Change of Address

Apparently I have reached the maximum photo storage for blogger, so I think my only option is to open a new address. I will leave this blog up for the archives, but I am inviting you to come visit and follow at my new location. I will begin posting tomorrow, and I'll start with a cute lil' house tour. Farewell, little blog!

Image: Home Sweet Home

Heavenly Haviland

As I mentioned before, Haviland teacups are my favorite - so I took a few extra photos of my personal collection. I bought the pink ones at two different flea markets in Illinois, and the blue one was a recent purchase at an antiques shop in Indiana.

Virtual Tea Party

I had so much fun photographing my teacups last week. I set them up in nice little rows, and felt like I was posing my models for a photo shoot. They were so patient and cooperative! I'm actually impressed with myself for not breaking or chipping a single one of 'em. I wish I could remember how many I counted, but I really have no idea. Some of them are in several photos, and some of them didn't quite make the cut - but each one has its own story. Many were passed on from Grandmas, while others were flea market finds or antique shop bargains, and a few were gifts from friends...but they're all very special to me. I almost have enough cups to invite all of you for tea! Do you take sugar, honey or milk?

The "White Shoe" Rule

I hope you have a relaxing weekend! Kalia has a birthday party to attend, and my dear friend Esther will be in town for a baby shower, so I can't wait to spend some quality time together. I guess it's time to pack up the white shoes! I don't know if I even own a pair, but I think Stacy and Clinton said that rule no longer applies. Enjoy the long weekend!

Image: Dear World, You're Pretty!

PS Don't forget about my upcoming "collection post" if you're going to participate!

Schultuten

First grade is the beginning of formal education in Germany, and to mark the milestone, parents give their children candy and school supplies in a Schultute (colorful paper cone) or "school bag". The gift symbolizes a "sweet" transition into school.

This tradition came about in the early 19th century, when kids were told that a Schultute tree grew in their teacher's house, and that it grew a Schultute for each child. When the cones reached their full size, it was time to start school!

Now, the kids often create their own Schultuten as a project at the end of kindergarten, and parents still fill it with pencils, crayons, toys, chocolates, etc.

My husband's Grandmother is very German, so considering that Kalia has some German in her blood, I thought this might be a fun little tradition to begin for the first day of school. She won't be starting first grade yet (thank goodness!), but who says you can't start the tradition in Pre-Kindergarten?? She goes back on Wednesday, so I had better get busy!

Image & Info: Wondertime September 2008 / Amy Kaldor-Bull

Duvet for Tar-jay

Speaking of Jerusalem, I saw this hankie duvet on her blog, and fell in love. When I asked where she bought it, she said that it was from a few years ago, but that her mom happened to be selling the same one on ebay. Yay! I made the purchase, and it came in the cutest packaging I have ever seen! I was flipping through my old magazines the other day, and was thrilled to find a photo of my new purchase. Plus, I rather like the vintage trays. Kind of a cute idea!

Image: 100 ideas flea market style 2009

In case you want to track down your own hankie duvet, it was designed by Cynthia Rowley for Target (Tar-jay) a few years ago. It's a "Swell" duvet, and I believe the line was called "Pocket Full of Posies".

House Tour Thief

Our little trip to Chicago was short and sweet, and since our return, it feels like our peaceful summer has come to an abrupt halt! This week has been insanely busy, and I don't think I'll be catching my breath until the middle of next week - when school begins. I really missed blogging the last few days, but took a very necessary break. I am super excited about sharing my teacup collection with you next week, and hopefully a few reader collections will soon be appearing in my inbox!

Now, about my stolen house tour...

I ran across Jerusalem's sweet blog a while back, and have been wanting to share the house tour that she prepared for Cookie - with you all. So, for those of you who follow my little life or Cookie's nesting blog - I apologize for the house tour repeat, but it is SO worth sharing with the rest of you! I would encourage you all to check out Jerusalem's blog and etsy shop.



I love how she uses vintage maps throughout her home, and did you notice the hangers she used to display art, in the photo on the right?!



There are five things I would like to point out from this particular photo - the dress, the vintage hankies on the lampshade, the pink luggage rack, the vintage typewriter, and the map. Great finds, Jerusalem!



Don't you love the banner on the fireplace? You can purchase similar items from her etsy shop.



I love the red door against the delicious wall color. It reminds me of this.



LOVE the globes and hot air balloon display!



I really like the map, candlesticks, lamp, window treatment, and bench.



Hooray for mismatched chairs!



I want that cute "BAKE" sign hanging in the window.



Great use of color! I'm adoring the display on the right. So pickin' cute!



