S.HOPtalk

{ new discoveries }

2008-10-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

Oh how I wish I was outside enjoying this lovely Fall day...but, alas, I am swamped with projects–thus the belated posting today.

These photos were taken during a recent morning stroll in the historic city cemetery, located close to my home. It might sound a bit odd, but this is my new favorite {and secret} escape spot.

Ten acres of lush gardens, gorgeous architectural elements, and rich California history create the ideal outdoor museum for one to explore leisurely.

And just so you don't think I'm too out there, the public is encouraged and welcome to visit anytime–either through a self-guided tour or via the many tours and events that are hosted at the cemetery nearly every weekend. Check a city guide for a historic cemetery in your area...you might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

{all images by moi–thank you again Steve for letting me borrow your camera}

{ reclaim :: repurpose :: refresh...hats with a past }

2008-10-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

Super soft cashmere, angora, and boiled wool sweaters have been repurposed to create these gorgeous one-of-a-kind, fleurette cloche hats. Fanciful details such as hand sewn wool felt petals and vintage lucite buttons make them quite fetching, don't you think?

Which one is your favorite?

Quick links:

the giantdwarf shop

P.S. don't miss Sue's new rosette headbands which can be custom ordered to match your favorite coat.

{ monday making me smile... }

2008-10-06T10:32:00.000-07:00

These oh-so-pretty estate sale notions and treasures found in the Lobster & Swan shop.

estate sale lot: coastal hideaway

estate sale lot: flamingo

estate sale lot: midnight in paris

A passionate collector of vintage and new craft supplies, the über creative Ms. Jess has gathered her best bits together and beautifully assembled them into petite and inspiring kits-to-go. Oh the possibilities...

quick links:

the lobster & swan shop

flickr stream

not one, but two blogs here and here too {not to be missed}

{ weekend getaway guide }

2008-10-03T12:06:00.000-07:00

Is it really possible that this fun in the sun girl is actually looking forward to the rain that is forecasted for Saturday??? It's true, it's true...I am quite smitten with Autumn these days and have planned the perfect weekend around this welcome shift in weather conditions...

I plan to stay here for as long as possible tomorrow morning

there will most definitely be some of this {ideally, while still reading the newspaper in bed}

then, I hope to finish my list

next stop: return some books and check out new ones

and finally...cozy up next to the fireplace with my favorite people

If you happen to venture out this weekend, check out these stops along the way...

01 :: a treasure trove of treats

02 :: a recent addition to my wishlist

03 :: great tips for giving your blog a boost

04 :: i love this concept. {I hope they have plans to expand}

Thank you...I truly appreciate all of your visits and comments this week. Enjoy the weekend days ahead!

{ all images courtesy of Toast }

{ {i}spy: irresistible, one-of-a- kind treasures }

2008-10-02T14:08:00.000-07:00

I just spied these adorable, handmade stuffies in the UK based Strawberries and Cream shop and I want to adopt every single one of them. Such charming little adornments for a baby nursery, don't you think?

To see more:

Visit the Strawberries and Cream shop

Additional stuffies are also featured on the minori design web site

Don't miss: Theresia's flickr stream for more of her amazing designs

{ welcome...}

2008-10-01T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hello October...it's so nice to see you again!

as seen in my flickr faves...

1. Untitled, 2. Untitled, 3. ., 4. pumpkin.cream.soup, 5. infinity's lips, 6. mini-pie, 7. a snack, 8. born, 9. So When You Hear This Autumn Song, 10. Tonight's Moon, 11. morning will come again, 12. Sunday afternoon

Oh...and make sure you check out Heather's latest shop update--*swoon*!

{ spooktacular finds }

2008-09-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

We like to keep Halloween kid friendly at our house--a little spooky perhaps, but nothing too scary. These fun, hand-crafted finds keep things festive and friendly for all the sweet little tots who stop by to trick or treat {our favorite part of All Hallows Eve!}.

Spirited Sources:

one: owl by owlyshadowpuppets

two: halloween inspiration in Matthew Mead's new book

three: happy halloween print by belleandboo

four: personalized hand-painted sign by drooz studio

five: haunted houses cut-outs by owlyshadowpuppets

{background of image via Matthew Mead's free templates}

{ monday making me smile: valentina designs }

2008-09-29T07:26:00.000-07:00

I just love these prints from Valentina Designs--such lovely little reminders to embrace the power of positive thinking.

I've made my wish for the week, how 'bout you?

{found via design crush}

{ weekend getaway guide }

2008-09-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

image via flickr fave *Cinnamon

What are your plans for this lovely first weekend in Autumn?

