a scouting i WANT to go!!

this is SUCH a fantastic idea from a little town called Charlottesville, Virginia!

this is issued every few months by a local shop owner to advertise fellow local businesses. here is what they are all about:

Definition SCOUT:

Lookout: a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event

A Boy Scout or Girl Scout

Someone employed to discover and recruit talented persons

Explore, often with the goal of finding something or somebody

Someone who can find paths through unexplored territory

My goal is to promote local business and help to maintain Charlottesville as a unique and interesting place to live.

WE MUST SHOP LOCALLY if we want to keep Charlottesville unique.

I hope to open up the doors to the small artist studios and inside information around town that will inspire you to shop at home. We can make a difference.

Thanks for your help.

-Susie Matheson, your local shopping scout

sweet as cherry pie

custom monogram recipe box was the inspiration for today's post...it comes with

cover page, divider tabs, 50 recipe cards and the acrylic box! see sources below...

striped pendant from layla grayce ($279), recipe box from dabney lee ($80), apron from anthropologie ($32), oilcloth fabric from on board fabrics ($8.50/yard...perfect for drawer liners!), scrub brush from container store ($5.99),

orla kiely salad bowl (25 euro), and acrylic goblet from anthropologie ($10)

stellar stella!

How could you not be happy entering this delightful store on lovers lane?!? When this store opened in '08 I had to make a trip in and what a pleasant surprise to find Miss Amber Davidson! We have know each other since high school age and it was so fun to catch up and see all her fabulous wares.

Amber's grandmother started her addition to design at a very young age as she flipped through House Beautiful and Better Homes and Garden floor plans. She remember these as magical memories and once you visited her store you will agree that she was destined for design!!

Please 'like' their facebook page and stop by to say HELLO. They are such a happy group!

candy coated hand blown vases

vintage chair lacquered in grey with upholstery in

Hable Construction fabric and blue vases from Roost

handmade letterpress stationery from Pikku

missoni throws...delicious!

Pikku wrapping paper

oly mushroom sculpture, Soap & Paper candles

and adam+viktoria pillows

oly chandelier

oly lamp and little hoot owl in hammered aluminum

loving this nailhead detail, pop of yellow and the

rustic, quirkiness of the antlers...so fresh!

daybed from Shine Home and Designers Guild in London

oly dot frames, velvet detail pillows and

john robshaw scarf and tunic (just in time for this heat)

beautiful letterpress greeting cards for all occasions!

Stop by when you are in the neighbothood...

StellaDallas

4346 Lovers Lane Dallas, TX 75225

p. 214.691.0000

bathing beauties!

it's been a while since i have posted a little bathroom eye candy so i thought i'd share one of the pros...sarah richardson! if you don't know her then you MUST but if you do, you will recognize some of her early work in room service and most recently with all series called sarah's house and cottage. she is delightful to watch, gives wonderful insight and knows her way around a budget. she has taught me a think or two about reno...so hope you enjoy something that she does oh so well! Now to find a way to be another sidekick along side tommy :)

images via sarahrichardsondesign.com

coffee talk!

when arranging a nice mix of items for coffee tables, I often reach to items such as these for my clients. multiple textures, colors and heights...this creates a collected look. how will you ever decide??

something green (living plant or fresh flowers)...orchid, fern, peonies, hydrangeas, etc.

candy jar...love this one with a modern monogram!

i could see some bright lemon drops for summer!! found this one at the crystal shop.

a tray makes all these items feel important and neat...i love these items but not clutter!!

this raffia covered tray is genius from west elm.

coffee table books...a group of three is best! this one is just my style...great images and who doesn't love a man's best friend.

big candles...these are wonderful to have around so if company just stops by or you want to enjoy it all by yourself...you can light them up! this one is found at anthropologie. I have one of this in my home and love it!!

and of course have an element of curiosity, such as an antique) or from nature (crystal, rock, etc). this lovely box is from karen roberts collection. it has color, texture and a great hiding spot for tv controls!! hope you found these ideas useful and have been inspired to refresh your own coffee table!

smell of summer...

cut grass, bike rides, pool side...all things that make summer great! love the feeling that this bike photo evokes. the couscous salad was a treat that my friend, kelli, made when we got together for a pool playdate (thank you kelli!!!) and the last image makes me excited for the fourth of july, which is very close to my birthday!! summer lovin' :)

HK Photographs

couscous salad with grapes and feta

ceramic drink dispenser

pretty patent

aren't these delicious!?! i could see these on my bookshelves and they would be right at home. how about you? these patent leather books can be purchased right now for $99 (set of 5) @one kings lane!

here and there...

have a few errand to run today so I thought I'd fill you in on a few!

First stop, swimming play date with an old friend. Hopefully my little man will take a nice nap and rest up for my dallas errands.

First stop is West Elm @ Mockingbird Station to see if I can pick up a couple of these pillows for a clients living room. Needs a few splashes of color and these just might do the trick!!

Then off to Next stop is Uncommon Market for a bamboo side table. They have great pieces to give your space a comfortable lived in feel. I hope to find one to place next to a chair so about 24" high with a shelf below for accessorizing!

Finally, if time allows, pick up this fabric from Kravet...hoping it fits the bill for a $70 craigslist wingback chair from Hickory Chair! Can't wait to show you the finished product and this client's space...it's almost complete!!

fill'er up

seems like i get the question often: "what items do enjoy accessorizing with?" to that i respond with BOOKS!, candles, trays, fresh flowers/live plants, odd found pieces (old print block, shell, etc.) vases and of course vase fillers! here are a few of my personal faves to use...hope you find them useful!

fresh or faux fruit - pottery barn is the best source for faux

cranberries are festive for the christmas season as fillers in vases and your drink!

pottery barn

shells are a great way to incorporate a little bit of nature in your space

during the hot summer months!

squash and gourd add subtle, monochromatic scheme for the fall.

ceramic alphabet or number balls are wonderful year-round

as are these colorful moss covered rocks