Inspired Goodness Blog

Weekend in Asbury Park

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:11:07 +0000

The weekend the weather was gorgeous and I had a totally fantastic time visiting our friend, Dave in his little hamlet of a town, Asbury Park, New Jersey. For the past few months, Dave and his partner, Matthew have been trying to convince me to make a visit out to Asbury. The summer went by without us getting a moment to fit it in - so with John far away on a trip for work, I took the chance and drove down on Saturday.

About an hour's drive from Brooklyn, Asbury Park is the midst of a great renaissance. Dave and I spent a few hours on the boardwalk there. We had lunch at Langosta Lounge (Lobster Enchiladas and Bloody Marys). And took a stroll down the length of the boardwalk, which is dotted with lots of small boutiques - but unlike most of the boardwalks that I've frequented at the Jersey Shore, these stores you actually want to visit.

I got lost in a wonderful place called Bodega Shoppe, owned by designer Michael Buess. It one one of the most darling shops I've literally ever seen. I'd explain it as a cross between Paper-Source and Tinsel Trading Co., but even better! In addition to some amazing paper goods, gifts and housewares, he also carries a large assortment of baubles and great jewelry - and the walls are faux painted with picture moulding. Darling, right?!?

While there, we sampled a nibble of delicious lemon squares by local pastry chef, Annie Feinstein. If I was hosting a cocktail party in town, I'd have Annie do all the desserts - they looked divine.

Dave invited a fun group of friends over for dinner and we enjoyed a lovely home cooked meal - full of great late-night conversation and lots of good wine!

Today, Dave and Matthew took me for a tour of Cookman Avenue. Considered the main shopping street of Asbury Park, we ventured inside Shelter Home - for you design addicts out there, its a wonderful destination for housewarming, holiday or birthday gifts.

I loved FS-20, an amazing resource for lots and lots of well-priced vintage Industrial lighting, furniture and 'stuff'. Was totally smitten with a swivel-armed cage lamp (similar to the one above), but it was sold to another customer. Darn!!

We took in some really cool fun art at Parlor Gallery. Loved these two top pieces by artist David “Netherland” van Alphen and the bottom collage by Jill Ricci.

The last of the shops we visited, The House of Modern Living was full of some of the best 1960s antiques I've seen in quite some time. Lots of chairs, wall units and accessories, including a good selection of teak pieces and Russel Wright Pottery. I found the prices to be very fair - it's a fun treasure trove of past design. The owner, Bill, shown above was so sweet - in fact, every shop keeper in town stopped to say hello and chat with us. I'm totally in love with that!

Ending the day, we drove across the water to Ocean Grove, a small town full of interesting Victorian architecture with a very strong Midwest/all-American feel to it. The photo above shows these tiny cabanas that are tented with canvas in the summer when residents come for visits.

We ended the day at Nagle's Apothecary Cafe. We sat outside since the weather was so gorgeous, but I took a quick peek inside - the original cabinets and soda fountain are intact and it's a great glimpse into the hey day of this area.

I totally loved my visit to Asbury Park and meeting all of Dave's wonderfully kind and fun friends in town. I'm already working on planning my second visit out there - and will be sure to bring John along, I know he will adore it just as much as I did.

Have you been to Asbury Park? If not, you should definitely put it on your list of great excursions close to the city. It's a must!

Photos: Convention Hall, Annie Feinstein cookies, Wonderbar mural, Nagel's Cafe sign, Nagel's interior and vintage street map

Calendar Time

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:15:10 +0000

I'm gearing up my studio for 2010 already with these two cool calendars that I just bought. The first, by Driscoll Design I love because it it the perfect small size to add some color and sweet artwork to the walls. Each date has a neat little line to write in a birthday/anniversary or special memory. Not too much commitment!

Secondly, I found this Susy Jack desktop version a few weeks ago - I know I don't really need any more cute paper goods or a second calendar, but I'm seriously in love with all the colors and patterns. If you haven't had a chance to see their paper goods in person, I urge you to buy some online. The quality is superb and the colors are divine. The patterns are so fresh and happy and I love that their products are a fun way to make a statement with your paper goods!

each of the months shown at-a-glance...

...and in their desktop display

For more great options, be sure to visit Oh So Beautiful Paper for her great 2010 Calendar choices. See them all here and here.

And while you're browsing around, check out Susy Jack's blog, Hey Susy. It's a great find!

Clearly Modern Invitations

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:29:39 +0000

Spotted this incredibly innovative and sleek wedding invitation over at Oh So Beautiful Paper. I love the unexpected materials and modern design.

