So You Think You're Funny Huh

I just realized that I haven't put together a post today, while I was (you guessed it) playing around on Pinterest again.  Then I came along this saying and I had share, because yes, I've done this.  In fact, just last night I did this while trying to fall asleep.

Except in my case I started laughing really hard.  (Why you ask?)  Because this is what popped into my head when I started talking to myself.  The little girl in this picture.

So what I was saying to myself that prompted this image, was that I such a dork, because I love everything about blogs right now.  (Which is hard, because not a lot of my friends really are into blogs at all.  Hence the calling myself a dork, because that is what they would call me.)  I love reading them, creating my own, how to be a better blogger, you name it.

I spent 4+ hours last night trying to find people who attended The Alt Conference that posted notes on their blogs, so I could find out what I missed.  I felt like a little kid in a candy store when I found a bunch, and then thought my face had to look like this little girls.  (Is that so wrong? Are you laughing yet?  I am!!!)  The look on that little girl's face just kills me.  (Still laughing by the way.) 

Anyway, hope you got a laugh out it too.  I know that when talking to my friends about blogs, this has got to be the look they see.  Which prompts them to just nod and smile.  (It's okay.  I know I'm not normal, and I'm ok with it.  I know they still love me.)

Have a great day!

Blog Conferences 2012

Last year I started blogging as a way to talk about interior design (my love), to show some of my design projects (my love helping others), and share DIY projects that I've done (my love of creation).

Well one of the sides of me I haven't shared on my blog yet is my dorky, or some might say nerdy, side of me.  I love (no make that LOVE) self help, or as I like to say, self improvement.  Just because I don't go to school anymore, doesn't mean that I've stopped learning, because I still have a hunger to still learn more.  I am constantly reading books, searching the internet, attending seminars/conferences, talking to others, basically anything and everything I can do to become more educated and better at what I do.  My mom taught me that if you want something go get it.

So this weekend I started researching Blog Conferences for 2012.  (Also check out Blog Conference Newbie.)  The reason I bring this up is because one of my fave blogs to read 6th Street Design School posted about the one she attended last weekend.  Altitude Design Summit, or Alt.  So totally bummed I missed this one.  It was packed full of topics that I really want to learn about, and most of my favorite people in design, DIY, and blogging where there.  Even Ben Silbermann co-founder of Pinterest.  (I totally hate that I missed this.  So kicking myself!!!!!)

Anyway, I didn't want to miss out on any other really good blog conferences that might be out there for 2012.  (Holy cow there are tons.)  There are some that specialize in ones area of interest, ones that are technical, ones that are for mom's.  You name it, it's out there in a variety of place and prices. 

Here are just a few I would like to attend.  (Some are coming right up that I won't be able to attend, but thought you might like to know about anyway.)

• Blissdom Conference in Nashville, TN  (Feb. 23-25th)
• Design Bloggers 2012 Conference in Los Angeles, CA  (Feb. 26-28th)
• Blogfest 2012 in New York, NY  (May 21-23rd)
• SheCon Expo in Lake Buena Vista, FL  (May 25-27th)
• Haven Conference in Atlanta, GA  (June 21-22nd)
• EVO in Park City, UT  (July 12-14th)
• Bloggy Boot Camp in Las Vegas, NV  (Oct. 13th)

There are many more conferences out there, but these are just a few that spark my interest.  If you know of an upcoming conference that I did not post, that is related to the above, please let me know.

Knowledge is power, so keep on learning.

Have a great day!

Friday Favorites - ELFA

I love being organized, and optimizing my storage options.  And with ELFA from The Container Store, you can do just that.  With so many different ways to customize your closets, organize your office and/or craft/hobby room, etc., you can't go wrong.

What makes ELFA so appealing is they have lots of options and price points that fit both your needs, and pocket books.  You can do wire shelving, solid shelving, baskets, pant hanger, rods of various sizes to hang your clothes, and the list goes on and on.

The reason I bring this all up, well...  I'm on my next 2 projects dealing with, you guessed it, closet organization and maximizing space.  They are both in the same home, but one is for the entry closet, and the second is a walk-in closet in the home's office.  The best part, ELFA is on sale right now.  30% off.

Make sure you check The Container Store out if you are planning organize your closet, office, garage, or whatever space that could use some organization.

Have a great day.

