downtown polish

Wish List.

2011-11-27T21:35:00.000-08:00

The last crumb of pumpkin pie has been polished off and my feet have started to recover from Black Friday. This could only mean one thing, it's Christmas time! I'm one of those people that start shopping for those on my list in October so that everyone has the perfect present. However, if I put up that list - I'd be spoiling the surprise. So even though I really am one of those people who like to give more than I like to receive...this is my wish list.

1) As of Black Friday, I am the proud owner of a macbook pro and obviously need a pretty case to protect it. Etsy has some fantastic one-of-kind options - this one is my personal fave.

image here

2) A soft slouchy hat in my favorite color.

image here

3) Luxe moccasin slippers.

image here

4) Wine saver pump...because what's more tragic then a bottle of wine going to waste?

image here

5) A chunky, snuggly, marled cowl neck scarf.

image here

What's on your wish list??

Apple Inspiration

2011-11-17T10:48:00.001-08:00

In my opinion, Steve Jobs is nothing less than a demigod when it comes to design innovation. The world of technology lost one of its most brilliant minds but so did the world of design. (TIME Magazine Person of the Year for 2011 - who wants to make bets?)

I think this article on the 6 pillars of Steve Jobs' design philosophy might be one of the most inspiring and influential things I've read on the subject of design to date. Don't miss this one.

"When you're a carpenter making a beautiful chest of drawers, you're not going to use a piece of plywood on the back, even though it faces the wall and nobody will ever see it. You'll know it's there, so you're going to use a beautiful piece of wood in the back. For you to sleep well at night, the aesthetic, the quality, has to be carried all the way through."

~Steve Jobs

Grownup treehouse = I want one!

2011-11-13T15:13:00.001-08:00

My former and soon-to-be-again roommate tipped me off to the awesomeness going on a couple neighborhoods over in Brooklyn. A recent interior design grad from Pratt built a totally sweet treehouse behind her Bed-Stuy apartment. Check it out!

image here

When I was about eight, my next door neighbor/best friend's grandparents came up from Florida in their oh-so-enviable camper and built her and her brother a treehouse. But really they were building me a treehouse too. (Since I lived next door and was her best friend, obvi). It was beyond exciting. My dad came over and pitched in and all the kids helped out too. (And by helped out, we probably just got in the way...) The night it was finished we had a bonfire in her backyard complete with s'mores and it will forever remain one of my favorite childhood memories. The night we decided to sleep in the treehouse...not quite as magical.

Do you have any great childhood (or adult!) treehouse stories??

Proof. Part Deux.

2011-11-06T19:05:00.000-08:00

Proof.

2011-11-02T21:15:00.000-07:00

I know I keep dropping how I'm working with this fabulous designer. Well...it ain't braggin' if you can back it up.

Proof. He's that good:

Showroom(s).

2011-10-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

One perk of working with a well respected designer is the in you have into "the trade". As with any big city, Dallas has its Design Center that is not available to mere mortals. It's glorious antiquities and toys can only be yours if you possess the magical key known as a designer tax code. OR if you can name drop a designer that brings them lots of business as your mentor.

The past two Fridays I have been lucky enough to use this connection to spend several hours with some of the most lovely, helpful and talented people in the Dallas design world and beyond. Last week I learned all about the trademarks of fine leather at Edelman Leather. I have to admit, I wasn't convinced that I would be enthralled with everything that goes into leather but I was so wrong. Here are a few tidbits I picked up:

- Good leather wears in, not out.
-You will not find high quality leather in a retail setting. Ever.
- Good leather mostly comes from Europe and is byproduct of the meat industry.
- Bad leather mostly comes from South America and Asia.
- Some bad leather has had the hair burned off with urine(!) and after a while, it will start to smell like that in your home.
- If you can't afford a good leather price point (which many cannot, no shame) then a good vinyl is a better than a bad leather.
- Andy Warhol did art for Edelman - instant cred.

image here

Yummy Leather.

image here

So that was last week. Today I had the immense privilege of having lunch with Buzz Dickens of E.C. Dickens showroom. Buzz is not only one of the most respected names in showrooms, he is also hands down one of the nicest people you will ever meet. His showroom has been a Dallas institution since 1955 and is absolutely stunning. I didn't take pictures out of respect but I highly recommend you taking a look at the ones on their website.

Ok I lied. I took one picture. Of their bathroom wallpaper because it was too fabulous not too. And we all know how I love a good wallpaper.

Catching up.

2011-10-24T08:57:00.000-07:00

I know I've been M.I.A. for a month and I don't really have a good excuse. I mean it's been a less than an easy adjustment moving to Dallas and juggling 3 jobs but I'm not going to say it's an excuse. So let's put it behind us and play catch up.

I have been learning oodles of information about interior design. Probably the most important is the myriad avenues, areas and niches where one can fit into this industry. My options are in no way pigeon holed into residential designer and that's comforting.

My newest fascination? Showrooms. The idea of a 9-5 job curating and selling beautiful things is very alluring. And the idea of traveling to far off and exotic places to buy said beautiful things isn't exactly off putting either. So that's an option.

My newest deadline? Design school apps. I haven't even gotten into a school yet and my old procrastinating ways are creeping back. I've got to start on my portfolio like yesterday.

My newest toy? My brand spankin' new iPhone! So let's finish this game of catch up with some instagram love.

My room.

The backroom chaos at work.

The reams of glorious fabric I spend my days sorting.

The fiance and Coco.

Coco eyeing my dinner.

Billy eyeing Coco eyeing my dinner.

Bedtime.

Nap time.

Just cause I miss him.

Longing for the city.

2011-09-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Don't even ask which city. There is only one the city. I've been in Dallas two weeks and it's nice, really nice. The people are warm and open. Everything is clean and manicured. The architecture is pretty fantastic. I could even see myself being happy here one day. But there's one thing Dallas is missing, it's not New York.

image here

NYC is in a word, inspiring. There are few places in the world (London and Paris included) that I, after years of living there, would still stop and have an "omg I live here!" moment. As much as "Empire State of Mind" was played to death, one of the opening lines says it all - "because I made it here, I can make it anywhere." I let that line become my mantra whenever I was down or the toughness of the city was pissing me off. I came to New York and I made it my home - and I'm homesick.

I miss walking off the train and feeling the buzz of the city encompass me. I miss the wonderfully diverse tapestry of people from every walk of life, every color, speaking every language. I miss the smell of street food, thick inside my nostrils. I miss the oasis of Prospect Park, getting lost in its folds to escape. I miss my friends, I miss me fiance so much it hurts. I miss bagels dammit!

