Believe In Design

2013-02-20T09:54:00.001-05:00

Tangerine Tango Crush

2012-02-28T21:54:00.000-05:00

So Tangerine Tango has been decreed the color of the year by the Pantone Institute. "Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it," Pantone executive director Leatrice Eiseman said in a statement announcing the decision.

Well, the jury has decided and the gavel has been struck.

I have to admit that it does make me happy. It is uplifting and fun yet sophisticated. I don't know if I have been intrigued by a color more than this one. I usually favor black. So it's a huge leap.

Eiseman described the color more fully, "Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy."

Well, say no more! One look at that color and I see myself shimmering and sun-kissed, sipping a Mai Tai cocktail in a bikini, as the sun goes down over the Caribbean sea. No wonder this color is being swallowed by designers all over the world. More please.

Take a look and see if this gets you feeling like Spring is right around the corner.

Tangerine Draped Dress

Looking for more of your tangerine crush?

Must try recipe for transporting Mai Tai cocktail.

Grow your own indoor citrus tree

Ever want to own a tangerine Vespa

I love the mix of nautical style with global influences in this bedding.

See you on the sunny side!

The Greatest Show On Earth

2012-01-03T21:41:00.000-05:00

In consideration of the yet-to-be-known success of our first year of parenthood, (we are all still breathing so that does equal some success) there was not a more perfect theme than the circus for our son's 1st birthday party.

Our family is a three-ring circus.

Our ringmaster is very demanding.
We walk a tightrope.
We must juggle.

We jump through hoops.
Or rather rings of fire.
I am a human cannonball.
Popcorn or peanuts for dinner?

Quite often.

The invitations went out to all our guests. I love the circus theme with a modern red, white and blue color story. The style of the invites slightly channeled an iconic "MOM" tattoo and the well-loved Hatch style prints.

We included a fun insert to encourage our guests to be a part of the circus!

Our little ringmaster donned a white tuxedo shirt with a spiffy, black bow tie. Make them here or buy them here. He was ready to keep the show moving.

I became keen on personal portions when I was at lunch with a friend when she promptly scooped her portion of our shared appetizer on her plate and stated that the rest of the dish was mine. I was so happy because there was not going to be any uncomfortable questions about who ate more or the lonely last bite that no one eats just to be polite! Such a waste! I thought to offer the same idea at our party with personal portions of carrots and celery in cups filled with veggie dip. Double dipping is totally allowed!

Our guests had plenty of photo props to take fun pictures to keep as a memory of this day.
We offered bow ties, spongy red clown noses and a variety of mustache shapes on old-fashioned paper straw sticks from Bake Me Happy.

Our little one's cake was topped with circus animals and balloons. We kept a circus theme menu by offering pizza, popcorn cotton candy and animal crackers. We added macaroni and cheese for a little homemade love. Beverages included Jones Sodas which offers a fun campaign that will add your photo to their bottles if they like what you submit. And for the faint of heart, the very rare "Anti-Aging Elixir" was offered (aka water)! Our candy vases were filled with red and white chocolate sixlets and one of my favorite candies Goetz's bulleyes. Yum!

Floating above our heads were airy tissue poms in turquoise blue and white.

I made the tissue poms but you can buy them right here from Pom+Love in any colors you choose.
For our birthday boy my husband and I updated this mini slip-covered bean bag chair. Which may look familiar to you?

We really are a three-ring circus but
I wouldn't change it for anything.

It really is the Greatest Show on Earth.

Other really great ideas if you love the circus theme idea:

-animal silhouette cookies in the shapes of elephants or seals

-amazing Retro Circus idea for a boy or girl

-ridiculous candy table fit for your prince or princess

-popcorn cupcakes anyone?

-just in case your eyes are not popping, this circus idea site will make you go blind

-and one for all you perfectionists!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T13:03:00.001-05:00

Wishing you all a wonderful New Year's Eve! Thank you for all your support. I am looking forward to all that 2012 will unfold.

Best to you and all your loved ones!

Holiday Romance

2011-12-20T17:46:00.001-05:00

I am a romantic. No other time during the year offers up as many romantic opportunities as the holiday season. I hear Bing Crosby croon The Christmas Waltz on the radio. I love the line, "It's the time of year, when the world falls in love."

Sends shivers down my back. I just want to grab someone and kiss 'em. But I don't for fear that I may get labeled a lunatic. For my own safety, I choose to get a Soy Chai Latte from Starbucks which kind of gives me the same joyous feeling.

I do look forward to the moments during the holiday season when everything just seems to line up so perfectly. Moments you couldn't create unless you really tried.

You find yourself in a the midst of a snowfall with your loved one.
You happen upon a cute, little cafe in a town you have never been.
Watching your child and dog playing as if they were the only ones in the world.
You lock eyes with someone and share an acknowledgement that doesn't need words.
When you put the first footprint in new fallen snow.

Feeling exhaustedly alive and beautiful after a snowball fight.

It seems the most memorable moments (phew, lot of m's!) just creep up on you when you least expect them. The possibilities seem to unfold this time of year or are they always there?

Happy Holidays!

via Tumblr

Enjoy your loved ones!

Evolution of a Mommy (Tears & Joy)

2011-12-05T09:34:00.000-05:00

It was nearly a year ago that I sat with a very round belly stretched to the max while I watched tiny stretch marks start to appear. I bellied up to my desk everyday awaiting the arrival of my first baby. We continued work on his nursery and just returned from our babymoon. I wondered what he would look like, how he would arrive and what our story would be. I looked at his room and imagined his tiny hands investigating everything. He didn't even have a name yet.

As I plan his 1st birthday, I swell up with tears in memory of how fleeting, formative and precious this year has been. The first few months of his life were probably the most painful for me. Aside from the obvious physical pains there are growth pains in becoming a mommy. Those first two months are hell. You must sacrifice all of yourself. Every ounce and every breath.

Wish You Were Here Photography

I had no idea the growth that I was going to experience in one year. I knew our family was growing but I had no idea that I was going to grow as well.

Change is hard and growth hurts.

No one tells you about. But you wouldn't believe them anyway.

Wish You Were Here Photography

You think you know how hard it is to raise a baby: lack of sleep, lack of communication and a messy house. But you really have no idea until you are knee-deep in dirty diapers. It is so intense that you cannot imagine it because no sane person would happily jump into parenthood otherwise!

The creation of a parent is a beautiful process and when you come out on the other side you are a better person (and parent) for it.

