HANGING ON THE WALL

Beach Babes

2012-02-21T10:33:00.001-08:00

My girlfriend Katie and I took the kids to the beach for a little impromptu photo shoot for what turned out to be a VERY cold day! We underestimated the chill of the ocean breeze and had to run back to the car for some heavier coats. I'm looking forward to hanging up my winter coat for a floral dress and flip flops...summertime always makes for prettier pictures.

Lennox must be lacking something in his diet...salt maybe?

A big thanks to my friend and assistant, Katie!

What Makes A Baby

2012-02-20T10:29:00.000-08:00

Chris and I are proud to announce the start of our adoption process! My heart is so excited I feel like I could have a heart attack at any moment (in a good way). We will be adopting from either Swaziland (situated between the Republic of South Africa and Mozambique) or Lesotho (surrounded by its only neighboring country, the Republic of South Africa). I have thought about our little girl for years, and often daydream about the day we will meet her. I have a storage container in my art room filled with dolls, tutu's, hair bows, and funny tights that I cannot wait to give to her. I also think about the day when she will ask me where she came from, which is why I was so excited when my sister in law, Mary sent me a link to help with the sometimes complicated topic. Perhaps you might find this useful in your family also.

Kickstarter is the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. Every project must reach it's funding goal before their deadline or no money is exchanged. You may notice that the creators of this book have more than reached their goal but have a look around the site, you may find other creative minds that could use a little support!

Family Photos

2012-02-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

These photo booth pictures are gonna have to tie us over until we get our 'official' family shots this Spring. I can't wait!

I'm happy, and I know it

2012-02-19T08:59:00.000-08:00

I love this little girl. To be honest, I wasn't exactly 'happy' before watching this clip but I am now :)

Minakani Walls

2012-02-18T09:44:00.000-08:00

There is no better way to dress up a drab wall than with a Minakani wall covering and I am in love with their Carpathes design (below).

Simply send them the size of your surface (in metric) and they will get back to you with a quote. Before you know it you'll have the best looking walls on the block.

Domino's Back!

2012-02-14T09:15:00.000-08:00

THIS JUST IN! Domino mag will be back on newsstands on April 17! It's a very big deal, and just made my year. Not even joking.

I'm gonna 'like' em on Facebook, 'like' em on Twitter, honey hush...I'm gonna 'like' em everywhere :)

The Color Run

2012-02-12T21:37:00.001-08:00

I was so excited when I saw this promo for 'The Color Run!' Look familiar girls??? Here are some pictures of my sister in law Mary's wedding shower...good times.

So Lize, what do you think? Are you in? It's coming to Seattle (in honor of Mary's birthday) on May 13th. I think we should!

Jessica...it comes to Dallas on February 19th! For the rest of you living in various cities...check out the tour locations and dates here.

The King's Speech...or Wall

2012-02-11T19:14:00.002-08:00

The King's Speech resonated with me for many reasons, it was a lesson in triumph, friendship, and bravery. But perhaps more memorable than the message of the film was that wall. If you've seen the movie you know what I'm talking about. You must!

Mexican painter Cate Goedert's work reminded me of that beautifully decaying wall.

Urban Poetry

TED Prize Winner

2012-01-18T09:09:00.000-08:00

I think it's easy, or natural even to get caught up in the unimportant and petty things in life. Sometimes we could all use a little reminder of the kind of positive and powerful force we can make on the world. This is what life's all about, examples like JR's are the real reason we are all here.

New Years Eve

2011-12-31T22:05:00.000-08:00

I love these two :)

Happy New Year Everyone!

Give a Little

2011-12-18T22:00:00.000-08:00

December might just be my favorite month of the year. As much as I love to buy gifts for the people I love, I always end up buying myself something too. The tradition started with my Dad, ever since I can remember he would buy himself something that he really wanted, wrap it and put it under the tree. In the past I have felt a little guilty being the one to carry on this tradition but not this year, and here's why...

These Congo inspired papier-mache bowls aren't just for looks- for every bowl sold, $6.00 will be donated to the Horn of Africa Disaster Relief Fund. Created in partnership with Bandu Designs and Mercy Corps, the vibrant bowls are made by hand using recycled magazines, and employ a project group in South Africa that supports HIV positive women and children. It's a win win...I can buy myself something gorgeous this year and be helping an important cause for my people at the same. Merry Christmas everyone!

Jessica Carnevale's Stretch Chairs

2011-12-10T22:04:00.000-08:00

I am fascinated by innovative and visionary people. American designer, Jessica Carnevale has a crazy, inspired talent and her 'Stretch Collection' blew my mind. Aren't they fabulous? So simple, yet so imaginative. They have me drooling while shouting 'why didn't I think of that?!'

Just when I thought NYC couldn't get any more amazing...check out these gorgeous store displays featuring Miss Carnevale's masterpieces.

ABC Home window display on Broadway, NYC

The Future Perfect store in Manhattan

Opening Ceremony store on Howard, NYC

The Architect and the Painter

2011-11-23T13:15:00.000-08:00

After graduating university and landing my first real job in the Interior Design industry I started putting money aside from every paycheck that eventually paid for my very own, authentic Eames DCW. I remember the day we brought her home...it was like bringing a newborn home from the hospital.

I was THRILLED when I saw this trailer for 'Eames, the Architect and the Painter' and couldn't wait to share it with all of you. I plan on bringing my DCW to the theatre so I can watch it in comfort but most importantly, style.

