Invention of a Lifetime

The wheel was pretty awesome. The discovery of fire- cool I guess, but the space saver bags are the new thing I cannot live without. Traveling is getting harder and harder these days, limitations of weight and the number of bags you can check in or carry on have become so minimal, lipstick it a crime! I recently was trying to fit some pillows in my suitcase to bring with me to our new apartment in the caribbean - where inventory of anything, let alone bedding, can be pricey and very limiting. Pillows weight nothing, but there was no room for anything else once the 2 king size pillows were stuffed into my luggage. These space saver bags are not only the EASIEST thing you have ever used- they are mind-blowing! My girl friend and I packed 1 king duvet, duvet cover, a 4 piece king size sheet set, 2 king feather pillows, 2 xtra large king bed pillows, 2 lg square bedding pillows, 4 medium decorative pillows, 4 large beach towels and a soft beach bag- all in ONE bag, at 35 pounds.

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Good things

Martha Stewart featured a beautiful wedding this month in her magazine. Jeremy and Andrew were married June 13, 2009 in Connecticut in an eco-fabulous wedding. Center pieces were made from objects they found and grouped together to make vintage themes throughout the decades for their tables.

While I love the vintage look and beautiful backyard style wedding, I have to give a cheers to Martha for her equality for all "good things", as she calls them, by featuring this wedding. Who needs a bride in a white dress to have a perfect day, I think the boys in their powder blue suits looked dreamy. A toast to equality for love and the ability to recognize a gorgeous wedding when we see one.

Table settings had different decade themes. A polaroid camera and flip viewer rest on the center piece below, while the table next to it had a woodstock theme.

Vintage inspired place settings .

Sink Envy

I never thought this day would come but I'm in love. . with these farmhouse sinks! Its crazy the things you never looked at your entire life, become things when you own a home that can be the most fun to buy. There are so many great fixtures, faucets and hardware options these days (at every prices point) that picking a style becomes the hardest decision. These days I'm dreaming of replacing my brushed metal sink for a ceramic single farmhouse style.

She said YES!

Those white t-shirt and matching blue jeans photo sessions on the beach happen in front of our house EVERYDAY! So boring! Get creative . Say something about the two of you as a couple. Personal touches you may second guess and ask "Is this OK for engagement photos?" The answer is YES! Its a photo that expresses you and your other in a captured moment. While I think no love can be captured on a still shot- give it all you got!

Messy Masterpieces

There is something very calming about walking into homes that are clean without clutter. No random glasses on the tables, shoes on the floor or purses on the dinning room table. But there is also something a bit unsettling about this scenario- does anyone LIVE in these spaces?

I believe rooms with no sign of life are creepy and unwelcoming. A dog leash hanging by a front door, olive oil on the counter top are all things that say "we live here, we cook here, we love here, and this is our home."

Here are some spaces I love- no matter how messy they may appear, I find beauty in this clutter.

Recycled and reused.

Don't hide musical instruments in the closet or in cases (unless necessary). Hang guitars on walls, or in a corner, its not messy- its intimate.

If you have random objects like plates, antique keys, fedora hats or pictures you love but cant find a place to put them- put them all together on a wall. A variety of hooks on any wall looks artistic and shows personality.

Things you throw onto chairs on a daily basis like blankets, purses, shoes and jackets can still appear to belong if you put a little thought into where you place certain items. When you set your purse down or take off your shoes find a place they add a bit of "lived in"character to your space and not just clutter.

Is it Over?

I don't want to be fooled, but the sky is blue and the sun is shining. Be careful on the roads, I'm sure there is a ton of water still trying to make its way to the storm drains and the sea.

Get the rays of light any way you can. A shot of me in our Montreal home on a winter day that my soul needed sun and I found a moment and a spot to get some- and took full advantage of it.

When it Rains it Pours

The streets are rivers here in southern california and the rain is still pounding down. Get our your row boats, cars are useless today.