Wish You Were Here Photography

At the time, I thought I ruined my life! But what I now know is that those first few months do not last long. You will turn around to see your little baby waddling away with a little strut to his step and waving a crooked good-bye . So hang on to everything. Love all the moments, even the bad ones because nothing lasts forever. I now find myself missing that tender little bundle as I stare at a very independent toddler.

Daddy and Son

May you never step on a Lego and to quote the Huggies commercial, "Enjoy The Ride."

DIY Slipcover For Juniors' Chair

2011-12-05T00:14:00.001-05:00

I really wanted a childrens' chair for my little guy. Uhm, I mean he really wants one. It only took me about 5 hours of internet searching before I decided that there is not one thing that fit my our specifications. I felt like those poor bears from Goldilocks. This one is too big, this one is too small, too hard, too soft, and so ugly that I wouldn't hit a stick with it!

I was deflated after all my searching. I get deflated a lot. I have very particular desires. It's tough being particular.

Now I am going to say this very, very quietly and only once. I went into Walmart and found a childrens' chair for $19. It was the exact shape I so desired and it was also a bean bag chair. This is a borderline genius product albeit the Disney Pixar Cars print was not to my liking. The movie is darling but that does not mean I want their happy little faces staring at me while I relax in my living room.

I wondered why Walmarts' arch nemesis Target was not taking off with this product in a more stylish way.

Google, Google...nope they were not. Damn!

I puffed and I pondered and I propped my little man up on the chair. I have sacrificed so much of my house already to vehicles with horns, sharp building blocks and puffy alphabet letters that I was drawing the line with this printed chair. But immediately, my little guys' legs splayed out and his head tipped back. He went lax with happiness!

I took a deep breath and committed myself to buying it with the caveat that it must don a slipcover.

So after minor deliberation, I decided on using a John Robshaw print for his chair slipcover.

I began measuring and measuring again. I had to drape some of the pattern pieces to get the exact shape. It was a match made in heaven for both mommy and son!

Here's the How To:

I started by draping cotton muslin over the chair in the shaped areas. Then I pinned the muslin in place so that I could take a pencil and "trace" the outline of the seams. Once I had the entire outline indicated, I could then remove the muslin from the original chair. Laying the muslin flat on dotted pattern paper, I began connecting the lines to create my pattern piece. Then I added a generous 1/2" seam allowance on the pattern to allow for possible changes or miscalculations.

For the straight pattern pieces such as the skirt, I was able to measure the original chair without draping those areas. I worked in sections so that I could make adjustments along the way. I also chose to keep the whipstitch detail of the John Robshaw tablecloth fabric that I was using for the hem of the slipcover.

It took me about 4 hours from start to finish. But it was worth it. I cannot wait to see my little guys' eyes when he gets this for his birthday gift. I am thinking he needs a matching toss pillow now!

Okay, okay there were some other chairs options out there.

DIY Easy Dickie Bow Tie

2011-12-05T00:09:00.001-05:00

"To its devotees the bow tie suggests iconoclasm of an Old World sort, a fusty adherence to a contrarian point of view. The bow tie hints at intellectualism, real or feigned, and sometimes suggests technical acumen, perhaps because it is so hard to tie. Bow ties are worn by magicians, country doctors, lawyers and professors and by people hoping to look like the above. But perhaps most of all, wearing a bow tie is a way of broadcasting an aggressive lack of concern for what other people think."

”

—Warren St John, The New York Times

Gingham

via stylemepretty

via tumblr

I love a man in a neck tie. I love a bow tie even more. It still remains a mystery which originated first but clearly the neck tie is more popular today. Some may say that a bow tie has stereotypical conservative look. But I think neck ties are more conservative.

(Grammar lesson No. 1-bow tie is two words not one!)

All at once, a bow tie, otherwise know as the dickie bow tie can be avant garde, chic, classic, whimsical and nerdy. How can a tiny accessory be so commanding? It practically points a finger at you. I cannot think of a women's accessory that has the same universal power.

So when all else fails borrow from the boys!

Ralph Lauren

via pinterest

Flouzen Alpi

All this bow tie business got me thinking that it was high time to own a bow tie. Then, of course, my next thought is to make my own for the fun of it!

If you own a bow tie very simple instructions are below.

via pinterest

If you don't own a bow tie and do not have a lot of time on your hands to make your own then read on!

Here is what you will need:

Fabric of your choice (I used black felt)

Pattern

Glue gun or Needle/Thread

Pen

Scissor

Ruler

Bar Pins or black elastic

Supplies

Step 1: Pin bow tie pattern pieces on your fabric and cut.

Step 2: Take your bow pattern piece and pinch in the center with your thumb and forefinger. At this point, you can use your hot glue gun to glue the bow in this position or you can use a thread and needle to create your bow tie. I ended up sewing them because I didn't want them to fall apart.

Step 3: Take your small rectangle pattern piece and wrap it around the center of your bow. Secure it in the back with glue or thread. Trim any excess away.

Step 4: You can then choose to add bar pins or elastic neck band.

So I got a little carried away and made a few more!

It reminded me of this art exhibit by Alister Mackie. Not all bow ties are created equal! Experiment with all of the shapes and sizes. Let this inspire your creations!

Alister Mackie, 2010

Help Design This Chair

2011-11-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

I love a good chair. Seriously, I love chairs more than most people. A chair tells a story like no other piece of furniture. The shape of a leg, the perfectly worn wood arm rests, a tear in the upholstery. Throughout history, the chair has been a relic of the era in which it was created.

So you can imagine when I see a chair, it is like shoe shopping/collecting. Too bad that chairs take up much more room and they are hard to hide from my husband. This definitely puts a limit on my chair ~~hoardin~~g collecting.

There always is the other option: renting out a storage unit? Hmmm...

This summer I wrangled up a few items that would keep me busy for the winter months. I found this chair at a thrift store. I stalked it a few times before dragging it to the cashier. The chair in one hand, a diaper bag flung over my shoulder and a baby in a car seat carrier dangling off my arm like a bracelet.

What a sight!

I knew the chair had good bones. Take a look at her! The upholstery wasn't that offensive however, it had must have been from a home with smokers because it wreaked. Even after an upholstery cleaning, there was no saving this vintage fabric.

Fast forward 8 months.....I am finally ready to take off the old upholstery and see what this chair is really made from. It turns out that the construction is very well done. I hated to sand down the natural wear on the wood but I really wanted to see the chair with the wood in a more raw state.

Curiosity killed the cat but thankfully this chair is getting a new life.

