SOUL PRETTY

One Year...

2012-01-26T06:35:00.000-08:00

January 2011

January 2012

Please believe.

I want to dedicate this video to all the mothers struggling with sick children...Hoping, praying and wishing for a miracle. Please be inspired.

...Mini and I used to sing this song when she was just a sick little girl...when we didn't know what the future held...We have learned to let go and believe in our journey.

Thursday's Thought...this made me smile. Simple, clear advice. Goes for women too.

2012-01-26T06:33:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday, and I'm feeling some kinda way...

2012-01-25T06:27:00.000-08:00

My new favorite saying, "I'm feeling some kinda way."

It's Video Tuesday..."Who's that Girl?"

2012-01-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

I want to do a new segment here on my blog called, "Who's that girl or guy?" where I will showcase a blogger or vlogger that has style and or a message that I think you guys would enjoy. This is the first in my new series. Her name is Jessie Adore and her blog is Adore Daily...Her style and blog are AMAZING! In this video she shares her perfect fitting jean.

If you have a blog or know of a blog or video that would work with this series, please let me know and I may profile you here...

Happy Colorful Monday...

2012-01-23T05:55:00.000-08:00

...If I could I would...

...no words...

Before & After

2012-01-20T05:42:00.000-08:00

before

I used RIT fabric dye...and presto...new dress.

after

I picked up this beautiful feather necklace at the beach street fair last summer. It has a tiny crystal turtle in the center.

Color in your bedroom...?

2012-01-20T05:20:00.000-08:00

I'm working up a color scheme for a clients bedroom...hum? I love the brown and white room...so cool, yet cozy...with all the white accents, it doesn't feel dark at all.

I recently made a huge oopps in my bedroom...I painted a navy blue accent wall...yikes! Ugly...kinda looks like something you would see in a public school bathroom...But, it's just paint right?

Thursday's Thought...this made me smile. Simple, clear advice. Goes for women too.

2012-01-19T05:24:00.000-08:00

the grammars a little wonky, but the message is clear.

My favorite place to thrift...

2012-01-19T05:16:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, you guys have emailed me, asking where I thrift. Well, my favorite place to thrift lately is called SAVERS. My cousin introduced me to the store and we have been having a true love affair ever since. Unlike the Salvation Army lately, SAVERS prices and stock never disappoint. The store is clean and organized. There's only one store in the NYC area...but, they have many all over the country. If there is one within a 2 hour driving distance from your home, you should really check them out. I think it would be worth the trip. Here is a sneak peek at all the stuff I wanted to bring home with me on my last visit, but didn't. Well, all except these shoes. I did bring them home...had to...and you guys know I'm not normally into shoes. Something must be going on because my last two thrift purchases were shoes...smile.

sidenote: They have a club card. Show the card on Thursday's and get 25% off everything. Mini thinks this is hilarious.

These shoes are so me...classic with a twist...nice low, sexy heel...perfect for those when in my lady mood.

...this dress would look great with the shoes I bought.

I talked myself out of buying ice skates...

I wanted each and every one of the boots but they were not my size...sad face.

...loved this coat...I can imagine turning it into pillows.

...they even sell magazines...my weakness.

OMG! If Mini were a little girl, I so would have bought this chair and painted it for her dolls.

...memories...I strolled Mini back and forth to the babysitter in a stroller just like this when she was an infant. It was perfect...Seeing me stroll around the neighborhood with this stroller bought a smile to many an old ladies face. They would stop me and tell stories about their childhoods...smile. I think it's still in someone's basement.

What to do with your income tax refund...

2012-01-18T05:29:00.000-08:00

Just two weeks into 2012 and I have another design client...A bedroom. Yeah. Hum, is the economy picking up? I find that a lot of my clients use their income tax refund for design work. I can't blame them...You get more bang for your buck...when you spend $3,000 dollars on a room make-over...you get to enjoy your new room forever...when you blow $3,000 on new clothes, or hanging out it's just gone...and you won't remember this time next year what you did with it. Tell me, do you remember what you did with last years refund? I hope so...

I just wanna warn you guys...there will be a lot of bedroom photos on the blog in the next couple of weeks.

Like a dream....

2012-01-18T05:26:00.000-08:00

Small Space Design

2012-01-18T05:23:00.000-08:00

I feel like it's been awhile since I shared any small space design ideas with you guys. I love the color scheme in this room...the grey, the gold, the white, the black...makes this room fresh and clean.

I have to go back...

2012-01-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

...look what I found while thrifting yesterday. The new year is the best time to thrift. It's when everyone is clearing their clutter...thinking of spring...and beautiful things like this end up in the store.

There were over 30 paintings in the store...all obviously painted by the same artist...I'm thinking maybe a student, as some of the pieces were unfinished or not as good as the two I picked. After I got the paintings home and they looked so good I almost went back for more. I need to go back really quickly today and take my time and look them over and pick up a couple more...where will I ever find such original art for next to nothing again?

...just look at how the colors pop against my brown wall...

2012-01-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

Mini was home from school yesterday for King's holiday so we went thrifting... In honor of the holiday everything in the store was 50% off...It was a mad house...people had shopping carts full of old clothes...???? I couldn't help but think, what are you going to do with all that? Mini and I got an idea to do a video series, the do's and don'ts of thrifting...smile. I made a donation and took a couple of goodies home...of which this bowl was one...LOVE! I enjoy collection pieces that are obviously handmade...they just make me wonder...who made them...did they give them as gifts and somehow they ended up at the thrift store...? Well, I will definitely appreciate it...it's generous in size and will hold lots and lots of jewelry in my bedroom...

sidebar...that's a picture of me 15 years ago...just after Mini was born...I did a little modeling for a gift catalogue...Sigh...good times.

In honor of Martin Luther King...

