Thursday, May 31, 2007

Summer Bloom Dress

I want this dress sooooo badly!!!

BCBG Max Azria
Summer Bloom Dress at Saks

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Pretty Tea Cards

Tea cards and envelopes from Horchow...



Cute but pricey.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

New Louis Vuitton Ads


I adore the new ads featuring Scarlett Johansson. They are so delicately feminine & almost innocent...sexy too! I love that blush shade of pink!

Tea Tin Vases

Cute little vase idea from Domino Magazine (one of my favorites).




Order the tea tins (with tea!) here for $2 each.

Monday, May 28, 2007

White Peacocks

Found the white peacocks featured in the bedroom below at Tias...



I kinda like the little fellas.

Luxury Hotel Style Bedroom

I love this bedroom featured in a color contest on Apartment Therapy last October!


The chandelier is too fab! Makes me wonder why I quit using my down cover with a white duvet...my old, all-time favorite...so crisp, comfy and clean looking!

Supplements

I stayed away from multi-vitamins for so long because I was overwhelmed with the vast selection out there. A Nutritionist recently shared with me an affordable and effective option...

Natrol My Favorite Multiple Original
For $7.99 at Vitacost, you can't go wrong!

Another supplement I read about in Blueprint Magazine recently (great magazine, by the way!) is Twinlab Stress B-Complex. Supposedly they boost energy and help your body function during times of stress. You can purchase these at Vitacost too.

I'll be taking these on a regular basis, with the stress of my unbelievable deadlines and overall workload at my job lately!

Cute AFFORDABLE Summer Dress

Love this dress from Target, of all places...

It would be the perfect weekend dress, paired with flip flops or wedges, to run errands in etc.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

West Elm Workstation

Love this desk, in white, from West Elm. I can imagine another dream item sitting on top of it...Macbook in White! Although the silver Macbook pro would probably fit my needs more.

"For Like Ever" poster (above) available here.

Cool Art Prints

Film noir inspired mystery novel portraits by John Clark over at Etsy. A combination of 2 of my favorite things...art and books!






***Update***
I bought them!!!! I'm sooo excited! Can't wait to get them and have them framed! I'm sure framing is going to hurt my pocketbook. They are an odd size so I will have to get custom matting.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Dance Week


Recital Blur
Originally uploaded by sfraz71.

It just so happened that my time spent at the spa coincided with their Dance Week. Every year the spa brings 3 professional dancers (Broadway, New York City Ballet Company, etc) to teach special dance classes. I was so inspired by Russell Warfield's teaching style (Russell pictured below in the background).
They also put on a recital featuring guests and spa staff at the end of the week (freestyle at the end, pictured above). Something pushed me to take a class, which turned into 4 classes total....Hip Hot, African Rhythm, Ballet and Belly Dancing. I have to say, I have never felt more alive and joyful in my entire life! If only I could go back year after year for Dance Week! Needless to say, I promised myself when I came home I would start taking REAL dance classes at the best studio in town, Backstage Studio. I have to buy shoes first, though. Here are 3 (dance sneakers, jazz shoes and ballet slippers) from discountdance.com I have my eye on...




Genius Business Card Design



Oh, how I wish I would have thought of this!

{{via AT}}

Kitchen Towel Designs




Tikoli offers a nice way to brighten your kitchen.

Pretty Summer Dresses


Shopbop has quite a collection of casual and cocktail dresses, just right for the summer season.

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Hey Sugar

I found another sugar container that is just my style.

Guggenheim Sugar and Creamer Set

The Guggenheim Museum, Frank Lloyd Wright's (1867–1959) architectural masterpiece, is the inspiration for this distinctive sugar and creamer set. Porcelain, dishwasher and microwave safe. Boxed.

http://guggenheim.stores.yahoo.net/gusuandcrset.html

Nice Puppy Vase, too, by Jeff Koons for a cool $5000. ;)



http://guggenheim.stores.yahoo.net/koonspuppyvase.html

Monday, May 21, 2007

Back from Vacation...


Clouds
Originally uploaded by sfraz71.

First day back from my well needed trip. I am going to be swamped today and most likely won't be able to write much until later, but thought I'd leave you with this song by Nina Simone, which pretty much sums up the way I'm feeling after my spa getaway....

Feelin' Good

Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Reeds driftin’ on by you know how I feel

It’s a new dawn
It’s a new day
It’s a new life
For me
And I’m feeling good

Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
Blossom in the tree you know how I feel

Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don’t you know
Butterflies all havin’ fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
That’s what I mean

And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me

Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pine you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And I know how I feel

Nina Simone

Friday, May 18, 2007

Checking In...

Oh my goodness...what a week! A glimpse of what all I have been up to...meeting the most incredible group of people, working out like a maniac, morning walks, Chi Gong, meditation, taking lots of pictures, massage, Herbal Wrap (amazing), DANCE classes!!!, a pedicure later and a facial later too! I have also had blood work, which came back surprisingly pretty darned great! I am fairly certain that this is the best, most meaningful week of my life!

Can't wait to upload all my photos when I come back Sunday...more then....

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Vacation Awaits Me

Heading to my spa retreat! I'll be back next Sunday. Have a great week!

Happy Mother's Day(again), Mom!!!

Saturday, May 12, 2007

Sofa Search Continued

Found another one I like...the Clarke set from Room and Board. The 2 pieces can be used together as a sectional or as seperate pieces.