And while I wax poetic I know that when I'm in New York I'm always bitching about how dirty it is, what a hassle it is, how I spend half my life on trains, that it's the most effing expensive city on the planet and on hot days it reeks of hot dogs and stale urine. The grass is always greener...

image here

Happy Birthday Big D!

2011-09-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Today is David's birthday and as a little tribute, here a few of my favorite of his lessons:

1) Clutter is evil.
2) Always display collections together, it magnifies the power if their importance. Together, it's a collection. Separate, it's clutter. And clutter is evil.
3) Developing an eye for scale is one of the most important things you'll do. There is aesthetic scale and practical scale. The lamp must look right next to the bed and be tall enough to shine light on your book.
4) It essential to think ahead to make a room memorable, find the flaws early on and minimize them.
5) Decorators are easily replaced, even by Ralph Lauren and Crate & Barrel who have fool proof lines. Architecture is job security.

Hit? Or Miss.

2011-09-26T20:11:00.000-07:00

Some of you may recall my Wendy Goodman post from a few weeks ago. Well I'm baffled yet again. One week she dazzles me with a florist's lovely home only to follow up with a truly w.t.f. choice...like WTF? I don't get it.

One of David's rules is "Don't tell me you like or don't like a room. Tell me why. Tell me what you see." Ok, this is what I see.

Exhibit A

image here

Wendy's wisdom on this one: "Magazines and books figure into the decor, with neat piles stacked in the living room." Or look like clutter! Another David-ism, "clutter is evil." But seriously, it looks like they just never finished unpacking.

Exhibit B

image here

To me this says "Hi - I can't afford a bed...or a bookshelf and I'd rather sleep on the floor than lower myself to Ikea." Sarcasm aside - where's the visual interest? The scale and proportions are wack. It has neither symmetry nor balance. If you disagree, please say so because I know I am a novice and I would love a more well trained eye to show me the bigger picture here.

Alright, enough whining. Let's end with some cheer and celebrate a decidedly beautiful choice by Ms. Goodman.

image here

Happy. Happy. Happy.

image here

The home owner of these last two gems is a somewhat of a rockstar in the world of floral design. Check out her exquisite creations here: http://www.emilythompsonflowers.com/flash.html

And the not-so-glamorous part.

2011-09-24T15:25:00.000-07:00

With my gushing posts about the past week, I know many of you are now reconsidering your current careers and are ready to throw caution to the wind in order to pursue a thrilling and fulfilling career in interior design! Am I right? Of course I am.

Before you do that though, take heed...as with any job, it isn't all unicorns frolicking in fields of dandelions (so to speak). Take today for instance - I woke up at ten to seven so I could be at the shop's warehouse by 8:30 because we had our semi-annual warehouse clearance sale this weekend. All fabric, 5 bucks a yard people! Well that's great for the customers - not so great for the ones running around the warehouse in 95 degree weather with no AC. Even worse, the lull of sitting and waiting and sitting and waiting...still no AC.

But then, a dust speckled sunbeam shines down onto the set of antique oak dining chairs with enchanting jewel toned striped silk upholstery and all is right with the world again.

"Design" shop.

2011-09-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

As much as I love sharing with y'all, I feel a little weird posting my place of employment right now just because you know...there are crazies out there. Basically all you need to know is that it is a store in Dallas that specializes in fabrics and trims and is very well respected by the design industry. I love, love, LOVE working there so far. The people are so kind and welcoming, I am learning so much, and I'm in heaven just being able to go through reams and reams of stunning fabric all day.

I have been doing everything from sorting samples to helping pick fabric and trims for pillows. I spent a solid two hours working on the right combo of fabric and trim for a hideous needle point beach scene brought in by a customer...I don't know that anything I could do would have saved it but it was a good experience anyway. I've also been pulling samples for designers and even have had a hand in some furniture selection. And I've only been there two days!

David-isms and other findings.

2011-09-20T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have only been working here in Dallas two days and it has already been mind blowingly educational. More on the specifics of that later though. I am constantly writing down insightful things that I'm learning from David and at the design shop that will make great fodder for not only blog posts but also everyone's favorite 140 character forum - Twitter of course. Follow me @DowntownPolish for design wisdom updates from the experts (not me but via me at least.).

And it begins.

2011-09-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

After a two day drive from North Carolina to Dallas, (note: Arkansas is NOT a pretty state.), I am finally here! I hit the ground running by picking up some part time work with a catering company and my first gig was a 325 person Bar Mitzvah. I was fully prepared for a stampede of seriously snobby 13 year olds as this tween was getting a party with a budget three times that of my wedding. However, it was an undeniably kick ass experience and it was impossible not pick up on the fun.

But let's not forget why I'm here - interior design! And I have hit the ground running with that as well. I am working three days a week at a design shop specializing in textiles and spending the rest of the time shadowing David Salem, one of the best designers in Dallas. Today was my first day with him and it was blur/blast that went as follows.

8:30 am: Out the door.
8:45 am: Meet with painter at a client's gorgeous Georgian style home.
9:10 am: Get to high rise to make sure the apartment is ready for the installation.
10 am: Go to three different showrooms to look for the perfect lamps for the bedside tables in the high rise. They finally came to us in the form of a pair of mercury glass blown beauties.
10:30 am: Run to upholstery shop to pick up fabric sample to compare with lamps.
10:45 am: Back to the showroom to check the fabric/lamp combo - win!
11 am: Back to Georgian home to make sure the paint color is right - check.
11:15 am: Over to another client's house to go over light fixtures for the kitchen & bathroom.
12 pm: Lunch
12-1:30 pm: Meet with my boss at design shop to get schedule, etc.
2-5:30 pm: Installation of the rugs and master bedroom furniture at the high rise. Would it be overkill to say that watching it all come together was magical? Because it was.

It was busy, hectic and utterly awesome - I am going to love this!

A Georgian style home

Vermont, before Irene.

2011-09-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago the Eastern seaboard took a significant beating from the hurricane that was Irene. I was in Jersey without power and bucketing water out of the flooded basement for a few hours but we came through relatively unscathed. Many were not so fortunate, including a friend who's house was almost completely submerged by the flood waters - please keep them in your thoughts.

Vermont also got hit hard and many of its historic covered bridges were destroyed. It was heartbreaking to hear of the damage as I was there a mere 2 weeks before, basking in the majestic beauty of Lake Champlain. I'm sharing these pictures as an end-of-summer tribute and in hopes that next year, all will be well again in this beautiful state.

This last one is Shelburne Farms. I plan to dedicate an entire post to it soon

Life update: I'm taking a brief break in NC before going down to Texas next week when my schedule will regain some semblance of normality and the blog posts should follow suit as well. Stay tuned!

