The Everygirl...My Home Tour is Live

It was a fun photo shoot back in the fall last year when the Everygirl founders asked me if they could shoot my Chicago apartment. Now it's live and I can hardly believe it, go check out more photos! Thank you ladies for such an amazing keepsake of my Chicago abode. xo

Perfect Picnic...

This Provencal picnic looks so lovely. Makes me want to lie in the grass all day and eat cheese and grapes;) {images via bash please}

10 Things I Loved this Week...

I am guest posting on Tulips + Flight Suits today!! Thank you for having me Mary;)

Transitioning into Fall on Deliciously Organized

Orange inspiration on Little Brown Pen

Long weekend in Melbourne on What Katie Ate
Guest Post 'Where the Lovely Things Are on Down and Out Chic

Less is More on Gathering Spriggs

Food blog roundup on Simple Song

Shona Heath photography on Twig + Thistle

Haute Courture goes to Old West on Everything Fabulous

Industrial Wedding on Griege

Whit lookbook peak on Darling Dexter

And visit my new tumblr! 

Headboard Inspiration...

Looking for fabric to re-do my headboard. Here are some lovely ideas! {images via Lonny, Life of Style, isuwannee}

Spring Reading...

This looks like a lovely place to sit in the morning and read. I was recommended a great book recently, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and I can't wait to pick up and read on our patio this spring. {image via dress design decor}

Black & White Delight...

Black and white is my go to for all occassions, always classic and flattering.

1. Paul & Joe Top 2. Valentino Clutch 3. Chloe Dress 4. Stella McCartney Bra 5. Lee Angel Necklace 6. Pillow 7. Ballet Flats 8. Little Black Book 9. White Leather Chairs

Blogger Interview: Why We Blog #8...

I find myself often scrolling through beautiful images on Haven and Home. Marianne has beautiful taste in fashion and an incredible design style. On her blog footer is such a lovely quote: "There seems to be within all of us an innate yearning to be lifted momentarily out of our own lives into the realm of charm and make believe."
-Dorothy Draper

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What inspires you? Everything from magazines to shows to stores to nature. You name it and it inspires me!

Why did you began blogging? I started reading blogs and I loved them. I thought, "I should start one as a scrap book to myself of all the things I loved and were inspiring me at the time. Then it kind of took off and it has been great for business. Some days I love it, some days it feels like another job!

What is an amazing thing that happened to you because of blogging? The blog world is such an amazing place. I have met so many wonderful people and new clients through H&H. I always refer to someone as my blog friend and my Husband thinks I am crazy. It is funny how close you can feel to someone you have never met!

What is your day job? I am an Interior Decorator in Birmingham, Alabama. I started my own company a few years ago and I am enjoying learning something new every day. While you could say this is my dream job, I also dream of owning a store or having Kelly's job on Regis and Kelly.

Blogger Interview: Why We Blog #7...

Barb, author of Knack, repurposes beautiful found objects in her studio and shares design inspiration on her blog daily. She has amazing style!

What inspires you? Transformations

Why did you began blogging? To create an online journal/ portfolio of my work for my family mainly, and hoped in the back of my mind that others would take notice ;)

What is an amazing thing that happened to you because of blogging? A truly awesome and amazing support group of friends and like minded creatives that excites and inspires me daily.

What is your day job? Working in my studio creating custom pieces of furniture and buying home accessories to complete the knackage package! It is my dream job!

What is a little tidbit about you? I am 35...mother of two...married to the most awesome dude for 15 years.....love my converse tennis shoes...hot water bottles....mike and ikes....swedish fish....chai tea....the smell of paint, sherwin williams paint brushes, puffy vests, movie night, calzones.......and I better stop there or I would go on forever..... ;)

Blogger Interview: Why We Blog #6...

Melanie from You Are My Fave has an eye for all things lovely. Her signature phrase "spotted, and hearted" is such a perfect series capturing colorful, beautiful things that would end up on all of our list of faves'. Thanks for writing Melanie!

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What inspires you? blogs, paper goods, the art supply store, going on bike rides, summertime, pretty parties, Flickr

Why did you began blogging? I needed a place to store all of these great ideas I was finding for interiors, parties and pretty goods. I also needed a little outlet from a crappy job I had.

