Catalog Heaven

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201050/0014/img35l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201050/0014/img35l.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I often think about gathering the catalogs that clutter my mailbox and shipping them back where they came from. Just like the old <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098904/"><i>Seinfeld</i></a> episode when <i><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hox-ni8geIw&feature=related">Kramer boycotts the post office</a></i>. But! This week, the new <i><a href="http://www.westelm.com/">West Elm</a></i> catalog made me rethink that plan. The colors and patterns are wonderful, and I love the photos too!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201050/0006/img83l.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/we-love/jason-polan.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Jason Polan Drawings</span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">So much cool stuff! The catalog feels so fresh and so fun. Much of that comes from </span><i><a href="http://www.westelm.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">West Elm's </span></a><a href="http://www.westelm.com/we-love/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">collaboration with outside designers and artists</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">, </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(including several </span><i><a href="http://www.westelm.com/we-love/etsy.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Etsy artists</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">)</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">In the spirit of collaboration, the West Elm site features some interesting articles written by artisans from around the world in the</span> <a href="http://www.westelm.com/we-love/hand-eye-archive.html">Hand/Eye section</a>. </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201050/0008/img83l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201050/0008/img83l.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/gift/trends/shane-powers/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Shane Powers collection</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/i/201052/0027/images/we-love/etsy/hero.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/i/201052/0027/images/we-love/etsy/hero.jpg" width="423" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/WestElm">Etsy artists</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201050/0009/img38l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.westelm.com/weimgs/ab/images/wcm/products/201050/0009/img38l.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I think I need these glasses! Another cool feature in the catalog and website is the list of recommended paint colors. Yeah! All of you who are scared of paint colors, go </span><i><a href="http://www.westelm.com/we-love/benjamin-moore.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">here</span></a></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> and get some help:) Have I conveyed my excitement, well enough? West Elm, I'm sure you are holding your breath until you hear my opinion, so breathe easy now. Props, for a job well done!</span></div>

Catalog Heaven

I often think about gathering the catalogs that clutter my mailbox and shipping them back where they came from. Just like the old Seinfeld ...

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Pretty Little Girls

<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TOVaCVb_qrI/AAAAAAAAF_M/MgWosYehZR0/s1600/Picture%2B16.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540933912710064818" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TOVaCVb_qrI/AAAAAAAAF_M/MgWosYehZR0/s800/Picture%2B16.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 495px; height: 644px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TOVaBaUK0zI/AAAAAAAAF_E/F0UVwXRKTuM/s1600/Picture%2B19.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540933896839549746" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TOVaBaUK0zI/AAAAAAAAF_E/F0UVwXRKTuM/s800/Picture%2B19.png" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 495px; height: 674px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">This morning I was greeted by these sweet illustrations in my email. Artist </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.laffichemoderne.com/en/posters.php?ID_P=1071"><span style="font-style: italic;">Alice Dufay</span></a> </span><span style="font-size:85%;">captures little moments with great simplicity. They can be found on <a href="http://www.laffichemoderne.com/en/index.php"><span style="font-style: italic;">L'affiche Moderne</span></a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> which is a great site for limited edition prints.</span><br /></div>

Pretty Little Girls

This morning I was greeted by these sweet illustrations in my email. Artist Alice Dufay captures little moments with great simplicity. They...

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Judge A Book By Its Cover

<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCXvFsa_I/AAAAAAAAF1w/ZNREI-FKJFc/s1600/Picture+38.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488201702704966642" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCXvFsa_I/AAAAAAAAF1w/ZNREI-FKJFc/s800/Picture+38.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 582px; height: 377px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">I love receiving my weekly </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.houzz.com/">Houzz</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;"> updates, because they are a little treat waiting for me in my email. This weekend I especially loved the photos of a l</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.houzz.com/projects/4467/The-Brick-House">ittle house with a modern soul</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">. If I were walking down the street and came across this place, I would wish that I could run inside. Funny enough, I have seen the inside because it is the home of Morgan of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://www.the-brick-house.com/">The Brick House</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">. (Some time ago I mentioned this blog </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><a href="http://carolinaeclectic.blogspot.com/2009/06/one-lovely-blog.html">here</a></span><span style="font-size:85%;">).</span><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCn4OYRPI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/Dcr-h7dh6-o/s1600/Picture+39.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488201980035220722" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCn4OYRPI/AAAAAAAAF2Y/Dcr-h7dh6-o/s800/Picture+39.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 594px; height: 385px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCabu5vgI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/ifIRi1nV9_E/s1600/Picture+40.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488201749048704514" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCabu5vgI/AAAAAAAAF2Q/ifIRi1nV9_E/s800/Picture+40.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 432px; height: 653px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The Brick House is all about modern design on a budget, which is an idea that is close to my heart. It frustrates me that we tend to associate modern with large expense! Don't get me wrong I love reading <a href="http://www.dwell.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Dwell</span></a> or <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Architectural Digest</span></a> as much as the next person, but that isn't really practical for most of us, right? Fortunately, Morgan doesn't let a small budget hold her back and I LOVE this amazing detail on the front of the house. I have to confess that I'm including this photo in hopes that it might inspire all you modern lovers who think your house could never express your ideas. Just think a little out of the box...ha, ha!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCZ5crGQI/AAAAAAAAF2I/0Cuv92X6Kv4/s1600/Picture+41.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488201739845441794" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCZ5crGQI/AAAAAAAAF2I/0Cuv92X6Kv4/s800/Picture+41.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 588px; height: 423px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Wow! Check out the before pic. </span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCZGB_wLI/AAAAAAAAF2A/qa44Oii3zmE/s1600/Picture+42.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488201726043340978" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCZGB_wLI/AAAAAAAAF2A/qa44Oii3zmE/s800/Picture+42.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 458px; height: 690px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">The backyard is fantastic!</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCYTF0rYI/AAAAAAAAF14/IlJwEyMcfaw/s1600/Picture+43.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488201712369184130" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/TCoCYTF0rYI/AAAAAAAAF14/IlJwEyMcfaw/s800/Picture+43.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 587px; height: 444px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">Finally, I couldn't resist this photo because the simplicity of it is so wonderful. I envy Morgan's ability to live with very few items. I try to do this myself but often fail:( Having so many blank spaces allow your mind to wander and reflect. (Said the hard-core introvert!).</span><br /></div>