Texas Here I Come...

2011-08-31T15:02:00.000-07:00

The plans I made months ago for this fall are 2 days away from being a reality. Having this internship in Dallas has almost been just an idea, a thing that's happening but is still a long ways off. Except it's standing right in front of me now, catching me by surprise.

I have spent the past month running around like a mad woman. My mom was here. I traveled to Vermont. I went to Dallas for a few days to find a part time job at a showroom or design shop (check!). I got stuck in Atlanta trying to get home during thunderstorms. I got stuck in Jersey waiting out hurricane Irene with my fiance and his family. I moved out of my apartment. I got a 100 little odds and ends finished up. And BAM! Now it's here, there's nothing left for me to do. It's time to go.

I'm excited. I'm scared I'll be lonely. I'm already missing San. It will go fast I know...it's just here now and I have to just jump in. It's just a little chilly right now.

To Do Lists

2011-08-19T12:50:00.000-07:00

I love making lists, list books, list apps, cross referencing my lists - all of it. To Do lists keep my stress in check and every time I cross one more thing off it's like a refreshing "ah-ha!". Understandably my To Do list leading up to my move to Dallas has been long and "write blog post" keeps getting looked over for things like "mail health insurance application".

Behold my explanation for the lack of posting in the form of my current To Do list. What's on your To Do list?

- Get boots resoled

- Jeans hemmed

- Drop off dry cleaning

- Call Time Warner

- Cancel gym membership

- Eyebrow threading

- Make hair appointment

- Set up meetings with wedding planners and venues

- Order reception dress

- Fill prescriptions

- Post office

- Make plans with (insert list of friends here) before I leave

Dare I Disagree?

2011-08-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, Wendy Goodman is the resident interior design guru at New York Magazine. As a design junkie, I'm obviously signed up for her weekly Design Hunting newsletter. Occasionally I am really impressed but a lot of weeks I'm left scratching my head. Case in point, the "gallery loft" featured this week:

I have to admit that this room is pretty cool. It's got that Scandinavian design aesthetic going on but with a twist.

image here

This dining nook however just seems like an afterthought. I love mixing up dining chairs and the like but these seem to have missed the cohesive boat even if just by a minute or two.

image here

The lamps - I'm just not a fan. That gorgeous Art Nouveau end table gets lost. And that teeny mask?

image here

All my opinions aside, I was once given an excellent piece of advice - "Take an even harder look at designed rooms that you don't like because there's something great there, try to find it."

The Mommy is here.

2011-08-03T20:34:00.000-07:00

I apologize for the lack of posts lately. My mom, who lives in New Zealand, is visiting me for a few weeks so I've been a bit preoccupied. If it makes you feel any better, because it makes me feel better, I've been having a lot of fun doing the following:

- Shopping for a professional Designer's wardrobe. I'm officially shopped out. The impossible has happened.
- Hanging with the future in-laws (The first meeting went exceedingly well and involved homemade Indian food, yum!).
- Throwing dinner parties consisting of mommy made Lebanese food with my friends.
- So You Think You Can Dance...obvi.
- Checking out Design schools...today was a promising showing at NYSID's open house.
- Eating ridiculously good French food.
- Finding future blog post worthy museum exhibitions at the Whitney, Guggenheim and Met.
- Wedding planning!
- Celebrating my gorgeous mother's 63rd birthday, her take on the day:

"Well, on Martha Stewart's 63rd birthday she was in jail so I guess I'm doing pretty well!"

Keep those standards high Mom!

image here

Bittersweet.

2011-07-29T11:48:00.000-07:00

Today is my last day at my current job. While I am so thrilled to be moving on to officially start my career in interior design, there is some sadness as well. This has been my first and only job since moving to NYC and is synonymous with my experience here up until this point. I've also made many wonderful friends who I will so miss hanging out with every day. It's the end of an era.

I am very grateful from all I gained from this experience and hey, maybe my fabulous former co-workers will become future clients!

the new neutral.

2011-07-26T13:14:00.000-07:00

Being at a start up media company for the past three years, I am used to a super casual dress code for work. A big drawback of that is that I was never forced to build a post-college professional wardrobe and now I have a lot of holes to fill. While I'm sure I'll miss the option to wear chucks to work, I'm really excited about "dressing for work" this fall.

Thus starts my great shopping adventure of 2011! I promised myself I would hit the thrift shops and Upper East Side Goodwill before giving into my Anthropologie and J. Crew temptations but I found this amazing skirt and just couldn't help myself. A great pencil skirt is a must have and this has the benefit of being something really special with the forest green peaking through the lace. Yet it's still neutral enough to work as a staple - gorgeous with a silk blouse and pumps and equally so with a creamy sweater and suede boots. Bonus: it makes my butt look amazing!

It is the epitome of what I want my wardrobe to be - an expression of my style that is professional and polished without being boring. I suppose that is the definition of Downtown Polish.

Aine Pencil Skirt - Anthropologie

What are your must have pieces for a professional wardrobe?

Summer Obsession

2011-07-24T19:01:00.000-07:00

I have been so spoiled by the summer farmer's market produce that even the juiciest peach in the grocery store turns my stomach. Just get a look a this color palate, talk about inspiration!

"I wish I could describe better the kind of happiness mid-summer always has given me, ever since my infancy almost when the wide extents of ripe corn stretched away endlessly and gave me even then a feeling of security, of peace, of happiness. The harvest songs of all peoples have given vent to it, but not in words.”

-- Bernard Berenson

Amy.

2011-07-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

The world has lost a one-of-a-kind talent today. Back to Black was my soundtrack in 2007 and though I feared it, I hoped this day would never come.

image here

Amy Winehouse

9.14.1983 - 7.23.2011

Tomatoes for Breakfast

2011-07-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

There's nothing more satisfying than a homegrown tomato in the summer. And especially so when it's picked right from your backyard. I tried my hand out at a little starter garden this year and have been loving the results.

In the past, I was the not-so-proud possessor of a black thumb but I'm happy to say those days seem to be behind me. Next summer my gardening ambitions will be higher than a humble tomato plant and a couple of herbs. Just one step closer to my grandfathers' gardening status.

so so HOT.

2011-07-21T12:50:00.000-07:00

The heat index today is 105, everyone at work is wearing dubious attire (i.e guys in shorts and girls in tank tops), I'm kind of freaking out about my cat who I left at home with no AC and tomorrow is supposed to be even hotter - awesome. So I'm fantasizing about...