What is an amazing thing that happened to you because of blogging? I never thought I would make a friend from the Internet (it just sounds a little sketchy) but I'm convinced that Karenof Prada Answer and I are best friend soul mates. We talk on a regular basis. I also posted about some peanut butter cupcakes once and that very day my friend made them and brought them to my doorstep.

What is your day job/dream job? Right now I substitute teach and I'm the wife to a law student (which is really a full time job). It may not sound that great but I'm kind of in love with my life. My dream job would be to be a member of the Olympic committee or a party planner.

Blogger Interview: Why We Blog #5...

Melissa and Wendy Cole are sisters that collaborate on the lovely blog, Chic Coles.

What inspires you? We love beautiful interiors and fun products. We get a lot of inspiration from magazines and from the color patters in nature.

What led you to the journey of blogging? Since my mom and I are 2000 miles away; she is in CT, I am in New Orleans, and my other sister, Cassandra is in San Francisco, we wanted a way to share ideas, products, and projects we are working on, with each other and anyone else who is interested. Our main starting point was " a collection or journal" of some of our favorite things!

What is an amazing thing that has happened to you because of blogging? Blogging has helped us make connections with people we never would have known! We have "blogging friends" in London, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong and every part of the US. We get to share ideas with them all over the world!

What is a little tidibit about both of you? Melissa: I am going to be a senior at Tulane University in New Orleans and I am majoring in Business as a marketing and consumer behavior major. Right now I am working as an executive assistant for an artist, Ashley Longshore and working at a clothing store, Per Me on Magazine Street. When I graduate, I hope to get a job at a public relations or marketing firm, or at a designer showroom. I interned at Trina Turk last summer and would love to pursue a career in that industry. In a few years, I hope to open a lifestyle (clothing and home furnishings/products) with my mom. Wendy: I am an interior designer and home stager and mother of three. I hope to continue my job I have right now in the lifestyle store with Melissa.

Blogger Interview: Why We Blog #4...

Sam, from Pretty Lovely, is always capturing beautiful images on her blog of interiors and exteriors, that inspire me. I am so happy she could share with us, what led her here!

What inspires you? Artists, architects, designers, musicans, cooks etc. -- those who create change through creativity; encouraging a re-commitment to the awareness and appreciation of our surroudnings.

What led you to the journey of blogging? I began blogging as a New Years resolution. I was hoping to make my thoughts open to the public, creating a digital sketchbook of sorts. Pretty Lovely is basically just an extension of me.

What is an amazing thing that happened to you because of blogging? Blogging has opened so many doors for me. I have begun to get some wonderful writing opportunities and get to meet so many creative people.

What's your dream job? I am about to begin my final semester for my Masters degree in Interior Design at The George Washington University in D.C. I am passionate about developing my craft so that one day I can create interesting, dynamic, and thoughtful spaces.

Blogger Interview: Why We Blog #3...

Today, I'm continuing the blogger interviews on the subject, 'Why We Blog'. One of my daily reads since I started blogging has been Marley & Lockyer. Ness and I just connected and she was gracious enough to share with all of us! Thank you;)
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What Inspires You? Anything to do with a home - inside and out, especially classic timeless interiors that can be touched, lived in and washed! Textures inspire me. The feel, colour and applications of materials like vintage toile, linen, velvets and old patterns give me so much to think of while I am creating something new be it a wedding layout, new cushion cover, bedding or an new interior design. And my Family are a huge inspiration. They are all very supportive of what I do and give great feedback. I think of all of you out there reading blogs and reading your own blogs as inspiration too.

What led you to begin the journey of blogging? I started originally to document the opening of our store, Marley & Lockyer and to keep a photo record of new things I found for the store and just as a diary of interiors etc I found beautiful. It has morphed into something so much more than that. Now I blog mostly about interiors although I still put on things that inspire and things I find lovely....the shop is still not open!!

What is an amazing thing that happened to you because of blogging? I would have to say all of the wonderful connections I have made, especially Brooke and Steve Giannetti, who have given me loads of advice over emails about getting back into the interior game. Also having some of my work shown in Interior magazines and being voted for different awards...it is all so humbling.

