Quick Share - Spotlight Photo Wall

I am going to let you in on a secret this is one of my absolute favorite pieces to spec for a client! These pictures do not do it justice so skip over to Red Envelope and see for yourself. Everyone has photos they like to show off and my job is to make them look nice and pulled together. Sometimes it is great to have a gallery wall with individual frames (as seen in this "How To Thursday" post) but at times we need something a wee bit more structured. This fits the bill perfectly and looks fantastic at the same time. All frames are black and hang off hooks by a brass rod. The price is great and even better since they are on sale right now. This CreateGirl is a happy one, could it be time I purchase a set for myself?! Perfect for a collection of vintage postcards, maybe in the bathroom?!






(images from Red Envelope)

Scouting Ceiling Fixtures

Some ceilings are just too low for a grand chandelier or pendant so I went in search for a few ceiling fixtures which created some interest but did not draw too much attention to the ceiling height. I know they have always been known as the chandeliers ugly step-sister but honestly I like some of these options! The School House version would look great in a bathroom or kids room and I really love the woven one, though apologize since I can't remember where I found it!
What are your thoughts on these lights?















Chase Ceiling Light - Ballard Designs
Jonathan Adler Parker - Lamps Plus

Embarcadero Flushmount Forecast - Lumens
School House Electric

Monday Morning Happy

Morning! How's everyone today? Ready for a new week? Well I guess I should prepare you, I am going through a sad time....it seems like the end of summer is coming at a faster pace that I would like. I have some great "back to school" posts ready but can't bring myself to unveil them until after Sept 1. With that said, this week I will be throwing in some dreamy end of summer photos. Do you feel the same way or are you ready for fall to arrive?



Hope it's warm and sunny for your new week!
jul

(image from Elle Decor)

Escaping through Skippy Designs

Skippy Designs, the name just makes me happy! I discovered Mandy Lynne's photography while clicking around flickr a few months back. Immediately I fell in love, each photo captured a story, a vintage innocence type of scene. With a few more clicks I made my way to her beautiful website and continued to smile with each passing image. She has now opened an Etsy shop which makes me delighted as now we can all enjoy her amazing "stories" in our own homes. Most photos are 8 x 8 and are the perfect size to be perched on a desk or on the kitchen window sill. Can't you just see it.....the day is getting to you so you grab a cup of tea and daydream of.......


....walking down lovers lane with a special someone, or....


....going for a free ride with an adorable best friend, or.......



....escaping with a book and enjoying the journey, or.......



....going for a walk on the sweet side or.....



...having some fun at the fair!!


Mandy Lynne describes her photography as a "desire to capture the essence of childhood, the magic of special moments, & the beauty of relationships through timeless imagery."
Please visit her shop, I promise you will fall in love with her art!

(images from Skippy Designs)

A soothing white getaway by the bay

This home in Chesapeake Bay Maryland is perfectly fitted for a weekend of relaxation. The white walls and furniture play off the dark wood floors in a way that creates a calm atmosphere with just a flair of sophistication. The open kitchen and living areas beg to be entertained in with their easy flow into one another. By the end of the day there would be no better place to relax than under the pergola on the deck. Drinks, please!





great computer nook in the kitchen, not to mention an adorable pupper too!










(images from traditional home)

Quick Share Hip to be Square

Serena and Lily plays up the fun again with these brightly colored square chairs! They are the perfect accent for a tv room or play area. Available in 4 colorways and only 14" x 14" they are a great size for little ones to pick up and move around. Who doesn't want to have their own seat?! I think they would look adorable set around a low square play table, one in each color, at $45ea ($27 for the grass/melon) that is affordable!


(images from Serena and Lily)

Monday Morning Happy!


Morning, how was your weekend? New England had the absolute perfect weather for a fun August weekend. It was the type of weather I wait all year for, 90 and pure sunshine with a little breeze at night. Most of the weekend was spent at the beach, catching up with great friends and playing in the sand with the kids. Which is as close to bliss as I can get!
Hope this is a great week for you and thanks again for popping over to CreateGirl, I am so grateful for everyone who stops by!
jul

(image from interrupt on etsy)

Living with John Mayer

Do you swoon when you hear a John Mayer song? Well why not just invite yourself over to his house? Or at the very least join Elle decor as they take you for a tour here!


(image from Elle Decor)

A notNeutral table

A simple table can turn fantastic with just a few unique pieces. Now if the sun would just come out for my dinner party tonight, that would really be fantastic! At least we can shop online while we wait! Here are a few fun finds from notNeutral!


I love this carafe! The tall design and ribbon etching is perfect to blend with any table. Wine, sangria, or lemon water any of these options would be perfect! Did I say it is $32? Great hostess gift as well!
The Flora Placemat set is made of a thin piece of birch veneer. Wood? What a great gift for a designer who loves her placemats!! Available in 3 designs flora, letters and seasons and are sold in a pack of 4, $32.

Cocktail napkins, in my opinion you can never have too many of these! It's better than having to buy paper multiple times and it can even make take out feel fancy! Above is the taupe version with a great accent of orange. $24 for a set of four.




This might just be my purchase. These metal lanterns are available in small, med and large. Look how beautiful they look lit! They could be used on the deck in the summer and would be perfect along a walk way for a winter dinner party as well. Imagine the light dancing off the snow, lovely!


Here's a little secret if you are a Daily Candy subscriber you can take 25% off your order by entering DCNN at checkout. Now I need to run, I have some last minute shopping to do!!

