Friday!

brigid's bed
Originally uploaded by smallstump

Ahhhh, today I slept in!!
I am so happy that my weekend started early. Long list to accomplish

-clean out garage (what is it with men collecting so much wood in the garage? this was left behind when I bought the house. I asked around work and all the men have collections of wood..... I guess it's similar to my shoe closet!)

-pick up parking sticker at the Village

-paint the back door area and add new rug

-hang drapery in dining room

-select bathroom fixtures

-electrician coming over to switch out some light fixtures

-gardening in the back yard

-saturday midnight see a BAND!!! "Rockstar Parking" in Schaumberg Chicago City Limits..... I haven't been to see a band in a while and am really excited, even though it is in Schaumberg (I always get lost there!!!)

Let's see what I can cross off this list:)
What are you doing this weekend?
xx
callie

QUOTE: Strength & Wisdom= Classic Perfection

"When you're building a room, you're building character,

and character is the strength and wisdom of a home"

Rose Tarlow

Such a pretty salon!

Interior Space: Timothy Corrigan

FURNITURE: buffet

My newest piece of furniture!

This past weekend, I found this lovely piece of furniture! It was only $300.00, can you believe it?? It fits perfectly in the living room, once I arrange everything.... right now all my furniture is just hodge podged in the middle of the room since I am prepping to paint the walls soon.

The top drawer is the full 58" wide, with this great urn motif . The hardware is in excellent condition. The side cabinets is were I will be storing my wine glasses, martini glass, pitchers and such. The second drawer down has slats and felt for storing silver (perfect for all my silver I collect) the 3 drawers below I will be using for my linen collection. Once I unpack all my stuff and place inside all pretty, move to the other wall and hang some artwork above or mirror I promise to post the images.... NOTE TO SELF buy a new camera NOW... can you see how horrible my photos are coming out. I think I have killed my camera!!! I actually have to hold the batteries in at the bottom!! plus the photos have this strange orange haze!

TIRED: are you?

Okay this week has been brutal.

I am so tired, just got home a bit ago barely took my pup for a walk, made dinner and it's still sitting here TO TIRED to eat!

I am trying to catch up and read some of my daily favorites and I just am so tired.

Thankfully, I have a long weekend coming up and Friday I can rest up!!

I hope to catch up with you all soon!!

How has your week been?

xx

callie

PHOTOGRAPHY: Liquid, pure and simple=glorious beauty!

Elena Kalis***

all above photos Elena Kalis

I have to say that Elena Kalis work is stunningly beautiful! I love how she captures the beauty of a world that so amazing that it makes me giddy and want to dive into the beautiful ocean and find pretty little (or big) sea shells, fish, pearls and other wonderful treasures in the ocean. Her photography is beyond my imagination. I could live in this water world.

When I was young, my siblings and me would be in the water all day long! swimming, diving and just having fun. We would pretend we were water creatures or mermaids and swim until our fingers, and toes were pruney! We would hide treasure (old necklaces, rings and such) in the water and dive for it when in the pool.

The ocean, aaaah, I love the ocean. I am so happy that we lived near the beach. The waves crashing, the smell and the tangy salt on your lips! I so miss the ocean!!

oooh, can't forget this!!!

I just purchased that pretty little necklace I posted about on Monday. She is giving a nice discount if you become a follower on her blog and a fan on her facebook! or follower her tweets on twitter!

I had to have it!!

Now go get yourself one!!

Have a wonderful day..... Let me know if your swimming today!!

xx

callie

OBSESSION: Pretty colour of Pimm's

I have been enjoying the summer and this weekend was fantastic! I don't want to go to work

today and it's only tuesday. This summer, I have been having fun playing in the garden and drinking a refreshing

glass of Pimm's

(shhhh, really a pitcher of Pimm's!!)

Not only is the drink tasty but the colour of the Pimm's is fantastically pretty!!

Last month while reading one of my dailies, Violet Posy Liz reminding me of this fantastic

beverage.

My first time sampling this drink was in Heathrow Airport at 6:00 am, yes!

you read that correctly AM.

I was waiting for my parents plan to land (I flew out of Chicago, they Los Angeles)

so we could continue our trip to Aberdeen.

