Hello guys, I can't blog right now...spring cleaning and redecorating are going on in my place...I'll be back in a few days with photos...
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Not blogging for a few days
Monday, March 24, 2008
So Cute
I designed this top today...little girl size 5...Available soon at http://www.soulpretty.etsy.com/
Treats
I made these delicious red velet cake balls after visiting the wonderful food blog http://noshwithme.com/.
It's really easy...and so delicious...red velvet cake covered in milk chocolate candy...yum.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Today's Musical Selection - Happy Easter...
I know there's a lot of foolishness going on in the world, but whenever I hear this song...it's all put in perspective...no human being has the power to make the sunrise or set...Happy Easter.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Today's Musical Selection - Kem - Back into my Life
I heart this song...and when I saw the video I was blown away...check out how their brownstone goes from being the perfect home (medifore for their love in the beginning) to a gutted mess (medifore for how they felt when love ended)...did I work on this video...lol...I love the concept....
A day in the life of a single mom...
There was a very busy end to our week...it's Easter and I'm trying to continue those traditions that I grew up with. You know, doing the things that make childhood worth remembering...I baked cookies and dyed eggs with my daughter...
The cookies were easy...I love to bake...don't they look good...?
But, by the time we got around to dyeing the eggs...I was done...thinking, what the he*( is wrong with me...dyeing eggs isn't enough...no, we have to put glitter on them too...UGH! It was all worth it when my daughter went to bed with a smile and the kitchen was clean and I had a nice glass of wine and caught an episode of Law & Order before going to bed...Motherhood...who knew?
Friday, March 21, 2008
Today's Musical Selection - Maxwell / Lifetime
Damn, Sexy music with a message. Does it get any better than that...I hope your weekend is inspired and sexy...
Genius...just Genius...why didn't I think of that?
Introducing the Bruce Balcony Barbque Grill - $79.00 US -
If your clever you could make your own.
If you live in an urban city like me you know space is at a premium...if your lucky enough to have a balcony...guess what? Now you can have a Bar-B-Que. I have had big cluncky bar-b-ques on the terrace and hated them...but, this, this is so petite and it hangs from the balustrade just like flowers...even installs just like a flower box...so clever...just one down side...look out below, hot dog coming down.
Go Here for more information http://freshhome.com
Love at first sight
Oh, if the will of the universe would just help me find this chair in someones trash or flea market or just falling off a plane...lol.
This chair is so hot...I may have to get rid of all my furniture. If I ever find one like it...in the imortal words of Samuel L. Jackson in Jungle Fever, and "I'll do it...you know I'll do it"...
Art Inspiration
If you like the artwork in the room below, check-out Marissa Arterberry at http://soulgoddess.com/ . I think this young lady is very talented and has something to say through her art...Her work is very youthful,vibrant and happy. Imagine one of her painting in a baby girls room...Halle Berry could use one of her painting in her baby's nursery...the colors are great...I would love to design a nursery around these colors...The artist works out of Cali.
So stylish, you could wear sweats and throw this coat over it and no one would know.
If I had this coat I wouldn't be mad at 6 more weeks of winter...
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Found Treasure
Look what I found left for the trash this morning while taking my daughter to the bus stop. I can't believe someone threw this out...it has a solid brass trunk and tusks...it's covered in cowrie shells and it has the coin of Nigeria embedded all over it...it is almost 3 feet in length...Amazing!
In A Perfect World
O.K. remember the "In a perfect world" post where I said my home in the Hamptons would look like this when you open the door? Well, this is what the sittingroom would look like in that house...you know, the room where I would do yoga and drink tea and read magazines...In a Perfect World, of course.
Idea
The next time you see a generic cabinet in Home Depot...remember this picture...wow! So clever...
I heart this flower
I heart this flower belt...I know Carrie killed this style in Sex and the City...but, I think it's classic...and I'm a classic kind of girl...
Walmart
I went to Walmart yesterday to purchase Easter Candy with my daughter. A delivery of plants had just arrived and I picked up these two for $6.00...they had many more. I like the spider plant....Growing up, everyone had this plant in their home...My mom says it's supposed to bring you financial luck...hum, we'll see. I have noticed this plant in mid-century designed rooms in my decorating magazines...Old School.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
My Work
I created a faux fireplace where there was none...I designed the pillows with the little girl motif...I may make more and sell them at www.soulpretty.etsy.com...later this spring...
