[Renaissance Woman: Rosie Winstead]

BHG magazine pics via decor8

I'm constantly inspired by all those multi-talented/multi-faceted women out there who do so many things and do them well (particularly in the creative arts). I'm not sure if it's because I suffer an artistic identity complex and love SOO many different things involving design and want do them ALL, or what, but I've decided to devote a regular column to these renaissance women.

This week I'm spotlighting self taught illustrator, writer, flea market maven, interior decorator and most impressively, mother, Rosie Winstead. I simply adore the light and airy, whimsical nature of Rosie's work both in her children's books and in her home decorating. Her knack for piecing together favorite flea market finds is spot on and I love how her decorating sense carries over into the her playful illustrations. It's also very cool that she, like me, came from a family of 9 (yeah for big families!). I wonder at all if that contributes to her perfectly carefree, miss-matched aesthetic. In her bio "Rosie credits her own funky style to her love of flea markets and "self-invention"." I can't wait to see what's next in store for this talented mother of one.

crazy for: Chinoiserie wallcoverings

by De Gournay.

Perhaps when I feel more up to it I'll hand paint some myself. So lovely.

Day Dream Nation Spring 08

Being so in love with Day Dream Nation's theatrical forms of advertising I couldn't wait for them to release their Spring line. All in all I must say it's rather fun. You simply must watch their catwalk show.

happy birthday to me

I received a lovely gift in the mail today from my dear friend Kari Skaflen, Chicago's own style prowess and fashion writer (you can view her blog here). One of her friends who is an independent designer made the fabulous bracelet and I couldn't be more grateful. Thanks again Kari! 30 is feeling better everyday.

the big THREE "O"

Wow, today I am thirty. I woke up to 30 red roses (boy that's a lot of roses...and a lot of years...) and a lovely breakfast complete with birthday gifts from Jon and Atticus. I don't feel a whole lot different...but it is a bit sad to say goodbye to my twenties. I'm excited for the journey ahead however.

I wanted to share some of my fun gifts that i was able to get thanks to the generosity of friends and family. Thanks so much you guys! I was able to pamper myself with my current favorite scent, Vera Wang Princess and a palette from my favorite brand of eyeshadow, Stila. What fun.

pregnancy cravings

I don't know as I'd call these "cravings" so much as "tolerances". The above items are just about the only thing I can stomach right now. I also have a weird condition (that I blame on my extremely visual mind) where I can't tolerate certain things that I see. For example, for some crazy reason, the following make me queasy to even think about, let alone look at.

1. Elmo (poor Atticus. We have a ban in our home until further notice)
2. Some of my favorite design blogs. I know, weird and terribly sad.
3. Design mags (are you starting to get a feeling for why my blog has been a bit neglected as of late.)
4. sometimes blogging in general
5. All food commercials and billboards
6. The smell of Knoxville (go figure)
7. Most of my clothing
8. My house
9. My office

....OK, I need a vacation on the beach where all I can smell is saltwater and all day long I eat crackers and peanut butter...ahh...

Don't worry folks. I'm in my third month so this should all be over soon and my blog should be much more inspiring. Hang in there with me.

loving greys and yellows

rebecca dautremer

Ever since Paris I have been enamored with Rebecca Dautremer's flawless illustrations. Have you ever seen anything so exquisite?

Twilight...The Movie

Ok, so I'm secretly obsessed with the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer and am anxiously awaiting the 4th book to come out. I'm equally excited about the cast for the upcoming Twilight movie. Kristen Stewart is playing Bella Swan and Robert Pattinson (known for his role as Cedric Diggory in Harry Potter) is playing Edward Cullen. I couldn't be happier. Yes, call me a nerd...I can't deny it. This much became obvious when I purchased Eclipse on the first day it was released and had to stand, somewhat shamefully, behind a line of 13 year old girls who were clutching the same volume. Let me tell you, the too-cool-for-school twenty something boy at the checkout gave my stroller and I a questioning look as I placed the same teen vampire novel on the counter. Ashamed? Yes, slightly. Worth it? Absolutely.

Animal Inspired

I had fun putting together this fun animal inspired ensemble via polyvore. Aren't you just nuts about the goat pin?

Autumn Winifred Oliver Does Things Different

I designed the cover for the book Autumn Winifred Oliver Does Things Different, by Kristin O'Donnell Tubb, and have been anxiously awaiting it's arrival on Amazon. It's now up for pre-order, due out on shelves Oct. 14, 2008. It was a especially fun to work on a story that is based here in East Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains (it is set in the past). It's a fun spit-fire Southern story that I recommend to all. A big thanks to LJ for the type inspiration and for local talent Amber Wilson who so wonderfully portrays Autumn Winfred.

The first Coach bag I've every lusted after...

I'm not really into all the insignia, initial stuff on bags so I haven't really been into Coach like the rest of the United States. However, after seeing this beautiful Francine bag, I might have to change my tune. Of course at $798 I'm sure I'll still just linger outside the shop windows.

Hoss Intropia - Spring 08

I'm head over heals for Hoss Intropia's spring 08 collection. If only I could find them here in the states.

LOVE these

by twig.

I've got the blues

and from the look of things around here, they aren't going away anytime soon.

On the Hunt for: Vintage metal lockers

via Living Etc. magazine, Jan. 08

via Home Companion, Feb. 08

Loving the work of Alika Cooper

found on her site here.

DIY pinch pots

I love these pinch pots and other ceramic goodies found in the March 07 Marie claire idées magazine. I would love to make these someday.

mural memories

I've been cleaning up my computer files and consequently took a fond little trip down memory lane. I came across these files I created for Atticus' mural. As you can see I went with the tree one and simplified it quite a bit. I still really like the hexagon idea however and now want to see where else I could use this. Ahh...my little boy is growing up too fast. He will be 2 on the 20th of this month. It's a good thing there is a new little baby on the way...oh, did I just let that slip out?

Craft Night Clutch

I started this patchwork clutch last night at craft night and finished up this morning. I'm very much enjoying the little thing.

color love: beachy blues with orange

OK, so I had to present 2 color loves today. I'm so impressed with this color inspiration board that I found on Brooklyn Bride. I'd frame this it's so lovely. I've become so obsessed with these colors I've devoted Atticus' entire childhood to them. You'd think I'd tire of them...but alas...I do not.

patches for the scrappy quilt - in progress

really itching to paint an outdoor tree...

like this one. I'd want it to be either bright pink, white or blue, similar to the one above. Would a live tree die if I did this? Would I go down in history as a tree killer?

color love: soft blue greys with pops of yellow

pic via creature comforts