I decided to keep the straw batting and the original fiber batting because the chair has the most comfortable seat. I didn't want to change the feel of the chair by removing the original batting.

After staring at the chair with raw wood legs for two days, I decided to take a leap and paint the wood white. I covered the batting with newsprint so that the paint would not drip. I experimented with a few paints first. The best for all the nooks and crannies is semi-gloss white spray paint. It dried beautifully and there was virtually no drip marks on the chair.

I decided to add a little organic cotton batting in addition to the original batting so I just placed that directly on top of the seat. I also placed a small square on the back rest.
You can see the wood painted white in this image. I am starting to really love the look.

The chair actually has taken on a raw quality with all of its' insides exposed. I am tempted to keep it like this.....

This is the back of the chair. In this image you can see the original brown batting which is filled with various fabric and wood pulp. The whiter batting is the new organic cotton batting I added. The burlap webbing strap is shown here. I just love burlap. I seriously do not think I want to reupholster this chair. It is so cool on the inside.

I decided at the minimum I need to upholster the seat and chair back. I grabbed a roll of muslin to upholster the chair before I choose the outer upholstery fabric. This will give me the option of change the upholstery at a later date without worrying about disturbing the batting. It will also buy me some time so I can decide which fabric to use. Lastly, it will provide extra layer just incase I choose a lighter weight fabric instead of upholstery grade.

Here is where the chair stands as of this moment. Ready to be dressed but I am at a standstill. I am at a face-off with my fabrics.

I am really stuck now. I have beautiful options for this chair which is half the problem. Many are from the John Robshaw sample sale last week.

Didn't you know? In case you missed it, I will let you know when the next one is taking place.

So I open the forum, cast your vote. Throw your two sense into the mix. Send me your suggestions!

DIY Rotating Art Gallery Frame

2011-11-24T10:00:00.000-05:00

Before I had a baby, I swore that all the finger paintings and scribbled artwork would not be displayed on my walls or refrigerator. I know it is cold. But I thought that I would display each childs' artwork in their respective rooms. We all would win. They would see their art and it would save my house from becoming an extension of the playroom.

Fast forward to motherhood and eat my words! This is becoming a theme.

My husband and I went to our first parent-teacher conference last week and they handed us a folder of all our son's artwork he has made all year. I gingerly opened the folder, holding it like it was the holy grail. We swelled up with emotions. There were the cutest little finger paintings of fish and our family. The most beautiful leaves made from the shapes of his chubby hands. There was a little avant-garde image of his foot imprinted onto our apartment building.

His teacher told me that he really loves art. He is 11 months old and we are sure he is a budding Picasso.

I am confident that you will agree.

It didn't take me long to decide that these great works of art must be displayed very prominently. I had the perfect frame for the job.

Is your heart melting yet?

Here is how to make the frame gallery.

You will need:

Frame
Picture eyelits
Cording
Drill
Ruler
Pencil
Clothespins

Step 1:
Measure 2" down from top of the frame and make your first mark each each side of frame. So you will have two pencil markings evenly marked across from each other. This will be where your first row of cording will be tied.

Step 2:

Continue marking rows 7"apart until you reach the end of your frame. For my frame, I used a 18"x20" frame and I was able to place 3 rows of cording. Using a power drill (vroom!), place a pilot drill hole on the inside of the frame about 1/2" from edge. Continue drilling small pilot holes in all areas where you will place picture eyelits. This will allow eyelits to screw in more easily.

Step 3:
Screw all picture eyelits into pilot holes. Cut your cording 8" longer than the width of your frame. Tie cording to each eyelit, leaving a tail of cording on each end. Be sure to stretch the cording very taunt. It may help to tie the cording on the eyelit and then turn your eyelit a few times to help tighten the cording.

One row of cording cut and tied.

Step 4:

After all the rows are strung and tied, you can trim the excess tails of the cording or just leave them as I did. I like the haphazard look of it.

Finished Frame

Our latest treasure

We have only had the frame hanging for four days. During that time, my little Prince as eagerly spotted it from across the room twice. His eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. He points his chubby little finger towards the frame. His head turns from me to the frame and back again. Each time I have lifted him up so he can investigate his works of art. He seems to be explaining each one to me. I relish those moments.

Be still, my heart!

We are looking forward to the memories that will fill our little art gallery and watching our most important work of art grow.

Harvest & Feast

2011-11-22T09:55:00.001-05:00

This year I will be a guest for Thanksgiving which means there needs to be a certain amount of formality to my outfit. I will not be showing up in my best pair of spandex leggings. So I got to thinking about what my family will don that will be appropriate, festive and maybe a little bit comfortable. Though nothing will beat the comfort of those leggings.

The truth is that I like dressing up. I love the primping and prepping for a party. I think that much of that has been lost in these modern times. I blame the departure of dressing up on a few things: casual Fridays, the dot com boom and Juicy Couture velour tracksuits. These three occasions marked the beginning of the end of dressing as we knew it. Suddenly, wearing tracksuits became chic. Flip flops in the office was cool. Jeans in the boardroom? Why not?

This led to a lazy mentality when it comes to dressing. No one likes to dress up anymore. I don't think that you need to wear a ball gown to do your grocery shopping. (But that would be so much fun!) However, I do believe that what you wear changes how you stand, sit and present yourself. I mean do you think you would sit on a pumpkin like this in a pair of overalls?

So maybe this Thanksgiving put a hold on those spandex leggings at least until after dinner! Try a few of these options.

Adorable mommy and me lace dresses!

Delia's

Gap Girl's Dress

Try matching father and son silk ties in festive copper plaid. They are adorable and will look fantastic for family photos. Add leather booties for both of the men in your life with matching socks.

Apple and Ivy

via modernhepburn.tumblr.com

Enjoy your feast and family! xo

DIY Chalkboard Labels

2011-11-13T12:45:00.001-05:00

As the weather turns cold and the trees are nearly bare, it hits me that winter is around the corner. That means snuggling up on the couch with a book, weekend long movie marathons and staring dreamily at my Christmas tree. All of that means plenty of time will be spent indoors.

Egads!

I never got around to spring cleaning this year. I was strapped to a couch nursing an infant while dust bunnies waltz on my floors. I stared so long at dirty windows that I started imagining I saw shapes of elves or a cat being formed by the dirt. Not as romantic as gazing up at clouds but what else could a girl do.

via Tumblr

Wait! I think that looks like a boot. Ah, yes. I see it now. These games saved me from going looney where I sat on the couch for 3 months. The things they never tell you about motherhood!

There was plenty to do while perched on my couch. Plenty I just couldn't do.

