Designer Spotlight: Schuyler Samperton

Last night I decided to make a recipe that I read about online.  It called for homemade pesto.  I have the biggest basil plant growing in my front yard right now.  It's huge, people.  So I decided to make said recipe.  I went out and picked the best leaves off of the plant.  I cleaned them.  I measured them out, put them into the food processor, and added the garlic, olive oil, and pine nuts.  I went to process the mixture, only to find that I had not put in the blades just yet.  I went to grab the blade from the cupboard where I keep the food processor.  It wasn't there.  I looked in the drawer where it sometimes ends up.  Not there either.  Cut to about two hours later, I have looked through every cupboard, every drawer, behind, on top of, all over the damn place.  Twice.  Three times.  More.  NOTHING.  I text Rebecca to see if maybe I left the blade at her house, because, you know, one always leaves food processor blades at their friend's house.  I mean, don't you just hate when you go off and leave your food processor blade just lying around other people's homes?
Finally, I gave up.  I drove to my mom's house and borrowed her food processor.  I was going to make this dinner, dammit!  I drove back home, finished the pesto, put together the rest of the meal, and called the Cat into eat.  She took one bite and spit it right back out.  Into her bowl, people.  What should have been a super easy, relatively fuss free meal turned into a meal from hell.
Actually, I liked it.  I will probably never make it again, just because of the damn nightmare associated with it, but the roasted tomatoes that get mixed in with it were very tasty.
Anyhoo.
Today I thought I would share with you some beautiful spaces designed by Schuyler Samperton, an interior designer who puts together gorgeous spaces all over Los Angeles.

all images via Samperton.com

See?  What did I tell you?  Gorgeousness.  I love her use of both vibrant and muted colors coupled with rich patterns and lots of texture.  You can see more on the website and her blog.

In the meantime, I hope you are having a fantastic Saturday!

Stephen Shubel: San Francisco Loft Tour

You're sure to have seen designer Stephen Shubel's work in various magazines.  His eye-catching designs are eclectic and textural.  He often uses black and white to great effect but he is also know to use white on white relying on massive stone busts and statues or other interesting pieces to tell the story.  I find that when I look at a Shubel room I want to stare and study these spaces that are historically rooted--utilizing bullion trim and Greek columns--yet modern in approach (stacks of books and snap-shots pinned to walls).  

Stephen Shubel source

This San Francisco loft perfectly illustrates the elements of a Shubel masterpiece.  

Stephen Shubel: source

It's Friday!!!  Enjoy.

Still Obsessing: Faux Leather Pants

I stayed home sick the past two days.  I woke up Tuesday morning with a twisting stomach, took a shower, and realized that there was no way in hell I was going to make it through the whole day, being in charge of 30 5th graders.  I had to get sub plans set up, but by the time school started I was safe at home, sick as a dog.  I still wasn't feeling 100% yesterday, so I went ahead and stayed home one more day.  The good that came out of this- surely I must have lost a couple of pounds!
Another good thing, in between sleeping and feeling miserable, I was able to catch up on some blog reading.  Thanks to This Little Street and a post on 5 of her must read blogs, I discovered a new blog that I pretty much fell in love with- A House in the Hills.  Delicious recipes, delicious outfits.
One outfit in particular made me remember just how much I love the faux leather pants look, when done correctly.  (And boy, does Sarah know how to do these correctly!)

image via A House in the Hills

See?  What did I tell you?  Perfection.  I thought I would round up a few more images of faux leather pants done right.

image via

image via Tog + Porter
I love the look of the denim and the casual sweater 'coupled with the pants.  And that purse?  Love!
The furry jacket, though- for me, I probably wouldn't do the leather pants AND the jacket.

image via
I saw this look in People Style Watch and loved it- it looks so cozy and comfy for a fall weekend!

image via We Heart It

See?  So many ways to do it right.
But there are also A LOT of ways to do it so very wrong.  I'm still building up the courage to wear the pair I've had in my closet for months, trying to decide what to wear with them.  That first image, from A House in the Hills, is one of my very favorites so far.  Now I just need to get a jacket similar to that one.  I think I may have found one at Surfdome- maybe I'll be purchasing it in the near future!