IKEA Madness
I know you've all seen the round circle rugs at IKEA...they usually go for around 4 bucks each...If your like me you look at them and think what the h#$^ can I do with these? Take a look at what this person did...clever, so clever...make a big statement with little cash...
Mommy Inspiration
Here's a little inspiration for all the mom's out there trying to do it all...As you know Heidi has her hands full in more ways than one and she still manages to make it look good...
My Latest Project
I'm designing, sewing, blogging, surfing all day...my old desk chair is an antique and was too hard...so off I went to my favorite store, and if your a fan of this blog there's no need to mention the name of the store...I picked up this generic chair and thought, "maybe I can give it some flavor"...If you know me personally, you know nothing goes in my home unless it has "flavor"....lol...and Wa-la, here it is...I love it...it turned out better than I expected...I may end up selling them at http://www.soulpretty.etsy.com...what/ do you think?
Now it's just perfect...
Now it's just perfect...
Ow, looking good...
After a little elbow grease...
This is how it started out...
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Today's Musical Selection - J.Lo - Love Don't Cost A Thing
JLo is a friend in my head...check out the apartment in the opening shot...sick...and fellas, listen to the words, I know it may be hard to do when JLo shaking on the screen, but give it a try...Enjoy.
Oh, La, La - In A Perfect World
A lot of designers wear the same type of clothes every day...some wear white shirts and jeans...or all black, or khakis...it makes it easier for them to focus on their collections...
...in a perfect world...I would wear this outfit to work daily...Chic and comfortable...
Clever Design Idea
If your home lacks character I think this would be an interesting way to add a little personality...Easy to do, just put stencil letters on the door spelling out your message, tape off a square for straight lines and paint over stencil then peel them off...It would be really cool if you have a messy room to paint something interesting on the door like, MESS or DO NOT ENTER.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Another white room
It's official...I'm painting my bedroom white...This room has convinced me...It's so clean, chic and peaceful...I know some of you think it's too institutional...but, I really like it...
Halle, just yesterday...
Today, Halle is the mother of a wonderful baby girl...Congratulations, goodluck and welcome to the club.
Oh, la, la
I have an affection for capes...and it started really early...around age 5...but, this is a beautiful big girl cape...I could be supermom with this cape...
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Small Space, Big Style
Here's a little inspiration for those of you who live with tiny spaces and think there's no way your home could have style...think again...be inspired.
This room is full of patterns and color, but the white walls tie everything together...Did you notice there is no sofa in this room...great idea...more people with small spaces should think about eliminating their sofa....it's not always necessary...think outside the box....
In A Perfect World
In a perfect world, I'd have a vacation home in the Hamptons or maybe Montauk. It would be completely modern on the outside and when you open the front door you would see this...breath taking...
Ms. Badu
Ms. Badu is the face of Tom Ford's newest perfume, "White Patchouli". I can't wait to see the ad campagin. I know it will be amazing. Erykah is such a wonderful muse for us creative types...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Today's Musical Selection - Tammy Winett - Stand by Your Man
This is a classic...and you thought today's generation of women were more sophisticated then there elders...wrong!
...We've all been there...standing by someone who needed a foot in there you know what...And just like a child who acts out and is never punished your man will continue to betray you...why shouldn't he...we make it so easy.
...just listen to poor Tammy singing her heart out...there's truth in her words don't get me wrong...just come on man, it's the year 2008...We can do better.
Today's Musical Selection - Kelis- Caught Out There
Now in the year 2008 you would think from this Kelis video that things would be handled a little diffrently today, but nooooo, we still stand by our men. But, we are quick to fight the other women. Wake up people...
We got to do better...
I will begin by saying, I have never been married...I have been close, but no bouquet; and today I'm feeling really lucky and favored. Maybe some of you married men and women can help me to understand.
When you get married do you sell your soul? Do you trade your self-respect, your dreams, your dignity for what; a house, a car, private school for the kids, and vacations? They're all lies...your entire life is a lie...I don't know, some people just love living a lie...or do they? Don't even get me started on the diseases that will come up when living with such a liar. Are you supposed to put up with that for the rest of your life just because you said a vow?
Do those words, "for better or worse" give your spouse the right to destroy your life and humiliate you and your family? If you take the better I guess you have to take the worse, right? Somehow I don't think there is ever enough better to make someone stand next to that type of WORSE! Why must the woman be dragged out to stand beside you while your telling the whole world about your secret lifestyle...UGH!
Come on people, we got to do better...
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Monday, March 10, 2008
So Sweet...
This image is from the Pottery Barn Catalog of 2002...it just shows that when you stick with the classics your room will stand the test of time...So sweet...
