A Monday in Blues and Yellows

Happy Monday, friends!  Despite the rainy Sunday, it was still a lovely weekend.  There was outdoor fun in the 50+ degree weather on Saturday and tons of organizing for the baby (thanks for the help, Mom!).  Claire arrived fashionably late, so there could still be another week and a half of waiting, but I forgot how exciting the anticipation can be in the final days.  I really can't think of anything comparable in my adult life. 

Since I've admitted to being just a little distracted by the brand new human being about to make his entrance any day now, I hope you'll excuse me for a gathering post that is just a tiny bit random. Let's call it a nursery in blues and yellows.

House Stringing a Banner Pillow by Olive

This pretty little pillow made me think of our home just sitting here ready to welcome a new baby.  [You hear that baby? We're all prepared. Feel free to join us any time now.]  My other favorite is this one. You can customize the fabric background and the message.  Wouldn't it be the cutest prop for a proposal? And then it could hold the rings in the wedding--awww, makes me want to get married again (to the same wonderful man, of course). 

Equilateral Triangles Crib Quit by Carson Converse Studio

I know they have a lot of fans, but I've never been too into triangles (just a little too pointy for my taste). Maybe it's the color combination or that the backside speaks to my irrational adoration of stripes, but I love, love, love this quilt.  I'm kind of dying to use it as a wall hanging in Claire's soon-to-be-shared room, but it seems just a little bit splurge-y right now.  For now, I'll just avert my eyes and call it restraint.

Scattered Showers, stiched cityscape by Laura Amiss

This town looks so much cozier in the rain than what I'm seeing outside my window right now.  I love a little texture on canvas and when it comes in the form of felt roofs and stitched raindrops, I'm pretty sure my little one(s) would feel the same way.

I hope your Monday is just the beginning of an absolutely fantastic week!

Yeah, We All Shine On

February and March (and sometimes April) are the cruelest months out here on the East Coast. Spring is threatening, but seems to never come, and we're just waiting to pull out our spring fashion and put away our sequins. Except that last part is NEVER EVER true for me. If it were up to me, it would be glitter & sequins season all year round. Luckily, it looks like this spring's trends go perfectly with some glitz. Observe:

This Ikat print would look amazing with a pop of sequins, and you best believe that if I had this chair in my house, I would wear that bracelet just so when I sat down I coordinated without being matchy-matchy.

  (Clockwise from top right: bracelet, pillow, chair)

Up next? The military/desert beauty look that everyone's been digging on. How about mixing it up with these hair ties that can also double as bracelets when you're not wearing them? WAY better than your drugstore rubber bands.

(Outfit, Hair Ties)

Futuristic shapes and color, you've met your match with a teensy bit of sparkle. In this case, cookies. Let's be honest here, if you're going to wear this necklace, you shouldn't be eating any old cookies, and if you're eating those cookies, you shouldn't be wearing any old necklace.

 (Necklace, Cookies)

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go online shop for some sequins that will go with my pajamas. Because that's what you'll find me in until this weather decides to turn warm for good. 

Bringing Home a Piece of New York

Do you have today off of work?  Me too!  Ok, not really since my work tends to blend with the rest of my life, but all the tasks on my list for today are fun, fun, fun.  They'll have me running all over New York with my partner in crime, er design, which happens to be one of my favorite ways to spend a day.

Even after living here almost seven years, I still love exploring the city.  I know I share that sentiment with a whole lot of New Yorkers (as well as many of you who are New Yorkers at heart), so I can't be the only one who loves the idea of being able to take home a piece of the city's vibrancy.  These industrial designers/artists have tapped into that concept by repurposing pieces of New York.

Armchair and Dining Table with Stools by Made of New York

How can you not admire Made of New York?  It's a collaboration between three incredibly talented individuals: John-Michael Ekeblad, design strategist and creative director of Daytime Projects, Inc, formerly creative director of IKEA Sweden; Jonathan Locke, a furniture designer for Timehri Studios; and Brian Kane, a timber sourcing and construction effort from Gotham Forest Projects.  Together, they salvage timber from all over the city, build each piece by hand, and only use environmentally friendly production processes in an effort to sustain the wood's "naturally worn out beauty and charm."  Not only do I want to take home a number of pieces from this collection (can we just talk about this catch-all organizer for a minute?), but it has me completely inspired to take up woodworking.  Seriously.

Hooker & Co. coffee table with cash register drawer

Hooker & Co. also uses reclaimed materials from throughout the city, but has a different aesthetic. While Jesse Hooker's custom pieces still pay tribute to their origins, they tend toward clean and modern, rather than raw and unfinished.

Buying a piece of furniture made from reclaimed or repurposed materials is one way to connect with your city, but it reminded me of the yet another way of putting rejected materials to good use.  It's as simple as keeping your eyes open while walking down the street and the best part is it's free. Yes, I'm talking about bringing home your neighbors' (and I use that term loosely since I've definitely lugged things home from well outside what could reasonably be referred to as my neighborhood) cast offs.  To avoid bed bugs and the heebie-jeebies, I'd definitely avoid anything with upholstery, but solid wood items are fair game.  In fact, our office recently benefited from the addition of two beautiful wooden ladder shelving units rejected by someone in my building (I'll have to owe you a photo since I'm writing this from my dining room table instead of the office).

