When 90 feels like 75!

Gram and I acting silly a few years ago

Today is a very special day! My Beloved "Gram" turns the big 9 0!! It's hard to believe she is 90 because to be honest, she doesn't act like it. Its a family joke that she runs circles (actually she does aerobics 3 times a week) around all of us. Which is the truth, her social calendar is booked weeks in advance, she is always going to the movies with her friends, taking a trip to Foxwoods or volunteering at the church or the rehab center. She is one of the most giving people I know. My love of the city started when my Gram would take me into "town", to the Italian part of Boston known as the North End. When her family came from Sicily, the North End is where they settled and started the first Macaroni Factory. Hearing all of the stories of the factory and running a business helped me start my own company. People always say you are so courageous to have a company and I just say it's in my blood! Gram is an amazing woman who, if she saw you on the street with a map would stop, ask where you were headed, give you directions and than invite you over for dinner. You had a lifelong friend in her after this meeting! She is proof age is really just a number...she says she feels like 75 after all!
So here's to my Gram, happy happy birthday I hope you are always as healthy, happy and energetic as you are today!

a picture of Gram and her sisters in 1928 (she is the adorable girl on the right)

(all images from my personal collection)

The inspiring Coco+Kelley

I am so excited, today a fellow blogger, Cassandra from Coco+Kelley was recognized by Martha Stewarts crew as having one of the best blogs. This is a well deserved recognition as Cassandra's blog is always entertaining and inspiring. She makes you feel as if you are one of her close friends sharing a cup of tea, flipping through shelter magazines pulling pages out and squealing as you see something you just must have! Coco+Kelley is one of only a handful of blogs which I take time to read daily. She is the one who inspired me to jump back on the blogging bandwagon! So pop on over and see what I already know to be true, her blog is absolutely fantastic and a bright spot in the day! Congrats Cassandra!

(image taken from Coco+Kelley and Martha Stewart.com)

The Inspiring Coco Chanel

While flipping through the channels this weekend I stumbled upon the Coco Chanel Story on Lifetime and let me say how happy I was! It's a rare night for me to be home AND to find a movie I am interested in so to say I was giddy is putting it mildly! At age 16, The Chanel book was the first biography I read and to this day some of the lessons from her life and quotes have a huge impact on my life. She is definitely one of my icons!


The movie was wonderfully depicted, the actress, Barbora Bobulova played young Coco/Gabrielle and it was amazing how she pulled you into the character. Later in her life Shirley MacLaine gives an incredible performance of her perseverance. The story takes us from Chanel's early years in the French Orphanage to her her first job as a seamstress in Paris to her love affairs across Europe. More importantly we learn of the risks she took to make her beloved hats and the faith she had in herself and her creativity. She inspires all of us who are creative business owners to continually look at the everyday with a new set of eyes. You might just be the one to create the "little black dress" all stemming from the lose of a true love. As I previously wrote in this post here, in my office hangs the quote "In order to be irreplaceable one must be different". When this Chanel quote came up in the movie I paused, to take in the moment. It was from a scene where her "niece" was going to an event, her dress looked like every other girls. Coco dramatically tore the sleeves off the dress, pulled the white sheers from the window to create a scarf and gave her niece the confidence to walk in the room with a unique dress and capture everyone's attention. Chanel was by far one of the most pulled together, elegant, sophisticated designers of her time and her style reflected this. If you get the chance to catch the movie on Lifetime do so, I promise you will not be disappointed.

Pictures of Coco Chanel

(all images taken from Lifetime.com)

Monday Morning Happy

Once again Monday has come much too soon! It was a rewarding but long work weekend for me. This Lee Furniture Pupper picture has been on my cork board for over a year now. He is just too adorable and everytime I look at him I have to smile. He looks as if he has had a long week and just needs a nap!! I can relate! I am a big believer in the afternoon cat (or in this case dog) nap. Its amazing what 20 mins of shut eye can do for ones energy and creative levels! Happy New Week!

Stage Lighting

Lately I have seen a trend of what I like to call "movie lighting". These are floor lamps which look like they belong on a stage or movie set! They will definitely add high drama to any room. Though some can be grossly oversized so just beware when choosing one, make sure it fits the scale of your room. Below are a few of my favorites!

