Suburban Courture

Restoration Hardware Baby

2008-06-02T11:50:00.001-07:00

It was only a matter of time before Restoration Harware picked up on the baby and child trend. I mean everyone else is doing it, right?)

The website says the line should be available in June, so I guess we'll see. I do have a weekness for all things RH!

Thank you Amy for the pictures

Just fabulous

2008-05-28T10:11:00.000-07:00

I simply cannot get over how much I love the Julianne Moore Layout in last months Domino Magazine. I think the blogging world has already blogged it to death, but I can't help but to rehash it in all it's grey and yellow goodness.

What really gets me is the bedroom with the lovely yellow gold drapes. It seems so rich and so bright and sunny at the same time. It might be time I made over my bedroom!

High Fashion Home Blog also did a great story on the apartment which you can find here. Thanks for the inspiration!

Obsession Du Jour: Lighting

2008-05-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the lovely couple at This Young House posted a deal too good too pass up. I had to pass this along as well!

Run, don't walk to West Elm to pick up this fabulous Capiz Chandelier.

Seriously, at $59.99. You HAVE to pick it up!!

Go Pam!

2008-05-15T17:18:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give a shout up to my friend Pam. Her nursury was featured on ohdeedoh.com today, and it's just fabulous. So bright and festive!

Pam has a ton more pictures on her personal blog HERE. Check it out!

Less Theme-y Nurseries

2008-05-11T16:28:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how much I love the modern nurseries? And by modern - I don't necessarily mean modern design, but just the newer, less theme-y designs that the big box furniture stores have come out with.

These two by Pottery Barn are CLEARLY gender themed. The fabulous pink wallpaper still allows mommy to have her little princess room, but it's not over the top obnoxious. I love it.

This one is gender neutral - but still so cute. (I have such a thing for animal prints...)

Someday I'll actually have a nursery to plan!

Swoon!

2008-05-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

I've shamelessly stollen these inspirational pictures from TheScoop.com I can't even express my love for this apartment!! (And the fact that it was all done on the cheap...)

*Le sigh*

Randomness

2008-04-28T21:32:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the lack of posts lately, would you believe I had the flu... again? Nothing says fun like loads of snot.

Anyhoo, clothing is off topic for me, but I can't pass up posting about my fabulous JCrew wedding season find.

JCrew doesn't normally carry their special occasion dresses in the store, so I was pretty excited to stumble in there this weekend only to find rack upon rack of colorful goodness. They really should start sending these beauties to the store, because I would NEVER have ordered this dress if I hadn't seen it in person. I promise you all it doesn't resemble maternity wear quite as much in person.

I picked it up in a shimmery brown color which will get me through all my summer and fall weddings.

And really, does it get better than fushia heels?? I also picked up these lovelies for good measure in both the gold and the fabulous green.

I adore being a girl.

DIY - TV Frame

2008-04-17T11:07:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes.... It's been a week since my last post. Bad Meg. ;)

Anyway, I stumbled upon this TV frame in Pottery Barn's sale section today, and felt like it warranted a post. PB is charging between $400 and $600 for this beauty (on sale), which frankly intrigues me.

I always tend to lean toward hiding a TV. I don't really want it to be the centerpiece of our living room, but, if I'm going to display it, it needs to be pretty. And what better way than to frame it?

However, why on earth would PB charge such a fortune for what is essentially 4 pieces of crown moulding?

I do, however, think I might pick up this light for above our dining room table.

Chairs vs. shelves

2008-04-10T09:58:00.000-07:00

So, I mentioned in my last post that I was contemplating painting my Dining Room chairs a nice bright white color. The Lovely Bryn, posted this picture earlier this week and it really got me thinking. Could my dining room handle the white?

I pretty much adore everything about this West Elm picture. The green walls, the dark table, the white chairs. Such a striking contrast. Of course, then I remembered that I don't have green walls, I'm lacking the streamlined table.... and basically, I'm questioning initial excitement.

Please take note of my actually dining room. Although, try to refrain from noticing our horrible off center chandelier that I'm pretty sure the previous owners picked up at a Home Depot liquidation sale. We'll be replacing it soon with a chandelier similar to this.

Anyway, our dining room 'corner' is pretty dark. Two years ago when we bought the house, I really fell in love with the dark wood with mixed with black look. Now, I'm pretty sure it's contributing to the black hole that is that corner. And while I LOVE our PB entertaining shelves, I wish I'd look around a bit for a better way to hang them. (However, those things were a NIGHTMARE to hang... so I'm hoping to avoid moving them too much.)

But, what if I painted the shelves white and left the chairs? I could pick up three square pictures to replace the old college era picture I currently have hanging on the adjacent wall. It wouldn't nearly measure up to the loveliness of that is Sherry and John's dining room... but maybe it would come close?

And the big reveal

2008-04-08T13:20:00.001-07:00

Just as a reminder, that is what my fireplace used to look like. It was a ~~horrid~~ lovely red color that was ~~disgusting~~ dirty beyond repair. I'm not kidding when I tell you that no amount of hard work, soap or acid could get it clean. In fact, it took two coats of some weird spray-paint smelling substance and an hour of scraping with a putty knife to even be ready for paint.

And here is my masterpiece post paint job:

I'm not 100% convinced I love it. It's quite a shocking difference, and I wonder if it looks too sterile. Below is the same perspective I used in my last post.

What do you guys think?

And, since I'm in a sharing mood today... here is the other half of the world's oddest shaped room (And a peek at the always super chic Lola the bean dog.)

*Le sigh*

Someday I'll come up with a way to make this room look better!

Painting Complete!

2008-04-07T11:37:00.000-07:00

Doesn't it look great?

Ok, ok, that's not my house. But, I'll be back to show off the pictures tomorrow. (Photo by Chris Everard)

To paint, or not to paint...

2008-04-04T11:18:00.001-07:00

For two years I've been debating painting our fireplace. I just can't decide. Originally, we decided no - because of the brick along the floor, it seems a little too high maintenance for us. Then, we decided no because we were going to replace our current surround with one similar to this when we replace our wood burning fireplace with a gas fireplace.

Since then, a few new projects have come up that pushed back the fireplace. So, it's time to decide if we should paint, or not paint. (Please excuse my serious lack of photoshop talent!)

What do you think - Should we go white?

Off topic..

2008-04-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

This is my random post for the month. Forgive me. :)

I posted a while ago about my little smooshy faced pup. What I didn't mention is how excited I get when a similarly cute dog makes it into one of my daily reading blogs.

This guy looks to be a French Bulldog, and not a Boston Terrier - but he's still cute.

Thank you Jose Villa for taking such fabulous photos!

Babies on the brain

2008-04-01T09:01:00.000-07:00

I think it's fair to say that I've been fairly obsessed with all things "baby" lately. And it isn't helping things that Baby Gap launched it's new Nursery store today. I had to take a peek! I don't know what I was expecting, but I'm pleasantly surprised at what the Gap is offering.

I just love the options in the mix and match organic bedding section. Not overly cartoony or pastely. (Ok, they aren't real words, but you know what I mean.)

Fabulous turtle blanket
This looks like a knock off of the much more expensive Bla Bla Kids version...

All in all, I like it! It's not quite up to par with Land of Nod or PB Baby... but I have high hopes that it will be there eventually!

The "You Make My Day" awards

2008-03-31T21:01:00.000-07:00

I've been lacking for writing inspiration as of late, so I wanted to take a moment to recognize my favorite design blogs and bloggers! I'm a horrible blog stalker - and rarely have the opportunity to leave comments. (Bad Meghan!) So, I'm hoping to make up for it!

The following 5 blogs really do make my day.

1. Newlywedisms by Bryn

As a semi-newlywed and fellow first time homeowner, I really love reading Bryn's blog. Plus, she changes her mind almost as often as I do! It's fun to try and keep up.

2. This Young House

This young couple has enough DIY creativity for all of us normal people to feel seriously lacking. I keep hoping it will rub off on me!

3. Newlywed Diaries

Jennifer has some seriously fabulous taste. I keep holding my breath to see what inspirational pictures she posts next. It makes me wish our tiny rancher had a few more rooms in need of decor.

