linen love

Apartment Therapy recently had a post about Studiopatro's fabulous line of tea towels, aprons and linen bags.

I've become extremely addicted to tea towels of late and these beauties fit the bill.

Gray (grey?) and orange are definitely a favorite color combo and these graphic prints are beyond awesome.

My faves are definitely these two, sold in a set.

Lo and behold, I was tipped off that these are currently on sale at DesignStory. I had not heard of DesignStory before, but it turns out they have awesome sales for anyone who is design-obsessed. Scoot on over to DesignStory and check it out for yourself!

XO,

Chelsea

oh how I love...

Brinner! 

Brinner = Breakfast for Dinner

Easy, fun and a great way to clear the fridge

The kids love it...and so do I!

Last night's "brinner" was some whole grain toast, broiled with bruschetta and buratta (say that 5 x fast!), topped with a fried egg and sprinkled with basil. 

Do you make brinner? 

What's your favorite brinner recipe?

XO,

Chelsea

some love around this home

I've been very busily lovin' my home, but haven't shared any peeks in a while.

For some reason I am extremely picky about butter dishes. I never think they are quite wide enough to actually accommodate and they are either way too plain or way too ugly. But this little one caught my eye...and then its wayward brother and sister caught my eye as well a few shelves down. For $4 all in, it was hard to resist. Butter dishes, really? The things I obsess over sometimes...

This sweetly made heart has been on my to-be-framed list forever. I even had the shadowbox sitting out waiting to be filled ever since my sweet little guy made this for me. I'm proud to have such a creative little soul as a son.

What are you loving at home this week?

XO,

Chelsea

PS - I mentioned a few posts back that I'd be having a giveaway as soon as I hit 20. Well, that time has come so I'll be back tomorrow with a little something!

back to reality with two things time

Getting back to the swing of things after vacation has definitely been a challenge for me! Just keeping my eyelids open past 9 proved to be quite difficult. My amazing weekend and Mother's Day breathed new life into me though and I'm happy to be back on schedule.

And I'm super excited to join in Kassi's two things Tuesday, yet again. If you haven't joined up - you definitely should. Kassi's blog is super cute and seeing everyone's two things always makes my day! Besides, its always good to show the things around your home a little love. Consider it their moment in the spotlight, their 15 minutes.

Things getting the star treatment today at my home:

Another awesome item that my super-stylish, late Uncle had. I think my dad has held onto this for quite a while, but somehow it made it to my house. I'm pretty sure he threatened to repo it last time he came over, so I better get all the lovin' of this one in pronto!

This super cool tea box has great handmade details that I love. I am especially enthralled with the antique key and mother of pearl adornments. The papered interior of each tea box is particularly cool also.

Also feeling some love today, my Andy Warhol Marilyn glasses. I have always been a huge Marilyn Monroe fan and I absolutely love pop art. Put the two together and I'm pretty smitten. Can't afford fancy, expensive Pop Art? Get the glasses.

I bought these babes when I had my first "real" place back in Santa Barbara. They've seen their fair share of libations and I never get tired of the colorful addition they provide. We keep them in a glass cabinet in the living room. They're just too fun to put away in a dark cabinet!

What two things are you loving today? Leave me a comment of link up below! Can't wait to check out what you are lovin' today. 

XO,

Chelsea

Best.Day.Ever

There is something amazing about being served breakfast in bed, complete with Swedish lullaby (at least I think it was a lullaby...), fresh squeezed orange juice mimosa, smoothie, kanelbullar, some apple tart, handpicked flowers, and sweet little cards by my sweet little family. Sutter had made me several cards and strewn them about the house but he was too excited and instead told me where they were or went and retrieved them for me.

And how could I forgot my awesome card, drawn by Sutter, promising me a new pair of shoes from my two little ones. Apparently it was all their idea, Carl is just the financial sponsor. They certainly know what their mama likes.

After my amazing breakfast, I even got to fall back asleep and get some extra beauty rest. A picnic lunch at the beach, some visiting time with my mom and then some relaxed alone time with my honey made for a perfect day.

I feel so lucky to have such a wonderful little clan to take care of me and remind me of how awesome it is to be a mom.

I hope all you mommy's out there had a wonderful day, felt lots of love, and took some time to revel in how amazing you are for being a mom.

XO,

Chelsea

feeling the love - two things around my home

Do you find it hard to sleep when you are super excited about something? I am one of those people that gets so amped up about doing something that I have a hard time sitting still, sleeping or even having focused conversations! I squealed with glee last night as we climbed in bed after spending the evening packing. I am counting the hours until vacation time and I'm having a hard time even typing because I am so anxious!

