One of the best lampshade refab how-tos ever

Need a spring spruce up but no budget whatsoever? I found this how to and thought it might make a nice weekend project. I'd love to see before and after pics if anyone decides to give this a go!


In order to read the directions - click on each image for a larger, legible view. Or, go to Nesting Newbies Winter 2010 issue, pg. 118 to see the article in it's original form

Gorgeous nature-inspired decor - vases, illuminaries, tealights, etc.

My trip to Boston in February left me with tons of inspiration and business cards from the plethora of adorable shops and boutiques. One of those shops was E.R. Butler & Co.; known for it's fine architectural details, but what made my jaw drop was the beautiful porcelain treasures and jewelry. Here are a few of my favs. -

The Ted Muehling pieces were simply amazing - the candlesticks, and the exceptionally delicate porcelain vases and candle holders. I'm especially drawn to objects with elements taken from nature - so the "coral" luminaries and tulip tea light especially.








They also have a lot of unique, and stunning jewelry like these cuffs by Darcy Miro.




The Boston showroom.

E.R. Butler also has showrooms in NYC and Florence. See the site for details.
I want to thank Nina, at E.R. Butler, who was super helpful and enthusiastic to answer questions during my visit. It's always great to meet someone passionate about what they do!

A "Belgian" rustic cottage with modern elegance

I'm not sure what "Belgian Rustic" means, but whatever it is I like it!
The dark wood timbers mixed with lighter neutrals is a palette I've always liked, and the nod to nature and a rustic "tied-to-the-earth" aesthetic is relaxing and homey.







Great sculpture!




Love this wooden armoire.


via Lonny Mag

Some yummy soaps to pamper yourself or someone who needs a little r&r

I was really grateful to Spirit Beauty Lounge for sending out two lovely soaps. One was from Skinny Skinny, an organic Lime and mint bar that is chicly and responsibly packaged and produce. This was great after the beach ( I spent the last three weeks visiting my sister in Tampa). The sent wasn't overly herbal like a lot of herbal soaps - but refreshing. Did I mention the lovely packaging?


The other treat I received was Nostalgia Organics Lavender Flowers. It was really tough to use this one as soap - as great as it is - because the scent is so wonderful. I had it on my desk for awhile before testing it and every now and then I'd get a whiff and...instant relaxation. I love the smell of lavender. And then I tucked it between my clothes in my suitcase and everything smelled so ahhhhmazing when I unpacked it.


A great perk of these products are organic and responsibly manufactured - they say, "Spirit Beauty Lounge is a place where you can shop safe, knowing we've done the research for you! All of our organic and sustainable products come from companies who have clearly defined humane, ethical, and environmental policies ensuring the care of our planet and its inhabitants!"

Want some yummies for yourself or for a hard-working lady in your life? See all the goodies at Spirit Beauty Lounge.

A gorgeous Copenhagen apartment furnished with Danish sensiblilty

This stunner caught my attention on first glance. The delicate decor mixed with the simple, clean lines of classic Danish furnishings is right up my ally. Not a bad way to start off the week eh?











Love that armchair

gorgeous



Beautiful space no?

via Indenfor and Udenfor

I know it's Saturday, but I can't have you miss this sale!

Gilt has two awesome sales right now - a House Beautiful themed "Blue Haven" sale, and an ABC Carpet & Home sale. Should you ever visit NYC - you must go visit ABC Carpet at 888 Broadway just north of Union Square.

These sales sell out fast so go to Gilt and get yours! Click on this link -if you're not a member you can sign up and automatically become one (it's free and you don't have to wait) - http://www.gilt.com/invite/ashley770

The House Beautiful sale:

Love this John Robshaw quilt.

Really pretty garden stools





The ABC sale:








Again - go to Gilt by clicking here http://www.gilt.com/invite/ashley770 to shop these sales. Have a great weekend!