Two things I love around my home...

I'm so glad to join in with Two Things Tuesday at Bacwoods Fern again! I'm looking forward to sharing the new things I find or create while trying to make my place more homie and... just me. Here are my two, somewhat small, things:

I went to buy a small pot for this bright little plant and right next to the pots were these colorful mugs! So I got one of those instead. I think it's sweet, aw.

I went to a vintage shop recently to get a gift for a friend and could not tear myself away from this little mirror. I thought, I could make this, it would be so easy to make this! Then somehow I ended up thinking, oh, whatever, and I bought it. As it turns out, the store manager made it herself! Well, I guess it will just be in my room to inspire me... and help me with my morning make-up and various other mirror responsibilities. Ain't it cute?

What are your two things? Link up at Bacwoods Fern or post a comment. You know... it doesn't have to be a Tuesday to share... technically it's Wednesday by now anyway. Yikes! Bed time!!

Coveting a Kitchen...

On this gloomy Sunday I have been thumbing through the April issue of Dwell magazine: Prefab Today. A particular home is featured that has left me drooling over it's beautiful open living space, check it out:

I love the mix of concrete with warm wood, and the openness of the area. I love the shelves in the concrete couter, and the slab of wood with the storage underneath, and the interesting branch piece above the table.. and... and... I love it all!!!

Here are few more pics:

I really like the collage of frames above the day bed. And isn't this a perfectly beautiful fireplace? Sigh

tuesday's two things I love around my home...

I found this super cute blog of an acquaintance which has caused me some considerable Blogger's envy. Every Tuesday she has fellow bloggers "link up" (new blog feature for me - eek!) and share two things they they love or appreciate around their home. I thought this was kind of a nice idea so this is my first ever edition of Two things I love... around my home from Bacwoods Fern:

1. My little antique photo hangers. I think they are so sweet and a nice alternative to a picture frame. I found them at one of my favorite vintage shops called Punch. It is now moving to state street in Santa Barbara and I can't wait to go back and see what else I can find!

2. My lime green bath towels from Anthropologie. They're super soft and cozy and I love how colorful they are! I've considered painting my bathroom wall to help them pop, but that's quite an undertaking for towels... we'll see. 

What are your two favorite things? I linked up kind of last minute today, but feel free to play along or join in next week, link here. I think I'll try and join each week if I can!

Oh Mr. Darcy!!!

Things have been looking up!

Not to worry, my main squeeze and I have reconciled, through tears (mostly his) and frustration (mostly mine) we have, as hoped, come out stronger. Those of you who know that our break was just barely over two weeks may be cynical about what could possibly be accomplished in such a short amount of time. And let me stop you before you dismiss us as weak or pathetic for not holding out longer - not speaking to the person that you call multiple times a day to say, “I was just wondering, do you think I'd look good with bangs,” or “I’m on my lunch break, yup that’s it,” or “I think one of my teeth feels wiggly,” is incredibly hard! Not to mention that is 14+ days of not knowing if you’ll get back together! Given the topic, I would like to apologize to my friends that had boyfriends in high school or college whom I would roll my eyes at when they’d heave an I miss him sigh while on a girls weekend away. So, my Hunka-Love and I are back on and it was just in time for Valentine’s Day, thank God! In the words of Mr. T, I pitty the fool who takes a break right before Valentine’s Day. Duh! Oh the Stupidity!

We celebrated Valentine’s on Saturday by going to one of our favorite restaurants in town, Opal. If you are in the Santa Barbara area consider this restaurant on high recommendation. We love Opal because…

The food is amazing, every time

The atmosphere and location are great

We get V.I.P seating and they treat us like royalty!