It feels like there is a lot of love in this post, but I LOVE layers of bedding and pillows. Her master bedroom looks so inviting.



Look at her boys' room! The window treatments are fabulous, along with more layered bedding, and great pendants. This is a boys' room I will definitely keep on file! Click here to see the original tour.

Images: my little life / nesting

Show 'n Tell Request

Well friends, my husband is going to Chicago for a little business, and last night we decided that Kalia and I would go ahead and join him for a mini-trip before school starts. We're pretty much going to grab breakfast and hit the road, so I will try to catch up with you in a few days.

I was thinking that it would be really fun to show off some collections at the end of the week, or early next week. I had a request for some more photos of my teacup collection (which I am going to work on soon), and was wondering if any of you would be willing to share some photographs of your collections?! I would be thrilled to get to know you a bit through your photos and interests. If you wouldn't mind participating in my little "show 'n tell", then e-mail your photo(s) to SoPickinCute@live.com and please use your username and "collection" as the subject line. Oh, and if you are willing to let me share your photos on the blog, then please write a little note- granting permission. Can't wait to hear from you!

Image: Dear World, You're Pretty

PS It doesn't have to be a teacup collection...whatever you collect is fine. Well, assuming it's Pickin' Cute appropriate, and G-rated!

T.G.I.F.

Happy Weekend!

Image: Rosie Parsons

Black & White Beauties

(elements of style)

(Lori Graham)

Bedroom Bonanza

I couldn't really tell you what these rooms have in common, but there is at least one element in each photo that I really adore!


(Desire to Inspire)


(Poppytalk)


(Lori Graham)


(Home Sweet Home)


(elements of style)


(Apartment Therapy)


(a room somewhere)

This is what I adore most about each photo:
1. headboard
2. silhouettes
3. window treatments, fabrics
4. headboard, Imperial Trellis fabric, "A"
5. the overall eclectic style
6. pink tufted headboard, chandelier, rug
7. overall appearance - minus the clutter

Do you have a favorite?

Hubby's Birthday

Happy Birthday to the sweetest hubby, EVER!

Image: heycupcake!

Testosterone

(JP Greenwood) - Etsy

(POINTclickHOME)

(Home Sweet Home)

In honor of my husband's 33rd birthday, I thought I would post a few manly rooms. The design is a little heavy on testosterone for my taste, but I can appreciate it nonetheless. I do love dark wood, but I would want a few more feminine elements. At least the pillow shams are monogrammed!

A certain glow about her...

Image: Bits of Beauty

I Smell Haviland

There is more to Indiana than cars, corn, and the Colts (although I know my friend Anne would beg to differ when it comes to her football team). For instance, there are some incredible antiques shops around here! It could take an entire month to hit all the antique malls and shops within fifteen minutes of my home. If you're up for a good girls' weekend, and some quality antiquing, I would be happy to map out the shopping!

Have I ever mentioned my teacup collection? My Grandma has already passed some down from her own collection, and I get one from my husband's Grandma for every birthday. I don't think I'll ever get sick of adding to my collection. I suppose it's because they're beautiful, have sentimental value or history, and they have a purpose! I do drink tea, and I love to serve it to friends in a pretty lil' cup. Over the weekend, I added the two in the photo to my collection. Both are bone china, and the one on the left was a steal (for $4)! The one on the right happens to be a Haviland, which I can sniff from a mile away. (I often gravitate to designs by that particular company.) Do you have a collection? Give me the details!

Little. Pink. Dress.

(automatism)

(souvenirs)

(The Wedding Chicks)


(Beautiful Things To Share)

Crown & Crumpet

Inspiration for residential design doesn't have to come specifically from home interior magazines and HGTV...you can really find it anywhere you go, on a daily basis. I have seriously been inspired by dressing rooms, bakeries, coffee shops, and even the Children's Museum! I love the decor in this San Francisco tea salon, Crown & Crumpet. I did a post on the shop back in March, but I recently ran across more spectacular photos and coverage on Made By Girl, and just had to re-share. The girly decor just cured my case of the Mondays!

Images: MadeByGirl

Let the Weekend Begin!

Image: oh joy! / Sarah Magid

Beautiful Boudoir

I'm in love with the pink and white zig zag bedding from Rubie Green, and of course, the color palette. Did you notice the "office" from yesterday's post? If only I could convince Randy that he could survive in this bedroom!