- Pita Joe's mint lemonade

- Jumping into a deliciously cool lake

- OR the Soho House pool with some freshy fresh cocktail near by

- Hagen Daas sorbet (preferably raspberry or mango)

- A saltwater scented breeze

- Driving, windows down, with a summer anthem blaring

- Autumn, especially the smell of it

What are your high summer fantasies?

Photo via Win for a Cause

Vacation Photos

2011-07-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

I spent an hour last night sorting and putting into albums all the photos I've taken since Christmas. As a celebrated picture taker, organizer and memory keeper, I felt a sense of satisfaction when I slid the newly filled albums onto my bookshelf. However, this feeling was quickly replaced with dissatisfaction as I realized that I hardly ever flip through these albums and decided I need a better way to display my memories.

Well today Apartment Therapy provided the answer I was looking for with this article on creative ways to display your travel photos. It's funny how life works out that way isn't it? Here are my two favorites.

Photo via Apartment Therapy

I especially love the first one and can't wait to try this out as I went on some pretty noteworthy vacations this year - New Zealand, Paris & Chicago, the latter two cities being dreams for designers. And nothing personalizes a home like your own photographs.

Engaged One Month.

2011-07-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

One month ago today the love of my life got down on one knee with a toy Maserati (ring inside) and asked me to marry him. Leaving for Dallas will be that much harder now but being the amazing fiancé that he is, he has been nothing but supportive albiet a little sad. And I will be back in NYC in January with ample visiting in between. Plus wedding planning - such fun!

Our Story (The Abridged Version)

San and I met almost 4 years ago while studying abroad in London. He was the peppy RA that greeted a very jet lagged me devouring fish & chips my first night there. We were fast friends and soon more after a week of staying up until the wee hours talking. Our three and a half months there flew by culminating with a disgustingly romantic weekend in Paris.

But alas, we had to go back home - he to Boston, I to North Carolina and we left London not sure where things would go. Well here is where they went - 8 months of plane rides between Boston & Chapel Hill, a year of bus rides between NYC & Boston, 2 years of train rides between North Jersey & Brooklyn (a piece of cake in comparison) and a plan to spend the rest of our lives together.

The Proposal

We knew we wanted to get married and talked about it openly, San always joking that he was going to propose with a Maserati instead of a ring. Regardless, I didn't see this coming anytime soon as he still has another year of law school and I have all sorts of career change things happening. So when he suggested a weekend away to Cape Cod (where we spent our first anniversary), I suspected nothing.

We drove up to the Cape on Friday evening and he was acting completely normal, the only strange thing was how many times he asked me if I had packed my camera. After being cool as a cucumber that night, the next morning he was up before 8:30 asking if I wanted to go get breakfast. No, I did not want to go get breakfast, I wanted to sleep. But I sensed something was up...so off to breakfast we went.

As I beelined for the coffee, he grabbed my hand and suggested a stroll around the B&B grounds. Yeah, something was definitely up. When we got to the pond, he turned to me and told me he had a surprise adding that "he couldn't afford the real thing so..." as he pulled a toy model Maserati out of his bag, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The ring was hooked around the gear shift. Perfection.

Back in Business

2011-07-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

I thought I was going to take a break for a few weeks, maybe a month, and that turned into a year and some change BUT I always had the intention of a comeback - so here I am. I started this blog with nothing more than the desire to learn more about interior design and develop a plan to someday enter that world.

Since then I have taken classes, quit my job, and landed myself an internship with a fantastic interior designer in Dallas for the fall. It's game time folks.

"Pay the closest attention to what your heart loves. Make that leap of faith and listen to the quiet voices. You are successful when you do what you have a passion for."

on hold.

2010-04-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

The bad news: this week there has been a lot of "reorganization" at my work a.k.a. some really key people were let go, including my boss.

The good news: I was not let go and our general manager personally told me how she thought my creativity and skills weren't being put to enough use and that she looks forward to seeing me move up.

The other bad news: I am going to be insanely busy at work for at least a few weeks covering for two people that were let go in my department and I'm pretty stressed out about it. That said, I think I'm going to have to put this blog on the back burner for a while - I don't want to do it as an afterthought. Hopefully after things calm down at the office and we hire some new people, I can come back to this.

Thank you to everyone who has read, commented, and supported me - you haven't seen the last of me!

shuffle.

2010-04-28T21:09:00.000-07:00

Today on the train I had my iPod on shuffle and every time a new song came up, it took me back to whenever it was that I was into that band, artist, etc. It's funny how music can transport you back in time and allows you to remember people and things you may not have thought about in ages.

This gave me the idea to post the first five songs that came up on my shuffle and tell what they remind me of. And I'm tagging anyone who reads this to do the same, what is on your memory playlist?

1) T.I. - Whatever You Like - HA! I was obsessed with song when it first came out and it especially reminds me of one night in particular that involved some of my favorite ladies, a little too much red wine, and making a fool of ourselves singing on the train. Good times.

2) Bob Dylan - Lay Lady Lay - This is one of my absolute favorite songs, top 3 for sure. It takes me back to freshman year of college when I was working on a production of Uncommon Women which takes place in the early 70s and we used this song for one of the scene changes. This is when I first fell in love with Bob Dylan and it was just a very confusing but exciting time in my life...I was beginning college and had no idea how fast it would go by.

3) Wicked - For Good - I almost had to skip over this one because I didn't want to tear up on the train. I got really into Wicked right around the time I had my first big break up. Like first love, life changing, loss of innocence break up. They lyrics were so poignant and fitting:

I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led

To those who help us most to grow

If we let them

And we help them in return

Well, I don't know if I believe that's true

But I know I'm who I am today

Because I knew you...

Insert me, on dorm room floor, in the fetal position, with a box of tissues...ok, moving on.

4) Rilo Kiley - Breakin' Up - Ironic that this came on next, no? But this song actually brings back great memories of a summer road trip to Richmond right after graduation with my friends Allen and Rachel Rockett (most bad ass name ever!) to see Rilo Kiley on their Under the Blacklight tour. The show was awesome and started my enduring girl crush on Jenny Lewis. The next day we went to Kings Dominion and it was sooo hot that we kept riding that log ride just so we could get soaked. The whole trip was a blast.

Love her!

5) M.I.A. - Arular - I hate to pull the I-liked-her-before-she-was-big card but...it's true. I saw her perform in London at this massive dance club, Fabric, and was instantly hooked. When I got back to the states everyone was all "Oh, have you heard of M.I.A.?" Why yes, actually I have. (Also, this was the night my romance with San really started!)

I would really love to see what your shuffle conjures up, it's alway so interesting to see what music people like and hear a little more about their past. So please share!