YLighting offers the classic Fortuny Centenario Floor Lamp

The Stage Floor Lamp from CB2 is perfectly named



The Photographers Tripod Lamp from Pottery Barn is another great option.
I love the dark wood and bronze mix, it has a classic cinema feel.

<p>Design by Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo, 1907.</p><p>To celebrate the centenary, the Fortuny has been modified to enhance its very clean and pure lines. A discretely elegant but utterly modern use of white, it underlies its inherent design.</p><p>The modernity of this lamp goes beyond the here and now, with silver rays in a kinetic - futuristic rhythmic sequence, a clear sign of a dynamic launch towards the future.</p><p>Floor lamp, rotates and has an adjustable heigh mechanism, the structure is finished with an epoxy powder coat in white RAL 9010. Diffuser: the external fabric is made in white cotton; the internal lining is made of fireproof fabric with silver paint. Equipped with 500W 120V E40 base lamp.</p>

Make a Fuss!

While I was having my daily read over at Creature Comforts one of her sponsors caught my eye and I am so glad I clicked. Fuss Jewelry is just GORGEOUS! Wendy Stauffer has an amazing eye for combining metals and gems. From a design perspective her pieces have an incredible visual appeal. Her background is in biology and with her love of design, she has created jewelry where the gems look to be encased by this intricate wire weaving. I am a big believer in wearing one statement piece of jewelry with an outfit, one which pops. These designs are definitely "Pop" worthy!
My favorite on her etsy site are:

Anna necklace

Pink Tourmaline Bloom #2

Place of Remembrance

A beautiful new memorial has been unveiled here in Boston, at Logan Airport. The "Place of Remembrance" was designed by the incredible Moskow Linn Architects . Along 2 paths which lead to the memorial are 102 Ginkgo Trees. The memorial is a glass cube with 2 glass panels inside which seem as if they are reaching to the sky, victims names are etched in the panels. In an article on Boston.com Keith Moskow one of the principal architects described the steel cables and translucent gray squares coming from the ceiling as a " fractured sky." saying "No one ever looked at the sky the same way again". Such a true statement. It takes great sensitivity along with creativity to design such a memorial and I applaud Moskow Linn for a job well done.
May we all slow down for a moment this morning and remember the day and those who were so tragically lost.

Dream Office

For months I have had this photo pinned to my inspiration board just above my desk. The image is from Cottage Living Magazine and I immediately fell in love! Working from home means your home office needs to be even more organized than if it is just an office you use at night or on the weekends. My dream is to have a sweet little garage converted to an office like this one. Imagine leaving the house to work but still be at home? In some ways I feel like we would be even more productive.







Here is another clean lined office space I really like. It is a renovated attic and a great use of space!I find myself drawn to the clean lines and organized shelves because I aspire to be that organized. Another extremely important factor to having a home office is lots of sunlight and big windows. Whether it is just seeing the weather change or if you are in the city like me, watching people walk on the streets, it makes you feel as if you don't really work alone. I guess this is true for anyone working anywhere!!
What type of work area do you dream of going to everyday?




images from Cottage Home and Point Click Home

Monday Morning Happy

On many blogs, especially design blogs you will find an inspiration picture of the week. I always love looking at these as I feel like it gives me a peak into the mood of the blogger. Sometimes the photo even inspires me whether with a color combination or a new arrangement. For CreateGirl I have decided to post a picture at the start of each week but it will not necessarily be an inspirational decor picture as sometimes I just need a break from interior shots. This section will be named "Cute Picture of the Week". It will be an image I come across which just makes me stop and say awww that is too sweet! A photo which puts a quick smile on my face reminding me to slow down and enjoy the simple things! You might find a theme as most of these slow down moments include the kids in my life or dogs! This weeks picture is from a day when the kids came to visit, instead of doing something elaborate we decided to just hang out front and play with the sidewalk chalk!! Literally it was hours worth of fun!
If you come across a picture you would like to share please send it along! Happy New Week : )
JUL

My laptop is now cooler

If you haven't visited Delight.com you should scoot right over there (after reading this post of course). Every Friday I receive an email highlighting all of their "delightful" products. This one made me stop in mid scroll. "Cool Feet" was exactly what my aging laptop was in need of. They are little rubber feet which lift the laptop and let air flow through to keep it cool. The other great part to this nifty invention, is that the 2 feet in the back are higher than the front so you will be typing ergonomically correct. All my former coworkers in the contract furniture world would be so proud. I guess this means I can finally do away with the wire cooling rack I have had my laptop perched on for months and could actually bake some cookies with it instead!

