California Dreamin

My husband will be in California for work on his 39th birthday and I am considering flying out to meet him for a kid-free weekend. I found we could use our points at the stunning Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay - because I am so frugal :). These pictures are... well, WOW! Love the paneling in the bedroom.

Yummy Lamps

I love a good lamp. All of the cheap lamps I have purchased over the years I have lived to regret. It's hard to get rid of them unless they break. Check out Bungalow 5's new lamp line - it's gorgeous. They can be made in a few different colors and are certain to make a statement.

Pillow Love

Finding the perfect, unique pillow to punch up a room can be challenging. I love how these from Caitlin Wilson Textiles are grouped together in several fun fabrics to make the selection process easier. I could see these on a bed with a white coverlet in a girl's room or on a solid sofa that needs a pop of color.

Winter Renewal Detox

OK, this has nothing to do with design but maybe a little with style, since I don't think it's en vogue to have a muffin top spilling over my skinny jeans. I am embarking on a 10 Day Winter Renewal Detox program that is supposed to flush all of the toxins out of the body and help stimulate weight loss. So I am sipping my first Easy Green Smoothie which had fruit, almond butter and spinach and was actually not bad. Hopefully the fortune I spent at Whole Foods yesterday will keep me on track.

Nailheads

Oh Nailheads how I love thee... Whether antiqued brass or nickel they really make a piece of furniture special. If my husband had a "Man's Room" or an office (other than than "The Hole", as we call it, in our basement) one of these babies would be coming home with me. And some of these are on Sale at www.jaysonhome.com  I'm just saying...

Matilda Jane

Last year brought a lot of personal changes for me. One year ago today, I started a business called Paint My Furniture and jumped in with two feet - setting up the company and refinishing customer's furniture. In the Spring, my affiliated retail furniture company offered me an enticing salaried job doing finance and managing vendors. While I had a great time with the furniture company, I saw that I was not able to spend the amount of time I really wanted with my family and do the job to 100%. So with a heavy heart, I left the job in November and am now a stay-at-home mom once again. I am searching for "the perfect" part-time job that will allow me a healthy work-life balance and stimulate my creativity - if it exists. What I learned this past year is: Do not underestimate the beauty of being able to stop and smell the roses. So often we get caught up on the treadmill of life and lose sight of what is important: family & friends. Spending time with my kids after school and driving them to playdates is not intellectually stimulating but is important to them and me. So as I embark on this new year, I will use this blog as an outlet for my creativity and love of interior design and all things beautiful. Here's is my first post.

I think it's important to support small, American made products when possible. I found this clothing line from a trunk show hosted at a friends' house. All the items are unique, comfortable and cute. See their website for a preview of the spring collection http://www.matildajaneclothing.com. My daughter wears her ruffle pants all the time. Can't wait to see the entire spring line.