Weekly Roundup

Emily Henderson revealed her beautiful backyard this week and it's what English-country-garden-while-living-in-Los-Angeles-dreams are made of. I promise that I'll share our front yard landscaping soon!

On Wednesday, Ross and I went to see Hall & Oates and Tears for Fears and it was pretty swell! Who else should we aim to see before they stop performing? Elton John is on my list, but what other classics are still out there playing their hits?

Comic Con is happening in San Diego this week. It isn't my scene at all, but I ventured down the block from my office to check out Broad City's life-size coloring book. That show cannot come back from hiatus soon enough! Who is listening to Abbi Jacobson's new podcast in partnership with MoMa? 

I'm making an effort to add more artwork to my home. Each time I get a new piece, I'm so pleased with myself, but this couple has me beat.

Sometimes I think about owning a hotel and decorating each room exactly the same, or wildly different. I also fantasize about being in the Guilty Remnant (I still can't get over The Leftovers being snubbed by the Emmys!). So, this list of Six SoCal Motels You Can Buy Right Now That Would Be Ideal For Starting A Cult is right up my alley.

Domino says this is the best brownstone in Brooklyn. I'd have to agree that the bedroom wallpaper is super heart-eyes.

Annie Selke's rug design contest has ended, and the winning designs are pretty great. But I'm totally bummed that Nicole Balch's bug rugs didn't win!

Happy weekend!

Weekly Roundup

Director Wes Anderson has defined an iconic style that he maintains in all of his movies. His films are so pretty that each frame would make a great wall art print. A bunch of regular folks took photos of real life that have a Wes Anderson vibe. The results are gorgeous!

I just started a mid-year resolution. With two free months of Skillshare access to watch an unlimited amount of online classes, I'm making a goal to watch course videos every single day. My focus is to gain some blogging/writing/photography knowledge but I also saved a few classes on hand lettering, cooking, floral arranging, and ceramics. Why don't you join me in the daily challenge? Click here and you, too, can get two free months of Skillshare!

Did you see Orlando's plan for his parents' kitchen renovation? The backsplash tile! It's modern triangles meets classic hex. 

There are two types of people in this world. Normal folks that can enjoy the outdoors free of worry, and people who get eaten alive by bugs whenever they step outside. I am the one that bugs love to gnaw on. Literally scratching bites as I type. I just ordered some of this natural bug spray, and I bought a bulk pack of citronella candles, but I'm still wary of outdoor activities this summer. I'll take all the recommendations I can get - any remedies for the bites or tricks to keep the bugs at bay?

Over the past couple of weeks, I've shared that Jackie O's childhood home was for sale and the Grey Gardens home was restored. This week, a Golden Girl's house is on the market! Blanche's house is available for $5.5 million. Which classic icon's home will we get to peek into next?

I'm hosting a small soirée at my house this weekend and I'm on the hunt for good beverage recipes. This one caught my eye. Any more recommendations? I'll be whipping up a few pies that I've adapted from this cookbook to pair with drinks.

Happy weekend!

Weekly Roundup

This gorgeous a-frame is what I want when I say that I yearn for a cozy cabin in the woods. Maybe one day.

Did you check out the newest page on the blog? Now you can click Shop The House in the menu to check out all of the products that make up our home - paint colors included!

Remember a few weeks ago when I mentioned one of my favorite blogs, McMansion Hell? Well, Zillow had the NERVE to sue the writer! Luckily, they are backing off, but you can get the scoop here.

Sarah rounded up her favorite blogs that she loves reading as a blogger herself. Boy was I tickled to see my name listed amongst those super star bloggers! If you aren't following those folks, you're missing out.

IKEA is helping people cook with just a sheet of paper. Seriously, one big piece of paper.

Molly of Almost Makes Perfect has come out with two beauties recently. One is a human baby, and the other is a collection of designs you can have printed on anything you like!

Jackie O's childhood home just hit the market for a mere $49.5 million. It's exactly what you'd think it would look like.

If Jackie's house is a bit much for you, how about this monochromatic hotel?

Happy holiday weekend!

Weekly Roundup

Happy almost weekend!

Hannah Carpenter has been staying at artist Julie Blackmon's house and sharing all of the gorgeousness on her Instagram Stories. Julie's house is so pretty as it is, but when she uses it as a backdrop (or rather a subject) for her photographs, the result is striking. P.S. You can buy prints of Julie's photos in her books!

