{Paddington - Love}

Awww....Today is marks the 50th birthday of Paddington Bear!! To some, this may be sweet; to others it makes no impact; to me, however, it is truly wonderful and even makes my heart smile. You see, I love Paddington. Dearly. I've even begun "hunting" for Paddington Bear treasures for our little boy's nursery. {Hold on...settle down...I'm not preggo yet!} :) Jack Riley of The Independant, UK says...

"...The first Paddington story, entitled A Bear Called Paddington was released on 13 October 1958. The book described the bear's first year in Britain, from his discovery at Paddington station by his owners Mr and Mrs Brown, through the trauma of his first experience of bathing, and concluded with the anniversary of his fortuitous discovery." Continue reading here...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Paddington Bear!

{in the Zone}

Today, "j'aime" these pieces from Zone found via DecorMag. The clock would do nicely in our home. Maybe with a slight change...I'm thinking: paint. But, then again I am so sleepy right now...so anything sounds wonderful, especially with paint.

{thanks to YOU}

I {like most} have had a crazy busy week...all the while craving to "CREATE". I am overwhelmed with current whims {that my husband graciously supports}. This isn't a new facination with me, but definitely a stronger motivation. I wondered what has propelled this...and then I thought of YOU.

My first thanks desearvingly goes to one of my best friends, Kirsten of SimplyGrove. Her friendship, neverending encouragement and decor genius has inspired me for years. But, in all honesty...it was because of HER that I started a blog. "A great way to keep in touch with the distance between us." And...because of her, I was introduced to so many other wonderful inspirations!

{My lovely sister, Amber. Above is the wedding gift she made my husband and I!}

{As long as I've know Jennifer from A Merry Mishap, I have been in awe. Her talent is incredible. Above is a sample of her work....a pillow that I l-o-v-e.}

Below are bloggers that I have since met {in this never ending blogoshere} and admire greatly! Their creations are delightful!

{The amazing photography above --and so much more-- is by Mrs. French of Bliss. Check out her shop here! --and don't be shocked if you receive some of her work for gifts...as I'm in LOVE with the pictures.}

{The above....sigh!...are created by Little ByRD. They are positively delightful, as are the rest of her creations!}

{Krissy from Paper Schmaper must lead the most facinating life! Her attention to paper detail is amazing. Her blog features incredible works of art...even somewhat unbelievable and her shop features not only the adorable pieces above, but so much more!

{These journals above -- or as I like to call them "Skip Along Books" -- are darling. Julia from Red Otter offers great detail on each of her pieces. Check out more here!}

Most of the people mentioned, know each other...but, for my dear friends and family that haven't checked out the above inspirations: this weekend is a perfect time! You will be filled with delight!

Happy "creative" weekend!!

{fall project // autumn wreath}

This is what I'm working on...

{completely clever}

Make your own basket from an old sweater! Some other ideas included adding brown leather handles, or even turning this into a slip cover over an existing basket...Whatever your creativity fancies, make it a successful day!

:)

{cozy time}

Today, I would like to be snuggled up on this davenport...

next to this fireplace...
reading one of these books... Yes, that's what I crave! After all, I can hear the rain and it would be so cozy! What I would give for a wall of books! I love "library walls".

{all photos courtesy House to Home}

{autumn is here!}

A start of a new season, beautiful colors, cozy clothes, and warm cups of delicious cider, chocolate, tea and of course coffee....yes, autumn is here! How I love these months and am in awe by the beauty that surrounds us in this new city. I can't help but think back to all the beautiful places I've lived {within the last decade. Yes, decade...I'm that old!}

Northern IdahoSouthern Idaho Paris, France Tulsa, Oklahoma Anchorage, Alaska Seattle, Washington

What a lovely season this will be! Happy Autumn!

{The pictures were found via flickr...}

{j'aime....}

beautiful ribbon...

yards of home spun yarn...

spools of colorful thread... baskets of buttons...
jars of beads...
and walls of fabric...
J'aime the little "trims" in life that make each day beautiful!

{chignon}

{chi·gnon

[sheen-yon, sheen-yuhn; Fr. shee-nyawn] a large, smooth twist, roll, or knot of hair, worn by women at the nape of the neck or the back of the head. Origin: 1175-85.}

I crave a good chignon today. With autumn almost here, I can't help but think about great scarves, fabulous coats and wonderful chignons! Don't you love pulling your hair back in a messy bun (or beautifully crafted one) in the Fall...or any season for that matter?

{lululemon}

Well, I joined a gym! {Finally.} Now don't freak out...but it is quite amazing what a week of working out did for me :: I know! Right?! I look amazing! Well, okay - so obviously that's not me. Getting back into consitantly working out though has been great. AND...it has put a new thought in my head: work out clothes. {hehe} Around labor day weekend I got a great new pair of shoes and even picked up some cute Under Amour wear. However, one shop I haven't purchased anything from yet, but really love, is lululemon. Starting in Vancouver, BC, they have expanded and have stores all over. They offer anything from cute shirts, leg warmers, cute gym bags, hair bands, awesome jackets and pants...

I'm feeling the need to go to U-Village to do some shopping...so I can better work out, of course! {Hmm.}

{Cox & Cox: repeated inspiration}

Cox & Cox. I really don't need to say anything more, but I'm brimming over with inspiration that I can't help but gab a bit. After reading Please Sir's "Throw a Party" post last week, where she featured a Jig Saw Cookie Cutter...I had to follow the link. My eyes were opened the moment I did! In fact, I found so many things that I liked, I just possibly couldn't share it soley on this blog, but had to break it up with my other blog too. Thank you Please Sir {who thanked Bliss} for the link to these wonderful items!

I just love the following collection of items! This vintage pillow and fragrant door stop. Or the laundry "helps", awesome LO VE pillows and vintage record coasters...

The following brings delicate beauty to any room...



I how practical yet unique these items are! {Check out that fire extinguisher!! Or those novice candle collars that protect your candle sticks!}



Of course, a nod to France...

These pics above were a bit more appropriate for this blog, but for the rest of my Cox & Cox faves, click here!