Mondays Can Be Tough

I didn't take a single picture this weekend!!  I ended up feeling quite dreadful by Friday at dinnertime (I couldn't even get through a bowl of my favourite homemade soup and fresh bread) and was quite sure I was suffering some flu bug by 9PM that night.  

I was feeling better by mid-day Sunday but it really messed up my whole weekend...I'm still playing a bit of catch up this morning.  

I'm looking forward to a fun week though!  I'm preparing for a mom to mom sale for next weekend (hoping to take some new jewelry) and also my mum and I are going to see the King Tut exhibit at the AGO in Toronto!  It's also Earth Day this coming Thursday.  Do you have anything special you do to celebrate the day?  Any new commitments you are making to live a greener life?  

Things that make me smile

This home tour from Martha Stewart popped into my inbox late yesterday and after the kids had gone to bed I sat with my laptop and perused the photos.  

I was immediately drawn to this house and it's clean lines and un-fussy decor.  It just looks good!  

After going through the images once, I went back to look at the art and it's placement throughout the rooms.  In the main foyer, propped and framed prints make for easy rotation and complimentary groupings.  It's not always neccesary to hang your art.

Symmetry at play in the bedroom.  Two bold framed prints flanking the dresser.

A fun vintage print in the playroom...

all photos via Martha Stewart

Whether it's a favourite hobby or object grouping like pictures in the same frames makes a striking feature wall.  These airplane pictures are taken from a book. 
 Art is everywhere!!

Love This!

I love the Smiths and I would really like to have this on my wall!!

via Design Files

Valentine's Day

A homemade valentine is just so much fun!  A bit of cardstock, glue and hearts are all you need...I used some foam ones from the local craft store as well as just cutting them out of paper.  

Everything is as it Seems

image by Jen Renninger Still Room Studio

You know that feeling when you just have to have something?  Well, that's how I felt when I saw Jen Renninger's 'Everything is as it seems' print.  Naturally, I was attracted to the bird (I do love birds) but it was the sentiment that went with it that really grabbed me.  

I have the print perched on my desk and this image reminds me daily that things are just as they are and it is only  my interpretation that can change.

Jennifer is an amazingly talented artist (and super nice on top of it!!) who's work has been featured in such notable magazines as New York Times, Harpers, O Magazine and Better Homes and Gardens.  There are more but you get the idea, right?  Her full collection of paintings, designs, collage and illustrations are so vast that this post just could not do it justice! Below are a few of my favorites from her site.  The first image is from her much loved Modern Design Deck series.

  Lucky for us, she is selling a selection of her illustrations and prints at her Etsy store.  

If you prefer to wear your art, the above image 'Keep Calm and Ride On' is being sold at Urban Outfitters on a nice v-neck tee! 

Jen seems to have lots on the go and some new projects in the works for the future.  Keep up to date on Jen's work here.

  Thanks for the beautiful images Jen!!