Best for Last

In my last post--I shared a sneak peak of the nursery.  Well, it's been a long time since I posted again because I've been awfully busy because..........we finally adopted a precious baby boy!  His name is Jacob Mateo and he's the biggest blessing we could ever hope for.
All of that to say that this is my best and my last post for a while!  I don't want to miss a minute with my son, so the blog is just going on hold indefinitely.  So, here are some pictures of the finished nursery--and of the most beautiful baby ever!!!!  In my opinion :).
 






He was born on September 7th, and we brought him home on the 11th.  These pictures were taken right at one month.  You can also click here to see his one month photo shoot with Sara Parker (friend and photographer).  They are soooooooo cute!
It has been so fun to join the blogging community—and I will definitely continue to enjoy other’s blogs.  So, thanks for those of you who have followed me!!!

Nursery Sneak Peak

Well, I promised you all a sneak peak of the nursery (in case you just tuned in, my husband and I are hoping to adopt our first child sometime soon, and are getting the nursery ready since adoption can be a last minute thing)...so here are a few pics:

Oh, and we’re trying to keep it gender neutral since we’re open to adopting either a boy or a girl (how are we doing on that?).

This beautiful fabric was the inspiration for the whole room.  Ben’s mom made the crib bedding—this is the crib skirt.

My mom gave us this chair which I had recovered, and the pillow is made from a New Guinea flour sack which my in-laws brought back with them when they moved back to the States many years ago.  The alligator is just cute, and we got him at IKEA this weekend.

My mom bought us some beautiful animal prints that are currently being framed, so you’ll have to stay tuned for those, and we can’t figure out how to put the crib together, so no pics of that until my brother-in-law comes over to help us (they gave us their old crib).  So you can see that everyone is pitching in to help us out, including my dear friend Stacy, from Green Seed Creations.  Check out this post on her blog to see what she did to an old liquor cabinet, in order to turn it in to a changing table and then peruse the rest of her activities—she has some very cute stuff for sale, and also does custom pieces.  Hmmm, that makes me think maybe I should see if she would help me do my first blog give-away…

This Life I Live

Hello friends!  Sorry for the prolonged silence.  I went to Mexico for a month--one of the perks of being a Spanish teacher is study abroad trips! (more on that soon).  I am finally starting to get back in the groove, and get back to blogging! 

But the purpose of this post is to introduce you to the new and improved blog of one of my friends, Danielle.  It's called, This Life I Live and it started as a blog about her and her husband's adoption journey--they adopted two beautiful sisters from Ethiopia.  But now it's become a chronicle of their lives and all the fun and struggles and joy.  She also does some pretty great give-aways (in fact I'm totally bummed that I didn't win this week's giveaway--pics by Sara Parker--my favorite lifestyle photographer!).  So, check her out when you've got the time.

And, speaking of adoption, I should have a sneak peak of the nursery soon...Ben finally let me really start working on it, even though we're still waiting.  Yay!  It's gonna be cute, so stay tuned!

Break the Bank or Budget-Friendly Room?

I just saw this gorgeous girls' room posted by my blog-friend over on Full House and couldn't wait even a second to feature it here as well.  She did her twin daughters' room for an incredible price, and I really want you to guess how much it was before you check out the full post on her own beautiful blog.  Here's a sneak peak--I hope you like it as much as I do.  Perfect and precious in every way...

To see the full post click here but don't forget to leave a comment with your guess on the price before you do!

When the Husband's Away, the Wife Will Play

Last night one of my other decor-addicted friends, Elizabeth, and I stayed up until 1 in the morning playing at our mutual friend Liz's house.  You see, Liz's sweet husband is away for the weekend, so we took the opportunity change up a few things in her house.

Although our main task was to help her think about re-decorating the master bedroom, Elizabeth, who has self-diagnosed Room A.D.D. had us moving furniture in the dining room, living room, and re-dressing the bed in the guest room as well.

The funniest moment, however, is when we headed to the back room, which is currently a laundry room/art space/catch-all, and hidden away, back in the furthest reaches of the house, Elizabeth spies a large, beautiful, antiquey/whimsical framed map of Italy (a gift from one of Liz's co-workers, reminiscent of Liz's family background) and exclaims with delight, "I love this map!  It's gorgeous!"  Liz goes on to say how much she and her husband like it as well to which Elizabeth responds, "Oh great idea Liz, take the cutest picture in your whole house, and be sure to hang it where no one will ever see it!"  Poor Liz, they thought they had found a nice place of honor for it, (behind the kitchen on the way out the back door).  So, we decided to place it in the M.B. and we think it should become the inspiration piece for the rest of the room.