If you're not so sure about picking up perfectly good furniture off the street, consider this: you know those amazing end tables you saw at the flea market yesterday for 75 bucks a pop?  The guy selling them picked them up while trolling the upper east side on garbage day.  Really, it's true.  Found furniture also makes a great excuse to go to the gym.  You'd hate to pass up the perfect console table due to weak biceps.

Happy President's Day!

Plenty of Time to Show a Little Love

The weather people have promised us a sunny and not too frigid winter day and I'm holding them to that. I hope you're enjoying a beautiful Monday wherever you live as well (but if it's sunny and warm, please don't tell me about it--I'm prone to warm weather induced jealousy).

Custom Fingerprint Art by Man Made DIY

Valentine's day is exactly one week away and I need to hop to it if I'm going to spread the love this year. I figured I may not be the only one who hasn't gotten her valentine on yet, so I gathered up some of my favorite quick and easy projects. You still have plenty of time to bring a smile to your loved ones' faces.

Paint Strip Valentines via Country Living

Yarn Love Sign by Family Chic

 I adore this love sign for Valentine's Day, but what makes me even more excited is that the possibilities for this so-simple-I-can't-believe-I-never-thought-of-it project are endless. I'm going to start spelling out all my favorite things in ribbons and yarn!

Valentine Necktie by thishumbleabode via Poppytalk Handmade

Nothing says "I love you" like a secret message. You should definitely buy this necktie for the man in your life, but if you're concerned that it won't get to you by Valentine's Day, go ahead and pin some tiny love notes to your beau's favorite items of clothing. If he doesn't find them on Valentine's Day, all the better--he'll feel loved for weeks.

Keepin' Tabs

Good Morning, all! I hope your weekend was full of fun and excitement (or laziness if that's what you needed). I also hope that you are home today celebrating the life of one of my heros, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was an incredible visionary who was the voice of an extraordinary movement; one whose work is not yet finished. He and his colleagues reminded us of who we could become as individuals, as communities and as a nation, and we still have work to do. If you're home and looking for a way to celebrate Dr. King's spirit and continue his work, there are service projects happening all over the country today. You can find one here.

If you're like me, MLK Day reminds you that the year is well underway, and if you're even more like me, you are also realizing that you don't have a 2011 calendar (eep!). Here are a few free printable ones to get your year started off right.
First off, I have a huge girl crush on Ez from Creature Comforts. She has this free 2011 calendar up on her blog for all of us to enjoy. Super generous, right? And raise your hand if you're just going to frame that owl because you can't wait for October!

(Creature Comforts)

 Next up, this beauty from Jeannie Jeannie, brainchild of Jeannie Huang. I absolutely can't choose a favorite (and believe me, I'm trying). Jeannie just launched her blog, and it is a looker, kids. I hereby predict big things.

(Jeannie Jeannie)

This little cat pocket calendar from clovered is so cute and so clever. It reminds me of going to Japantown for lunch with my grandma when I was little and stopping in the Sanrio store after. I want one for every room in the house. かわいいですね (It's so cute, don't you think?)!

(Clovered)

And if you're not into these, Big Huge Labs will let you make your own calendar out of photos from facebook, flickr, or pictures that you upload from your computer. You can choose to have them make a letter (8.5x11"), 8x10", or display for cd jewel case. For free! Yay!

It's a big week; Emi and I are flying back to Brooklyn today, and it feels like as soon as I land Elisabeth leaves for Alt (if you are going to Alt too, keep an eye out for her--she's tall, super pretty, and super preggo)! The Jackalope girls are going to suggest some mid-week cocktails tomorrow, Meg is going to rock your culinary world on Thursday and I'll see you right back here on Wednesday and Friday. Have a wonderful day, lovelies! (If you have a few extra minutes, here's the full "I have a dream" speech:)

What Little Boys Are Made Of

Welcome to the second full week of this brand spankin' new year. I hope it has been treating you fantastically so far. Last week was a happy one for me, but the absolute best part is that it was full of little things that added up to me getting very excited to welcome this baby boy into the world in eight short weeks (give or take, of course).

smallfly

I have a tiny confession to make: when I found out we were having a boy this time around, I definitely felt some trepidation. I grew up in a girlie household and then had a baby girl myself. Boys just felt so, well, foreign--until last week, that is. It wasn't anything specific, but rather a bunch of small things that made me realize that little boys are kind of awesome and that a bit of boy energy is going to be an amazing addition to our household. Here are a few things that for whatever reason make me think of my little guy (not to say that girls can't enjoy these things just as much).

Newspaper boats fabric by Heather Ross (I have big plans to make bedding out of this)

Everything by Coral and Tusk makes me grin, including these Ship in a Bottle and Tugboat pillows

This video of Big Jet Plane by Angus & Julia Stone makes me picture our family with a girl and boy.