2012-01-16T07:28:00.000-08:00

...an example of how a persons thoughts, passion and ideas can change the world.

Classic Boho Style

2012-01-16T07:25:00.000-08:00

...a Vogue editorial from March 2011. Classic BoHo style...I'll take every piece...

Enjoy your weekend...and be safe.

2012-01-13T12:15:00.001-08:00

I wanna go on a shopping spree

2012-01-13T12:06:00.000-08:00

...just a few things I would have ordered from Charlotte Russe if I were not going on vacation soon.

Hat - $7.99 with an additional $25% off

Sweater - $12.50 with an additional $25% off

Boots - $25.00 with an additional 25% off

Ipad Case

2012-01-13T11:39:00.000-08:00

I heart this Ipad Case. Just $7.00 on the Charlotte Russe website.

2012-01-13T11:22:00.000-08:00

I recently purchased pants just like these from a store in the mall called Charlotte Russe. Mini introduced me to the store. I had never heard of it. It's a little like H&M meets Forever21...trendy, trendy, trendy....and just a tiny bit more well made. The sizes are also truer to the real shape of a women. The pants fit great and they were just $4.99 with an additional 25% off. No kidding. I just checked their website and they are having the same sale on line. I didn't see the pants but I'm sure you'll find other stuff. Have a look.

Cover Up...

2012-01-12T05:09:00.000-08:00

On my list. The perfect swimsuit cover-up.

Don't do it....

2012-01-12T04:48:00.000-08:00

I came across this image yesterday. Sigh...and thought about my found chairs...remember those? Well, I finally got around to covering the cushions (photos later today...I'm having my coffee right now and can't reach the camera) and now I'm thinking about painting them...I love this yellow...the color won't work for my space...I'm just feeling painted furniture right now...but will I still love it tomorrow?

before pics of my chairs...

thursday's thought...

2012-01-12T04:35:00.001-08:00

Inspiration

2012-01-11T05:18:00.000-08:00

...this is what I'm thinking of. Of course this is a high end version...but it has vintage elements.

...this desk and chair are perfect.

...this is a really good mix of vintage, modern with a little whimsy thrown in.

I pulled this photo to show my client how the space could look when it's lived in...

...I heart the bright pops of color against the vintage chairs...mixed with the modern table. PERFECT!

...this space is great too. I may have to turn one of the offices into a multi-unit space...and I think lining one wall with a long desk and computers could work...

My gig...

2012-01-11T04:49:00.000-08:00

...So, I'm psyched. I have come up with some ideas on how to unify this space. I will present them to the owner later this week...There will be a lot of de-cluttering...and like I said earlier, I really want to go vintage...I think it will make the space more creative and give it more character.

You guys know I love to shop vintage and I'm constantly running across really cool pieces that I wish I could use...So this is going to be a lot of fun for me...the vintage pieces in this video are exactly what I'm thinking about...LOVE.

Made...

2012-01-10T10:19:00.000-08:00

...I'm on a roll...I'm popping out these simple dresses one by one...I think I'll dye this one...not really a white dress kinda girl...

Isn't this a cool necklace?...I thrifted it for $1.00 last fall. It's made of steel. All I did was tie it onto a leather cord...I wear it all the time...

Before and After...

2012-01-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

DIY-ers are the best. Who would have thought that an ugly thrift stool could look this cool?

before and after via here

My Cameras Taking Crappy Pictures

2012-01-10T05:49:00.000-08:00

My camera is taking crappy pics...not a good thing when I'm heading for vacation. Anywho...I've been busy whipping up a couple of items for the trip...the convertible dress is the best.

It's Video Tuesday and this is what I have been working on

2012-01-10T05:34:00.000-08:00

When I'm back from vacation and done with the office design project. I will make this dress for sale in my Etsy Shop ladies. It is so easy to wear and works well on any body type. I think you are going to love it.

I know I should be working...but it's hard to focus...

2012-01-06T13:19:00.000-08:00

...with vacation on my mind. These are my dream outfits. I wonder how many I can make out of things I already own...Oh well, off to shop my closet.

How Cool is This?

2012-01-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

I saw this in ABC Carpet and Home last weekend. How clever. I run across this type of cabinet while thrifting all the time for pennies. I'll look at them differently from now on. How cool would it be to cover this in chalk board paint and use it as a pantry in your kitchen? Or in a kids room or nursery? The possibilities are endless.

Thursday's thought...

2012-01-05T04:58:00.001-08:00

What a difference a year makes...

2012-01-05T04:34:00.000-08:00

Today is the one year anniversary of Mini's Bone Marrow Transplant...and she feels fabulous.

I won't get all emotional...Whatever you are going through, be encouraged...

...and in typical Mini style...she was chillin' on the phone when the bone marrow arrived...smile.

I didn't want to get emotional and then I saw this...fast forward to 4:50...man. This video spoke to me today. I am GREAT. Mini is GREAT. We have wrestled with an alligator and won. We never quit. Our dreams are too big...yours are too.

I heart thrifting...the thrill of the hunt

2012-01-04T05:57:00.000-08:00

So, the other day I told you I got my best thrift find ever. Well, maybe not ever...but pretty close. I found these Hunter - Sovereign boots. SCORE! I was trying on a pair of clogs, talking with an old guy about the safety of wearing clogs on a cruise when I spotted these babies under a table. Needless to say the conversation was over...I picked them up, they are heavy as hell, turned them over to check the price, $15.00...YEP! But, wait there's more...all the shoes in the store are 40% off! (Housing Works Thrift Store, 17th Street btwn. 7th & 8th ave., if your in manhattan) I got them for $9.00....and my size...WHAT!? I have coveted a pair of authentic Hunter boots for sometime now...but, I knew I would never spend that kind of money on rubber boots...It was like the universe wanted me to have them...maybe it's because I signed up for my neighborhood garden club during the Christmas break and the universe thought I could use rubber boots in the garden???? Hum? ...and not just any rubber boots, the best rubber boots money can buy...don't believe me, check them out here. I say all of this to encourage you. Do what you love and the rest will fall into place. I promise. Okay, enough preaching, I gotta get to work on that office.

