STACKED WOOD

October 15th, 2013

stacked wood

Call it my latest visual obsession, but I can not get enough of stacked wood!  I was first taken by the idea of stacking wood rounds {or split wood} in a fireplace.  It is genius for a non-working fireplace or one you don’t use regularly.  I love that it adds a natural element to a room.  The mismatched shapes of the wood make it just plain awesome.  How about wood stacked next the fireplace-floor to ceiling?  Again, genius.  Storing wood, actually used to build a fire, and using it as part of the room’s decor.  The possibilities are seemingly endless.  Wood stacked under consoles.  Wood stacked under benches.  Wood stacked under open counters.  Yes, yes, and yes!

We have a wood burning fireplace in our bedroom.  Oh, I know…how romantic.  And yep, we have never used it.  The little wheels in my head are spinning.  If I can pull out the hideously ugly insert, you better believe that stacked wood rounds are taking its place.

{Images, clockwise, via 1// 2// 3// 4// 5// 6// 7// 8// 9//}

Please note: If you know the source of an image that is not credited-please contact me.  I will happily link back to the original source.

STOP AND SHOOT {BETTER}

October 14th, 2013

Beginning Photography Workshop

A year ago I was determined to move my big girl camera {a Nikon DSLR} off of the AUTO setting.  I wanted to learn to shoot in manual mode.  Last October I took a one day workshop with Elise Liptack of Elise Marie Photography.  She is an excellent instructor and in just a few hours I had a good understanding of the exposure triangle, rule of thirds, composition, and shooting pictures with natural light.  It included informative classroom instruction and time to practice shooting, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions.  I moved my camera off AUTO and I haven’t looked back.  {Plus, I got to spend the day with Elise!  I loved her so much that I asked her to take my pictures when I re-designed my blog.}  Elise is offering her Beginning Photography Workshop on Saturday, November 16, 2013.  If you live in the greater Puget Sound Area, sign up.  You will love it!

snapshots of a good life

Once I started shooting in manual, I had a million questions.  I decided to enroll in Karen Russell’s The Photography Workshop.  It is a comprehensive [online] photography class.  In 9 weeks you learn about composition, exposure triangle, white balance, light.  The list goes on and on. You can read a complete description of the workshop on her website.  The perks include extensive lessons [in PDF format] you are able to save or print, personal photo critiques from Karen, access to the forum for two years, and message boards to chat with fellow students.  I certainly am no pro, but my photos are improving and I now have a great reference resource.  If you own a DSLR and are the main photographer for your family, you will not be sorry!  The workshops fill up extremely fast and registration for the next workshop [January – March 2014] opens this Tuesday, October 15th [9am PST].  Yes, that is tomorrow.

If you didn’t already get it, I highly recommend going to a workshop or enrolling in a class to improve your photography.  Think of it as a gift to yourself.

{Images via Elise Marie Photography and Snapshots of a Good Life}

Just sharing the love with this post.  {It is not sponsored by Elise Liptack or Karen Russell.}  You can find inspiration everywhere.  Stop and shoot.

{MOM UNIFORM} MODERN COCKTAIL

October 11th, 2013

Modern Cocktailpunch it up with glam

Auctions, benefits, a night out with your honey.  They all call for cocktail attire.  This is my Modern Cocktail uniform.  I love separates because it allows greater versatility for me.  It isn’t often I am running to school pick-up in a LBD, but I could throw on a simple silk top with jeans and not look out of place.

The rules for this uniform are simple.  The classic black trouser, with a long hem, is the base for this look.  Pair it with a black silk top and sexy black pumps.  Yes, that’s right.  Black on black on black.  Punch it up with glam accessories such as an over the top clutch and bold, layered necklaces.  {You might already have all the pieces in your closet.}

Give it try on date night or for your next event.  Worried? Don’t!  You will love it.  Haters be warned because you are too {damn} classy!

{1// Chloe black trousers 2//Madewell silk top 3//Gianvito Rossi Satin-trimmed Pumps 4//Red Valentino Clutch}

PS.  The above items are “dream” selections for my closet.  I do own black trousers, a silk top, black pumps, and a glittery clutch.  Just not these gorgeous pieces.  It all still works!

DRESS UP THE WALLS

October 10th, 2013

I recently decided to give my very small closet a major over hall.  I plan to share the before, inspiration, and afters very soon.  I am just working on the finishing touches.  The closet itself is quite basic and the storage system inside is less than aesthetically pleasing.  Since I am not making any major changes [structurally], I made some tough decisions to create a bit of space for art work.  It is actually quite exciting because this can be art just for me.  The more girly the better!  I am surrounded by boys and boy stuff all the time, so this down right AWESOME!

OK. Here’s the deal.  I can’t decide.  I should be able to hang two pieces [one larger piece and a smaller one], possibly three if they are all smaller in scale.

Here are a few of the frontrunners.  Many I found on Etsy and each shop had many wonderful pieces.  Which one{s} do you like best?

artwork for closetartwork for closet 2

I can’t wait to hear what you think!  I will post the finished product – when I have everything just so.

{Since I do not want price to sway your decisions, you can find the links to the original art pinned on my a closet to love board.}

WHAT DO KIDS NEED?

October 9th, 2013

DSC_0023

Oh, my crazy cats.   They have made me a mother.  However, in today’s modern world, there is a mania surrounding motherhood.  It may be self-induced, but either way it does exist.  Some days [or weeks] I feel it more than others. Recently, I have asked myself, “What do these boys really need?”  They are fortunate to have food, shelter, safety, and love as part of their every day lives.   Beyond that, what do they REALLY need?   And maybe more crucial, “What do I do as a mother that truly means the most to them?”

