From the monthly archives:

September 2009

Blog Of The Week: Sam’s Notebook

September 22, 2009

Good morning, sweet friends! I know I am a bit late posting my Blog of the Week, as I generally do this on Monday, but better late than never, right? After beginning my design classes, it has been a bit of a struggle to get back into the rhythm of writing here on top of getting accustomed to my new coursework – but I am finding my way! Blogging has become such an important part of my life, and I have “met” so many wonderful, creative, talented and sweet individuals through this medium. One of these individuals is the creator of this week’s featured blog: Sam of Sam’s Notebook, who I got to know a bit during the Blogging Your Way ecourse taught by Holly Becker of decor8. Sam’s Notebook is a constant source of inspiration for me, so I think you will also really enjoy this peek into Sam’s world!

Sam is an Australian living in Sweden – two places I am dying to visit – so right off the bat I knew I would be inspired by her unique vision. Recently, Sam traveled to Paris with her family and explored the city using Pia’s book, Paris: Made by Hand as a guide. I absolutely adore her posts from this trip, and have bookmarked them future reference! The photos above were all taken by Sam during her wanders in Paris – drool!

I love reading bloggers who live in countries other than my own – seeing a different corner of the world is so inspiring to me. Honestly, just looking at those little produce tags written with European-style numbers gets my heart racing a bit! Oh yes, and as a former-preschool teacher and hopeful someday-mama, I get super excited when Sam posts the occasional photo of her absolutely adorable little one. Just look at her strolling barefoot in that meadow! Have you seen anything cuter?

Sam’s Notebook is such a lovely little corner of the blogging world – why don’t you go pay her a visit?

p.s. – I’ve just added a category for Blogs, so now you can access all of my Blog of the Week posts right here.

{images: Sam’s Notebook}

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Autumnal

September 21, 2009

in Design & Decor

After a weekend filled with delicious scents wafting from the kitchen (apple cider chicken, root vegetable cobbler, hot toddies, mm…), leisurely walks through woods and neighborhoods, afternoon naps, and the purchase of our sofa (it’s this one – not quite a sofette, but B and I fell for the larger size and it should work!), I am back feeling rejuvenated and inspired. I just LOVE the fall so, so much, and it felt wonderful to immerse myself in Autumnal pleasures over the weekend. Today, I have just a few images to share with you that are inspiring me – I hope they do the same for you!

The room in the top photo is by the super-talented Mark Lund – is that a yummy space or what? I love the clean, masculine lines of the furnishings combined with the warm, cozy colors and textures. Below that, you will see a few of my favorite little things found on Etsy this week: Awesome vintage 1970s boots here, perfect for fall leaf walks (they are not my size, or believe me, I would have scooped them up already!); sweet plaid inspiration hoop here (this is my own photo – it just arrived in the mail today!); darling bird mobile here, meant for a child’s room, but I would certainly hang one above my desk!

Happy early fall!!

{images: linked to individual sources above}

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Oh Dear

September 17, 2009

in The Sweet Life

Oh dear, oh my! It seems I have fallen into a rabbit hole this week and forgotten to blog…but actually, blogging has been very much on my mind each day, yet somehow…nothing made it onto the page. I think I am suffering from what you might call a case of TMI ~ too much inspiration!! Does that ever happen to you?

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I guess I needed more of a breather than I realized after moving into this house and then beginning my Interior Design courses this week. And there are just so many things I want to do this Fall – in my home, through my courses and right here on Lolalina – it’s honestly a bit overwhelming! Where to begin?? I have heard from so many of you, dear readers, sharing that you are also going through transitions of your own – from career changes to big moves - so, I feel sure that you can sympathize when I say these changes feel totally exhilarating and frightening all at once! I’ve been having so many ideas zinging around my mind at lightning-speed that I haven’t been able to focus properly on one idea or project at a time. Can you relate?

And it’s at times like these when I know it’s time to get back to the basics. Simplicity. White space. Nature. Family. Love. Tea. So, I’ve just decided to officially take off for the weekend early. I am going to cook a few leisurely meals, do some journaling, and get out for a nice long walk in the woods to enjoy the crisp, early Fall air. See you back here on Monday, refreshed and renewed. And if you would like to share anything that is going on in your life right now, I would love to hear all about it!

{gorgeous photo by Jacqleen Bleu}

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Blog Of The Week: Beauty Everyday

September 14, 2009

in Blogs

So much joy and pleasure can be ours just by recognizing the beauty of each season; by keeping our eyes open and senses tuned in to the little changes happening all around us in the natural world. I chose my Blog of the Week, Beauty Everyday, precisely because the three talented, creative women behind it – Kristen Bach, Rebecca Wood and Rinne Allen – are committed to seeking out beauty in the little things that surround us.

Beauty Everyday is based in Georgia, and I love their tag line, “Southern beauty, creativity, & food” – doesn’t that just sound delightful? After spending a good part of the morning reading past posts and sipping good strong coffee, I wish I could hop in my car right now and drive down to Georgia to meet these lovely ladies in person!

Each day they post gorgeous diptychs like the ones above, focusing their lenses on everything from rusted-out tin cans and worn wood to wildflowers, mushrooms, and little corners of sky…

And you want to know what’s kind of funny? I actually found the Beauty Everyday blog after falling in love with the little books they sell on Etsy – I just ordered two, but don’t worry! If you want one (and how could you not?), I just noticed they have already restocked their shop!

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I think what touches me most about Beauty Everyday is that reading it inspires me to open my eyes and notice the beauty in my own life – the first tinge of flame-red on the leaves outside my window, the creak of the screen door on my front porch, the abundance and generosity of nature. I do hope you will go visit Beauty Everyday this week!

And I would love to know: where are you finding beauty in your life today?

{images: Beauty Everyday}

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Sweet Obsessions Friday

September 11, 2009

in Sweet Obsessions

Well, it’s the weekend, friends! Do you have any special plans on your agenda? It’s looking a bit gray and chilly where I am (I actually had to just run and put on a sweater!) so I have my fingers crossed for good weather in time to celebrate my sweetie’s birthday in our backyard tomorrow. I hope you have a wonderful, cozy weekend wherever you are! Before I head out though, I do have a nice collection of images and things that are inspiring me this week that I would like to share with you. So, go get yourself a cup of something warm and comforting (I have a mug of fragrant Earl Grey beside me to sip as I type) and relax…

1. All of these images from Tine K Home are really speaking to me right now – I love the darkly elegant feel of black and smoky grays with rich purple, silver and delicate glass.

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2. Don’t you wish you could zip over to Finland to enjoy one of these mini pavlovas with black and red currants, made by the lovely Tiina of Sparkling Ink? I do, even though they almost look too pretty to eat!

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3. I am in awe of California-based artist Amanda Hughen, whose work reminds me of patterns in the natural world. Featured on Coco + Kelley.

4. I stumbled upon the work of photographer Max Attenborugh through this wonderful post by stylist Selina Lake (written for decor8) – and I am so glad I did, because each photo in his portfolio is a little treasure!

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5. I am dying to try something from Portland General Store, a line of skincare, bath products and perfumes handmade in Maine. I love the old-timey aesthetic of the packaging, and the scents sound amazingly good. Creator of the line Lisa Brodar also has a shop for men’s products with cool-sounding goodies like Whiskey Shave Jelly.

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6. And finally, I am developing a bit of an obsession with buntings (or banners, or whatever you would like to call them) – two of my favorite examples for use-of-bunting have to be this lovely white kitchen, found on Desire to Inspire, and the letter bunting personalized just for the family goat, featured on the Country Days blog.

That’s it for now! Thank you so much for spending time with me here this week. I hope you have a really lovely weekend, and I will meet you back here on Monday with a new blog of the week!