Like Mother, like Daughter
Like mother, like daughter, I got this idea for a baby carry from a very cool blog http://www.neosewmama.typepad.com/ and my daughter wanted to make one for her American Girl doll. The doll travels with us sometimes and before the end of the day I end up carrying her because my daughter is too tired...So, here's her little project...came out pretty cool.
In a Perfect World
It's 28 degrees in NYC, but in a perfect world I'd be on an island having breakfast on my balcony while wearing this beautiful belly chain...A girl can dream...
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Sunday Brunch
Sunday Brunch...oh, it was soooo good...I just wanted to come home and go back to bed...let's do it again soon...
My jade plant needs help...
BEFORE
AFTER
My jade plant needs all the well wishes it can get...I replanted it today...Let's see what happens...
Friday, March 7, 2008
So Blue
I'm not really a fan of the color blue, but I keep finding blue rooms on the internet and I'm strangly attracted to them...
In a perfect world
In a perfect world it's 72 degrees, I'm at the mall with an unlimited credit card, I'm drinking a caramel macchiato from Starbucks and I'm rocking this outfit...come to think of it, isn't that what Lindsay's doing in the photo...I wanna do it too...
In a Perfect World
In a perfect world my daughters bedroom would look like this and she would love it...
Vacation Photos
Photos from my vacation to the Dominican Repbulic. I took my daughter in September and we had a blast...It was hot and all inclusive. The staff put on broadway style shows on the beach every night at 11:00 p.m...it was crazy. There was a baby sitting service on the beach. My daughter really enjoyed all the attention. And I enjoyed a little free time on the beach, painting and reading magazines, listening to my Ipod. No one bothered you...it was great. My little girl feel in love with a drink she labeled, the coco loco...lol. I can't tell you how many of those she drank in 7 days. I'll end with this...the Dominican Republic has the most beautiful men I've ever seen in my life...
Boys at play...
Music
I found a new music site...it's the best yet...check it out at http://soul-sanctuary.net/...
You can also listen at Itunes...go to the Itunes store, do a search for Soul Sanctuary and turn up your speakers...Enjoy.
...Creativity is flowing all over the internet for free...Wow! Get inspired. Do something creative today.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Carlton Banks
I wonder if my daughter would wear this shirt...It's so cute.
Urban Outfitters - $38.00
My girly moment...
I took my car to the repair shop the other day...the cars been shutting off. When I asked a few male friends "what could it be"? No one had an answer. Men just aren't as handy as they were back in the day... No, not in my day, you know, my mom's and em' day... (I'll talk about that at a later date) ...Anyway, off I went to the neighborhood mechanic...a real manly man...and to my surprise, he wanted to call the car police...My car was out of ANTI-FREEZE! UGH and thank you at the same time. Is that it? I felt like such a girl when he told me that...I hate when that happens...
Sweet Dreams
I really, really, really want a white bedroom...trouble is, my bedroom is now chocolate brown and green...UGH! Thinking about all the work that will go into turning it white is stopping me...but, if I get a burst of energy...watch out! It has been know to happen...
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Please Watch...It is too funny...Hair Squad (part 2 of 2)
This hair and body care company have made their own commercial and posted it on YouTube...So Clever. Go to www.oyinhomemade.com for more information about their products. Check out the set design in this clip...I'll take any one of the apartments if they come with that red dress. Enjoy
Free Language Lessons
Itunes has free language lessons...you can learn to speak spanish, chinese, hindu almost any language for FREE...go to http://www.itunes.com/ and type "free language lessons" in the search box to get started. Even if you don't own an ipod all the music on itunes.com will play through your computer speakers...Be careful, there are so many different types of free audios you may never leave your desk...
Bargin!
I gotta go run some errands...grocery shopping, UGH! But, look at the cute shoes I picked up at Old Navy...just $9.99...little suede mary janes...so cute...
I wanted to get somethings made and posted for sale today...we'll there's always tomorrow...see ya later...
Madeleine Peyroux - Don't Wait Too Long
I could listen to her sing all day...so calming. Sounds like singers of the past...She's an Old soul. Enjoy today's musical selection...I'm going over to i-tunes to get some of this on my IPOD.
Peaceful
Remember yesterday's peaceful, bedroom...wouldn't this wall of baskets look great in the same home...? Maybe in the hallway...hum.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
I'll call this section, Like Mother, Like Daughter...
