Grayson: a different shade of grey

PLACE: Hidden and Secret

2012-02-09T06:17:00.000-06:00

image: Photographer, Antony Crolla

This bed hidden under the stairs is such a treat! Love the cosy feel with the luscious bedding! Just snug under the stairs! Would love to have a secret hiding place like this for cuddling and reading.

callie

ps I do think it is a bit odd that there is only one sandal by the stool!

PRODUCT: etsy love

2012-02-07T06:56:00.000-06:00

Ok, I am dreading next week!
I am not a huge fan of valentine's day..... It never works out for me. I have actually never received a valentine day gift or flowers from anyone. Even thought I have been in 2 long term relationships, they never gave me anything.... ok, once SC gave me flowers from a grocery store purchased last minute because his friend made him buy them for me... so that doesn't count
They were not bought out of thought!
I actually, would be happy with a simple bouquet of flowers (I am all the same flower type of girl... for example, all tulips or all daisies or all roses nothing over the top.)

but when I came across this lovely etsy shop, I did dream of receiving this little locket so dainty and pretty from someone, anyone on valentine's day!

She has many other sweet little love trinkets, go have a look! seriously adorable and loveable!!

What do you want for Valentine's?

callie

DESIGN: Neutrally Fresh, naturally

2012-02-06T06:55:00.000-06:00

image, view more of this home here at mrs french's blog

I love this living space! It's neutral fresh interior flooded with natural light. The furniture; cosy and simply modern juxtaposed with the classic architectural molding and gorgeous warm wood floor blanketed in that lovely area rug then the high ceiling studded with that wonderfully fun light fixture from ikea!
While reading Livingetc magazine last month, I drooled over the gorgeous interiors of Hanne Berzant's home in Copenhagen. I love this space! How would you like to sit at that desk, blogging!
*sigh* I would love to gaze out the windows and be inspired!! or curl up on that chaise with a throw, a good book and a cup of tea.

What is your favorite thing in the space?
xx
callie

I WANT: Love Entwined

2012-02-01T07:46:00.000-06:00

Zoe and Morgan have the most amazing pieces!! I really want this "Love" necklace!! How brilliant is this secret love necklace! The word love inside a heart entwined, just Brilliantly designed!

They have many other really cool items, I suggest you high tail it over to their site and check them out! Skull rings, scarab rings, the isadora ring is very pretty too!! and they have a section for the man in your life!

Oh, I so want this necklace!!
xx
callie

MY LIFE: New Beginnings, Accountability

2012-01-31T07:53:00.000-06:00

image

I chose this image, it's my favorite pose.

My favorite because I can do it well if I really focus on the posture and my breathing!

And each time I do it, I can do my best.

This year has started off wonderful! The other night, I was in a conversation with Zack, (Healthy New You) and he asked "What are you most looking forward to?" Well, I needed to think about this.....for the year, I came up with goals that I wanted to work towards through out the year. But what am I looking most forward to? hmm, I would have to say being fulfilled with happiness. To achieve my own happiness and to allow myself to accomplish what I started January 1st, 2012.

My Goals:

I want to learn to sew! = in my style. I have not begun to learn to sew yet, but I have been crocheting items to wear as clothing!

I want to travel more! = visit new places of inspiration and visit family around the world. I have not planned any travel yet, but I do have a list of where I would like to go.

I want to fall in love! = completely, wholeheartedly, unconditionally and allow myself to be loved. This goal is hard, I need to be more open and allow myself to fall in love and be loved. It is a scary goal for me......

I want to create more! = actually post the items before selling them to have a larger audience to sell too!! {Grayson Made} paint, crochet and family books AND blog with purpose and inspiration I am creating new crochet designs, painting and blogging with purpose!

I want to be healthy! = better life style, get back to running and continue yoga HEALTHY! I have been doing yoga 3-4 times a week, eating extremely healthy and running up & down the stairs at work. I have lost a pant size!! I am really toning up!!

I want to make healthy options for my pup! = make weekly dog biscuits for my pup Ihave been making homemade dog biscuits and she loves them!!

So, I think I am on track! Thank you Zack for keeping me accountable! I just need to focus on a few that have been straggling...... I hope to do an update at the end of each month to keep me accountable. Knowing that that I am the one to make me happy and know that it is okay not reach every goal to the fullest as long as I tried my best.

How are you doing with your goals and resolutions?
xx
callie

DESIGN: Gothic and Dark!

2012-01-30T07:25:00.000-06:00

This image above has really inspired me! In the February 2012 issue the "Future Gothic" article really got my creativity flowing. The lace curtain used as a table cloth is pretty and loosely thrown over a black piece of future, piled with accessories! then the frames all hung together empty with one with an image, Brilliant! I see a DIY project for an area in my living room! I will post once I complete. I have drawers full of old linens and I know I have one lacy pieces that my great great grandmother made! Now I need to go out to find some frames and a skull or two and I will be set.

