Design Addict Mom

Très chic

2012-02-10T00:29:00.000-05:00

I love everything about this picture. I hope to look half as cute and chic as she does this weekend. Have a fabulous one everyone! XX

image: livejournal

Baby Ian’s Paintings by Charlotta Ward.

2012-02-08T04:08:00.001-05:00

Do you all remember me referring to a collaboration with another blogger extraordinaire for Baby Ian’s nursery? Well, while I was pregnant, I commissioned the lovely Charlotta Ward of Space of Inspiration to do two paintings for Baby Ian. If you didn’t know, Charlotta is an accomplished children’s artist. I love that Charlotta took her time to find out the colour palette for the nursery so that she could use similar or complementary colours in the paintings.We communicated frequently during the process and her attention to details was meticulous. However, what struck me most of all was the love with which she painted and Baby Ian was always foremost in her thoughts.

The paintings are much brighter in person, plus I am not known for my awesome photography skills. Anyway, as you can see the paintings aren’t even hung yet. I picked them up from Michael’s (craft store) yesterday. I am still deciding where to hang them, but I was too excited and wanted to share them immediately!:-). However, once they’re hung and everything is in its place, you will get a proper tour of Baby Ian’s nursery.

This one is called Ian's Elephant & Owl Friends by the Orange Tree.

This one is called Ian's Big Bird with Orange Stripy Socks.

Do y'all notice the orange trend?. I just can’t help myself, plus it’s such a beautiful pop against the nursery wall colour. Contrast is always great in a nursery too. I am beyond thrilled to have a piece of Charlotta in our home. I’ve always felt so connected to her even though we have only a virtual relationship. She exudes a heavenly aura and that is rare to find these days. Thank you Charlotta. Love you lots my friend. XX

{images via, my own}

Serious Closet Envy...

2012-02-03T08:50:00.000-05:00

Salivating, panting, but most of all green with envy. Take a sneak peek inside of stylist extraordianire, Mary Alice Stephenson’s closet…

Just spectacular don’t you think? And don’t you just love the way Mary organizes her jewelry? Très magnifique indeed! Thanks for all your positive comments regarding my rocker makeover! Have a great weekend and enjoy your superbowl parties for all you Sport fanatics. XX

{images via The Coveteur}

My Thrift Rocker and Ottoman for the Nursery.

2012-02-01T22:04:00.001-05:00

Before

One day in early December, I went to the paint store to purchase some paint. While leaving the paint store, I spotted a warehouse type building across the street that had a sign advertising used furniture and that it was opened to the public. Somehow, I found myself steering my vehicle in that direction. When I got there, I wasn’t even parked in the correct parking lot and convinced the guy who I guess was “manning” that area (which is where pick ups are done) to let me stay where I was and that I would be in and out in no time. Looking back, I realize that the “powers that be” were working and that I was about to fulfill my destiny.

I went into the warehouse and zoomed in straight to this rocker/swivel chair and ottoman. I had to literally climb over things to get to them. I saw $40 (for both pieces) and although I hadn’t tested the durability of the frame decided that it was too great a deal to pass up. A gentleman who worked there pried both pieces from the corner that they were hiding in(just waiting on me), and I daintily sat on the edge of the chair and performed a rocking motion which was my feeble attempt at testing the durability of the chair. You see, I was wearing short capris and didn’t want my skin touching the fabric . I’m sure you would do the same thing so stop laughing! Since then, I’ve placed a small sheet in my vehicle for moments like these….

Some Background Info

throw back picture to when Zion was a baby in his nursery

Ok, I did not have a rocker in Zion’s nursery. At our previous home, our home office was transformed into Zion’s nursery and the sleeper couch that was in the office remained in the nursery. We didn’t have the space to place it else where in our house anyway. So, on that couch was where I nursed Zion, bonded with him, slept, etc. After a while, I didn’t miss not having a rocker.
However, when I became pregnant with Baby Ian, I found myself obsessed with getting a rocker. I somehow convinced myself that it is one of those quintessential items that must be in a nursery. Thus, my quest to get one of these at the price of almost $1000. If I wanted the ottoman I would have to pay another $300 or so dollars. Now, do you understand why I said it was destined for me to find that chair and ottoman above. What? You think I’m being melodramatic. Come on $40 versus over $1000! Maybe you’ll be convinced if you see what the pieces look like now…

After

Reupholstered in special order orange fabric, the chair and ottoman fit perfectly into Baby Ian’s nursery. I have been happily rocking, swiveling, and nursing since. Do tell, what do you think? Also, stay tuned for another major nursery reveal next week regarding a collaboration with a very creative blogger friend! XX

A Fun and Colourful Home in Sintra/Portugal.

2012-01-31T11:08:00.000-05:00

I love when a home reflects its owners personality and when it’s not “decorated” to comply with trends or certain design rules. This home showcases a mix of bright colours, clashing patterns, and a love for textiles. According to the lady of the house:

Home decorating is in the details. It’s more than having a place to eat and sleep – it’s about the little things. Rugs, curtains and cushions. It’s not about the sofa, but what you put on the sofa to make it comfortable and cosy. I am always looking for nice fabrics, ribbons – anything that has a story or a pattern that I like. Life is rich when your home is a treasure trove. AND. I Couldn’t. Agree. More.

such a cute way/idea to showcase your kids’ art and craftwork

Quite charming isn’t it? Happy Tuesday everyone. XX

Featured on ikea family live via here

All You Need is Love…

2012-01-27T05:18:00.001-05:00

Some Love Sugar that is. This amazing etsy shop is owned by Nicole and Jimmy Chung and after seeing some of their work here last night, I knew I wouldn’t be able to go to bed before perusing their shop. I am thrilled I did!

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, Love Sugar would be a great shop to buy a beautiful print for a loved one. I absolutely adore the French I LOVE YOU typography print (above) too. Happy weekend everyone! XX

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Why hello there…

2012-01-26T09:53:00.000-05:00

I snapped this pic with my phone about a week ago. I am amazed at how fast baby Ian seems to be growing. Now 3 months old, he is undoubtedly big for his age. In fact at one of his recent checkups, his doctor just looked at him and said, “You’re a well fed baby, so healthy.” I was happy to hear that and I have to make sure that I am eating healthy since I am his food source. And, He. Loves. His. Food/Milk. I know I am behind on my blog reading, but will catch up with you once Ian is full. ha ha! Have a lovely Thursday everyone! XX

A Blue Ode to the NY Giants aka “ The Big Blue”

2012-01-23T10:20:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone! I know many of you are in a celebratory mood this morning because the NY Giants aka the “Big Blue” won yesterday. Though I am not an NFL fanatic, I couldn’t help being caught up in the hysteria. Yes hysteria, you should’ve seen the posts on facebook; people were going crazy! Anyway, this blue post is an ode to the “Big Blue” boys…

I apologize if you were a fan of the losing team, BUT, I hope you still enjoyed viewing the beauty within the colour blue. Happy Monday everyone! XX

{images: belle maison, frenchmadame, sdinteriors, decorista, cheekyinblue, trendey. live journal}

Trendy.

2012-01-20T04:17:00.003-05:00

His name is Ouigi Theodore and I bet he doesn’t follow trends, he starts them.

This space is totally trending 2012 décor faves; the blues, purples with splashes of black. Ouigi might not be able to sit comfortably in that couch(which I adore), but I think he would appreciate the masculine essence of the space. This weekend, I hope to get ~~lots of~~ at least 6 hours of sleep each day, so wish me luck. Have a wonderful weekend my friends. XX

}images: via, via}

HGTV Mag: Feb/March Issue…

2012-01-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

I was super excited when HGTV decided to launch their magazine. It was about time, don’t you think? Anyway, HGTV has become a part of my daily routine because I’ve been entering daily to win their 2012 Dream Home. Who wouldn’t love to have multiple homes plus I would be the envy of all my friends if I won. You could all come and visit. Ok, I know i’m getting ahead of myself here, but you know the power of positive thinking…
So, today’s post is really about the magazine issue that is available on news stands today. It’s filled with lots of invaluable tips that could make housekeeping a bit less hectic. I know I can use all the help I can get (especially with a baby on board too)Here’s a snippet of what you’ll find…

Dirty Little Laundry Secrets from the Pros:

meet my dream laundry room (via houzz)

-A sink for hand-washing: A two minute soak in the sink isn’t enough. You need to soak stains for at least 10-30 minutes to really make a difference.
- Bins for sorting: Don’t just separate by color but also by material. You don’t want to wash fuzzy fabrics like chenille and flannel with corduroy or permanent-press items, which can be magnets for lint.
- Countertops for folding: Don’t fold clothes hot right out of the dryer (we know – we all do it!). You can wind up with creases that are hard to get rid of.
- A rod for hanging: A rod is hey for keeping shirts smooth and crease-free. Take collared shirts out of the dryer a few minutes before they’re dry to prevent the neck from stretching and the collar from getting floppy.
- Did you know: You should clean the inside of your washing machine to keep it and your clothes smelling fresh? You can put the lint screen from the dryer in the dishwasher? Hot pink, bring green, and electric blue can bleed more than other colors in the washing machine? Using too much detergent can actually make your clothes dirtier.
- 3 stain busters to have on hand: Rubbing alcohol for ink. Raise armpit stain remover for getting out touch sweat stains. Blue dawn dish soap for grease.