Back to School

It's September which is hard to believe since I truly feel summer just began. The one bright spot regarding Sept. is that I still get the feeling it is the official start of a new year. Maybe it is because I live in Cambridge and feel the impact of the Harvard and M.I.T students returning but it always makes me want to start new. So here I go starting over with my blog. Its been some time that I put this on the back burner as Jace had become very busy and I started to blog for others. Lately I have seen things whether products, pictures or just items I want to share have been popping up and I constantly am saying I wish I was back to blogging. Listening to that nagging inner voice I jump back into CreateGirl with a few surprises up my sleeve. Hope you enjoy and please comment it makes me so happy and really keeps things rolling! On the bus I go!

(image from www.fotolynx.com)

Let there be light

This is such a fun find! I have been looking at this "sunjar" for a few weeks now and feel that as it is the first day of Summer it's the perfect time to purchase! If you leave it out in the sun all day it will be good for 5 bright night time hours!!! Do I hear more time on the deck?! YES!
Happy Summer everyone : )

(image from Delight.com)

Firefighters

Last night 9 firefighters from Charleston South Carolina died in a furniture warehouse fire.

“Nine brave, heroic, courageous firefighters of the city of Charleston have perished fighting fire in a most courageous and fearless manner, carrying out their duties,” Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley

Let us not forget that these honorable men and women are out there every single day fighting fires to save our lives. Including one in my own family. A small way to help them is to make sure that every single one of your smoke detectors has a working battery in them.

So if you see a firefighter on the street take a moment to say thanks.

(image from plan59, quote from msnbc)

Sweet Tableware

It has just come to my attention that I use the word "sweet" very often. Not sure where I picked it up but it really is a lovely way to describe something. Now look what I found as I was scouting for some fun tableware?! This platter really is wonderfully sweet, I can just imagine serving my guests their dessert on this! All of the pieces below I found on Fishs Eddy website, I am in love and might need to find more storage space in the kitchen.

These funky people are designed by Cynthia Rowley

Pantone Collection - the bowl in under $7! I am loving that blocked color and the contrast is great! A nice looking table might be choosing one color from the pantone collection like the blue and than mixing in some of the "spot on dinnerware" below. If you really wanted to make it unique add the CB2 clothespin chopsticks I blogged about last month, now that is a fun summer table!

Happy Magnets

Adorable, Is all I have to say! Look at these sweet magnets that I found tonight on Etsy by Dragonflies. They are so unique and will look lovely on the fridge. Also at $6.25 for the bunch they are a nice, just thinking of you gift to pop in the mail. With email and text messaging so much it is nice to get an unexpected gift in the post. She also has some unique coasters that would be a nice house warming gift. They just make me smile and the names are great Dainty Daisy, Sugar Rush and Wildflowers. Lovely!

(images from Etsy)

Can a Thumb Turn Green?

I don't have a green thumb and everyone knows it, but can you turn your thumb green? When I received bamboo for a present they said "there is no way you can kill this". Of course I proved them all wrong and did even though I thought I was taking good care. So this year I am determined to have something grow! Here are some photos I took this morning of all my little babes (I ck on them daily...sometimes twice)! In the coming weeks I will post progress reports, maybe this way I will not get distracted! So all of you out there who think they can't keep plants, flowers or veggies alive give it a try this summer and lets see what we can come up with!



When I walk up the front steps this is what I see. It is so pretty and welcoming I just love the fuschia and purple! Its been a week since we planted these, mom came over to give me expert tips!



Here is my pot of cherry tomatoes both red and orange. I am really pulling for these! I can't wait to be sitting on the deck, walk over and pop a few in my mouth! YUM. I know I need to get some stakes for these.