What do you think of this image?

callie

ps loving the decanter below as well as that skull!!

images

QUOTE: Beautifully Simple

2012-01-26T19:23:00.003-06:00

"Beautifully designed objects
fulfill our desire for art and poetry"
~Cindy Coleman

A simple flour sack.
Designed to hold the ingredient for baking a wonderful cake, coating for that chicken or used as a thickener for sauces. That simple cloth bag, designed to do a simple task. Now take that sack, actually 2! Wash them, iron them, then sew them together! stuff them with a pillow insert and now you have a simple, beautiful throw pillow with its modern red stripe.
That red stripe makes this room fill with energy with its muted walls and millwork!
xx
callie

image

BOOK: The Night Circus

2012-01-25T08:05:00.000-06:00

image

Has anyone read this book yet? The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I love the cover!! The black and white stripes with the wee bit of red. and well, circus! who could pass up a circus.

And the writing is amazing..... just take a read!

The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night.

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands.

True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead.

and this magical video!

Let me know if you have, I think this will be my next book to read!

callie

ps
here are a few lovely images for you to enjoy that I have found on different locations of the books reviews by bloggers and other google locations: enjoy!

image

ARTIST: Jesus Soto

2012-01-24T19:18:00.000-06:00

Again, elle decor is just inspiring me lately!

They had an article that introduced me to an amazing artist! Jesus Rafael Soto. With an exhibition in New York until March 31, 2012 at the Grey Art Gallery at the University of New York, I think I really need to plan a trip to New York!!!
The exhibit will feature approximantly 50 works from 1950-1970, "Soto: Paris and Beyond.
His work is sculptural and dimensional with an amazing use of materials; wood, putty, wire, paint, metal, cloth and granulated glue!
His pieces are stunning and modern.

image

This is my favorite. Image

Paint on putty and wood! I love the texture of his work.

Oh! and I really love this one to:

More info on the event: here

Do you like his work, what are your thoughts? What artist is really inspiring you today, this week, this month?
xx
callie

WINTER: Healthy New Me!

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

Image: Elle Decor

Photographer: Marie Pierre Morrel

This January is flying by!

I needed to take a bit of a break, so my apologies for disappearing for a week! I needed to rejuvenate and focus on being more positive, balance and well. With a bit of coaching from Zack, of Healthy New You. I am feeling fantastic. He just started his company, and I can say he is going to be successful. He not only motivates but truly inspires you to be positive and healthy. If you are in need of a new beginning, give Zack a call!

I have been doing yoga 2-3 times a week, light weight training and healthy tweaks to my diet as well as taking vitamins and supplements. I am toning up and feeling fantastic! I am actually sleeping a lot better too! So, now that I am in my new routine and working on my goals, I am starting to schedule my blog posting again! as well as a bit of change to format, so be on the look out.

How are all of you!??

I have been enjoying the recent snow fall and only wish I had a beautiful fireplace to enjoy! This image I found in Elle Decor is from a home in the French Alps. I love the large vintage dentist lamp, farm been and the stacked slate surround of the fireplace!

What are you enjoying this new year? How are you making a point to do something for yourself?

callie

CULTURE: Swinging Cocktails

2012-01-13T07:02:00.000-06:00

image

How much fun would it be to host a speakeasy party! Everyone to dress up as flappers & gangsters and have a whole lot of fun! Signature drink or should I say tipple! can be found at Hendricks gin {just love their website!!} like the pink victrola!

Speakeasy: a place that illegally selling alcohol during the time of prohibition also known as the "Noble Experiment" from 1920-1933

Have a wonderful weekend! I am going into the city, dancing tonight!!
xx
callie

1920's slang

QUOTE: Mystery and Beauty

2012-01-12T06:01:00.000-06:00

queensboro bridge

"The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and beauty in the world"
~F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

image from construction in 1907, completed in 1909. Cantilevered bridge connecting Long Island City in Queens to Manhattan over the Roosevelt Island and East River.

CULTURE: art, books and movies

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Coralie Bickford-Smith

One of my favorite book cover designers, Coralie Brickford-Smith designed the art deco inspired covers fro F. Scott Fitzgerald. I really want this collection of books to add to my collection, I have started with the Great Gatsby! I am reading it again, crazy how much you forget.... had to read this in High School. I have forgotten much of it! It's such a good book! I can't wait until the remake from Baz Luhrmann is out, starring Leonardo Di Caprio!

I have an entire year to wait, with the release scheduled for December 2012. *sigh* I am excited to see all the costume design. Should be amazing.

until then, I will have to read all of F. Scott Fitzgerald's books!

callie

image

STYLE: Baubles and sparkle, that special piece!