This morning at 7:03 a.m. my daughter decided she needed to work on this imaginery sweet 16 birthday party...(never mind that she's just 11 years old) she's all involved with the dress, the guest list...etc.
This is all well and good...I encourage this...just not when the school bus will be outside in 3 minutes and you don't have any shoes on...and your books are spread all over the couch...Just another morning in the life of a single, artistic mom...
The dress, the cake
The idea book...
Like mother, like daughter...
Essence Magazine, Plus Size Model Casting
Essence magazine is starting a plus size issue and they are holding an open model casting next Friday, March 14th, 2008...Plenty of time for you to get your look together....Good Luck!
Location: 135 W. 50th Street, 4th floor
Bring two photos with your details on the back.
DAMN!
The price of gas in NYC, March 2, 2008...
When the Iraq war started a barrel of crude oil
was less than $27.00 a barrel...today it's $103.15...do the math.
This is how far $20.00 moved the needle from empty.
This is how I felt after paying for the gas.
T-shirt - Urban Outfitters - $38.00
I have a talking point for Barack, the next time they ask him about Farakhan...just ask them, "What the hell does that have to do with the price of gas in America?"
Let's keep our eye on the ball America.
When the Iraq war started a barrel of crude oil
was less than $27.00 a barrel...today it's $103.15...do the math.
This is how far $20.00 moved the needle from empty.
This is how I felt after paying for the gas.
T-shirt - Urban Outfitters - $38.00
I have a talking point for Barack, the next time they ask him about Farakhan...just ask them, "What the hell does that have to do with the price of gas in America?"
Let's keep our eye on the ball America.
My Fish Tank
I got around to cleaning up my fish tank yesterday...I have to get one of those algae eating catfish...my livingroom is so sunny the algae is out of control...I try to keep 8 gold fish and one black-gold fish. According to Feng Shui this is the perfect combination of gold fish to bring wealth into the home. (Think about it...ever been to a Chinese Restaurant that didn't have a fish tank?) One of my gold fish died recently...The Chinese also believe that gold fish will protect you from harm and when one dies it has protected you from some evil...I gotta replace that little soldier...PEACE.
REAL SIMPLE MAGAZINE CASTING
Claudia Bloom, Casting
REAL SIMPLE
claudia_bloom@realsimple.com
Real Simple magazine casting search/Small Home
Do you love your home?
For a summer story Real Simple is looking for one woman who has a small home that she feels a special connection to. A beach retreat where she goes to write, a mountain hideaway where she hikes or a country place for friends and family or maybe she lives full-time in a smallish home that is very meaningful to her. The should be modest, but well loved. Is this you? Submit the following info:
Name
Age
Location
Profession
Married and/or kids? ages?
Contact phone & email
A jpeg of you and your home
Let them know:
When did you buy your home?
What is special about it?
What have you done to make the home more personal?
Send it all to:
Claudia Bloom, Casting
REAL SIMPLE
claudia_bloom@realsimple.com
Monday, March 3, 2008
Stevie Wonder - Don't You Worry 'bout A Thing
Hey, enjoy the musical selection of the day...I'm in a good mood and I'd thought I'd share it...
Peaceful
I love the simplicity of this room...Shouldn't your bedroom be a place of peace and relaxation? What do you see when you wake-up in the morning...? Whatever you see, you must understand that it can effect your entire day.
In A Perfect World
In a perfect world I would use this bag as a carry-on for a quick weekend with friends in Atlanta...I'd carry very few items...no need for lots of thingssssss.
No More Dry Skin
I have to share this with you...I got this at my second favorite store, "Target". I have really dry skin...the kind of skin where 30 minutes after putting on lotion my skin looks like I just came out of a swimming pool...Well, I have been using this baby oil gel from Target for about a week...and my skin feels just like a baby...I'm serious...I put it on right after a shower and I'm smooth and soft all day...My new favorite thing...and, get this, just....$1.22 yes, this is not a typo. Run don't walk ladies...spring is coming...
The Genius of IKEA
What can I say about IKEA without sounding like a stalker? This store has made it possible for the average Joe or Joesphine to live with style and dignity without resorting to dancing on a pole inorder to get your decorating fix.
I have a small terrace (a big deal in NYC...one day I'll show it to you, but not right now, it's a mess) and this table for $9.99 is absolute genius...it folds down out of the way when not in use and the price does not insult your intelligence. In other stores, that I won't name here, you have to pay for their genius...not at IKEA...they want to share their genius with everyone...and the Aquarian in me can definately appreciate that...
Now it's up...
Now, it's down...
What? Just $9.99
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