Light n' Bright

This week I have been working with one of my clients to update her very small kitchen.  Some of her requests are to make it light and bright, and to open up the wall between the kitchen and living room.  (And let me tell you, just opening the wall has made a world of difference.)

She also really wants to keep the cabinets and counters white.  The counters are a white with a hint of gray to give some contrast to the white cabinets.  The backsplash will be bead board with the walls in a nice soft yellow paint.

Then we will use her accessories (microwave, mixing bowls, pot and pans, etc.) as her accents in her kitchen. They are mostly red, and will give a great punch of color to this small space.

Below is her Style Board that I created to give you all a taste of what we are cooking up for her kitchen.

1)  Pendant Lighting (red hand blown art glass)
2)  Pots/Pan, Microwave, Mixing Bowls are all her existing accessories
3)  Kohler Faucet (Chrome finish)
4)  Bead board for backsplash
5)  Pale yellow for the walls
6)  Quartz countertops
7)  White shaker style cabinets
8)  Tile floors
9)  Chrome handles

Here is an inspirational kitchen.  (Minus the red accessories.)

It's a bit different from what the final kitchen will look like, but it gives a good idea of the direction we are going.  Hope you like it, and stay tuned for final pictures.

Have a great day.

Artful Gifts

While searching Etsy I happened upon some great artists.  Their creativity is so amazing.  Below are a few of my favorites.

These 2 are from Textured Ink.  There are many more images I really like by Textured Ink, but I wanted to feature some more artists I like.

Like these maps from StudioKMO.  These are so cool.  (The above pic is of London.  Love!)

And how about these amazing paper portraits by Annie Sklaver.  These are my absolute faves.  What a talent Annie has.

Please be sure to check out all of the artists above as they have many more works of art to be adored.

Have a great day.

So Many Projects, So Little Time

As many of you know I love Do It Yourself projects, and every time I go onto Pinterest I see even more projects that I would love to do.  Such as:

This one from Natty by Design.  They are customizable paint sticks that you can take with you when shopping on your next design project.  This is a must for any project that involves color.  I 'Pinned it' from Pinterest, but I linked to Natty's tutorial for this project because it's genius I say.  (PS Be sure to check out her Portfolio.  She has beautifully painted furniture pieces.)

Then there is this beautiful duvet cover that Kiki gives you a detailed instructions on how to make over at Kiki Creates.  (So want to do this.)  She also has some other great tutorials you should check out too.

And lets not forget how much I loooove my chevron patterns.  (Obsess much?  Why yes I do.)  So stick with me on this one.  It's a fun ride on how I got to the source for how to make this rug.  I found this image on Pinterest, which took me to IKEA Hackers, which took me to (wait for it) Mason Jar Champagne.  (I have to say I love Mason Jar Champagne.  Especially because of this little beauty called Lulu.)

You had me at Hello!!!  (My little boys, Jake and Elwood, would love to have playtime with you.  And yes I'm referring to my dogs.  They are my kids.)

There are so many more projects that I would love to do, and if you would like to check them out, please see my DIY Projects To Do on Pinterest.  (By the way, I have done the tile coasters with scrapbook paper.  See my post on Welcome 2012 - Sneak Peek.)

Anyway, hope you enjoy the projects too, and find your own inspiration for your next creative adventure.

Have a great day.






PS Sorry for the delay in today's post, and no post yesterday.  One of my little guys is has been sick, and have had some family matters to attend to also.

Friday Favorite - Welcome To My Dream Home

Do you know what your dream home looks like?  Well I do, and I thought I'd share a glimpse of my dream home with you today.  Let me take you on a tour.

Welcome to my home.  Yes it's in an urban setting, but I love the ability to walk to whatever I might need to go.  (Besides, I could use the extra exercise.)

Here is my entry.  Please let me take your coat so you can stay awhile.

Have a seat here in the living room, while I go fix you a drink. 

What would you like?  A glass of wine?  Perhaps a cocktail?

 

Our kitchen is a great gathering place, and my hubby is a fantastic chef.  (Heck as far as I'm concerned, as long a someone else is cooking, I'm good.)

And since it's such a wonderful evening, we can hang out for awhile long in the garden.

Then after the evening's over, I might head upstairs to read a bit before bed.

After which I'll change into my pj's.

Get all cleaned up for bed.

