Friday, May 24, 2013

Last Day To Wave At The School Bus

Today is the last day of school. I am ready to win the battle of a long hot summer and bored kids.

I’ve spent several weeks creating a fun calendar which I will be sharing with you on a weekly basis.

I always appreciate really creative parents.

Three years ago, stay at home dad, Dale Price, found out that his son’s bus, bound for the high school, would drive right past his house.

On the first day he just stood outside and waved. But on the second day he put on his Chargers jersey and helmet.

Everyday it got better and better.

He started posting the daily photos on his blog Wave At The Bus.

Thank you Dale for sharing these happy pics. 

Now if you’ll excuse me I need to get my two wiener dogs dressed to go wave at Sweet Boy’s bus. (Something I do every morning.)

Laura

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Decorating With Seashells

As the temperatures soar higher here in Phoenix I find myself turning towards the cool colors of blue and turquoise. Accents of seashells remind me of favorite trips to the beach and somehow, everything seems cooler.

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Years ago Mr. Décor went scuba diving in the Red Sea and found the sand colored shell waiting for him at the bottom. It seems fitting to put it under glass.

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The blue floral bookmark I recently made reminds me of a sea anemone.

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A beach nymph that once sat on Grandma Joyce’s dresser now frolics on a side table. She is marked “Lenci~ Italy” and is at least 50 years old. I wish I could look so good. :)

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The cut glass dish once belonged to Mr. Décor’s mom. I love how the zig zag edges echo that of some of the shells.

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Have you transitioned to summer décor yet?

Laura

Linking to my friend Miss Marty’s spring cloche party.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Graduation Gift ~ Blooming Bookmark

It’s graduation week here in Phoenix. Several wonderful young ladies we know will be participating in this rite of passage. We wanted to acknowledge their accomplishments without breaking the bank.

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I almost hesitated to share this craft because it’s SO easy and inexpensive. But we all like that right?

I picked up a 6 pack of girls elastic headbands at the Dollar Store.

I found various  flower, butterfly and bird clips at the hobby supply store. (Tip: check the sewing, scrapbook and t shirt appliqué sections in addition to the floral department. Use a coupon and they will total around 60 cents each.)

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Now don’t strain yourself on this next part.

Open the clip and attach it to the reinforced section of the headband. It’s easier to see in person as there is a slightly thick bump.

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Attach the bookmark it to a book and Voila~ you’re done!

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I scoured the thrift store for pretty hardbacks and also found some favorite paperback classics in the Target dollar section.

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Just for fun we also hid some money amongst the pages, but all in all a nice gift which can be made for under $3.00.

Anyone you know graduating this year?

Laura

Linking to:

Debbiedoo’s, Jennifer Rizzo, T T & J, Common Ground, French Country Cottage, The Charm of Home, Someday Crafts, Funky Junk, StoneGable, Positively Splendid,The 36th Avenue, Funky Junk, Today’s Creative Blog, A Stroll Thru Life

Savvy Southern Style

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Dingy

My in-laws are arriving for a visit on Thursday. Now I know that is a statement that strikes a bit of fear into many wives.

I am blessed in that Pop Gunn and Grammy Jane are FANTASTIC people. I’ve even been encouraging Mr. Décor to find a job so that we can live closer to them.

But still, a cleaning frenzy has commenced. Light fixtures dusted, mattresses turned, walls and windows washed.

You know, deep cleaning.

Yet, even after all the effort the house felt a little….dingy.

A closer look revealed smudged corners.

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I guess that is to be expected in a house full of kids and dogs. So the paint came out and touch up painting commenced. After four hours it did look so much better.

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But something still wasn’t quite right….

The dinge remained.

So I rented a steam cleaner and cleaned the carpets. Even though I have a fantastic Dyson vacuum cleaner which I use VERY regularly, the hidden dirt was revealed for all the eye to see:

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Which got me thinking. Our society puts a lot of focus on appearance~ on having a good looking outside.

But mom was right, it is the deep inside, that is seen by the One, that truly matters.


In observance of the Sabbath, in lieu of a comment, perhaps offer up a praise to God.

Laura


“As for those who seemed to be important-whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by external appearance-those men added nothing to my message.” ~ Galatians 2:6


“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.” ~ 1 Peter 3:3-4

Friday, May 17, 2013

A Succulent Wreath For Summer

Phoenix has now began its rapid ascent towards summer.

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Which meant that my viola and alyssum filled pots of spring wreath needed an update that could withstand 115+ degree temperatures.

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I opted to go with faux succulents found at Joann’s because WOW do they look real!

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I snipped off individual pieces with wire cutters.

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Then pushed them into the still dirt filled pots.

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While I don’t love it as much as the live flower filled pots it will do for the long, hot Phoenician summer.

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Would you use faux succulents in decorating?

Laura

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Blooming Beautiful Gift for Just $3.00

Oh what a busy week! I am knee deep in thorough house cleaning. Our home was a bit neglected while I was in school. Touch up painting is on the menu for today.  I am also trying to get the back patio in shape as we have guests coming for the weekend and then my in laws will arrive for a visit later next week.