4. Inspiration for Everyday Living

Amy takes Urban Chic to a new level. I'd trade my left arm to have her apartment!

5. Copy Cat Chic

The title really says it all. It's fantastic reading - and a wonderful place for inspiration.

Thank you for making my days more fun!

2008-03-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

So, it's pretty well known now that I have a thing for office supplies. But, I think this might take the cake.

It's like a cross between an adult coloring book, a planner, and an inspiration binder all in one. Pretty freaking neat. You can pick one up here.

Exciting Times...

2008-03-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Kate at Girl Meets Glamour I am seeing a new addiction in my already overcommited life... The Brocade Home Blog

(Designed by : Tord Boontje)

Obsession Du Jour: Camera Bags

2008-03-21T09:19:00.001-07:00

I'll be the first to admit - I'm a bag lady. I love me some hand bags. (Right now, I'm actually coveting these satchels by Marc Jacobs and Cole Haan.) Seriously, I just don't think I girl can have enough. But lately, I've really become obsessed with finding the perfect camera bag.

Let me back up. Two years ago I indulged myself and picked up a cute little Digital SLR as a birthday gift for myself. (The best kind of gift, right?) I picked up an average grey Lowepro Bag to carry my camera, 2 lenses (my favorite and my second favorite ), and I've been try to find something cuter - and more feminine ever since. It's NOT an easy task.

(Image courtesy of shootsac.com)

Jessica Claire sells the fabulous Shootsac - and this bag quickly topped my list of must haves. But, it's not really a camera bag. It's more like a lens holder for pro photographers and I'm FAR from pro. I needed something that would not only be cute and fabulous, but would also close.

(Image courtesy of Tracyjoy.com)

Everyone, meet Kristine. I stumbled upon Tracy Joy's Etsy Site last year in my frantic Pre-Paris bag search and am just now getting a chance to pick one up. I can't wait to get it in my hot little hands. And at less than half the price of the shootsac, I feel like I got a deal.

(Image courtesy of Tracyjoy.com)

Look at all she holds!

Obsession Du Jour: Custom Jewelry

2008-03-17T11:01:00.000-07:00

I think I might have a thing for jewelry. I just can't get enough.

(Picture from Hostess with the Mostess)

I noticed this morning during my daily blog stalking that Hostess with the Mostess was running a fantastic giveaway deal with Christina Ashley. I'd seen a few of her pieces at a local shop in my area - and it's fabulous.

She also has some of her designs for sale on her Etsy site. Check her out!

Project Dresser

2008-03-17T10:11:00.000-07:00

I spent most of the weekend browsing all of the loveliness on HGTV, DIYnetwork, and all the other project centric home decor websites. And I think I'm finally ready to tackle the giant project that is refinishing our bedroom furniture.

My mom bought me this Pier 1 dresser set when I was still in high school - and it looks a little outdated and frankly - sad. Since reading Holly's post on Decor8 a few weeks ago - I've been kind of obsessed with how I could update the look.

Here are some of the before pictures of our dressers with all of their "rustic" charm...

I just love the pulls featured in the Real Simple Article. There are also a few more beauties over on Anthropologie's website that I just love.

So, wish me luck! I'll be sure to post the results... even if they are disastrous!

DIY - Mirrored Dresser

2008-03-15T09:34:00.001-07:00

I think I mentioned earlier that my husband and I have lived in our house for almost two years. We live in a tiny (1200 sq ft) 1950's rancher that just oozes goofy tract home charm. When we bought the house, we were convinced we had the chops to take on all the projects that the house needed to become the stylish abode we both dreamed of. Let me just tell you - we're not so handy.

But that doesn't stop me from dreaming. I stumbled upon this fabulous DIY mirrored dresser on Apartment Therapy yesterday, and just had to share. I think that girl may have ended up with some of my creativity.

Obsession Du Jour - astrological jewelry

2008-03-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon this lovely by Ella Poe on Turquoise Chic yesterday, and I haven't stopped thinking about it. The Constellation Series seems to be the first line for this designer - and it's fabulous. What a unique take on symbols that usually have a dime store quality to them.