The Gargoyle

2010-04-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

I just finished the most mesmerizing book, The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. It is a stunning love story without being sentimental and had some of the most powerful narration I've ever read, grotesque at times but completely captivating. It was refreshing to read such an original novel by a contemporary author - and this was Davidson's debut! I am excited and intrigued to see what he will put out next.

The plot is somewhat bizarre but decidedly genius - a man who has been savagely burned meets a beautiful psychiatric patient in the hospital who claims they are lovers from the 14th century. The stories of their present and supposed past are weaved together in the most astounding way. And for you romantics, the love story, though unconventional, is as epic as it gets. I was in tears by the book's end. Read this book, you will not be sorry.

"The Gargoyle is defiantly uncatgeorizable...So for all those who enter here, there is no need to abandon hope. Lessons are learned, love is found, spirits are restored, and faith is revealed, all in the overheated cauldron of Mr. Davidson’s imagination."

-New York Times book review

I'll leave you from a poem from the book that is just unbearably romantic.

You are mine, I am yours. You may be sure of this. You have been locked inside my heart, the key has been thrown away, within it you must always stay.

dreaming of summer.

2010-04-22T09:21:00.000-07:00

Coney Island - Memorial Day 2009

I've been doing a lot of planning for summer lately...putting dates on the calendar, booking plane tickets, fantasizing about long afternoons on the pier at my family's lake house. It has made this week crawl because I'm so excited about things coming up, but they're still so far away! I guess I'll just have to continue to fantasize for a bit longer. Here's what's on the books:

May:
- Trip to Boston with San to see our friend Mike graduate from BU.
- Sarina Jain's (my amazing dance instructor) 10th anniversary party for The Masala Bhangra Workout.
- Going home to NC (and hopefully the lake) over Memorial Day weekend for the first time since Christmas!

June:
- San's sister's wedding which will be a 3 day event - Indians know how to do it!
- Passion Pit concert on Governors Island.

July:
- Going to the lake for a week which will include a visit from Rachel & Chris and hopefully San as well.
- Celebrating my grandfather's 91st birthday in Cleveland.

TBD:
- Visiting one of my best friends in San Fransisco, a place I have been dying to go for years!
- A girl's weekend in NYC with Rachel.
- A visit from my mommy.
- A get away weekend with San, hopefully involving a bed & breakfast and vinyard.
- Mike's annual cook-out. (San always gets mad at me saying it's called a "barbecue" but we Southerners know what barbecue really is and that it should be served with hush puppies and sweet tea!)

Ah! I've re-excited myself and it's only lunch time...this week is will never end!

4th of July - Boston, 2009

What are your summer plans??

love on the mind.

2010-04-20T08:08:00.000-07:00

I apologize for being a bit m.i.a. the past few days - I had a very busy weekend that included going to San's barrister's ball, such fun! And after being out sick two days last week, I've been pulling some late evenings at the office so I'm a bit behind. Anyway...

Since so many of you beautiful bloggers are getting married, so many of my friends are getting married (or already are), two of my co-workers are getting married, my boyfriend's sister is getting married...I have marriage on the mind even though I'm not getting married...yet ;) So I thought I'd share some lovely quotes I've been jotting down about the subject of love and marriage because, after all, I am in love too!

"I tell you, the more I think, the more I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people." -Vincent Van Gogh

"When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with someone, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible." -When Harry Met Sally

"Marriage takes daily maintenance...not work, but maintenance. It's clearing a path for your partner through every day life. Loving them through your actions." Meredith from Penelope Loves Lists

And my favorite -- "True love stories never have endings."

I have so enjoyed reading about all of your nuptial plans, I know all of you engaged ladies will have magical weddings and marriages!

I heart Charlie Winston

2010-04-16T15:04:00.000-07:00

WAXTAILOR (feat Charlie Winston) I own You
Uploaded by ATMOSPHERIQUES. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

This music video boasts not only a great song but an incredible cardboard cut-out stop-motion animated world.

the muralist.

2010-04-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon a wonderful article today in the New York Times about the muralist Matthew Willey and his East Village apartment. He has covered the walls of his one bedroom with his murals which may seem like it would be overwhelming or claustrophobic but he does it in a way that is simultaneously breathtaking and calming. In fact, his business is based on painting murals for the home. He says this about his work, "When people think of murals, they think of the post office, they think of Diego Rivera and civil war and epics...I paint on walls intimately within your home, whatever those needs are."

Willey in his studio.

His living room - he made that sofa from vintage banisters & an ottoman, genius!

A mural of the Greek sun god Helios.

All images via NY Times

thinking green.

2010-04-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back, I watched the viral video The Story of Stuff which is now a book and larger project. The creator of The Story of Stuff project, Annie Leonard, spent years researching the consumer culture of America, what drives it and who pays the price. It really made me stop and think how much I consume, how I could be better etc and it was a bit unsettling also because, let's face it, interior design has its fair share of "stuff".

I figured there must be an environmentally sound route in all of this. So I was thrilled to see all of the "green" features in this month's issue of Lonny, especially the three books that were essentially eco-friendly design 101. I can't wait to pick these up. I'm officially making "environmentally responsible" part of my design manifesto!

Amazaon

Tagline: How to create an eco friendly home without compromising on style. Perfect!

Amazon

Tagline: Rethink, Reuse, and Remake Your Way to Sustainable Style

Amazon

happy anniversary Rachel & Chris!!

2010-04-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

A year ago today, my best friend in the whole world got married to one of the greatest guys I've ever known and I had the privilege of being the maid of honor in their wedding. I can attest that no one put more heart into their wedding than Rachel and she was behind every perfect detail. All her hard work certainly paid off because I can honestly say that it was one of the most beautiful weddings I've ever seen (in a movie or otherwise!). Rach was sweet enough to share some of the photos from the big day so you can see for yourself.

Rachel & Chris' Story: They are high school sweethearts whose romance started in freshman bio and bloomed on the Young Life trip to Colorado the summer before our junior year. Almost six years later, right after we all had graduated from college, Chris went away for five months to hike the Appalachian Trail. Though it was hard for them to be apart, he made it up to her by proposing when she went to hike the last mile of the trail with him. The gist of the proposal - "I've learned a lot things during this experience but the most important is that I know I can't spend another day without you." Are you tearing up yet? Because I am, and I know the story well!

Rachel & Chris Dyer April 11th, 2009

Rachel is not only a beautiful bride and person but one of the best friends anyone could ever ask for. She has seen me through thick and thin since middle school. And knowing Chris set the bar for all the guys I ever dated until I finally found one as nice as he is. I know these two will have a wonderful life together and I'm so glad I get to be part of it - I love you both!