2012---So far, so good.

2012-01-04T05:17:00.000-08:00

So, 2012 is off to a great start. I got a new job yesterday. YEAH! Gotta redesign this manhattan office space ASAP...cause, Mini and I are going on a cruise in a couple of weeks...YEP! A CRUISE! To the Bahamas...In the words of some rapper, "I don't mean to brag, I don't mean to boast, but it's like hot butter on my breakfast toast." I want my good vibes to reach each and every one of you is all...Just one year ago TOMORROW mini got her bone marrow transplant. SIGH. SMILE. What a difference a year makes...I'm so excited to see what I can make happen this year.

The before...I can't wait to turn it into a vintage office dream.

Another Easy D.I.Y. - Cold weather fun to keep the kids busy...

2012-01-04T04:33:00.000-08:00

I love this idea...so simple...help your kid build their own city...you can use craft paper or the back of that wrapping paper you have left over from the holidays. When I was a kid, this would have kept me busy for years....lol. I would have changed the streets, made cul-de-sacs...put up apartment buildings, malls...this with Legos and oh man...my imagination would have ran wild.

My week in Photos...Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T10:57:00.000-08:00

...the IPad is great in the kitchen

...minimal Christmas decor

...I gave Mini her first hair weave

...fam, food and fun on Christmas

...the clean-up

...me after the clean up

New Years Eve in the NYC

...headed off to the post office...I got quite a few end of the year sales in my Etsy Shop...Thanks.

...Times Square before the party. I've lived in NYC all my life and have never been in Times Square during the ball drop. Sad. I've been before and after...never during.

...I love how the police van says, "join us"...Ahhh, no thanks.

...again, Times Square, the calm before the storm...

...it looks really glamourous on t.v....not so much in person.

...there was a rare sun shower on New Years Eve.

It was over 50 degrees...

...too cute. Everyone was having a good time in Bryant Park at the ice rink.

...lounge at the ice rink

I was admiring this vendors coats...So beautiful! ...and expensive...$400. I found something very similar while thrifting later that day...YEAH! Will photo and show later...

...The Christmas Shops in Bryant Park

I headed downtown to one of my favorite parts of the city, Union Square...I stopped by my favorite thrift store, Housing Works and feel in love! The cabinets were just $250 bucks...but, how would I get them home? UGH~

...just a peek at all the things I would have taken home if money, transportation and space were not a concern....the paintings were just $15.00 each...I did buy a few things...I got one of my biggest thrift find ever...will post later this week.

ABC CARPET & HOME

...after thrifting, I headed over to my favorite spot in the entire city...ABC Carpet and home...and I was not disappointed...I was a little tired...so I couldn't do every floor...but, the floors I did visit served up lots of inspiration.

...you know I loved the bedding...It is very expensive...around $200 bucks for a pillow! I suspect this is where Beyonce might shop for her home, if she shopped for her home...know what I mean?

...more NYC Street scenes

...our chalkboard wall is full of warm wishes to remind Mini and I of all our family and friends who came through on Christmas...We love you all and thanks for making our holiday special.

WISHES...

2011-12-24T17:04:00.000-08:00

...AS WE LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER YEAR OF INSPIRATION, MINI AND I WANT TO WISH ALL OF YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

...THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SUPPORTING SOUL PRETTY.

2011-12-22T05:13:00.000-08:00

No words. Well, maybe a few...just look at how the patterns meet up perfectly on the cushions and how the pattern matches on each throw pillow and back cushions...Sigh. This is the work of a genius.

thursday's thought...

2011-12-22T05:07:00.000-08:00

2011-12-22T05:03:00.000-08:00

Perfect holiday top if you ask me.

If you are into Nicole Richie's fashion style...there's a blog for that.

Just because I love it!

2011-12-22T04:59:00.000-08:00

I love the colors the textures...so busy, yet the hair is so relaxed. I wonder what she's wearing on her feet?

More Gifts for the bag...

2011-12-21T06:56:00.000-08:00

...made these last night...I needed more gifts for the holiday party grab bag...I'll be selling similar ones on my site next week...smile.

Design Inspiration...It's everywhere

2011-12-21T06:04:00.000-08:00

I have no idea who made this dress...I just love it. Couldn't you design a room around the colors? How about a nursery...green, white, black, brown and tan with gold accents?

Cooking...cooking...cooking.

2011-12-21T06:00:00.001-08:00

Don't these look good. Hum? ...wonder if I can get Mini to make these for the kids who are coming to our holiday party? We'll see...She hasn't been into cooking lately.

The whole process is super simple, just make rice crispy treats (directions on the box), cut into 1″ x 1″ x 3″ rectangles, add a candy stick, dip in melted chocolate and enjoy! You could easily add sprinkles and wrap them in cellophane for portability too.

From HERE.

EASY...DIY

2011-12-21T05:57:00.001-08:00

How simple and clever is this? Instant hook...hang your jewels or your robe...it's that simple.

Gift Bags...

2011-12-20T04:58:00.000-08:00

...I made a couple of bags last night to give as gifts at my holiday party to the "budding fashionistas" in my life. I picked up the fabric during one of my thrifting trips...the leather flaps were salvaged and recycled from my old handbags.

The Week in Pics...the weekend before Christmas

2011-12-19T05:46:00.000-08:00

Photos from last weeks radio interview at the hospital...

...the birthday girl...

...Mini missed a good party...she was with her dad this weekend...the boys had fun...

