purple closet

We're converting one of our bedrooms into a library. We're then converting said bedroom's closet into a study (where the computer, office supplies, stationary, etc lives). I love that we can just close the closet doors when we don't need to be on the computer - out of sight, out of mind. Which really is a wonderful thing because I am too distracted by technology.

Because of my flair for the dramatic, we're painting the closet deep purple.... Lavender Suede, to be precise (doesn't that sound perfect?). And my dear, sweet sister Marge is helping me paint. She is the best!

The color is much more rich and dark in person. We're only one coat in and already I can see places where the paint is showing true to color. 

Paint makes me so happy.

B

kitchen decoration

I'm getting awfully excited about our library (post with pictures to come), but today I'm thinking about the kitchen.

Because our cupboard space is somewhat limited, I've had to be creative with storage solutions. And I want my kitchen to look fancy pants too, as I expect to spend more and more time there as the years progress. So space saving and darling - is that too much to ask?

I've taken a leaf out of Smitten Kitchen's book and put all of my spices on display. The glass jars are a perfect fit on the super cheap ribba shelf. A few rows of spice shelves saves me a ton of cupboard space. And it looks really nice too.

I'm also growing fresh herbs. See?

I realize my dill in particular is looking a little sad, but that's mostly because I accidentally squished him :(

There's still a lot of empty wall space, so I'm trying to decide what else to put up. I have so many ideas for the rest of the house – the kitchen’s been overlooked. There are these 2 etsy posters I’ve had my eye on:

but I can't make up my mind....

I guess I'll go poke around pinterest for more ideas :)

B

the love of learning, the sequestered nooks, and all the sweet serenity of books

Now that we have 3 bedrooms, we finally get an official home library.

A room full of our many, many books.  Where sunlight streams in.  Where cats can snooze, climb and get into mischief.  With a couch you can read on for hours at a time.  And the most lovely, ornate Indian rug passed down from a grandmother (pictures to come).

One of our prize possessions is an original printing of Atlas Shrugged, a treasure we discovered while unpacking boxes and boxes of books that had been cooped up in storage.  It's an incredible find (no matter how you feel about the author).  It smells so nice and old too.

 Here's where we've been wasting hours at a time as we search for inspiration (very aptly named).

I'd just die if I could walk into this room every morning.

It feels good to let our 100's of books finally breathe.  We want the printed word to be an indelible part of our home's identity--we are thrilled to finally have the square footage.

T&B

crazy cat lady

Our four cats are jazzed about the new house.  They are excited for the extra space to run, the stairs to chase each other up and down and the big bay window where they'll spy on birds.

I'm excited for the chance to make our new place (even more) animal friendly.  I hate traditional animal supplies (ugly litter boxes, awkward cat trees, sloppy pet beds, etc etc).  It's been a challenge keeping so many furry babies happy while maintaining any sense of interior decor.

On my wish list (were budget not an issue....which it always is, but I still like to look)...

(This scratching post looks a million times better than the normal towers.

In fact, I would get it even if I didn't have any cats--he'd look so cute by an umbrella stand)

(With multiple cats it's important to think in three-dimensions.  Don't limit cats to the floor.

These perches give kitties a whole new world in which to play )

(Husband is incredibly handy...I'm thinking this could be a fairly easy project.

Plus, in the right color, it could be a fun addition to our wall art)

(A great way to hide the messiest bits.  

No one ever needs to see the litter box again)

It's loads of fun planning creative solutions to pet problems.

(Although, sometimes all you need is a good paper bag.....just ask Tennyson)

B

where the heart is

We bought a house!

Well, we close April 29th so it's not officially ours yet.  But that hasn't stopped me from planning ahead. 

Unexpectedly, instead of having every detail of the interior plotted out, I've been obsessed with the outside.  With the beautiful, big, privacy-fence-enclosed backyard to be precise.

First our collection of fresh herbs (because the dried stuff you buy at the grocery just can't compete with the fresh stuff).

Then our vegetable garden.  We saved probably $100 on tomatoes last year by planting our own (yes, tomatoes are ridiculously expensive to buy and yes, we eat an insanely large amount of them).

And then our backyard chicken coop. 

Although this chicken coop is just too precious:

We've been buying farm fresh eggs for years.  The only thing better than that are eggs from your very own chickens.

And we can't forget--

(although these rascals might be a few years down the line....)

B

vintage Christmas

I've been obsessed with this website for quite some time.  They're now available for U.S. orders and will send you beautiful catalogs if requested.  Check out their fabrics and wallpapers.

Anyways, their latest Christmas line was just released and it's making me wish I had the money to buy everything OR have the time to vintage shop for similar items.  Favorites include:

(Christmas sweater done right)

(the sweetest tea towel)

(actually a pin cushion, but would make the most adorable tree ornament)

While it's been almost 70 degrees and sunny this week, I almost (almost) wish that it were more chilly.  Without the cold weather, it is more difficult to 'feel' (such a silly word) the building anticipation of the Christmas season.  

My prayer is that we actively meditate throughout the entire Advent, wondering in the birth of God incarnate with wide-eyed childlike belief.

B

crustaceans

I'm going through a lobster phase.

As a child, I would always press my face against the glass of the grocery store's lobster tank, plotting ways I could buy one and keep it as a pet--saving it from a boiling and untimely death.

While I never successfully saved any of my invertebrate friends, I have managed to keep the spirit alive.  For example: our dog, Sweet Lime Sake, dressed up for a Halloween costume contest as a-

and yes, she won 1st place...

I found myself with a bit of extra time yesterday, so I whipped up a layered spice cake with a caramel filling just for fun, decorated with a-

And when we move and/or have the chance to re-redo our living room, you can bet that there will pillows with a-

So much fun.  So whimsical.  So...delicious.

B