Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Guilty, no more

Since we took on our first dog in 2011, I thought I was a stern believer in "no pets allowed on the furniture." I was worried it would ruin our couches and chairs and imply that I lacked discipline.
 It started when Newton was only a few months old. We would would wake up and find he was not asleep on his bed, and venturing out into the living room, lo and behold, there he was, legs sprawled, fast asleep on the couch. He knew if he waited until we were asleep, he could creep down the hall and get on the couch (which he knew full well was not allowed during the day). We eventually caught him in the act, and it stopped for a while. That is, until the night I came home to find Newton and Zach cuddling on the couch. Nothing was said, Zach just looked at me and smiled, and that was that. From then on they have been welcomed on our couch, and despite the constant hair removal, the biggest challenge I face it getting Newton to scoot over when I want to watch a movie. So I am over the guilt, and I don't feel like a softy anymore. I love my dogs, they love me. We like to cuddle. Get over it. And thanks to Pinterest, I know I am not the only one who caved.....





















All images obtained via pinterest.com









Sunday, August 25, 2013

Picture Update

Finally got a lamp for this little area, this shade is BIIIIG, but it works in the space

I spent some time at grandma's house this past week; the food there is legendary

She also has one the the loveliest homes in the world

What an amazing lady....

Her garden is pretty cool, too.



The Nina and the Pinta were passing through...

Then Zach's parents came to visit; here they are at the World War I Museum

A nice shot of our new home...





Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Bathroom Envy

So, just to be clear, we LOVE our new loft. But......... the bathroom is a little, let's say...yucky. The tub, floor, lighting and fixtures are circa 1980, and are starting to look haggard, which makes them very difficult to clean. The grout is coming up, stains of god-knows-what here and there, along with virtually no storage are slowly starting to wear on me. Ah, to create the perfect space...In the meantime, I try to remember that this is a rental and there is nothing I can do about it. This ongoing unpleasantness has me thinking about what I want in a bathroom someday: naturally, it has to be beautiful, but function and natural light are at the forefront.... Any of these would do just fine...

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
All images obtained via pinteres.com
 
 

Friday, August 9, 2013

Bookish

Ah, a library, wouldn't all of us love to have one in our homes.... if only. There is something very cozy and comforting about stacks of books, I can't explain it, it just works. In my opinion, a  book shelf shouldn't look too contrived, it should be effortless, easy, and non imposing. I hate those spaces where you feel as if you need to tip toe around, a room (especially one where you are meant to escape) should let you utterly and completely relax. Plop down on the couch without worrying about the upholstery, drink some wine, and let loose.
I am a firm believer that your surroundings should be an exact reflection on how you want and need to function in a space. When I read I want to feel completely immersed, comforted and in a space that will allow my imagination to flow freely. If we were able to make changes to our loft I would have custom built-ins along our little back wall. Then, this space could quite possibly be perfect, but in the meantime.....

Lets start with one of my all time favorites. I love the dark built-ins, complete with lovely sconces, add a comfy couch, fill with books, we are good to go...
 
Fun fun fun
 
Nothing to outrageous here, just simple comfort
 
Love the arched bookcase, adds interest to a small space, and I love how it is just stuffed with books
 
A wonderful moody getaway
 
Love the scale, a great way to make a house feel like a home
 
Light and airy
 
Who wouldn't want to sit down and read a good book in here?
 
book, books, everywhere
 
YES!
 
classic goodness
 
Needs a place to sit, but other than that it's wonderful
 
This looks pretty, but Zach would never get any sleep
 
Love the columns
 
Lovely
 
classic
Ah, the best, want to read and nap here...
 
 
 
 
 
All images obtained via pinterest.com