It comes in Rose Gold or White Gold, but at a minimum of $1k, it might be a while before I can pick one up... (Although a portion of the proceeds benefit Woman for Woman International!)

Operation: Saute Pan - Concluded

2008-03-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Alright, I went for it.

I'm now the proud owner of a flame colored LC saute pan. I'm excited. It's my first LC purchase - even though I've been using their products for years.

I also may have picked up 4 of these adorable Petite Pumpkin Casseroles. I'm thinking they will be a cute accessory during our Thanksgiving dinner this year. I did end up paying $9 more for my pan through amazon, but they're giving me this adorable Blueberry Casserole since I spent over $99.

Love it!

Operation: Saute Pan

2008-03-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

I'm in desparate need of a new saute pan in my cookware arsenal. When we registered for our wedding (Almost 3 years ago - ack!), I went the easy route and received a lovely set of Calphalon pots and pans. Honestly, I hate them.

I do most of my cooking in the 4 or 5 Le Creuset items that my mother received for her wedding over 25 years ago. (I kid you not. I love my 25 year old Le Creuset - complete with 1970's wooden handles!) They're a variation of Le Creuset's dijon color, match nothing, weigh a ton and are probably my favorite possessions! I don't know what it is about these bad boys, but they have yet to do my wrong.

So my question is this. Do I spring for the LC Saute Pan? (It's definitely the pricier option!) Or are there other decent cookware brands out there? Is it possible to find another pan that will win my heart - and maybe cost a little less?

All clad has a fabulous French Skillet that is also calling my name....

Decisions, decisions.

Fantastic website

2008-03-06T17:01:00.000-08:00

Websites like this are so exciting to me. What a fabulous way to clear out your bookself of the treasures you've already read, and re-read, and get new titles for your library. Plus, it's free to join!

Take a look at the Paper Back Swap and see for yourself. Just don't forget to add me to your buddy list! (Megmeg)

I'm currently waiting on The Queen's Fool to arrive since I loved The Other Boleyn Girl so much. (The book, not the movie.)

Happy reading!

Obsession Du Jour - Target

2008-03-06T09:58:00.000-08:00

I love it when Target scores with their designer lines. There is something about cheap fashion finds that make me giddy. Not that I don't appreciate a quality purchase - but who doesn't love $25 shoes?

Target's designer du jour is jour Jovovich-Hawk (As in Actress Milla Jovovich..) I'm loving how feminine their stuff is. This cute wrap dress would be so perfect once the weather gets warmer, plus the wrap makes it casual enough to double as a swim suit cover up around a nice hotel pool. (I'm currently doing a lot of travel fantasizing...) I love this floaty ballet tank too. And really, if I'm dreaming of vacationing poolside, I might need to pick up their super cute polka dot bikini...

As a side note. Run, don't walk to pick up these Isaac Mizrahi galdiator sandals For $25 - they're FABULOUS.

(Image courtesy of Target Corp.)

A place to call my own

2008-03-04T13:43:00.001-08:00

My husband and I moved into our first home almost two years ago and I still don't have a place for my computer. (The husband has a bonafide OFFICE! He has such a loving wife...) Unfortunately, I don't remember where I stumbled upon that lovely office closet photo- but I love it! What a perfect way for me to store my geeky goods.

Plus, I think now I can manage to finally to concince my husband that I *NEED* this chair.

Etsy, oh how I love thee

2008-02-28T20:22:00.000-08:00

So, I have this weird tendency to arrange frames on the walls before I have them filled. I like to make sure I like the overall 'look', but sometimes it takes me a while to fill everything up. People think I'm nuts. (HA! I guess I can't blame them...it is kind of weird.)

In my resent quest to find prints to fill some of my empty spaces I found this print by redheather. Swoon! It doesn't even fit any of my frames and I'm still snatching it up.

Now I just have to tell myself not to buy all of her prints.

It's over. I'm completely obsessed.

2008-02-26T09:07:00.001-08:00

(Photo curtesy of Jessica Lagrange)

I'm not even going to try and fight this one... I'm 100% completely obsessed with Zebra print. I think it's the fact that it's so neutral - but yet so eye catching. I can pair it with almost any color and a lot of prints if I keep it minimal. I seriously adore it. I actually have to be careful not to use too much of it!

So now, what do I pick? If I had space in my living room, I'd absolutely choose this calf hair ottoman from Oly Studio. It's perfection. Turned legs, studded sides, the works! *Le sigh* Sadly, I can't fit it in my tiny house, so I'll probably pick up this much smaller... and much cheaper accent chair from Home Decorators Collection.

I'm also contemplating picking up these super cute (And pretty cheap at only $56!) Kelsi Flats
from Steve Madden. I have a feeling I'll be practically living in them.

I'm telling you, if I'm not careful, I'll end up with a safari in my living room!

(Photo from the Galleria Park Hotel in San Francisco)

Fat Daddy Bake Shop

2008-02-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

Since the flu is still running my life at the moment, I'll make this short and sweet.

Usually, when I'm feeling under the weather, all I want is sweets. Seriously, the more chocolate the better. It seemed like the perfect excuse to try one of the cupcakes in a Jar from Fat Daddy Bake Shop.

Now, I love pretty much everything a cupcake has to offer, but these seem like a special treat. I adore the little jar. It reminds me of the cookie mix in a jar we used to make as Holiday gifts when I was a kid, only 100x better! I can't wait to give them a try.

Plus, they have ridiculous fun names like "Captain Carrot cake", "Banana Butterscotch Bad Boys", and "Smooth Criminal". It gets even better when you read the descriptions: This listing is for 1 half pint, 8oz jar of SMOOTH CRIMINAL cupcake.A Chocolaty, toffee-licious cupcake that's so moist, so scrumptious, so SMOOTH, it aught to be CRIMINAL!

They're a little pricey at $6.50 per cupcake, but I'll let you know if it's worth it!

Oh Martha..

2008-02-21T16:15:00.000-08:00

Can you please come and make over my kitchen?

I'm not always a huge fan of Martha's. I tend to like cleaner lines than she favors in her decorating, but something about her Cantitoe Kitchen is just screaming my name.

I just love that the woman has 8 million espresso cups.

Sadly, no amount of renovation will turn my 1950's galley kitchen into anything remotely resembling that beauty. But a girl can dream.

Obsession Du Jour

2008-02-17T22:13:00.000-08:00

Bedding.

Ok, I don't actually need new bedding. In fact, my husband will probably leave me if I buy one more duvet cover. But, I'm just in love with this new organic duvet cover from West Elm.

I pretty much love everything about it. It's white, which is my favorite home decor color as of late. It's feminine without an abundance of flowers or tassels or other weird typically feminine things. And it's masculine enough that I might even be allowed to put it in the master bedroom. (If I hadn't already purchased a few new duvets in the last few months, of course.)

Imagine how romantic it would look with this Moroccan headboard. Or how lush it would be with this crushed velvet headboard.

Le sigh.

I wonder if I could convince the husband that it's just one more set...

YUM!

2008-02-15T20:51:00.000-08:00

While I know I'm little late for a Valentine's Day post - I just have to share my favorite treats. Sibby's fabulous cupcakes.

Every year my valentine picks up a dozen of these tasty treats and I'm not even a little bit embarrassed to say that we've already eaten more than half! They are just that good. (My personal favorite is the Red Velvet Cupcake with cream cheese frosting.)

If you're in the San Mateo area, please do yourself a favor and pick some up. They really are wicked fabulous.

Couture Collars

2008-02-12T22:32:00.000-08:00

It's a pretty well known fact that I have a well dressed pup. Since I'm strictly forbidden from actually putting clothes on her, I've chosen instead to invest in an array of collars. I have more than I'll ever willingly admit to. But really, what's cuter than adding accessories to my own cute and furry accessory.

My current favorite is a zebra print from Zoe's Collection. I *might* have purchased this print with a matching lead during the Christmas season... It's fabulous. Randi really offers some cute styles! I'm also currently coveting the pink polka dot print as well.

