It Gets Better

I love the It Gets Better Project. I think it's so powerful. And this video is amazing.

Map Update Part 2

Dee reminded me tonight that I've actually been to Utah! We did a Four Corners trip when I was in middle school and drove all around Monument Valley. 39 States! Not too shabby!


visited 39 states (78%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

Ehhh

So I made the wreath. It's... okay. It looks a little too country to me. I think it's the fabric I used, I just cut from scraps I already have and I tried to use fall colors, but only really had soft reds and stripes. I think if I had used more ribbon, and different colors I would like it more. It was super easy though and that's just my style for weeknight crafting. Which happens... never. And Taye Diggs, of course did not disappoint.

Wreaths and things...

We're having a few folks over for brunch on Saturday before the rallies and I'm thinking about making this wreath. I have a ton of scrap fabric and it looks pretty easy. Some people make casseroles for brunch, not me!

Also, I want I want I want these monogram cards from Rifle. I have loved this site since I started wedding planning last year and definitely snagged some ideas for the big day. I think they would be really cute as holiday cards... the price however, is not so cute. Maybe I can just buy one and frame it!

Have any of you heard of Folksy? It seems like a UK-based etsy. Hmmm....

Map Update...

Dee reminded me that it's time to update the ole' state map. I've been to 38 states. My gaps are pretty obvious. And Maine. Still Maine! What about you?


visited 38 states (76%)
Create your own visited map of The United States

This is my world map.

visited 20 states (8.88%)
Create your own visited map of The World

I wasn't sure what to do about China. I've been to Hong Kong, now part of China, but it was independent in 1996 when I visited. I know it looks odd that I've been to North Korea. Bit of a long story, but it has to do with my brother being stationed at the DMZ and our family visit to Korea.

Things I'm Lookin' At Today...

Obvi work is a little slow...

Kelly Wearstler's Beverly Hills home is for sale. A cool $46 million. I love her and I love her designs. Not sure I could live here though. Vacation perhaps. Where do you go when you want to wear sweats and watch reruns of 90210 on SOAPnet?

I'm in love with the antique engagement rings at Claude Morady. If I were in the market for an engagement ring, I think this would be my first stop!

Yesterday was Font Day on Design*Sponge. What could be better! Jefe and I recently watched Helvetica and found it fascinating. I have a whole new appreciation of fonts!

And, I really want to check out this book: Crafting a Meaningful Home by Meg Mateo Ilasco. Not because I need things to be meaningful. I just like being crafty!

Need a quick Halloween costume?

Daily Candy has some ideas!

I'm thinking about being a flamingo, my favorite animal to visit at the zoo. I think some pink tulle may be in order. We'll see if I can pull it off!

Noooooooooo!

From People.com...


Just like their onscreen counterparts Serena van der Woodsen and Dan Humphrey, Gossip Girl costars Blake Lively and Penn Badgley have ended their real-life romance, too.

A rep for both stars has confirmed their breakup.

Lively, 23, and Badgley, 23, have been linked since 2007, though they initially denied their romance, saying they were just friends and costars. Since 2008, however, the two have gone public with their relationship, appearing together at events and, often, hand-in-hand in New York City.

Most recently, the former couple went shopping for candles together at Henry Bendel in New York last weekend.

And on the set of Gossip Girl, there has been no sign of trouble. "It didn’t seem like anything was off at all and no one said anything," a source tells PEOPLE.

In September, the couple headed to the Toronto International Film Festival, where they each promoted new films, but scheduling conflicts kept them from each other's premieres.

Badgley, who was there to promote Easy A, was unable to walk the carpet with Lively at the premiere of The Town, but he did offer his support and affection, telling PEOPLE, "Unfortunately, her premiere is, like, right now, otherwise, we would be at each other's."

"I am [proud of her], absolutely," he added at the time.

Lively has also spent time with Badgley's mother, Lynne, at the launch of a jewelry line that Lynne started with Badgley's godmother.

Despite their often public displays of affection, the pair mostly remained mum about their relationship, with Lively telling Allure recently, "I don't comment on my relationships. . . . My anonymity is something I treasure. Wanting to be an actor and wanting to be famous are different."

Sixx Design

I immediately fell in love with the Novogratz family when Bravo aired 9 by Design earlier this year. I'm loving this interview with Cortney and Robert on coco+kelley. Enjoy!

Trip to NYC

More updates to come, but here are a few of my favorite purchases from this weekend in NYC. Both dresses are from Madewell, and both on sale!

The Tulum Dress...

and the Fall Forest Dress...

I snagged some amazing printer drawers from the Chelsea Flea Market that I'm going to turn into a jewelry case a la... 

I got 2 different sized drawers (neither this huge) for $32. They retail on etsy for $98. All I have to do is add the hooks!

Also really feeling my new nail polish 'Merino Cool' by essie.

Yay!

She's Pregnant! Bananas!

Table Time

So the quest for more furniture continues in the Big Apple! We have been looking for a kitchen table since we moved in two months ago and we finally found one. We came upon this table at the Housing Works Thrift Store in Gramercy. It is a great organization committed to ending the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness.