Judge A Book By Its Cover

I love receiving my weekly Houzz updates, because they are a little treat waiting for me in my email. This weekend I especially loved the p...

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Design Find: Bendant Lamp

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SZuMPFBJJSI/AAAAAAAAEfs/EuwjUHMaJtk/s3200-h/Picture+1.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5303987176831788322" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SZuMPFBJJSI/AAAAAAAAEfs/EuwjUHMaJtk/s800/Picture+1.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 342px;" /></a><br />Ooh, ooh! I'm loving this piece<br />for its color and its great price!<br />Find at <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/item/item.jsp?source=family&itemId=14318"><span style="font-style: italic;">Uncommon Goods</span></a> (Brooklyn, not Austin).<br /></div>

Design Find: Bendant Lamp

Ooh, ooh! I'm loving this piece for its color and its great price! Find at Uncommon Goods (Brooklyn, not Austin).

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Break Out The Spray Paint!

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SRXsY4GPWbI/AAAAAAAAD9E/Pi0prCk3-DU/s1600-h/***Lampshades.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5266375251399236018" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SRXsY4GPWbI/AAAAAAAAD9E/Pi0prCk3-DU/s800/***Lampshades.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 324px; height: 432px;" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">I'm not too big on DIY, but these lampshades just might change my mind!</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Found via <a href="http://www.eddieross.com/eddie_ross/2008/11/before-after---when-life-gives-you-lemons.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Eddie Ross' blog.</span></a></span></span><br /></div>

Break Out The Spray Paint!

I'm not too big on DIY, but these lampshades just might change my mind! Found via Eddie Ross' blog.

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Can You Keep Decorating If Your Money Is All Gone?

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SPK_7vy6ZxI/AAAAAAAADz0/1DrXL2IV_ho/s1600-h/**Budget+decor.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5256474748257986322" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SPK_7vy6ZxI/AAAAAAAADz0/1DrXL2IV_ho/s800/**Budget+decor.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 632px; height: 480px;" /></a>You can if you decorate college dorm style. I found this article via <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/10/02/garden/20081002-STUDENTS_2.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">The New York Times</span></a> about some very creative college students and their cheap decorating tricks. The two photos above are so cool, I would be willing to pay good money to copy the look. But they are both assembled from found pieces! Times being what they are, I guess we are all going to have to get creative.<br /></div>

Can You Keep Decorating If Your Money Is All Gone?

You can if you decorate college dorm style. I found this article via The New York Times about some very creative college students and their...

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Great Ebay Finds.

<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SA-aap5a__I/AAAAAAAABj4/DuudH1h24ak/s1600-h/Picture+48.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192538678095446002" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SA-aap5a__I/AAAAAAAABj4/DuudH1h24ak/s320/Picture+48.png" style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I really enjoy reading Joanna Goddard's blog, <a href="http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Cup of Jo</span></a>. She always posts beautiful photos and interesting articles. I really enjoy her style. She is selling some of her personal items on <a href="http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZjgoddard18"><span style="font-style: italic;">Ebay</span></a>, and true to her style...they are very cool. My favorite pieces are the postcards and charming dress. Ahh, to be an "Xtra Small".<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SA-aO55a_-I/AAAAAAAABjw/0C2MFDifx-k/s1600-h/Picture+49.png" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192538476231983074" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/SA-aO55a_-I/AAAAAAAABjw/0C2MFDifx-k/s400/Picture+49.png" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 274px;" /></a>

Great Ebay Finds.

I really enjoy reading Joanna Goddard's blog, Cup of Jo . She always posts beautiful photos and interesting articles. I really enjoy her...

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Design at a Bargain-Butterfly Prints

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/R6AJ5Y-4nHI/AAAAAAAAAnU/0roHmE8xX8I/s1600-h/aaapotterybarn.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161136054529989746" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gt7eA_0QKPA/R6AJ5Y-4nHI/AAAAAAAAAnU/0roHmE8xX8I/s400/aaapotterybarn.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" /></a>When it comes to finding accessories for a home, I can be a bit of a snob. I don't necessarily think that a house has to be filled with very costly items or rare antiques, but I don't like poorly made items that are sold by the thousands. Occasionaly, I find a chain store item that I love anyway, so I decided to share them. The first items I want to share are these beautiful butterfly prints from <a href="http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p10049/index.cfm?pkey=caccdecprt"><span style="font-style: italic;">Pottery Barn</span></a>. The prints have a wonderful array of colors, and the simple black frames, can work in almost any room. The small 8"x10" frames start at only $39.00, and my personal favorite, the "Quad scape" is only $299.00 for the set of four. I really love these prints, but if I start seeing them all over the place, I reserve the right to change my mind. I know, I know, so snobby.<br /></div>

Design at a Bargain-Butterfly Prints

When it comes to finding accessories for a home, I can be a bit of a snob. I don't necessarily think that a house has to be filled with ...

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