When the two pieces are laid a top on another, the full invitation is revealed. Simply Brilliant!

Tetris Takeover

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:54:02 +0000

There's this little holiday that I took part in last weekend - called Halloween with some pretty funny results.

Yes, that's right kids. 17 of us were Tetris pieces. I'm a purple piece smack-dab in the middle.

It was so much fun - I have tons of videos, photos and behind-the-scenes madness to share with you. Until I get some more time to post the photos, you can visit our Facebook page for a little more eye candy into the crazy antics.

Hope everyone got lots of candy and had a great time trick-or-treating!

1739 Plan de Paris Map

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:42:51 +0000

I'm so overly excited to share this project with all of you. A couple of years ago, JC and I were in Chicago and spotted this jinormous map of Paris on a shop wall. Designed in 1739 by Etienne Turgot, it details every single building, house, church farm and street of Paris. Overall it's about 96" by 60".

Photo of Mary Jane Russel alongside Turgot's Plan de Paris MAP (Harper's Bazaar, Oct '51)
by Louise Dahl-Wolfe. Found via Little Augury.

Image from Apartment Therapy

Each panel framed separately (as shown above), the map was one of those show-stopping pieces of decor I tend to be drawn to. Unfortunately, the price tag nor to size made the piece anything I could every hope to own and it was soon forgotten.

Image via Pigtown* Design from Southern Accents Magazine

Fast forward to this summer. We're in Chelsea shopping in this lovely all-things French home decor shop and what do they have on the wall, but THE MAP! I was instantly smitten with it again. This time, in addition to it for sale pre-framed, they also had a set of 25 folio prints available for sale. The price was still too high, but like the relentless internet shopper I am, I was lucky enough to find the same exact unframed folio set on Barnes & Nobel for under $60! With my readers discount card, I got it for $54!!

So next step is to measure all the folio pieces and order frames. I found a supplier where the frame should run about $25/each. At a total cost just shy of $700, it's still a big investment, but it's such a grand piece and we have a perfect place for it - slated just over the couch!!

Image found Little Augury via Katie Did

The more research I did into trying to find the map led me to a wonderful set of bloggers who were also smitten with it's size and possibilities. Along the way, the following people gave me countless inspiration; Pigtown Design placed it on the wall with post-it-note glue, Pat mounted it to a curved wall and The Corinthian Colunmn used a section to cover a window panel in their guest bathroom.

Stay tuned for more - once we have the map framed its definitely picture taking time!!

Cake Toppers by The Small Object

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:07:27 +0000

These cake toppers from The Small Object are simply too cute for words!

They can be customized with your choice of hair color, flower color, skin tone and dress color. Additional elements can be added (pets, dress details, etc. for a small fee). Grooms get their say in the matter too - they can customize hair color, tie pattern/color, suit color and a hat.

Too see all the past toppers created, check out The Small Object's Flicker page. And to keep up with the latest designs, be sure to visit creator Sarah Neuburger's blog, Stenopad.

I'm exited to meet Sarah at the upcoming IndieWed - she's going to be showing off her work there and so will our team!!

Cold Shoulders

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:48 +0000

I totally wanted to find a cardigan sweater similar to the one below to wear for my wedding, but being the height of June, I decided against it.

When I spied this bride's take on the same trend today, it reminded me how much I loved the look.
See more photos of the entire wedding here (it's full of amazing details!)

Spotted on Ruffled

A Suspended Chuppah

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:43:52 +0000

Thought this was a brilliant idea for when you want to create a lovely area of décor overhead the ceremony — minus the headache of chuppah poles or renting a metal structure.

Spotted on Once Wed. Floral design by Sapiua.

Linvilla Orchards

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:27:02 +0000

We got to spend a really nice weekend with my in-laws and ventured over to Linvilla Orchards in Media, PA to enjoy the crisp fall weather yesterday.

Surprisingly, I snapped quite a few good pics with my iPhone camera. Seems that it just needs a clear sunny day for it to actually take decent snapshots.

Here's a little roundup of our day.

Tiny Toadstool

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:25:07 +0000

With the colder weather just around the corner, I need to find me some seriously warm accessories. Here's some picks from Etsy - handmade from felt and and accented with serious amounts of color and embroidered knots. Talk about a labor of love!

Aren't they all so happy and fun? Makes me smile...

Moe the Sock Monkey

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:15:47 +0000

I try to make each of the kids in my family (nieces and nephews) something handmade. Wyatt, my oldest brother's little boy was born back in June and I finally just finished up his present.

