Lazy Sundays

As far back as I can remember Sundays have always been my favorite day of the week, so much so that I wished for all my kids to be born on a Sunday - one out two not bad. :) I like the easy vibe to it. Of all the days it has that ability to slow people down, it makes people want to take it easy before the work week begins. Whether you have a family gathering every Sunday or you like to wake up and cuddle with a magazine/newspaper/book and a cup of tea or coffee to start your morning. Go out for breakfast with friends, have an insanely large breakfast at home with your family. Whatever you like to do, nothing like a Sunday to relax, get back to what recharges you and get ready for the week. For me Sundays are for no obligations and schedules, just move with the flow. I love huge breakfasts whether its at home or at one of our favorite spots. My kids have come to expect it now. Whatever else we do, whether it's having family over, wandering the streets of Portland, hanging out at a park, taking long walks in the woods, or doing absolutely nothing all day,as long as it allows me to recharge my batteries and get centered then my idea of a Sunday has been fulfilled. With two small children it has definitely gotten more challenging to do latter, sit on the couch and not do anything, but with that comes new ways of enjoying a Sunday :). Nothing like watching my girls playing together and giggling like only little girls can, or screaming with glee from whatever it is that they found funny. I've grown to love baking and with that came new joys. I love how excited they get when they see that silver mixing bowl come out of the cupboard, because they know there is something good coming soon. My 4 year old automatically offers to be my assistant. The look on their little faces when they each get their mixing stick with the cake or cookie mixture on it that they've come to expect. I realize how so many dreams have come true in those moments.

This rustic home in Argentina evokes this perfect Sunday that i speak of. I love how rustic it is and how that has been honored with the decoration. The furniture and decor has that handmade look that adds to the casual vibe of the space.

What is your idea of a perfect Sunday? Do you have any Sunday traditions?

Have a lovely Sunday!

(Image: Marie Claire Maison)

Dietlind Wolf - Fruitcake

I blogged about Dietlind Wolf here a while back and I like to check on her blog often. The woman is so talented and comes up with beautiful and inspiring styling concepts . All I can do is admire and be inspired.

Yummy, no?

(Image styling: Dietlind Wolf, Photography: Wolfgang Schardt)

Friday Beauty

TGIF right?! I have some beautiful table setting images from Coco & Kelley to take you into your weekend. These images are from Cassandra at Coco & Kelley's 5 year anniversary party. I love that she threw a party to show appreciation to all the people who've supported her along the way, and to celebrate her accomplishments...all in fabulous style.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

(Photography: woodnote photography via Coco & Kelley)

SHOP: Niki Jones

Ahhh another home shop that I've fallen for, as if I really needed another one. There are just so many wonderful and inspiring creators, curators, and artists of all kinds out there.  Niki Jones, named after the founder, is filled with unique, and beautifully crafted home decor, and furniture. Niki started the shop after finding it hard to find unique and well made products online for herself. She finds inspiration in her travels all over the world and that is apparent in her products.

I have long loved bone inlay furniture and these are absolutely spectacular. I like the incorporation of the Moroccan arch in the mirror. This rug looks like jewelry for the floor!

The textures, patterns, colors, and the intricate details are intoxicating for an interior junkie like myself.

Are you as smitten as I am? I would love to have a mix of those pillows in my home. I always love a successful mix of patterns and colors. You can visit Niki Jones here for more eye candy.

Happy Friday!

(Images: Niki Jones)

DIY Project - Gallery Wall

I finally got around to finishing, or at least starting my gallery wall dedicated to my kids' art work. It was a fun and rewarding project I must say. I got Jalika to be a part of the whole process which was nice.

I picked up some frames at the thrift store that we painted. I thought it would be a fun and functional art project and it worked out perfectly.

They were just plain ole ugly frames that my husband looked at me funny for buying. Ah, but I had vision, and I knew they'd turn out just perfect. All I needed was my trusted friend....paint!

The key to a project like this is letting go of any perfectionist tendencies you might have. I just had to be okay with a not perfect paint job. We had Bob Marley blasting in the background as we painted our not so perfect frames...yet they turned out perfect. She is proud to show off her work hanging on the walls and I can't help but smile, and be a proud mama every time I go by them.

This one is her and I, I am the one with the "messed up" hand. I think it's the one on the right. :-)

A happy Monday to you!

(Images: Fatou Bah)

Beach Day

We took a beach day trip yesterday and what a necessary lovely day it was. Sometimes we wait to take the BIG trip forgetting that the little getaways are all the energizer we need. I didn't realize how badly (and believe me I've complained enough about needing to get away) I needed this, till we set foot onto the cutest beach town called Cannon Beach. It is so full of charm!

We had the yummiest crepes at this place. I had the crepes with chocolate, strawberries and whip cream! Divine!

It had the quirky little things you'd expect in a little magical place like this.

There were cute shops too of course! These pictures I snapped at a lovely interior shop called Sesame and Lillies.

The warm powdery sand was the perfect welcome!

Watching the kids be kids and sometimes having to hold myself back from telling them not to put sand in their hair, or hubby reminding me that we are at the beach just let them get dirty....were the best times I had.  But oh was nature showing off, the sunset was spectacular and all beautiful sea creatures frolicking.

What have you been doing this weekend?
Whatever you are doing, I hope it is filled with laughter and smiles.

(Images: Fatou Bah & Dawda Bah)

Happy Labor Day Weekend

Hello everyone! Are you excited about Friday? I am! One of those weeks where I was really looking forward to Friday rolling around. Yay to a nice long weekend too. For my readers in the US it's Labor Day weekend. I hope everyone has a beautiful weekend, wheher, in the US or not - long weekend or not :-).

A happy Friday to you all!

(Image: Source unknown - please if you know where it's from do let me know.)