2nd Sunday of Every Month...

I know I have written about the flea markets in the past.... but I found some GREAT vendors at The Rose Bowl Antique Flea Market!

Every decorator in Southern California has spent a sunny Sunday wandering The Rose Bowl. Today I fell in LOVE with Euro-Linens... a Parisian grain sack has found a home in my mud-room. I am going to use the sack to recover a bench I use as a shoe cubby. Once I complete the project I will post a picture. I have to say it was meant to be, as the sack has the initials O & M on it (the initials of my two sons). They have fantastic pillows for a child's bedroom & the bolster pillows are perfect for daybed... now.. I just need an extra space in my small cottage for a daybed!

The second vendor I will be sure to use on future projects are Olde Good Things (they have 2 stores in LA). An old ceiling tin has found its home as a back splash behind my stainless steel range in my kitchen. They have amazing architectural salvage pieces, many of which are repurposed into unique furniture pieces. One of my favorites I saw put to use on their website is a clock face from an old clock tower. The new owner reused it as a headboard in their bedroom.... very unique!

For those of you on the East Coast or NYC they have two stores in NY and can also be found at flea markets. Addresses and flea market dates/locations are found on their website.

If you find yourself in The Bay Area in CA... be sure to check out The Alameda Points Antiques and Collectible Faire on the 1st Sunday of every month. Many of the antique vendors I chatted with today couldn't say enough about this flea market...

What a great way to spend a Sunday!
Live Beautifully! Erin

In a new light...

My latest decorating obsession... LAMPS! On Saturdays you can find me strolling down the lighting isle of Home Goods admiring their latest additions. Currently in stock are what I call "hotel chic" lamps, which are very contemporary and are made of heavy leaded glass with  rectangular shades. Perfect for a bedroom.

AND...It seems Ikea has an amazing selection of lamps, all of which can be reinvented with an amazing shade. Not that the white shades aren't nice... but you can upgrade the shade with a beautiful silk shade, should you choose. Additionally... the glass lamps (at left) are inexpensive and can be filled with cool objects, mine are currently filled with starfish and sand dollars, yay for summer!

During the holiday season it's filled with glossy red holiday balls, FUN! Easy to update and change or you can leave them empty.

My advice is to have matching bedside lamps to provide balance  on either side of the bed. But, have fun in the other rooms of your house.. and it's easy to do for under $50!


Live Beautifully!
Erin

Summertime in the city...

Summertime is here!

Perfect time to clean out your closets! Get rid of everything that doesn't fit and doesn't look great on you now!  If you haven't worn it in over a year... chances are you won't wear it again.
 I have a policy... if I buy something new I must get rid of something old. I love this policy. It allows space for the new items and clears things that I have been holding on to for various reasons... will fit someday, I loved this outfit (but haven't worn it in years) and sentimental reasons... wedding (obvious keeper), prom 1993 (toss.. never coming back),  first date with my husband.. but doesn't zip.. maybe.. someday...ummmm should probably donate... you get the picture. Clothes need room to breath, so let them! Get nice hangers from Ikea, they're cheap and they hold the shape of your clothes better. No, you can't use the dry-cleaner hangers!! NO WIRE HANGERS!!!

This rule also applies to linen closets and bathroom cupboards. Empty them out from top to bottom and sort through each item one by one; you'll be amazed at what you find. I once found a beautiful crystal vase, buried in the back of my towels?

You will find this process extremely cathartic, but don't overwhelm yourself, tackle one closet or cupboard per week. Once you clean everything out you'll feel at least 10lbs. lighter AND everything in your closet will fit!