White Flower Farmhouse

Garden Urns
Large $18, Small $9

I'm such a computer head! Just one more post for you readers tonight. You people must think I'm some crazy consumer... this is partially true... I do like to spend some money on cool stuff. I mean really though, who doesn't??? Bills suck. Wouldn't you rather have tons of fun spending money to buy everything you ever dreamed of? Thanks to the internet barrier ( i.e. I'm impatient and hate to pay for shipping... basically means I don't order much online) and my budget, I find a lot of cool items that go unpurchased. That being said, I still feel like they need their proper reveal online, so I'll share them with you readers! Without further adieu... behold White Flower Farmhouse. Vintage-y goodness that's all cleaned up and affordable! Yippee. Enjoy these finds. :)

Topiaries
$32 (large), $26 (small)

Vintage Terra Cotta Seed Pots
$7

Aqua Whale
$39

Aqua Swimgirl
$65

Farm Table
$359

Note: I really do have more to do with my life than shop online (work, gym, cook, hang out with friends and family, etc). I am just amazed at how many cool things people make and find, and I have to share these with you! One day soon I'll post some homemade stuff.

Jewelry Inspiration

I just found Stella & Dot jewelry through Isabella and Max Rooms . Their jewelry is bright, cheerful, and full of personality (that screams L.Alden!). Many of their pieces remind me of the jewelry in recent J.Crew catalogs... but more budget friendly! Yippee.

Okay, so even though the prices are lower, they're still a little pricey right now for moi. I guess I'll have to make something similar myself for the time being. Sounds like a trip to Bangles and Beads soon for more jewels. Yet more inspiration for an easy and enjoyable weekend project!



PS - Remember NieNieDialogues story and blog? Read this article written about Stephanie and family Oprah's website. What an inspiration Stephanie is!

October Art

In honor of the upcoming spoooooky holiday, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite Autumnal prints from contemporary folk artist, Nancy Thomas. She has set her roots in Yorktown, Virginia and has galleries both in Yorktown and Williamsburg. Some of Nancy's most favorite motifs are Santa, Angels, and Chefs. Our family favorites are the Seasons and the Chefs. Many of her prints have metal "accessories" incorporated in their frames. As you can see above and below, the metal bat, pumpkin, and garlic clove (I think thats what it is???) are cute additions to the prints.

Be sure to visit Nancy's website for more art (she paints more than just Halloween inspired work!!!), monthly specials and to learn a little more about her. Oh, and she has a blog! Happy October!





Note: Love her work? Be sure to stop by the studios in Yorktown and Williamsburg for her annual Holiday Show. This year the show is set for December 5th and 6th!

Lilly Eyewear

I think I go through Lilly "phases." One day I love her clothing and accessories, the next day its a bit too girly-girl for me. Today, I love it. The company now has a line of eyeglasses and sunglasses that are super cute! Take a look and be sure to view the catalog.

Lonny and The Digital Magazine

I feel repetitive for writing a post about this, but yes, I like the new Lonny Magazine too. Its nice to have a new shelter magazine in the mix, especially in this time of shelter-mag-shutdown. I really wish it was in print though. Call me traditional or old fashioned, but I miss the tactile approach of turning pages. I have such a hard time reading magazines, newspapers, and documents on the computer. And being able to earmark or flag pages with different fingers as I read is also is helpful. Not being able to do that just kind of stresses me out (crazy... I know!).

We just had this conversation at work, regarding one of our vendors who has gone completely "digital." Yes, its best for the environment (and it definitely saves the vendor some serious money too), allows for faster updates of pricing, materials, etc, but I can't stand having to review price lists on the computer. And whats a girl to do when the internet is down? Yeah... it happens. Oh, and how in the heck am I supposed to build a brochure for a customer while they wait? Can I just have some paper documents to show them??? Anyways, just some thoughts on this new digital format that is appearing here, there, and everywhere.

Overall though, I'm beyond thrilled to have a replacement for ye olde favorite, Domino Magazine. Thanks Michelle and Patrick! Now if someone would just bring back the look and feel of Cottage Living. I'll settle with that one in digital form as well.

Autumn is Here

Its Thursday evening and I'm ready for the weekend. I spent some time this evening relaxing and catching up on blogs, plus some brainstorming. I made a mental checklist of the things I want to do this weekend. The weather should be nice, so I'm hoping to go to the downtown farmer's market on Saturday morning, and a country drive later in the day.

I also need to go pick some apples at Carter's Mountain so I can make applesauce (my Mom's applesauce mill has been sitting unused on my kitchen countertop too long!), but I don't want to have to battle the weekend apple picking crowds. Too many people for me! I might go early or right before they close.

I picked up some molasses chew cookies made by Mission Home Bakeshop today when I was at the grocery. They were the perfect addition to my chicken salad sandwich lunch. The cookies were definitely were an impulse buy thanks to the crisp cool weather we've been so lucky to have. Go pick some up and celebrate Autumn. Its here!


I'm hoping to do a little cooking this weekend as well. Last weekend I made Barefoot Contessa's Lentil Sausage Soup. Delicious. I give the recipe 5 stars! Go make it yourself if you want a great afternoon activity that will leave your home smelling scrumptious all day! This weekend I'm looking forward to trying L'Etoile's Pumpkin Soup recipe that they sampled at the Farmer's Market last weekend. Served with some crusty bread, a fresh salad, and a glass of wine... perfect Saturday evening dinner.

While Fall is fresh on the mind, be sure to take a look at this lovely guest bedroom from The Newlywed Diaries. The colors are beautiful and the simplicity of the space is just what a guest is looking for. Someplace to feel welcome and cozy, but without the clutter of their own home. Wouldn't you love to be a guest in their guestroom?

Coastal Living 2009 Idea Cottage

When you get a chance, take a look at the 2009 Coastal Living Idea Cottage in I'On, South Carolina. I just got the magazine in the mail today and am loving it. Take a look at the website or pick up the magazine next time you need a little $4.99 vacation!