*All photos were taken by the incredibly talented Katie Klein, I'd highly recommend checking out her work if you're looking for a photographer in North Carolina. And the lovely Mrs. Dyer just happens to be one of the bridal models on her sight! For more of Rachel & Chris' story, here is Katie's blog post of their wedding.

Venice, September 2007

2010-04-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Tonight I will be enjoying a home cooked Italian meal by one of San's law professors. This will be the most authentic Italian food I've had since the trip I took to Venice while studying abroad and thought I would reminisce a bit.

This was my first trip into Europe (not including the UK) and I knew about four words of Italian much less my way around the suburbs of Venice (as we couldn't afford to stay on the island itself.) After nearly missing our plane, my friend Arlyn and I arrived in Venice and then almost missed our bus, which was the last one of the night and which dropped off essentially in the middle of nowhere. We ended up having to walk the rest of the way to our hotel which included going through an incredibly sketchy underpass and a lot of dimly lit streets. But clearly we made it, our hotel was not, in fact, sketchy and the rest of the trip went much more smoothly!

It was just how I pictured it...

absolutely stunning.

On the Grand Canal.

St. Marc's Cathedral

I love how much this woman loves the pidgins in the square.

Sunset. Sigh.

Wow, this post has made me seriously nostalgic. Don't get me wrong, I love where I am now but those 4 months abroad were the best of my life and I don't know if anything will ever top them.

I'd love to hear about your travels!

my grandfathers' gardens.

2010-04-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

Both my grandfathers were incredible gardeners and I had the privilege of growing up eating hand picked, homegrown tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, lima beans, peaches, pears, you name it and having homemade pasta sauces, pickles, and pies. And my paternal grandfather had award winning rose bushes, I can never smell roses without thinking of him.

I'm sure it's because of this that I desperately want to have my own garden one day. Though I hate to admit that I haven't proven to have much of a green thumb thus far, I'm determined to turn that around!

Katie of The Neo-Traditionalist posted the most delightful quote about gardens that inspired me even more:

"Gardens should be like lovely, well-shaped girls: all curves, secret corners, unexpected deviations, seductive surprises, and then still more curves." ~ H.E. Bates

Sadly, I don't have any pictures of either of my grandfathers' gardens so here are some of my favorite that I've visited.

The Brooklyn Botanic Garden

image here

(especially during cherry blossom season)

image here

Kensington Gardens...I miss London!

image here

Majorelle Garden in Marrakesh

image here

And my favorite, Gaudi's Park Guell.

my photo

It was like being in Alice in Wonderland.

image here

What are your favorite gardens or parks?

spring, sunshine & fresh sheets.

2010-04-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

I had a superb weekend and hope it was the same for everyone else as well. To share some highlights...

Friday, San and I had a date night at a wonderful Lebanese restaurant in my neighborhood. Aside from the delectable food, I picked up some really great decorating ideas believe it or not. In reference to my tile obsession, they had single decorative tiles arranged on the wall as candle holders with a little shelf underneath each tile to hold the candles. How fantastic would that be over an over-sized tub in a master bath? Along with copper basin style sinks, which is what they have in their bathroom, it would create an exotic escape.

image here

Saturday, we ventured to Jackson Heights to do some shopping for San's sister's wedding coming up in June and had some of THE best Indian food either of us had ever had. And being that's San is Indian and his mom is a great cook, that's really saying something!

On the topic of Indian weddings, how is this for a bridal-perfect hybrid...not that I'm looking ;)

image found here

And today I just enjoyed the beautiful weather by spending the afternoon soaking up the sun in the park...and eating strawberry ice cream - my favorite.

image here

Another favorite of mine - the feeling of a freshly made bed with clean sheets. Goodnight!

What did you do over the weekend??

tarheel born, tarheel bred.

2010-04-01T10:09:00.000-07:00

As an alumnus of UNC Chapel Hill, I am totally willing to admit that we have so much school spirit that it's sickening to some. But that just proves how amazing the school and Chapel Hill really are, I haven't met anyone who went there and didn't love it. My favorite time of year there is spring when all the cherry blossoms bloom and right about now, I'm really missing it. So I'm dedicating a post to the beauty of UNC's campus.

The Old Well

image here

The campus in 1939 (we're the oldest public school in the country.)

image here

The Bell Tower

image here

Our 2009 NCAA Champion basketball team with Obama at the White House (He had predicted us to win in his bracket.)

image here

The men's basketball team is playing for NIT championship tonight at Madison Square Garden and I've got tickets - GO HEELS!!

family photos.

2010-03-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

I spent the weekend visiting my 90 year old grandfather. It's amazing all that his generation experienced in their lifetime. He was born in 1919, fought in WWII, saw the Civil Rights movement, the technological revolution, a man on the moon, the first black president and so much more. Maybe that's why my grandfather was also so many things. He was an exceptional athlete, lettering in 5 sports during high school and earning a spot on the Cleveland Indians baseball team. When he returned home from the war he enjoyed life as a father, union leader, incredible gardener and amateur photographer. Because of his love of picture taking, there is now a treasure trove of wonderful family photos.

A bit more background, both my maternal grandparents were the children of Lebanese and Syrian immigrants. Although you really you don't need to know any of this to enjoy these pictures.

My grandparents: Bill & Sophie Salem - were they not gorgeous??

(Ok one more fun fact: my great grandmother didn't want her children to have Arab names so she named all of them after English royalty - William, Victoria, George, Edward, Samuel & David)

My mom and uncle.

Clockwise from left: my mom, Papa, Grandmommy, Aunt Loraine, Uncle Billy, Uncle David

My grandmother with the oldest three children.

My grandmother (on right) with her sister Sally.

Jitu Salem with my grandmother & another daughter-in-law (Jitu & Situ are grandmother & grandfather in Arabic)

Situ Salem - the woman who inspired my grandfather's love of gardening.

Situ Sarah, my grandmother's mother. Now this woman was a character and total badass. The stories are endless...

Another of my grandparents.

My sweet Papa on his 90th birthday.

symphonies.

2010-03-25T08:54:00.001-07:00

The best music video I've seen in a while by two guys with great style - Dan Black & Kid Cudi.

Dan Black - Symphonies
Uploaded by UniversalMusicGroup. - Music videos, artist interviews, concerts and more.

wallpaper nostalgia.

2010-03-24T21:22:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I lived in old house in the historic district of my hometown. We had a grand foyer with a black and white checkered floor and the most magical wallpaper - it had a silver sheen to it with big flowers and little birds and bees flitting about. The family that moved in after us replaced the checkered floor with hardwood and painted the walls white. It just about broke my heart.

