Live.Work.Design.

Exposed beams

2011-02-21T08:00:00.001-06:00

Exposed beams give such a raw, authentic feel to a space and the white washed ceilings really brighten these rooms. The fresh, airy feel is something i'm totally craving right now considering Minneapolis got dumped with 15+ inches of snow yesterday and last night. I know, will winter ever end? If you love this look and are searching for some diy inspiration check out Young House Love's beam post here.

{1. robgiampietro 2. Casa Cullen 3. source 4. Coastal Living}

Converse + marimekko

2011-02-17T10:10:00.005-06:00

Converse has partnered with Marimekko for a spring collection - yay! Now you can wear the Finnish designer's sweet textiles on your feet. Click here for more!

Winter weekend in wisconsin

2011-02-15T08:00:00.003-06:00

after a solid 5+ months away from blogging i've decided to take to the keyboard once again. a move, new job and a wedding has kept me busy offline over the fast few months. however with all the exciting happenings i thought they would be best brought to light here! forgive me for my absence, i look forward to reconnecting with all of you again!

we headed back to wisconsin this past weekend to visit my family and partake in our 3rd annual crab leg dinner. here are just a few highlights from the weekend. (somethings not included are the delicious v-day cut out cookies my mom made and celebratory drinks after the badgers upset undefeated ohio state in basketball -- go bucky!)

top to bottom: 1) boiled crab legs, wild rice, buttermilk cornbread with spinach salad and bacon pecan vinaigrette 2) candle lit dinner with homemade ice votive 3) after dinner beers at tyranena brewery 4) a hilarious elvis impersonator 5) winter sunset drive

New Orla Kiely

2010-07-28T21:44:00.004-05:00

Loving this oh-so-cute Orla Kiely bag.

Up for air

2010-07-22T12:57:00.004-05:00

I took a little time to come up for air. Admist a crazy work schedule and finalizing wedding details I haven't had much time to catch up on my favorite blogs or even be inspired really (so sad, I know). However, I did find time to fall in love with this living/dinning room on Apartment Therapy. I especially love the fire place, table and sunlight! Check out the rest of Luz's Mid Century House Tour here.

Coaster comes with

2010-06-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

I love this coast idea created by Dimmalimm. You'll never have to worry about losing your coaster again, plus it adds a little something extra to the typical wine glass.

A cabin in the woods

2010-06-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

I am anxiously awaiting our 4th of July trip to "the cabin" located in central Wisconsin. Just a little eye candy to appease me while I count down the days.

(photo source: Cabinology)

Pretty paper cranes

2010-06-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Paper cranes, something I have never taken the time to learn how to do so I appreciate their intricacy and delicacy very much. Happy Friday!

Secret Squirrel

2010-06-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

It's been cold and rainy here for the past two weeks and I cannot help but think about cool-weather outfits like these by Secret Squirrel that incorporate sweaters, jackets and tights oh my! It's collections like these that get me excited about fall (even if summer has barely begun!).

Small Magazine

2010-06-15T08:00:00.002-05:00

Scott Schuman meet your match, Small Magazine now brings you Summer In The City Street Style featuring oh-so-cute little ones. For those of you who aren't familiar with Small Magazine it is the latest and greatest of online magazines (second to the beloved Lonny). The most recent issue features cool kid designers, play lists for mom and baby and even a pattern for dress up wings! Beware you might read this and instantly dream of play dates, dress up and nap time. OR get super excited with the thought of becoming an uber cool parent like the mag depicts!

Madwell "to buy" list

2010-06-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Living in the Midwest I have anxiously awaited the day Madwell launched an online site. Well the day has finally come. I can now browse my favorite looks from the comfort of my own home, well coffee shop actually (we still haven't gotten internet set up since the move so here I sit along side a latte and delicious chocolate chip and cherry scone!). After browsing the site multiple times over the last few days I have finally narrowed down what is to be only the beginning of my Madwell "to buy" list. I must say out of all of my picks I am most likely to splurge on the cotton blazer as it will get the most mileage. (Top to bottom: cotton garcon blazer $135, pointillist dress $148, worn & torn rail straight jeans $110, the panama hat $58)

Happy weekend + coffee and donuts

2010-05-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

How adorable are these Holey Donuts by Kathryn Ivy? A cup of joe and morning sweets sound like the perfect way to kick of Memorial Day weekend. What do you have planned?

Entryway inspiration

2010-05-26T08:00:00.002-05:00

In an attempt to organize the "entryway" at our new place and have found inspiration in these photos. I love how organized the first one is, simplistic the second one is and realistic the third one is. I will let you know where we end up!

