Search for the Perfect (and inexpensive sofa)

I just moved and have no living furniture, nothing, nada. No place to sit and lounge! My roommate and I are on a search to find an inexpensive and nice sofa. My budget is $800 which is a hard price point to find a new and stylish option. I would suggest buying a sofa over 78". This length will seat two people comfortable and have room for a snug third. Here is a list I compiled:

1. World Market, $599

2. Pier One , $699.95

3. IKEA, $599

4. CB2, $799

5. Pier One, $799.95

6. Urban Outfitters, Night and Day Convertible Sofa, $588

7. Macy's, Jaqueline Sofa, $799

8. Macy's, Kensington Sofa, $699

Craigslist.org is a good option if you are willing to buy a used item. You can find really great deals and quality pieces.

Ultimate Running Mix

I accomplished a goal of running my first half marathon on Thanksgiving day. It was a great adventure training, pushing my body, and achieving a goal. I was able to finish because my fabulous training buddies support and our new interactive training called "social running". We attached my friend's small speaker to my iPod so we could both hear the tunes and be able to talk and give motivation high fives, plus some sweet dance moves. For months I have been preparing the ultimate running mix to motivate our legs and I feel that my final list was perfection. I wanted to share some of the tunes because it is hard to find a great source for jams. Hopefully these beats will get you up and dancing, running, or whatever makes you want to move!

1. Dancing Machine (Polow Remix), by Jackson 5


2. Clap Your Hands, by Sia (thanks Hannah, also check out the video - memorizing in its strangeness)


3. Like A Prayer, Madonna


4. Doo Wop (That Thing), Lauryn Hill


5. Bulletproof, by La Roux


6. Bodyrock, by Moby


7. Many Moons, by Janelle Monae (thanks Monica)


8. Superstylin', by Groove Armada


9. Dynamite, by Taio Cruz


10. Only Girl (In the World), by Rihanna


11. Forget You, by Cee Lo Green (edited version preferible with social running)


12. Buttons (CSS Remix), by Sia


13. Raise Your Glass, by P!nk


14. Teenage Dream, by Katy Perry


15. Wrong Prayer, by Jaydiohead

Thanksgiving Table Setting Ideas

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! The best part of Thanksgiving is the family, food and relaxation. My mom is the best at setting an elegant and beautiful table for the family to enjoy. I have always loved finding new and unique pieces to add to the table. Each holiday or party gives you the chance to let your creativity flow with a fun table to enjoy the festivities. I've prepared two different table setting ideas. The first is modern and doesn't scream Thanksgiving. The second is a rustic, relaxed look. The fall is a beautiful time of year with the color of leaves changing so go hiking or running outdoors to become inspired by the changing of seasons. Hope you enjoy these ideas!

M O D E R N

~Images from top to right by row~

Court Dinnerware from Crate & Barrel

Marimekko Irmeli Tablecloth & Napkins from Crate & Barrel

Radiance Flatware from Anthropologie

Fluer-De-Lys Tumbler from Anthropologie

Plum Fleur de Lys Double Old Fashion Glass from World Market

Bladet Vase from IKEA

(you can fill this vase with branches of the Gingko Leaves or place them at the bottom and have tall branches coming out of the vase)

Metallic Leaf Dessert Plates from West Elm

Gingko Leaves. Image Source Marv Bondarowicz / The Oregonian

R U S T I C

~Images from left to right by row~

Birch Votive from Crate & Barrel

Gingko Napkin Rings from Four Seasons Design

Mendocino Hurricane from Crate & Barrel

(you can place the pumpkin candles in the hurrican vases)

Small Pumpkin Candles from Crate & Barrel

Classic Century Dinnerware from Crate & Barrel

Maple Leaf Place Cards from Timeless Paper

Eastleigh Rust Runner from Crate & Barrel

Decorative Stainless Steel Twig Flatware from Amazon

Design & Architecture Exhibit @ Art Institute of Chicago

I have been traveling the past two weekends and now I am back and ready to post! For Halloween weekend I went to Chicago to visit my friend's Hannah and Katie. We had a fabulous time going on the architectural boat tour, visiting the Art Institute, and eating delicious meals. Not to mention the fact that we were the Real Housewives of New York for Halloween! I wanted to share my trip especially the chair and Maharam fabric exhibit at the Art Institute!

My favorite chair is the Honeycomb Pop Chair by Tokujin Yoshioka, 2001. This is made from glassine, a paper used for lanterns and held together with glue. Using a traditional material that is lightweight and not usually used for seating in a unique design is refreshing to view.

I also love the Corallo Chair by the Campana Brothers. It was designed in 2006 and is made of bent steel wire and then painted. The lightweight design transforms a normal, everyday object into a furniture and design piece.

The Maharam Exhibit was beautiful with the draping of fabrics from new to old. The Eames design is a classic pattern. I also love the geometric black and white pattern from Verner Panton, Unisol, 1965. Maharam is a powerhouse of beautiful fabric and continues to have artful design.

The new addition in the Art Institute is beautiful with Renzo Piano's amazing new addition. The building has not been touched since 1893 when built. He designed the recent modern wing addition at the Atlanta High Museum of Art which is a close place to my favorites in Atlanta. The Art Institute has a similar light focused feel to the High Museum.