Uncle John with Wyatt and Moe

When Ryan was just a boy himself, he had a favorite stuffed animal, a teddy bear named "Teddy". When trying to find a good gift for Wyatt, I instantly knew that I had to try to recreate a toy that his dad loved so much. Teddy went everywhere with my brother and the hope is that Moe the Monkey will one day end up as one of Wyatt's most cherished toys. Someone that can be there - always to lend a hand and a hug.

For Wyatt, I made a Red Heeled Sock Monkey - inspired by our good friend Dave. Dave loves making these sock monkey's - he's been making them for years for all of his friends' who have kids.

my SIL, Jillian (Wyatt's mom) opening his gift.

To make a similar monkey, I followed this pattern. Eyes were sewn on with black embroidery thread. To make him extra special, I added a few handfuls of lentils to his hands, feet tail and and bottom. They help him to sit up and lend a bit of weight.

It's a really easy project for anyone to tackle in just a few days. I used my sewing machine to make the legs, arms and tail. Once the individual pieces were created, I tacked everything together and sewed the parts to the main body. Then Moe was filled with the beans and fiber fill. No need to worry if you don't have a sewing machine of your own. The entire project can be sewn by hand, it would just take you a little bit longer.

On his bum, Wyatt's initials are embroidered, so should be ever be misplaced, everyone will know exactly who this monkey belongs to!

Anyone looking to make a similar monkey, here's a great resource for the socks.

Apartment Fix

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:00:53 +0000

We're all moved in but have been spending a lot of time looking around for cool things to help us turn our crisp clean space into the Vintage Industrial Dreamhouse we so desire. Today I stumbled onto an insanely great resource for some cool decorative products to add to the mix, all from Peddlers Home UK.

1. Routemaster Numbers: I can see these lined up in a long row placed very high on the wall. 2. Tall Dustpan and Broom: I've got a spot for this right in the corner of the fireplace. 3. Wood Sweeper: functional and pretty enough to display! 4. Bus Destination Signs: a great grouping for an empty wall. 5. Wood/Bristles Doormat: Stylish and functional. Shouldn't your entryway be just as stylish as your interior? 6. Majorly amazing trash bins. Hello Wesco Kickmaster and goodbye Simplehuman . (They also carry a matching bread bin, kettle and biscuit tin). We've been looking for vintage school house clocks. Love #7 Smith or the #8 Repro by Newgate. 9. These storage boxes would look incredibly chic placed on the shelves above my workspace. 10. Recycled Planters: we all need some plants (and colorful happy containers in our lives). 11. A simple but elegant coat rack with hooks for the entryway. 12. Wooden toilet brush. I know, i know. But it looks really pretty. 13. Armlight Wall Light: to help illuminate those late night in-bed reads.

Man Shops Globe

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:05:04 +0000

Did any of you catch the first episode of Man Shops Globe last night on the Sundance Channel?

The show follows Keith Johnson, a buyer for Anthropologie, around the world as he travels to out-of-the-way antique shops, private dealers and craft stalls for one-of-a-kind home furnishings and accessories. In each half-hour show, Keith travels to a new country in search of unusual decorative accessories, artifacts furniture and textiles. It follows as he finds some of the world's unique treasures and spotlights artists whom he commissions to create products for their stores. AH-MA-ZING!

Since I missed it last night, I'm downloading the first episode: France. If you haven't heard about it, be sure to check out this trailer. Once I saw it, I was hooked!

The Fall Wardrobe

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:00:44 +0000

I'm the biggest Anthropologie fan ever and just placed an order for some amazing fall pieces. I fell in love with these suede mushroom lace booties, tweed pumps, cap-sleeve top and orange skirt.

Hoping I'll be the best dressed in the playground this Fall!

Favorite Tool: Embosser

Kimberly @ Inspired Goodness — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:19:30 +0000

Without a doubt, one of the best desk accessories I have is a custom made address embosser. I originally purchased it for use stamping my return address on my wedding invitations and ever since, its left a beautiful mark and lasting impression on any correspondence I send.

image source

I actually have two embossers in my arsenal - one rectangular and the other is round. Since we recently moved into a new apartment, its now come time to update my plates.

Figured to share some of the places I found online that will sell you the plates, since the embosser itself can be used indefinately.

For rectangular plates, a great choice is Paper-Source. They offer address plates with 15 font choices (Filosofia anyone??) for $31.50. Looking for a motif or a custom monogram? They also carry a line of circular plate designs, all for the same $31.50 price.

Wilshire Graphic Press offers replacement plates as well. You can choose from their list of standard typefaces or email them a font of your own choice for a $10 surcharge. If you want to provide them with custom artwork, the charge for replacement rectangular plates is around $45.