I'm A Photography!

 I'm still reminiscing a bit about Liam. Several months ago, I noticed he started showing interest in using my camera. I'm sure it isn't because I carry it with me all the time! So, I hesitantly let him use it. I was surprised to see how wonderful his photos were! I mean his point of view is so different than anything I would imagine. His pics consist of his favorite things like puddles and toy trucks, but also of curious places he is unfamiliar with and little moments that only children notice. The title of this post comes from something Liam said after one of his photo shoots, "Mama, I'm a photography".

This boy's most loved possessions are his toy cars.

This is the ceiling of an elevator. Love the abstract feeling of it...unfortunately, I forgot to turn off the date feature. (I bought a small point-and-shoot camera for him to use instead of my Nikon)

Have you ever looked closely into a Lego house?

In Liam's shoots, there have been many unfortunate pictures of me. So, now I'm reluctant to let him take more...too scary!

I think these are my favorite. Sometimes while scrolling through the camera memory, these funny self-portraits pop up. They make me laugh every time!!

Last week, my little Liam turned 6 years old! He is so ready to be big, and ready to do big boy things. It has left me thinking about the days of Liam being a silly little toddler. Although, he could be a handful; he was a sweet little guy:) Why is it kids are always so ready to move forward and parents struggle to keep up? Lately, I've been reading several blogs that are written by very creative parents and I love how inspiring and tender they are. I thought I would share a few of them.

Ish and Chi is a beautiful blog about design and fashion, but also has some very inspiring ideas for children's decor. Be sure and check out this lucky boy's nursery!!

La Belle Baleine shares the life of a charming family in North Carolina. I love that it features so many fun kid-friendly shops, but I mostly love the honest comments about being a new parent.

Finally, there's Pepito mi Corazon. I love that name!! The blog is in French, but even if you don't speak the language, you'll be smitten with the beautiful photos. Also, check out their shop of kids clothing, called Guapito. So many cool things.

Guapito Printemps-ete 2011 from Leslie Artamonow on Vimeo.

There lots and lots of sites for the little ones. I will have to share more later. Hope you enjoy these in the meantime:)

Crazy World

 Happy Friday! My week has been pretty crazy and I'm ready to relax a bit. My guess, many of you are ready to do the same. If you are looking for a fun thing to do, check out Maira Kalman's, Illuminations of a Crazy World exhibit. Its being hosted by the Jewish Museum of New York. Just reading the website is fun. It shows many of her unique paintings along with a few narrated comments. 

I am crazy about Kalman's crazy world! Its just the right kind of crazy for me;)

Have a great weekend!

Carolina

Counting The Minutes!

I practically live and breathe Radiohead, and can hardly wait for their new album! For now, I have been watching this video over and over. Its fantastic!! The choreography is so outlandish, I can't turn away. 

I once went to a concert, where too much of the audience was sitting quietly, when they should have been on their feet dancing. Suddenly, a guy stands up and starts dancing as erratically as in this video.  I think the entire audience stopped to watch him. I watched, hoping someone would put him on stage. The unpredictability of his movements and willingness to express himself were electrifying. It was awesome!

Have Some Fun

Just a quick reminder, today. Make your home a place you really enjoy. If you don't know how, ask the kids for some help and include them in the process. I promise, their thoughts will surprise you:)

Isn't this home whimsical and beautiful? See more photos here.

Day of Silence

Today is the Bloggers Day of Silence. It was organized to encourage support for Japan's relief effort. So, please donate whatever you can to help. I have been struggling with blogging this week, because writing about design feels so irrelevant right now. Obviously, I am not the only blogger who feels this way. There are times to think of much higher things, like the love of humanity.

I would ask something else of everyone reading this. Please use the time you would normally spend reading this, or any other blog; on sincere prayer for Japan. Please pray for mercy and protection from the chaos that has been unleashed there.

Also, I would hope that this time reminds ALL of us to love our own family and friends a little more. Today, lets hug our kids a little tighter, call and chat with distant relatives, and smile at our neighbors. Reflect on things that are truly important to you. We've seen this past week, that material things are so fleeting. What do you want your life to really be about? Whatever it is, don't hesitate anymore!

XO
Carolina

Lovely Web

Liam and I have been reading Charlotte's Web recently and we've been enjoying it so much. Its been so long since I read the book, I'd forgotten what a lovely story it is. 

I think Charlotte would approve of the delicate crochet work from Made by Zill Y. 

Fabulous Walls from Lonny

While scrolling through the most recent edition of Lonny magazine, I noticed a subtle feature over and over. Almost every interior had some amazing wall treatments. Here are a few of my favorites. 

The room above feels like someone climbed into my subconscious, gathered everything they could find and used it to decorate this space...its almost eery. I need to live here!!!

I love the unusual mix of mismatched prints and unique mirrors. Its so unpredictable, so it keeps the room feeling fresh. What I REALLY love about this room is the ceiling! Wow, its so fantastic. Personally, I hate low white ceilings, because they just bring a room down. Instead, this ceiling actually makes the space.

Black lacquer cabinets in the kitchen? Yes!!

I had to do a double-take on this wall. Right in the middle is a flat-screen television. A stylish wall while you watch TV....nice.

I love the combination of old and new in this dining room. Especially the large traditional mirror, leaning against the wall. Truly beautiful!

Best Blogger Awards

I'm taking a little time to do some self promotion, today. The lovely people of Jackson Design and Remodeling have nominated little ole-me, for their "Best Interior Design Blogger" award! Yeah! The voting began while I was away and internet deficient, so I'm a little behind. Please stop by their site and vote for me anytime before April 15th! If you do, I promise to give you a big, virtual hug:)
Carolina

A Writer's Refuge

Where does a great storyteller and writer get inspired? What feeds the minds that shape new environments and situations? Writers give us part of our history, education, and entertainment, and sometimes even change the world with their words.

The entire process of writing is very intriguing to me. Of course, as a designer and pragmatist; I find myself also wondering about Where a writer works when creating something new. I believe that the environment we choose for ourselves can affect our thoughts and actions. So, when I saw Re-nest's photos of famous writers' work spaces; I almost jumped out of my seat! They are fantastic!!

The pictures above are of Roald Dahl's hut. Why is it, that the yellow door and cozy clutter are just what I would have imagined for the creator of Willy Wonka and the fantastic Mr. Fox?

Mark Twain's space. He is my personal favorite. No matter how many books I read or how old I get, I still love none more than Huckleberry Finn:)

Thoreau's cabin at Walden Pond. I thinks this proves that living with simplicity allows the mind to think clearly. Talk about an environment that inspired world changing words!!

George Bernard Shaw's "London". Haha! Love the back story behind that name.

Lively Bookcases

I've mentioned my recent affection for bookcases before here. This video takes the love to a whole new level:)

(Sorry for the long absence. Went to visit my family for many, many days!)