{Photo source: Lonny Mag, Apartment Therapy, Design*Sponge}

I {heart} Georgia, Illinois, California

2010-05-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

At $14.00 a print, these prints by QA Design are a fun and affordable way to personalize a room. I'm still holding out for Wisco!

Do what you can

2010-05-21T08:00:00.001-05:00

Having moved to Minneapolis just a week ago I am still living out of boxes and can completely relate to this quote--literally and figuratively. Happy Friday!

{Photo source: Parker Fitzgerald}

Modern Euro Country

2010-05-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

{Tip #1: Fresh, flirty and eclectic style}

{Tip #2: Crisp, not harsh}

{Tip #3: Add exotic touches}

{Tip #4: Mix and match}

{Tip #5: Add luxe--the hallmark of European decorating}

{Tip #6: Think clean lines}

{Tip #7: Modern Euro Country--there and then meets here and now}

With a new place to decorate I really need to get inspired. Having a passion for vintage/modern I am always looking for new ways to merge the two and I think I've found it! Say hello to Modern Euro Country. I love these photos from Canadian Home & Country and especially love the styling tips offered along with these Scandinavian inspired homes. I hope the tips provide some structure to my current miss-matched collection of things!

Sarah Jane Studios

2010-05-19T08:00:00.001-05:00

Adorable prints via Sarah Jane Studios--perfect for a nursery. Check out her Etsy shop here.

Mood lighting

2010-05-18T08:00:00.001-05:00

Perfect for the patio. Kerr Votive Lantern via Pigeon Toe Ceramics.

Wheel of nutrition

2010-05-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

Last Monday started off with a truffle craving, while this Monday brings thoughts of portion control thanks to these clever dining plates by designers, Rui Pereira and Hafsteinn Juliusson. Created to help teach the fundamentals of healthy eating to people with different needs. The plates come in 3 different types: diet, extraordinary and super size. I love it when learning is fun and colorful!

(Thanks for the inspiration Molly!)

{Photo source: Daque Design}

Happy weekend + MN move!

2010-05-14T08:00:00.002-05:00

Fist off I want to thank everyone for the warm birthday wishes. It made my day! Although it was filled with packing and cleaning I can definitely say that my dinner out was well earned. And now, the time has come for Andy and I to move back to Minnesota. We found a great apartment in South Minneapolis and are excited to settle in and pick off where we left off (prior to our move to Wisconsin, we were Minnepaulitans for the last 6 years). So we are packing up the trailer and hitting the road bright and early Saturday morning. I will be sure to post pictures of the new place--before and after. In the meantime, I have scheduled a series of posts while I set up shop in Minnesota and will try to check in from time to time. I apologize in advance if the those check-ins are few and far between as I anticipate the next few weeks being crazy. See you on the other side. Have a lovely weekend!

{Photo source: AKACORLEONE}

Happy Birthday

2010-05-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

...to me! Today I turn 27. Usually I make a big fuss of my birthday. With the idea that a birthday celebration should last a whole week or even an entire month. However, with the move just two days away I have not had time to make much noise about my birthday. I think Andy and I will keep it simple with a nice dinner and some good wine.

{Photo source: Shoshi}

Time for...

2010-05-12T08:00:00.002-05:00

...a new watch. I've been sans watch for over a year and have decided that it's time for a fun wrist watch for summer. I am loving Triwa's new Miami Deco Collection 2010. Available in powder shades of turquoise, coral and pink and retail between $145-$200.

Custom return address stamp

2010-05-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

One reason I love having a blog is it helps me keep track of fun gift ideas I come across online. With 8 weddings last year a lot of our friends are settling down (as my parents refer to it)--moving in together and purchasing homes. I love the excitement that comes along with packing up, moving in and creating a home. These custom return address stamps would make the perfect wedding or housewarming gift. At $18 per stamp they are an affordable and fun way to celebrate your friends' new digs.

{Photo source: Inkorporated}

Monday morning craving...

2010-05-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

...truffles via Chocolate Gourmet. These Ugly Truffles with a cup of coffee sound like the perfect way to kick off the week. Happy Monday!

{Photo source: Oh Joy Eats}

Happy Friday + Jonathan Adler clothing

2010-05-07T08:00:00.002-05:00

When I posted about Jonathan Adler's latest wallpaper collection a few days ago I had no idea that he is slated to debut a clothing collection in partnership with 7 For All Mankind. The collection will included jeans and corresponding tops ranging from $90-$200 and is due out May 12. I cannot wait to see all the wonderful preppy-pop designs he comes up with! Happy Friday!

{Photo source: All the rage}