I got started on my holiday baking...I'm sending some to friends, making treats for Mini's holiday class party...and making a stack for my Open House on Christmas day...whew!

My handing mini mixer...The KitchenAid was my last Birthday/Christmas present from my mom. I know it's silly, but it's hard for me to use it without thinking about her.

...first batch of chocolate chip cookies...ran out of sugar and had to make a run to the supermarket mid-bake...UGH! I hate when that happens. I almost knocked on my neighbors door and asked for a cup...but, this is NYC after all...

I love taking photos in the supermarket...it's so colorful...

...finally hung the angel on my door. I made this when Mini was a baby...it still looks good. Heart it.

...clean -up...

Treat yourself to something nice...

2011-12-16T05:17:00.000-08:00

I bought myself a little Christmas Gift...I used to be one of those ladies who waited around for someone else to give me the perfect gift...I've learned that's just setting yourself up for disappointment...No one knows you, like you...slow down...and buy yourself something nice...you deserve it. I picked up this ring here. It's a copy of the wildly popular YSL ring seen on all the fabulous fashionistas...and it was just $25.00. YEAH for me. I got it in black...of course.

...this is the original...YSL

...If you feel the need to have the original it's $195.00 here.

Things I'm feeling on Friday...

2011-12-16T04:53:00.000-08:00

Hey guys it's FRIDAY! One week before Christmas...YEAH! I'm trying to get the place ready for our holiday open house...lot's of shopping and cooking to do...gotta figure out a signature drink...fun stuff...thought I'd post a few images that caught my eye around the net...I heart this bedroom. Man style...Have you ever meet a (straight) man who lives like this? I haven't...I'd like too...smile.

...I have no idea where this bracelet is from...I just love it...

The archways are the bomb...add this to the list of things I wanna do to my place...

Thursday's thought...

2011-12-15T04:31:00.000-08:00

...think I'll paint this and hang it in my bedroom. What a comforting message to see each morning when you wake up and every night before going to bed.
purchase here

Update on the Chairs....

2011-12-15T04:25:00.000-08:00

...Thank you all for your kind words. Yesterday was cool...I actually went on a little early...radio moves so fast...whew! Everything is timed to the second...I met a couple of cool moms who's kids also have amazing medical stories...that's always comforting...and Mini's Dr. stopped by and made a donation in Mini's name...How cool is that? More good news about Mini and the hospital later...

...right now I want to show you guys the fabric I choose for my new dining room chairs.

...It started out white...but, it was a little too harsh for my apartment...so I got out my trusted fabric dye and gave it a little make-over.

...now it's perfect. More photos later...

Imagine Me...Emotional Post.

2011-12-14T05:58:00.000-08:00

Imagine me...one year ago today, taking my daughter to the hospital...putting all my faith in an experimental treatment that could either cure her or kill her...Imagine me...praying that a stranger would care enough about someone they have never met to save her life...Imagine me...just 3 months earlier burying my brother after he had a massive heart attack...Imagine me...burying my mother just one year earlier after watching her battle breast cancer...Imagine me feeling like the world was trying to break me down...Imagine me...finding out that my daughter is dyslexic...Imagine me...going to court to demand that my daughter get an appropriate education...Imagine me...taking her dad to court...demanding that he support his child so that I can stay home and take care of her...Imagine me...giving up the career that I dreamed of since I was a little girl so that my little girl could live her dream...Imagine me, today...one year later...with my daughter healed...and on the honor roll...Imagine me...being on a radio station telling the world what GOD has done for us...Imagine me with a new dream...unbroken.

Now imagine you...

Listen to me on the radio tomorrow...

2011-12-13T13:52:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. I will take part in a Radiothon at the Mini's hospital to help raise money for a very important hospital program. As most of you know, this time last year Mini was preparing to enter the hospital for a bone marrow transplant that has changed her life. (tonight Mini is on the cheerleading squad at her high school, cheering on the basketball team)...I say all this to say, miracles are happening at this hospital everyday...participating in tomorrows event is the least I can do to give back to this wonderful hospital. This year Mini and I will celebrate our blessings with a big ole' fashion, Christmas Open House for all our friends and family who prayed and wished us well...

Format: Throughout the 26 hours of live programming over two days, the on-air talent will be conducting live interviews with patients and their family members, hospital staff members, doctors and nurses. They will also be playing pre-recorded “Miracle Stories/Moments” that will be produced to tell heartening stories of the children who were and are being treated at CCMC.

2011 Children’s Miracle Network

WCBS FM Loves Our Kids Radiothon

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 Thursday, December 15, 2011

6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. presented on

Click here to listen online or to donate - WCBS FM 101.1 Radio

Goal: The goal of the Radiothon is to raise funds to support the Child Life and Creative Arts Therapy Programs at the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York (CCMC). Child Life Specialists are the life blood of the hospital and help children, their parents and their siblings cope with the anxieties that come with being a patient in the hospital. Child Life Specialists are trained in a variety of disciplines and offer different types of therapies for children and their siblings, including play therapy, music therapy, art therapy, pet therapy and horticultural therapy. Child Life also maintains an active calendar of programming for children to participate in either live or remotely through a closed circuit television service in every patient room. The Child Life Program touches tens of thousands of lives each year at CCMC and is 100% dependent on philanthropy for its sustenance and growth as there are no sources of reimbursement for this critical service.

Video Tuesday...for your ears and eyes...

2011-12-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

...interior design inspiration can come from anywhere...a song, an image or a video...enjoy.

I know you remember this Janet song. Watching this video makes me wanna clean up my apartment...lol.

...o.k...Fantasia did her thing on this song and video...I love the idea of putting huge framed pics on the floor...this may work in my entry...at least I won't have to worry about the pics falling to the floor.

I love this song too...and I just painted a huge mirror blue and it's in my bedroom just like the one in this video...she also has a small entry way in this video...ideas...ideas...

