A New Year's Retreat

 

 

 

 

 

Earlier this month I asked Mr. Sabbe to describe his favorite architectural style. His description was glass, wood, and you look out and do not see any other buildings. I think he was more or less describing his dream home and not his favorite architectural style, but what is it with men's desire to own a big tract of land out in the middle of nowhere? I always say that I am perfectly fine in the city.

Looking at the photos of this WRB retreat home in Stockholm helps me understand his desire to escape. So peaceful, relaxing, and simple. I wouldn't mind starting my New Year right there in that wooden chair, blanket around my shoulders, with a glass of wine in hand. You?

Who's Not Afraid of Color? {part II}

Sony Bravio is not afraid of color.
I hear if you are not watching on one of their high def screens, which I am not, you are totally not getting the full experience. This building complex was scheduled to be demolished and Sony and their millions of gallons of paint got to it first.

Amazing.

Stair What?

Although the title embarrasses me, I forwarded a link to the architect I am currently working with.

Have you checked out Stair Porn? I love when architects and designers embrace a stair as both an ornamental feature and an experiential space. It makes opting out of the elevator so much more fun.

Well Done in Wicker Park

The team over at Desire to Inspire brought Buckingham Interiors + Design to my attention this morning. I was super impressed with their work and wanted to share this Wicker Park Renovation project. Boston is a town that loves their historic architecture and I think this is a great example of how you can stealthy integrate modern design into a classic structure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

See the transition of the stair railing from traditional to modern? And notice how much more modern the spaces are on the upper floors.

 

 

Twas the Week After Christmas

This was our first Christmas with just the two of us. Mr. Sabbe had to work Christmas night and despite how much I miss my family and friends at home, I couldn't imagine leaving the poor man alone on Christmas morning. But, in many ways, the south came to us.

Unintentionally, Mr. Sabbe ended up in a Harry Potter costume on Christmas morning.

 Thank goodness my brother-in-law is not in the gift wrapping business. Although he does make a fine card.

And I had the camera in hand just in time to see Miss Zoe make her first attempt at green beans.  As funny as it was, we intended not to let her actually touch anything... we failed. Those little paws are faster than they look.

I hope you and your family had a very Merry Christmas! Can you believe it is almost 2010?!

Luke 2

Remember how I told you that I was memorizing Luke 2 for Advent?

Well these little cuties have shown me up for sure. Aaaadorable.

Beige + Lemon

= pretty
And I like the way they did the curtains. Light and sheer + heavy and textured = very nice
It's like an implied base around the room.

Modern Gliders

Foreword: I am not pregnant.

Mr. Sabbe has been dreaming of a chair since the day we were married. His dad has a chair, his granddad has a chair, Sabbe men need their chair. Unfortunately my Mr. Sabbe married an Interior Designer who is not going to let just any old comfortable chair reside in her living room. I do not feel like I am being particularly cruel with this rule. One day he will have a man room where he can have four black leather chairs, complete with cup holders and built in coolers, placed on tiered, stadium-like risers, if he so chooses. But today, in our 700 s.f. apartment, where I can see from one end to the other with a turn of the head, is not the day.

So, I told him last month, because he has been an extra hard worker, he could get a man chair. My only request was that it be somewhat modern and include a glider/rocker function.

Conclusion: I do like to plan ahead.

Lucky for both of us, I found Monte Design.

 

Are those not the best looking gliders ever? And if he has any reservations from photos 1-5, once I show him that 6 fully reclines, I'm pretty sure I'll have a deal on my hands.
If you live in Boston, I'm pretty sure you can test drive one over at Tadpole.

It's Heeeeeere

The Nor'easter has arrived and I've already fallen (not in love... on the ground)
I will have a nice bruise on my bottom in the morning.

Still workin' on my snow legs.

Robert Ryan Screenprints

Now, after reading these, don't you want to go kiss somone? Go check out his etsy shop, it's sure to make you swoon. My only request would be that he make some options in my price range. Girls on a budget need lovey art too.

Sewing For Babies in February!

Add my BCAE Sewing For Babies class to your holiday list.
Guaranteed to be the gift that keeps on giving.
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And speaking of babies, remember Ella and Will?

There are no words to describe this amount of cuteness. Ovaries, be still.

Gifts That Will Get a "That's So Cool" Response

Handi Sleeve via Holy Cool : because it makes me laugh

Clothbound Penguin Classics, Great Expectations via Blueprint Bliss : because they are pretty + classic

Subscription to Ready Made Magazine: because even if the never do, people like to know how to make stuff

Nomsa Headband via Etsy: because it's so much cooler than earmuffs

Simply Salads by Jennifer Chandlier: because it's my favorite of all of my cookbooks

Mini Modern Classics: because they are cute and you don't have room (or $) for all of the full size ones

p.s. If you live in Boston, Aunt Sadies carries these for much more reasonable prices ($20-$50)

Laura George's Two print via Etsy: because I think it is romantic

6 Pack Wine Rack: because girls like 6 packs too

Personalized Mini Calling Cards via Moo : because they make it so easy

 USB Skype Phone via Cool Hunter: because how funny would it be to talk on this thing while riding T!?