Well, I was waiting 2 hours and they were handing out samples mmmmm.

I love Liz's recipe, the cucumber is a MUST!!! it adds a perfect freshness to the drink.

I have also found this great video by asliceofcherrypie how to .......

showing how easy it is to make this refreshing libation! Enjoy!

xx

callie

ps

what are your favorite summer drinks? Please share! would love to try new refreshments.

CASTING CALL: vote for Porter!!!

VOTE HERE VOTE FOR PORTER!

Do you watch AMC's Mad Men? Well, AMC and Banana Republic are having a casting call:

The beautiful Porter would love to win!! She would just die!

Here she is all dressed for the part! She is currently in second place. I think you are able to vote daily

It's super easy, click here, then click on the 5 stars. it's that easy! no filling out a registery or anything, just click the stars!!

Let's vote for Porter!!

A little bit of fun for this glorious summer evening!

callie

DESIGN: Run Like A Girl! and sweet inspiration

I usually post about an interior project on mondays but today, I would like to post about something that I think is a worthy cause:

"Run Like A Girl" necklace by Stephanie.

She is an amazing artist that creates meaningful pieces of jewelry. She created this necklace for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, which hits home for me at the moment, I have a good friend who is fighting this dreadful form of cancer, Leukemia and a rare form of it (only one other person in the US has had this form). Well, Stephanie is donating $14.00 from each necklace to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for this fundraiser. If you are a runner, this is perfect as a little present to yourself.

I was contacted by Stephanie to ask if she could use some of my images and link back to me because I had inspired her for a piece of jewelry!! I am COMPLETELY honoured!!! Look at this stunning necklace! Click here for the post that inspired her. I am overjoyed that my post inspired someone. Thank you Stephanie!!

pretty, Summer Fun Necklace

{I think I need one of these

pretty little chain of trinkets on my neck!}

She also has started a blog, view here. Love her layout

{I need to work on my blog layout!!! sigh}

She also has other really pretty items as well, please check out her site!!! I really love the lucky charms necklace and her monogram necklaces are pretty cool too!

Hope you find something you like, I know I have!!!

xx

callie

HAPPY WEEKEND!! sad its over

Photo credit: Waiter, Roy at Minnies restaurant.

I had such a wonderful weekend!!

On Friday night, I relaxed at my new neighbor house on the porch enjoying the evening over a few cocktails before it started to rain.

Then the best afternoon in a long time, I met up with Georgia from Jorjah-B at Minnies in chicago. She is completely the sweetest person I have ever met! I am really glad I got to meet her in person. I hope to see her again soon.

She suggested this very cool restaurant, as you can see the huge photo murals behind us. The entire restaurant is white and black with bits of red and this aged mirror along the corridors, very cool. The bathroom was totally rocking, painted red with vintage mirrors on the walls and a really pretty black chandelier.

After, I went to anthropologie and purchased the cutest dress for work! This plaid little number!! so can't wait to wear it this week!!

Sunday, I bought a buffet for my house. It will be delivered this week, promise to post a photo once it's delivered. I also went to a car show in Brookfield (was driving by, so I stopped.) People are very friendly at these events! I got 3 business cards (hhmmmmp, there were all from men)

then, I relaxed!

I didn't even do any DIY projects or house projects.

It was all about me this weekend!!

And I had fun!

How was your weekend!!

xx

callie

ps

Jorjah-B, I am so glad I got to meet you!! see you soon.

xx

nestled

nestled
Originally uploaded by smallstump

How sweet are these simple potted succulents. I have just planted a few for the dining room in individual pots. But I really like this one large pot idea, the texture is fantastic.

What fun plans do you have planned? I am hoping to meet up with the lovely Georgia of Jorjah-b on Saturday.... hope all works out, would love to meet her. She just opened a sweet little etsy store, do pop on over to her blog and store and introduce yourself. Keep checking her store if you are like me and adore, covet and love vintage items.

Have a wonderful weekend!
xx
callie

QUOTE: Looking up!

"Ceilings must always be considered.