Now to decide on a new paint color for the walls...we suggested a light grey, but Liz was worried about gray evoking thoughts of prisons.  So, here are a few pics (via Houzz) that I hope will change her mind about gray.

bedroom design

traditional bedroom design

I'm Back!

Hello friends!  Sorry for such a long silence, but we've been on a rather extended vacation.  Since the end of May, I've hit the big city (NYC), the beach (Outer Banks) and the mountains (Asheville).  What a treat!  I'm not bragging, I'm really just thankful that I get some time off in the summer, and so I try to take full advantage of it!  Anyway, since we just returned from the mountains, I thought I would post on one of my favorite stores in Asheville....The Screen Door.  They have the most interesting and unique collection of incredible art and antiques!  I try to go at least once every time I'm home--but this week I actually found myself there THREE different times!  I know--I'm addicted.

So here are some pics (you all know that photography is not my gift!) that I took of my favorite booth!  I'm getting some inspiration for the future nursery-to-be...

I know it's not particularly babyish--it's just the over-all impression that I like--certain elements of the room.  So, what do you think?  Could these goodies lead to a nature-inspired nursery that's fun, rough and sophisticated all at the same time?

A Nursery

Well, the semester has ended, and I'm back to my fun with design...

As most of you know, Ben and I have been on a bit of a journey to start our family.  We've finally been approved with our adoption agency, and are now officially waiting!  Ben has wisely decreed that I must not purchase anything for the nursery-to-be until there is actually a baby to bring home, but...that does not mean that I can't go ahead and decide exactly what I want so that when we get that phone call, I'm ready to go!  So, I convinced him to peruse some kids rooms on Ohdeedo, and below I've posted my top picks and his top picks.  What do you think?  Any favorites?  Any ideas of how to combine some elements from each?  Any other suggestions?

A few of my picks:

I really like the yellow and aqua.

Ben's picks:

In this one he just likes the car art.

Here he likes the green.

So--what do you designies think?

DIA

 

View Full Album

Well, DIA has come and gone, and it was  a great success!  I’m waiting on some more pictures, and a video, but these will have to do for now.  My favorite part of the whole celebration really was the diversity—we had all ages, shapes, sizes and colors.  It was great!  Nothing better to celebrate than children, culture and books!  We had some fabulous performers, and my students did an excellent job with the bilingual story-time.  Bravo!

South of Market

I went to Charleston last weekend for the day with my friend Elizabeth, and we had a lovely time.  We mostly just walked around town looking at the beautiful houses and gardens, and imagining what it would be like to live like that.  We also happened upon two beautiful stores on King St.  The first, South of Market, was gorgeous!  I wanted everything in the store--but it was a bit out of my price range.

Here's a small sampling:

image via South of Market

The other shop, Lily, doesn't offer a lot yet on their website, but they do have a cute blog that gives you a taste of her classic and fabulous style.

So, next time you're in Charleston, be sure to pop in.

Spring is in Swing!

I will try to get some pictures of my own pretty flowers (I now have 9 tulips, 6 irises and several beautiful knock-out roses), but until tomorrow, when I will be planting the discount roses I bought for Ben, this beautiful shot will just have to do.

image  via House of Turquoise via Belle Maison

DIA Design Fun

Here it is...the big design!  I'm so excited about our event!  See below for details:

Also, check out the new preliminary design for our new website!  I love it! 

http://leer.mjinteractivedesign.com/

Please check out MJinteractive design--she's amazing and works so quickly!

Calling all Columbia area kids and their families!

Join us for DIA (Diversity in Action)—a free, fun-filled festival celebrating children and culture through books. Enter the Storybook House or “Casa de Cuentos” for an afternoon of adventure. Your children will participate in interactive storytelling in English and Spanish, as well as dancing, music, crafts and food from many different cultures.

It will take place on April 24th from 1-4pm at the Keenan House in Columbia, SC (801 Wildwood Ave. Columbia, SC 29203). For more information on the event or if you would like to participate through song, dance, storytelling or crafts, contact Shelley Whipple at shelley.whipple@columbiasc.edu

Presented by: Columbia College Division of Languages and Literatures, L.E.E.R. Family Outreach, Palmetto Luna and Maria Palito USA

Asheville Art

Thanks goodness it's Spring break!  The winter doldrums are starting to clear as I have one daffodil blooming and one iris!  There are many tulips popping up as well, but no blooms yet.  As inspiring as the Spring weather is, you all know that I'm always inspired when I get a chance to head up to Asheville for a little visit back home.  Not only is it refreshing to see my family (and my most adorable nephews!), but I always try to hit a few art galleries while I'm downtown to keep an eye out for something fresh to post here.

And my last trip did not disappoint.  I found two artists that I really like.  The first, Maggie Hopper, has made it difficult to copy pictures from her website, so the little bitty pics will have to give you a taste until you can head on over to her site to check her out for yourself.

