Day 683's K/BIS favorites

I took about a million pictures of this sink at K/BIS, but now that the press kit has arrived in the office with such beautiful photography, I love it more!


I've also tacked this one up on the walls of my cube. Is it weird to have a toilet on your wall? I think probably yes, but oh well.

Day 682's request for help

My dad is taking my sisters and me to San Diego this weekend on a last little mini-vacation before 2/3 of us are married. Have you been? Or better yet, do you live there? What should we do? Where should we eat? Any suggestions you have for fun little outings or local-favorites will be appreciated! Thank you in advance!

Day 682's lovely bedroom

I believe I have posted this bedroom (by Nicholas Haslam) before, but I recently came across images of the rest of the room and had to share. I've been drawn to darker, more intimate rooms lately, and this one fits the bill.


This might be my current favorite bedroom. I love the headboard, the chests used as end tables, the grasscloth on the walls, the lamps, the plaid ... all of it really.


Especially the french doors out to what looks like a little courtyard. Heavenly!

Day 681's peonies

Courtney has been on top of the Peony Watch in Atlanta, and after seeing that they were in on Friday, I couldn't help but make a little detour to our own Whole Foods just to see. The floral department was a little crowded with early Mothers' Day shoppers, but sure enough, there they were.


None of the buds were open, so I knew I'd get my $11.99's worth.


Now that they've opened, they look spectacular in my basalt pitcher (and they smell great, too!).

Day 678's pretty

Photo by Lily-G

We're looking forward to a quiet weekend, doing a few things around the house, and, of course, taking some time to let our moms know how wonderful and special and loved they both are.

Happy Weekend!

Day 677's HomeGoods jackpot

I went to HomeGoods and TJ Maxx last night (yard sale cash in hand) to look for some things for the guest bedroom. I didn't find everything I needed, but did find lots of things I didn't need.

They usually have great pillows, but I always check the clearance rack for the ugly ones on sale. If the cover is removable, you can get a great pillow form -- usually down, too -- for next-to-nothing. My latest find is a lumber-sized down-filled pillow for $5!


The rug racks were open and this one was beckoning me with a siren's call. I don't often find rugs I like, and this one is perfect! And $150 is not-to-shabby for a hooked wool rug of this size.


It's so pretty I can't even stand it. Color looks a little weird here. It's a few lovely shades of blue-green -- my favorite!


I never have much success in the lamp section, but I could have happily taken home a half dozen last night. This glass jar with the cork lid and linen-look shade is cute.


So are these ribbed glass spheres with navy shades.


And these white ceramic ones with the gray drum shades. Love them! Would have to displace other beloved lamps to find a place for them at the moment.


I always check the baskets, too. We have a very shallow little closet next to the hall bath which is a total hazard to open, as all of our spare bottles and things are perched precariously inside.


I've had my eye on this little blue-green table with the metal detail, but again, really no place for it. A steal at $40.


And speaking of apple crates, how cute are these planters? They are actually intended to be planters, with drainage holes and everything. The darker stain was especially pretty.


Then I headed next door to TJ Maxx and was surprised to see several Dash & Albert rugs. There were a couple of cute little cotton ones for $12.99 and a couple of indoor-outdoor rugs in a larger size. I couldn't believe my luck when I found the one Wes wants for his office for more than 50% off retail (had to bring that one home -- surely you understand!).

Maybe you can offer a happy home to some of these fun things (except the rug, unless you plan to gift it {just kidding [sort of]}). What are your favorite discount store scores?

Day 676's thought

Photo by Erika Powell

Apple crates (though perhaps these are more like barrels) as planters. Of course, I'd need something inside to hold the actual plant, but that could be inexpensive, and they wouldn't have to look good, or match.

Photo via Brilliant Asylum

Day 675's new additions

My love for hydrangeas is well-documented, but until this weekend, I didn't have any of my own. I scoped out a spot for them almost the instant we moved in, but it needed a little prep work before I brought home any prized specimens.


I was running post-yard sale errands with my mom on Saturday, when we came across a sidewalk plant sale at the mom-and-pop grocery in Mt. Laurel. They had dozens of them, and unlike the ones I've seen this year at the big-box stores, they looked healthy, and the price was right. I bought three 'Nikko Blues' and planted them (during a tornado warning!) safely out of Maddie's reach.


I had hoped to make some more progress in what will one day be my little shade garden, but the weather hasn't been cooperative. The English Ivy we pulled up last summer is back with a vengeance, and the random mounds of monkey grass need a more well-defined home. Add it to the list! But the progress is good, and now I'm much closer to my dream of a picket fence with hydrangeas spilling over ... sigh.

Day 674's new favorite

Man, I love a good door knob (nerd alert!). Which is how I found myself making friends with the good folks of Sun Valley Bronze at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show last week. I'm not sure what bronze door hardware has to do with kitchens and baths (except that kitchens and baths have doors), but I didn't care. This stuff was good.


This is real hardware folks, and you can't buy it at Lowe's. I have no idea how much it costs, either (no one talks cost at K/BIS!) but, like I said, it's good. Nice and heavy, and will look better with age.


I don't often use the words "contemporary" and "favorite" in the same sentence, but there's a first time for everything, and the Contemporary Collection is officially my favorite. Simple and clean, but then, you can't get more "traditional" than bronze -- it's the best of both worlds, I think. And don't even get me started on the finishes!

Day 674's great project and a sale

I love this wonderful project spotted at two ellie. I hope you have noticed that I love small businesses and patronize them as often as possible. I come from a long line of small business owners (and would like to be one myself, one day) so I suppose it's a cause close to my heart. Now more than ever, where we spend our money is an important decision that doesn't just effect our own wallets. I hope you'll be able to join me in supporting local businesses and thus, our local economies. Click here to learn more about 3/50, or to become a supporter.

And speaking of great local businesses, the fabulous Atlanta shop Pieces is having a 5th anniversary sale that is not to be missed! Chairs and sofas are 45% off, tables and cabinets are 35% off, lamps and chandeliers are 25% off, wall decorations are 15% off and accessories are 5% off. Happy shopping!