Saturday, July 3, 2010

Hard Reset

I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July!
Personally, I will be taking time next week to try and reset my brain. Its no secret that I have been very out of sorts this year. The passing of my father was only the beginning of what has been one of the most difficult times of my life. Honestly, it has been so trying and overwhelming at times, that I couldn't think of how to share it on my blog. That is why I have been away so much. Facing other health problems in my family, issues in my marriage, and frustrating professional dealings have left me truly spent. Trying to be creative has been the last thing on my mind.
On the other hand, I have learned many, many things too! For one, I realize how short life is and we should make the most of it, everyday. I also realize how much I have changed the last couple of years. I am not the same person. Most of my priorities have transformed before my eyes. Mostly, I have let go of the hold material things had on my life. Objects and "status symbols" mean very little to me anymore. That is another issue w/ this blog, its difficult to keep writing about furniture and shopping; when I really don't care about it much. I also struggle with pretending to care! At this point, what I really care about is the well being of my family, healing past wounds, caring for others, and expressing my creativity in a way that truly comes from my soul...and I really don't know what that means right now. I'm trying to figure it out.
For months, I've been debating whether I should share all this. I mean most readers want to see article about interior design for goodness sakes! Then it occurred to me that I began this site as a way to express my thoughts and ideas that I often have to keep to myself, because there is no room for them in my day to day. So, that's what I'm doing!! I will be taking this blog in a more personal and introspective direction, because that's where I am right now. Not to say, that I won't write about design; because it is still something I love. Except, design has changed for me. I'm no longer interested in designing rooms or homes that I can brag about or that exist to "impress" others. I want design to be an expression and refuge for the soul. I dream of homes becoming an extension of the owner's inner person, w/out regard to trends and pedigree. Yes, I do realize how crazy this can sound, but its what I feel.
So, I hope that all of you can forgive my current self-examination and self-questioning. Maybe I'm not the only one feeling like this and maybe some of you understand perfectly what I'm saying. So, as you can see I even neutralized the blog title on format. What was there doesn't really represent me anymore, but I'm still not sure what does. That's why I decided to sort of take away everything until I know what I want. Man, all of this sounds crazier than I thought! Crazy or not, I felt I needed to say it here. Think of me what you will, but I wanted to be honest. OK, that's all for now. Thanks for reading this all the way through and I will be back soon:)
Carolina

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Woke Up Singing

Even with another hurricane looming around the corner, I woke up singing "Shiny Happy People". I can't get it out of my head today, so I thought some of you might need a shiny, happy moment for yourselves:)

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Judge A Book By Its Cover

I love receiving my weekly Houzz updates, because they are a little treat waiting for me in my email. This weekend I especially loved the photos of a little house with a modern soul. If I were walking down the street and came across this place, I would wish that I could run inside. Funny enough, I have seen the inside because it is the home of Morgan of The Brick House. (Some time ago I mentioned this blog here).

The Brick House is all about modern design on a budget, which is an idea that is close to my heart. It frustrates me that we tend to associate modern with large expense! Don't get me wrong I love reading Dwell or Architectural Digest as much as the next person, but that isn't really practical for most of us, right? Fortunately, Morgan doesn't let a small budget hold her back and I LOVE this amazing detail on the front of the house. I have to confess that I'm including this photo in hopes that it might inspire all you modern lovers who think your house could never express your ideas. Just think a little out of the box...ha, ha!
Wow! Check out the before pic.
The backyard is fantastic!
Finally, I couldn't resist this photo because the simplicity of it is so wonderful. I envy Morgan's ability to live with very few items. I try to do this myself but often fail:( Having so many blank spaces allow your mind to wander and reflect. (Said the hard-core introvert!).

Friday, June 25, 2010

A Year's Worth Of Time


A year later and I still don't feel much better about this. Although, today is the first time I've been able to listen to Man in the Mirror all the way through with out tears so, maybe there is some improvement.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Green Day 2!

Funny, I wasn't even feeling green until I saw this photo! I may also be feeling a little green with envy.

Friday, June 18, 2010

I'm Making Big Changes!

So we have finally made the decision to move In fact, school districts have forced us into the decision, but I don't care because I've been ready for a change!! So, currently I am in the process of preparing the house to put on the market and to somehow de-personalize my very, VERY personal space. Wish me luck!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Blog Crush

You've heard of girls having a "girl crush" and guys having a "guy crush", well bloggers often have blog crushes. My new infatuation is with Maize written by Virginie Sannier. It consists of an amazing collection of textures, colors and the capturing of small moments. Ohhh, my heart flutters!





I love these delicate cut paper creations. They remind me of little butterflies fluttering through the air. Some of Virginie's creations can be found here, but I hope you speak French.


I knew love was meant to be when I saw this photo because I have this bedding too!

Monday, June 14, 2010

I Love Nateday!

Happy Nateday! If you don't know what I'm talking about go to Twitter and find all the bloggers writing about the amazing Nate Berkus. I found out about late in the game but I want to play along anyway. Here is one of my favorite posts from 2008..Yikes!! I think you'll understand how I feel about that Nate:)
Of course, I mean Nate BerkusElle Decor features the redesign of Berkus' personal home this month. It looks so wonderful I just had to take the opportunity to declare my true love for Nate. He has won my heart for a couple of reasons. First, the use of very eclectic accessories and furniture. Second, because of the amazing striped rugs. I don't know what it is with me and the stripes.


Any other Berkus fan club members, out there?

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Feeling Tipsy

Hello, all! I had to share this video of an unbelievable house that is now on the market. It is space-age fabulous!!! Designed by Richard T. Foster in 1968, the Rotating House is ingenious. Once inside, you can rotate the house to face any view of the beautiful property it sits on. Love it! 
P.S.  Monday's post didn't appear here because of problems with Blogger. I did post a link on my Twitter and Facebook sites. Be sure and check out another amazing home there. As for the explanation of where I've been...still to come, I promise.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

I Know, I Know...I Should Have an Explanation.

Like where have you been for a couple of months? Ahhh, I'm almost scared to go into it, but I will explain in a couple of days. First, I had to post these photos I found today. Check out these incredible fixtures from Redesign Technologies!
Yeah, they're paperclips!!!

Oh these are so delicious, I could eat them up!!
(Back in a couple of days. Thanks to those of you who have been patient w/ me)

Friday, March 26, 2010

Friday Favorite: Vintage Children's Clothing


Last year I took Liam vintage clothes shopping for the first time. What I realized is, that its not easy to find vintage clothes for kids. (I also realize it isn't easy to preserve clothes worn by little munchkins) So, I was so excited to find these fab pieces on Bluebird Vintage. The site has great clothing for everyone, but I love picturing my little guy in a vintage Member's Only jacket:)