End of Summer Deals & Steals

Pretty soon the dog days of summer will be drawing to a close and like the post holiday sales this is a great time to indulge in some items to perk things up outside at a fantastic savings. Patio furniture, decorative items, gardening needs and even grills can often be found at a huge savings.Bistro sets abound at an average of 50-70% off as does funky outdoor serving pieces. I think the best way to jazz up an existing set or add a little magic to your patio area can be as simple as doing just a few things to give the area a new look. Often times these things can be taken into fall when the weather is cooler as there will still be ample time to grill and enjoy the outdoors. The trend this season is bright colors and funky patterns. The crazier the better. This can even involve giving your neutral toned patio furniture and wicker a bright coat of paint, I like tangerine orange and seashell blues. I have been poking around getting a plan in mind so when these sales hit I can swoop in and give my sitting areas a whole new vibe. This is what I have in my sights to do.....
String Lights, I loooooove string lights, there are so many cute designs from dragonflies to colored bulbs to lights with little wicker shades...and they are a fun way to change the look season to season..I am also thinking of a fun garden stool and new table wear that will continue to bring the outdoors in even after the cold sets in. As far as pillows are concerned who says they have to be purchased in the outdoor department, many finds can be found in the bedding and linens sections of stores where typically you may find one or two lone pillows marked down considerably, the object here is not to match but to be creative....If I had the space I would also be considering a small mattress on a frame with wheels full of pillows which beckons one  for an outdoor nap or a good place to curl up with the kids and read a book....

These bamboo shaded lights which I have already picked up 4 sets of at Safeway at 75% off will be adding a rustic feel to the ficus trees and pillars lending a sense of warmth.

These brightly colored ceramic garden stools have got my attention and would be cute to use as a place to set cold drinks or to hold an unruly fern..

The hanging bamboo chair, they have come a long way from the 1960's & 1970's when they surged in popularity in large part due to the design houses in Great Britain. I would love to find a vintage one in good condition in a thrift store but there are plenty of modern day versions appearing on the market today, most are more durable than yesterdays and have a hefty price tag to go along with them, these are definitely something to watch the sales for...

These little outdoor tray tables at $39.99 a piece from Remodalista are a bargain at the given price and have so many uses outdoors. They are best used as an individual serving space, draped with a pretty linen napkin with nothing more than a small mason jar with a tea light as decoration.

This popular Mid Century design patio furniture can be taken from drab to fab with colorful cushions or better yet a new coat of paint... electric blue perhaps?

Instead of running these small white bulbs along the perimeter stringing them from side to side makes for a more intimate feel and gives a sense of European Flair.

What is inspiring you this summer?

A Haver in the Rough

My love affair with mid-century modern architecture began about 4 years ago when I was considering doing a project showcasing the old motels on Van Buren Rd here in Phoenix. In retrospect it was a project I should have taken on as a few of these lovelies have fallen into wreckage in the years since, as a matter of fact they are now few and far between. I happened upon this wonderful site which I have spent countless hours pouring over called Modern Phoenix. I was delighted when I won tickets to attend their home tour 2011   in Sunnyslope a few months back. Although I am drawn to Palm Springs and architecture throughout Southern California for good reason I tend to sympathize with what is happening in the local scene and often times drool over an Al Beadle or Fred Guirey home when it comes up for sale. Ralph Haver has always been and still remains one of the architects who's work I can tend to get lost in, the simplicity so well defined in his homes has led to many a day dream about perhaps owning one myself some day as his homes, for the most part are attainable to me. Living in phoenix has been bittersweet, it is well known that we are a state that lacks in our preservation and conservation and for the most part we have no real rhyme  or reason to our neighborhoods or design. It has become in large part a sea of stucco jungles, tract homes and plazas on every corner, most of which sit empty. Fortunately we also have those pocket areas which are up and coming and show real character and promise. We are home to the late great Frank Lloyd Wright school at Taliesin and the enigmatic Arcosanti which whether you love or hate the new Soleri bridge in Old Town Scottsdale you cannot dismiss the value of Soleris body of work. It is pure and original, like nothing else. I am not much for newer homes, I am of the mind set that older homes are full of character waiting for life to be breathed into them by a family. I am always looking at homes, many a night I fall asleep fantasizing re-models in my head room by room..I have had projects in my head that have lasted for years. I have been doing this for as long as I can remember. I can look beyond the plight others have created for instance and see nothing but possibility. This past weekend I noticed a little snippet my mother clipped out of the paper for me of a Haver home for sale in Phoenix within my price range and immediately I lit up. I spoke to a realtor today who told me that it is a one owner home, the same family has lived there since 1956. The downfall they have done two additions which seems to have compromised the integrity of the design somewhat. The yard doesn't look as though it is very big, as a matter of fact it looks very narrow in the rear of the property. In looking at these photos  these are the things that stand out to me...artist studio above the carport..slump block pillars inside the home, those fantastic windows, the cabinets, the wide back door, the pitched ceilings, the wood shelving and paneling, the huge front yard, the tile and wallpaper in the bathroom.. the home sits on a main drag however while it is a well traveled street I wouldn't call it a major thoroughfare.Lord knows there are nicer Haver homes in the valley. The neighborhood seems like a foreign country compared to where I have lived for the last 15 years tucked away in the mountains in my own little safety zone up here where I deal with little to no traffic, can't go anywhere with out running into some one I know and everyone at the coffee shop knows me by name and has my drink ready before I set foot in the door. I sometimes think change would be good for me, after all I grew up in the city for the most part and it does have its advantages to as good places to eat are few and far between up here and as it stands right now I drive almost an hr each way now on Sundays to get to the Buddhist center. I know it may seem lame to some but I really don't know if I can step out of my comfort zone and into city living again but in any case I am testing the waters and will be going to take a tour of This Home on Friday. I am a person who is of the belief system that sometimes you don't have to look for things as if they are meant to be they tend to find you..what is meant to be will be. I have peace in my mentality in that I truly feel everything in our lives happen for a reason and I have a good feeling about this place.I think I want this home.So we'll see what happens and where it goes if anywhere at all, the beauty and tragedy that is life is that sometimes things flip, they change and next thing you know life is never the same. I don't know if this will be my peaceful place to live out the next half of my life but I am keeping my eyes and heart open to it wherever it may lead me.

