This is what it’s come to.
A simple inquiry by Neil’s grandmother about what I spent my birthday money on set me to thinking, “I’m pretty sure I just deposited that in the old checking account as any responsible young parent might do. But here she is reminding me that I should have something nice. I’m pretty sure she’s right. I’m nice. I deserve something nice. That money should not buy two jumbo packs of diapers or a metric ton of GoGo Squeeze.

Cut to a few days later where I’ve all but convinced myself I deserve some very nice things, and right away. Kids are in bed (score!), freelance project is waiting (i’ll get to you, just give me a minute to myself!), and I find myself on Etsy. I had seen a blog post somewhere about someone who upgraded from a jewelry box for her many many necklaces, to some delightful wall hooks, thereby putting said jewelry on display which is a) pretty, and b) a reminder to put on some jewelry you pretty thing!

It wasn’t much of a leap to, “Hey, maybe if I had hooks, I’d wear my four necklaces sometime too.” (I might have more than four, but not many more. I strive to have more. Listening Neil?)

So I find these simple vintage wall hooks and this eye-catching red number:

And it’s giving me something to think about. I haven’t put anything in the shopping bag yet because the search results for “wall hooks” in the Vintage category keeps coming up with these beautiful vintage hand-hooked rugs.

That’s right, the Other hookers.

And I can’t help myself, but I think I’ve found my new obsession.

Love love love these little gems. I want to own them pronto. But my question is this: do these vintage pieces fit in with modern decor? Where do they go? Wall? Floor? Bedroom? Bathroom?

Where would you put them? And which one should I buy with my birthday money first? I’m eager to support the hookers.

Just stopping by to say Ican’tbelieveIhaven’twritteninsolong! Wow.

And also to say that I will be back. With actual interesting things to say and pictures and everything. It’s gonna be good.

See you soon.

So you know I’ve got this great big house to decorate which includes a whole lot of big empty walls. I’m slowly getting up some old favorites (including a few vintage faves that were in my room as a kid- pics soon) but I’m feeling the need for some fresh ink. Imagine my delight upon discovering Feed Your Soul.

This free art program from the folks at Indiefixx is brilliant and totally free. Artists submit their designs for free download and printing by you all while promoting their art.

All you need is some nice paper and a frame. Done.

Which one is your fave?

So we finally, finally settled in to our new house! We’ve been holed up with family for the summer while we shopped around; looking at house after house after house. And what can I say? If you have high standards, you have to be willing to live with disappointment. Oh the disappointment!

But lets not focus on that. Let’s focus on this, our new house.

Nothing Says Home Like Cheap Seasonal Decorations From Target

We’re only about two weeks in so there are many many boxes to unpack and many many (or just one really) couches to buy, and also bureaus. We’re in Yarmouth, just minutes from Portland. The house is huge, roomy, and is walkable to town and a network of trails. Basically, everything on our hit list was found in this house. Yay!

Here are a few more peeks.

Pretty Details

Old wallpaper in the foyer

Front staircase that reminds me of being in church every time I use it

View from the playroom

So we’re home. And we have big big plans that I’ll be talking more about in the coming weeks. Goals being reached and all that good stuff. And while we dig in to make it all happen, I’ve found this from Keri Smith to be particularly inspirational. Perhaps you will to.
It’s just a really good reminder for all of us who don’t really care to work for the man anymore.

Heading out the door shortly for date night (!) on this lovely warm fall day. Dinner at [yet to be determined but it’s gonna be good] followed by Capitalism: A Love Story.
Smokin’ hot new leather boots out on the town? It’s going to be a good night.

Hope yours is too!