Above is my hibiscus that my friend Don gave to me! Such a GREAT gift, I have to remember this the next time I need something unique. I absolutely LOVE these orange blossoms, so pretty. Of course always the designer I love it even more because it will complement the orange cherry tomatoes on the deck as well.

black and white all over

Look around you, black and white is everywhere these days! As I was flipping through my latest Harpers Bazaar there was the gorgeous Aerin Lauder (Estee Lauders granddaughter) in an amazing Oscar de la Renta dress. Look at this picture, isn't it just beautiful how her dress reflects in the desk? I love it! The strength of the contrast with black and white always gets me, it makes such a bold statement you have to stop and take a second look. Plus her closet would be the envy of any girl!


This again is an example of how interiors follow fashion trends.
This VisAVi pillow from CB2 has the same feel as her dress and imagine a room designed around the roman shades from Smith and Noble? The only thing is to be careful how many patterned pieces you put in one room, just a few will do the trick!





I absolutely LOVE these black and white containers from Plum Party! Bringing a dish to a dinner party or even just serving your own in these would be pretty cool. Plus with that handy lid I might actually look in the fridge and be prepared to eat the leftovers that were in there!


(images from Harpers Bazaar, Smith and Noble, CB2 and Plum Party)

Adult Graffiti

I have been in love with Wonderful Graffiti for a while now! I am constantly talking about it and have used it in my office with my Coco Chanel quote. It is one of those products that are so unique and make a big impact. You can either choose from one of their quotes or like me send in your own. They have fabulous designers that can help you get the right size and choose the font and color which will compliment your room the best. It is nice to have a different texture on the wall there are only so many pieces of framed art work one can hang in their room. Think of it like a big colorform the type you use to play with when you were younger. It is that easy to put on the wall, the vinyl pieces are easy to clean and even easier to remove! No high tech tools here. Watch when friends come into your room with your adult graffiti I bet you will hear words like WOW, cool and different. Especially since the quote will be personal to you and your space!

(images from wonderful graffiti)

Not your Grams Clothespins

How Great are these "Clothespin Chopsticks" from CB2? I love the bright fun colors and think they would be such a nice surprise to have for a picnic or a casual dinner party. It could also put some fun into kids eating their veggies. Imagine eating a piece of broccoli with these, somehow I think it would taste even better! At $3.95 they are a great deal and to top it off they are dishwasher safe!
(image from CB2)

Feel the room

Often when I am designing a room one of the goals is to feel something without even knowing it. Each room is a story and should create a feeling, some type of emotion and these are 2 perfect examples!


How sweet is this room! I just came back from a short road trip to visit 2 friends and play with their kids! Of course as I am returning home all I can think about are all types of rooms from babies (I know 7 newbies this year) all the way up to the 6 yr old who is finding her own style. It really is amazing to see a little girl come into her own and especially one who you can tell has the creative bug already. I just look at her following me around the house, changing her clothes to dress like me and I think wow her possibilities are endless! Instead of fashionable she uses the phrase "fashion".....mom you look fashion she says! How adorable!

As soon as I saw this room in the new Pottery Barn Kids catalog I tore out the page. I can just see it in a beach house. All the kids beds lined up so perfectly. I love the fact they are similar but have their own identity, very important. I can imagine their memo boards filling up with memories of their summer at the beach. Invitations to parties, seashells, movie stubs, silly drawings and maybe even a picture of the cute boy next door who they all have a summer crush on! If you look close at the photo it looks like the picture was taken from the outside of the house with the siding exposed. Very Cool. It makes me want to set up a breezy beach house bedroom! Everything seems more carefree at the beach, doesn't it?


This babies room is ADORABLE and very handsome! It might be too mature for some but I just love it. I don't believe every babies room needs to be so cutsey than again I am not really the cutsey type so it makes sense that I gravitate to this look. I love the bold stripe on the wall the lime green, pale blue and chocolate compliment each other so well. The dark furniture is just fabulous and the simplicity of the rug is perfect. This is really one of those rooms a baby can grow into. The clean fresh feeling of the simple bedding, sheers and rocker are perfect for that soothing atmosphere a baby needs!
(images taken from Pottery Barn Kids Catalog)

A quick gift for you!