When was the last time you cleaned?…

via housetohome

-Your hairbrush: Beauty experts recommend washing your hair brush every two months. First pull out all stray hairs with a comb. Fill a sink with warm water and a squirt of soap or mild shampoo, and soak your brush for 15 minutes. (If your brush has padding, boar bristles, or a wooden handle, swish it back and forth in the sink and then rinse to prevent the brush getting waterlogged.

via tumblr

-The inside of your coffee machine: Clean your machine after every dozen brews. Insert a coffee filter and fill the reservoir with two parts white vinegar and one part water, and run the machine through one full cycle. Then, repeat the process twice with cold water and filters.
- The produce bins in your fridge: Scrub your bins every few months to keep produce flavors fresh. Empty the drawers and remove them from the fridge. Dip a cloth in a mixture of 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart warm water, then wipe down the inside and outside of each bin. Avoid household cleaners, which can make food taste like chemicals. Be sure to rinse the bins in warm water before returning to the fridge.

These are some great tips, don’t you think? Happy cleaning! XX

A Soft Caress..

2012-01-14T23:47:00.000-05:00

For the purpose of this post I shall define Caress to be when one lightly runs his/her hand up and down an item in a home because it’s irresistible in its appearance.

My reaction to the décor of a home is probably not a typical one. I am quite visual so I if an item appeals to me, the urge to touch/feel it is usually quite overwhelming. Well, this renovated triplex in Barcelona has me twitching; you see I can only look and not touch or rather caress softly(yea, definitely not a typical reaction) the irresistible pieces that are sprinkled throughout.

An item can be made irresistible because of its texture, design, colour etc. For example, I can bet everyone who visits wants to caress that elephant’s husk because it’s irresistible and also a statement piece. I know something being irresistible can be relative from one person to the next, HOWEVER,

I cannot fathom why you wouldn’t want to touch/softly caress the things here. So irresistible… I hope that everyone is enjoying their weekend or long weekend in some cases. XX

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Strike a Pose!

2012-01-12T04:00:00.000-05:00

Ooh la la! For some reason Madonna’s Vogue song comes to mind when I look at this pic. Coincidentally too, this shoot was featured in Vogue.it. I wonder if they were even playing this song on the shoot… Naomi Campbell, Karen Elson, Kristen McMenamy and Daphne Groeneveld are the beauties featured in this Roberto Cavalli Spring- summer 2012 ad campaign. I’m totally loving the bling AND. THOSE. LEGS! I think I’ll stay on the elliptical a little longer today!! Hurray for Thursday! XX
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Splendid Willow Kids and Danish Design

2012-01-10T09:27:00.000-05:00

There is something innately sexy about the design of Danish furniture or accessory. To me, a Danish piece equals classical, well made and as such will always be relevant. Well, guess what!?

Thanks to the wonderful Monika and her shop, Splendid Willow Avenue, I now have not one, but two gorgeous Danish designed pieces! You’re looking at one of them here. This one is called Mouse Big Brother in a Matchbox. I bought this for Baby Ian’s nursery and we all know who that is supposed to be looking over his little brother. Yep, you guessed it; Zion of course!

The next gorgeous piece is this Blue Wooden Pram. It’s truly adorable and very well made. They both are!

I love the retro vibe that they add to the nursery. I have been taking my time to put the nursery together and I love the direction it’s taking. I have another major nursery related reveal to make that was a result of a lovely collaboration with another close blogger friend and extraordinaire! It’s not quite ready to be revealed yet, but I am bursting at the seams with excitement!! I love blogland , the relationships formed, the exposure to different cultures and thanks to bloggers like Monika who have made it possible for Danish Design to be Within Reach.

I am now eyeing Mouse Little Brother in a Matchbox and Mama and Papa Mouse in a Cigar Box to add to the collection. Have a great Tuesday everyone! XX

{images- dwr & here}

An Apartment.

2012-01-03T11:29:00.000-05:00

We’re finally feeling like winter here in NC. I was complaining a few weeks ago about the lack of cool weather but as the saying goes, “be careful what you wish for,” because today we’re in the 20s. So, I am putting off running errands and instead, drooling over the art and just about everything in this apartment.

Enviable architectural elements, sexy dark floors, art, classic furniture pieces, an infusion of texture all add to the appeal and wow factor of this apartment.

I love the collage behind the bed; a serene and simple space

the proud owner looking quite dapper in front of that sweet oversized and bold piece of art. Have a lovely Tuesday everyone! XX

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T00:36:00.001-05:00

Hello everyone! Happy New Year an welcome to the first Monday of 2012. As I write this post, I am listening to lullabies being played in the baby’s nursery and I am overcome with sheer calm and fulfillment. I was immensely blessed in 2011 and I cannot help but get excited when I think of what is in store for me as I embrace this new year.

My relationship with you all was born a year ago and although it’s a virtual one, it has been quite nurturing.

Happy New Year my friends and may you fulfill everything you set out to accomplish this year! Bring it on 2012! Thank you for your friendship and I look forward to blogging with you this year! XX

P.S. Charlize Theron looks fabulous, doesn’t she? Have you seen her latest film, Young Adult?

{images via livejournal}

Our First Christmas… A Peek

2011-12-28T13:40:00.000-05:00

This is our first Christmas in the our new home and I have to say that I couldn’t have wished for a more perfect Christmas. The decoration wasn’t grand, but I had the hubby home(for a change), plus there was the newest addition to our family; baby Ian and of course my other prince, Zion. Who could ask for more, right?

The hubby drew this scene on Zion’s chalkboard wall the night before Christmas. Zion was thrilled to see it on Christmas morning! Also the hubby is the one who drew all the animals in the post about Zion’s playroom( I had a few queries about who the artist was). He is the artist in the family.

Can you guess which stocking is mine? Next year, I hope to be more creative and make my own stockings.

one of my favourite ornaments and I love my stick version of a Christmas tree

Our dog Ginger loves her new toy. You can tell from the closed eyes

my very colourful Christmas tree

I hope you’re continuing to enjoy the holiday season. Lots of cheer and good wishes from our house to yours! XX

Warmest Wishes...

2011-12-23T07:05:00.000-05:00

I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. ~Charles Dickens

Warmest wishes and loads of love to each of you and your families. Be safe and enjoy!! XX

image

Zion’s chalkboard wall

2011-12-20T04:54:00.001-05:00

Zion’s play room is a working progress. I actually observe how he uses the space and then go from there with design ideas etc. I painted Zion’s chalkboard wall for him when I was 81/2 months pregnant. I also painted the adjoining walls an orange colour(no surprise there, right?). Anyway, I’ve always wanted to do a chalkboard wall and Zion’s love affair with doodling on the bare walls led me to paint one sooner than later.

For someone like me who loves instant gratification, it was no fun painting the chalkboard wall. I had to wait 24 hrs. before I could apply a second coat. In addition, you have to so call “chalk” the wall before using it or marks would still be visible even after erasing. The pic above shows the “chalked” wall.

We all enjoy having the chalkboard wall. Ironically too, Zion still uses the chalk to “decorate” the other walls. I guess that is what 2 year olds do. Happy Tuesday everyone! XX

Grooving into Monday with Tangerine Tango!

2011-12-12T00:38:00.000-05:00

Have you heard? Pantone’s colour choice for 2012 is called Tangerine Tango. Since I am obsessed with all variations of the colour orange, I am not complaining. Orange will always be an "in" colour for me! Yeah baby!:-) Have a groovy Monday everyone! XX

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Giveaway Winner

2011-12-12T00:35:00.000-05:00

I am so super excited to announce the winner for this fantastic giveaway! Drum roll please... Jeanette of Everton Terrace (one of my closest blog friends too). Congrats darling. I will be contacting you shortly for your contact info!! XX

$100 Crate and Barrel Gift Card Thank You Giveaway!