Anyway, back to the table... as you will see, much to my delight it is a mid-century design! It was made by the H.T. Cushman furniture company in Bennington, Vermont--we are guessing in the late 60’s. After much debate, we finally decided we gotta have it. Now comes the hard part...how to get the table home?

"Why hail a cab of course!"

"Too big?"

"Nah, we’ll hail a ‘van cab’."

"Great idea!"

Ah yeah, over 45 minutes later were still trying to hail a cab!!

Eventually we scored a “SUV cab” and it actually fit in the back! Finally home, I used some fine steel wool and a little wood wax.... and now we have another before and after. I was very happy with the results!

(click to see larger view)

-Nick

Willow and Gwyneth

Two videos I'm a bit obsessed with right now.

1. Willow Smith - Whip My Hair (9 year old daughter of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith). Whoa

2. Gwyneth Paltrow - Country Strong from the movie of the same name. Is there anything she can't do?

 

PaperSource

A few months ago I ordered an address stamp that I really love. The only thing I wish I had done differently, is purchased a 'self-inking' stamp. It just makes everything so easy.

I just got an email from PaperSource announcing a new line of address stamps... all self-inking. Of course.
I'm currently coveting this lil' number...

Book Update

I hate admitting this, but I put down The Corrections. It was just SO depressing. I was reading it on my way to the dentist... in the rain... when I finally decided to part ways with the Lambert family. At least for now.

So I picked up Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain and I'm loving it. I may never eat in a restaurant again, but the stories are terrific and I love his 'voice' (talk about an eighth grade Language Arts term).

I think next I might try to plow through Doris Kearns Goodwin's Team of Rivals. I'm in a bit of a Lincoln phase. Weird, I know.

Falsies

You all know I love Kim Kardashian with all of my heart. But this photo of her has me perplexed. Her eyelashes (false, I'm sure) continue to get longer and longer. How long is she going to let them get? I think it's really distracting!

Piper Lime

I can't wait for my trip to NYC this weekend! I'm dying to update my lack-luster fall wardrobe. I've been so enthralled in decorating though, I haven't been paying much attention to fashion. All I know is that women on the metro are wearing grey nail polish and everyone is talking about jeggings.

I think I'm going to make it easy on myself and just follow the advice of Piper Lime and their Fall Trend Guide.

1. Over-the-knee boots: I prefer these. But I like these too.


 2. Military: Love it

3. Lace-Up Boots: Willing to give it a shot. I like the more feminine versions.

4. Vintage Details: Duh

5. Skinny Cords: Check

6. Faux Fur: Jury's Out

7. Blanket Sweaters: YES YES YES

8. Cuffed Boots: Sooooooo NOT into these.

9. Saddle Bags: You bet

10. Feminine Jewels: Bring 'em on!

What are you craving for Fall?

So much to share...

Things I've been looking at and thinking about this week...

The Exquisite Book , is definitely on my wish list. Check out the video below.

I'm loving Covet Garden, a Canadian online Magazine. And now I want to name my unborn daughter Clover. Or maybe Puddle. So cute.

Speaking of online magazines. I'm having trouble. I love them, especially Lonny, but I miss the tactile nature of magazines. I want to touch and clip and stack them up on my nightstand. I know in time I will adjust. But it's taking longer than I thought!

I've been wanting to check out Anthology. It's a quarterly print! magazine, but you can also check it out online.

I've also added some new blogs to my reader. Any other suggestions? What are you reading?

Emily Henderson

Bryn Alexandra

Everything LEB

The Seventy Tree

Unruly Things

sfgirlbybay

Yvestown

Design is Mine

Did you watch RH:BH last night? You can watch it here. I only got to watch the first half, but it seems amazing so far... as promised. Washed up child stars, divorce, plastic surgery and all of them are DRIPPING in money as never before seen on RH. I'm in love already!

Next week on Finch...

Office redecorate

Trip to NYC

Books!

Suzani

Everywhere I look these days I see Suzani print. Wiki tells me it's an "embroidered tribal textile made in Central Asia". Namely Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

I can't get enough.

DwellStudio for Target Suzanni Decorative Pillow

Suzani Flat Woven Wool Rug - World Market

Suzani Fabrics at Calico Corners

Suzanni Jewel being my favorite.

Note: Suzani and Suzanni seem to both be acceptable spellings.

My Style...

... is always evolving, naturally. Lately I have found myself loving all things Apartment Therapy and leaning a little more mid-century modern than usual. But today when I saw this post on Design*Sponge, I felt like I had come home. I LOVE all that color. PLUS she has my bamboo kitchen chairs. It's like we're kindred spirits. Do you like it?

Speaking of the UK...

I was perusing the latest Boden catalogue the other day and really like some of pieces from their collection. Is that lame? Is Boden like the Talbots of GB? Maybe it just feeds my desire to be British. What am I talking about? I've loved Boden forever!

And I LOVE these shoes!