Zoe's Dream-Catching Birthday Party

Our daughter Zoe celebrated her 7th birthday yesterday with a dreamcatcher party.  With a bit more prep work than I anticipated (more on that later this week), her friends strung beads and hung feathers to create their very own dreamcatchers to filter out bad dreams.  Take a look at yesterday's photos and stay tuned for details on how to host your own dreamcatcher party . 

Happy Birthday Zoe!!!

What To Wear: A Shared Pinboard

Sometime in September I created a Pinterest board entitled "What To Wear" as a place to share autumnal fashion ideas and sources with other pinners.  I must admit it's been super fun following everyone's favorite looks.  There's a great group of contributors:  a fashionista who finds inspiration from the runaways, a lover of  layering clothes, a chic and sophisticated dresser, a woman with lots of bohemian flair and a laid-back clothes horse.  To all those that are adding to the board, please keep doing it.  I'm already spotting fashion for a Spring 2015 pinboard, even though I haven't been able to put on a pair of boots or wear a cashmere sweater yet.  California's heat wave is giving me the Fall wardrobe denial blues... If you'd like to be part of the shared "What To Wear" board follow me on Pinterest so I can send you an invite.

Happy pinning!

Images: via Pinterest

Peruvian Blankets

Some time ago, Alex and I bought a Peruvian Blanket for our project room and ever since I've been tempted to purchase another one.  The collection that Marisa Haskell displays in her Temescal Alley  jewelry studio is sheer eye candy for lovers of color and pattern.  The blankets are weighty and drape easily over a sofa or chair to add a pop of color and a touch of fun to any space.  We haven't bought our second one yet, but I'm constantly tempted by Marisa's ever changing stock of them.  Take a look:

BTW, her jewelry is also high on my wish list.  So far, I own two pieces!

Botanical Inspiration: Plants Around The House

The other day, while tending to the plethora of plants we have around the house, I thought it would be nice to share where they actually live.   Some of the places you find them may be considered a bit unexpected, such as in a bathroom,  in our children's spaces and even atop bookcases.  I began placing plants in the twins' room while decorating their nursery, and ever since then there's been a plant or two in their bedroom.  Today one sits by Max's turntable on his and Ben's nightstand.  Our home office would not be complete without a botanical touch, and the kitchen counter changes seasonally with cut branches or foliage.  Zoe's room often houses a delicate fern that softens the already sweet space. Take a look:

To see my favorite indoor plant groupings and some ideas on how to create your own, click here.

What's your favorite plant spot?

Out And About: Modernaire, Oakland CA

Last week I popped into Modernaire's new location in Oakland.  After years in Berkeley, owner Bruce Crawford moved his carefully curated mid-century wares to a large, well lit space on Telegraph Ave.  Living in a mid-century home, I'm naturally drawn to stores that represent the era, but what impressed me most about Modernaire was its wide array of accessories.  Clocks, lamps, bowls, art and even a free standing fireplace were artfully displayed and available for sale.  Any one of the items offered would be perfect for adding detail and personality to a space, mid-century or not.  Take a look: