Hiatus

I'm taking a blogging break for now, as I am working on many projects in and around the house. I'll post updates as we progress, but it seems I haven't been very inspired to post as of late. I'm even taking a break from posting on Design Talk as well.

Sofa Dreaming

We finally determined a space in our house suitable for the gorgeous maple armoire made by Aaron's dad. It will change the character of the seating area, softening the overall appearance. In line with that is the new Thompkins Sofa from West Elm. I just dream of having this super-comfy hemp sofa in the space. I love that there is just one seat cushion, and that the pillows are firm and substantial. But since we owe the federal government big time on taxes this year, I will just have to keep on dreaming.

They're Back, It's Officially Spring!

I was just in the kitchen starting dinner, when I thought I heard a vague, high-pitched buzzing sound. Sure enough, I looked out the window and there was the first hummingbird of the season, eating at the feeder. I just put the feeders out yesterday afternoon. That didn't take long! We'll have to see if it was just a migrator stopping by, or our pair from the past two years.

"Get Out Of There!"

So said my husband on the phone when I called him from Anthropologie. Drooling over dresses I can't afford is a bit pathetic, I admit. However, I refused to leave without the Owl Invasion Apron, which I am wearing right now. I love to cook and love to wear cute aprons while doing so, and this apron will fit right into my collection.

Not a Joke

The Die Electric experiment helps you plug your outlets when not in use, in the most disturbing ways.

Noose screws into an unused overhead light socket.

The Die Electric Chair

Plug Shelf

Toothbrush Holder

The Anti-Shoe

A shoe that activates neglected muscle, improves posture, tones the body and reduces stress on the knees and hips? These are the claims of MBT and I am willing to give them a go. They may look a little unusual, but they aren't as bad as those shoes with the coils on the heel. At over $200/pair I wonder if I can get a prescription from my doctor. I found a few ABQ stores that sell them, so maybe I'll try on a pair today.

Eating Our Veggies

Monday means a brand new veggie box from Los Poblanos Organics. Grown right across the Rio Grande in Los Ranchos, NM, our box is filled with super-nutritious organic fruits and vegetables. The boxes are delivered to a pick-up location right up the street from our house. It's amazing eating lettuce and carrots that were picked that morning! And we are supporting our local farmers, not driving 20 miles to Whole Foods.

Fluid Earth

I want a fruit bowl that reflects the landscape surrounding my home. At Fluid Earth I can design such a bowl.

Each part of the earth is unique in then design of her heights and depths. Fluidforms enables customers to have a piece of this singularity on a table at home. The different contour lines of a chosen area define the shape of the bowl. An expedition into landscapes and cities only known from hiking. The earth becomes a sensory experience, that can be filled with the fruits of the earth.

Granville Island Shops

In addition to the superb public market on Granville Island, there are dozens of design shops featuring some of Vancouver's most talented artists. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Wood Co-Op

Gigi B. on Granville Island

The Original Paper-Ya

Circle Craft Co-Operative Shop & Gallery

A Must See City

We're back from the most fabulous trip to Vancouver. Even in the rain it is incredibly beautiful, with limitless activities for the nature lover and the urban dweller. We never got to IDS West. Why be trapped in the convention center when the city was there to explore? I'll be putting together a complete design-oriented post when I get back from Minneapolis, but in the meantime check out the rest of the trip photos here. Oh, we did spend the last day in Seattle, most notably in the remarkable Seattle Public Library. I used to really like Seattle, but I must say now that it pales in comparison to Vancouver. If you haven't had the opportunity to visit, make your plans and get there!

Vancouver

We're leaving now for a week in Vancouver. Yes, leaving sunny New Mexico in the 60's-70's and heading for cold and rainy Vancouver in the 30's! Still, the weather won't stop us from enjoying one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I'm back home for two days and then have to head to Minneapolis for the Public Library Association conference, but I hope to get in a post or two at some point.

Here It Is

Well, here it is. The "bad garage" in all its glory. It is an eyesore on our property, but will soon be transformed into a fabulous office/studio with a half bath. Imagine a wall of south-facing windows, new Hardieplank siding, a nice deck on the side, a covered entryway and landscaped patio. No one will ever know it was a run-down garage.

Sprout

A little potted plant, a little sprout to remind us that spring is on the way. But does it remind you that it's time to clean the bathroom? These toilet brushes by Alessi will help make cleaning a more pleasant task.

Getting Woodsy

Not one to have alabaster antlers, squirrel serving platters or owl pillows in my house, I do like the nature-inspired Woody Wood Rug. Designed by Yvette Laduk these woodgrain infused rugs are made to last. The edges are burnt, cut and sprayed. I'm seeing this in the remodeled office/studio...

Perfect Sunday Evening

Aaron is out hiking with his favorite pup Kyla, and I'm in the kitchen putting together a hearty vegetarian moussaka. I've already opened a 2004 Phantom to let it breathe before serving. Well, of course I'm having some myself before dinner, but I've got to make sure it's the perfect wine for the moussaka. I hope there will be some left for dinner!

Just Smashing

Even Aaron loves Studio Dror's Vase of Phases collection. The black one is especially striking.

Parametre

When we remodel the bad garage to create our new office/studio, Aaron will need a partition for his music area. We don't want a wall blocking the light, and are looking for something light and flexible. Enter Parametre by 3Form. Available in four colors, three patterns and vertical or horizontal applications, these expandable polyester partitions are lightweight and clean. A UV coating allows them to be used either indoors or outdoors.

Spiral

The Spiral light by 101 is interesting, to say the least. The acrylic cord twists and turns up the table leg to form the lamp itself.

Luminesse

The most luxurious of oil-burning sculptures, the Aston releases aromatic essences through its soft glow. Available in the richest woods, including Macassar Ebony, Mappa Burl, Zebra and Walnut. The perfect gift for an ambiance connoisseur.

Diana Fayt

Visit Diana Fayt's website or Etsy shop to learn about her painstakingly gorgeous porcelain creations. I love the simplicity of her hand-etched illustrations and fine glazing.

Come On In!

In addition to the mega-remodel of the bad garage, I'd really like to spruce up our entry. Having a ranch-authentic front door is key. I absolutely love all of the reproductions styles from Crestview Doors. This Austin TX-based company designs and builds custom doors based on vintage 50's and 60's designs.

Crisp and Clean

Hand printed on 100% linen, these kitchen towels by defyra will bring an air of sophistication and whimsy to your kitchen.

PrePub Alert

This is one book I'm anticipating: Contemporary Chic, by Rozemarijn de Witte. Available this May, the book focuses on all my favorite aspects of modern decor: relaxed, cozy and natural.

And Speaking of Change

Since we spent a solid six months gutting and remodeling our ranch in 2006, we thought "why not tackle the bad garage?" So without further ado, we crunched the numbers, visited our banker, and have proceeded with plans to convert one of our detached garages into livable space. When done, the new studio/office will add over 400 square feet of finished space to our home. If we lived through the house remodel, this will be a piece of cake, right?


To put me in the mood for yet another major renovation, I visited Houseblogs.net for more "home improvement stories for the dwelling obsessed." But who am I kidding? This project will be far more difficult. The husband and I can't seem to agree on much so far: get an architect or not, what is the major purpose of the space, what kind of heating system should we use, shouldn't we use some money to redo the entrance to the house? The list goes on, but we need to come to some agreement soon. Now is the time of year to lock in a contractor and we can't still be arguing when they arrive!

Wisteria Delicacies

Bring the warmth of these items from Wisteria into your home this spring.

Plant Paintings

Moorish Chest

Coconut Chandelier

Mercury Glass Urns

Dragonfly Tray