As May Winds Down....

Sarah Ban Breathnach says in her wonderful and uplifting book Simple Abundance A Daybook of Comfort & Joy  that "Dreams cost money, sweat, frustration, tears, courage,choices,perseverance, and extraordinary patience. But birthing a dream requires one more thing, Love. Only love can transform a houseful of needy, self-centered individuals into a loving close-knit family, a passion into a livelihood, or a mere dwelling into a home that perfectly expresses your authenticity. " I have recently found myself between semesters at school and with a little more free time than I usually see. I have been celebrating with good food, a night or two out with the hubby, relaxing, getting to a place in mind and body where I am able to slow it down. Doing my yoga getting plenty of rest to the point I am worried that perhaps it is too much. These are all good things however and I am eternally blessed. In small ways every day I continue on this path of living a gentle and pure existence. One of the more inspiring posts that I have read lately puts emphasis on how important it is to continue to change and evolve in a positive manner as human beings we often times get stuck and just stop in one place as a person and remain stagnant. To keep growing is the key to happiness. As we enjoy these last days of May and Memorial Day soon approaches lets get into a "Simple" frame of mind and reap the pleasures and enjoyment that these last days of Spring will bring....

Get fired up for next weekend..dig out your Grandmas old potato salad recipe and give it your own flair. Mine involves hard boiled eggs,red beets and jalapenos. Get the grill ready for whatever you may throw its way. Give it a good scrub down and get ready to throw on some zucchinis eggplant and heirloom tomatoes drizzled in balsamic. Or butter up ears of corn with a little mayo and cayenne and roast in the husk. Whether you are making Tbones or Hot dogs be Grateful for the time spent with family & the true meaning behind this holiday.
White shoes, white shorts, white pants, dresses and hats. Tis the season. I have found the cutest of all of the above at H&M and nothing was over 20 bucks.. Banana Republic has the most beautiful long dresses for when the day calls for a dressier look and I am loving Tom Fords Neroli Portofino body products and the delicate and lacy new looks by Van Cleef & Arpels. But what am I spending my money on these last days of Spring. Why this necklace of course. It is so odd it is striking and I must have it.I have always been fond of Elsa Peretti and this will compliment my collection and will have a special place among it.
Take the time to wander about flee markets garage and estate sales. New finds find a new life among your home. There is no greater joy for me when thrifting than finding an item handmade years ago thrown amongst the rick rack, it may be a token of a grandchild's affection signed by an endearing young child..or a cookbook with handwritten notes between the pages along with an ornate paper napkin from a fancy restaurant one wanted to keep or a shopping list ..it may be someones baby book complete with a lock of hair and photographs. All of these things I have found and brought home to dust off and proudly display and cherish. It makes me feel as though I am the keeper of things which meant something to someone once and that I am privileged to have taken on the task.
Whats on your reading list going into next month? I am thinking of revisiting Mary Engelbrights Home Companion magazines I have socked away from years ago. I will soon be doing a little redecorating and revitalization of the rooms in my house and  the photos are beautiful and inspiring.Part of doing so will involve a little Feng Shui practice of moving about 27 belongings.I will be looking for inspirations in all sorts of things with a focus on creating an  even more beautiful and natural environment for which we love and live.