Then get all snugly in my bed so I can have wonderful dreams about actually living here someday.  (Sooner then later I hope.)

Now that we are firmly planted back into reality, I hope you all enjoyed the tour of my dream home.  (Sometimes you just need to share your dreams out loud so that the universe can hear you.)  I'll keep you posted on the progress of my dream.

Hope your dreams come true too.

Have a great day!





NOTE:  All pictures via Pinterest.

I'm Lost

Please don't come find me.  (Wink.  Wink.)  Thought today I would take a mental break to an incredibly picturesque place.

While reading one of my favorite blogs today, Elements of Style, Erin was talking about Goldeneye in St. Mary, Jamaica. (Man she has good taste.  That and I'm envious of that fact she is leaving for Paris tomorrow.)

Anyway, Goldeneye is absolutely beautiful.  (Hence the reason I said please don't find me.)

Well after the lovely (sarcasm) weather we have been having here (Oregon), I'm sure you can understand why I'm saying this.  Not to mention, I mean really, who wouldn't want to be sitting here right now???

So leave me to my fantasies, and I will talk to you tomorrow.

Have a great day.
 





 
NOTE: Images via Pinterest.

Have a Seat

The other day I was doing my usual troll on Craigslist and I came along these two beauties.

They need to be reupholstered, but I'm up for the challenge.  The only decision I have to make is which fabric to cover them in.

This one has always been one of my faves.  Robert Allen by Dwell Studio

Should I choose my pattern obsession of chevrons?  Premier Prints

Or how about this yummy geometric by Waverly.

Decisions, decisions.  I will have to let you know which one I actually choose later.  If you have a fabric that is your favorite, let me know.  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Have a great day!

Simple Matters

Yesterday was one of my girlfriends birthday, and I made her gift.  I took a votive holder, some ribbon, and the letter 'S' for her name and put it all together on the votive holder. 

Then I got these really cute, clear boxes that I put scented votive candles in, and wrapped it all up.

Lastly I made her card with some leftover decorative paper and card stock I had.  Added a couple of sticker to the front, and ta-da.  A simple, personalized gift just for her.  And she loved it.

 
It's the little things that matter. :)

Have a great day!

Gettin Some Bloglovin

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

In an effort to grow readership, this weekend I signed up with bloglovin'.

This is an excellent place to find new blogs, and keep track of ones you currently follow.

I love that bloglovin' is a great way for me to keep up on the blogs I love to read.  Instead of going a checking my favorite blogs daily to see if they have a new post, bloglovin' sends me an email letting me know who posted and what the post is about.  The best part about this option is you can choose to get an email daily, every time your favorites blogs post, or no email.  You choose what works best for you.  I know for me this is a time saver, because there are a few blogs that I follow that don't post regularly.

Anyway, if you have your own blog, or you just follow certain blogs, bloglovin' is a definite must.  It helps you grow your presences, and safe time keeping up on your favorite reads.  If you like reading Interior Blueprint and want keep up with interior design and DIY project, please click on the Follow this blog with bloglovin' button to the right.

Thanks, and have a great day!

Friday Favorites - Spoonflower

Ok I know I always talk about Pinterest, but really.... I wouldn't find all of these new and wonderful places if I wasn't always there following someone else's Pins.  This week I couldn't wait to post today's Friday Favorite, because it is about Spoonflower.

What.... You've never heard of Spoonflower?  It's ok.  I didn't either until Tuesday while playing on Pinterest, AGAIN.  Anyway, Spoonflower is a place where you can create your own custom fabric.  That's right.  You can design your own pattern submit it to Spoonflower, and they will print it on the fabric of your choice.  (Is your mouth hanging wide open right now, because I know mine was when I found this site.)  This is the best thing ever.  (Especially for all of those creative types out there.  Me!)

Don't feel all that creative?  Well that's ok too.  You can also purchase fabrics that have been created by others.  Below are a few of my favorite.

The fabric above was created by Heather Dutton at Hang Tight Studio.

This lovely Ikat was created by Patty Sloniger over at Beck and Lundy.

Then there is one of my favorites, Holli Zollinger.  (Her site is also called Holli Zollinger.)  She has so many wonderful designs, it's hard to choose just one.  Holli is a very talented designer.

Anyway, if you are feeling creative and want to create your own fabric, please check out Spoonflower.  They are truly one of a kind.  Love them.

Have a great day!