I don’t have my final answers yet.  What do you think?  [Do you have older kids?  What would they answer?]

A TRADITION ENDS

October 6th, 2013

Fall City Farms

[October 2008]

Traditions.  They are touch points for me.  They keep me grounded and in the moment.  From a young age, traditions surrounding holidays and seasons, gave me great comfort and a sense of anticipation.  It is because of these strong memories, that I seek to create and embrace traditions for my boys.  As a mother, I see it as my gift to them.

One such tradition is finding the great pumpkin at a local farm in October.  Since the fall of 2005, we have been visiting the same farm.  It is where we go, what we do, and who we are.  Sadly, we cannot return this year.  Fall City Farms did not grow pumpkins and the farm is now closed to the public.  It is the end of our tradition.  Big W and I took time this weekend and went through all of our photos taken at the farm over the last eight years.  A visual memory book of how far we’ve come and how big we have grown-with the back drop remaining the same.

first years  Fall City Farms

later years  Fall City Farms

It might seem like something so simple, but I always thought we would outgrow the farm.  Grouchy and moody teens, too cool to go to the pumpkin patch with mom, would be the reason we stopped going.  But that isn’t the case.  So we are faced with the decision, make a new tradition or just let it go.  I am ready to let the boys decide and excited to create new memories.  Because in the end it isn’t the farm or the place.  It is the time we spent together in the autumn sun loving and caring for each other.  I am lucky, lucky girl.

 

{SHOP} MOOREA SEAL

October 4th, 2013

{SHOP} MOOREA SEAL | WHERE IS JUNE?

I love a great online store!  In the coziness of my PJ’s with a cup of coffee {decaf, of course},  I can browse for myself and others.  Believe it or not, gift giving season is right around the corner.  Every year I have grand plans of kick starting my holiday shopping early.  With sites like Moorea Seal, it might actually happen this year.  Based here in Seattle, The Moorea Seal shop is a curated selection of beautiful accessories and objects, highlighting handmade artists from the United States.   7% of all proceeds from the store benefit five non profit categories.

During the summer I swooned over everything gold in the shop.  Handmade jewelry and accessories all in my favorite hue.  This month I love a statement necklace, an awesome print, items that represent my beloved Northwest, and great bags to carry all of my stuff.  I certainly found items I would buy for myself, but spied many others that I could give as gifts.

And now the really great news.  Starting today, thru November 30th, simply use the discount code JUNELOVE at check out and you will receive 10% off your entire Moorea Seal order!  How much do we love that?  Please share the goodness and this post with any and all.

What would you put on your wishlist?

{Shop my favorites::  1//Tribal Queen Necklace 2//Perfect Twist Poster 3//Heart in Seattle Card 4//Tiny WA State Necklace 5//Forager Backpack 6//Punched Pouch}

Moorea is also hosting an evening event at the University Village Madewell on October 10th.  Check out her post about the night if you are interested.

 

{JUNE LOVES} WHAT IS IT? MELAMINE

September 30th, 2013

What is itYes, I know.  I am painfully aware that it is NOT picnic season.  I thought of waiting to post about this latest find, but I just couldn’t.  I just found the What is It? melamine paper bowls in the gift department at Nordstrom [of all places] for 50% off.  Too good to pass up!  I had been looking to replace my Target kiddie melamine bowls.  Don’t get me wrong, they served us well.  It was just time for something a little more grown up! These babies are dishwasher safe and too cute for words.  They are truly exact replicas of the classic paper bowls.  I will keep them in a low drawer, so the boys can easily get to them, year round.

You probably won’t be running out to purchase summer party goodies [unless you can find them on sale like I did], but it is worth a “pin”.  There is always next year!!

{1.//Hot Dog Trays 2.//White “Paper” Bowls 3.//Party Cups 4.//Gingham Checkered Picnic Plates}

 

A STADIUM BLANKET

September 27th, 2013

stadium blanket

I am not sure why, but stadium blankets just popped into my head this week.  I guess it is probably the chilly mornings and evenings that are here to stay.  The best fall day is clear and sunny with a bit of a bite.  It means you can cuddle up in a blanket while watching a game from the sidelines.  {If it rains, that just ruins my perfect picture of autumn bliss.}  I suppose you could by a new one, but the vintage stadium blankets are just too awesome to pass up.  Perfectly worn and soft.  You might be lucky enough to have one stored in a closet. {Stop reading right now and go look!}  My parents have one in the trunk of their car that I may try to steal then next time I see them.  A Google search quickly led me to an entire page of vintage blankets on eBay. I especially loved the one with red, blue and yellow!  Can’t get this fall staple off my mind, so I may have to bid.

Stay warm and cozy this weekend.

stadium blanket collage

{Images all found on Pinterest.  See them all on my fall into fall board.}

 

FIND TIME TO READ: ME BEFORE YOU

September 26th, 2013

Find time to read:  Me Before You

I picked up the novel, Me Before You, to read on the plane.  I actually slept the entire way to Chicago {motion sickness pills and a double Bloody Mary are a wicked combo..FYI}, so I didn’t start it until I got home.  Once I read the first chapter I was hooked and could not put it down.  Without giving too much away, it is a story about an aimless woman who takes a job as a care giver to handsome man bound to a wheelchair.  However, don’t be fooled.  The typical romance novel gets tipped on its head.  And in a good way.  I love how Jojo Moyes crafts her story.  I truly did not want this book to end.  As I was reading I kept thinking, “This would make an AWESOME movie.”  I was thrilled to read that MGM has bought the rights and that Jennifer Lawrence is being considered for the lead.  Uh, perfect casting if that actually happens.

While life is moving at warp speed- give yourself a minute, create space and find time to read.

 

Where is June?

 

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