Blog Love - A Creative Mint

Today I am going to start a new series named "Blog Love"! It's true, I love to give encouragement and show my support. Whenever I come across a new blog that I feel captures my attention I immediately add it to my tool bar and than send a quick note with the subject "blog love" to the author. I guess in some ways it is kind of silly but it's just my way of saying hello and introducing myself to a new "friend" Afterall this blogging world can feel kind of lonely when you are writing into space everyday. In this new series I will share with you a few of my "blog loves" and hope you will pop on over to them and say hello!



My first blog love is someone I met this spring in Decor8's Blogging Your Way class. Immediately I was drawn to Leslie and at the time her very new blog. Even though she had only a few posts I knew this lady was on to something. Her photography captured my attention unlike any other. Whenever I am feeling overstimulated I pop on over to "A Creative Mint", take a deep breath and look around. Many times I revisit some of my favorite posts, just letting myself get swept away by her images!






Her photography comes with a strong sense of color but with a gentle touch. A wonderful combination in my opinion and so very sweet! Now for some very exciting news. Twice a month you can now find Leslie guest blogging over at Decor8 with her Color Me Pretty posts!

Hope you will enjoy this new series and please share your blog loves with me...a girl can never have too many "friends"!
jul

(images from A Creative Mint)

Dreaming Up Anthropologie Stories

Over the weekend I caught up on all the mail catalogs I received throughout the week. Most of them were full of fall fashion and decor but to be honest I can't write about it just yet! This chilly girl needs to extend summer for as long as possible....i.e. expect more summer home postings!


Though sometimes I see a beautifully styled photo and instantly a story is created as it was with this one.

While flipping through Anthropologie I came across this picture which spoke to me in a cozy way. It looks like this could be in a studio, a decorating dilemma you find often in the city. I love how they have nestled the bed into the corner by the window. With the end table defining the space and what looks to be like a dresser edged out, it creates a comfortable area. The fabric Ikat headboard brings warmth to an area with a high ceiling. The light streaming in and the full comforter askew creates a look as if someone spent the better part of the day lounging in bed, possibly reading! Ah sounds like a little slice of relaxation to me!

Bold
I wonder what the story of this photo would be....I imagine it might have something to do with a Sunday morning. I adore the Terai Folding Chairs and in such fun fabrics!

(images from Anthropologie)

Monday Morning Happy


Happy New week!! How was your weekend? I hope the weather was nice enough to dine outside. I adore this photo above, it looks like the perfect nook to gather with friends and have a dinner party. This week I will be planning a little gathering with a few friends I have not seen in a while. Anyone who knows me will tell you, I will be planning the menu, tablescape and getting the deck ready for the better part of the week. I am so excited to entertain!! What are you looking forward to this week?

Enjoy the new week!
jul

(image from Real Simple online/beatriz da costa)

Quick Share - The Old Skool

Offi has taken the classic wooden desk chair and thrown a modern twist on it! I just adore this look and think it would be fantastic around a rustic dining table. Mix up the styles a bit! Available at All Modern in Birch, White, Black and Walnut and only $199 (on sale now for $99)!




(images from All Modern)

Celia Domenech listens!

I love when I stumble upon a designer who's philosophy I admire! Please let me introduce you to the beautifully designed rooms of Celia Domenech! Immediately her houses captured my attention for their warm, relaxed atmosphere and perfectly blended textures! Her biography describes her process for each client as:


Study which colors, materials and styles please them most.
Study the environment and finally make them all work harmoniously"



Wow, I love this, you immediately get the feeling she truly listens to her clients and what their desires are for their space. So incredibly refreshing!! Let's window shop her portfolio and swoon while we do so!










You can see many more rooms here. Thanks to Celia, she is the ideal designer!

(images from Celia Domenech)

A secret hideaway

What do I see here? A perfectly serene hideaway! Imagine the hours which could be spent in this space with this amazing window? That will be all I will say as I just need a moment to daydream a little....





perfection!


(images via Alvhem (more pictures) and Happy Accidents)

Forever 21 comes home!

It was inevitable, Forever 21 is expanding into the Home Scene. From what I read over at the Budget Fashionista they will launch their home line later this year. What are your thoughts on this? Should they just stick to inexpensive trendy clothes or will they succeed like Urban Outfitters has? I have to admit I am a bit skeptical, as you know CreateGirl appreciates and craves affordable design but I want pieces that will last, even if they are a bit trendy. I will wait to form an opinion until I touch and feel the product, afterall that is the true test. Hopefully they will have a line of fun accents like pillows, wall decor and mirrors! I must admit I am a fan of Forever 21's accessories! I own this ring on the left and am always questioned on where it is from. It is a fantastic accent and for $4 you can afford to just wear it a few times! It is the perfect dress up to a simple outfit!



These are a few of my new favorite accessories. An easy way to make a statement with a simple summer tank top!


What do you think about Forever 21 expanding into the Home Market?

(images from Forever 21)

A Monday Morning Happy full of smiles!

Hello my wonderful friends! How was your weekend?


I first saw this "Choose Joy" print over at Decor8 a few weeks ago and honestly have not stopped thinking about it. It is perfectly to the point and sweetly designed. I would love to see it placed by the front door, a little reminder as we leave the house to choose happiness. All too often we can be sidetracked by the negativity which can bombard outside our own four walls! Check out the etsy store of Eva Juliet, I bet you will fall in love with all of her creations including "One Year of Smiles"!!