Planning to entertain at Easter?.

Are you planning to entertain at Easter? Then stop over at Pottery Barn's and check out their latest Spring collection. Every thing is so Springy and airy I just loved it all:)

This beautiful table setting perfect for Easter!

These beautiful candle holders would jazz up any table!

I also love this festive set of faux eggs, that spell easter. you can get them here.

and speckled eggs too!

Nothing says Spring better than Flowers, their bowls are awesome!

These Floral salad plates are so pretty!

I also got wowed by there bathroom stuff.

Seaside embroidered hand towels to brighten your guest bathroom.

These Glass Bird canisters would look great in any bathroom!
I also discovered they have PBTeen...a store dedicated to Bedding and accessories for Teens. So if you have a teenager who's in need of a Bedroom makeover check it out. Its a one stop shopping!

This Tropical Floral Bead Board Bedroom ensemble is beautifully set up.

Getting ready for Easter

Today I am starting a new series called Artist in Focus where I will interview an Artist I admire and showcase their work once a week on Wednesdays.  I hope you will enjoy my selections as much as I do.  And if you feel you would like me to showcase someone you admire please feel free to let me know.

So today we're going to visit Jes, an interior designer by trade and crafter at heart, owner of Etsy Store "DearJes". I stumbled onto Jes's store as I was trying to find Easter related artifacts to write about since Easter is just a little over 3 weeks away....and I just literally gasped at how beautiful her clay eggs were, perfect for easter and a host of other uses.  I quickly decided to contact her and see if she could answer a few questions for me. She graciously agreed. But first, take a look at a few of the goodies in her store:





You can see more at DearJes on Etsy.

Here's my interview with Jes:
BB. What inspired you to start your business?
J: I have always been artistic. I have been making gifts for my friends, and decorative items for my home for as long as I can remember. When I found Etsy I knew that it was the perfect forum for my new little venture. 
BB: Did you have any formal training?
J: My degree is from Virginia Tech in Interior Design. It's actually a really great foundation for me. Although my focus in school was much more focused on commercial design, and interior architecture (as opposed to "decorating") I carry so many principles of design and color with me. I apply them daily.

BB: What's your typical day like?
J: I have two sweet rowdy little boys (Cole 6 and Mac 3). So, most of my day is spent caring for/entertaining them. Also, cooking, cleaning, breaking up fights... It's all very glamorous. My Dearjes work is always secondary to my primary "job" as a stay at home Mom. My Dearjes duties come in small bites throughout the day when I can fit them in. My Husband Troy is my photographer... so when he is home, we have "photo shoots". My assistant/friend, Claire does all of my packing and shipping. She does an outstanding job.

BB: Where do you get your inspirations from? 
J:I am inspired directly from nature. I like my nests to appear as if they were discovered in a tree, created by a very smart and literate bird. I also am inspired greatly by the change of seasons. I change the accessories in my home seasonally, and my shop evolves as well.

BB: How do you come up with the color/design themes? 
J: Many of my designs are a tribute to the creativity of the brides I have worked with. We work together to find the prefect cake topper, or ring bearers nest for their wedding. Often that item becomes a regular Dearjes offering. I am a total color-snob. I cringe when a bride asks for fushia eggs. I will make them of course ...though it be through gritted teeth. I just think of the poor diseased bird that laid them. I love colors that appear in nature.

BB: What's your target market? 
J: I'd guess that 80% of our business is bridal. To be honest I was leery to enter this market. I was fearful that I'd be dealing with lots of Bridezillas.... but the truth is that the brides I have had the privilege to work with have been wonderful. Maybe it's the Etsy culture? I feel so lucky to do what I do. It's such joy filled work. I get to play a tiny role in a monumental day in the lives of my customers. I feel so fortunate. 

BB: Anything else you'd want my readers to know about you and or your business? 
J: I take so much pride in my work. I would never ship something that I would not display in my own home, or would have used at my wedding. Dearjes is not a wealth driven venture. It's has been very successful, but at the core I want a creative outlet that inspires me. It's not about putting food on the table. I never want to be out of reach for a bride. We have a very attainable price-point and I am proud of that. I love being a part of the handmade community for this reason. Since opening Dearjes last year, I have become so much more aware of how products are made. It's been a wonderful adventure. 


I hope you have all enjoyed my chat with Jes and her wonderful creations! Have a lovely day.

The Giraffe Manor

Having grown up in Africa, I am so drawn to all things african. So when I came accross the Giraffe Manor...actually a friend of mine visited and recommended it,  I immediately fell in love with this exotic place! I thought I should share it with you. Its located just 20 kilometers away from Nairobi, the capital of Kenya in East Africa.  I love giraffes and this manor brings you up close and personal with girraffes. They are literally in your backyard!







How cool is this Breakfast with Giraffes, this is definitely on my list of places to visit!

Raindrops keep falling!

Good morning everyone! hope you had a lovely weekend. Mine was alright but a bit gloomy, it rained all weekend!  In fact its still raining and I have to dash off to work in a few minutes so I thought I would leave you with a few trinkets to brighten up your day as they did mine!
I think I need an umbrella from Bisou, Bisou Beads!

Cloud Earring From ohmiroir Aren't they cute?

How about this Meteor Rain pendant from Silver Lines Jewelry, Gorgeous isn't it?

A single Rain Drop necklace from Gina Zetts.

and finally this Drip Drip Drop Chaceldony pendant from HandCraftedCarolyn does the trick! Have a good day all.:)

Bedroom Decor

Hi Sweeties. I have been meaning to redo my bedroom for ages. Actually I haven't really done anything to it since I moved into my house some 10 years ago! So I started perusing around and found some interesting ideas from House Beautiful. Some of which don't fit my present circumstances, but what the heck, I still loved them! Take a look.

Now if I had a Beach house this would be perfect!


I loved this one because its so feminine!


I love the striped headboard and overall simplicity of this room.


I love Black and White. I think I would use this idea in a guest bedroom though.


Ah! this is really Romantic and the colors are very close to what I currently have, so it wouldn't be too far fetched to implement it. Its so calm and relaxing!


Here's another casual cottage decor well suited for a beach house that I love.


If you're thinking of redoing your bedroom ,you can see more bedroom decor ideas from House Beautiful.

Spring Inspiration!

Spring is my all time favorite time of the year, the sky is blue, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and I can't help but smile! Spring always puts me in a good mood, so imagine how thrilled I was when I ran across illustrator Katie Daisy's web sight and realized that her work personifies what Spring is to me!  Katie  who hails from the prairie's, describes herself as a wondering artist  inspired by rural life.  Her spin on floral typography is what caught my eye. Everything is so beautifully drawn its enchanting . Take a look and enjoy...



You can see more of Katie's illustrations here.

The Spring Fashion Scene!

If you're like me, you must surely love the Fashion scene, even though I can't really participate in it cos of the money factor, I still appreciate beautiful gowns when I see them.  Today I am featuring the young designer from TV's Project Runway's 4th season ...Christian V. Siriano. Now I have to admit, when I first watched Project Runway I wasn't really smitten, especially with Christian. He looked so young, I remember thinking surely he cannot know much about Fashion until one day I switched on the TV and there he was...with his own show and the clothes were absolutely fabulous! I have been a fan since then.

Here is Spring 2011 (Ready To Wear) RTW Collection:














































Aren't they amazing! You can see the rest of the collection at nymag.com

Here is Spring 2011 (Ready To Wear) RTW Collection:
ps This is what finally convinced me he was a Fabulous Designer!








So pretty and feminine!


and playful!

nymag

and finally here he is...Artiste Extrodinaire...Mr. Christian V. Siriano.