We Want Peace

2011-11-20T08:14:00.000-08:00

The hip hop artist in this music video is Emmanuel Jal. By the age of 7 (after the death of his mother) he was recruited by the rebel army, and trained to use an AK-47 to be a child soldier in Sudan. By the age of 13 he was a veteran of not one, but two civil wars. And yet, this is Emmanuel today...a recording artist, actor, author and activist. He is fighting a different kind of war, he is fighting for peace.

Emmanuel also has a documentary and memoir, both titled 'War child,' you can buy them here.

Boys and Bow Ties

2011-11-19T14:14:00.000-08:00

My super talented sister (in-law) Eliza Hall made these adorable boy ties for my boys. She even made them with sliders at the back so they can be adjusted to fit as Cassius and Lennox grow. Isn't she amazing?

A Few Things

2011-11-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! Any plans for the weekend? Christmas shopping? Baking? Or how about some relaxing? I plan on doing the latter. Here are a few things worth checking out while sitting cozy in front of the fireplace...or television, whichever you prefer.

-Cutest Christmas Catalogue

-I can't get enough of this song

-Interesting article on Eye Color

-Beautiful stationary for every occasion

-Pretty clothes

-A colorful way to go green

Tis The Season

2011-11-15T19:14:00.001-08:00

It's never too early to put up Christmas decorations around our house, and if I had my way they would stay up all year long. Cassius wanted to help me this year...I'm always a little hesitant to accept 'help' when it comes to decorating but he looked desperate. Other than a few broken ornaments and a shattered Santa cookie jar, I'd say he did one heck of a job! What about you? When do you start putting up Christmas decorations?

Lifecycle Video Debut

2011-11-13T19:16:00.000-08:00

Inspiring.

I like it, I like it a lot

2011-11-12T08:51:00.001-08:00

ny.11.#10 mixed media on panel

2 panels, each 16"x 12" 2011

ny.11.#06 mixed media on panel

16"x 12" 2011

ny.10.#38

mixed mediums & collage on paper

27.75"x 21.75" 2010

ny.10.#01

mixed mediums on paper

22"x 30" 2010

ny.10.#11

mixed mediums on canvas

24"x 18" 2010

Jennifer Sanchez, just one more thing to love about the Big Apple. Sanchez paints abstract landscapes that are full of color and movement. Her work is being displayed at the Jen Bekman Gallery and Kinsey/DesForges Gallery in New York City and the Parts Gallery in Toronto.

Avril Loreti

2011-11-10T14:38:00.001-08:00

We are always low on tea towels in our house but for good reason...I can't find any cute ones! That is, until now. Avril Loreti has reinvented the kitchen staple in a modern and whimsical way. Not to mention her 'paint swatch' placemats that I believe should be in every designers home.

And I'm certainly not the only one taking notice...Avril's 2012 Calendar Tea Towel was featured in Covet Garden Magazine along with some of my other favorite things :)

1. Dozen Donuts Tea Towel, $25.00. 2. 2012 Calendar Tea Towel, $25.00. 3. Paint Chip Placemats (set of 4), $60.00. 4. Paint Chip Placemats (set of 4), $60.00. 5. Houndstooth Tea Towel, $25.00. 6. Double Chocolate Doughnut Tote, $25.00. 7. Spin Wheel Tea Towel, $25.00.

Astro Audition

2011-11-09T18:43:00.000-08:00

I am blown away by the confidence and raw talent that this fourteen year old boy has. Anyone who's been watching the X-Factor knows what I'm talking about. This kid is going places, rightfully so.

Lennox

2011-11-08T22:13:00.000-08:00

It's all fun and games until Lennox discovers my face and hair...

Hilarious

2011-11-07T14:38:00.000-08:00

Best prank ever.

Trick or Treat

2011-11-06T22:45:00.000-08:00

I love Halloween! We started celebrating the spooky holiday with the Gregory's in Texas. Jessica planned a pirate party for the boys that included a treasure hunt (with a map) followed by a dinner out on the 'deck' and some trick or treating inside the 'barracks' on our last night in Houston...

The day after we arrived back at home (sigh) was our Church's annual 'Trunk or Treat' (where kids get candy from the trunks of people's cars). We were the only couple who dressed up that night until Nate and Tanya arrived, yay!

Then came actual Halloween night. Chris had to work so I painted Cash's face with Lennox in my arms and we met up with some friends of ours (the Schofield's) and hit too many houses to count for a record amount of candy that Chris and I have now demolished! I have no self control over the holidays and before I know it I have eaten seventeen bite size candy bars in a matter of minutes. I've got to remember 'A moment on the lips...a lifetime on the hips!'

Can't wait to do it all over again next year...I'm already thinking of costume ideas :)

Do You Believe In Magic?

2011-10-30T15:09:00.000-07:00

Words cannot begin to describe our trip to SeaWorld in San Antonio...well, maybe one word- MAGIC. There is really no way around sounding totally cheesy in this post but it was literally a dream come true for me. I can remember watching 'Free Willy' for the first time, it inspired me to become a Marine Biologist (which really would have been a good fit if there wasn't so much science involved...Interior Design was the next best thing). I made 'Save The Whales' posters and stuck them all over my bedroom. I even bought the movie soundtrack and remember jamming to Michael Jackson's "Will You Be There"(which to this day brings tears to my eyes when played in conjunction with 'Free Willy' video footage...please see below)

This love for the underwater kingdom I think is what made Jessica and I instant friends...well that and our unruly hair. You can imagine our excitement when we signed up to swim with Martha and E Mack, two Beluga whales...it honestly felt like an 'out of body experience' and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life.