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

Obsessing Over: French Armoires

pics from here, and here

armoire's found here, here and here

So loving French armoires right now. When I was in Paris I saw one that was painted silver and couldn't stop drooling. I so have to do that someday.

on being a mom...

tonight I forgot about all the things that i sometimes think a "perfect" mom should be and for a brief moment I had complete clarity that motherhood is all about being lucky enough to share your life with a little perfect being (they will always be little, no matter how old they get...if not always perfect).

Sometimes I need a little motivating...

...and what a prettier way to get it than these lovely posters from banner babe or sfgirlbythebay, and Right Brain Terrain.

impatience

In true Merrilee style, I grew impatient with my hair and before I was able to read any of your helpful comments on the previous posts, I bee-lined it to the salon and went for a blond choppy bang look. I like it so far...they really helped me feel at ease with having bangs so I'll give a go (not that I have any choice anymore ;)). Now of course your comments have made me think lighter was the wrong choice. Let me know if you think I should head back in the dark direction when this starts to grow out.

hair help

Ok so i've recently cut bangs and I'm not sure how I feel about them. As far as color, I know I need some serious TLC. The question is do I go lighter or darker? I need your input people. Mini crisis here.

Obsessing Over: Candy Jars

I'm so in love with color coordinated candy jars. If only I still lived by Dlyan's Candy Bar and I could get all the color combinations my little heart desires.

These make me happy: pink vintage books

via paris apartment

creative photo display

loving the way ciel d'orange displays these antique photos. What a lovely way to show off your family tree.

Sewful Sundays: scrappy quilt

As I mentioned on my 30 things... list, I want to try and get some sewing in on Sundays. Every few months I'm tied up Sunday mornings working on lesson plans for Primary but when I'm not teaching I want to try and sew. Atticus is almost 2 years old and just moved to a toddler bed two days ago (when did I get such a big boy?!). As a result he is in desperate need of some new bedding. I thought I'd try my hand at quilting...but want to start simple. I love this scrappy quilt (pattern found in the book Trimmings) and how the striped patches are just a tad uneven. I realize they have a baby in this pic but I'm going to try and make it large enough for Atticus. Wish me luck!

Romantic Clutter

why I can never fully commit to modernism...

images via Irina Graewe

I get by with a little "shout out" from my friends

I have to thank Cassandra Barney for the kind "shout out" she recently gave Jon and myself.

I also have to show you her new and fabulous paper puppet dolls she's working on...you will drool...and like me, have to have one.

Salivating over...

Nora's dining room found via Design Mom. Making me want to paint mine this green...hmm...

Catwalk to Closet: Lela Rose

Morning everyone. I've decided to start a new "column" on my blog called "Catwalk to Closet" where I take favorite catwalk looks and recreate them for less. I'm not going for an exact match, but I do try to capture the overall look and feel. If you have any runway pics you'd like me to break down for you, please send them over!

To start off with, I've chosen this gorgeous Lela Rose ensemble from her recent fall 08 collection (something we could all wear now as we go from winter to spring). The the right are my picks for recreating this look:

1. Flapped bomber jacket: Forever 21. $37.80
2. City-fit stretch chino cafe capri: J.Crew. $79.50
3. Silk rosette tunic: Banana Republic. $79.00... or
   
4. Silk lace top: Banana Republic. $79.00
5. Saffron ballet flat: Banana Republic. $78.00
   
6. Soho necklace: Forever 21. $7.80