{INSPIRATION} Golden Hollywood Glam | Jeremiah Goodman

I'm so falling in love with the 1940's watercolor rooms of Jeremiah Goodman. He painted the parlors and boudoirs of some of the most golden goddesses (and gods) of the silver scene, including the ever-svelte Greta Garbo.

It is silly to want to decorate a room based on a dream-like, watercolor rendering of Old Hollywood?

These are just a few of my favorites. But, there are plenty to chose from with a simple Google search.

{OBSESSION} Cameo Appearance

My husband was so tres sweet when he surprised me with a truly modern - and rather unexpected - gift 2 days ago. Apparently, he got this absolutely charming cameo ring from Zales. He was forced to be at the mall for 2 hours waiting for his iPhone to be "restored" at the Apple Store, thereby allowing him to have amble time to by his wife a new right-hand ring.

Ring: Oval Carved Turquoise and Charcoal Grey Quartz Cameo Ring in 14K Gold - $149, Zales







Alas, this has led to my latest {OBSESSION} the cameo. I found that it's super easy to work into modern fashion, not to mention it's almost Parisian when it's ivory and onyx. I'm in love... it's so very Royal Family, don't you think?
































[credits on page]

{TRES SHABBY FINDS} Lazy Summer Days

Yesterday I spent hours, upon hours, hunting through the area's best fleamarkets and antique stores. After a long day, and a full bottle of anti-bacterial cleanser, I realized that I had made so fairly decent choices that somehow reflect my desire to spend a majority of my time at the beach.

















I scored these vintage water skies for only $133 at a local antique store that was closing (victim of our economy, maybe). I just adore the color and the logo of the company on the ends of each ski. I have them resting close to the front door, as if I just got back from doing a ski-on-water show at Cypress Gardens, circa 1945. So very Ester Williams!













I love collecting vintage books with bizarre titles, such as: And One Was Beautiful, and, Love in a Snowstorm. But, my newest vintage book is Her Only Sin for a mere $2. I adore really graphic covers, so I designed this mini-shelves (similar to a life-size Scrabble tray that holds the 7 tiles) so the books could rest against the walls being displayed as artwork. The shelved are just $9 wooden baseboards turned sideways and screwed into 3 studs in the walls. I just can't wait for a rainy day to read Her Only Sin ... I'm just dying to know what her freakin' "sin" is and why!



















When I saw this wood-craft toucan, for only $22, I literally squealed with delight. My brother-in-law owns a toucan and a blue hyacinth macaw (let the record show, I do not condone adoption of wild animals) and I've always adored the tropical nature that these fine creatures bring to mind. Now, I live in a beachside community with very fair colored homes... our home needs COLOR! So, I immediatly brought this big guy home and put him on a permenant birch on the second floor veranda. It's been out there 2 days now and... no crazy comments, like, "what the heck is that thing?" WHEW! ;)

{LUX LIFESTYLE} Janet Hill Studio

While secretly passing time at work, I found myself falling in love with the artwork of Janet Hill Studios, thanks to the très stylish Carlee, Deliciously Organized. It's so lovely that it makes me want to rename my cat something beyond romantically practical , like, Italics or Hemingway.

It's the literary experience that I long to have on a daily basis while living my life as a journalist.


























All artwork - Janet Hill Studio | etsy shop

{INSPIRATION} I Married Adventure

In a matter of speaking, marriage is an adventure. It's an adventure into the unknown. An outside view of your past, present and, more importantly, your future. Best of all, it's a tell-tale of the level of maturity we all secretly hope we are able to live up to throughout the many trials and tribulations of life.

I married my bestfriend. Luckily, he shares my love of traveling. And, while we haven't been to Iceland (Stacy & Steve) or had to share a charter tour with Norwegian whalers to Antarctica (Jack & June), we do get our fair share of adventure. We've been swimming with sharks in Hawaii. Toured ghost towns of the old west in Nevada. Mined for diamonds in Arkansas. And, have been part of an ol' fashion clam back in Maine.

Did I mention swimming with the sharks in Hawaii? Yea, we love adventure! =)

















Photograph - Maracaymedan, Flickr
Paris Street Map Scarf - $69, Map Scarfs
Antique Binoculars -$25, Micheal's Collectibles
Book: I Married Adventure - my private collection
Western Union Telegram (graphics) - my private collection
Giraffe Print Bag - $69.95, Z Gallerie
Gem Paperweights -$16.95, Z Gallerie
Never Lost, Compass Necklace - $23, Made by Moe
Vintage Train Ad - $8, Red Rooster Antiques
Leather Suitcases -$89, uxolo
Serenbe, Georgia Photograph - Jessica Ellis
Coach "kiki" Purse - $569, Coach
Replica of Saber Tooth Tiger Skull - $59.95, Z Gallerie

{TEMPTATION} 1800's Georgia Peach

It's Monday morning, and while thinking about the tragic economy, the best way to distract myself is with expensive homemade goods from Etsy.com - obviously! I'm really adoring this 19th century, I-live-on-a-plantation kind of feel of these fabulous finds. It just makes me want to buy a petticoat and rename my cat, Mint Julep!
Boudoir Chair - $800, Reclaim the Throne
Sunset Sail Print- $17, DreamON
Silk Blouse - $325, Claire la Faye

{OBSESSION} Holly Golightly | Breakfast at Tiffany's

Amazingly, for a character that actually owns very few material possessions, there is an endless supply of decor, fashion and lifestyle ideas throughout the entire classic film Breakfast at Tiffany's. I'm sure - in the somewhat near future - I will post a "Holly Golightly apartment style II" just brimming with more sensational ideas inspired by the girl who honestly has everything she needs and nothing she doesn't.

