The above happens to be a picture of my husband's back when we were at his parent's farm for Thanksgiving. The very same husband that just took me to the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas (his parents have season tickets for all ten days)...So he wasn't jumping up and down and doing cartwheels when he saw a "girlie" lavender test strip painted on the wall in the room where his parents are coming to stay after Christmas. I told him I was trying to make the room fun just like the rodeo..."what?" Paneling everything in leather and cowhide isn't always the best option in life.

The scene of lots of cowboys in their hats walking down the strip is quite the sight.

It was the wrong shade anyway so back to the drawing board.

{Non-traditional Christmas Tree}

This home has a non-traditional Christmas vibe to it, yet it is very fun and festive. Did you notice their main Christmas tree in the family room?

{all images from MiCasa}

{Let's go to London}

One ought to stay @ the Connaught....more specifically in the rooms that David Collins designed.

Do you ever get the Top 20 sent to your inbox from TravelZoo? I think for 8 years now I have waited for that email to come every Wed. while dreaming where I wanted to go next. In fact as of late I am waiting for that perfect deal to London. While I wait I hope I don't continue to have dreams about going to New York and checking into a hotel with bedbugs. That's what I get for reading this before bed. I kept trying to find plastic air tight baggies to protect all of my clothes.

Anyway...

{bringing the citrus indoors}

I have always loved citrus trees and found it such a treat to grow up in the middle of citrus groves. The trees are a welcome sight in the middle of the desert. Not only do the fruit smell and taste really good but the leaves stay nice and green despite all of our heat. Anyway, if I had enough light in my home then hands down I would have a couple of dwarf lemon trees indoors. According to Martha these kind of trees are easy to grow indoors. Here are some suggestions for some of the best citrus tress to grow indoors and here are some suggestions on how to grow them.

If I can't grow the trees indoors then I can certainly go outside and pick the leaves and the fruit to make garland or a wreath. Jordan Ferney has already posted a cool tutorial on the above garland. Go here to check it out.

Happy day wishes to all!!

P.S. - If anyone has had experience with growing citrus trees indoors pls. share anything you have discovered.

{image 1 via Pinterest, 2 via Martha Stewart Living, 3,4 via googled images, 5 via Oh Happy Day}

The above old school Katie Ridder is something that I still likey. It's those Niermann Weeks canopy beds that do it every time. Also love the way that the tv is flush with the bookshelves and who doesn't love a classic white and black bathroom with monogrammed towels.

Above space featured in the March '06 issue of Elle Decor.

Here is a much more affordable option for the canopy bed. Found here.

painted burlap drapes

I love that the folks over @ Tracery took a stencil & painted themselves some burlap drapes for the front of their shop. Go here to see more.

return to oz (latest round of inspiration)

Don't mind me, I'm just having a emerald green moment.

Does anybody else remember that movie from the 80's, Return To OZ? I need to find a copy and see if the movie is as great as I remember it being. I think it may have been a tad bit odd.

{image 1 & 9 via here}

small convex mirror

I know exactly what I want to do to finish up the boys room but it will either take more time to replicate the look that I want on a budget or I have to come to the table with more funds. Anyway one piece that I have always enjoyed on a budget are the little convex mirrors from Aaron Brothers (they come in 2 different sizes). I think I used my 40% off coupon and purchased each mirror for around $17.00. If I am not mistaken there are a few others that have discovered this same mirror as well..like say Grant Gibson. Can I just tell you how much I enjoy his work. To see more of what I am talking about go here.

{above 2 photos from here}

{man}

I am on the quest to get a gift that my husband will REALLY like. Our tastes differ in many ways so usually what I buy for him gets returned. Now the above space would be something the two of us could both agree on. He would love all of the worn leather goods.

if you sing me a song and pick me a lemon i'll be happy

Today, fresh garland, lights and this song are making me happy. Trust me you will want to listen to that song for all of its happiness..might make you want to go to Italy though.

Also in Arizona we are embarking upon lemon season. I love lemons so much. Which was why I was so excited to find that circa 1978 lemon lithograph by Judy Targan a few years back. Here is another lemon print on Ebay by Judy.

Hope you are having a happy day!

P.S. - The cedar garland can be found at Lowes for 14.99.

marble-ization to meringue

I keep noticing this whole marble-ized movement thing lately. Actually it has been around for a very long time and in fact when I went to open my green hymn book @ church there it was again on the inside of the covers...marble-ization.

Anyway last night Miguel Flores-Vianna had a tag sale that included the above plates, which then lead me to think about Kelly Wearster for SFERRA because she designed the below pillow...see they're both all marble-y. Which P.S., if you like Kelly Wearstler for SFERRA I suggest checking out Neiman Marcus Last Call because the one here locally just got a nice shipment of really pretty items.

Where was I...oh yes back to marble-ization and those plates and Miguel. After I checked out the sale I then clicked on the link to Miguel's website and observed his photography in action. Remember the below spread from Domino...well he photographed it & to be quite honest it makes me want to eat meringue while thinking about marble stuff.

details in the bathroom

Loving all of the details in these bathrooms...especially in that top bathroom.

{images elle decor via here, skona hem}

adventures in shopping & Armelle jewelry

Good morning! I first saw the top picture over on Design Darling and thought it looked kind of cute. What do you think of framing shopping bags? What I am wondering is what retail establishment has the best design in the branding of the their bags because it certainly is not TJ Maxx..where most of my bags are from.

Speaking of shopping, I am pleased to pass along the offer to recieve 20% off anything from the Armelle shop until Jan. 1st. I am thinking this would be a great Christmas gift. Go here for a peak and don't forget to enter the code (HOLIDAY20) to get your discount. Beautiful pieces that Caroline makes I say.

{images 1, 2}