2012-01-10T06:58:00.000-06:00

Judith Leiber

established in 1963~

I was introduced to the lovely work of Judith Leiber when I was designing a clients house. She had a wonderfully huge collection of handbags. A serious collection! hundreds of little handbags. She wanted me to design her closet to have a display rack to hold all this pretty little clutches. (mind you, my house fit into her closet!)

Well at the time, I didn't know who "Judith Leiber" was or what this pretty little items cost. I learned quickly how amazing each piece was made and I fell head over heals in love with her pieces of sparkly prettiness. I don't own any of her pretty items, but I wish I did! Here I am feature a few of her "art deco" inspired pieces. I seriously wish I owned one of them!!

callie

Gish art deco pattern

Brooks art deco pattern

My favorite piece!!

Valentina Deco

ARCHITECTURE: Art Deco

2012-01-09T06:55:00.000-06:00

New York Chrysler Building

ground breaking September 19, 1928 and completed May 20, 1930
The Chrysler Building is a masterpiece in Art Deco.
On the 31st floor corner ornamentation are replicas of 1929 Chrysler radiator caps, and the gargoyles were models of Chrysler automobile hood ornaments.
The building exemplified the machine age of the 1920's
Built of brick and stainless steel cladding.
During the rapid construction of 4 floors a week in a race to be the highest skyscraper
(miraculously, no construction workers were killed during the construction!)
at 1,050 feet the building was surpassed by the Empire State Building in less then a year of it opening to the public!

xx
callie

Iron Workers during construction 1929
note: that not one of them have a safety cable attached to them!

information gathering

images: google image search

Have a Ting Ting Birthday!!

2012-01-07T23:01:00.000-06:00

Zack,
Have a Happy Birthday!!!
xx
callie

TREATS: Cherry Crisps

2012-01-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

This week I made dog treats for my pup!
I am trying to make her treats weekly so I know what goes in them and she stays healthy. After, the scare from last summer I am keeping a watch on what she puts in her mouth!! We still don't know what made her sooooo very sick! But now I know she will be healthy with these treats!

Cherry Crunchies
from Rachael Ray Magazine! she does new recipes for the pups monthly
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup dry milk powder
1/2 cut dried cherries, chopped
1 egg, beaten

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl stir together all the ingrediants and 2/3 cup water, adding more water as needed if the dough is too stiff.

on a lightly floured works surface, roll out the dough 1/4" thick. use cook cutter and cut dough. repeat until all dough is used. Bake on greased cookie sheet until crisp 25-30 minutes

past posts on Sassy
very sick
update
another update
spinal meningitis

QUOTE: Quirks

2012-01-05T07:26:00.000-06:00

"Little quirks & imperfections are what make an arrangement unique"
~West Elm catalog

Here I am focusing on the quirky. (70's rumpus room, modernized!)
The stunningly awesomeness of this interior design!! Janis of Pine Cone Camp photographed the space, art work painted by Robert Edmonds, designed by her husband and brother! Evoke is an amazing collaboration of individuals who are right on target for that amazing dining experience! I just wish I lived close to have that dining experience. Visit here for the post that sparked this inspiration! If, you live in Vancouver, head to these restaurants and let me know your experience.
xx
callie

CRAFT: Hand Dyed Quilts

2012-01-04T07:16:00.000-06:00

Years ago, I stumbled upon Kim's gorgeous quilts! I tore the page from the magazine and longed for one of her quilts and placed in my wish folder, which is quite thick mind you! I forgot all about the gorgeous squares of rich and saturated colour. Then before the holiday she was featured in West Elm with her etsy site and I am in love all over again with her amazingly modern and gorgeous lap quilts!

She also makes horizontal striped quilts for your bed! *sigh* now I am not sure which I like better!!
What do you think? Don't you just love the colours!
xx
callie

Image from her shop

PRODUCT: love this etsy store!

2012-01-03T09:02:00.000-06:00

DressGreen
Natural Skin Care for pure user enjoyment

I stumbled upon this store last year while looking for a perfect gift for my sister, who love products and products with the scent of coconut. Well, I love things all natural and this store just won me over! Lauren wrapped and shipped my sisters package just in time for her birthday {standing tradition, I am always late in getting her gift!!}
I also shopped for myself!
Who wouldn't, with lip balms and natural oils abound! Well, I need more product.... I use her Anise lip balm nightly. It keeps my lips soft and smooth. I think I may also add the Sultry lip tint in the next order or maybe Lusty! for day wear.