2011-11-29T15:30:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! All of you will be in for a wonderful treat this week! Since I haven’t blogged or visited you all in awhile (you all know why) to show my appreciation, I figured a Crate and Barrel gift card would be a great start to show you how much I REALLY APPRECIATE each of you AND

MISS visiting you all. O.K., let’s talk about this fantastic giveaway! Crate and Barrel is one of my favourite stores to shop and I am hoping it is one of yours too.

Their prices aren’t outrageous and you’ll be in for a divine treat if you shop their holiday collection.

Their products appeal to diverse tastes, BUT if Crate and Barrel doesn’t strike your fancy, you can also use the

Gift Card at sister stores like Land of Nod (everything that you can imagine for the children) or

CB2!( all things mod and fab)

How to enter:

Simply comment below if you’re a follower of Design Addict Mom.

Additional entries

Tweet about this giveaway

Post about this giveaway on facebook

Giveaway ends Friday December 9th 2011. Good luck everyone! Also stay tuned for more fun stuff to come. You all deserve it:-)

{images: via, via, via}

He’s Here!

2011-11-04T14:07:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Look who’s here! Baby Ian-Ian Benjamin Blake. He came two weeks ago (October 17th), a week early.

He weighed 6lbs 15.5 ounces and was 191/4 inches long.

His Daddy made it home just in time too! I’m truly overjoyed and feel utterly blessed. XX

P.S. Zion adores him and smothers him with kisses everyday

Great Use of Wall Paper and Update:

2011-10-09T15:20:00.000-04:00

I love the double duty that this Cole and Son wallpaper plays in this space. It adds visual interest and also disguises the storage cupboards that are nestled under the staircase. Lovely splashes of colour too!

In Baby News:

This shot is a pic from my baby shower which was last weekend. More to come about that very fun day. Anyway, almost a week later, I am in the hospital measuring my contractions and learning that I am in early labor and have begun to dilate. Of course, my first thought was, “But my hubby isn’t here yet!” Baby isn’t due until October 25th either. I am home now waiting to be dilated to 4cm and thank goodness the contractions have eased in intensity. I am able to find the time to write this post because I am now on some sort of bed rest. I say some sort because I am still moving around because I can’t stay in bed all day. My Mom would be wagging her finger at me if she were here. Great news though-the hubby is on his way home and if I stay still like a good girl, maybe our little bundle of joy will wait until his Daddy gets home.
{first image: via-livingetc}

Two Months to go…

2011-08-31T21:48:00.000-04:00

Two months to go! Can you believe it?

Hi everyone! I returned to work two weeks ago and the first couple weeks are always super crazy; meeting parents, setting up the classroom, etc. etc. Thus, blogging had to take a back seat. However, hopefully things will be back to some semblance of normalcy soon. Ok, y’all, guess what you’re looking at!? Yep, a pic of the little bundle of joy soon to be in my arms. I did a 4D ultrasound when my Mom was here so that she could “bond” with him and he was “busting a move” for her the entire time. He had his feet over his face almost the entire time- amazing how flexible they are. However, we were able to get some wonderful shots of his face and he was sticking out his tongue, yawning, opening his eyes, and just was so animated. I kept shouting at the technician/nurse, “did you see that!?” She probably thought I was crazy.

A warm welcome to my new readers and to my long time readers, thank you for all your support. I will be catching up with you all soon. XX

Loving these…

2011-08-12T08:31:00.000-04:00

I really love all of the above! I especially adore the words by Audrey Hepburn. What’s up for the weekend my friends? My Mom is coming on Sunday for a week long visit and I am Super Thrilled! I am going to be pampered endlessly and probably told what to do like, “you shouldn’t be lifting this,” or “why don’t you go lay down and relax?”. But, you know what, I am going to enjoy every minute, the pampering and the “nagging”.. Z is going to be excited to see his Grandma too and she just can’t get enough of her Z! I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and that you have tons of fun spending time with family and/or friends! XX

{images: via, via, via}

Keeping a Clean Kitchen.

2011-08-09T04:46:00.001-04:00

can be a pain in the buttocks! I feel like I am always cleaning my kitchen. How about you? If I’m home, most of my time is spent in the kitchen either prepping a meal, fixing a snack for Z, cooking, sorting my mail( I sort my mail at our kitchen bar/counter), and other random activities.

Since I complete so many tasks in my kitchen, I find that I’m always “cleaning up”. The kitchen is the heart of the home, but I really do hate all the time I have to devote to its constant cleaning. Anyway , I was thrilled to recently find a feature in one of favourite mags; Realsimple on how to speed clean your kitchen.

When I saw the title, Speed clean, I thought-that’s my type of language! So here is a snapshot from the feature:

Every Day

Wipe down the sink after doing the dishes or loading the dishwasher (30 seconds).
Wipe down the stove top (one minute).
Wipe down the counters (one minute).
Sweep, Swiffer, or vacuum the floor (two minutes).

Every Week

Mop the floor (five minutes).
Wipe the cabinets, backsplashes, and appliances (10 minutes).
Wash the dish rack (four minutes).
Wipe the switch plates and phone (one minute).
Wipe the inside of the garbage can (one minute).

Every Season

Empty and scrub down the inside of the refrigerator (30 minutes).
Empty and clean the insides of the utensil drawers (15 minutes).
Scrub down the cupboard exteriors (30 minutes).
Clean the stove-hood filter (10 minutes).

Beat the Clock

In the time it takes to brew a pot of coffee, you can get through your "every day" list(above).

Be Prepared

Keep extra garbage bags (or a whole roll) at the bottom of your trash can( I already do this and it really makes life easier) and never again have to retrieve an apple core from a bagless bin.

Let It Shine

Streak-free stainless-steel surfaces are the Holy Grail of kitchen cleaning. Caldrea's olive oil–based Stainless Steel Spray promises to reduce fingerprints. (Available in five scents, including green tea and lavender pine, $11 for 11.8 ounces)

Great tips, don’t you think? I just gave you a snippet of the feature. You can read it in its entirety here.

Here are some more clean and beautiful kitchens to inspire you

Hopefully these tips were as useful to you as they were to me. Happy Tuesday everyone! XX

{images: via, via, via, via, via}

Colour, Texture, Layers…

2011-08-04T03:30:00.000-04:00

I didn’t need an elaborate narrative on this house. It flirts blatantly with you through its splashes of colours, use of a variety of textures, and all the layers. Such beautiful accessories! Ohh la la ! Happy Thursday everyone! XX

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Beating the Heat…

2011-08-03T08:54:00.000-04:00

Z and I are headed outdoors to have some fun before the heat index hits over 100.

One day, the screen in porch will be properly appointed with beautiful outdoor furniture. However, for now, it’s where I exercise(that’s an elliptical), and where my little man has lots of fun.

It’s so lovely outside right now, but not for long! Have a lovely day my friends and thanks for all your support! XX

Zion’s Homemade Sandbox on Wheels.

2011-08-01T03:30:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Yes, Zion has his own homemade sandbox on wheels and he loves it!! A couple weeks ago, I posted here that I wanted to make a sandbox for Zion and I included some inspiration sandboxes. Amongst them were

this sandbox on wheels. Many of you preferred this one. And so did i. It’s mobile ability was a major appeal to me since it made it quite flexible. Having decided that this was the one I wanted, I set out to find out more information on how to make it. Just one google search later and voila, I found the instructions on how this exact sandbox was built. The instructions can be found here on Nonchalant Mom(the pic above shows a shot of Nonchalant’s Mom’s home that was being featured in the now defunct Domino magazine).

So the hubby got some pretreated wood to build this for me, but as you know, he had to leave (thank you for your support too btw-it’s consoling to know that I have my blog friends). Anyhoo, he wasn’t able to build it before he left, so Mr S. (a teacher colleague and talented carpenter) came to my rescue. He whipped this baby together in less than two hours. The materials: 2- 1x12 8feet long $14.00 ea, half sheet of 3/4 in plywood $18.00, 4 wheels $4.50 each, screws $4.00 can be found at your local Lowes or Home Depot; really any hardware store should have these items. The wheels also can be locked into place so the sandbox won’t move with Zion in it. In addition, there are tiny holes in the base to ensure that any water poured in it have an exit point.