I love the button detailing. And, look! It even goes well with the Eames Lounge Chair (in the foreground of image above) I'm so fond of!

I'm also considering that a sofa in leather or a machine washable slip cover might be the most practical idea for the owner of a white Maltese!

Those were the days...


Those were the days...
Originally uploaded by sfraz71.

I'm celebrating Mother's Day today since I leave for vacation tomorrow and thought I'd share one of my favorite images from when I was a very young new mother. Couldn't be more carefree and happy than this moment with my son!



Happy Mothers Day to all Mothers out there!

((Flowers via Floral Art L.A.))

Insult me again, why don't ya?

Learn some witty new insults over at the Shakespeare Insulter or at the Shakespeare Insult Kit, ye surly, boil-brained barnacles!

((via Julia at Design Your Life)

By, the way, I really don't believe in insulting others, but if you absolutely MUST do it, at least make it funny or smart! ;)

Paint Panache

If only I wasn't a renter! I would love to do something with my bland walls. I ran across this fabulous idea over at Dwells Show Your Space showcase.


This technique is so subtle that it has me wondering if my landlord would ever notice! The stripes were painted in one shade darker than the rest of the wall and then a varnish was applied for high gloss...oh, how I love GLOSS!

Sexy Spring Cleaning

This Dustpan and Broom from Matter is nothing less than HOT!

((via material guy))

Matter has a nice looking Cristal Carafe too.

Thursday, May 10, 2007

AIGA Event

I am so going to this:

WORK SHOW JUDGES SPEAK
Date: Friday, June 1st
Time: Food & Drink starts at 6:00pm, Speaking begins at 6:30pm
Location: Media Underground, 3485 W. Harmon Ave., Suite 100, Las Vegas, NV 89103

One of our best speaking events of the year! Hear from the prominent designers who judge our show. How they built their careers and their business, how they pitch clients, and how they present ideas. An invaluable opportunity to learn from and ask questions of our industry’s brightest stars!

DJ STOUT!!!
MIRCO ILIK!!!
PETRULA VRONTIKIS!!!!


Cost:
AIGA Members: $5 ,
Non-Members: $15,
AIGA Student Members: $3,
Student Non-Members: $10

RSVP:
Alicia Fernandez
or 702-262-9901

Another Travel Auction

This one is a Mystery Auction - $1 Starting Bid!!!!





Luxurious Mountain View Sanctuary in North America package for 2 includes:
• 3 nights in a Deluxe View room
• Champagne & chocolates in your suite upon arrival
• Breakfast for two each morning
• 3-course dinner for two on one evening of your choice*
• Access to health club facilities
• Steam rooms & sauna
• Indoor and outdoor pools/whirlpools
• Tennis courts
• Fitness equipment & weights
• Complimentary shoeshine, daily newspaper & nightly turndown service
• Taxes

((via Luxury Link))

Chair Obsession

This Polar Bear Eames lounge chair sure caught my eye at AT for Michael and Mindy’s Urban Modern space.


This image doesn't show it, but the wood grain on the back is absolutely fantastic! Pricey chair around $4000.

Shyness

Are all of my friends just really shy or just too busy to leave comments? :)
Come on guys, it's more fun if you participate!!

Wall Paper & Wall Art

Awesome wall art from Eijffinger in the Netherlands.




I discovered this while browsing AT's 3rd annual smallest coolest apartment contest and spotted the dandelion at Aad's place...

Send a Smile

Cute bouquet from Hallmark! I'm not a daisy lover, except for gerbers, but when grouped together like this, I find them quite attractive.

$45 ($35, plus $10 shipping), www.hallmark.com.

((via Real Simple))

Salsa!

I'm about ready to make my own salsa again, something I haven't done in a few years! Here's an easy recipe from the Real Simple website...

Easy DIY Salsa
Total time: 10 minutes
Hands-on time: 10 minutes
Makes 2 1/2 cups

This homemade salsa works as a condiment but also as a side dish — think of it as a chopped tomato salad. If you want a smokier version, briefly grill the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and jalapeno over high heat before proceeding.

4 large plum tomatoes (about 1 pound), diced (to yield 2 cups)
1/4 cup white onion, chopped
3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
2 teaspoons jalapeno (remove the seeds for less heat), minced
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
1 small garlic clove, minced

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl. If you prefer a smoother texture — more like jarred — pulse half the salsa in a food processor, then combine it with the remaining chunky half. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,1605504-1203857-5,00.html

Identity

At the recent paper show I walked away from the Mohawk Paper booth with a few samples that left a lasting memory. My favorite was an identity system for Noriko Maeda, a fashion designer in New York. I will have to double check, but I'm pretty sure it was letterpressed. One of the design elements were little x's to represent stitching....cute! Loved the high quality paper and the lovely shade of pink on the back of the letterhead, business cards, as well as the inside of the envelopes.

Hard to see the details in this picture from the mohawk site. I'll have to pull it from my files and photograph it myself.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Still dreaming...

about the Jane sofa by GUS Design Group I spoke of the other day.

Schleeh!

My friend, Manuel has a cool boss! Look what she bought him for his birthday recently...



It's the Schleeh Design Doodad ($110, 514-762-3720 for store locations).

http://www.schleehdesign.com/index.php
http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/content/0,21770,696704,00.html

Too cool!