What can I say about KEM? His voice is like candy to my ears...and the home in this video is the bomb!
Check out how gorgeous and small that bedroom is...the wallpaper just sets it off...I was watching a video from a girl putting up wallpaper temporarily...she was renting...she staples it to the wall along the top and bottom and ran ribbon to cover the staples...viola...instant glam and it comes right down...may work in my hall...

...with all the fuss about the Braxton Sisters Reality show...you kinda forget who the star really is...remember Toni Braxton? I love this video and the styling of the home...love it.

Our NYC Weekend in Pictures...

2011-12-12T12:29:00.000-08:00

...this weekend was the annual Starlight Foundation Holiday Party for the hospital. It was held at the Bryant Park Grill...it's located in one of my favorite parks in NYC...remember, it's the one with the holiday craft market and ice skating rink...love. Here are some pics...

...the subway was over run with Santa's...something about a "Santa Ball???"

Mini...trees...coffee...mine.

...they had a wonderful raffle...we did not win...but the kids who did where so excited...PSP's, Wii Games, Ipods...etc...

Mini and Me...

Mini with bells on...

...the boys follow Mini everywhere...this one was a little charmer...

I can't go anywhere without checking out the decor...

Mini...sigh...this girl is too much...smile. They had a dude playing the guitar and singing...and my Mini decided she wanted some of that action and just walked up to him and asked if she could sing a song...he said, "of course" and she sang, "I believe I can fly." Sigh...I heart this girl.

...we walked around in the cold...looking at the window decorations when this huge pink limo came down the street...Only in NY...

...holiday decorations in Macy's...easy to do in your home...

...Mini checking out Macy's windows...

...all in all, our annual holiday out in Manhattan was nice...a little too cold and too many people...really, you would have thought Macy's was giving away $100.00 bills...I couldn't enjoy the holiday market in Bryant Park either...too many people...I'll try and go back during the week...

....we ended our trip with a ride home on the railroad...just as the santa's were cozying up to the bars...Can't you just hear the pick-up lines from that night..."Ho, ho, ho..." Who you calling a Ho?" "Nobody...I just wanted to ask you what you want for Christmas?" smile.

Eye Candy...

2011-12-09T14:35:00.000-08:00

...so, the weekend is here and I just wanted to leave you guys with a little interior eye candy.

I love these doors. How easy would it be to re-create in your home...paint and tape...that's it...and the baskets on the floor are gorg.

...Luv everything about this room.

Thursday's thought...

2011-12-08T16:58:00.000-08:00

HomeGoods and My Mini Entryway Make-Over

2011-12-07T06:42:00.000-08:00

...I posted pics of my entryway earlier this week...asking you guys for ideas on how to spruce it up...and you gave me a lot of great ideas...I may be able to hold out until the spring to work on that update after visiting HomeGoods yesterday. I found this wonderful vinyl sticker...Yes, a sticker...no glue, tape or paste...and you can take it down and move it around...love that...You know my decor needs to be flexible...and it cost just $7.99...they had tons and bigger ones...in a variety of prints...If you don't live near a HomeGoods you can order directly from the company online. Check it out.

...the switch plate cover is handmade...I picked it up years ago when I was doing craft shows...Craft shows are the best places to find unique one of a kind items at reasonable prices...there or Etsy.

The hall is so small it was hard to hang anything on the walls that wouldn't get knocked off when people went in and out of the apartment...This sticker is the perfect solution...art that can't be knocked down...I guess you can call that a manifestation...I asked you guys for a solution and I got one...I'm happy...my entry is now a better reflection of me and my style...and I can so see this sticker hanging in my bathroom this spring when I'm done with that make-over...

Manifest Wednesday...and things I'd love to have...

2011-12-07T06:28:00.000-08:00

...I need this dress on vacation...It's sold out...If you need a dress for your holiday party check out ASOS...great prices, great styles...free shipping both ways...you can thank me later...smile.

...I never met a chair I didn't want...this one is lovely...

...remember when I purchased this sink in September? ...Well, it's still in the box...UGH!

...Isn't this hair style pretty?

...remember this cabinet...? I'm about to do something to it...it's looking too plain...and it's raining...and I'm bored...

OMG...I heart this image...he looks like the perfect daddy...Lenny and Zoe Kravitz.

I made this...

2011-12-06T07:06:00.000-08:00

I LOVE it! A pillow like this would easily cost $275.00 in one of my favorite stores, ABC Carpet and Home. If you are ever in NYC...this store is a must see...see it before Central Park...7 or 8 floors of every style and period of furniture you can imagine...It's like a design blog come to life...You probably won't be able to buy anything there...too expensive...but I promise you will be inspired.

I have had this fabric as long as I've had Mini...smile. It's been framed, thrown over things and now it's a pillow. I love when I can repurpose things...I didn't cut it so it will probably go into a frame again when I get tired of the pillow...but, that won't be for a long, long time...I just love it.

I was inspired by the pillow I saw on the couch in the video below...I saw it and thought, "hum...I have an old piece of African fabric just like that." ...and I was off sewing...that's how it works sometimes...think it, do it. ...and other times you think it, think it, think it...well, you get the idea...

It's Video Tuesday, Let's go to Switzerland...Swedish home of Designer Marie Olsson Nylander

2011-12-06T06:54:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you...well, I do know about you...and I know that you love looking at how others live as much as I do...You can get so many ideas for your own home...I want to make a video of all the work I've done around my place and I'm really inspired by the way this video was shoot...and the home is GOrgeoUS! I would love to travel the world going on house tours...every continent...sigh. I'll leave that idea for manifest wednesday...as for today, enjoy.