This weekend I sealed it with some Thompson’s Clear water sealer that I purchased from Home Depot . I always attach that (above)Rust-oleum sprayer to my aerosol cans when I’m spray painting and it worked beautifully with this Thompson’s water sealer can.

After the sealant was dry, I poured the sand in. I only used 7 bags since I wanted to be able to readily push the sandbox when it’s filled with sand (gotta be careful since I’m preggo). If you noticed too, I have the sandbox on our screened in porch. It’s way too hot here to place it outside; Zion would never be able to use it if it were outside. Imagine that, right ? But it has been that kind of summer where we’ve spent more time indoors instead of out.

I barely emptied the last bag of sand before Zion climbed into the sandbox and started to enjoy. I am really pleased with it especially because he can be “almost outside” doing a fun activity instead of being stuck inside all day hiding from the heat.

Welcome to Monday everyone. Have a lovely day! XX

Aynhoe Park: Say Hello to Lots of Taxidermy and Plaster Casts.

2011-07-29T00:14:00.000-04:00

I was nibbling on my second Nestle mini ice cream drumsticks last night and feeling sorry for myself ( I had to bid farewell to the hubby again this week because Uncle Sam decided to whisk him off to fight for his country) when I came across a feature on this unique estate, located in London; Aynhoe Park. For a couple minutes, I forgot about my worries and was peering closely at every detail of this magnificent architectural head-turner and was trying to grasp the fact that this is an occupied home-someone does live here! Quite majestic and theatrical in its impression, Aynhoe Park has stood its ground for over 300 years. Its current owner, James Perkins, re-invented the home, bringing it into the twenty-first century, while acknowledging its history. James surely didn’t skimp on the taxidermy and gothic touches. The house is available for private hire and I am sure it is the quintessential location to create an unforgettable occasion.

I wouldn't mind a field trip to Aynhoe Park. However, I doubt I’d be able to sleep here though; too much taxidermy perhaps…? What do you think? Have a wonderful weekend everyone and stay cool; it’s sweltering hot in my neck of the woods! XX

{images and feature}

Black and White.

2011-07-19T04:51:00.001-04:00

I love using black and white to spice up the look of a space. Adding punches of black and white into one’s home décor is a sure way to infuse interest and pack a graphic punch. Black and white is even more dramatic against light/neutral backdrops like the spaces featured above. How do you feel about black and white; is it packing a punch in your home? XX

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Embracing the Glam for the Weekend.

2011-07-15T03:05:00.000-04:00

I am inspired by this editorial to get really “glammed up” this weekend. I have to admit there are many weekends where I just laze around in my pajamas and refuse to go out because I don’t want to go through the ritual of getting “dolled up.” However, this weekend I shall bring the glam! Don’t you just love the colour combination?

she is one hot chica!

FYI: The model is Anja Konstantinova and she is donning jewelry pieces from labels such as Gucci, Prada, Samantha Wills and Yves Saint Laurent. She is gorgeous, isn’t she? I’m feeling really inspired and I might just have to visit my MAC store for a new lip stain! Whether you’re “glamming” or not, be sure to have a fantastic weekend everyone! Besitos! XX

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A residence in Brazil.

2011-07-14T08:39:00.000-04:00

“Imagination is the eye of the soul”

Joseph Joubert

This renovated loft in Sao Paulo reflects the creative imagination of its owner, Mauricio Arruda. The living room alone indicates this. I love his mix of varying materials and how he layers his space. Of course the pop of colour everywhere enliven the spaces beautifully. Above all else are the black painted floors that allow the furniture pieces to take center stage.

Crates make perfect storage containers here. Unexpected and fun.

check out the card inspiration for the base of the table. loving the pop of green too.

a better view of the dining space.

Have a wonderful Thursday everyone! The weekend is upon us! Hurrah!:-) XX

{via, via}

The Guest Room.

2011-07-13T10:43:00.000-04:00

A constant flow of guests is the norm in the Blake household. We’ve had guests for two weeks in a row and I have to admit that the guest room wasn’t picture perfect prior to their visits(of course, my guests couldn’t careless about that). However, if you’re like me, everything has to be just right. Needless to say, I was scurrying until the last minute to put the final touches together to my guest room. It wasn’t like staying at the Ritz, but it was comfortable and aesthetically pleasing enough to me. Here are some lovely inspiration for guest rooms from some of my favourite places…

Have you had any house guests lately? Need some tips: The great Martha Stewart offers some invaluable tips on how to prep for houseguests here. Happy Wednesday my friends. XX

{via, via, via}

Zappos: More than Shoes Ad...In the Nude

2011-07-12T08:57:00.000-04:00

According to the NYT, Zappos' fall ad campaign features models performing tasks such as riding a scooter, jogging and hailing a cab in the nude.

The web is already abuzz with this ad that has become quite a bit of a controversy. The ads will begin running in the August issues of magazines like Lucky, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, and Harper's Bazaar. What do you think? Going too far or not? XX

HGTV Never Looked So Good!

2011-07-10T20:08:00.000-04:00

HGTV had lost their appeal to me because of their continuous repetitions of episodes and just the lack of shows that oozed innovative ideas and creative wiles. However, that is no more! I’m loving the new episodes of House Hunters International, the new series, “Room Crashers” with one of the finalists from a prior HGTV Design Stars, the new series, “ HGTV’d” which is a winner; the designs featured are out of the box and over the top.

The outdoor spaces above were designed by the talented and oh so sweet sounding Jamie Durie. Don’t you just love him? The slur of his Aussie accent is so beautiful too!

Now, besides the new HGTV Design Star series that premieres tomorrow, another great buzz that has HGTV’s appeal better than ever are these folks;

Cortney and Robert Novogratz(pictured above) will be debuting a new design show on HGTV called "Home by Novogratz”. The first episode airs July 16th and I can’t wait! I will most certainly be watching every single episode!

gorgeous space -rooms designed by the Novogratz

Will you be tuning in to HGTV too? XX

Giveaway Winners!

2011-07-10T20:07:00.000-04:00

Apparently Blogger had screened some of the giveaway comments and had them labeled as spam. I just realized so sorry if you weren't seeing your comments and was wondering why... Anyway, BIG CONGRATS to Dawn of the Alternative Wife for winning this one! Yay Dawn!

For some reason, I thought that i had announced the winner to this Mallory Lane giveaway(case of preggo brain) already, but apparently i didn't. Sorry about that! However, another BIG CONGRATS to Peach Rainbow! I will be contacting both winners shortly! XX

This Toddler…

2011-07-05T10:48:00.000-04:00

is the reason for my absence. I’ve been spending as much time with Baby Z as possible and he’s enamored with playing outside which leaves me with no time for the computer. I am really loving summer too, but the heat does take a toll on a pregnant lady. Baby Z also keeps me running (well in my case waddling briskly) all day.

Yes, I know I’m huge! . So, what have you all been up to? I can’t wait to find out! Also, please don’t forget to enter the Fashion + Art giveaway! Love you all! XX

Amazing Blues…

2011-06-24T03:13:00.001-04:00

Blues and all its hues are everywhere this summer. I’m really loving the “blue take over” so to speak. Please enjoy the enigmatic power of the colour blue…

All this blue has me yearning for the beach. How about you? Here’s to a calming and relaxing weekend for everyone! XX

{images: via, via, via, via, via}

Don’t Be Tardy for the Party!-Edwina’s Fashion + Art Giveaway!

2011-06-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Are you ready for this one folks?

Ships ahoy and we’re off to

explore Edwina’s world of art in the form of her stylish note card collections!

Edwina is the creative soul behind Fashion +Art. As a Fashion Illustrator, Edwina effortlessly wields her magical instruments to create these fierce designs and oh so “haute” ladies! Her designs give her notecard collections great flair and brings back an almost extinct and intimate touch; that of the handwritten note.

Though I’m tempted to write lovely notes in mine. For now, I prefer to look at them on my mantle. What will you do with yours since Edwina is giving you the opportunity to win one of her notecard collections! Head on over to her gallery to peruse the different collections and let me know which one is your favourite. Also, linger a while to check out her other eye candy.

To Enter To win the note card collection of your choice:

* ( Mandatory)Entrants must become members of/like FASHION+ART on Facebook and of course all followers of Design Addict Mom can join in the fun.