So as winter rolls in I find myself doing some last minute organizing and cleaning. I like when my house is in order and clean so that when I barricade myself in it for the winter I can feel good about it.

(In case you didn't notice, I am back after a major coffee spill over my computer and new phone. I am breathing again. Phew!)

via Pinterest

The pantry is this small space that I really like to command. It feels manageable. I know I can get it in ship-shape form. I like to organize it with similar products together. Colors matching, labels facing outward. It is a place that I can exercise my quest for the elusive organized home without looking like I need to be on medication. A place for everything and everything in its place!

So when I came across these wonderful little chalkboard labels I thought they were just what my pantry needed. And as soon as the thought hits me that I want to buy something, almost instinctually the second thought is "Can I make it?"

Well, it turns out I can. A little chalkboard paint and contact paper...Voila!

Here's how I did it:

You will need:

Chalkboard Paint

Newspaper

Foam Brush

Contact Paper

Pencil

Template of your choice

Chalk

Step 1:

Lay out necessary amount of contact paper on a flat surface with newsprint underneath. You may need to use paper weights in the corners to keep the contact paper flat if it was on a roll. I used about 18" of contact paper to make about 20 labels.

Step 2:

Using a foam brush, paint chalkboard paint directly on the contact paper surface. Keep your brush wet and filled with paint. Use long, broad strokes from end to end.

Step 3:

While your paint dries, choose a template shape. Print and cut it out on card stock or other thick paper to use as your pattern piece. There are some great shapes here. You can also customized your own. I found a fancy frame shape online. I made two sizes by reducing and enlarging the shape on my copy machine.

Step 4:

Once your paint dries, turn over the painted side and begin tracing your label shape on the gridded backing. I use a pen to track because I found the roller ball to be easy to glide over the backing without puncturing through the paper.

Step 5:

Begin to cut out each shape. When you are done cutting the amount you need to turn your project into hyper-organized. Grab your chalk and go to town! Label everything. Drawers, cupboard, art supplies, office bins, your mail, your front door, your dog! While I didn't get that crazy, I did label the dog food bin.

Have fun! Here is my pantry now.

And in the meantime, my toddler decided to do a little re-organizing of my tea bags. I had to sacrifice something to get this blog done! That's the way it goes.

PS: After using the chalkboard labels for a week now I would like to point out that the chalk does smear when touched as you can see in the pictures above. So it is not a perfect system but it looks so nice and it is easy to change when you replace the jar with other items.

If you are inclined to purchase them here are some great resources:

Send me your pics of this project or other ideas. I would love to feature them here.

Gentle Reminder

2011-11-09T00:34:00.000-05:00

As the holiday season approaches, many of us will travel near and far to our loved ones homes. We will gather around the tables to share family nostalgia and folklore while in the midst of this revelry we are creating new memories.

Vintage Suitcases

On a recent trip to my childhood home, we made a stop at a local diner in the middle of New York state at a diner that didn't look too threatening. There were lights on, cars parked in the driveway and a catering van that looked like it was still in use.

All good signs.

We were on a trip that would total about 7 hours in a car with a 9 month old that wanted to get out of his car seat. No amount of snacks was keeping him in his car seat. So needless to say we were thankful for this modest oasis. It was dated, the tables were made of brown formica and someone was selling various signs adorned with fake flowers with sayings such as "Gone Fishing" and "I Love Mom."

Charming. I'm sure.

Simple Joy Paperie

We enjoyed the fact that they didn't care that our child ran around to burn off some energy. There was an odd peace there, a little bit of calm that did not go unnoticed. We chalked it up to being grateful to get food in our bellies and not hear any crying for 45 minutes.

Upon paying our bill, I saw this sign next to the register. It read:

TO OUR GUESTS

Because this restaurant is a human institution to serve people, and not solely a money making organization, we hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are under our roof.

May those that love you be near you in thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that our food will be good and you will be comfortable and happy as if you were in your own house.

May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe.

We all are travelers. From "birth till death" we travel between the eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best.

I have never heard something so moving in a restaurant and so truthfully felt while being there. It was one of those moments when you feel so privileged to have had an acquaintance.

And so I cannot think of a better way to start our holiday season by wishing everyone the same. "May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy." and "may your journey be safe."

But most of all, aside from the grit and grind of the holidays. Try your best to be a "joy to those who know you and love you best!" (Yes, even the ones that annoy you.)

Best wishes as we begin this holiday season.

Be nice!

xoxo

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T09:16:00.001-04:00

May your trick or treat bags be full!

DIY Masked Owl Costume

2011-10-27T17:50:00.000-04:00

What was your favorite Halloween costume? Was it a homemade clown from childhood? A celebrity look you pulled off to much admiration? A raunchy little number?

All I remember is badly painted plastic masks that never lined up with my eyes so I spent the night with my head tipped back at odd angles straining to see. Every breath sent steam into the mask which made my face wet which led to a chapped face at the end of the night.

On top of that I couldn't help but repeatedly lick the sharp edges of the plastic where it touched my lips. Some oral fixation or my anxiety kicking in at an early age. I think there was a small hole that you could breath through. Seriously, I am glad that Halloween costumes have evolved. Those masks were a danger to your health.

So, no I don't remember ever having a homemade Halloween costume.

Sound the violin.

In an effort to mend my childhood offenses, I wanted to make an honest-to-goodness, homemade costume for my son. I feel some innate desire that his first Halloween costume must be made by the sweat of my brows. Some tiny little part of me also thinks this is what a good mother should do. Yes, this is the pure definition of a good mother.

If only it were that easy.

I embarked upon a Google search to find the perfect costume.
Something wearable for a ten month old.
Something he will be comfortable wearing down the parade route.
A costume that would reflect his personality and
something that I actually wanted to make.

Google, Google, Google. 8 hours later........

I settled on this. Thank you, Martha Stewart:

It's ridiculously cute. All my criteria for a perfect costume went out the window.

He is going to rip off those goggles. If I ever get them on!
He thinks that pulling off his hat is a fun game. I will need many snacks to keep it on.
He will be tripping over those wings.
Oh, but the comedy factor won me over. It is totally impractical! But it's going to be so worth the laughs. I have to get a little fun out of this right?

So here we go! Here's how I made it.

Step 1:

Gather the tools and supplies needed.

I purchased my felt from Benzie Bazaaar. The owner is very helpful and your shipment arrives wonderfully packaged. Print out Masked Owl templates from Martha Stewart.com. Follow the instructions by increasing the pattern pieces.

