Hello new week!

A busy but fun weekend (I miss you Kendra!) over at our household (incl. 4 family members hit with a nasty bug) but I still had a little bit of time to finish a humble project in preparation for Halloween. I was totally inspired by this image from the Pottery Barn catalog.

Do you remember my Easter Project, when I (to my husband’s confusion) wrapped an entire branch in pages from an old book? (Decoupage). I have gotten so much use out of that large branch!

So, inspired by Pottery Barn (and perhaps also by lovely Erin’s chandelier!) I ripped out some more pages of that, by now, well used book and went to work equipped with stencils, stickers, ribbons etc. and created my very own personal Halloween ornaments.

I used a special tag stencil for this ornament. And glued the book paper on each side.

Perhaps not the fanciest Hallowee tree in town, but personal and made with a lot of love! And I had fun doing it. The cat stencil is my favorite of them all! ( I used a black marker to fill in the color). Make sure to re-enforce the hole where the ribbon goes through, so it won’t rip.

A handsome snow owl from one of my favorite gift shops in Seattle — Common Folk Co.

I found the crows on sale at a party supply store for $1.99/each. The glass vase is very tall and I plan to fill it with more mini pumpkins.

Hope you enjoyed it! What about you — are you working on any fun Halloween projects?

And the latest buzz in blog land is the most anticipated magazine - Rue Magazine (I really like the name), by bloggers extraordinaire - Anne ( I once won a giveaway over at her blog that made me giddy for a week) and Crystal. These two girls (with their teams) rock and have so many fun and creative things up their sleeves. Yes, almost every blog I follow has mentioned the launch of this on-line magazine, but since the vast majority of my readers are non bloggers – take it from me and follow this magazine!

Sweet Paul, food & prop stylist/blogger, Prince Paul, just lauched the Fall issue (second issue) of his magazine Sweet Paul Magazine. Another must-read with tons of inspiration. Be prepared to drool — literally.

And then finally. Ms. Grace Bonney (behind the one and only — DesignSponge!)  is getting ready to launch her design inspiration (hard copy) book this fall.  From what I understand this book will be a fabulous mix of design chic meets ”real” people. I am so going to pre-order it! I will let you know when it is available.

Photo by Anna Wolf.

So, tons of more fun reading again and excellent on-stop shops for great design inspiration. (And yes, there is room for you all. Just keep on being creative and go your own way!). I could not be any happier!

I am investing in a good pair of new glasses (thick, square Prada, in case you are interested), since my eye doctor says I am going bi-focal.  (Yikes!) Then I will be reading in style again —  and with all of this lovely design material —  like a very content cat.

Hugs & happy reading to you all!

 Image no. 1, via Flickr.

Hello friends! With the air getting cooler and the leaves starting to change colors, I find myself getting more cozy at home.

My family is going to do a lot of nesting in the next few months. So, now more than ever, I am thinking and dreaming about lovely furnishings and updates to our house. Here are a few things that caught my attention in just the last few days.

A cozy dining area. Banquette/bistro style. What a lovely corner this is to relax with friends and family over a good meal! Imagine this nook in the evening with only candles lit. I am not totally hooked on the wired chairs but I agree with some contrast to that upholstered settee. Love all the art. And the rug. And the fact that this area does not feel too styled and frou-frou. (But in my case I might need some more chairs and a larger table!).

I have been wanting to start a pottery collection for a while. All in one color. I kind of started a white collection, which still has some ways to go. Now, I see these black lovely objects on display and it reminds me that it would be really nice to re-start that idea, now when the days are getting darker (and I have nothing better to do! Ha!).

These two rooms are part of Style at Home editor Erin McLaughlin’s sanctuary, filled with midcentury furniture and cherished keepsakes. (That girl has terrific taste).

Ok, we have seen a lot Union Jack design items this past year+. Pillows, rugs, artwork etc. But I have never come across this Union Jack Ottoman before, via Cox & Cox Interiors. Wouldn’t this be lovely in a white room! And I think it would go quite well with my blue painted chest.

Thank you for stopping by today. Live well!

Image credit:  1) Flickr,

Happy Friday to you all!

I am sorry for all the technical problems with my blog yesterday. I later found out that the host server was down due to a major power outage. Oh well, I ended up with a much needed quiet day. I could not even write this post until late this morning.

For those of my who missed my guest post over at Alice’s adventures in wonderland yesterday, I am sharing this flag with you that that I want so badly. If you come across a vintage version anywhere let me know!  I will pay you a finder’s fee!

In the article featuing this lovely flag art display it reads that it is the maritime signal flag, N, and that it represents/communicates No! For those of you who know me well, you know that I am an optimist and say more yes than no. But saying no to stress would not be a bad thing…

Turns out, when I did some more research on the topic, that the N (November) signal maritime flag is supposed to be blue and white. (Maybe this is a rare version).

The more common black and white checkered flag is being used in car and boat races and communicates “completed race” or “cossing the finish line”. Even better! That will lift up my spirit. I know I can do it! (Below is one happy driver who just won the race. Kimberly, if you read this. Maybe something for your home!).

I hardly have anything checkered at my house – except for an old chess table. I will start browsing E-bay today.

Wishing you all a happy weekend!

The host server has been down due to power outage. I know several of you have had problems accessing my blog. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Hello all. First of all I have to say that I have been very busy (hope to tell you on what soon!) and I feel absolutely terrible that I have not been more supportive of all my blog friends lately. But whatever you do, don’t take it personally, I love each and everyone of you and I will make an extra effort to respond to all of your lovely comments and e-mails and catch up on your beautiful posts. Just give me a tad more time.

Today, you will find me guest posting over at Gaia’s lovely blog Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This is Gaia with Mr. B. (Gaia, I could not resist!).

I met Gaia in my very early blog days and even if we don’t speak all the time, we have fun when we do. I love her Italian style and attitude and hope to meet with her one of these day (and Federica too, whom I met at the same time)!

Hop over and see what things I Go Nuts For right now - here.

Time to announce the winners of my two giveaways. Thank you for all your support!

Drum roll, please..

The Swedish key cabinet goes to Caroline (Absolutely Unique/Patagonia).

And the 6 Swedish crayfish towels go to Suzanne – Privet & Holly.

Congratulations ladies! Please, send me your addresses so that I can have these items shipped off to you. Enjoy!

Yesterday, I was browsing through Ballard Designs catalog (which I must say just keeps getting better and better). This quatrefoil mirror (an ancient symbol of good luck) made me stop in my tracks.

I think it is very pretty and I love the size. It  is now on sale for a mere $119.99! I am so getting it. And doesn’t it look  great hanging on that book shelf!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Fall hugs from Seattle to each and everyone of you!

Images: no. 1 via Alice’s adventures in wonderland. Image no. 2, acorn, via Splendid Willow/Getty images.