Check, Please.

I am so glad it's Friday! I have big plans for the weekend- I'm painting my guest bedroom and cleaning out my garage. (I know how to party!) Today I am linking up with Long Distance Loving for another rendition of Friday's Fancies. Today's theme is Mad for Plaid, which is fortuitous, because I wore plaid (well, buffalo check, which is technically a plaid, right?!) yesterday. We have been having really, really warm weather here in southern California lately, and I decided to take advantage of these last warm days and wear a skirt with no leggings. I didn't even need a coat!

Madewell black top / Gianni bini shoes / 5 POCKET DENIM SKIRT / Michael Kors Oversized Curb Chain Logo Necklace

On another note, I am so excited because I finally broke down and bought a DSLR camera! Woohoo, and thank you, Target Red card for the additional 5% off!  Pretty soon I will be subjecting you all to poorly lit amateur shots of my home and of some of my outfits.
In the meantime, hooray for the weekend.  Any plans?

Rustic Holiday: Pinecones

This holiday season I have been really drawn to natural, rustic, down-to-earth decorating.  Elements that are simple and honest but pretty are very appealing and can look contemporary as well.  Pinecones fit the bill and there are so many ways to decorate with them.  They can be painted, or left natural.  Here are some of my favorite ways to use pinecones in decor this season!

vibekedesign.blogspot

laloleblog.blogspot

houzz.com

housenumber15.blogspot

zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com

designsponge.com

etsy.com

dailysuze.com

via

margotaustin.ca

stampington.com

lamaisondannag.blogspot.com

factorydirectcraft.com

goinghometoroost.com

ahouseinthehills.com

realsimple.com

themommyinsider.com

greenteadesign.com

I might try my hand at a pinecone garland for my mantle this year.  I like that it will be just as pretty for Thanksgiving as it will be for Christmas.  

I'm a Little Thirsty

Retro & Cute Apartment Decor & Apartment Accessories | ModCloth / Storied Sips / What's a Hostess to Do? / The Drunken Botanist

Okay, how funny would it be if you brought that hostess book to a party as a hostess gift?!  Kind of an underhanded jab for the hostess that you are not particularly fond of.  When I think of someone doing that, it cracks me up.
I've sometimes got a warped sense of humor, what can I say?!
In other news, I picked up my Microsoft gift card yesterday, and got ready to order my brand new Surface 2 tablet, only to discover that I cannot use the gift card online; I have to go to Glendale to pick it up.  This is not me complaining, though- I am super excited to be able to use it in my classroom.
I hope you are having a fantastic Wednesday.  (Wednesday, woo hoo!!)

Happy Puppy, Happy Home

Ever since we got our new puppy--a whole week and 6 days ago--I learned that we needed a LOT things to go with said little fur ball.  Just like a baby, there are things you need and quite a few things you just want for them.  I have been having fun doing a bit of shopping and making our little pooch right at home.

Happy Puppy by desertgirls on Polyvore
Kensington Plaid luxury Dog crate Mattress / Pink Plaid Dress Dog Coat / Martha Stewart Pets Cable Sweater / Top Paw Decorative Scroll Double Diner for Dogs / Heritage Hill Glass Jar 2 gal. / AKC Rodent Pet Toy Assortment / Martha Stewart Pets Tan Tweed Adjustable Collar / Pet Head Puppy Fun Yummy Orange Tearless Shampoo 16.1 oz / Dingo Twist Sticks Rawhide Chew with Chicken Dog Treats 50 pk

As you can see, my kiddos are in love and I think Mr. Chips is too.  

I was afraid our home's style might be compromised by having a puppy around but I have found out that it needn't be the case; there are tons of stylish options available in dog beds, food storage and bowls, even puppy toys!  I'm hoping that if we keep him busy with his own fun toys and chew treats he will leave our stuff alone...so far, so good.

We hope you enjoyed your (hopefully) long weekend and that you were able to say "thank you" to our Veterans in your own way.

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Veterans Day

Happy Monday.  Today is the last of a three day weekend, but I wanted to pop in to say thank you to all our veterans- and their families- out there.

Sarah Richardson's Fabulous Fabric

Sarah Richardson's Fabulous Fabric by desertgirls on Polyvore

Welcome | Sarah Richardson Design / Kravet SCOLLARD SURF 32984.315 - Kravet - New York, NY / Kravet DENMAN IVORY 33008.1 - Kravet - New York, NY / Kravet COTTINGHAM OCEAN COTTINGHAM.515 - Kravet - New York, NY / Kravet SCOLLARD CHAMBRAY 32984.515 - Kravet - New York, NY / Kravet DAVEY HORIZON 32998.515 - Kravet - New York, NY / Kravet ERRINGTON MEADOW ERRINGTON.315 - Kravet - New York, NY / Kravet BROOKHAVEN OPAL BROOKHAVEN.411 - Kravet - New York, NY / Kravet DENMAN POOL 33008.35 - Kravet - New York, NY / Kravet DENMAN STRAW 33008.116 - Kravet - New York, NY / Kravet ENNISMORE LAKE ENNISMORE.5 - Kravet - New York, NY / Kravet YORKVILLE OPAL YORKVILLE.411 - Kravet - New York, NY / Kravet HURON LINEN 32993.11 - Kravet - New York, NY

Just in case you didn't heed my recommendation to take a look at Sarah's new fabric line I saved you the trouble.  I am in love with every one of these beautiful patterns with their soft colors.  I like that Sarah stayed true to her main design aesthetic here; there's nothing "trendy" about these fabrics.  I could see them made into curtains, throw cushions, upholstered furniture of all sorts--from headboards to chairs and everything in between.  Anyway, I wanted to make sure you saw the fabulousness here!
It's Friday and I'm sooo happy it will be a long weekend.  My poor husband sprained his ankle at work in a student vs. teacher basketball game (sorry honey, but you need to stretch a whole lot more these days.  But at least your team won!) and my little girl hasn't been feeling well so we need this weekend to take care of my family over here.
Have a wonderful weekend and we'll catch up with you next week!

Featured Home: David Jiminez

I was poking around on pinterest when I spotted the image of this bathroom.  I am in love!

image via Architectural Digest 

This is the apartment of Hallmark cards executive David Jiminez.  Once I saw that bathroom, I wanted to see the rest of the home that it belonged to.  I'm glad I checked it out, because the rest of the place is as gorgeous as the bathroom..

image via

image via

I love that little side table; I need something like that for my family room.

image via

One of my favorite things about this room is that it looks like it has been added to over time, like the pieces were picked up one by one, the way most of us do.
On another note, I have to say that I am so glad that it;s Thursday already, and that this is a 3 day weekend!  I have no plans; how about you?  Any little trips planned for this weekend?