The countdown clock on my toolbar says 18 hours 27 minutes and 50 seconds until I am on a plane to relaxation and fun with my honey!

I'm hoping to stay away from the computer and guessing that I probably won't have any access to the Internetz anyway, so I promise to take lots of pics and go post-happy upon my return!

Today, I'm once again joining Kassi in her lovin' of two things around the home. She has been settling into her awesome new house and its so fun to once again see what she's loving around her place! That candle of hers looks just as gorgeous as it smells! I have yet to buy any nice candles since we've moved, but I love the way that scents can transport you to somewhere else. Thanks for sharing Kassi!

Right now I am totally in love with my light-up globe.

I'd been wanting a globe for quite a while and when I found this one that lights up at one of my local thrifts, I was beyond thrilled! I hemmed and hawed about actually buying it because I wasn't sure I wanted to pay what they were asking. After setting it down and picking it up about 5 times, I finally just dropped the dough and brought it home. I'm glad I did because it is in really perfect condition and everyone has just loved it around the house so far. 

I'm in love with the glow it gives off. 

Its right outside our bedroom and serves as a sort of nightlight.

It makes me dream of exotic destinations yet to discover...

I'm also totally loving my old, weathered adirondacks.

The longer, warmer days have been giving us lots of excuses to linger outside. I can't wait for more bbq's, more gardening, more evenings watching the sun set on the American Riviera. A cushy, exotic-print pillow, a good book and a glass of wine - I'm set for lounging. 

What are you loving around your home today? 

Please share in the comments or link up to Kassi's blog and leave me a comment letting me know so I can check it out!

XO,

Chelsea

i HEART Thursdays - furniture needs love too

So, first things first. I am a liar, liar pants on fire. I said I was going to join in Kassi's two things post this week, but I didn't. Too many photos to edit and moving back and forth between computers just didn't allow for it.

But I did want to post my new favorite thing around my house and get some advice! So here goes...

A few weeks back I saw an adorable kitchen in all orange (a recurring favorite color in our home) and I just died. The chair mixed in so well with the rest of the furnishings so seamlessly with its updated bright, lacquered persimmon shade. Cute, right? It was. You'll have to just believe me because like the blond that I am, I forgot to keep the picture. Duh. I did, however, put it in the ole memory bank with the thought that someday, far from now I might come across a chair like that. Fast forward about a week (maybe less) during a sadly unsuccessful stop at my fave thrifting spot - and voila - the chair. Absolutely perfect in all its chippy white glory. And 4 bucks. The chair of course came with me and presented itself at our lovely dining table. Harper immediately fell in love with it and even Carl didn't mind too much that it was the second furniture item I had drug home that week.

So, here in lies the dilemma. To paint or not to paint - that is the question!?

I love how the shabby chic white is a nice contrast to the darker, midcentury Drexel dining set. But I have that image of the shiny lacquered orange one in my head and I know that's a fabulous option too! What to do. Carl likes the white just as is, but I'm not a fan of the flaking white paint everywhere. Ideas? Advice? I'd love to hear what anyone thinks...


And speaking of furniture, here's a sweet little roundup of heart furniture. Usually when one thinks of furniture and heart, country kitsch comes to mind. I found quite a few awesome options that I would actually rock in my own home:

part Art, part seating, 100% adorable

a heartfelt nod to the Womb Chair

the sweetest little girl's fairytale vanity

i'd give this chair a pop-life makeover with neon lacquer and plush white velvet

sweet Parisian cafe chairs

adorable furniture love print

What are you loving this Thursday??

XO,

Chelsea

Cloud Love

Inspired by Caroline's post over at her Couer de La blog, I decided to do a post on something I love.

I love clouds. I love the way they change the landscape of the sky. I love the colors they take on. I love the way they shift into shapes beyond the imagination.

I find myself taking pictures of them without even realizing it. They can cast a mood on a day, cast a shadow, and cause a downpour.

Here's some clouds I've experience firsthand...

wispy clouds on a Boston skyline

Cape Cod clouds through Grammy's porch screen

Arizona desert clouds

threatening clouds

Sedona mountain clouds

finding Cloudbase

And some I've loved secondhand...

Amelie bunny cloud

(source: flickr)

Crayola clouds

Pretty cloud cookies

 (source above two pics: weheartit)

And this amazing sky from The Cloud Appreciation Society - yes, you read that right. Check it out. Pretty awesome!