Additional Entries:

*Tweet about this giveaway

* Post on facebook about this giveaway

P.S: Don’t forget to leave your email address if you don’t have a blog so that I can readily locate you if you win! Good luck everyone! Giveaway ends Friday, July 8th! XX

Uh, can I enter too?

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Poppies and a Picnic: Father’s Day Weekend

2011-06-17T07:33:00.000-04:00

I couldn’t think of a better way to kick off Father’s Day weekend than with this lovely Summery poppy editorial from Ditte Isager. A picnic on the ocean with Dad is a splendid idea, don’t you think? Maybe serenading him with his favourite song while strumming a guitar…? What are your plans for this Father’s Day weekend my friends? XX

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Sandbox Project for Baby Z.

2011-06-16T09:57:00.001-04:00

Now that i'm on summer break, there are so many projects that i have been thinking about tackling. Of course, there are also others that i've had to place on hold because I just didn't have the time to get them done. Building a sandbox for Baby Z is one of those projects.

On my hunt for inspiration, i came across these from Outdoorliving:

I'm on my way to Home Depot to get some sand and also mulch for other gardening needs. Have any of you built a sandbox before? Do tell! The high today will be 84 degrees, so i'm going to try to get lots done outdoors today. Tomorrow, it will be back to the sweltering high 90's.

Stay cool y'all:-) XX

Sue Hostetler's East Village Home via NY Social Diary.

2011-06-14T01:30:00.001-04:00

It’s been awhile since I visited one of my favourite sites; nysocialdiary.com. I always experience such a thrill when I visit and they are featuring a home that literally speaks to every inch of my design addict being. This feature, Sue Hostetler’s home does just that and more. Sue is a the Editor in Chief of Art Basel Miami Beach Magazine.

BTW, the The wall is covered in ‘Treehouse’ by Totally Custom Wallpaper.

A coffered ceiling and a trampoline are winning combinations, don’t you think? The trampoline is for their son, Spencer.

This beautiful walnut cabinet hosts Sue’s and her hubby’s book collection.

really loving the coffee table…

The art work throughout the home is quite enviable too, especially these miniature versions of Spencer’s art.

Sue’s closet: I’m really smitten with those knobs!

very serene.

A Prouvé daybed bought dressed up with a throw from Jonathan Adler.

Ikea rug and bunk beds.

Spencer’s playroom

Are you inspired? I sure am. To read the accompanying and interesting interview with Sue, click here. Happy Tuesday my friends! XX

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What I bought.

2011-06-09T20:54:00.000-04:00

I mentioned last Friday that I would be taking a trip to a furniture store(over 2 hours away) last weekend to Winston, Salem here in NC. Well, I’m sorry to say that I was so disappointed about the lack of inventory of furniture that I liked. It wasn’t a wasted trip though since I fell in love with this Calligaris table that they had. I bought it for the hubby for “his space” which I am not allowed in btw. However, he can’t seem to keep me out of it!. Anyway, he didn’t have a place to rest his beverages and snacks(the room is a working progress), so I thought this table would be perfect for him; the right height and it’s lacquered white finish is bright and beautiful, plus it has a lovely reflective element too.

Those candles are soy made and smell so good. I have to tell you all about them, but in another post. Also, guess what? Tomorrow is the last day of school for my students! We have to party tomorrow for sure! Summer break, here I come! XX

Eye Candy for the Weekend.

2011-06-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow, I will be taking a road trip with one of my closest girlfriends to visit a furniture store and do some retail damage. I can’t wait! We leave very early since the store is over two hours away! This is our first visit there, so I hope to not be disappointed. I will let you all know what I purchase(if I do make a purchase). Now, how about this home, hmmm? I am in love with its openness and the seamless flow of outside and inside. Let me not ramble on. The home and its environs speak for themselves.

^{I’m also here today for a guest post. Check it out if you have time. Have a fantastic weekend everyone! XX}

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Mallory Lane Giveaway via Design Addict Mom.

2011-06-02T22:19:00.000-04:00

I am excited to share this giveaway with you! Mallory Lane recently sent me some products from their line and i thought as i opened the package that it would be awesome if i shared the items as a giveaway!

And so without further ado, let me outline what the lucky winner will be getting...

Curtains

The colour purple is so hot now, so these purple curtains are sure to add great style and flair to your space.

Bedding

Continuing with the purple trend, how about these lovely floral sham sets? Yes, they can be yours too.

Removable Wall Decal

How pretty is this butterfly and wall decal! Great for a foyer, a child's room or really any space that you deem fit for this beauty...

Bath Mats

Who wants to place their feet on cold tiles after a bath or shower? Not me! These pretty bath mats are warm winners for your feet.

Wall Art

These shoe hooks are so whimsical aren't they? Perfect for the shoe lover or a just a fun addition to an outdoor space...?

Unbelievable giveaway, isn't it?

To enter:

Simply comment below if you're a reader/follower of Design Addict Mom. Also, if you're an email subscriber and you have difficulties commenting, just email me and let me know.

Additional Entries:

Tweet about this giveaway

Post on facebook about this giveaway

Mallory Lane® – High quality home decor at great prices! Their catalogs and website feature fresh and exclusive decor solutions for every room in your home, including furniture, rugs, bedding, window coverings, lamps, accessories and much more. Did i mention how affordable the prices were too!

Giveaway ends June 16th. It's also open to everyone! I will ship your winnings to the moon if i have to:-). Good luck everyone! XX

{images: housebeautiful and Mallory Lane}

Negril, Jamaica and Counting down…

2011-06-02T07:58:00.000-04:00

I am counting down the days to Summer break! It’s the end of the school year and between End of year Exams, grading papers and a ton of paperwork; i think i deserve a vacation to The Caves in Negril, Jamaica(pic above) I will visit everyone and things will be back to some type of normalcy when i am officially on Summer Break. Also, stay tuned for a great giveaway coming up later this evening! Happy Thursday my wonderful friends! XX

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Un parti à Paris!

2011-05-28T07:26:00.000-04:00

Bonjour my friends! Will you accompany me to Paris? I am sitting here wondering what I’ll be wearing un parti by my dearest friend, Anita of Castles Crown and Cottages… I’m sure you all know who she is and if you do, you know that she is très glamarous! So I can’t disappoint!

I might wear these studded shoes since they are my favourite! Or

even these! Oh décisions, les décisions…

While I ponder and pull my look together, why don’t you enjoy these delectable Parisian pictures?

via

And I’m off mes amis! Anita, I’m on my way! XX

It’s a boy!

2011-05-25T21:41:00.000-04:00

I found out today that I’ll be having a boy! He looks fit and healthy! He is also a mover, just like his brother, Baby Z( he was constantly moving during today’s ultrasound).

Awww, I already love his foot(feet). I’m beyond thrilled and bursting with joy! You know, i thought for sure that i was having a girl, so i kept talking to him and referring to him by a girl name. His Daddy, however, kept telling me that i was having a boy(but Moms usually know best, right?). Guess i was wrong for once

this time:-). Anyway, now, I have to start hunting for a name for my baby boy(who may not be happy with mommy for referring to him as a girl for so long…) XX

The Hammy Hammock.

2011-05-19T01:00:00.001-04:00

The Hammy is a redesign of sorts of the simple hammock. It also has a modern appeal in its design. Although the hammy won't sway you to sleep, it most certainly will not flip over. In addition, it can be used as an alternate to chaise lounges by the pool.

The materials used in its crafting make it well suited for the backyard and outdoor elements too:

The materials are decay and insect resistant White Oak, powder coated metal frame, non-fading, waterproof and UV resistant mesh hammock sling.

Not only does the Hammy have an integrated bench, it also boasts a flower planter and wood platform for storage. Gotta love that!

The hammy will set you back about $1993 and can be purchased here. So, what do you think, is it worth it or is a good old fashioned hammock all you need? XX

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Ferm Wallpaper in the Nursery/Playroom…

2011-05-17T09:22:00.000-04:00

In my last home, i had Ferm Wallpaper in my kitchen and i really, really loved it. I would love to place some Ferm Wallpaper in Zion’s room or his playroom. Maybe even in the nursery for the little one that’s now growing in my tummy:-)…

Which one is your favourite? I'm playing catch up on my blog reading since Blogger prevented me from commenting much of last week. See you soon and have a fantastic Tuesday! Oh, guys, next week, i find out the sex of the baby!!! XX

PS. A warm welcome to my lovely new readers!

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Cool Aerial View..