For us, Fall brings about busy weekends. Saturday soccer games, family gatherings, and classmate birthday parties typically have us dashing from one event to the next. This weekend, however, we have a whole day to ourselves. With picture perfect Fall weather forecasted, I plan to savor every second of it...lingering a little longer at our neighborhood cafe, strolling the farmer's market, and venturing to a favorite used book store with my daughter.

Perhaps, you, too, have some time to dabble in a bit of site seeing:

01 :: I am so excited to join in on this project.

02 :: The waiting is over...Mrs. French's shop is open and utterly delightful.

03 :: This one stuck with me all week.

You've discovered the awe inspiring Karey, right?

04 :: Absolutely adorable: Merit badges for adults. { thank you Ez }

05 :: Downloadable designs--brilliant!

A couple of my faves: this, this & this.

I'd love to hear about your plans {even if you have none...sometimes those are the best kinds of weekends}.

{ reclaim :: repurpose :: refresh...the house on the hill }

2008-09-25T08:27:00.000-07:00

I immediately fell in love with the vintage industrial, modern country vibe of this Grainville, Ohio house featured in the latest issue of Country Living magazine.

Discovered as a dilapidated, "eclectic Tudor", old-house enthusiasts, Keith and Monique Keegan saw the home's potential and set out to give the home a fresh start--restoring it top to bottom. To jump start the transformation, the couple hosted a demolition party, {brilliant!} putting their talented and handy friends to work {including none other than the oh-so-talented Amy Butler}.

The result is a stunning, one-of-a-kind home. A mix of old and new and an expert blending of clean lines, natural materials, and metals creates a modern aesthetic that is welcoming and relaxed.

Monique has personalized the rooms with the vintage cubbies, cabinets, and containers she loves to collect. One of my favorite pieces is her studio worktable from the Packard factory--outfitted with a grocery-store paper and string dispenser.

The style of the space is kept pared down and clutter free using repurposed storage pieces such as a typesetter's cabinet and tin bread molds (as seen on the lower shelf above).

Old metal egg and fishing baskets house simple, white towels. Don't you love the two vintage mirrors over the limestone counters and porcelain sinks?

The zinc storage pieces underneath the footboard in the master bedroom???

Vintage Popsicle molds {how cool is that?}

For more inspiration, check out these Quick links:

The House on the Hill article

A look at the home's "before"

{ {i}spy: let's play }

2008-09-24T14:31:00.000-07:00

{i}spy: a colorful {and tidy} playroom...

Sources:

01. Tin-Can Caddy Project -- thank you Martha

02. Set of 3 storage suitcase -- Mahar Drygoods

03. Citrus Paperclip set -- Kendra W

04. Kids labels (set of 6) -- Studiojk

05. Clean Up Your Room print -- JohnWGolden

06. Kids Strapping Floor Bins -- Land of Nod

07. Roll.n.Go Crayons -- Lil.B Designs

08. Cardboard 'Mobile Home' -- KidsonRoof

09. Dine.n.Doodle chalk mat -- Lil.B Designs

inspired by one of the many to dos on my ever growing list of home projects: #3...create a fun and organized playroom

{ tempting me tuesday: whimsy & spice }

2008-09-23T09:32:00.000-07:00

The best things about Autumn may be the cool, crisp evenings and misty mornings that bring about a sense of quiet and peace....and, ahem, the occasional indulgence in a sweet treat {after all, bathing suit season is now months and months away}.

Resisting these sweet indulgences is sure to be all the more difficult since discovering Whimsy & Spice*– a home grown confectionary founded in early 2008 by the husband and wife team of Mark Sopchak and Jenna Park. Whimsy & Spice combines the talented couple's culinary arts and graphic design skills to produce a distinctive line of handmade sweets.

Mouth watering creations like cardamom marshmallows, espresso brownies, and cinnamon chocolate malt biscotti are handmade, hand rolled and hand packaged in Brooklyn NY. I'll take one of each please–fluffy bites of air don't have calories, right?

Don't miss the lovely Whimsy & Spice gift and sample sets–deliciously perfect gifts for the upcoming holiday season.

Quick links:

Blog

Site

Etsy

Psst: New Yorkers can also visit W & S at the Brooklyn flea this weekend.

{Thank you Nichole for the introduction}

{ monday morning blues... }

2008-09-22T10:42:00.000-07:00

A hint of vintage + a dab of blue to jump start your Monday...

cotton pool notes Cotton Idea Studio

navy ruffle trench {on sale} j.crew

pom pom bobbypins dangsworld

blue velvet ribbon caramelos

elise necklace luxedeluxe

tissue garland caramelos

vintage enamel mugs three potato four

Welcome back...have a wonderful week.

