Archive for Uncategorized
After the coffee plantation we put on our jackets and took a short climb up the Poas Volcano. We were so high we were up in the clouds…
Once the wind blew the fog and steam away, we were able to look into the crater:
This was the most desolate, barren, lonely place I’d ever seen. You can only see a little part of what we were able to see, but just looking over the crater gave me an uneasy feeling. Luckily on our walk down the volcano I made friends with Costa Rican wildlife to lift my spirits. I wanted to pet and love this little fella so badly, I had to put my hands in my pockets to resist the urge to pet him.
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We’re ditchin’ this cold weather and heading off to Costa Rica with Mick’s family. In order for my mother to keep her little Rachy close by, and for a personal record; I’m going to TRY to do a little blogging/travel log.
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Bringing it back to my Irish roots: Clontarf Castle in Doublini is absolutely beautiful. Classic castle exterior with modern decor. One day I’ll get there.
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I don’t get how people make magnificent gingerbread houses. I guess I just don’t have the patience nor the engineering skills. Here are some pretty extraordinary ginger bread houses.
Gingerbread farm. Template found here.
Noah’s Gingerbread ark.
Mt. Rainer found here.
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Thanks to my wonderful hairdresser who gave me a heads-up on this deal. This DVD set is on sale at Costco for $12 (warning: it’s advertised for $22, but is wrung up at the register for $12). It isn’t Christmas until you watch a little claymation!
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I’m a huge dog lover. So much that I might even decorate my next Christmas inspired by our little Pixi’s Colors. After wall, Alec Puskas did. Inspired by his dalmatian, Puskas decided to use a black and white themed Christmas for his home. I think it turned out lovely:
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This cold weather has gotten me into knitwear…for the home. I love what Dutch firm Perscentrum Wonen has done with their textiles. These images are simply fabulous! Their incorporation of handmade woven and crochet items along with rustic and modern have made such a great blend. These rooms are peaceful and serene. Find more about their company here.
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Mick and I will be traveling to Costa Rica with his family this Christmas. I’m definitely needing some r&r by the beach. As much as I love the sun, I don’t like the effects. Call me vain, but I’d like to stay looking in my 20’s while still in my 20’s. Sooooo…. this week I’ve bought some new products that I’m excited to use:
I know this might not be applicable for winter, but if you’re out in the sun or by the pool during the summer this product is great. It protects against UV rays, salt water, and chlorinated water (all which apparently are very harmful to one’s hair). Now I won’t be afraid to do some serious body-surfing out in the ocean. I was able to get this and other Kerastase products at the wonderful Enizio salon.
And the best self-tanners of all time: Giessee’s SUN. Found out Light Touch Skin Care in SLC. I’ve spent way too much money on drugstore self tanners that turn my skin orangey, so I finally buckled down and bought a nice kind. And I LOVE it. I highly recommend this kind.
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Weather your design style is traditional or contemporary, one big trend these days is free-standing bathtubs. I’ll admit, I think I’ve used ours twice. However, there is something nice about soaking up in a bubble bath reading a good book. Even though I don’t use the tub that often, I’d never exclude one in a design. I need to know I have one available. After all, tubs are the focal point of a bath suite. I went a little crazy with these pictures (they’re in my inspiration library, which I don’t have sourced), but they’re all so beautiful I couldn’t cut any out. Enjoy!
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Tis the season fr free things…More fun FREE digital scrap booking items found over at Summertime Designs. Thanks Summer for sharing these with everyone, they’re so fun!
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I’ve blogged about Mibo’s tile tattoos before. If you sign up to be on their mailing list you get a free downloadable calendar. Just click here.
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There’s an excellent article in this month’s Architectural Digest about how Australia based architect, Ivo Krivanek, followed the Golden Pattern while constructing this house. His beliefs are that “everything we know derives from the Parthenon.” It just goes to show that classic design principals never go out of style. “It had to be timeless so it didn’t create a date stamp,” he says.
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Enjoy your weekend. Tonight I’ll be strolling through temple square looking at the Christmas lights and displays. In the meantime, enjoy this Christmas display in midtown Manhattan.
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Mick usually blogs about weird products, but I actually think these are neat. Fashionable helmet wear!
Unfortunately YAKKAY doesn’t have any retailers in the US…yet. But if you happen to be somewhere in Europe, you can find their retailers here.
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Anybody visit 1st Dibs? I don’t know if it’s my love for history and furniture, but I visit the site quite frequently to window shop antiques. There’s a great article on Anthropolie’s antique buyer gallery director Keith Johnson. What a fun job he has: Traveling to international flea markets and brining back one-of-a-kind items that will inspire Anthropolie’s home decor line.
This just goes to show that there is beauty and inspiration in almost everything. A painting, and outfit, the colors in the sunset are all inspiring enough to decorate a room around.
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In honor of my little brother Joseph, I present to you Little Joseph. Is this creepy or cute? I’m leaning more towards creepy.
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Jocelyn Warner. Love her clean, fun designs. As I’ve mentioned before, wallpaper is no longer only for your mom’s powder room that is still stuck in the 80’s. The painted, red accent wall is out. Replace is with a wallpapered accent wall.
I’ve had a few clients be terrified to put in wallpaper. Technology has really advanced the way they make it. If you’re needing to resell your house or are tired of the print, the wallpaper comes off very easily. So get those fears of using a steam machine and every-other possible chemical out of your minds. Newer wallpaper comes off in big, long strands. Just the way it was put up.
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Hope ya’ll had a great Thanksgiving Holiday. I was able to spend it in Arizona with my family. Warm weather, family, and lots of pie. I just wanted to send my love to those in Mumbai. These pictures are of the beautiful Taj Hotel and of Mumbai.
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