Be Happy & Be Grateful
But Most Importantly Enjoy Each & Every Moment In the Present That This Week Will Bring



Its huge to finally embrace the life you never planned on

It sure is rainy around here today..there were plans made for walkin my favorite pug..going to the farmers market...out of town for shopping but the wind and rain have made an appearance and it doesn't seem like it will be clearing anytime soon. Homecaring has been the focus today, with a tad bit of shopping thrown in.. I got some neat things and photos will surely come soon. This weekend so far has been about good incense..good coffee..good movies..great children..great boyfriend..eating good things..(with the exception of a splurge dinner last night..which reminded me why I eat Vegan...guess u need that once in a while).. I got a wreath to represent the circle of life he's going to hang on the door tomorrow..some jazzy linens which reflect my new found flair for gaudy wallpaper..some swank artsy t-shirts and water bottles...fine perfume and castille soap and a lovely lotion from my fav Burts Bees.  I will be writing my paper on Hinduism and Indigenous people.. taking my quiz on Rock & Roll..which by the way I got an A+ on my paper worth 200 pts in music class done on Elvis in his 21st year 1956 the inspiration for which was the Elvis21 Exhibit. I am daydreaming of new bikini swimsuits...Spring Break.. and new candles.. sometimes it's nice to slow down and make room for the magic that exists when one had a little quiet time to savor.

This Week

I am excited about Valentines Day

I re-did my front room... switching things up a little bit...

Photos..Books..Music and Lights

Doesn't even compare to my grandmothers bird collection

Read Me

Pig Cake

Super "Bowl" Nachos... These were the motherload

Sunday is for naps

Valentines Cupcakes

This picture speaks for itself

They say some of the happiest of people are the ones that make their bed every morning

A little bit of this and that

This Weekend

Jake at The Horny Toad Resteraunt Cave Creek AZ Fall 09

So funny....when he split with his ex-wife she opened a resteraunt right down the street..named appropriately The Satisfied Frog...honest to god!

Golfing with Mom & Dad

Spooky ghost lights

Monsters everywhere!!

Hiding here and there...lots of homemade decorations from years past...and yes those are loose drawers to the new shelving waiting to be put together upstairs...

Jakeys Halloween Baby Book

Was filled with Halloween Decorations....A drive out to Cave Creek for dinner...a visit from Jakes Dad Matt...A nasty head cold flu type thing that had Charlie in bed! Christmas shopping .....couple time...Nicholas' first bike ride...Bringing in some new furniture...trying out new resteraunts...naps....Is it next weekend yet??

From Floral too.....Stripes??

This is how I woke up this morning.....

Him: Everywhere I look I see Flowers... Flowers over the bed... Flowers on MY nightstand.... Flowers above the TV.. & what is this on MY bedtable a beaded lamp??? I mean really sweetie can't we tone down the femininity a little. I am thinking modern... at least on MY bedtable.

Me: Well...Ummmm....Ya....I...Ok...
Stripes it is ...Some Stripes...(I am thinking well then theres the blanket my MOM just bought me..it's roses then the carpet..with the pink and brown flowers that match the sheets and frames and....) Did u say Modern??

Yogurt Parfaits & Views from The Observation Deck~~

Let's Relax this Saturday!!

After the hussle & bussle of this move this is our first weekend in our wonderful new place where we aren't unpacking and moving things around, we both have the backaches to show for all the activity associated with the past two weekends trying to get our home together. Last night we cooked steaks out and set up the charcoal grill I have been hanging onto for two Summers now. Bought for the purpose of a camping trip that hasn't yet taken place. It was an unusually nice evening for June and the boys, Charlie & I sat outside for most of the evening enjoying the cool breeze. This morning we were considering going to the Strawberry festival in Strawberry/Pine, AZ.It was decided quite early on that we would relax today and that Charlie gets to pick what we do tomorrow when we venture out. He says it is his turn to pick something...lol....I have been dragging him to way too many Summer concerts and shopping trips ( not a shopper) I am sure whatever we do it will be fun..This morning it was all about parfaits, cinnamon rolls,& cheesy eggs. AND the best news of all he found me a Vintage Singer sewing machine , cabinet and all that I Cannot Wait! to use. He will be fixing the belt this evening...best part is???I have been wanting one for some time, especially now as I have been itching to sew. It was only $25.00 at a garage sale...what a deal....I love it. Hopefully I will have my sun dresses sewn by end of Summer just in time for the trunk show I am planning in August!!!! I love it so much!! The old needles, spools of thread, yarn as well as newspaper clippings and whatnots in the drawers were so neat to go through. Like a Vintage cookbook, the best part is what you may find between the pages!!Jakey is napping and its crispy fried chicken for lunch and maybe a little Leonard Cohen Documentery...Probably Im Your Man like usual.I am glad we stayed in today:) We sure aren't missing a thing.....

There's the new home & then theres the closet~~