My 4.5 years spent at Yale University are punctuated by sleepless nights studying, partying NYC-style and by Miss Golightly's beyond fabulous fashion, quotes and insatiable desire to be loved.

{INSPIRATION} Modern Day Cinderella

I've got to admit - I am forever in love with the romantic tale of The Glass Slipper - better known as, "Cinderella" for a good majority of my life. I mean, seriously, who doesn't want a convenient seamstress (i.e. fairy godmother) to whip up a fantastic gown just in time to make you the envy of everyone and capture the heart of Prince Charming? Alas, I've grown up to adore the story for it's true meaning: stay calm and carry on. Recently, say the past 26 years or so, I've become obsessed with recreating a realistic version of Cinderella's life within my own. Think... tiaras, pumpkins and clocks. Enjoy!




















Tiara - antique tiara - my private collection
Clock Faces - lost reference/please contact with info
Pumpkins - Martha Stewart
Glass Slipper Cake - cake created for my birthday by Annette's Cakes
Mice Brooches - Vermont Jewelry
Key Necklace - Tiffany & Co.
Castle - Chateau Elan in Georgia
Book/Rings - Vintage book in my private collection, my Tiffany & Co. engagement and wedding band
Kiss at Midnight - The Fire illustration for Fetes Galantes by Georges Barbier

{INSPIRATION} All Signs Point to ... AWESOME

I love how over time by reading someone's personal blog you can piece together what it must be like to actually know that specific person. You come to realize that blogger adores state fairs, costume balls and energy drinks, but dislikes pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey and the word, "mule". However, as for me and my blog, we will tell you what we love - and it's just about anything that has words or phrases typed, letterpressed, stenciled or painted onto an just about anything. I've basically been into retro neon signs since junior high. Though before 2001 I had never been to Las Vegas or New York. But, I had vacationed in Pensacola Beach with my family. There awaiting each beach seeking tourist is a vintage neon sign acting as gatekeeper the the world's whitest beach. I am going to claim that as the beginning of my latest obsession in our nest!




















Wedding Chapel Painting - J. Sandquist
Love/Hate L.A. - Buckingham Studios L.A.
Stargazing Invitation/Gatsby theme - The Aviary
Pensacola Beach Sign - Pensacola Beach, Florida
Glass Pool Inn - J. Sandquist
Roses & Rue Book - Livingston & Porter
Kissing Booth letterpress print -Roll and Tumble Press
Niagara Falls Postcard - BROOKLYNrehab
Truth Print - Lake Illustration
Crest O' The Wave - Disney World's Resort Boardwalk Hotel

{INSPIRATION} Suddenly Seaside

[WARNING: READER MY BECOME SEA-GREEN WITH ENVY AFTER READING POST] I live on the beach. There, I've said it! Whew - the truth really does set you free! And while some might suggest that beach dwellers (myself included) naturally would get tired of living in paradise, I'm here to set the record straight. My husband and I adore this lifestyle... day in, day out.

Alas, with any relationship it's important to keep it fresh and exciting, which is why I feel that "suddenly seaside" is the best way to describe my current daily inspiration for my life. I've included a romantic beachside motel (we're talkin' 1950's romantic motor inn), sexy jewelry inspired by the ocean and even some delicious sweet treats that are bound to entice even the healthiest of readers.
















Seaside Bakery Sign - allposters.com
Coral print in turquoise room - unknown (contact if known)
Vintage 50's Luggage Rack - Old Crow Farm
Salt Water Taffy - Sea Shore Taffy
Rustic Ocean Floor Art - The Bee's Knees Designs
Anchor Necklace - Vintage Musings
Vintage 50's Miami Beach Brochure - Modmarge Fine Finds
His & Her's hand towels - Jolly Time One

{INSPIRATION} Neptune's Nursery

Brace yourself for this shocking {inspiration} post: I'm decorating my kitten's nursery. Naturally, my kitten doesn't have a room entirely to himself. I'm actually talking about the 5x5 walk-in crawlspace under the staircase that is home to Neptune's litter box, food and soon to be his "nursery". It's a bit silly - but, it does need to be done - and anything worth doing is worth doing well enough to make friend jealous, right? ;) Not to mention, I'm seriously thinking about babies around the clock now days. Since the timing isn't right yet (and I stress yet) this is the next best thing!
















Paua Painting - My Private Collection
Blue Chandelier - unknown (contact if known)
Capiz Bowls - Target
Neptune's Lamp - unknown (contact if known)
Cat Nip Toys (fish) - Anastasia 91
Topography of Ocean Floor - Crafterall
Rug - Angela Adams
Underwater Reef - Neptune Memorial Reef - Miami, Florida
"N" is for Neptune - Morning Star Designs