Ipad 2 Review

2011-12-06T06:41:00.000-08:00

Random...If you don't have one of these juice squeezers, you should really get one. We had oranges hanging around looking pitiful...about to be thrown out...when I gave them a squeeze on this do-dad...and got easy-peasy fresh squeezed orange juice...So good. You could squeeze your lemons and limes for cooking...endless things...I picked this one up at HomeGoods for less than $5 bucks...but, you can find them everywhere...Target, Walmart...even the dollar store.

...okay, back to my post. Remember my IPAD? Well, I have found a use for it...it has become a very expensive t.v. That's right; seems like the only time I use it is when I'm in the kitchen...I put a couple of t.v. apps on it and now I can watch random shows that I never watch...lol. Has anyone seen the show, Body of Proof on ABC? That's what we were watching during breakfast...pretty cool show.

...and I had the perfect stand for it...an old cook book stand. Whew! I was getting tired of holding this thing in my hand...

Another Easy D.I.Y.

2011-12-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

Here's another easy DIY for all those empty toilet paper rolls we all throw out. This idea is all over the internet and I love it... Oh, the wonderful gifts I could make with kids if I were a kindergarten teacher.

pretty self-explanatory...

Perfect Moody...

2011-12-05T08:41:00.000-08:00

I'm in a perfect white/beigey kinda mood today...

Perfect

Perfect...

Perfect

I'm not sure about our Christmas Card...at the rate I'm going it may become a New Years Card...

2011-12-02T10:26:00.000-08:00

I heart this photo of Ms. Whoppi...

Yes...

...I really want to try this one...gotta get someone to shoot the photo for us...

...love this idea too...we could try to look as much alike as possible...

...I just love this one...not for the card...just because it so boho...

...If I could get Mini to pose like this...

I'm sleeping on clouds...

2011-12-01T08:06:00.000-08:00

...well, I'm not really sleeping on them...no one will be sleeping on them...they are too pretty.

I finally got around to making my white bed pillows...shabby chic style. They are so beautiful and those .99 cent pillows from IKEA worked perfectly.

...they were made from a vintage table cloth that I picked up at the flea market...it worked perfectly...actually made 4 pillows, plus a little runner for the bed...I strategically worked the embroidery and detailing from the table cloth into the pillows...too bad I can't show you the whole bedroom yet...soon.

Thursday's THought...

2011-12-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

Another idea for my hallway

2011-11-30T15:55:00.000-08:00

...hey guys, I found this online today...what do you think of my running a little crown molding down the middle of the wall...paint the bottom a high gloss white...along with the door and some other color or grass cloth wallpaper on top? ...that should brighten things up and add a little more interests.

Another Christmas Card Idea

2011-11-30T06:00:00.002-08:00

I heart this Christmas Card idea...too bad Mini and I only have two hands...wouldn't work....but, it may work for you.

Help!

2011-11-30T06:00:00.001-08:00

...I posted earlier about my dreary hall and here it is...any ideas? UGH! It looks even worse in pictures...I need a color idea or something...help me out people...Thanks Sing...I truly forgot.

We have a metal door so we use it as our bulletin board...this is where we keep all the things we need to remember...like the Netflix disc we need to return.

Christmas Card Draft

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

...this is a first draft of our Holiday Card...lol....a work in progress...Look at my Mini...

Look of the day...the weather in NYC is bananas!

2011-11-29T09:39:00.001-08:00

...yesterday it was 70 degrees in NYC...today it's in the 60's...I think this is the perfect look for this weather...Show your confusion by wearing white jeans.

Are you buying a Christmas tree this year?

2011-11-29T09:34:00.000-08:00

I heart this idea...I think it's perfect for small New York City apartment living...I recently purchased a norfolk island pine houseplant from Home Depot to use as in place of a traditional Christmas tree this year...I'm hoping to keep it alive until the spring and use it on my terrace...

Video Tuesday...and Mini loves make-up

2011-11-29T09:24:00.000-08:00

...so, lately my 15 year old, Mini is into make-up...something I'm not really skilled at...so, we search the internet for girls with make-up skills and this is one we really like...from the fabulous blogger, Meek-n-Mild...If your into make-up you should watch her YouTube Channel...it's really good.

Clever, gift wrap idea

2011-11-28T08:01:00.000-08:00

...the holidays are here...Did you hear that some woman pepper sprayed a crowd at Walmart just to get an XBox???? Really? Sigh. (Click here) I don't know about you, but I'm going to keep it simple this year...and every year...smile. I love this idea, I found it on Pintrest...so simple...the design ideas are endless...don't go crazy buying wrapping paper, bows...etc. Make it yourself.

Another Easy D.I.Y.

2011-11-28T07:48:00.000-08:00

Have you guys seen this? I love it! A headboard painted on canvas...Oh man, the ideas on the internet are endless...and for someone who loves to change their decor as much as I do, this is perfect. I could have one for every season...Imagine this in a little kids room, covered in crayons, glitter or feathers ...too cute.

You can see more creative ideas by visiting this blog...

In the Kitchen...

2011-11-23T05:33:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, I'm in the kitchen today...making sweet potato pie, pineapple upside down cake and peach cobbler...I'm gonna need a new pair of stretch pants...Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and Mini and I have so much to be thankful for...this time last year Mini was going into transplant...So we are ready for a little family time and good food...

Check out this video I came across on Youtube of the R&B singer, Shanice and her family making a sweet potato pie...hilarious...You may recognize some of the famous people around her dining room table...

...and just in case you wanna make one the right way for your family...here's a pretty easy recipe...

A sweet potato pie recipe, made with butter and sweet potatoes, along with vanilla and cinnamon.

Ingredients:

4 ounces butter, softened
2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
2 cups granulated sugar
1 small can (5 ounces, about 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons) evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 prepared pie shells, unbaked

Preparation:

Mix butter, potatoes, sugar and evaporated milk until well blended. Add vanilla, eggs, and cinnamon; mix well. Pour into the prepared pie shells. Bake in a 350° oven for about 1 hour, until set.
Makes 2 pies.