But I think because of my childhood walls, I have always loved wallpaper with a little flair, or a lot.

Vintage - 1970s Orange

image found here

So Retro

image found here

Silk

image found here

Blissfully decadent

image found here

Mystique Avocado, brilliant

image found here

Incredible texture.

image found here

Naturalist

image found here

All of these images come from the following websites which are incredible sources of inspiration and ideas. It was very hard to narrow them down so please pay each a visit yourself! Designer Wallcoverings, Graham & Brown, Burkedecor.com, & Grow House Grow.

south of the border.

2010-03-23T21:04:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, I had dinner at a fantastic Mexican restaurant in the West Village, Cabritos. In addition to the delicious food, there was all this gorgeous tiling along the walls. It reminded me of my trip to San Miguel when I was in college, the Mexican tiling and ceramics were absolutely stunning. I love them for kitchens and bathrooms but I also saw the baseboard of a bed covered in tiles and it was completely rad as well.

Here are some of my favorites and they're best enjoyed with a corona and lime. It's Cinco de Mayo come early my friends!

found here

beautiful weekend, beautiful clothes.

2010-03-22T10:09:00.000-07:00

I took full advantage of the unseasonably gorgeous weather this weekend and spent most of it outside. I did however, duck inside to get a few new spring pieces for work, including some new tops and something I've been wanting forever...

a denim shirt-dress

New York & Co

Still on my list of spring wardrobe wishes:

a sweet floral dress

asos

perfect pencil skirt.

fab sugar

destroyed skinny jeans for the punk in me

Seven for all Mankind

and grey chucks.

Converse.

What is on your spring wish list?

don't tease me spring.

2010-03-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

The weather these past few days has been unbelievably sunny and warm and is supposed to stay that way until Saturday. It's that first taste of spring and as I sit outside in a tank top, I have to remind myself that this is not here to stay quite yet. But while it lasts, I will relish airy, colorful, summery things...

image via Design*Sponge

To me, these rooms say relaxing August afternoon and refreshing summer Saturday morning respectively.

image via Elements of Style Blog

I think I could handle a trip back to Morocco right about now...

image via art.com

Or to wherever this is...

happy st. patrick's day!

2010-03-17T12:05:00.000-07:00

I'm not Irish but I do like green and Guinness and plan on meeting up with my friends for a cold one after work.

Keep it classy ;)

coffee table revamp.

2010-03-16T20:51:00.000-07:00

In part 1 of finding my design style, I said I would come back to this coffee table and well, here we go.

This coffee table was looking rough and my roommate had the great idea of giving it a makeover instead of replacing it. Had I known then that I would be writing this blog, I would have taken before, during and after pictures but I'd still like to share the process of refreshing this once very dull piece of furniture.

After some discussion, Katie and I decided to find some cool fabric and Mod Podge it on top of the table. We found this starburst fabric on one of our epic Ikea trips. I don't know about elsewhere, but going to the Ikea in Redhook is an event, especially if you don't have a car. But it does involve a free ferry ride with a lovely view of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty and an excuse to eat Swedish meatballs.

Once we had purchased our fabric, the rest of the supplies were pretty simple - fine grain sand paper...240 grit I believe, a large bottle of Mod Podge Hard Coat, foam brushes and a polyurethane sealant.

The whole process only took a few hours:
Step 1) Sanding the surface of the coffee table to rough it up so to allow the Mod Podge to bond with it. This takes old-fashioned elbow grease and was the most labor intensive part.

Step 2) Then, we measured the dimensions of the inlay of the table and created a pattern on newspaper which we pinned to the cloth so that we could cut it accurately. We decided against the starburst being in the center of the table and went for the asymmetrical look instead.

Step 3) Once the fabric was cut, we used the sponge brushes to put down a coat of Mod Podge on the table and very carefully applied the fabric, using a pastry scraper to ensure that there were no air bubbles.

Step 4) After the fabric was glued onto the table, we applied 6 coats of the Mod Podge, allowing 30 minutes drying time between each coat.

Step 5) When the final coat had dried, we took the table outside and sealed it with the polyurethane and ta-da! We now have a fabulous new coffee table!

I would definitely recommend this kind of restoration for any beat up wood furniture you may have, it really does give a second life to worn in but well made pieces.

dream bedding.

2010-03-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

Green, elephants, paisley, Indian block printing, perfection!

Rickshaw Design's taj collection has this along with other amazing bedding AND she does baby bedding and baby clothes. Beautiful little brown sweethearts...I'm so losing it over this stuff!

I want one...or three.

wishing for May flowers.

2010-03-12T09:24:00.000-08:00

I am SO ready for spring and on a rainy day like this one, I am going to fantasize about the Brooklyn Botanic Garden in late April when it's in full bloom. And wish for this completely original arrangement...

I have never seen flowers mixed like this, pure genius! Bonus: this arrangement comes from the Brooklyn based soap and flower company Saipua. I'm not engaged yet but...I think I've found my florist ;)

Thanks to Black*Eiffel for the find!

New Zealand

2010-03-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

The rumor is true, New Zealand is a breathtaking place. The beauty of it is its unadulterated nature - the air is clean, the food tastes amazing because it's chemical free and the landscapes are second to none. Here are some highlights from my trip...

These are the pohutukawa trees and they have the most amazing branches and forms. The last time I was in NZ I must have taken a hundred pictures of them because they were in bloom.

Incredible beaches, the water is so clear and blue.

And Auckland is the "city of sails"

The Auckland skyline.

I LOVE the colors of these flowers.

This is the oldest, most prestigious social club in Auckland. I just like the ivy effect.

The purest and most delicious food I've ever eaten. (aside from one magical meal in Paris)

This is at a Maori (the beautiful and fascinating indigenous people of NZ) performance of their famous battle ritual, the haka.

This is a Maori marae where the leaders of the tribes meet and all important decisions are made.

Aren't they amazing??

AND I found a gorgeous (affordable) Indian tapestry which I have been wanting forever!

Stunning, no?

Hopefully that gives you enough of a taste to make the trip over there - it's a long one but completely worth it!

and the winner is...

2010-03-08T20:22:00.000-08:00

So glad I got to watch The Blind Side on the plane ride home because Sandra Bullock was wonderful as was the movie itself. Her dress reminds me of a champagne flute and is quite beautiful but perhaps not the best color for her. (And where is her beautiful smile??)

Carey Mulligan is my new love. I never would have imagined her in a platinum pixie but she totally rocks it. And because I love her so, I hate to say that I'm not a fan of the dress, it seems too bulky for her delicate frame.