{ weekend getaway guide }

2008-09-19T09:39:00.001-07:00

image via country living

I present...your weekend site seeing guide for .09.19.08:

01 :: Live near SF? This sounds like a fabulous way to spend the day.

02 :: A decadent color palette to freshen your outdoor spaces for Fall.

03 :: Sometimes it's the little things.

04 :: My head is swirling with ideas and plans after seeing this.

Cheers...have a lovely weekend!

{ reclaim :: repurpose :: refresh: knack studios }

2008-09-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

studio front

I'm kicking off the return of this S.HOPtalk feature with a visit to Knack Studios--the oh-so-inspiring brainchild of Barb Blair, who personifies {in my humble opinion} the growing movement toward slow design. If I lived anywhere near Greenville, South Carolina--Knackstudios' home base–I would be camped out there every. single. day.

Barb uses her talent for hunting down and repurposing found objects to create Knack's collection of home products. The result is a line of one-of-a-kinds offerings--featured and sold in her studio space--geared toward a distinctly urban professional lifestyle. Barb describes her eclectic pieces as sleek yet warm, detailed but relaxed.

These are some of my faves:

And don't you love before & afters?

before:

after:

before:

after:

"new" black and gray cabinets filled with goodies from Thomas Paul

Barb certainly has a knack for turning drab into fab, don't you think?

For those of us who don't have the option of popping by Knack Studios and loading up a trailer full of her amazing recreations, Barb has created a Try it Yourself paint and prep tutorial, of which, I plan to take full advantage. Oh....and if you do live in the Greenville area, I'd love to hear an eye witness report back.

Quick Links:

Blog

Site

Flickr

{ differences }

2008-09-16T23:39:00.000-07:00

The more I watch this ad the more I love it. {The magic is in the ending}.

Sorry for the light posting...it's been a busy week. I hope to be caught up by tomorrow.

{Thanks Steve for passing this along}

{ monday making me smile: artist leontine may greenburg

2008-09-15T09:51:00.000-07:00

I absolutely adore these petite watercolor paintings by artist Leontine May Greenburg, based in Jackson Heights New York.

I am especially fond of her playful chandelier series.

Quick links:

Shop

Blog

Flickr

On the go today...hope you all had a lovely weekend.

{ take it outside... }

2008-09-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

I love the simplicity of dining al fresco in early Fall. The cooler, crisp evenings make for perfect gatherings in our backyard. A casual dinner on the patio, followed by silly chatter and shared stories around our beloved, no frills fireplace, and I'm in heaven.

The simple elegance featured in these images is a reminder that a well edited mix of elements, accented by the magic of candlelight, is all it takes to instantly transform one's space into a fresh, welcoming retreat for friends and family. Well, yes...there are the weeds and wild ivy I should tend to first. {I guess you know what I'll be doing this weekend}.

I hope you all have fabulous plans for the weekend! Thanks for sharing a bit of your week with me here.

~Suzanne

Images found via my latest discovery {and obsession}, House Doctor.

{ it's back... }

2008-09-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

{i}spy is back...

featuring my favorite finds & inspirations for the young

{and young at heart}...

{i}spy: something deliciously cute

image via danielle thompson

image via Wendy Copley

{i}spy: a magical day filled with tiny treasures

{i}spy: the best use of paper fans–ever!

{i}spy: fun party favors

{i}spy: a little lady in red

{i}spy: picture perfect styling

{i}spy: a time-out spot for moi

{ chic for cheap: a day with the girls }

2008-09-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

I couldn't resist joining in on Ez and Melissa's fun....

To play, visit here and here {don't miss Melissa's new digs}

Sources:

Ruffle Collar Pique Henley: J.Crew $34.50

Belted Twill Jacket: Old Navy $25-

Classic Boot Cut Jeans: Gap $49.50

Peony Silk Lined Clutch: Red Ruby Rose $75.00

Simone Stretch Ballet Flats: Target $14.99

Gray ruffle knit scarf: Gap $24.50

Total: $223.49

{ monday making me smile: boho photography }

2008-09-08T11:39:00.000-07:00

I've fallen head over heels for the dreamy photography of Denise Lynette Andrade {aka Boho Girl}. I find her photos peaceful, romantic, inspiring--just what I needed to ease back into a new week after a wildly busy weekend.

Don't miss:

Boho girl's blog

The beautiful {and new} Boho site.

Welcome back...how was your weekend?