Sarah's recent gallery wall is the perfect amount of classy and funky. It's so pretty and refined, yet the vintage skiing photos are quirky and fun. She also outlines the many ways to mat artwork in a gallery wall for completely different effects.

Like buying goods from artists and independent shops? Like it when 100% of your purchase benefits a great cause? Then check out Still We Rise! The auction is open through June 27.

This brief video about color and language is worth a watch. Which colors would you keep in your vocabulary if you had to pick only four?

I have dreams of living in a big house in total isolation like Little Edie and Big Edie - but with less squalor. The Grey Gardens estate has been restored and it sure is something else.

An article about me! (practically)

Weekly Roundup

What a couple of weeks! We went to Boulder, CO and Chicago, IL - both of which I had never visited before. I fell for both. Exploring these cities that are so different from my own yet so easy to imagine living in has me really thinking about all we have in San Diego. I'm planning on venturing out and about in my hometown to appreciate all that this fine city has to offer. And if that means eating lots of food, well, so be it! Would any of you be interested in a compilation of my favorite spots and eateries in San Diego?

Ross and I finished The Keepers during our travels. Wowza! I just finished The Leftovers the other day. Triple Wowza! Please share your theories about each of the shows!

Do any of you have a Lichtenstein laying around? Maybe do with it what Agnes did.

In response to the withdrawal of the Paris Climate Agreement, one of my favorite photo printing resources announced partnerships with artists that would raise money to preserve our planet. Their One For Our Land Limited Edition Prints are gorgeous photos of our planet for only $10.

Have you seen the pink houses in LA by The Most Famous Artist? Really, COMPLETELY painted pink.

Speaking of installation art, Lucy Sparrow's latest work is what fiber art dreams are made of. She created an all-felt convenience store in New York, and you can even buy the items! I meant to buy some of her grocery store items years ago when I first saw her, but I was completely plagued with indecision and never bought anything. This time, I must choose! I still can't decide but I'm eyeing the chocolate chips.

Tomorrow is my neighborhood's Old House Fair and I truly can't wait! I get to tour some of my neighbors' houses and admire their old home restorations. Keep an eye out on my Instagram stories - I'll probably be sharing there!

Happy weekend!

Weekly Roundup

We're heading out on our trip oh so soon! Ross has a gig in Chicago so we're extending his work travel with a vacation, and also stopping in Colorado to make it a double vacation. I really cannot wait. Thanks to all of you who gave travel recommendations! I have a nice list of activities and sights to see, but most importantly, a grand list of eateries.

This past week, friends from The Crafter's Box came over to photograph their projects in our house. For those who love to make, The Crafter's Box is a unique delivery program that sends you the tools and materials needed to create pieces inspired by artisans. Some of the featured makers are favorites of mine like Emily Jeffords, Sarah K. Benning, Maryanne Moodie, Jenna Rainey, and more. How cool is it to have Jenna Rainey teach you how to watercolor a monstera leaf? Very.

Do you like pink? Check out the bathroom in this house for sale in a nearby neighborhood. Wowza.

Mr. Rogers' signature look was his cardigan, so seeing all of the sweater colors in order of when he sported them is pretty cool. Even cooler is this video of a young Mr. Rogers advocating for children's educational television programming. Goosebumps.

NYT has compiled the best options for streaming some of the best movies of this year. I'll tell you again, Get Out was an exceptional film; and you must watch it.

When I was sourcing fabric for my chair upholstery project a few weeks ago, I wish I had Sarah's favorite sources for textiles.

I just got these shoes this afternoon and I'm already in love which how comfy they are, and how eco-conscious the company is. I'll give you a full report after I truly break them in.

Happy June! Happy Pride Month!

Weekly Roundup

If you've ever looked at professional photos of interior spaces, chances are at least one of the images was captured by photographer, Tessa Neustadt. She just launched an online shop with new and vintage home furnishings. If her shop is anything like her photos and her style, it is sure to be a winner.

The American Museum of the House Cat just opened in North Carolina. Who's in the area and will check it out for me? I've been to the Kattenkabinet in Amsterdam and highly recommend it. The more cat museums the better.

We're going on vacation pretty soon, but I'm already dreaming about my next one. Visiting Great Camp Sagamore in the Adirondacks looks pretty swell.