2011-05-14T11:31:00.000-04:00

Blogger is up again, but all the comments from Thursday’s post and some from Tuesday have vanished! I’m sorry about that everyone!. Just looking at this aerial view though makes me feel calm amidst all of Blogger’s blunders. I can even feel the sea breeze… Happy weekend my friends! XX

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Julianne Moore’s Stylish Apartment in NY

2011-05-11T21:27:00.000-04:00

Julianne Moore’s apartment in the West Village area oozes style and an almost meticulous attention to details. I especially love the unique pieces in each space. I love to peek into other people’s spaces and when they’re celebrities, I’m even more curious to see how they live. Julianne is an accomplished and talented actress and her talent also seems to extend to designing spaces. Her apartment is tre's stylish! Well, maybe MADE LLC, the studio/firm that designed her apartment should receive some credit too. Check out the rest of the space…

I would love one of those floating bookshelves/storage contraptions on a wall in my home. I love how it’s visually appealing while not taking up much space.

Look at that bath…

Awww, different textures and materials living harmoniously in this wonderful kitchen. Love it!

I love that although the apartment is stylish, it doesn’t scream “over the top”. In addition each space has an abundance of natural light which I think is a must have in any space. The wood floor throughout is very lovely too. Well, it’s Thursday everyone, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have the weekend draw closer. Have a lovely day my friends! XX

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Lara Stone in Prints.

2011-05-10T04:25:00.001-04:00

It’s all about graphic prints this Summer, and Lara Stone flirts with the sun as she showcases these beautiful graphic print bikinis for a US Vogue 2011 editorial.

There’s nothing that quenches your thirst quite like a jelly coconut…

Of course, it’s no surprise that famed photographer Mario Testino is the one who captured these pics. They are stunning and what a location too! Will you be sporting any prints this Summer? Happy Tuesday everyone!

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Thanks and Happy Mother’s Day!

2011-05-08T11:26:00.000-04:00

Thank you everyone for your sincere and warm wishes on my announcement(below)! I could feel the love. Today is Mother’s Day and I wanted to pop in to say Happy Mother’s Day to all and if you’re not a Mommy, well Happy Mother’s Day to your Mom.

I think it’s safe to say that any Mom wouldn’t mind to getaway here. Such a tranquil place. These pictures show the Barcelo Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa, located near the city of Alicante in southeastern Spain. Breathtaking place, isn't it? Have a beautiful Sunday and Moms, relax and enjoy your day! XX

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31/2 months Pregnant, Giveaway Winner and Ramblings...

2011-05-02T04:50:00.005-04:00

Baby bump up close. I was just chilling in the back yard guys so the pictures are not glamour shots:-)

First, congrats to Kait for winning the giveaway! You're so lucky:-). I'll be in touch shortly!

I have been so happy and wanted to share with you for a while, but I wanted to wait( a bit superstitious) until after the first trimester to tell. I seemed to have started to show almost immediately too. Also, I’ve been back at work for over a month. Literally, I found out that we were expecting a few days before moving into our new home and a couple days later, I received a call about a teacher position. It has been a whirlwind since then. Baby Z has been in preschool and i have been a wreck about that too (it’s a daily struggle, but i/we are adapting better). My plan was always to return to work when he turned 2. However, I didn’t foresee that I would also be expecting and trying to settle into a new home at the same time. My cup overfloweth with blessings! I am indeed grateful. The blog has suffered a bit; lack of posts, a couple blog friends have disappeared… What can I say? I’m having a baby! Yay! Seriously, it has been very difficult to keep up with the demands of blogging because when I get home from work, it’s Baby Z time and I am usually so exhausted. I’ve fallen asleep in the middle of a comment a couple times too…
I am indeed grateful for all of you who I refer to as “ my die hard” supporters. You also have my loyal support of your blog(even if I don’t reciprocate on the comments immediately). I do cherish our virtual friendship very very much! I promise to try not to inundate you all with all things baby from now on! Have a blessed and happy Monday my friends. XX

Mario Testino, Blog Crawl and a Hippy Wedding.

2011-04-29T04:50:00.001-04:00

I am excited to be participating in today’s blog crawl inspired by Will and Kate’s wedding today. This genius idea came from Danielle of Breakfastattoast blog. I am really supposed to be sharing some fun wedding ideas with you, but I strayed just a bit. You see, when I heard that Mario Testino would be photographing Will and Kate, I was just grinning from ear to ear. I was so happy for him! I feel like I know the guy. As a result, this post will be somewhat of be an ode to him. I will be featuring a wedding editorial that he recently did and also a simple hippy wedding that I fell in love with.

Please enjoy:

Presenting the Hippy Wedding:

It’s certainly not as grandiose as Will and Kate’s, but you can just feel the love whiffing in the air…

And now, presenting the man of the

hour, Mario

Testino…

Mario photographed the models in this wedding editorial, also inspired by the Royal wedding for Vogue UK, May, 2011. The models are wearing these really beautiful wedding dresses that make me want to get married all over again so I could don one of these! Kate’s dress has been shrouded in such mystery and I’m bursting to find out what her dress will look like. By the time this post goes live, I would already know and I am sure I will not be disappointed!

Did you know that Mario Testino also received an invitation to the Royal wedding? Danielle, this was such fun! Really great idea! Have a fantastic weekend everyone! Be safe! XX

PS. Giveaway Winner will be announced on Monday! Thanks for participating everyone!

{hippy wedding, editorial}

Pillow Talk and Meet Victoria of Victoria Larson Textiles.

2011-04-28T11:56:00.000-04:00

I have a terrible habit of buying too many throw pillows(just can’t resist ‘em). But, really, it’s easier and most times less expensive to make new pillow covers when you’re trying to spruce up your space. If I were to put all my throw pillows together, they would make a mountain rivaling that of Mt. Kilimanjaro! (ok, I might exaggerate a tad, but I have a lot).

Also, making your own pillow covers allows you to choose fabrics that fit perfectly into your already existing décor. I love the mix of patterns above. Don’t be afraid about mixing patterns. Just remember to:

Use patterns that have a similar or common colour or even a variation of that colour And incorporate a mix of different sizes of patterns to add depth to your look.

Now, I want to introduce you to this amazing lady, Victoria and her line, Victoria Larson Textiles. Victoria Larson has been designing home accessories for private clients for several years and is proud to release her debut fabric line(Victoria Larson Textiles) to the public. Larson trained as an Interior Designer at the Maryland Institute College of Art. Above is just a sample of what Victoria has available. If you click here, you will find lots more!

Can you believe how excited I was When…

received some samples from Victoria in the mail! Those of you who know my addiction to a certain colour can easily guess what my favourite is. Truly, this pic doesn’t do them justice. They are beautiful!

The fish placemat was a lovely gift from Victoria. This fabric is also a part of her line. I really love my gift Victoria! There will undoubtedly be a future post about my fabric order from Victoria and what my new pillow cases look like! Can’t wait!

Another look…

Some more “pillowed spaces”…

Do you change out your pillows when trying to spruce up the look of your décor? Have you ever just purchased or made new pillow covers instead of buying a new throw pillow? I want to know what you do! . Thank you again Victoria and go on over and check out her line everyone! Happy Thursday! XX

{images: my own, via, via}

Not your typical Victorian Home.

2011-04-27T04:50:00.001-04:00

Nestled in Ridgefield Connecticut, and designed by the talented Lynne Scalo this Victorian home is not your ordinary Victorian home. It has a modern edge with some sprinkling of whimsy. Designer Lynne Scalo mixes furniture and accessories from different genres to create unexpected touches that are not typical of a Victorian décor/aesthetic.
“I like to take elements of all periods of furniture to create a sense of today,” says Scalo. I think it’s possible to have a sense of humor and still have a sense of elegance.”

That damask- esque royal blue wall paper is beautiful!!

Have you been drooling over all the lighting so far? In the kitchen above the island hangs a glamarous Philippe Starck(the Cicatrice de Luxe) chandelier. Love it! What a charming kitchen too!