Helen Mirren is such a fox! Every time I see her I think "please let me be that sexy at her age." And though I haven't yet seen her film, she never disappoints.

Meryl Streep is without a doubt the first lady of film. As famous as she is, when I saw Julie & Julia, I forgot I was watching Meryl Streep play Julia Child because she truly became Julia Child. And last night she looked classic and elegant as the first lady should.

I haven't seen Precious yet but I've been wanting to for quite some time and from everything I've heard, Gabourey Sidibe was brilliant. I think her dress is lovely, the draping is flattering and the details are gorgeous.

And last year's winner, my beloved Kate Winslet looked beautifully statuesque in her simple but stunning gown.

Who were your favorites? (or least favorites!)

Sorry for a week of no posting, I was enjoying a week of New Zealand summer and will have a post up about my trip very soon!

be bold.

2010-02-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

Part one of step two of finding my design style is coming tomorrow - I promise. But right now, I'm finding a lot of inspiration from this:

Be bold.

Observe Everything.

Find what you love, and do it the best you can.

Multitasking is key.

Edit, edit, edit.

Learn to appreciate "decorating serendipity", not everything is planned!

Spontaneity is a good thing.

Be true to yourself.

Max Sinsteden

the office - sans cubicles.

2010-02-18T21:41:00.000-08:00

I promise to post Step 2 of finding my design style very soon but in the mean time...

When I stepped off the elevator to interview for my current job, the first thought I had was "OMG this office is sick, I have got to work here!" Luckily, that ended up happening and I have had the privilege of working in a gorgeous rooftop office for the past year and half. (Rumor has it that this used to be Alice Cooper's apartment but you know how rumors go...)

The only downfall to all these windows - it's freezing in the winter!

The rooftop courtyard where we often work when it's warm, have parties and screen independent films.

More of the rooftop.

And of course, the view.

happy valentine's day!

2010-02-14T14:35:00.000-08:00

From my always classy and wonderful friend Blair. This card makes me want to go to Paris...but then again, I pretty much always want to go to Paris. Bon (long) weekend!

my new favorite place.

2010-02-09T10:22:00.000-08:00

I have my fabulous roommate to thank for this discovery - a bar/restaurant/music venue called Union Hall located in Park Slope. This transformed warehouse looks like a library that mated with a bad ass, I would call it "downtown cozy". The drinks are really reasonable ($3 PBR, don't pretend you don't love it.) and the menu is fantastic, I saw what looked like the most delicious hamburger ever. Bonus: two bocce courts!

Library.

Meets.

Bad Ass.

Katie Armour Home

2010-02-08T11:06:00.000-08:00

Today I'd like to give a shout out to one of my favorite bloggers who just started her own antique shop, Katie Armour Home, on Etsy and it's fabulous! Kate had impeccable taste and you are sure to find something you love. Here are a few of my favorites...

For some reason, this clock reminds me of my grandmother - very proper and Southern.

LOVE this pattern.

This matchbox & ashtray are so glam, they almost make want to take up smoking...almost.

Check out Kate's blog The NEO-traditionalist for more info!

last week's finds.

2010-02-06T21:58:00.000-08:00

I discovered two new-to-me places last week with excellent interiors and ambiance. The first being the Ace Hotel bar - it was swanky and stylish but still felt relaxed with people on laptops lounging in the lush booths. This boutique hotel in general has fantastic style. Check out their website and you'll see what I mean, they stay true to their brand with every last detail. And, I'm happily taken but if you're not, there was also plenty of delicious eye candy!

A perfect mix of rustic and hip.

It's no wonder Time Out New York named it one of the best new bars!

And if you're an out-of-towner, you definitely will want to put this on your list of places to stay. They have dapper rooms of all sizes so you won't have to blow your budget!

Small.

Medium.

Large.

Loft.

"Cheap."

Bunk.

Go to the rooms page on their website to get a better look at the rooms, you will be looking for an excuse to stay there - I am and I live in the city!

The second of my finds is an adorable bistro which turned out to be a hidden treasure right around the corner from my office - Bar Six. It's very French cafe-esque inside with absolutely delicious French-Moroccan food. And it comes to no surprise that my friend from Paris was the one to recommend it.

Sadly, this is the only photo I could use but check out their website for a better look and don't forget to check the menu!

Slash: Paper Under the Knife

2010-02-04T19:26:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I went to the Museum of Arts & Design to see the incredible exhibition of paper art, Slash: Paper Under the Knife. I had high hopes and they were satisfied and then some! The inventiveness and variety of the art forms blew me away. It was absolutely amazing to see what these artists could do with paper.

For anyone who lives in NYC area, I highly recommend this exhibition. It will be at the Museum of Arts & Design in Manhattan through April. And if you can't make it, check out some of the pieces from the exhibition at the museum's website.

a starting point.

2010-02-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

These are photos of my bedroom currently and I think while its "design" is very elementary with some remnants of college still lingering about, in the most basic way, it still expresses my tastes. Eclectic, colorful, a mix of old and new, a fondness of exotic things. I would totally revamp but as I don't plan on resigning my lease, I'm going to wait and let my new apartment be my first real design project. (I'm really looking forward to paint on the walls!)

My bedspread is a brighter green than it looks here and is in need of more accent pillows but the teddy bear and stuffed bird that was made by my step-sister are here to stay. I've had a lot of trouble with the artwork and I'm definitely not satisfied but I'm still playing around with it.

I love this tapestry so I use it as a curtain.

This dresser has gorgeous detail and is just the right amount of girly

As you can see, I love to have pictures of my friends and family everywhere so finding a cool, more sophisticated way to display them is on my to-do list.

A close up on my favorite piece, a wooden chest from India.

My bookshelf, where I like to display a lot more than just books.

And just for fun, my cat Lester looking out at the snow.

So this is my '"before" and with my upcoming research and exploration, I know I'll have a much better "and after."

time to be wrong.

2010-02-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

"The only thing that prevents your creativity is fear. Fear of being laughed at, fear of being wrong, fear of seeming uninformed. So many creative exercises and habit revolve around overcoming that fear. The single best thing you can do to become more creative is to be wrong more often." ~Seth Godin

This is my exercise in overcoming my fear of starting something totally new and an exericise in nurturing my creativity. It will definitely be something that involves being wrong sometimes and I'm ok with that. Writing this blog is my first step in actively pursuing a career in interior design and as I've recently observed from my 15 month old niece, first steps are always a little bit wobbly.

I plan to share my research, discoveries, progress and eventual entry into the world of interior design and I hope also into the blogging community where I have so enjoyed being a reader. I have found much inspiration from these amazing designers and writers and with any luck, I will also find support.