Memorial Day

Thank a veteran this weekend!

Blogging it Out?

Well, I'm back in the hospital for this persistent Crohn's disease and these continued unpredictable obstructions. I know that surgery is in my very near future... I'm just not sure when.

OK, follow along because here's what I'm thinking.

Maybe I can chronicle my journey back to health... right here on LLS? Of course I'd still post about my favorite things but you know, when I started writing this, I had no idea where it would take me. I just kind of planned not to plan this blog too much. And I could probably save fists full of fabric money on psych consults by just "blogging it out"! How about that for a silver lining!

I'll keep you all updated on how things progress! Thanks friends!

Lisa Whatmough- Hippy Chic

What coud be funkier than a patchwork pillow? How about a room full of patchwork sofas, chairs and ottomans! I realize that I'm a little late joining the Lisa Whatmough fan club... but better late than never, right? Well, this amazing furniture designer from London, England designs and manufactures these incredibly fun pieces of run down furniture and reupholsters them in a quirky mix of vintage and modern fabrics. She magically selects fabric in colors that ought to clash, but somehow seem to totally work. So talented! Her one-of-a-kind work is for sale at her East London shop called Squint.

Lisa Whatmough. Image via mydeco.

Images via Marie Claire Maison.

Chanel Bottle designed for a charity auction. Image via Trendhunter.

All other images via Squint and Luxury-Insider.

Such insprational happy pieces. I'm not really that much of a Boho girl or a Hippy chick... but I could totally see myself cuddling up on one of these lovelies! How about you?

I'm Done... I Think.

Well, I finally finished re-styling my book case. I totally "shopped the house" and gathered up the books that I reference on a regular basis, my favorite photos and art, vases, baskets and boxes. I think that I like how it all came together but my editing eye isn't exactly seeing 20/20 lately. So I may have to live with it like this until I can decide if I've gone too far.

I may be sporting a new pair of these bad boys if my design eye continues to fail me. Hahaha....

Here is the very tragic before picture....

And *drumroll* here is the after! What do you think? Too much? Ughh!!! I just don't know!

The little vingette on top... consists of a couple of topiaries, artwork scribbled my niece when she was 2ish, a photo taken by my big bro of a house from the "Heidelburg Project" and a little "Keep Calm" print. I love these personal pieces, they make me smile!

Please forgive the very poor picture quality. My camera phone is the only functioning camera I own right now. So Mom and Dad, if you're reading this, I only have one word to say.... Birthday. (hint, hint!)

Tell me what you think... go ahead and be honest, I can take it!

My First Giveaway!

If you have ever strolled through Anthropologie, you know of that wonderful scent that permiates the entire place. That incredibley yummy smell comes from their awesome candles! These candles are formulated to burn for hours with an enduring fragrance. The natural essences and cobalt containers crafted from recycled glass add something special to every room!

-100 hour burn time.

-Paraffin-soy wax blend, fragrance.

-5" H, 4" D.

-24 oz.

-Made in the USA.

*Tropical fruits, sugared oranges, lemons and limes, with light notes of exotic mountian greens.

To enter this giveaway, do one, two, three or ALL of the following things!

1. Leave a comment with your name and e-mail.

2. Become a follower of my humble little blog.

3. Blog, and leave the address.

4. Twitter/facebook and leave the address.

The lucky winner will be randomly chosen on Friday, June 4th.

GOOD LUCK, FRIENDS!!

It's Nice...

I hope you all have a nice weekend!

Nice biscuits... a personal favorite!

Ship Shape

I've been a little under the weather for the past few weeks... Crohn's Disease issues. I apologize for my absence and I have to say that I've really missed blogging. Even though I've only been on the writing side of the blogosphere for a short while, I really miss the creative outlet. So back to blogging in earnest. I have so much catching up to do, where to start? OK, catalogues. I was going through some of the mail that I've been ignoring for the last couple of weeks and I found myself lost in the Wisteria catalogue. Having grown up on Lake St. Clair and just recently purchasing my own place right on the lake, I have seen a lot of nautically themed homes. Some done extremely well and others... eeesh, you know! I've been kind of bouncing around the idea of some nautical elements for my living room and here is what I've come up with.

Oyster shell votive holder from Wisteria. So unusual and pretty. A little bit of a beachy touch.
This fabulous rustic, rope pendant lamp also from Wisteria. Not sure where I'd put it... but I sure do love it!

More oyster shells, this time framing a mirror. (I need another mirror like I need a hole in my head.... but if I did this would be right up there on my list!) Wisteria.

These adorable kitchen towels are just awesome. I love the little metal grommets for the eyes! Wisteria.

Now, this room is a little example of how to do nautical right. One beautiful antique boat used as the focal point is elegant and not too kitchey.

I love the understated-ness of the throw pillows. (Don't bother looking for that word ... I just made it up!) This image is from Country Living.

This room is just on the edge of going too far... for my taste, anyway. But I just adore that mermaid in front of the blue panels. And that view out those french doors.... Ahhhhh!

These next two images are by Suzanne Kastler. Notice the use of the wood paneling finished with marine like varnish. This detail along with the yacht like fittings and the ladder attached to the wall with boat cleats, really gives the feeling that you are in the cabin of a boat. Swing-arm lamps, installed high on the ceiling and the little antique fan perched on the sea grass ottoman make for a warm and inviting space. I especially like the sailcloth curtains, hung with rivets and and tied with top stitched leather fittings. All these elements bring your eye up and down and around the room. Just fantabulosa!

Now, lots of people have nautical themed rooms, but few can compete with this one. Not only are there two different types of sailboat wall papers, but those are actually 6 beds set in boat frames! I can't find the source of this image but the home is called "Hilltop". Who wouldn't love to crash in one of those boat beds?

I threw a couple of images that I found in a blog that I secretly love, called Ugly House Photos. I know it's a little wrong but I have a feeling that a few of you will quietly bookmark this blog for future giggles.... hehe! How about those paper mermaids?

What do you think of this nautical themed room idea? Part of me says "full steam ahead" and the other says "that ship has sailed". I'd love to hear what you think!

I admit it!

Hello, my name is Mary Ellen and I'm a fabric-aholic... "Hi, Mary Ellen."

Yup, it's true. I had no idea how bad it really was until I decided to "shop my house" to style up my book shelves over the weekend. Boy, oh boy, did I open up a can of worms. Well, they say that the first step is to admit you have a problem.... ok, I have a problem. But really... what a lovely problem to have! Here's a small sample of what I found. (Pretty yummy, huh?)

P. Kaufmann Uzbek Ivory Jewel.

Robert Allen Cats Cradle Grass.

P. Kaufmann Flower Patch Blossom.

Celerie Kemble Betwixt Spark and Ivory.

Beacon Hill Sunflowers Rose.

Duralee Azalea Diamond.

F. Schumacher Crosstown Blue.

If I hurry, I can make it to Calico Corners before I have to be back to work! So much for overcoming my fabric-aholism. Tomorrow is another day!

*For both of my followers... This is my "excuse" for not having my shelves done! Stay tuned for the pictures!