If It Isn’t Posted to Social Media, Did It Still Happen? Designer, TV host, and all-around cool chick, Sabrina Smelko writes about her take on the weird world of sharing on the internet.

If there's one thing I like more than sweaters, it's murder mysteries. This is both.

Memorial Day weekend brings lots of sales! Here are a few deals for you:

• Rugs are already 50% off, but you can take another 20% off with code SUMMER20 at eCarpetGallery
• Framebridge is offering $10 off their custom white frames with code WHITEHOT
• There are several savings events at AllModern, plus you can get an extra 20% with the code SPLASH
• 20% off and free shipping at one of my favorite art sources, Society6
• Use code MW1725 to get 25% off everything at House of Antique Hardware
• Code BBQ200 will get you $200 off customizable seating at Interior Define
• Lighting is on sale at Lumens - up to 40% off
• My favorite place to buy my (men's sized) shoes is ASOS. Use code LIT20 for 20% off
• Get 15% off everything at Rejuvenation with code MEMORIAL15
• Everything is 20% off at Rifle Paper Company
• Non-toxic and eco-friendly mattresses are $150 off at Avocado Mattress
• No coupon code needed for Wayfair's major markdowns
• There are too many deals to list for Amazon, but you can get a free trial of Amazon Prime so all of those goodies can ship free
• Buy more and save more with code SUMMER at West Elm
• Home Depot and Lowe's both have a rebate for $10 off for each gallon of paint you buy
• Target has patio and home and furniture items for 30% off. With code HERO you get another 15% off
• With code MEMDAY you can get 20% off Joss&Main's sale events
• Fellow San Diegan Janell is offering 20% off her vintage rugs at Mesa Vintage with code REMEMBER
• Many modern furnishings from Article are on sale this weekend
• There's a bunch of killer deals at Old Navy's Memorial Day Sale
• Jeans are 30% off at Levi's with code MEM30
• Warby Parker's eyeglasses home try on is always free - no coupon needed!
• Code SUMMER will earn you 20% off at McGee & Co.
• I swear by this period underwear. No coupon needed to get 30% off at THINX this weekend
• There are many discounts on Pottery Barn but with code SAVEMORE you can get an even bigger discount
• One of my favorite art retailers is offering 25% off. Use code SUMMER2017 at Artfully Walls
• San Diego and Los Angeles folks - get 10% off vintage furniture at Loveseat

Happy weekend!

Weekly Roundup

Happy Friday!

White paint isn't always the solution for making spaces feel bigger. Apartment Therapy shows off how dark paints can make walls recede and thus, make the room look more vast. Truth.

Ross has work in Chicago in a few weeks, so we're making a vacation out of it! We'll first make a stop in Denver and hope to relax in a woodsy cabin before heading to Chicago for some big city exploring. I have quite a great list of Chicago sites, but I'm still researching activities and eateries in the the Denver area. Any tips?

Emily Henderson just revealed her patio makeover and it is so so dreamy! We just landscaped the front yard a few months ago (I promise I'll show it off soon!), but our backyard is the MOST neglected space in our home. Emily's cozy outdoor space is giving me some motivation to think about updating the backyard.

Have you seen the McMansion Hell blog? It breaks down the design elements that make McMansions such unfortunate pieces of architecture. Here's some 101 to give you an intro to these poor houses.

I just saw the Casting JonBenet movie the other day. Chilling! It's on Netflix and totally worth a watch - a unique take on documentary filmmaking.

There are so many good shows available right now! Here's a comprehensive list.

Who else is ready for the weekend? Enjoy!

Weekly Roundup

Are you ready for Mother's Day? If not, I've rounded up a few gifts that are sure to delight the moms in your life!

Remember all of that art that I raved about last week? Well, with this link, you can get 20% off your Society6 order plus free shipping through May 6th! Find a design mom will like, then have it printed as a mug, pillow, framed print, tote bag, or whatever she fancies! Click here to get the promo and browse my favorite pieces. For even more art prints options, I'm sure you can find something she'd enjoy at Minted. If not, get something custom made or commissioned!

Maybe in lieu of a tangible item, she would like her gift to empower women and girls in need. International Rescue Committee has some wonderful gift options including a safe birth kit, a year of school, and small business training. These options range from $21-$192 and make a major impact.

Might mom need some new frames? I highly recommend these $95 glasses (frames and lenses!). Both my prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses are from Warby Parker. I wear these every day but I'm planning on getting these to switch up the look every once in awhile.