Benzie Bazaar Felt

Note: I think the recommended 375% is too big. My son is 20lbs and 10 months old. He is already walking around and I do not want him tripping on his wings. I made the pattern about 300% which is sufficient depending on the size of your baby. In addition, my copier only increases to a maximum of 200%. So I had to make a photocopy at 200% then take that copy and increase it by copying it at an additional 190%.

Phew, that's a lot of percentages.

The only exception are the goggles which are much too big even at 300%. I would suggest 250% total for the goggles. This will depend on your baby's head size and eye positioning. I think a better option for the goggles would be to buy a cheap pair of round sunglasses and take out the center lens. If they are not black you can just spray paint them.

Step 2: Cut out your pattern pieces.

I could only photocopy on 8.5"x 11" pieces of paper so I just photocopied each quadrant of the pattern. I cut and taped these pieces together to form the much larger pattern. It was a crapshoot for the most part I just guessed that I captured the necessary sections. In some cases, I was missing the tip of a wing or a small round wing portion. Don't fret just tape your pieces together by matching up the dotted lines. If you happen to be missing some segments just reference the original copy and draw it in yourself.

You could just make things very easy and go to Kinko's but I didn't have time to do that so I improvised!

Cut Pattern Pieces

Stay with me. It's okay, it's only a costume.

Step 3:

Cut felt fabric using paper patterns.

Now that you have all paper patterns pieces you can lay them on top of your felt. Cut the number of pieces indicated on the pattern pieces. Make sure to cut small notches on solid lines at the tops of the wings. These will be used to create a little shape necessary to sit on the shoulder properly.

Note: I eliminated one wing no. 3 because I thought it was too much. Wing no. 3 was originally assigned color ochre but I definitely wanted to keep that color so I just cut ochre from wing no. 2. (Wing no. 2 was suppose to be chocolate felt but I did not purchase this color since I am using a brown color already) Are you thoroughly confused now?

Here's the summary:

Wing No. 1: cut 4 pieces in tan and 2 from fusible (fusible is ironed on to create stronger fabric)
Wing No. 2: cut 2 pieces ochre
Wing No. 3: do not use pattern piece
Wing No. 4: cut 2 pieces brown (any brown color would work)

Go ahead, grab your coffee. I will wait right here.

Take a breath. Ok, let's continue.

Step 4:

Iron all pattern pieces along dotted lines to create dimension on felt pieces.

Wing No. 4

You can add more crease lines or less. It is really up to the look you want for the wings. I followed the pattern but next time I would add a few more.

Stitch the dart by overlapping the seams by about 2". The dart is the solid line found at the top of the wings that you should cut as indicated.

Step 5:

Join the wings together.

Attach 1/4" elastic at marked points on the pattern. Then join the two tan no. 1 wings together. I decided to sew them together because I have a very active baby that will rip through anything glued. I trimmed up the edges after the two wings were sewn together because they were slightly uneven.

Sewing Tan Wings no. 1 Together

Next, stitch the velcro on the tan wing (same side that you sewed the elastic). You can borrow your unsuspecting child to see how the pattern is lying on their shoulders to get a better indicator. Stitch the coordinating velcro to the onesie as well. I used about 4" row of 1/2" velcro for extra security. Since I used a long amount of velcro it overlapped the elastic armband but I just sewed over it. You will have to stop and start your thread on each side of elastic armband.

Sewn Velcro To Onesie

Sewing Velcro To Underside of Tan Wing no. 1

Wing no. 1 Underside Finished

Step 6:

Continue joining wings no. 3 and no. 4 to wing no. 1. I stitched about 8" at the top arc of the wings together so that they have some movement at the bottom. At the end of this step, you should have two complete wings (sewn or glued together) with velcro shoulder patch and elastic armband attached. In addition, the onesie should have velcro sewn on the shoulders.

Pair Of Wings

Step 7:

Sew white chest feathers onto onesie.

Attached the chest piece that has the neckline cut out and attach to the onesie by sewing or gluing the shoulders and neckline to the onesie. Lay the remaining chest pieces on top of each other and offset each one by 1". Stitch these pieces together before you attach them under the already sewn chest feather. Once they are assembled, stagger them 1" from the top chest feather and stitch a line across to fasten them to the onesie. If you unsnap the bottom of the onesie it is fairly easy to maneuver this stitch.

Stitch Chest Feather To Neckline

Onesie With Chest Feathers Sewn

Feathered Onesie

You should now have two complete wings and a feather belly onesie. Are you getting excited?

Step 8:

The pilot hat.

You have two options for the hat. You can buy it online and just add the ears. Or you can make it.
I chose to make it and it was very fun project that I can't wait to make again!

The best resource for the DIY-er is the Sweetpea Pilot Cap tutorial by sewliberated.typepad.com
She offers a very easy tutorial and I can't find anything to complain about.

Just follow her guide.

I decided to use a distressed leather for the ear pattern. Be sure to place them on the seam line of the hat or else your little owl might look like a little kitty. Meow! You can refer back to the photo of the finished hat for placement.

Leather For The Ear Pattern

Adding Rib Knit Binding

Step 9:

The goggles.

Stitch about a 2" row of velcro along the goggle straps. You will have to measure the circumference of your childs' head and add accordingly to the goggle pattern. I had to sew a seam to get the length I needed because my fabric was not long enough.

Step 10:

Dress up your little unsuspecting victim, break out the snacks and get your camera!

(Photo of my little one will be posted soon! Stay tuned.)

Edit: Here is the cutest little owl ever!

He's flying the coop!

P.S. I would love to see this done in all pink for a flamingo or all white for a swan. It is very versatile pattern. My latest peacock obsession could be great too by using jewel tone colors.

You can make it a bird of any feather! Let me know if you have any questions.

Happy Halloween!

Feather of a Bird

2011-10-25T00:20:00.002-04:00

The latest obsession for me has become the peacock. It just hit me the other day. As most of my obsessions often seem to pluck at me until I give in to them. They are very demanding.

Yes, like those jeans last week. Still have to mention that to hubby!

I went into my one of my favorite trim shops in New York to get a few non-essentials for a Halloween costume when these gorgeous feathers were dangling right there by the cash register. I bought one and merrily skipped home in the rain with an umbrella in one hand. The other hand clutched one large, beautiful peacock feather that bounced in time with my own steps.

I was proud walking home with my feather. Chest puffed out. A little strut to my walk.