So pretty…

Awww, loving every small detail…

Gorgeous, no? Have a fantastic Wednesday my friends! XX

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Farmhouse Chic via Arcadian Home Decor

2011-04-25T21:43:00.001-04:00


I am happy to have Arcadian Home Decor here today to share their expertise with you. Arcadian Home Decor is one of the best sources for home decor accessories at discount prices. Founded in 2002, Arcadian Home originally started selling decorative home lighting fixtures and lamps online, and has become one of the top Internet retailers for home lighting products. Today, the topic of Farmhouse chic will be explored by this very talented group. Take it away guys!                                                                          

Farmhouse and chic are probably not two words you hear that often when thinking of new interior design ideas.  When one thinks of “farmhouse,” images of ruggedness, rustic and weathered come to mind.  Images of modernity, simplicity and style come to mind when one thinks of “chic.”  But make no mistake, even farmhouses, barns, cottages and the like can be chic, modern, and fashionable.  Even if you are not lucky enough to live in a converted farmhouse or barn, the look can still be recreated.  Fill your home with vintage items and other home décor antiques.  In the kitchen, consider using a weathered wooden picnic table and matching benches.  Any color palette works within farmhouse chic interiors: neutral or colorful.

 


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A mix of mid-century modern furniture – chairs by Jens Rinsom and Harry Bertoia, for example- look right at home in the wide-open space of this converted barn.


 


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This rustic green kitchen is beautiful with a lot of pots and pans on display, a vintage rug, and matching antique table and chairs.




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Eggshell-colored walls, a tile-stone floor and weathered, wooden accents are beautiful in this rustic kitchen.




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The designer and owner of this hamlet in Virgina calls the decor, “Modern Barn.”  It is actually a converted 19^th century farmhouse and it's quite easy to see that while there is a rustic, hardy feel to the place, it's anything but Old MacDonald.  A neutral palette, a cowhide rug, a lot of weathered wood, and a sofa finished in leather and linen keep this farmhouse modern.




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Painted white trusses, and a grand stone-covered fireplace are the central focus in this converted farmhouse.  But notice how teal-colored, velvet wingback chairs, bright canary yellow pillows and a striped rug, add to the rustic, chic look of this living room.  One of the keys to achieving the farmhouse chic look is mix fabric, color, texture or all of them.

When it comes to recreating these interior design ideas into your home, stick to a lot of weathered or vintage pieces, but don't be afraid of color.  And remember that you can really be stylish and rugged at the same time. I enjoyed this post and i hope you all did too! Thank you Arcadian Home Decor! Don't forget to visit them for all your accessories and lighting needs!

 {Content provided by Arcadian Home Decor}

Easter Craft ideas and Happy Easter!

2011-04-22T07:48:00.000-04:00

This beautiful Jelly Bean Easter arrangement would make the perfect centerpiece for your Easter table. Made with white and yellow irises, and white stocks, two vases of different circumferences were used. The smaller one is placed inside the larger one. Then the empty space between the two vases was filled in with jelly beans. Really easy, isn’t it?

TIP –Add plant food to help extend the life of the flowers.

Here are some more delightful craft ideas for you to enjoy doing this

Easter weekend:

Have a Happy Easter everyone! Be safe! XX

PS. There's a wonderful giveaway below for you to enter:-)

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$75 Giveaway and Musician Sting’s Heavenly Garden Reverie!

2011-04-21T21:55:00.002-04:00

I am a huge fan of Sting and his music, so I was beyond thrilled to see his magnificent garden featured in Architectural Digest. Sting and wife, Trudie Styler purchased the Villa Palagio(located 16 miles from Florence) in 1997. The couple soon set their landscape architect to work to add elements of romance, texture and colour.

Impressive, isn’t it? No garden, no matter how grand isn’t complete without some lovely chairs. Sting has them sprinkled all over his estate. I especially

love this set up with the red chairs under this perfect shade creating Oak tree! Now Everypatiofurniture.com is offering you a $75 gift certificate to purchase your own chairs to group or sprinkle in your own garden.

This is just a sampling of what’s available. If you don’t need chairs, they have outdoor umbrellas, grills, outdoor lighting; everything to make your alfresco dining or outdoor entertaining perfect!

So, how do you enter to win this great giveaway? Well, it’s opened to all of my readers/followers(who reside in Canada and the USA). Yeah, it’s that simple; just comment below if you’re a reader/follower.

For additional entries:

Tweet about this giveaway using the hashtag #cymaxpatio in your tweet

Post on facebook about this giveaway

PS. Unfortunately, this giveaway is only opened to Canadian and U.S. residents

Giveaway ends Thursday, April 28th. Good luck everyone!XX

{images: via, via}

Apologies, Blogger Sucks and A Lovely Room.

2011-04-20T08:35:00.001-04:00

I'm sorry about the inability to view my prior post. This is really getting annoying. Blogger, what's the problem? Anyway, i promise, it was fantastic. I'm going to go and cool off in this lovely space for awhile(at least in my mind). XX

images via: house beautiful

Do you recognize her…?

2011-04-20T05:00:00.004-04:00

I have to admit that I had to do a double take because I really didn’t realize that this was Gisele.

Aptly titled Transform Me, this editorial from the May edition of Numéro Tokyo showcases Gisele Bundchen in a series of transformations. The talented Nino Muñoz captured Gisele’s transformation that were aided with lots of different wigs. Her various attire included brands such as Gucci, Prada and Christophe Kane.

Isn't she very versatile? Gotta love her. Hurray for Wednesday! XX

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Designs That Are All About Books.

2011-04-19T05:00:00.001-04:00

Books, I can never resist them and anything to do with them. I love how the books look in this circular and quite unique book case. Somehow, the word bookcase doesn’t seem fitting for it…

O.K., I’m not sure that I’d be standing in it while I read, but then again, sometimes a book is just that great…

A book chair!

A table made from books

Have you ready any books today? Thank you for your kind words re yesterday’s post. I hope everyone has a lovely Tuesday and stay safe. XX

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Devastation in NC.

2011-04-18T06:52:00.000-04:00

I have to say that I am extremely lucky to have only suffered a minor inconvenience of no electricity for a couple hours from this devastating storm. A number of my fellow North Carolinians have lost so much. Roads, schools and a number of businesses are closed today. Please pray for all affected. I know there are a number of you who are also from North Carolina, and I would love to know if all is well with you. Once more, another grim reminder of just how fleeting life is and why it shouldn’t be taken for granted. XX

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Everything in moderation, right?:-)

2011-04-15T06:11:00.000-04:00

It has been one heck of a week for me and Friday could not come soon enough! A glass of wine always takes the edge of., so maybe a glass or two is in order… Just don’t overdo it. Have a relaxing weekend everyone! XX

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A home that embraces the green.

2011-04-12T06:03:00.000-04:00

I love when a home lets nature in. This home does so in a very dramatic way. Just sheer “awesomeness”. Love the blown up photographs too…

Happy Tuesday my friends. XX

images: elle.it

Awards: Versatile Blogger and Stylish Blogger

2011-04-10T13:06:00.000-04:00

I am always super excited to receive and award and feel truly flattered when I do. I know I’ve already done a post on the Stylish Blogger Award that I received here. Nonetheless, I want to acknowledge the wonderful ladies who passed it onto me again. Plus, I also received a new award, The Versatile Blogger! Yayy for me!

The lovely Charlotta of Space for Inspiration recently bestowed me with two lovely awards, Stylish Blogger and Versatile Blogger. Charlotta has been a constant supporter of my blog from the early days when I had zero followers and since then, she has become a true friend. Thank you for the awards Charlotta and they mean so much more coming from you.

In addition, the lovely HitomiNeko

and the lovely

Cherisse of Framing Spaces also passed along the Stylish Blogger Award to me. Since I already did a post on the Stylish Blogger Award which is very similar to the Versatile Blogger Award in its requirements, I am going to this post a bit differently. I am going to list 7 things that I’m loving right now.

One

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This dining room which mixes different styles successfully, plus I’ve always had a thing for the use of different coloured chairs around a dining table. AND, don’t you just love the mirror?

Two

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this poster which you can purchase from this great etsy shop.

Three

The use of newspaper in this beautiful DIY accomplished with old newspaper and wallpaper paste. How Creative! More details here.

Four

These Japanese Cotton Soft Cheesecakes With Cherry Blossom Buttercream And Raspberry Sugar courtesy of the amazing Mowie Kay. I don’t have a sweet tooth but I think I would make an exception for these! More about these divine beauties here.

Five

These eco friendly modern chairs and table from Italian designer Ron Arad of Moroso. Gorgeous outdoor setting too, isn’t it?

Six

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Love her poise and her unique sense of style. This makes me want to be more fearless in the way I dress.

Seven

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The wondrous and breathtaking views from this serene bedroom.

