TGIF, 10/15/10 Edition

(via Real Simple)

Since the fall officially began I've been in major nesting mode, using my weekends to further all of the projects I've got bubbling in my brain. This weekend is no exception.

I'm working on the "den" to make it as casually quirky as the room from Real Simple above. I love the blend of prints that are balanced by the white walls and neutral sofa and chairs.

On tap this weekend:

• Reviving a thrift-store lamp
  
• Enjoying high school cross-country (to support Adam's little sister, who's team captain!)
• Pumpkin gathering
• Watching the Phils destroy the Giants (it's a Halladay/Linececum match-up!)

Oh, and don't forget to add your two-cents to my ottoman quandry...I need all the help I can get!

Happy weekend, friends!

I Need Advice: Fabric for Ottomans

I've got a second post today because I'm in a design quandry, readers. I need your eyes and good taste.

I'm considering using the "Togo" print in Titan/Birch (teal on a cream background) from Premier Prints for the two parsons ottomans I bought on Craigslist.

"Togo" print in Titan/Birch via Premier Prints

You may remember I spent only $25 on the ottomans, so I don't want to go break the bank with the fabric and reupholstery. I need about 5 yards and, at $10.99/yard, the "Togo" print seems like a fun and inexpensive option.

I turn to you readers: should I go with the print? Or will I tire of it too quickly? I'm thinking I could use the charcoal fabric from the loveseat for the cording detail on the ottomans--what do you think?

Share your opinions, please!

Has anyone ordered from Premier Prints before?
What was your experience like?

p.p. I sold the Williams-Sonoma striped cream/red rug that was in the den, so I'm starting over with a new color scheme.

Wedding Preparations: Pottery Collection

Over the weekend, Adam and I went to Connecticut for a long-overdue visit with my parents. Have I mentioned how much I love these people? Or how supportive they are? Or how excited about my wedding my mom is?

I had casually mentioned to my mom that, for our wedding, I would like a hodgepodge collection of cream planters and vases (McCoy or otherwise) to hold flowers on the reception tables. I have a few (maybe 5) that I've picked up from Ebay, thrift stores, or antique shops for very little well before I was even engaged. So, what did my mom do with this casual comment?

She did this:

Since June, she's had the goal of collecting a variety of these cream planters. She's practically scouring all of New England. These selections range from Maine to Pennsylvania, with none more expensive than $20.

It's funny how, in just a gesture like this, my parents' love is so apparent. I am looking forward to the day when they are assembled with pride at my wedding reception.

Thanks, Mom.

Nightstand Quick Change

So how about a midweek makeover, friends?

I'm still working on the ol' guest bedroom, and have been looking at a way to update a vintage wire stool I purchased on Ebay over the summer. Here it was, in all it's previous glory.

I had no use for another seat in the room, so I decided to convert it into a nightstand.

Over the weekend, I did a little "shopping" at my parents' house, and found one of those round tables with removable legs. You know the ones: they are usually made of MDF or pressed wood, and are usually covered with ruffled table skirts. The only thing salvageable from this table was the round tabletop. It would make a perfect top to my new nightstand.

Silly me, I tried staining the "wood," but the stain just highlighted the crap material I was working with. Instead, I painted it with white primer.

With a coat of paint, this stool was reinvented into a nightstand.

How'd I do?

New York Public Library Digital Prints

It's Monday, friends.

To offset the Monday depression that I'm met with each week, I've decided to share with you some lovely prints available from the New York Public Library Digital Gallery. There's a wide range of subjects here and the best part is they are available for printing starting at only $25!

Right now, I'm head-over-heels for these British algae cyanotypes:

(Fucus vesiculosus via NYPL Digital Gallery)

(Cystoseira Fibrosa via NYPL Digital Gallery)

(Polyides Rotundus via NYPL Digital Gallery)

Wouldn't these be a lovely grouping in our blue and white bedroom?

If I bury myself in the extensive selection the New York Public Library Digital Gallery has to offer, maybe I'll forget it's Monday.

p.s. I had a wonderful weekend with my parents, who are the most amazing people. I adore them. More on the weekend tomorrow.

p.p.s. Go Phillies!

TGIF, 10/8/10 Edition

("Bittersweet" by Brett Harper via Fab Frames)

It's beginning to look a lot like autumn,
Everywhere you go...

I regularly break out in song. Adam, my fiance, somehow always manages to entertain my little off-the-cuff ditties. So, aside from random seasonal songwriting, I will be spending my weekend

• in Connecticut. Nutmeg State, here we come!

• perhaps visiting a fall flea market?

• procuring some lovely bittersweet. Nothing says autumn like these branches.

Finally, before heading into another weekend, I want to say hello and a big thank you to my readers (new and old). I enjoy your comments very much. Each one makes me feel very special and warms my heart.

Thanks for stopping by my little 'ol blog. Happy weekend, blogosphere.

Into the Woods

Last night, I spent some time reorganizing my ever-growing magazine collection and rediscovered Ann Stillman O'Leary's rustic home in upstate New York in the October 2009 issue of Country Living. The home tour felt like just the perfect autumn journey into the woods.

Join me as we travel to the Adirondacks, won't you?

Mounted antlers and fishing baskets!?

A wooden dough bowl of pinecones?!

Botany charts?!

Gray cabinetry?!

(all via Country Living)

Could someone please tell me how I can become the owner of such a woodland blanket? I don't know how I've survived this long without this beauty.

Sure, the furnishings don't scream "Ashley," but they speak to my desire to flee my urban existence for a long weekend in the woods.

Maybe someday.