The peacock replaces his feathers every year. Let's go of it's old baggage. The peacock is pure renewal. It has also come to symbolize glory, immortality, nobility, guidance and protection. When we strive to become better people than we were last year, yesterday or in the past hour we elevate human kind. Simple gestures have profound affects.

Have a renewing week!

'Dem Bones

2011-10-18T08:30:00.000-04:00

" 'Dem bones and bones, 'Dem dry bones. It's easy to collect 'dem dry bones!"

Do you remember that song? I have no idea the rest of the lyrics but I love singing it all the same.

Who knows I probably changed all the lyrics around like I do to every song I love.

Make it my own!

I have always thought skull prints are classic. Is that weird? Like the just-right leopard print, the LBD, or the perfect pumps with a pretty almond toe. They also happen to be quintessentially Halloween. So even if people think you are sadistic and grim for loving them, you have a license to ill all month.

So bedeck your homes, heads and heels with the 'dem bones.

Alexander McQueen

Encore Prints Etsy

Creaturre Burlesque Skull Buttons

Erica Weiner

via Wit & Delight

Gryphon Skull Sweater

77kids

Happy Hauntings!!

Everything

2011-10-16T23:39:00.000-04:00

It is Sunday evening and I am already sweating what I didn't get done this weekend. I was busy from dusk 'til dawn for the entire weekend.

I spent time with my husband and baby, played with my forsaken lil' pup, cleaned my stove, watch my nephew's soccer game, prepared Monday lunches for the entire family, visited with relatives from out of town, emailed Pumpkin Carving Party invitations, cut the cutest little pattern pieces for my son's Halloween costume, washed and folded laundry (it is important to clarify that I also folded laundry because washing laundry is easy, getting it folded is another story!) purged my closet. Well, at least hid stuff in a bag that I will later pull out and be amazed at what I was going to throw away.

So you see, I was very busy. Why do I feel so blue about what I accomplished?

Shouldn't I have a "peaceful, easy feeling?"

How do I get that?

via simply lovely

Monday morning looms. I guess there is always next weekend.

Have a great week!

xoxo

Lil' Pumpkins

2011-10-12T00:28:00.003-04:00

This time each year, innocent babies are placed in pumpkins to the amusing spectacle of adults. It is so devilishly funny for us adults. The most unique facial expressions can arise from stuffing our offspring into a pumpkin. Why do we revel in their poor little misery?

Here is a round-up of some of the cutest pumpkins for your enjoyment. Not all tears here!

Evil, little ghouls!

WARNING: Photos may illicit visions of stuffing your child into pumpkins. I take no responsibility but if they happen to be great definitely send them to me!

Photo: Woodland Willow Photography

Photo: Natalie Shivers Photography

Photo: Nicole Covert Photography

Photo: Simply Genuine Photography

Be good!

Trick or Treat!

2011-10-11T23:41:00.000-04:00

Knock, knock!

Who's there?

C'est moi! You fools and ghouls.

So excited to start writing about Halloween which is such a fanciful holiday (oh yes, it is a holiday) and mon favorite! I must be channeling my french spirits again. Any boo, my earliest memories of Halloween was after the "Trick or Treat" was sung, screamed or shouted from my tippy top toes (As if that would make me sound louder) At times, I screamed so loudly that I sounded like I was possessed.

The anticipation in the moments before the door opened was what I lived all year for and it was the reason that Halloween has always been my favorite holiday. Now don't get me wrong I am a die-hard candy connoisseur which only added to the joy of the holiday.

When each door opened it was a new world opening just for my eyes. After quick scan of the shadow at the door, I held out my bucket trance-like, my eyes cast on the interiors of their homes. The colors, paint, furniture, or rugs all contributed to my sense of the place. In this early lesson on design, I quickly came to know that which pleased my eyes and that which (witch?) did not.

Poor souls that reaped the wrath of design critique form a ten year old. I pitied them.

This could also be the reason that I 'trick or treated' well into my college years. One embarassing moment when I stood towering over wee children and the lady at the door said, "My! my! Kids are so big these days!"

I thought it was time to throw in my cape. Feasting on my unsuspecting victims was over. I could have borrowed a couple of kids.

Alas, I fret no longer! I now have my own. I knew there were perks to this mommy gig.

So as I frantically prepare, cut and sew his costume for his first Halloween I am psyched to get back to my old habits. By the way, I have convinced myself that I have time and energy to make his costume. I do not. So I will end this project looking like a washed-up, tryin' to do everything, greasy-haired train wreck. But it's okay because I can wear a mask all month and no one will care.

Doorways are the masks of our homes, hiding what lies behind. They provoke curiosity or envy, make us want to revamp or try a new undertaking, just like the best things in our life.

What's behind your door? I would love to see.

See you later, beggars!

Inspiration

2011-10-06T23:15:00.000-04:00

I have spent the past two weeks balancing my life as a working mama. Damn, it is SO hard. I honor the millions of moms that do this everyday.

I have been blessed to be home with my little Prince everyday for the past nine months. The luxury of staying home with him to share all the joy, trials and tribulations of his life (and mine!) has always remained in the front of my mind.

Alas, in a case of the grass is always greener, the lure of working kept calling out to me. I wanted to dip my toes back into my cute heels again. I wanted to have grown up conversations again. I wanted to be part of office gossip. I wanted to be part of the beat in the city, roll my eyes at slow tourists holding me up, window shop without a 20 pound infant hanging off my chest, or even pounce down stairs without a stroller strapped over my back.

Turns out I miss my stroller, you can throw anything you want on it. It takes all the crap I throw at it or on it and never complains. It is a pack mule. I know if I have my stroller I am prepared for anything. Bring it on!

Pouncing up or down the stairs is over-rated. Damn tourists are always in my way.

My heels cause me back pain.

It turns out that I need a little inspiration. Between my design work, being a mama, a wife and tending to my budding blog I am exhausted. Oh and I am suppose to look cute doing all of this too! Please.

Yes, I need some inspiration.

Have a great week!

School Days

2011-10-05T10:51:00.001-04:00

It's that time of year again when parades of parents and children make the journey to school each morning. I know I can barely get out the door in the morning.

I look disheveled.

Sometimes I forget to look at myself in mirror, forgetting to comb my hair or worse to put on my make-up. I fall into my desk chair when I arrive at work. I am already exhausted. It's been a full day already, yawning, I blindly reach for my coffee, a crutch for the morning. Late, of course. I feel happy though if I manage to escape food, droul or other bodily fluids on my outfit. That feels like a successful morning to me!

I wish you a good day, free from crusted oatmeal on your top and dried bananas on your coat.