What is your day job? Full time Mum to 2 little Men and Domestic Goddess, as well as keeping the online shop and blog going. I have just started to do Interior Consulting again as well as styling events like Weddings....I LOVE IT! I couldn't ask for more.

What is your dream job? To finally have my shop open a website with online ordering and doing interior design from a little office in the shop somewhere. It would be even more perfect if it could happen in a purpose built barn on my property somewhere....one day.

Tell us a little about you? There isn't too much to me. I love home (obviously), my family, creating and Tasmaina. We moved here from mainland Australia about 6 years ago and haven't looked back. We are renovating an old home from 1883 which we adore. Most of what I do is self taught, like Brooke Giannetti. My art, sewing, design, putting things and colours together just seemed to be there from a very young age. My Mum had told me of a meeting she had with one of the Art masters from my high school who had said "We can't teach her. She just knows how to do it. What she does is not be the textbook way to do it, but God it works!". I thought that was so lovely. I used to sit with another girl in Art (my future Maid Of Honour) who was like me, couldnt be taught the convential way and we always competed for 1st and 2nd.

Blogger Interview: Why We Blog #2...

Next up for the Why We Blog Series is Katie Denham, author of katiedid. I have been a long time admirer of her interiors and photography. Thanks for sharing Katie!

What's a little tidbit about you? And what led you to begin the journey of blogging? I am a designer who lives in Sacramento, California. Even though Sacramento is the capital of California ( fifth....or seventh ....largest economy in the world depending on who you talk to) , the design community hereis on the cusp of becoming something new and exciting. But it is not large, and networking with other like-minded design lovers was something of a challenge. I had been working for the last ten years as the Senior Designer for a design company and felt my opportunities for change and growth were starting to dwindle.

Then one day, when researching for a project, I stumbled upon the blog Stylecourt. Author, Courtney Barnes opened up a whole new world to me. Pretty soon I was reading The Peak of Chic and Absolutely Beautiful Things with regularity. It was so inspiring! I thought, why not try it myself?! I wrote my first blog post May 3, 2007. It's kind of funny to go back a read it now. It was quite prescient. I had had it in my head for a couple of years that I was ready to move out on my own....start my own studio. But the recession hit and I didn't think the timing was right. But the universe has a way of working things out. Just as my blog was gaining some success: exposure from the Washington Post and 1st dibs, my employer was forced to downsize. At first, it was a bit of a shock. But, I had been prepared to open my own design studio for some time. The blog was the catapult that drove business my way from the getgo. I have been very fortunate to have wonderful clients and I am very busy!

What is an amazing thing that happened to you because of blogging? Because of this blog, I have met some amazing and wonderful people. Not only other bloggers who have become friends, but people in the design business who I have long admired: Margaret Russell of Elle Decor, Donna Warner of Metropolitan Home, Diane Dorrans Saeks, author of countless spectacular design books like Santa Barbara Living . I have also gotten to meet such design icons as Barbara Barry, Orlando Diaz Azcuy, James Magni, and so many more.

What Inspires You? I think what has meant the most to me is the supportive network it has provided through relationships with other bloggers. It has taken me around the world and opened up countless possibilities. There is so much talent out there and it inspires me every day.
What are you doing with my blog today? Over time, it seems to have develpoed more original content: things I am doing, places I have visited. I have gotten a bit better as a photographer, so most pictures are ones I have taken myself. I am looking forward to presenting more of my own design work as well!

Blogger Interview: Why We Blog #1...

Lately I've been thinking about why I started blogging and grew curious as I surfed my favorite sites, and linked to my favorite places...how did this begin? Why do we blog? I know my story, but I wanted to hear from the ladies who inspire me, to see what inspires them - and what led them to the blogspot to speak and share! I'll be sharing many more to come, first up, Christine from Journeys of Mangonett, she chronicles her current home decor and fashion obsessions and I just love her 'Image of the Day' series. Thank you so much Christine!

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What Inspires You? I'm inspired by new ideas. I love seeing the creative things that others have done whether it be in decorating their home, what outfit they felt like wearing that day, or even what recipies they've tackled. It inspires me to take chances in my own life and have fun with the little things. I'm also inspired by my fellow bloggers, its amazing the amount of creativity that is out there and I'm happy just to be a little part of it.