With spring quickly approaching and the gloomy weather hopefully coming to an end, I'm loving this Tiffany Blue collar from Jasper and Lenore. The Gatlin Collar has a little Jackie O feeling with the the tweed fabric, so of course I love that as well. But, I think my favorite design of theirs is the Duncan Collar in orange. The paisley print gets me every time!

There are things in my life other than office supplies

2008-02-10T16:40:00.000-08:00

I do have other interests, I promise.

Last week a good friend asked me to help her find a leather writing pad/portfolio to take on an upcoming job interview. At first I laughed and thought it was almost too easy of a question. Aren't those things everywhere? Turns out, not so much. (Well, unless you're big on pleather.)

Now, there are two ways to look at this purchase. If you're planning on throwing the portfolio into your bag or briefcase, then it should probably be simple and slim. I like the color choices of this pad by Jack Georges and at $89.00 it's not too expensive. This pad is slightly pricier, but Lodis has fantastic leather. And again, the colors are just so fabulous. This Rawlings pad is still on the slimmer side, but the pebbly leather is divine.

If the portfolio is your statement pieces. - The piece de resistance of your outfit, then you need to think bigger. I tend to prefer this route when I'm trying to make a clean, professional impression. (No one needs to see me dig through my giant purse in search of a pen only to have lipstick, glasses, receipts, etc fall to the floor.) This Pad by Osgoode is my current favorite. It's slim enough to maybe slide into a large shoulder bag, but still stylish enough to stand on it's one. Since it's slightly larger than the other choices, just throw this beauty under your arm and walk through the door with style. I love it.

Obsession Du Jour

2008-02-08T13:56:00.000-08:00

So, the first blog entry is quite the feat....

I figured the easiest way to start this off was with my Obsession Du Jour. Office Supplies. (Yes. Seriously, I’m obsessed with Office Supplies. I'm not even a little bit kidding.)

That little lovely by Bob’s Your Uncle is what I’m now blaming for project Office Organization. What started, after buying my yearly planner, as just a simple desire to update my boring beige hanging files, has turned into a full blown shopping mission. I now want to update everything from my home décor binders (And dividers!), to my magazine holders.

How cute are these colorful file folders? Each a different pattern, and they have a contrasting interior. LOVE them. Throw them in the drawer inside some springy hanging files and you’re all set. Voila. I now have lovely files.

If I didn't already have the journal sized planner from Bob's Your Uncle, I would probably pick up the desk version as well. (Ok, who am I kidding? I've already put one in my shopping cart!) It seems like so much more fun to pencil in appoinments when the paper is so colorful. AND, it gives me a section for my to do list. It really is quite perfect. And, I know that technically, this is a toast rack... but how cute would it be holding my mail? (Thank you Domino for the fabulous idea!) I absolutely love being able to use things outside of their 'standard' uses. It makes me feel creative, and who doesn't love that.

Since I'm replacing everything else on top of my desk, how cute are these two notepads by knock knock? Being the self proclaimed queen of Pro/Con lists, I'm pretty sure this was made especially for me. The Sh*t List is another, slightly cheekier, alternative. I can't imagine ever having a reason to use it of course..... (If classic is more your style, I think this Kate Spade beauty takes the cake.)

And finally, the binders that outshine all other binders. I'm going to pick one up in the pink stripe, but really, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. They're so much cuter than a standard plastic binder with the see through sleeve. This is like the grown up version of the DIY collages that used to grace the outside of our school binders. Now that I think about it, I might get green toile as well...

Ok, actually, I lied. If I was going to really crazy, I wouldn't end with the binders. I'd throw caution to the wind and pick up one of these. An utterly fabulous retro 1950's type writer. I don't have an extra $500 laying around to pick one up, but if I did, I think it would make for a perfect pop of color on my desk. Don't you agree?

Le sigh.

What’s really exciting is that Organize.com is offering 10% off $100.00 or more purchase (Coupon Code: A9639)! Nice!

Welcome!

2008-02-06T22:15:00.000-08:00

The last thing anyone needs (myself included, natch) is another time sucking blog.

Lets hope that my forays into the treacherous world of fashion, home decor and general miscellany can keep you entertained.