Happy Friday, everyone! The weather has been “California-like” this week in Dallas! My plans this weekend are to spend as much time outside as possible and enjoy it before the Texas heat begins to burn!
I love planting herbs this time of year. In the past I’ve stacked terra cotta pots for herb and flower gardens, but I’m loving the look of these galvanized buckets for a more industrial look. Perhaps this year’s basil will get a new look for it’s home!
I really want to do a pallet garden like this one that’s been pinned on Pinterest a bagillion times! If you have any old wooden pallets in the Dallas area and want to get rid of them, give me a shout!
OK…I’ve decided to try a new Friday series and I would welcome your feedback. During my romp around the web during the week, I find many exceptional things that I don’t share, simply because I don’t have time to put together a complete post, so I thought I would share several links that I feel are highlights from my web travels…
This sweet kitty is ready to come to your defense!
Never underestimate the power of a great industrial find! All it takes is a little imagination and you can have an interesting focal point on the cheap! I’ve learned to keep my eyes open when driving around…you’ll be amazed at what people are willing to give you for free or very little money. The rustier the better!
Here’s a little industrial inspiration to get you started!
Speaking of industrial…here’s a sneak peak at a couple of carts that will be at the next Stash sale! I’ll be sure to give you the scoop on the dates later, but…for now, I think I’ll use these to display some pretty Spring flowers!
What’s your best industrial find? Would you put something that was rusty in your home?
The Workroom is a curated collection of floral, arts, whimsical crafts and antiques put together by artist and designer, Nick Troilo and Jim Wright. Starting with the colorful front porch, the atmosphere invites you to hang out for a while.
Inside is one amazing vignette after the other and packed full of unique finds, succulents and floral. This space is much bigger than it appears from the outside! Here’s a peak at what I found inside…
An amazing collection of globes was just one of the collections I found inside…
vintage planters with succulents…
a huge industrial gear…
textiles…
a great mosaic wall installation…
vintage finds…
a checkout counter where eye-candy abounds…
The side room will be used as an art gallery and a chic space for special events…
They also have limited edition Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge t-shirts! Get yours before they’re gone!
When you make your way across the bridge look for The Workroom just a few blocks down on the left at 422 Singleton Blvd. Their hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6pm, or by appointment. Be sure to follow them on Facebook here.
What’s your favorite spot on the West side? Have you ever been to the West side of Dallas?
These feeders are made from old glass shades. Find the easy tutorial here.
Most everything becomes lovely when you add a pretty ribbon! Roll a toilet paper roll in peanut butter, cover with seeds, add a sweet ribbon and your birds will love you!
1st Annual Dallas Modern Home Tour
January 18th, 2012
Here’s your chance to step inside some of Dallas most beautiful modern homes!
On Saturday, January 28, 2012, the first ever Dallas Modern Home Tour will take place. Nearly ten architecturally progressive and contemporary homes in central Dallas will open their doors from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The self-guided driving tour will feature innovative homes that exemplify modern living, addressing issues from sustainability to ergonomics.
Discover how homes are pushing the boundaries of design by incorporating recycled materials, rainwater collection systems and natural ventilation while maintaining the clean lines, simple shapes and lightness associated with the Modern architecture movement.
Ingrid Spencer, former managing editor and current contributing editor for Architectural Record magazine in New York City, curated the homes for the Dallas Modern Home Tour. Find the list of homes here.
Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased here and picked up at designated will call locations. Tickets will also be available at select properties for $30 the day of the tour.
I never met a cocktail umbrella I didn’t like… This easy DIY, from Etsy‘s How-Tuesday, is a great way to illuminate your yard for your next summer time bbq!
Whether you’re an art lover or not, you can’t help but be mesmerized by the world-reknown art of Paris. I never expected to react to the paintings by the artists that I have grown up studying and seen in books the way that I did… Many times I heard myself squeal like a little girl or felt my feet do a little “happy dance” as I realized that I was standing in the presence of the works of the masters.
My friends and I were fortunate enough to have a personal tour through the Louvre by an amazing guide who actually studied art history at the museum. Chris was incredibly knowledgable and told us such interesting stories….
like how the Venus de Milo was discovered by a farmer while he was working in his field…
So often the statues and paintings seemed to come alive…
as if they could speak and tell you their story…
stories of pain…
and triumph…
My favorite museum was the Musee D’orsay that, unfortunately, doesn’t allow photography. I love Van Gogh, so it was thrilling to see his self-portrait from 1889.
I delighted in staring at his eyes at every angle and saw, first hand, how they actually follow you. He was such a tormented man… I wonder if he could have created such amazing art had he not been so mentally unstable, as were many great artists…
We saw the works of Monet and then visited Giverny and strolled through his gardens where he found so much of his inspiration.
On a side note…can you imagine tending Monet’s beloved waterlily pond and gardens like the guy in the picture? It was magical watching him patiently working his way through the water…
Have you had a time where art has given you chills? Have you stared into the eyes of a statue that spoke to you? What’s your favorite museum?
One of the first words that comes to mind when describing the French lifestyle is
…“fresh”. Everywhere you look you see fresh flowers…fresh fruits…fresh vegetables…fresh baked bread…fresh cheese, etc. Not only does this “fresh lifestyle” contribute to the beauty of the city but, more importantly, the health of the people.
Those of you that have been to France know that I’m not exaggerating when I say that you just don’t see over-weight Parisians. There is no fast food…no one walks around sipping “jumbo-sized” sodas…”super-size” is not in their vocabulary…
The first thing I did the day after I returned from my trip was head to Whole Foods and search for beautiful fruits, vegetables, and flowers to continue the healthy feeling that I fell in love with in Paris. Even as I write this post I’m enjoying the aromas of fresh peas cooking on my stove… I’m determined to continue to enjoy the fresh foods that are locally available…cutting out the processed and chemical infested garbage that we harm our bodies with on a regular basis without thinking twice.
Who wants to join me in taking the time to nourishing our bodies the way the French do so well? Join me in “freshening up” a bit!