Although, on this occasion the highlight of my night came just before dinner. As all Santa Barbarians know, the S.B. Film Festival has been going on and none other than my absolute favorite, Colin Firth, was in town accepting the Performance of the Year award at the Arlington right next to Opal!!! When we were headed to dinner he was arriving at the venue. He graciously went around to all of the fans spilling over the barricades. I was springing on my toes like a mechanical rabbit, gripping my camera in ready position, I can’t believe it’s him!! Mr. Darcy!! Normally, I am much too cool to lose it over a celebrity but for him I made an exception. I shakily asked him to take a picture with me and slipped my arm around his silky suit jacket and thought, am I allowed to touch him - I'm touching him! I think my expression in the photo says it all:

(don't know who the creepy photo crasher is on the left, don't let her ruin it for you)

After the photo was taken I realized our moment was up, so before he could move on to the next crazed fan I blurted out, "You're my favorite!" He gave me one more priceless Mr. Darcy smile. I'm sure he'll remember me.

Masterpiece and Master Scam

I've added another song to my playlist. This is an older one as well but I recently stumbled upon it. It is called "Saeglopur" by the innovative and astoundingly beautiful, Sigur Ros. If you haven't heard of them, well, get to it. This particular song I think is literally breathtaking. It gets a little loud half way through but the beginning... I recommend turning it up and closing your eyes to soak up all the intricate layers of sound.
Another track on my playlist, "Gobbledigook," is from their latest album which contains several more upbeat tracks.

Totally separate topic:
I went online to purchase a subscription to the magazine Real Simple as a gift to my close friend. I deeply, deeply love this magazine. I cherish each issue that comes out and read it cover to cover, flagging all the fabulous ideas, crying a few tears and laughing like old friends with each months heart warming feature article. A topic often featured among it's shiny, broad pages is how to save money and avoid uneccessary or hidden costs. Well, today, after completing their very simple (duh) and clear online form, I was flabbergasted when the following message appeared on my screen: "Thank you for purchasing 12 issues of Real Simple with automatic renewal." Automatic Renewal???? The fine print on this form must have been so microscopic that I don't even recall seeing it hidden amidst the brightly colored submission form with text large enough for the legally blind! Oh, Real Simple!? How could you do this? Betray such a faithful follower! Really! I expected more from you, Real Simple! I... I can't believe I am saying this... I... I am disappointed in you... Real Simple (sniffle).

Sincerely,

Disheartened and jaded reader.

Mark It With An "N"

Hello to my mmm, I think, three remaining readers. It's true. I confess, the twelve followers below is a bit of a deception. I bullied most of them into clicking the "follow" button and they probably haven't returned since. If you look closely you'll see that one of the twelve is me. On another note:

A William Sonoma catalogue came in the mail today and my heart gave a little flutter when I spotted this beauty. I have to say it, OMG! Can you imagine all the lovely little things I'd bake and wrap with pretty ribbons and label with this oh-so-cute embosser! And the sweet little cards I'd send with my embossed emblem on the back, and the darling wrapped gifts I'd give with the embossed tag! Can you imagine it? I can, I am right now and it's wonderful!  But, one thought interupts my dreams of crafting bliss and that is, truthfully, what if my last name changes??? Uh, okay, I know... this is so embarrassing and rediculous of me, but I can't help it! I wouldn't want to waste a whole embossing template on a last name I'll never use again (God help me)! And I wouldn't want to count my chickies before they hatch so... I'm thinking this is a great engaged or already married item to purchase. Hmph. Oh, if only I could know which name to order right now...ahem! Okay, just kidding. Maybe I could order some with just my first name... or a nickname... ooh, or an alias. It would be perfect to have before Valentines day. Can you imagine the scrumptious Valentines I could send with my little embossed envelopes! Sigh.

I heart big jewelry...

I don't know if anyone has noticed a recent trend in big, chunky, statement jewelry... I have. And I really, really like it. I was browsing the website of my favorite clothing store, Anthropologie, and I came upon this lil' beauty:

Isn't it gorgeous! I can only hope it will last long enought to go on sale. It's about $48 and I'm a bargain shopper. Plus, since I have too much clothes and accessories for my tiny closet I can only justify a new purchase if it's an incredible deal. But $48 isn't bad for something like this, eh? Take note: add to Christmas list!

As far as the sale selection goes, I found this little interesting piece for $19.95:

What do you think? I kind of like it, paired with a simple black top for a night out. Please fashionistas, let me know your thoughts.

*click on images to enlarge