What led you to begin the journey of blogging? I began blogging soon after my husband and I were married. I began perusing the internet looking for anything and everything that could point me in the right direction. Everything from decorating our home, managing household finances, to learning how to cook... you name it, I was reading it. As time went by, I kept finding all of these amazing blogs and sites that just inspired me so much that I just had to talk about it somehow. So, I started a blog! Now my blog has become sort of my little creative brain-child. Like many bloggers out there, its my creative outlet, a place where I'm able to write about everything that inspires me and what's happening in our lives.

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What is an amazing thing that happened to you because of blogging? I have met so many amazing people! So many people that although I have never actually met them before, I just can't help myself from cheering out loud at my computer when I read that they have done something wonderful. Truly amazing to me is that fact that others enjoy reading Journeys of Mangonett and all of the great e-mails and comments I've been receiving. I'm truly thankful!

What's your day job? Research Associate (a.k.a Lab Nerd Extraordinaire!)

What is your dream job? I'm actually still trying to figure that out...hopefully I'll discover it soon!

What's a little tidbit about you? I'm 25 years old living in South Florida with my husband of 1 year. Eventually we hope to own a home of our own one day, but for now we are living cozy and comfy in our 3 story townhome that we call "our humble abode". As for me, I'm pretty laid back and have the uncanny talent to memorize movie lines at the drop of a hat (Yep, I can speak right along with Zoolander...Bluesteel face and everything). I love surrounding myself with family and friends, and I try to learn at least one new thing everyday. Sounds like a simple thing, but I promise if you try it, you'll never be disappointed!

Turning Leaf Ad...

A few months ago you may have heard me talk briefly here about the great writing project I was involved in...and a few people have inquired. The origin of this whole project began with 25 women bloggers selected to participate in Turning Leaf Wine's Project Breathe, a blog about and for women, who's busy lives of work, family, obligations and passions required 'breathe' moments. All of our backgrounds varied, but there is a common theme, take time for yourself, enjoy moments doing the things that you love and be you. Sign up on howdoyoubreathe.com to get an email when the site goes live and share your unique breathe moments! For a sneak peak...this is one of the things that I wrote that got me the spot for the ad, as they picked the 4 best writers and photographed us personally. I got to choose a friend (I chose my sister Michaela) to join me and fly to Santa Monica for a few days, all expenses paid and 2 days of photo shoots. Very surreal. Even more surreal was seeing the ad in full-page form in US Weekly, Redbook, Oprah and Real Simple.

Day 10 Prompt from Editor: Pretend you’re playing a writer on a hit show for and about women. Use your personal style, of course, but give us your wit and sarcasm, your most genuine woman (a la Carrie Bradshaw…?) In the most concise and witty way possible, tell your audience what your personal idea of therapy is. And shout out your breathe moments most unique to you… Your unusual ways to unwind! About those unexpected things you do just for yourself…

POST a la Sarah Jane:
friend sessions are free… The best remedy, therapy and ode to sanity - friendship. I have had some hilariously embarrassing moments in my life. I have been locked out of my apartment and had to climb through the kitchen window, I have been unemployed and couch hopped. I have been in good relationships and bad ones. I have had my heart broken. I have lost a parent. I have gained weight, had bad hair days, worn a creative trendy ensemble that would make the back pages of US Weekly’s worst dressed list. I have let the clothes in my bedroom form a tornado pattern on the floor. I have cried so much it hurt and laughed till it hurt. All this - I could not have done without my friends. The greatest witnesses to all of our unflattering splendor. We find out what we’re made of in the most unique times, don’t we? And our friends love us, unconditionally. They’ll come over after a bad date with a bottle of wine at midnight; just to make you laugh and remember who you are, and they’ll support your silence, or your need to repeat the series of events in detail for full analysis. They’ll throw you a pity party, and also make you remember that the pity party has an expiration date. Not to mention, spontaneous dance parties - that’s right up there with eating cookie dough, drinking wine on the porch, a great hike, and a long scenic drive - for greatest all time therapeutic vices. Sometimes, we don’t know what we need, but thankfully, we don’t always have to, with great girlfriends who know with a glance, that the wind has been taken from our sails and it’s time for a very large, guided deep breath, a hug and a getaway car. You know this friend, because she is you, she is me, she is all of us..