Join in the fun and tell me what you love? Or better yet, post it and send me a link!

I'll be back later with my two things I love - and I actually need some advice on one of the items in my home that I want to show and tell!!

XO,

Chelsea

two things Tuesday

Happy Tuesday to all!

Kassi over at BacWoods Fern is back with her two things lovin' link up so I decided to play along again. Moving has definitely made me re-appreciate some of my beautiful and cherished things that had been stored away for some time. Since last week was a break from the two things, this week there is sure to be lots of McKlinky's. Check out Kassi and all the fun links to see what everyone's loving around their homes!!

This week my first thing is actually a collection of things. I love my collection of pottery and glass - a good deal of it is midcentury and some of it is new. Its all handmade items, some by friends and family, and in yummy shades of green, blue and pink.

and I absolutely love Mr. Fish.

I've found that people either love him or hate him.

Its taken Carl some time to warm up to him, but he's beginning to see why I love Mr. Fish so much. 
My friend Trent Watanabe painted the fish many years ago and I have treasured him ever since! He's hung in the living room of my past four homes. I've debated on framing him several times, but I think I like him just the way he is for now.

check out some of Trent's other artwork. I love his crisp, graphic paintings.

Mr. Fish likes the light of the discoball reflecting upon him...

 

Speaking of home lovin', I have promised to post some house pics and have since failed on all accounts. 

But yesterday was such a gorgeous evening that I just had to get outside with the rascals and enjoy the sunshine and air. 

And snap a few...

one of my favorite places

herbs awaiting a new home...

i love our camellia bushes

and I love our view (sorry its framed by antenna wires)

This week is already whirling by pretty quickly. I'm enjoying the extra hour of daylight. Not enjoying that its still dark at 7 am. Its been a beautiful 75 degrees the past few days, the rest of the country is eating their heart out right now!

I'm also looking forward to lots of celebrating this week! More time with Axel and Inga, celebrating a very special man's birthday, a house warming shindig and enjoying a show by my friend Rusty Lindsey. If you have a moment, check him out. His voice is soulful and amazing. And he's a pretty cool guy too.

What are your plans for the week??

XO,

Chelsea

two things lovin'

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! It wasn't quite as long as last weekend, but it was still a nice break to allow me some home time!

I skipped out on joining the "two things" fun over at BacWoods Fern last week - since most of my "things" were still in boxes (or piles on the floor)! This week though, I'm feeling a lot more like our sweet little house is a home.

We spent the weekend putting some finishing touches on the living room - hanging pictures, arranging accessories and lots of wiring and electronic "stuff" (Carl's department). Its starting to come together! Seeing all our goodies out and about in the living room made it so easy to spot my "two things" for this week!!

Scottish plant stand

The story behind this (according to my dad), is that my grandparents bought it in Scotland and had it shipped back here. Its supposedly from the 1800s. One of the legs is a bit cattywompus but I still love it! I love the bronze flowers on the bottom and all the filigree detailing. Its very ornate which is a nice contrast to the stark white bookcase next door.



my dad made me this surfboard several years ago. It was intended to be a table, but I kind of like it propped up on the wall. We originally had it screwed into a base fashioned from another coffee table, but it was sort of top heavy and tipped over too much for my liking. Its been in hiding for several years and now I thought would be the perfect time to proudly display its cool-factor. I love the look of the different wood grains and I love that my dad made it for me!!

Head on over to BacWoods Fern today to see what Kassi's loving and join in the MckLinky fun to see what else people are appreciating in their homes today.

XO,

Chelsea

Vinyl lovin'

My beautiful, talented friend Kassi over at BacWoods Fern has an awesome Tuesday "two things I'm loving around my home" post each week. I finally decided I'd link up today with my two things!!

I LOVE my record player. It was a Mother's Day gift several years ago and it took up residence in the garage for several years since there was nowhere to put it. I finally pulled it out when I moved and we've all loved having it. There is nothing quite like the sounds that come out of a record player. We had an awesome dance party with the kids on Saturday night!!

And of course, what record player wouldn't be complete without an awesome vinyl collection! I have tons of my parents' old records as well as some that I've collected over the years. What I love though, is the old record crates they are in. Licorice Pizza was an awesome record store in Santa Barbara several years ago. When they were closing, I was in there scooping up what I could before they closed and they let me have these two crates. I think I was like 14 at the time! Their retro cool logo is a waitress carrying what looks like pizza, but is actually steaming hot vinyl! Genius.

Check out Kassi's awesome blog and share what you're lovin' around your home today!

XO,
Chelsea