Going, going, back, back

Happy Monday, friends! We hope your holidays were joyful and triumphant, that your new year is off to a great start, and that you're still rocking your sequined minis even though it kind of feels like the festivities are over. Emi and I are off tonight to go meet Elisabeth in our hometown of San Francisco (or just outside of SF anyway) for 2 weeks of working over there. We've got some great collaborations up our sleeves for out there, and can't wait to share them. In the meantime, here are some of my favorite California-themed things from Etsy.

(I Heart California Print, Nan Lawson)

Seriously, Nan Lawson is amazing. Did you see the illustration that Elisabeth had her do for me? 

(California, Dutch Door Press)

Elisabeth and I both have this print hanging in our houses. And, if you're not a California girl (or boy), Dutch door has a bunch of other states, too.

(Going to California, The Wheat Field)

(San Francisco Wave, Tomoko Maruyama)

(California Cutting Board, A Heirloom)

Go forth and conquer, lovelies, and if you're on a flight tonight from JFK to OAK, sorry in advance for the toddler in seat 9C.

Get Your Gourd On!

Sweet Paul

What's got two thumbs and is listening to Christmas music? THIS GIRL! (It doesn't work so well over the internet, does it?) From here until New Year's, lovelies, we'll be over on You + ME* Holiday on Mondays and Fridays, but we'll still pop by here to tell you what we're up to over there. Today I took my inspiration from a crazy profane piece on gourds to bring you some fall decor ideas. See you over on You + ME* Holiday, and we'll meet you back here tomorrow when we tackle a super fun question. Have a cheery Monday!
Oh, and have you joined our Spread the Cheer gift exchange yet? Or entered to win our 100th post-iversary giveaway?

Wedding Week

We've got some good wedding-related news up our sleeves, so today, we wanted to share with you our top five wedding inspiration resources that have nothing to do with weddings. Ready? Onward!

Number One: The City Sage. Anne is killing it these days with her posts about fashion and interiors. And though it's not aimed at brides, it's dripping with inspiration. Check out this inspiration board Anne made to showcase AMYCLAIRE. Can't you just see the wedding? Golden autumn light, the bridesmaids in cocoa chiffon, and the reception in a grand old ballroom on Park Avenue? Maybe with a late-night guest appearance by The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck? SOLD.

Number Two: The Selby. Sure, it's about interiors, but it's also about fashion and lifestyle, and putting together eclectic pieces that all come together to show your personality perfectly. Do you want to show your florist in pictures how tin cans can go perfectly with sterling silver? Now you can:

 

Number Three: Color Collective. Serious prettiness. Are you trying to decide on a wedding palatte? This site has tons of inspiration, and Lauren finds the best photos and sources of color anywhere. You can even use this to prove that pink doesn't have to mean "overtly girly."

 

see source for credits

Number Four: Gourmet Magazine. It's got info about food. It's got info about travel. It's got info about restaurants. I may be weird saying this, but I LOVE looking at restaurant design. I think that looking at the colors, textures, and use of space with a critical eye can be a big help to those of us putting together anything that requires more than one piece (outfits, rooms, weddings). Can't you just see this restaurant being translated into a modern black, grey, and yellow affair with touches of worn wood and natural elements? You can? ME TOO!

 source

Number Five: Vintage Printable. You guys. This site is nuts. But you can find some really good inspiration (and even images to use) if you dig. Are you into playing cards? And France? What about including a French ace of hearts on your invites? 

Stay tuned for a week-long non-wedding-y wedding extravaganza! See you tomorrow, pretties!

(p.s. Can't wait to see what Tina's cooking up for dinner for the Pretty Mommy Recipe Exchange!)

Love Letter to a Bag Which I Haven't Met Yet

Hi everyone! We hope everyone had a lovely weekend (and for those of you in the states, we hope you have the day off today). The weather here in New York has been perfection the past few days. When it was rainy and cold, I had nothing good to say about fall, but with this weekend's cool, crisp air mixed with warm sun and golden light, I may have said a nice thing or two about summer being over. Which I will promptly be taking back when it gets cold.

Between the farmers' market and wandering the village with Brooke and Ashley and Aron on Saturday and an errand extravaganza today, I am seriously considering replacing my on-the-large-side purse with a heavy-hitter carryall. It's got to be strong, good-looking and up for some heavy lifting. Here are a few that I've been making eyes at (don't tell my purse--it gets jealous easily):

Well, hello gorgeous. You had me at "navy wool."

The Commuter, Sketchbook

Ooh, if you were mine, I would fill you with milk glass and 18th century tchotchkes that we would find together at undiscovered flea markets and thrift shops. 

 Original Flea, Fleabags (@Pretty Mommy)

You and I would snuggle on the couch and watch "Troop Beverly Hills" and drink hot cocoa out of the tin cups that came with our mess kits. In the morning, it would be up and out to explore the urban jungle together.

Scout Pack Backpack, DuluthPack

You, with your gold zippers and chains, make me want to be a better person. I would even put on pants that button when we go out so that you wouldn't be embarrassed to be seen with me.

Exhibitor Mega Tote, JCrew

Have you been cheating on your purse with a bigger bag? Do tell!
Also, here's a few sneak peeks at what we were up to this weekend:

We should have pictures for you late this week or early next week--can't wait to share!