They are the most neglected surface in the room"

Albert Hadley

I was looking for something a bit more serious, a bit more sophisticated BUT I came across this fabulous sea shell ceiling! It reminded me of my childhood. I would collect sea shells on our family holidays and when I got home my mum would have us do projects with the shells, rocks and sea glass that we collected. and this ceiling is so simple and yet brings a huge smile to my face!!!

I am beginning to think of a DIY..... outdoor patio, my basket of shells, cools drinks, hammock ....hmmmm.

Have a great day!

callie

ps off to work really early tomorrow so I thought I would post this evening. will try a do a more serious post later in the day:)

photo credit: flickr, wonderlane

PHOTOGRAPHY: Nocturnal

Simon Watson***

Photography is one of my favorite mediums.

I love how one can capture such beauty with one simple click. Simon Watson is truly a genius with the camera! A native of Dublin, Ireland now living/working in New York has appeared in numerous publications. As you can see why in the photos I have posted, which he has titled "Nocturnal" I love his work.

There is something eery, mysterious and beautiful in the images. He captures the bright light is such a haze with the trees pronounced and sharp. They are just beautiful.

xx

callie

OBSESSION: My bedroom.......need finishing touches!

Character Sketchbook, 13x19

Danny Roberts

I have been obsessed with art work for years, and the artwork of Danny Roberts is high on my list. I already own the 1910 nude, it's stunning in person. I would love to buy the large 13x19 one above or the Girl & Owl painting (which I can't find on his site anymore, I really want that one!!! *sigh*) But this one is just perfect too!!!

I want to hang it above my bed! With my walls a moody grey and my white bedding, it would look stunning on the wall.

I so need to brilliant pop of colour.

1910 Nude

Danny Roberts

Bedroom before renovation

ugly!! Nasty!!

Bedroom after the drapery, nasty carpet and all was removed.

Then I had the wood floors refinished.

Here is my pup sitting on my new bed!

see the grey wall behind {hmm, kinda matches my dog! just noticed that!!}

see how I need the colour above my bed!!!

The sheets on the bed are that pink/purple colour in the painting above....

I will be hanging white linen drapery within the next week.

Here is sassy all happy!

When I get my room completely done, I will post better details.

Just thought I would show you what I have been obsessing about over the past few weeks.

and what I am coventing: ART WORK BY DANNY! need to buy more pieces!

xx

callie

Darn blogger!

It won't let me center the video!!! it cuts off the right side..... must find tutorial to fix this!

fixed, just selected a different template, to widen the space.

c

My Favorite Artist! Danny Roberts

Danny Roberts is one of the most talented young artists out there today! Daily, I read his blog to see what beauty he has created!! Please enjoy this brilliant video!

xx

calliePublish Post

DESIGN: Portraits

Marie Claire, Maison

I have noticed lately that I am drawn to images with portraits. I don't find this surprising at all, I love portraits. Old painted ones or just new photographs .... they all make me smile and wonder.

I wonder what history is behind each one. Who are they? Whether it's a large single portrait or multiple images on a wall, they all call to me. I am the family historian, meaning everyone sends all items to me. I have one room dedicated to all this stuff: photographs, documents, war medals, trinkets, art, bibles and so on. I am slowly cataloguing & archiving it all.

So when I see interiors with beautiful portraits, I get inspired. Once my room is set up {most items are still in boxes piled high}, I will be placing all my old and new images up on the wall. My photo/portrait family tree shall we say.

So, here are a few of my favorite images with portraits until I clear out this room and set it up properly.

xx

callie

ps

the top image is so beautiful, I think I am going to paint my office walls that beautiful pink colour! what do you think of the colour?

Marie Claire, Maison

Marie Claire, Maison

Marie Claire, Masion

Scott Currie Home, Elle Decor

18th Century portrait

Scott Currie Home, Elle Decor

Bedroom

Saturday: Sharing

Good Morning all! I hope your weekend is starting with beautiful shine and you have exciting events planned.

