Artist // Jessie Breakwell

 I happened upon the work of Australian artist Jessie Breakwell the other night while cruising Pinterest. It was one of those situations where I could not get to her site fast enough. Her work is a visual feast! I literally cannot choose a favorite.

I can't help but see these as the most perfect centerpiece ever ever ever for a nursery. Like, huge mural style. Of course, that's coming from a girl whose daughter's nursery is the scariest of menageries you'll ever see. Apparently babies and animals just go together for me.

images via Jessie Breakwell

Her nudes are pretty unique as well. Would be fun in a tiny offbeat restaurant.

More of her enchanted brilliance here.

I'm turning 33 tomorrow, you guys. Whaaaaaaaat.

On My Bookshelf // Tom Scheerer Decorates

So this book got quite a bit of coverage when it came out a couple of months ago.

I'm finally offering my ten cents.

 

There was a lot of fuss about the hidden cover under the book jacket.

That's because dayyyyyyyyyum, she purty.

Coincidentally, so is every. single. page between those covers.

Now I have to admit that I was already a big, big fan of Mr. Scheerer so I may be a little biased. What I've always loved about his work is that he seems to be able to blend traditional and modern so seamlessly. That's not always easy to do! He also uses an abundance of natural materials, adding a lot of depth to his spaces.

Right? His spaces feel classic, fresh and perfectly understated.

Unfussy and painfully beautiful.

The book is written by Mimi Read, who does a fabulous job of capturing the essence of Scheerer. I mean, I don't know the man, but I certainly feel like I do thanks to her. I love hearing what inspires such talented people...getting their stories...seeing how they design their own homes.

images via Tom Scheerer Decorates

I've revisited a dozen times or better since it's arrival.

If you haven't done so already, this one is worth picking up.

Disclaimer: Vendome Press provided a copy of Tom Scheerer Decorates for my review. All opinions are my own.

Loving Lately // Boucherouite Rugs

I've been eyeballing boucherouite rugs since they hit the scene (read: started getting popular).

I've always loved rag rugs. They're genius. And often quite beautiful. See?

Fossik has a great selection.

Month of Awesome // Nov 1-3

Several years ago after going through a rough break-up, I started a gratitude journal where I noted something to be thankful for each day. Could be meaningful, could be arbitrary. Didn't matter. It was just an excuse to see the positive. (It lasted maaaaaaaybe one week.)

I celebrate my 33rd birthday this week and with Thanksgiving approaching for us Americans, I think it's just the right time to start this up again. There is so much to be grateful for, even in our most trying times. I'll be doing this via Instagram and Facebook with recaps here each week (this will keep me accountable). I invite each of you to do the same if you so wish. Use #monthofawesome if you decide to play. I'd love to follow along!

Nov 1 // Thankful for these two that I'm blessed to share my everyday with.

Nov 2 // Visited the local Arboretum and Botanical Gardens with my brother and his family on Saturday. It was my first time and, though we missed the blooming season, there was still plenty of art to entertain us while we spent time out in the crisp fall air. I'll be making a habit of visiting next year for sure!

Nov 3 // Eric and I had a lot of housework to take care of today. (Not so easy with an infant.) I got a text at one point that I needed to go upstairs and check out the backyard...where I found a very sweet message waiting for me. He's ridic :)

Care to join me? #monthofawesome

Interiors // Rachel Bilson + Kishani Perera

Of course Kishani Perera nailed it with Rachel Bilson's living room in this month's Lonny magazine. 

Add it to the inspiration files.

 images via Lonny magazine

Chic, inviting and comfortable. Perfection.

Kishani's work has always been a favorite.

Happy Halloween!

I die. Mandy sure knows how to set a scene!

This makes me want to throw a holiday party like nobody's business.

images via Waiting on Martha

More very beautiful images here.

Also, I'm totally and completely in LOVE with this BRILLIANT pumpkin idea by Mr. Lo.

image via Happy Mundane

Happy Halloween!

House Updates // Family Room Inspiration

The current state of our family room (brace yourself!):

Embarrassinggggggggggggg!!!!!! (Except the adorable bebes hidden amongst the clutter.)

She's finally getting a makeover!! Outside of the glorious rug (bona fide Persian addict here), this room has become the catchall for items we brought with us from our loft almost two years ago. While several of these pieces will stay, I've been waiting and waiting (and waiting) to find a sectional that I can stand to look at for a price I can stomach. I like that a sectional will streamline the appearance of the room and add lounging capacity for more than two people. Though I'm pretty frugal in the first place, I just can't see investing a lot of money in a piece of furniture when we're a young family with fur babies. So, naturally, I scour Craigslist and consignment for inexpensive options. Lucky for me, this baby popped up:

(seller's space)

She's purty, right? And an absolute steal. (Coincidentally, she's also on sale at Macy's with great reviews.) And I don't have to have her reupholstered (read: too many options for me to make a decision)! It's a little more modern than what I hoped to find, but it's in pristine condition and I think I can temper the modern enough with other elements in the room. Picking her up tonight and then we can finally get the "orphan" room together. This room opens up to our dining room, so I'm in hopes that it will help me finally make some calls for both spaces. Hallelujah!

Some of my inspiration for the family room:

images mostly from Lonny, Rue, and Apartment Therapy

I know I'm all over the place. Can't be helped. Somehow, my inspiration always comes together in the end (at least, that's what my friends always told me in design school). If I can muster the time/energy, I'll put together some inspiration boards to make ask you to evaluate. And, for the love, someone find me a reasonably priced burlwood console so I can put the obsession to rest. Pleaseandthankyou.