See you on the flip side!

Ladurée

2011-09-28T00:42:00.000-04:00

Before my full-time job as a Mama, I spent nearly a month each year in Europe. One of my favorite places on Earth happens to be France. (I was French in another lifetime. I am sure.) I anticipated visiting my favorite cafes, stores, bars and museums. Hey, I know I am a creature of habit. But I would sprinkle my favorites locales with new discoveries that would become my future favorites!

Oh, here I am in Paris on my way to secret places with my map.

I know of a secret bar where the barkeeper is a chemist and makes your drink based upon your mood. There is the most romantic cafe in the Marais arrondissement of Paris that serves the largest portion of mousse au chocolat I have ever seen. You basically eat until you cannot eat any more.

Oh yes, then there is the coolest lunch spot where locals eat elbow to elbow from communal dining tables while yelling back and forth to the chef in the kitchen. Yes, its that tiny. Yes, its packed. Yes, its totally worth it. The cuisine and the ambience, you cannot beat it!

Meandering the streets, shopping, sifting through the trends or eating my way around Paris I made so many great discoveries. I could tell the locales where to go! I always had my favorite clothing brands that were distinctly French like Maje, Tara Jarmon and Claudie Pierlot. I loved going see the newest collections while working in France. Especially because you could not get these brands very easily outside of Europe.

But every year, these brands began filtering out of France, crossed the borders and landed stateside. At first it was at an indie boutique, then a guest designer for a chain store and today you can get these brands at many department stores.

The first feeling I may have had upon discovering the joys of my favorite French brands less than one mile from my home was a jolt of excitement. But once I stopped by to shop the stores I felt deflated. It wasn't the same experience. It lacked a certain "je ne sais quoi. " The French factor was missing.

I stopped by a few more times thinking it might not have been a collection that apealled to me. Alas, there was no heart racing, no excitement, no flinging clothes all around the dressing rooms and no slapping my credit card down . The inspiration of the collection was lost on me. Kind of like lost in translation.

But I have ONE exception. This maybe an exception because it is food and not clothing. But it's my silver lining of globalization. If you've been to Paris you know the "crème de la crème" of macarons is from a sweet little place called Ladurée.

Laduree Entrance

Breath deep and smell the sweetness. Don't forget to take in the color palette too.

A macaron is a little sphere of heaven. It demands that you eat it slowly, savoring the crisp outside texture that combines with the tender ganache on each bite. Believe me, you want to shove them all in your mouth but then you would be sad because there would be no more.

So savor them!

These little delicacies were originally served in a traditional salon de thé which is the first public place where ladies could meet and mingle, exchange ideas and merriment. They are a symbol of freedom! Or maybe they are a symbol of this woman, hard exterior with sweet, soft inside?

Hmmm, maybe.

They are not to be missed. If you are in New York City, venture to the Upper East Side of Manhattan and buy yourself some freedom! Take those little darlings a few blocks over to Central Park, sit on a bench and channel your inner Marie Antoinette!

Flavors this week included Pistachio, Chocolate, Rose, Coconut, Salted Caramel, Coffee, Raspberry, Vanilla, and Lemon. They often introduce a new flavor every few months.

Darling Packaging

P.S. If you are very sweet and tell me your favorite flavor I will give you my secret places in Paris.

Oh Baby!

2011-09-21T01:19:00.000-04:00

I searched high and higher, low and lower looking for the perfect crib bedding. I spent an extraordinary amount of time trolling the internet for the perfect patch to rest my little Prince's head. I got carpal tunnel searching so hard.

It was a lot of work.

But when I found it, it was worth every numb digit on my hand. I fell in love with the John Robshaw crib bedding set in Lapis. It hand-blocked in India on the softest cotton. There are other amazing crib sets that might be worth having more children for but for now this is the one that caught my eye.

John Robshaw Lapis Crib Bedding Set

It has the right dose of worldliness, style and individualism for my little Prince. This is also a description of a few of my hopes for him! I am starting by working on what I can which at this point is surrounding him with beautiful things. I am a believer in the affect that our environment has on us.

You know clean house = Happiness, I can conquer the world!

Dirty house = Perfect backdrop to pick a fight.

Messy purse = My life is in disarray right now.

Clean purse = I just got myself back in order.

You know what I am talking about. Yeah, you! I see you right now, nodding your head.

So to start off my journey to create this look for the nursery, I found the quilt on eBay for $150.00. I know it may seem like a lot but I can justify it because it normally comes in a set which I have seen from $450.00-$575.00. (Yikes!)

So happy here!

Next priority was to buy the crib sheet. The John Robshaw crib sheet print is called Cinde Coffee. I hummed and hawed at spending that much on a crib sheet that was bound to end up stained. The design gods were watching out for me because I found a Dwell crib sheet that was close enough stand-in for the John Robshaw version.

John Robshaw Cinde Coffee Crib Sheet ($75)

Since it is in the same color family, it worked out perfectly.

Dwell Chevron Crib Sheet ($36)

I soon found out that the crib bumper, a print called Mandu Lapis, is also only sold in the crib set. I spent nearly 2 months scouring fabric resources for the crib bumper which included going to the John Robshaw sample sale and spending enormous amounts of time in the evenings on the internet.

John Robshaw Mandu Lapis Print

Nothing.

My choices were to keep searching Ebay, settle on a similar fabric (yet inferior which would bother me for years) or make the whole thing from scratch. This would include learning how to print textiles, finding a wood block, finding fabric, printing the fabric and then sewing the bumper.

Am I crazy?

My little Prince was growing rapidly and I still did not have a bumper for him. It would soon be obsolete. He would not need it if I delayed any longer. I had visions of finishing it when he turned 10. Yet, I still held out for the perfect bumper.

Uhm, well it turns out that I am a little crazy. So I preceded with making the fabric myself. Well, not actually weave it. I love a challenge but I am not that nuts. (Though I may well be weaving fabric next year.) The universe unfolded for me once I set my mind to this project.

I was shopping (gawking) at ABC Carpet & Home when I came across a bucket of old Indian printing blocks. I found a gorgeous block ($68) that ended up looking nothing like the Mandu Lapis bumper print but it called out to me that it was the one. I found leftover white linen fabric at home from making my living room curtains so I didn't even need to buy fabric for the bumper. (Score!) Now I just needed to learn how to print textiles! Thank goodness for Google!

After finding the best little website for artists called Dharma Trading, a nice box arrived with the ingredients for me to finish my project. I experimented printing a little on silk, linen, paper, and cotton to get the feel for block-printing.