Behind the Scene...Holiday 2011

2011-11-23T04:32:00.000-08:00

...a couple of photos from this weekends holiday card photo shoot at home.

It's Video Tuesday...Let's be inspired.

2011-11-22T07:08:00.000-08:00

Today I bring you a video I found on the StyleLikeU, Vimeo site. It's my go to site whenever I'm in need of a little inspiration...it never fails me. This video showcases the fabulous style of choreographer, Fatima Robinson...you may not know her name...but, I'm sure you know her work...she has worked with the who's who of the music industry...from Sade to Jessica Simpson.

StyleLikeU Closet Interview With Fatima Robinson from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

She choreographed this video for Michael Jackson...my personal favorite.

Micheal Jackson - Remember the Time by cavapanon

To see more of Fatima's work...click here.

Look of the Day...

2011-11-21T08:29:00.001-08:00

...so much running around to do today...love this look...minus the clogs...can't do much running with clogs.

Can I show you guys where I'd love to live today...

2011-11-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

...even though my place is looking really good right now...I still fantasize about having multiple homes...don't you?

I'm fixated on this entry hall...as you all know, no matter what I try, my entry looks like your walking into a cave...UGH! I would love to do something like this...a gallery wall would be great, but it's so narrow you would knock the pics off the wall every time anyone went in or out...I'll take a pic and show you tomorrow...maybe someone out there has an idea for brighting it up...I'm thinking about buying mirrored tiles and tiling the entire wall...IKEA sells them really cheap.

I heart the floors...must have this chair and the color blue is really growing on me.

...where do I begin? Rug on top of rug...love...Scrap wood table...love...fur on chair...love...Table lamps with shades in the kitchen...love. But the best thing of all is the old, funky lamp hanging over the table...I need this...and the funny thing is, growing up, this lamp was in almost everyone's home...I'm sure I'll find it on my thrifting adventure...

Blue again...not a color that I'm normally drawn to...but, I love this color.

Testing one, two

2011-11-18T11:45:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, you are going to see a lot of changes in the next couple days on the blog here...so bare with me.

I am so looking forward to this weekend...Mini and I will be taking our annual holiday photo...yeah! Here are just a few photos that I pulled for inspiration....

...nice pose for when you have something to hide...

...this is our Christmas card from last year...Mini was styling.

Just in case your looking for a little holiday card inspiration for your family...Why not copy the Kardashians?

Mini and I may get all glam'd up this year...Hum?

Sweet...

I love this for all you hipster mom's out there...your best heels and a naked baby...love. It says, "yeah, I'm a mom, but I'm still hot...Happy Holidays"

Enjoy your weekend guys and be safe...

Thursday's Thought...I believe this is true.

2011-11-17T04:39:00.000-08:00

Testing one, two

2011-11-16T21:30:00.000-08:00

I'm testing out some new things here on the blog...stay tuned.

One of those days...

2011-11-15T09:56:00.000-08:00

...ever have one of those days where you feel like you should just stay in bed?

I spy a decorating trend...look at that back wall...I wouldn't do it in the bedroom...but, I'm leaning towards the bathroom...

Another Easy DIY...

2011-11-14T14:47:00.000-08:00

Free style circles painted onto your walls. What do you think...Yay or Na?

I'm not sure...I'm leaning towards the idea for my bathroom...remember when I said I wanted something shocking in there? This may be it...If I ever get the sink and floor installed...sigh.

A Sneak Peak...

2011-11-14T08:25:00.000-08:00

Remember when I found these...?

I'm loving my new found dining chairs...I took them in off the terrace this weekend...I was afraid that leaving them in the elements may ruin them...The seats that came with the chairs were disgusting...really...they went right in the trash...now I have to recreate the seats. I'm temporarily using the cushions from my old chairs...I'm still looking for the perfect fabric...

...still can't believe I got the chairs for free...smile.

...this is what I used to clean up the finish on the chairs. If you have dull wood furniture with cup rings and small scratches...get yourself some of this stuff. It was just $8.00 at Home Depot and it worked wonders on my chairs...Now, I may not paint them after all...They look really good now.

11-11-11

2011-11-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

In honor of this day, 11-11-11...I give you eleven things that inspire me...

Love...crochet seat covers

Love...the hair...and that I can almost do this with mine...

...fresh peonies...one of my favorite flowers...can't remember the last time someone gave me flowers...sad face.

...love this image and I have similar items that I need to photograph for my shop...

...love this graphic wallpaper in the kitchen...

...I heart everything about this image.

...makes me want to paint. When was the last time I did that?

...dogs are not allowed in my complex...Mini and I want one so BAD!

...I have been holding on to a great branch that I picked up while walking with Mini...She keeps asking, "what are you going to do with that?"...this is what I'm going to do with it.

...Love the styling of this photo...every girl needs a place to rest her things in style.

...and last but not least...I'm watching the Today Show and Matt Lauer is in Barbados...Man do I remember Barbados...wish I were there again.

I also want to say, "thank you" to my sister and all the other Veterans and their families for all that they do...especially when most of us seem not to notice.

Be safe and enjoy your weekend.

Running, running, running...and the holiday season hasn't started

2011-11-11T05:53:00.000-08:00

Please excuse the quick posts this week...I have been running like this speeding train...

I did stop long enough to snap a few photos...5th ave and 53rd street

A Very Cool Idea...

2011-11-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

I love this. So simple, yet graphic...Old stove iron burners. Why didn't I think of that? Imagine spray painting them to match your decorrrrr...I have the perfect spot in my kitchen for an arrangement like this...I'll keep my eyes open for vintage burners.

Thursday's Thought...