Now that Spring has arrived I find myself craving fresh flowers in the house. Last week I purchased some lovely coral colored tulips and everytime I walked in the LR there they were to brighten up my day. How sweet is this arrangement? With the simple addition of ribbon it adds so much to this vase and I love how each tulip has its place. This would be a perfect centerpiece for a bridal shower or even a gift to bring to a friends house just because! Tonight when you are at the market or walking by the flower shop pop in and buy yourself a bunch of flowers. I promise they will liven up any space of your house and will be a great gift for yourself!
(image from Good Housekeeping)

me & my dog.....

OK so this really isn't me or my dog but everytime I come across this picture on ART.com I say I have to buy this print. Just for the simple fact she is a red head, walking in the city with a dog. I should take the advice I give to clients, it doesn't matter how much something costs if you love it and keep thinking about it purchase it. Most of the time it is that one piece which a room can be designed around. With this picture I love the simple, clean lines of the buildings and how they are neutral than you have this fabulous pop of lime green in her skirt. Now maybe I have convinced myself to buy it and I think the green will be perfect in my little office. Until the time I can get a dog of my own, my good friend Carrie is always understanding and lets me walk her puppy. Isn't she cute?

Keds, who knew?

When was the last time you thought about KEDS? Maybe back in HS when everyone had the white laced up pair? Well now look at KEDS, they are so stylish! This pair (which I hope to purchase soon) are just adorable. The blue and yellow just screams spring. An outfit is already coming together in my mind with my blue hydrangea capris. They look so comfortable perfect for walking around the city. Also can't you just see a pretty summer room pulled together with yellow, pale blue and brown accents? See it starts out as a simple purchase and turns into a room. www.keds.com

Saying it without saying it

I absolutely Love these signs that Holly from Decor8 wrote about. There's just something about words and how they are arranged on a page that makes me say yet again, why didn't I go into graphic design?! My favorite is how they are signed "by order of the management". If we had these when we were little I can just see my mom looking at us with a stern but loving face and just pointing to whatever sign was appropriate. johnwgolden.etsy.com

Ms. Chanel

Coco Chanel was quoted as saying
"In order to be irreplaceable one must be different."
I read her biography when I was 16 and this quote just resonated with me. In some ways it has been my motto, so as I start on this blogging journey I keep the ever classy Coco in my sights! Where have all the classy fashion ladies gone? The Audrey Hepburns, Estee Lauders and Coco Chanels of the world. I LOVED that classic, clean, simple, elegant look. Always put together with just a bit of attitude and whimsy. The closest we have to that sophistication today is Carolina Herrara and Diane Von Furstenberg. I find this type of look is actually how I go about designing a room. Start with a classic or neutral piece of furniture (as in the sofa or bed) than build off of that piece. The "attitude" might be a large scaled bold piece of art work. While the classy part of the room could be beautiful, full, colorful panels on either side of the windows. Throw in some accent pillows and area rug which can be changed out with the season and there you go an outfit made! I believe it was in the Chanel biography that said before leaving the house take one piece of jewelry off. This can also be said for interiors. Sometimes a room can be filled to the brim which doesn't let you see any of the special pieces. Just by taking out one or two pieces lets the room "breathe". It can even be that pile of magazines in the corner or the one too many collectibles laying around.

My "cube"

Above is my tiny office where I run my company, www.jaceinteriors.com. Its only 5 x 6 but I have made the most of it.....and NO it is not always that neat! Sometimes you might also find me staring out the window watching all the people walking out on the city streets. Where are they going, did they have a good day, that is an interesting outfit or I love his/her bag! I love where I live and it continues to inspire me!

Jace Interiors was founded in 2004 by Julieann Covino as a way to bring affordable interior design services to all in the Boston Area. As a leading design group they work with you to make the home of your dreams a reality. Incorporating new and emerging styles or keeping a more traditional approach, they help create a brand new room or design with your current pieces. The motto for the company is “Your Home, Your Style, My Assistance” a statement Julieann wholeheartedly believes in as your home should reflect your style at the end of the project! The Jace Interiors blog, CreateGirl was formed in 2007 to inspire her clients daily and now it has grown to thousands of readers a week from around the world!

To see a sample of the Jace Interiors portfolio please visit the website.