Is mom into DIY? Perhaps you can interest her in some woodworking supplies and hardware from Rockler? A pressure washer that I love because my neighbors think I'm playing with a robot? Classes and supplies for making her own goodies at Craftsy? The miter saw we used to install picture rail molding?

For moms with a great sense of humor, illustrator Chipper Things makes adorable flow charts, and this one all about mom makes for a great card.

For the literary mom, In The Company of Women is a must have and will keep her inspired as she continues her passions.

Is she a gardening mom? I have this elevated garden wedge and love how easy it is to harvest without kneeling on the ground, and it just looks pretty.

Is mom tricky to shop for? Gift her Amazon Prime so she can buy what she wants with free (and fast!) shipping. Plus she can stream her favorite movies and TV shows.

I hope these ideas give you procrastinators some inspiration!

Weekly Roundup

Happy Friday!

Earlier this week, I played tourist in my hometown and explored the Hotel Del Coronado. The rambling 1888 Victorian beach resort is quite the looker. Since beaches aren't my thing, I enjoyed hanging out in the lobby checkin' out the woodwork.

It isn't even May yet, but Domino is listing the best design blogs of the year. Which are your favorites? Are any missing from the list?

Before we got rid of cable, I used to have HGTV or DIY network playing in the background while I cleaned the house or did projects. The voices kept me company, and I'd find inspiration during periodic glances at the screen. Without the comfort of Rehab Addict marathons, I don't have a show to keep me company that I can tune in and out of as I putter around. Until now. Grand Designs is finally on Netflix and I'm so into it. Each episode covers the build of unique houses from start to finish. This home in the middle of the countryside built from shipping containers and clad in rusty panels is a stunner.

Speaking of TV shows, are you watching The Handmaid's Tale? I remember how gripping the novel was when I read it years ago, and the TV show is just as moving. In addition to a marvelously chilling plot, the sets are beautiful. That paint color looks pretty close to Salamander, eh?

Luxury designer brand Balenciaga designed a $2,145 purse that looks nearly identical to the $0.99 IKEA bag that many of us have in our closets. IKEA's reaction is on point.

Does this mean I shouldn't pull out all the weeds?

Have a great weekend!

Weekly Roundup

This beautiful restaurant used to be a pharmacy built in 1914. What a stunner!

The only bummer about working on the One Room Challenge is it cuts into my TV viewing time. There are so many HBO shows on this top 25 list that I haven't event started. How ever will I catch up??

Did you see Orlando's new kitchen reveal? Hubba hubba.

Does anyone else get HomeGoods paralysis? Real Simple has some tips.

Our new rug for the One Room Challenge arrived last week from eCarpetGallery and I'm totally crushing. It has me considering laying rugs everywhere.

Did you see my Instagram Story over the weekend? I went looking for an open house and had a hard time finding it. Not enough signage.

Hope you have a great weekend! I'll be reupholstering a chair. Or, sourcing artwork, or touching up paint, or pulling weeds. Or, all of the above. I truly can't wait!

Weekly Roundup

Did you see the incredible kitchen transformation that Julia, Chris, Kim, Scott, and Daniel (from the respective blogs Chris Loves Julia, Yellow Brick Home, and Manhattan Nest) accomplished? Talk about dream team! These folks completely gutted and rebuilt a kitchen in three days. Yes, three DAYS. Oh, and for a mere $4,500. Click the links above to see how these insanely talented people did it.

I mentioned the other day that I'm loving the podcast S-Town - and I'm not even that far into it! NYT rounded up 9 podcast episodes that are worth discussing, and I can't wait to tune in to each one. The article fails to mention Radiolab's episode Playing God which totally moved me when I heard it last summer, and I still can't get over it. Seriously, it was so thought-provoking and emotional. I do not cry easily yet I was a mess listening to those stories. That episode will stick with me forever, just like each episode of the show Black Mirror surely will. What do you recommend I watch/listen to when I want to be an emotional wreck?

Hunting for new artwork to use in the One Room Challenge has been all-consuming. I spent some time exploring historic photos in Google's LIFE free image archive. But I took a pause when I learned that The Library of Congress recently digitized rare 19th-century photographs of black women activists. They are gorgeous and rich in remarkable history.

If you're looking for Museum artwork images that have been made available for free, click here for several resources.

Happy Friday! See you next week with more progress on the One Room Challenge!