I thought I would post real quick today to share a bit about myself and give you a lessons learned. In hopes you won't do the same....

we all know one should never email when one has had a few cocktails! this should apply to use of cell phone.... let me explain,

Thursday night I went out for a few drinks with friend to celebrate her birthday, (mind you I was not drunk, just slightly tipsy after 2 beers. I don't drink much but still only 2) well on the train home I thought I should use the time to delete all the old text messages in my phone, I have over a years worth!!

Well, as I was click click delete, click click delete at about text number 67... i guess i got sloppy and accidently hit re-send, which is click enter. MY PHONE beeped telling me I had a text...it read

"I would hope so" it was from RS

now let me explain who RS is.... He was a guy I dated last year (yes, I used the word guy instead of man... you will soon understand)

we dated for about 6 months, I felt as if all was going smoothly and we had great fun, had many things in common with a lot of the same interests. I actually, really enjoyed time with him, and thought he could be the one. then POOF!

gone!!

The last time I spoke with him he was preparing to leave on a guys weekend, which I encouraged him to go and have fun. With him telling me he rather go on vacation with me, then he sent an email link to go to Door County (I was very excited) we proceeded to talk about going in September and what we would do (for an hour and a half on the phone!!) He leaves with the boys and I never EVER EVER HEAR from him again!

No Sticky Note

No Text

No email

No Phone call

nothing, just silence!

fast foward to Thursday night. So I find this text strange, and I text back "what are you hoping so?" since I was completely confused and slightly tipsy. Well, after I sent that back I read his text again and it had the string attached.

HA! I realized I had re-sent a text that I sent last year, it went like this......

RS "Are you watching the sunset" (see why I was smitten with him...he did have a bit of a romantic side)

Me "Yes, it is beautiful" (This is the text I had re-sent) hence his response above.

OKAY, so now I feel like a complete idiot!

So lesson learned, DO NOT CLEAN OUT YOUR PHONE WITH SMALL BUTTONS WHEN SLIGHTLY TIPSY!

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

xx

callie

ps

G stop laughing!

Bridge of Dee, Invercauld

Bridge of Dee, Invercauld
Originally uploaded by James_at_Slack

I have the day off work and I enjoyed a long walk in the sunshine with my dog this morning. Now I am going through some of my favorite flickr photographers and again, James at Slack has made me miss Scotland. I need to start planning my next trip next spring.

Click on his link to see more of his beautiful photography!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! HAPPY FRIDAY!
xx
callie

QUOTE: The Coast Life

"A house 

is much more than a mere shelter, 

it should lift us up 

emotionally & spiritually"

John Saladino

Photography of Judy Hudson's home by Simon Watson

I just love the simplicity of her home! It's a heavenly retreat.

xx

callie

ARTIST: Masterfully Done

"She Pulled My Heir"

Photographic re-enactment of one of William Hogarth's 

'The Rake's Progress' paintings

Maisie Maud Broadhead ***

I think this is a fabulous family portrait, above. Maisie is in this photo with her sisters and mother.  She is such an amazing talent.  I love how her takes master works, re-enacts them in a photograph and she makes the pieces of jewelry that are in the re-enactments.  I really enjoy the wit and clever images she creates.  

"Which Weigh To Go" 

Digital C-Type print (self portrait of Maisie)

completely LOVE the light quality in this image!!!

"Women holding a balance" by 

Johannes Vermeer 1664
Big Fake Little Real Gold Chain 18ct Gold & Plastic chain
Big Fake Little Real Pearl Necklace, Fresh water pearls, Plastic Pears

Prof. Stof.

Digital C-Type print

Portrait of a Jeweler by Franciabigio, 1516
Touchstone Rings, Gold, Silver, Metal Glass

Nipple Pinch 

Digital C-type print

Gabrielle d'Estrees by an unknown artist, 1594
Long Ring 9ct Gold, brass, sapphire

I love how she began her collection of work by finding a locket in a market that had a porcelain inside, a ceramic transfer photograph of an old couple.  It inspired her to create amazing pieces.  I love how she sneaks in an odd contemporary detail, for example the white high top sneaker on the girls feet in the background of the "Nipple Pinch" 

If you were lucky to see her show in London last month at the 'Show RCA One' at the Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore...... please let me know, so I can be completely and utterly jealous!

Enjoy your day!

xx

callie