I fell in love with this art. I may start stamping everything in my house that it will look like a souk.

Here are the supplies you will need:

Textile Ink (I used Jacquard inks)
Brayer
Stamp of your choice
Non-porous surface to spread ink (I used a plastic artists palette)
Fabric

I laid out the linen fabric with craft paper underneath it and began printing the layout of my fabric. I didn't want the print too close together because I thought it started to look too feminine. I made one side of the bumper closer together than the other just for some visual interest.

After the fabric dried to the touch, I cut out my pattern and let the pieces dry overnight. I used a water-soluble marker to mark my cut lines. When I wash the fabric the ink will just disappear. It is my favorite tool!

Loading the Brayer with Ink

You will noticed that I optimized my fabric yardage by indicating where my cut lines where going to be and then manipulated the print by not printing over into the other pattern piece. It appears as though part of the print is missing but when it is cut and sewn it will be exactly how I intended. You can achieve this by putting a piece of craft paper under the woodblock where ever you do not want it to print. The photo below is not cut yet.

Turquoise Cut Lines are Water-Soluble Marker

Fabric Marked With Cut Lines

After the fabric is dried, I ironed the reverse side of the fabric to heat set the print. This will prevent the ink from washing away with water. After the print was heat set, I washed the fabric and ironed before I stitched it together. I added invisible zippers on the underside of the crib bumper cover so they can be washed as needed.

Linen Hanging to Dry Overnight

Now you didn't think that I left empty handed from the John Robshaw sample sale? I picked up this great printed tablecloth which is now hanging in the nursery as a curtain. The leftover fabric I cut into fabric ties that I will use for the crib bumper ties. I cut them 1 1/4" wide.

John Robshaw Fabric Ties

John Robshaw Logo

So now it is all coming together nicely! Here is the crib complete and just in time (barely) for my little one to enjoy its comfort and coziness at least for a few months.

My grand total to pull this look together was about $350 so I saved about $100 which is not that much but I took away new knowledge, discovered a craft that I love, and I have a beautiful wood block to use again or display. The nursery feels so special when I walk in it everyday knowing I put my love and attention in it.

P.S. (I love PS's, don't you?) You can buy a crib bumper insert for approximately $90 online. I am a glutton for punishment so I made my bumper inserts myself. I have a bolt of muslin lying around the house so I cut the pattern pieces out of the muslin. I wanted an organic bumper so I order organic cotton stuffing from Near Sea Naturals. It will take approximately 4 lbs. of stuffing to finish the bumper so my total cost for that was $53.00. But I slightly overestimated because I have the cutest stuffed animal on my project list. (shh...don't tell)

Organic Cotton Stuffing

Crib Bumper Inserts Reading to be Sewn

Resources:

Organic Cotton Stuffing-Near Sea Naturals
Hand Painted Indian Elephant Mobile: ABC Carpet & Home
Rabbit, Deer Crib Pillow-John Robshaw
Little Owl Print by Albrech Durer
Gold Frame: AC Moore Arts & Crafts
Crib: BAM crib by Argington

Got it? Good.

Hit The Road

2011-09-20T21:37:00.002-04:00

This week I took a road trip to the Perkiomen Valley region in Pennsylvania. (Perky-what?) Repeat after me "Per-key-o-men." I will assume you know how to pronounce valley.

There are some nice little treasures in this area. If you are nice (and keep reading) I will share them with you.

Nothing like a little road trip to soothe the soul. Something about hitting the open road with "No particular place to go"(Thank you Mr. Berry) that makes me feel reckless. Well, as reckless as my A-type personality will allow me. Which means I don't have AAA. I feel like letting my top down! (of my convertible of course!) And let my hair blow in the wind while taking my navy, polka dot scarf off and let it dance above my head. Then I just open my hand and release my scarf to the winds.

Too bad I don't have a convertible.

That's what I feel like on daytrips. I think my little Prince gets tired of looking at me all day anyways. It ensures sanity for the both of us to break routine and hit the road.

I have spent more time on the road than a long-haul truck driver. I come from good driving stock. My parents consider a 7-hour drive as an easy days' drive. If you arrive at my parents's house late in the evening, say 2 am, you might be offered Sushi or a roasted chicken upon your arrival. It is like getting to the finish line. They must be proud we carry on their tradition of recreational driving. To understand the extent of how much we drive, my mom's Prius currently sits at about 250,000 miles give or take a few hundred miles. (scratch that----253,052, 254,613, I can't keep up with her!)

My earliest memories, along with being smuggled into hotels in pillowcases, (It's okay, I turned out fairly normal) are being in the back of our International Scout driving cross-country with my parents.

Driving in my car fills me with freedom, weird thoughts that I can take over the world and fond memories. So when I saw this car driving up in my review mirror I almost dropped my sippy cup!

I forgot the American road trip and I was transported to the Amalfi coast. Soon they disappeared but not before I got this shot! I do not recommend taking photos at 65 miles per hour but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! My camera was shotgun so I couldn't help it.
I know this makes you smile!

Back in the valley, I came across the most wonderful place. The name alone caused me to screech to a halt.

The Powerhouse Fleamarket... Powerhouse not Brickhouse, yeah she's a brickhouzzzzz. The Powerhouse is amazing and as you can imagine, it was a former Powerhouse.

Unfortunately, it was not a Sunday BUT I stopped in anyway. Hey, the doors were open. There is a nice selection of furniture and collectibles from the quick peek that I had.

Just down the road is another goodie, The Trading Post Depot. The owners just relocated to this larger location and have filled it with an exciting collection. I loved the focus on architectural items that make amazing home decor. It's a great way to personalize your space. In addition, they have reclaimed barn wood that they will customize into furniture for you. So what are you waiting for?
Vamoose! Oh but wait!

It gets better. The best part is that on the first Friday of each month they host a wine and cheese event from 5-9 pm. I love me some community spirit!

Photo Credit: Trading Post Depot

Iron Work Grill Photo Credit: Trading Post Depot

Architectural Detail Photo Credit: Trading Post Depot

Details and Other Local Highlights:

Power House Antique and Flea Market, 45 First Avenue, Route 29, Collegeville, PA (610) 489-7388 OPEN Sundays
Trading Post Depot, 28 Main Street, Schwenksville, PA (610) 287-4000 HOURS: Thursday-Friday 10-9. Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Wednesday 10-6.
Ott's Exotic Plants, Route 29, Schwenksville, PA
King of Prussia Mall, 60 North Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA (610) 265-5727