*Source from The Art Institute of Chicago

The ceiling being open and lofty to the elements creates natural light to shine in on the exhibit and allow viewers to have a feeling of the outdoors while observing the art. Light is extremely important to Mr. Piano's work and his designs illustrate that the main focus is what is being viewed. The light is an additional and necessary aid to the viewing. Such care and focus is giving to the details of his work. The new addition connects to Millennium Park and Frank Gehry's sprawling amphitheater design with a bridge that spans over the street. It is a very pedestrian friendly area and creates a friendly relationship with Millennium Park. Chicago is such a fabulous city with the architecture, restaurants, and shopping. Please take the architecture boat tour and go to the Art Institute next visit. Both will lead you to a real Chicago experience where you can learn about the city and the environment.

Favorite: Rob Ryan

My friend Steph went to Australia and brought back an Australian Design Magazine Inside Out. I love the photography, beautifully put together page layout and content. The magazine welcomes a new point of view, enabling the search to follow design in another part of the world. I have been very interested in Australian design ever since I saw an episode of Man Shops Globe where Keith Johnson travels down under to scout super chic design ideas for Anthropologie. An article in the magazine about artist Rob Ryan caught my eye. Rob Ryan makes jaw dropping, meticulous, and beautiful art pieces from paper and scissors. His projects remind me of a day dream you don't want to end. He has intricately cut symbols, words, and images out of paper. You almost have to look twice to check that the images aren't painted or drawn with marker. The precision is immaculate and the end result is extraordinary and whimsical.

*Image Source Rob Ryan on Etsy

Check out his Etsy shop:

www.etsy.com/shop/misterrob

Check out his blog:

http://rob-ryan.blogspot.com/

Friday Jam!

TGIF! Friday Jam Time:

Check out Rebellion(Lies) by Arcade Fire on the album Funeral. It's a good motivational get through the day beat.

*Image Source from Global Gallery

Beach house Accessories Cont.

As promised I found some key beach house pieces and ideas. I hope these inspire your beach home or inspire your dreams for a future home. Side note: The main purpose of a beach house is relaxation which means no wall clock! If you are at the beach, the day should be made by feeling, not by time commitments. I also love tropical floral arrangements throughout a house, whether it be random flowers or plants picked up and put it a decorative vase or store bought arrangements, flowers add a liveliness to any home.

1. Long Reclaimed Wood Dining Table

Marison Dining Table from Environment

Bench Seating

Beam Bench from Environment

2. Driftwood Lamp

Currey & Company Drift Table Lamp, Natural Wood

3. White Ceramic Vases

Lantern Gourd Vase by Jonathan Adler

Pure White Ceramic Vase Collection by West Elm

3. Fun Pillows

Koko Company Goldfish Sham

KoKo Company Java Bright Pillow

Koko Company Ecco Printed & Embroidered Pillow

3. Whimsical & Colorful Wall Art

Kite Hill by Paul Octavius from 20x200

Paper Lanterns by Tim Irving on Etsy

Ocean Diver by Tim Irving on Etsy

Hope you enjoy these ideas!

Beach Getaway

My boyfriend's wonderful parent's are nice enough to offer their beach condo as a quick weekend getaway! It is the perfect anecdote for recharging the batteries and spending some quality time together. I am getting a bit too comfortable with the idea of an empty condo a drive away and started to day dream of designs for my own beach home...

Musts:
1. Lots and lots of large windows

*Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Architect Bradley Heppner

2. Large communal table facing the view

*Coastal Living, Tim Clarke Interior Design

3. Outdoor Patio

*Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, designer Barbara Howard, photography by Chris Little

Beach homes are a place to feel comfortable and cozy. A place to invite friends and family, relax, cook, and hang out at the beach. The best decorations are the ones you find on the beach. Beach combing can yield some beautiful, natural home decor. Sea glass, driftwood, sea shells are great additions to shelving, vases, or bowls. Finding accessories for you home that are inspired by nature make a space interesting and comfortable. *Image source Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles

I was at a tour of homes in Atlanta and the interior designer had three recessed rectangular shelves in the wall of the living room. She had glass vessels filled with sand from the beaches the family had visited. A white label on the front of the vase had the name of the beach the sand was collected from and date. Fun ideas like this bring character and memories to a home.This porch swing filled with wonderful soft pillows is perfect for a beach house. Imagine curling up with a glass of wine and a great book. Outdoor speakers would be a must or listen to the sound of crashing waves. *Coastal Living Image source

This sitting area is a great use of space for in between corridor areas and foyer space. The espresso colored, wide plank wood floors showcase the stark white chair, walls, and sheer curtains. The bright blue painting and green plants bring a bright and natural color scheme.*image source Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles , Mark Williams Design Associates

This modern, stainless steel rinse off shower is attractive and practical.*Image source Coastal Living, Tim Clarke Interior Design.

Yard art has a different meaning after seeing this beautiful sculpture behind the outdoor sofa. *Image source Coastal Living, Tim Clarke Interior Design

I love the simplicity, soft color palette, and sculptural elements of this small space. The cutout squares on the chest and the sculptural shapes of the white vases work well together. Any repetition of color or shape adds visual interest. The blue ocean in the serene painting is a perfect background for the white vases. *Image source Coastal Living

I am going to find sources for some of these wonderful furniture pieces and accessories in my upcoming post so these great ideas can become a reality!Hope you had a relaxing weekend even if you weren't at the beach!