perserverance

i have been hounding a friend of mine for 3 years to let me into her closet to shop. she is one of those people who have been collecting vintage apparel for years and years...... and has become one of my few style hero's.

well, she has finally come to her senses and launched a brilliant business, StyleKouncil. she is now styling private citizens and cleansing and updating their wardrobes with both new and vintage pieces, even some pieces from her own private collection. this is brilliant for her and if you need an update or consult for a special event...she's and her new business partner are your gal's. anything from vintage chanel to rugged and vintage special addition levi's. too good to be true.

so, this opened up our conversations of my raiding of her closet, but instead she edited some items based on a few request from me AND came over to my place and did a private trunk show....i scored a few coveted items.

i have been wearing this wrangler jacket every day for the last 2 weeks and there are no plans in the near future to change this routine. and these wingtips are beyond all hopes for detail.

more to come on StyleKouncil. the website is launching soon.

keep walking

...is that i told myself early sunday morning as i threw on my sweats and ran accross the street to the grocery store to get some coffee/cream. (why do i let it come to this place).

anyway, as i entered the store the fall/holiday flower shop was buried in boxes of these small gourds. i did a double take at the white ones and then darted to the coffee isle in hopes of getting in and out get back to my sunday morning NPR routine with no further distractions or purchases. stealth focus.

so, i just wanted to see how much they were charging this year. @ $0.59 each it would be a crime if i didn't grab a few....and the story gets murky after this.

a few shots from my sunday morning futzing around..

light bright

norwegian blogger stays true to my expectations. am i living in the wrong part of the world? i still get that skip of the heart beat when a simple approach to design such as this. light and bright and hints of textures and utilitarian traits.

check out more off Blogger Kjerstis Lykke home.

and more of less

just some great images i think you will enjoy. little art on the walls, lots of light, and cozy inspired.

i really like the living room. all the furniture is so close together, a great little spot to relax alone with a book, or friends and loved ones...almost sitting hand in hand. no tv in sight....

images from the home of camilla jensen (Norwegian cook and cookbook author)

drawers

all the drawers in this house are full of tid-bits that i can't seem to part with. not organized, just full of stuff. lots of junk drawers...isn't that what drawers are for?

today i started cleaning one out and these were a few of the thing's that have been tucked away, in a safe place and without use or frequent thought.

the orange box is one i just can't part with. my favorite chocolate spot in paris...it is empty and has been for 8 years, but i just can't let it go. same with the match box with a peach....and the key chain with key's i have no idea what they unlock....

so, i put them all back in the drawer where they came from and will figure out LATER where they should live. so, the hording continues.

i thought they would make a great little collection photo. see...they do have a purpose.

pre & post massive crobar

if you look at the after photo you can see a HUGE yellow crowbar that was a housewarming gift from my every-so-wise brother in law, husband of my lovely and talented sister (fringe).

well, as you can see..there has been some major demo and 75% of it was because of our the biggest tool i have ever owned (i had no idea they made them that big) and some Brut force.

so, more great news for the weary and blister ridden new homeowners. this entry was originally part of the wrap around porch that was converted into living space back in the 30's or 40's and it looks like the original painted plank floors are in tact. i have to say, i love this golden brown color and there is a possibility we just might live with this color for a while. much more charming and warm in person....i can't wait for your comments.

notice how that mammoth floor to ceiling cabinet removal opens this space right up.

hope you all have a memorable weekend. we will be at the cabin, scraping up glue/black tar from the kitchen and living room floor...and the sun will bring the temps to the 90's. need to get friendly with all the neighbors with pools. :)

can you please..

..give a guy a break. this is killing me, so inspirational and clean. this home is the purest form of "less is more". everything looks effortless and lived in.

you know, the fireplace mantle totally took me down...so great!

found this great blog (desire to inspire) on remodelista.

warming up

such a great image and use of color..the gray has an amazing warm hue that marries quite well with the floors. i am quite versatile when it comes to design and this photo is such a great example of that:

old world details
modern touches
monochromatic hues
and that warm and inviting wood floor that, to me, grounds the room with a welcoming breath.

TTIT

image courtesy of canadian house and home

b-mo & wilbur go camping

just got back from a great weekend of camping here in northern california.

b-mo and wilbur picked this location as they could camp in the redwoods AND then they can walk 15 minutes and be at the rugged northern california coast.

they had a fantastic time and still smelling the residual campfire smoke.

as soon as we got there, we covered the table with this amazing wood grain printed table cloth from Amsterdam (my friend Kat brought this treat), then we walked into the woods and grabbed some pine cones and branches and decorated the table. our attempt camping fine dining and decor.

old soul

whenever i see the interior work of darryl carter, i take a moment of silence and let my inner joy get the party started.

to me, his practical sensibility is just right. he could take it up a notch and layer in more modern or take it down a notch for a more primitive minimal.

he lets his 19th century cottage be just what it was intended to be....well done.

photo's from elle decor

king of the mantel, for now anyway

early 1900's oil on board painting of an elk. the thought was cabin, now i think city mantel suit's him better.

until i get itch for change....and he strolls to the cabin. maybe around the holiday's?

ebay: $49.00

photo by brock street

au revoir, you've been a great weekend

a few shot's of evening light in the mission, san francisco. the north, east and western view from our apt at 7:30pm.

...and a nice 70 with a light breeze...perfect ending to a productive & relaxing weekend.

hope this finds you all in that almost comatose state after a great weekend.