Next week is also the last week of school in Arizona. I wanted to make sure I had a thank you gift for Sweet Boy’s teacher. It would also work as a housewarming or birthday gift and perhaps as a special baby or bridal shower party favor.

Deco

I found this small enamel bucket in the dollar section at Target. There were various types of flowers in red, yellow and green buckets but I thought the “Forget~ Me~ Nots” were quite appropriate. As you can see it cost a whopping $3. (You can cover the price tag with a flower sticker or just ink it out with a sharpie.)

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I took a peek at Pinterest for “Teacher Appreciation” free printables and spied several lovely candidates.

The Larson Lingo

No Biggie guest posting on Skip To My Lou

Blooms Design Online guest posting on Skip To My Lou.

My favorite choice ~ also from Skip To My Lou.

After printing out the PDF download I quickly took a large, square piece of white tulle I had on hand and wrapped up the blue bucket securing it closed with polka dotted ribbon I had purchased at a garage sale several years ago. It was then topped with the tag. (Note: I was a bit more careful cutting out the actual tag used, which of course had Sweet Boy’s given name, not available for blog viewing. :)

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If there are any of these buckets left when the dollar section bins soon go on clearance I will select a few for my quick and easy gift closet as packets of seeds can be stowed for a year or so.

What’s blooming in your neck of the woods?

Laura

Monday, May 13, 2013

House Crush: Jenna Lyons

If you follow Décor To Adore on Facebook or Twitter you may have, in the past, read how much I loved Jenna Lyons Park Slope home (128 Garfield Place in Brooklyn) when it was featured in the November 2012 of Lonny Magazine.

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I had first seen her home in the November 2008 issue of Domino Magazine. (Sigh, I STILL miss the monthly version of the magazine.) This was followed up by a feature in the September 2009 of Britian’s Livingetc magazine as well as a feature in the September 2011 issue of British Vogue. Some wondered “Was it worthy of all that coverage?” I believe so as Ms. Lyons was constantly creating new vignettes within in her home.

The home was purchased by Lyons and her now ex husband in 2004. Many mourned when it was announced that the home had been sold to Vincent Martin of Depeche Mode in late 2012 for well above asking price by Sotherby’s. But I see it as an opportunity for Ms. Lyons to now have a fresh blank canvas in which to create something fabulously new. 

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But the space deserves one last look and I have collected my favorite images from the different publications mentioned above for this one post.

This is the interior entry of the Victorian gem which dates back to the 1880’s. The arched door and dentil molding is simply magnificent.

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Many people often shy away from older homes thinking that they have to fill the space with furniture from the same era. But one can easily see by the following images that is not the case. The classic architecture was mixed with modern furnishings.

Jenna Lyons at Home... (I could pin every room in her house it's just so great).

My belief has always been if you start with good bones in a space anything will look good.

Jenna Lyons Living Room

The living room was done in neutrals with the exception of a bright yellow sofa. Happy, happy.

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The formal dining space was separated by a magnificent archway. I adore the twin fireplaces.

Jenna Lyons Dining Room

If you were wishing you could see into the cabinet in the previous image here you are. I like that simple dishes and pitchers, as well as books, were arranged together.

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The artwork could easily be recreated.

Jenna Lyons Dining Room via Domino

The chandeliers were duplicates which I think is a perfect solution to ease the eye in transitioning between two spaces.

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I adore the brass helmet lamp.

Jenna Lyon's house was dark and moody + gold + pink waaay before the rest of the world was!

The kitchen, although a small size, was remodeled by Levenson McDavid Architects and quite functional. I actually don’t mind the silver duct work showing.

This shot includes a glimpse of the backyard.

A blooming dogwood tree in the backyard is the epitome of spring in New York.

Jenna Lyons Vincent Mazeau Park Slope House For Sale Photo 1

The bedroom space featured dark walls and white linens.

If you’ve ever hesitated to paint out fantastic trim this shot shows that it can be quite stunning.

beautiful alcove

The attached bath featured a herringbone floor, claw foot tub and brass plumbing fixtures.

Jenna Lyon's Bathroom. (Domino)

This shot reminds me a bit of Kelly Wearstler.

Jenna Lyons #chic #fashionable #Mom

A happy childs room.

I enjoy an office that looks like actual work gets done.

vintage Moroccan rug Jenna Lyons office

For those of you who perhaps aren’t aware of what Jenna Lyons job is, I have to share her dream of a closet.

Jenna Lyons (Creative Director of J Crew) and her closet. Are you kidding me...

Oh the shoes….

Jenna Lyons is the creative director for J. Crew.

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Her personal fashion style is pretty fabulous too. She has been featured in several fashion magazines, including Glamour and has received tons of pins on Pinterest.  

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I can’t wait to see her new space. It was rumored that she was living HERE, but this apartment has now also been sold.

Laura