2011-11-10T05:08:00.001-08:00

Video Tuesday...Inspiration is everywhere

2011-11-08T07:11:00.000-08:00

...I was so inspired by their outfits...I went shopping for fabric.

Click here to see their performances.

Mary J. Blige, Black Girls Rock

Warning...Photo Rich Post...

2011-11-08T07:03:00.000-08:00

I was so inspired after watching, Black Girls Rock, sunday on BET. BET really did a good job. I loved what Mary J. Blige and Melanie Fiona wore during their performances...so much so, I headed out to my favorite fabric store to source fabric to try and recreate their outfits...My mind was immediately on overload the moment I walked into the store. Good thing I didn't have a lot of disposable income, I would have gone crazy...here's just a peak at what I would have liked to have bought home with me...smile....but, didn't...maybe next time...

... printed stretch jersey knits...

I really wanted a couple yards...Ugh. If my mom were still here...we would have went home with a couple of yards and just let it sit for a few months until it spoke to us...sigh.

I like the weight and pattern of this fabric...just wasn't sure where I would use it...

...this is a wide band polyester, taffeta....Loved! Can't you just see dramatic drapes...?

...tule in every color imaginable...I'll get this on my next trip...I could use it to tie bows on Christmas presents...and wrap around packages that I mail out from my shop...Have you seen my shop lately? If not, please check it out and tell me what you think...www.shopsoulpretty.blogspot.com

...I wanted this green print so bad...

...Pretty.

...this is all 120" wide cotton sheeting...perfect for making duvets, or curtains...anything. Look at that plaid...perfect for a boys room.

I'll be going back for this...it's perfect for Mini's room.

...I'll be back for this too...perfect for my bedroom...(sidebar...I've been working on my room...pics and video soon...promise)

...I wanted to take the entire bolt of white home with me...tie dye anyone?

...this image shows just how deep this store is...you could spend the entire day here...

....this is all wool suiting...SIGH! Some with stretch...I love this stuff...especially for drapes in the winter...

...this is what I bought...looks kinda wawahhhh...next to everything else I showed ya...but, I just want to play around with it and see if I can make what Mary and Melanie were wearing...

Yesterday...

2011-11-04T04:43:00.000-07:00

Country Living Announces the First-Ever Blue Ribbon Blogger Award Honorees at countryliving.com/bloggerawards!

Yesterday afternoon, I had the pleasure of being invited to attend the very first, Country Living, Blue Ribbon Blogger Awards luncheon at the Hearst Tower. Country Living awarded the honorees across seven categories which included lifestyle, pets, crafts, decorating, food, gardening and collecting.

Editor in Chief Sarah Gray Miller kicked off the celebration by welcoming and congratulating the honorees; she also recognized the numerous blogs that have featured Country Living AND the tons of bloggers that have been spotlighted in the pages of the magazine. According to Sarah Gray, “the inspiration is definitely mutual.”

Cooper Boone, a longtime friend of Country Living and one of the judges, took the stage to present the awards to each blogger honoree. Cooper won the room over with his charm, wit and especially his sincere, overwhelming affection and adoration for each of the 2011 Blue Ribbon Blogger Honorees.

Judges included: Cooper Boone of Cooper’s Kitchen, Eddie Ross of eddieross.com, Simply Sublime’s Jodi Kahn and Pink of Perfection’s Sarah McColl.

MEET THE WINNERS, who won an all expense paid trip to NYC for themselves and a guest...Nice.

LIFESTYLE: Aimee Carpenter; craftyfarmgirl.net

Crafty Farm Girl grew out of Aimee Carpenter’s desire to live in the country raising kids and having lots of animals.

PETS: Melissa Caughey; tillysnest.com

Her desire for healthy, organic eating and teaching her children about where food comes from prompted her to act on a lifelong dream of owning a backyard flock of chickens.

CRAFTS: Rachel Garza; rhgarza.blogspot.com

Creativity is a way of life for Rachel Garza. She started her blog, Always a Project, in January 2011 to document the myriad of “practical pretties” she completes while balancing full-time jobs in marketing and motherhood.

DECORATING: Wendy Hyde; shabbynest.blogspot.com

First and foremost, Wendy Hyde of Lehi, Utah, is a wife and the mother of four beautiful children. That said, she has loved interior design for as long as she can remember.

FOOD: Sydney Kramer; crepesofwrath.net

Crepes of Wrath started in 2008 as a hobby for Sydney Kramer of Brooklyn, where she lives with her husband.

GARDENING: Linda Ly; gardenbetty.com

A quintessential California girl, Linda Ly loves to be outside. Most days she’s playing in the dirt at her charmingly chaotic “farmlette,” tucked away in a coastal suburb of Los Angeles;

COLLECTING: Beth Styles; secondhandwithstyle.blogspot.com

Chances are that no matter what Beth Styles is doing right now, she would rather be thrifting. A St. Louis–based freelance editor and writer by day—and a lover of vintage all the time—

Images from the day

...the menu...YUM!

...our table...beautiful

paparazzi...of which I was one...smile.

...killer view...that's Central Park. How do they get any work done in this office?

...no detail was overlooked...but, what else would you expect from Country Living...

...and what's a party without a goodie, swag bag? LOVE!

It was a perfect way to spend a fall afternoon. Surrounded by passionate, like minded people while being recognized for all the hard work that goes into maintaining a blog. Well, it hasn't gone unnoticed by the folks over at Country Living Magazine. At a time when most traditional magazines are not sure what to do with the blogesphere, Country Living Magazine is embracing it...Kudos to them. Thank you so much Country Living Magazine for inviting me...Well done. If you haven't read Country Living lately you really should. It's full of the best interior rooms, before and afters and decorating tips...

I heart it.

via COUNTRY LIVING

dreamy...

2011-11-03T13:18:00.001-07:00

So dreamy...Hum. How can I make this?