Thank you again to these awesome ladies for these awards! I know that I am supposed to pass on these awards, but I find it very difficult to single out just one blog. Seriously. Therefore, I pass on these two awards to each of you. If you have the time, it would be super sweet of you if you did an acceptance post since I would love to read what your seven things are. However, life happens and I know these acceptance posts can be time consuming to put together. So if you don’t, that’s fine too.

In other news, I’ve been spending some quality time with Baby Z ( which is part of the reason why my posts and visits have been scarce)since he was so sick. His appetite has returned(I’ve never been happier to feed him) and though he still has a cold, he is back to his old rambunctious self. Thank you all for your kind words and well wishes. Happy Sunday to you all. I’m headed to the play ground with my little one. XX

Show Your Stuff….

2011-04-04T06:39:00.001-04:00

I loved reading this feature in the Matchbook magazine about Fashion expert, Linda Rodin Olio. She is not afraid to put her things on display in her home and as a result her home exudes tons of personality and happiness. I think I might just emulate her, after all life should be lived to the fullest. So why hide the things we love because of our fear of clutter?

So what do you think-too much for you? Have a lovely Monday everyone! XX

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Framing gloves as art.

2011-04-01T04:00:00.006-04:00

We can’t all afford to go out and buy expensive art pieces to adorn our walls so how fun and creative would it be to frame gloves as art! The framed gloves above are actually orphaned gloves from a homeowners collection. He paired them and framed them, noting the dates and locations where they were found. Don’t you just love this idea of framing gloves? Who knows, this might spark a weekend project. I hope everyone has a productive weekend and have some fun! Happy April Fool's day too(today).XX

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Some pictures from Zion’s birthday.

2011-03-29T04:50:00.000-04:00

Baby Z’s(guess I have to stop referring to him as Baby Z since he’s now 2) birthday party for his 2nd birthday was simple. My goal was to use what I already had so I referred to the party as “Springing into two,” since I already had many colourful items. I had a ton of lanterns and I focused mainly on the colours, green and yellow. I wasn’t very consistent with that either, but Spring is about all colours, right? Funny story: the lanterns on the mantle on the fireplace above were originally hanging next to that yellow one below, but they all fell down just before people started arriving, so I placed them on the mantle. I think they looked just fine there and no one was the wiser.

these glasses were a hit with the kids, although Zion preferred to chew on/dismantle his…

I always love big balloons so I ordered the 36 inch green ones seen in the pics online.

another hit with the kids was this bounce house that we rented. I even had a turn-so fun!

Baby Z was actually very sick on his birthday and is only just recovering. He had a high fever coupled with the cold, no appetite(for days) and an ear infection. Therefore, he was not having a fun time. He actually went to sleep shortly after we sung him happy birthday. I didn’t have a smash cake for him this year, so I gave him a cupcake with the # 2 on it and that tool in his hand was his cupcake cutter. I’m not sure if he minded the downgrade…

In case you’re wondering, the colour on the walls in the pics is Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter. The flower light fixture in the great room is from Ikea. I fell in love with it and had to get it. The other above the table in the kitchen is the FL/Y suspension pendant light that I purchased from DWR. Have a lovely Tuesday my friends. XX

I can’t wait!...

2011-03-28T05:00:00.007-04:00

If you’re like me, then you love to do almost everything outdoors as soon as the weather warms up. Unfortunately, this weekend didn’t feel like Spring(rainy, cold, and gloomy), but I can’t wait for the weather to be more consistent with showering us with lots of sunshine and warm temperatures. I’m ready to eat some grapes and sip on iced tea while soaking up the sun outside. Aren’t you? I hope the weather was much better in your neck of the woods this weekend. Happy Monday everyone! XX

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Colourful and vintage.

2011-03-25T05:00:00.001-04:00

This apartment in Brussels makes me really happy. Maybe it will make you happy too or at least brighten your day. Have a groovy weekend everyone! XX

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Guest Post via Cheap n Chic Living

2011-03-23T04:00:00.007-04:00

Thanks for having me dear Stacey. I'm Chic 'n Cheap Living and I love design just like our dear Design Addict Mom!This year's fashion trends are all about bright colors and combinations. While that makes for beautiful outfits and fun interiors, I also think a clean palette with neutral colors can be gorgeous as well. The classic American designer Bill Blass knew how to keep it neutral and elegant in his clothing and his home. A piece of furniture or decor can make a statement if it is beautifully constructed and flows with the rest of the home.Whether this is with matching chaise lounges...

...small sculptures,

...an unexpected print on the chairs,

...or a collection of vintage prints

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What are your favorite neutral pieces for the home?

Thank you so much Chic n Cheap Living for this wonderful guest post today. Hop on over to this lovely blog and feast your eyes! Have a lovely Wednesday everyone. XX

Longing for a Retreat like this…

2011-03-21T04:49:00.001-04:00

I am longing for this, all of it…

Yes, yes, yes!

In case you’re wondering where this magical place is. It’s the Sandals Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. It’s a secluded spot that promises a blissful experience in its refined setting. It is said that at this hotel:

Your butler gives you your own cell phone should you need him at anytime. Imagine that! I really need a vacation! Thanks for all the birthday wishes for Baby Z. I had a simple celebration for him on Saturday(‘I’ll share a few pics) Today is the first day of Spring-hurray! Have a lovely Monday everyone. XX

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Happy Birthday Baby Z!

2011-03-18T05:01:00.001-04:00

Baby Zion, my sunshine, my life, turns two today! Happy Birthday Zion! Mommy and Daddy love you more than you love bananas!. He could eat bananas for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I hope everyone has a spectacular weekend and a warm welcome to my lovely new readers! XX

Lush Fabrics and Beautiful Wallpaper = Glam Spaces

2011-03-15T04:50:00.003-04:00

Don’t you agree?

Are you feeling Spring in the air? I sure am and the beautiful weather that we’ve been having has been such a treat too! Here’s to a beautiful and lovely Tuesday for all! XX

PS. Please continue to keep Japan in your hearts and prayers.

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Giveaway Winner and not so great Pictures...

2011-03-08T21:21:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I MISS you all so much, but I also enjoy seeing the number of boxes left to unpack dwindle… First thing’s first, it’s way past time to announce the winner for the giveaway. Thank you to everyone who participated! Drum roll please, the Winner is Ren –Lady of the Arts! Congrats Ren!

OK, the not great picture above is a peek into the sunroom (which is fast becoming my favourite spot to just chill) I cannot locate the charger for my camera or that of the hubby’s, so I have to resort to taking pictures with my phone. We recently had custom blinds installed (what an expense that is, especially with those big arch windows!). However, they are a necessity and I love how simple they are.

This is really the formal dining room which is adjoining the kitchen. As you can see, I think Baby Z looks better in the space than some fancy dining furniture. This works perfectly for me as I can see him and vice versa since he’s right off the kitchen. I will eventually dedicate the space to formal dining but for now, this suits us best. The rooms are obviously not decorated yet, but I wanted to share a peek with you anyway. The pendant light is the Le Klint from DWR. There will be more to share of course once I get rid of my boxes and things are more presentable.

Guest Post : Loft A, Paris, via Katherine of Cabbage Rose

2011-03-04T04:47:00.003-05:00

Happy day everyone! It is such an honor to have been asked by beautiful Stacey to write a guest post
for Design Addict Mom. I am Katherine from Cabbage Rose. Coming from my tumblr venue, I am a
woman of few words, so I will let the images below of the exquisite Loft A in Paris by designer Sarah
Lavoine speak for themselves.

Let’s begin…

Hardwood floors… furniture upholstered in linen…nooks, angles, and beams…there is a relaxed feeling here. A retreat in the middle of the City of Lights…

We find natural elements, artwork, a touch of nature…and then an unexpected bold pop of blue.

A place for solace…

Or gathering…

Table set…candles lit…wine to be poured…let’s linger a bit, shall we?

And linger, we shall Katherine! If you’ve been a long time follower, you know that Katherine is the reason I decided to start my tumblr blog(see this post) She is an inspiration and her blog is beyond amazing! Recently featured on Dwell, Cabbage Rose is a go to resource for architectural students and design addicts like myself. Thank you so much for this exquisite post Katherine! In addition, thank you to Sheila of Teaching Literacy and Shawn of Amuse-Bouches for their very wonderful posts to round out this fabulous tumblr week. I hope to surface- literally(head emerging from boxes) and pop in with updates for you all next week. Also, fingers crossed the internet will be up and running. Have a superb weekend my friends! XX