I am also a huge fan of body scrubs! I love to have soft smooth skin and this product would be perfect! Morning cup of coffee. The beet sugar scrubs away dead skin while certified rainforest coffee promotes circulation and blended with amazing oils such as sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba and apricot kernel providing antioxidant properties... can we say bye bye wrinkles! and I believe cellulite. All the while moisturizing your skin!! She even has a Cafe & Shea Butter for the face!! Perfect for that winter dry skin!

The renewing facial serum will be going into my cart this time too! Perfect to carry in my bag for when I need that extra boost of protection!! The Chicago winters are killer on my skin! add stress from work and can we say super dry skin....with the lavenders skin rejuvenation properties and the the vitamins in the carrot seed! It's beautiful skin time!

These products make feel good. Do you have any products you really love at the moment?
xx
callie

ps
Man! I fried my hair last night!!!! ugh!
I have a natural white spot at my temple and when I dye my hair all the crazy colours every few weeks, I cover the spot with a foil wrap..... I guess I was lazy and didn't place as tight as normal and dye seeped in. Well, the spot had orange pink tones and I thought well, I will just bleach it!
Well, i must have left it on to long and broke all my hair!! now I have a short stubby white spot! seriously, I really need to think before I do something so stupid!!!! Lucky me my hair grows fast.

pss
z, i miss you!

NEW BEGINNINGS: 2012

2012-01-02T11:35:00.000-06:00

Source: 500px.com via Holly on Pinterest

This year is a new beginning, one that I look forward too! I have lots to do and many inspirations to follow!

I would like to remain happy and follow my heart. I usually don't make a resolution list even though I am a huge list maker!!! but this year, I really want to learn a few things that will help me accomplish my goals. {not in any particular order}

I want to learn to sew! = in my style.
I want to travel more! = visit new places of inspiration and visit family around the world.
I want to fall in love! = completely, wholeheartedly, unconditionally and allow myself to be loved.
I want to create more! = actually post the items before selling them to have a larger audience to sell too!! {Grayson Made} paint, crochet and family books AND blog with purpose and inspiration
I want to be healthy! = better life style, get back to running and continue yoga
I want to make healthy options for my pup! = make weekly dog biscuits for my pup

A few of the items are a bit easier than others but my goals are clear and I am headed straight for them! I may need to take a detour or two, but that will be ok. It will only make me more determined!

What goals do you have for this year?

callie

ps I want to start with this clever looking sewing project. Looks easy, I hope!

DIY tutoral! by clevergirl.org

SO CUTE!

2011-12-23T15:05:00.001-06:00

Source: Uploaded by user via Tina on Pinterest

Wishing you a happy day! I will be taking a much needed break for the Holidays, but will be enjoying catching up on all the blog reading I have missed in the past month! yippie!!

Have a happy holiday!

callie

z, this kitty reminded me of you! Did she come back?

COLLECTIONS: Holiday decor

2011-12-22T11:00:00.000-06:00

I love Christmas!
The Fairy lights, the glass bulbs and all the prettiness! The scent of pine!!
This year I decorated with magnolia leaves and pods with tons of fairy lights draped and in glass jars. When I went to Kentucky, Judy gave me a heap of branches to haul back for my decor. I also love old vintage glass balls, which are gorgeous with aged patina. I really don't have a theme, to much thought process for me during this really busy season. I just put out what I love!

I don't have any images of my decor, since I am in Los Angeles........ so, I found this lovely this pine cone decor on pinterest! My nieces and I collected pine cones and magnolia pods yesterday and today we are painting them glittered gold and hanging ribbons from them for holiday gifts. We always do a craft together for the holidays and this is what Claire picked to do! Should be a fun day! I will post photos of our crafts later once they are completed.

What decor did you do for this holiday season?
xx
callie

HOLIDAY: Season of frenzied rushing

2011-12-20T13:03:00.002-06:00

I am on my way to California for Christmas! Can't wait to see my family.

I am taking the new ipad2 so let's see if I can do a bit of blogging while on the go. I miss you all and this season has just been holiday frenzy!!! The wreath above is a little holiday decor that I made for my little sweet home. I will post a few other decor items as I get a chance.

Merry Merry!

callie

BUSY HOLIDAY: Merry making!

2011-12-15T07:09:00.001-06:00

Ok, I have been a bit neglectful! My deepest apologies, I have been busy every night and day making these crochet shoulder wraps. I set up an etsy shop in hope to sell for the Holidays and I am making them and they are sold! I wear it to the store and sell them to strangers, wear it to work and sell to fellow employees!
So, I am happy! I promise to get back here real soon and will introduce you to "grayson made" once I slow down enough to post them on the site :)
I have so many Christmas inspiration that I wanted to share but that may need to be for next year... I hope not. I am hoping I slow down enough this weekend to get in a few good inspirational posts for you.
Have a good day!
xx
callie