Wednesday Pinsday

Today is a beautiful day!  In a few minutes I'm off to go volunteer at my kids' school.  After that perhaps I'll go have lunch with my honey.   

This was a pretty good week for pins!  Here are my favorite images of the week for you to peek at:

pinterest via slimpaley.com

pinterest via amoebalanding.tumblr.com

pinterest via callingithome.com

pinterest via theworldofcorneliaguest.tumblr

pinterest via ahtheprettythings.tumblr.com

pinterest via tumblr.com/dashboard

Happy, happy Wednesday!  

What I Want: Statement Necklaces

I have to admit, it took me a long time to jump onto the bandwagon that is statement necklaces.  I have had a couple for years, as they were originally my Gram's, and I have always loved them, but some of the newer ones, while I always liked them on others... Well, I just didn't think they were for me.

Boy, am I glad I finally realized how wrong that was! 

One of our fellow bloggers, Julie Leah of Julie Leah: A Life and Style Blog, consistently works this look.  It was actually her style that inspired me and really made me fall in love with the trend!  Don't believe me?  Check out her blog or her instagram.

So, without furter adieu, here are some of the pieces that I have my eye on...

Stella and Dot

stell and dot

Statement Necklaces 

J.Crew statement necklace / Topshop chunky necklace / Gold tone necklace / Beaded jewelry / Marilyn Bib- Coral / Anna & Ava India Bib Necklace | Dillards.com

I could show you tons more, but I think you get the idea! I am definitely in the market for a good statement necklace to spice up my fall wardrobe. Big thanks to Julie for the inspiration! Hope you have all eased back into the work week and are having a wonderful Tuesday!

Favorite Beauty Finds

Happy Labor Day everyone!  Today I plan to finish sewing a few curtain panels and maybe get a pedicure followed by a nice family dinner.
When I was thinking about my post for today I was remembering that recently I have purchased a few beauty items that I absolutely love, so I thought I would share those with you:

buy here

This mascara ("There're Real" by benefit) has quickly become a favorite.  It lengthens and thickens in a major way without looking clumpy.

This is with a one coat application! Not bad at all.

perfect lip by desertgirls featuring a fresh lip treatment

Fresh lip treatment / Amazon.com: the Balm Stainiac Tinted Gel Blush, Beauty Queen: Beauty
The combination of stain and tinted balm is the best.  The stain alone is a bit drying but top it with this creamy balm (Lori turned me onto Sugar Rose and I am sooo grateful) and it just can't get any better for everyday wear.
Last but not least:

Sephora.com

I'm probably the last one on Earth to realize how amazing this product is: Use in on skin, hair and cuticles to moisturize.  It is 100 percent organic and is anti-aging as well as a healing treatment.  This is a must buy.

I would love to hear from you about your favorite, must have, beauty products!

What I Bought: Smoking Slippers

The Cat insisted on going shopping yesterday.  (Well, not really insisted- more like asked.)  I was only too happy to oblige.  She needed a new pair of jeans, and I needed, well, too much to list here.  I figured now would be a good time to hit the mall, what with all of the labor day deals going on.  The good news- I got her jeans for 40% plus and extra $5 off, and I found a pair of leopard print calf hair loafers.  Sadly, my loafers were not a steal; only 15% off, but I figure I will wear these shoes all the time.  My pair from last summer are looking pretty worn out.  They have become quite a staple in my closet, so when I found these INC loafers at Macy's, I had to snatch up a pair.

Buy them here

I love my new leopard print smoking slippers.  Now I just need some of that cooler fall weather and some fabulous fall clothes to wear with them. 

Hope all you laborers (and non!) are enjoying your Sunday.