of your household. This huge long room with several vignettes is put together to offer endless comfort and enjoyment for owners and guests.
The room has been made in a black and white palette giving a sophisticated yet comfortable and very inviting feeling. It has three separate seating areas, a game table, a pool table, wine cooler and bar area and a great wall unit with the plasma TV. What is missing? A happy crowd ready for lots of fun!

A Tiger in Your Engine

Letter-Mania

Button up!

Valdese Weavers:Art one thread at the time

Spring is At Hand!

Mood Board Monday - Nursery Edition

My Favorite New Book

A Heart From Start to Finish

Hearts That Speak LOVE

Love For No Reason

Organize Make It Fun!

Indulge with Ice Cream

The Little Book Of Promises

Jute: Nature and Beauty inter-twined!

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Happy 4th of July!

Singing in the Rain

New Mom?

House to "Home" in One Day!

Decoupage For Easter Decoration

"Easter Feel" Design

Easter Bunnies

The Chicken or The Egg?

Spring wears new pillows

Why Am I having a Blog?

Where Old Phone Cords Go

A Basement and not only!

Back To Earth - Throw Pillow Covers - Linen Pilllow Cover with Jute Embroidery