And for the second Kristie Taylor, I don't believe the photos do justice to her work, so I'm only posting two shots.

They look better in these shots from a distance, than they do in the shots up close, but seeing them in person would be better.  Oh well, at least you get the idea.  What do you think--are their stars on the rise?  I hope so.  Enjoy.

Maria Palito

I've just discovered the cutest little website.  One of my students and I are planning an event called DIA (Diversity In Action) to celebrate diversity, children and literacy.  A friend has connected me with the designer of this website Maria Palito who does all her own graphic design, and sells super cute stuff for kids!  Jewelry, dolls, illustrations and more.  She's amazing!

image via maria palito

She's creating the design for the posters and flyers for our event so I thought I'd give her a shout out here.  I can't wait to post the design--it's going to be perfect!  Check out her site and tell me what you think.  (And her jewelry is 100% eco-friendly.)

Lacking Inspiration Where Design is Concerned

I'm trying to post something, but I just have nothing creative and inspiring to post regarding the design world.  Right now my mind is swimming with thoughts of Performance Based Assessments for my students, the 50 compositions I still have left to grade, and the inspiring, yet difficult topic of Critical Race Theory.

Will you all abandon me if I begin to rant about some of the injustices I'm learning about as I delve into the world of language and literacy, looking at how power and position-even with regards to something as seemingly simple as language--affect our public schools and society at large?  I imagine you will, therefore I will just briefly mention this book.

Racial inequality is not a topic for the faint of heart, but this book has caught my attention!  Each time I pick it up and begin reading I think, "Critical Race Theory--where have you been all my life?!?"  And why aren't we talking about it more and thinking about how to solve problems of racism in our country? 

Well, that's all I'll say about that.  Thanks for humoring me.  I'll try to make my next post about something pretty!

A Good Cause

http://waldenhouse.blogspot.com/2010/02/wreath-fundraiser-and-cool-family.html

As you may remember, Ben and I are in the process of trying to adopt.  And while we are excited about this, there are many challenges along the way, one large one being the financial aspect.  Thankfully, our money is already provided for, but we have some good friends who are also trying to adopt.  Our pastor's wife, Stacy from the blog Blessed Chaos, is making these cool wreaths to raise money for their adoption.  They are only $15.00 and the money goes directly toward Kenny and Meredith's adoption fund.  I've already ordered mine, so if you want one too, just click on the link under the picture and follow the directions.

The One That Got Away

Have you ever missed a golden opportunity to be on the cutting edge of design before anyone else? You were flipping through a magazine and thought, "I saw a (fill-in-the-blank) just like that two years ago! I should have gotten it when I had the chance." Well, that doesn't happen too often, but these chairs:

image via sundance

I see them everywhere!

Let me just tell you. In the first house we ever rented. Our landlord was a homewrecker. Literally, he tore down buildings for a living, and often got to salvage whatever happened to be left in the building before destroying it. He also stored many of these "treasures" in the shed in our backyard/junkyard. He must have had 50 of these cool aluminum chairs he had gotten when one of the state mental hospitals closed down (creepy, I know). Anyhow, we thought they were the coolest and used them in our house. When we moved out, I wanted to keep some, but in the hustle and bustle, never got around to asking him (although I highly doubt he would have noticed if a few had gone missing.)

Well, now that I keep an eye on what's in style, I kick myself every time I see one of these chairs in a designer magazine! Oh well, c'est la vie.

What's your one that got away?

Hand-Painted Lovelies

I was browsing one of my regular reads, Bloesem, when one of her ads actually caught my eye.  She always posts the most unique and beautiful things.  So I clicked on the link, and found the piece that had caught my eye, this adorable Victorian Row House storage container.

I put it in my cart and contemplated where I could use it in my house, then I went to default, when I can't justify buying it for myself and thought, "Who I could buy it for?" (Because gifts don't really count when you're spending money, right?)  Then I remembered one reason I started this blog.  Because I don't have a lot of space left in my house, so instead of buying the cute things I see, I could start posting them for others to see and enjoy.

So, happily, and with animal shopper's instinct under control, I continued to browse and found these other hand-painted fabulous finds.  Perhaps I can tempt you to purchase one for your home...or maybe you could buy it as a gift!

images via bookou

The Yellow Wallpaper

Okay---here it is.....the dreaded classroom with the yellow wallpaper.  Please tell me if I'm being overly dramatic, but can you imagine being able to pay attention in this room?

Here's a close up of the windowless room.

And here you can see how the back wall is nicely slanted in so that if feels like it's closing in on you!!!

Now, I would hate for anyone to think that I'm opposed to wallpaper.  You can check out this past post to see some examples of good wallpaper.