Images: frou frou fashionista / The Enchanted Closet

Office Envy

(Domino)


(The Enchanted Closet)

Glamour Cakes

Image: Home Sweet Home

Pops of Pink

Don't you think the phrase, "pop of color" is SO over-used on design shows?! I only used it in my title for the sake of alliteration. Although, can you call it alliteration if there is an "of" in the middle? Well anyway, for more beautiful inspiration, you should definitely head over to A Creative Mint. The site makes me want to gather some beautiful things from around the house, and take lovely photos. Is that odd?!

Images: 1 A Creative Mint, 2 & 3 decor8

(Bee)autiful

Remember these cute little Chickabiddy Babies?! Well, now you can own a Chickabiddy bee! And for a cause! You can read all about it on the Chickabiddy blog. I will own something from the etsy shop - one day. I'm thinking it will be a sweet little gift to myself (I mean - my baby) someday when I have kid 2!

Images: Chickabiddy Baby Blurbs

Oui?

Help! Kalia and I are getting haircuts today, and I need a change - but nothing drastic right now because I'm keeping my hair long for my friend Sara's wedding. Soooo, what's your opinion on bangs? My hair is not quite as long as Zooey Deschanel's in the photo above - but it's pretty long, and Zooey and I are the same age - in case that makes a difference. Bangs? No bangs? I can't decide!

Image: The Wedding Chicks

Teen Scene

Images: Decor8

Stick em' Up

Are these not the sweetest removable and reusable wall stickers you've ever seen?!

Images: mae

Butter Baked Goods

If you've been following my blog for a while now, I'm sure you know that I'm slightly obsessed with Miette and The Flying Cupcake. Well, over the weekend, I found a new little bakery obsession - It's Butter Baked Goods in Vancouver BC...don't you love it?! I need to plan a road trip, and hit all my favorite little bakeries. I'm sure I would gain a few pounds, but it would be so worth it! Anyone care to join me?!

Images: Flickr / Lydia Fizz

Happy Birthday!

Pickin' Cute reader "Down Pillow" had a Birthday over the weekend. Happy Birthday "Down Pillow"! I always enjoy reading your sweet comments.

Image: Utterly Engaged

Cute lil' Cabinet

Oh so cute.
Image: tiny k

Made You Smile!

What are your weekend plans? I'm having another garage sale, so if you're in the Indy area, come buy my junk!

Image: Stay Dreamy

Safe or Bold?

Happy Friday! Don't you loooove this sofa?! I'm curious - what color is your sofa? If you ever replaced it, would you choose the same color? Are you a fan of solids or prints? Also, do you tend to go with the "safe" choice, or the bold statement?

Image: PAPAYA! Blog

Bad-Hair-Day Solution

"Some flowers in her hair" is an understatement.

Images: Style Me Pretty / Bella Grace Studios

Sure...or Unsure?

I say that pink is my favorite color, but sometimes I wonder if I'm lying to myself. I always love turquoise-ey shades of blue, and if pink is truly my favorite, then this color is a close second. I would say that green is tied for second, too. What is your favorite color? Are you sure?!

Image: Beautiful Things To Share

Ridin' along in my automobile...

...with no particular place to go. I can't explain why - but I love this thing! I don't know about using it for wedding transportation, but I would definitely take a little drive to the Farmer's Market or somethin'. It looks like it would hold a nice load of antiques from the flea market! This is a random thought, but I always wish I could put a soundtrack with each individual post, because they often remind me of lyrics. Here's the theme song for this one. Enjoy!

Image: Rosie Parsons

Pocket Change

I found a dreamy bedding source, my friends! Unfortunately, I would have to scrape up between one and two thousand dollars worth of pocket change to make my dreams come true. I'll just have to drool over the website!

Images: Leontine

Violet Vibes

(Villa Anna)


(House Beautiful)

Divine Dining

(Absolutely Beautiful Things)


(decorology)


(decorology)

(Rachel Ashwell)

Peekin' On Pickin' - Alexis and Evan's Place

I remember meeting Alexis for the first time at freshman orientation in design school. We ended up sitting near each other while registering for classes, so we chatted a bit, and basically scheduled all the same courses. We were a little apprehensive about starting up at a new campus, so we met over the summer break to take a little tour. I quickly found out that I had met a fantastic shopping partner, a great study buddy, and a wonderful friend.

Alexis and I had a lot of laughs over gigantic pizza slices from Pazzo's, shopping excursions where we tried on hideous jumpsuits just for kicks, and all around great conversations about everything from our quirky professors, to the men in our lives, and just about anything else that good friends discuss.

Now, Alexis is working as a Designer in Lexington, and she is married to her high school sweetheart! They make an adorable couple, and I'm so excited to share their fabulous home with you today. Go ahead. Take a peek! But seriously, pleeeeeeease don't forget to sign the Guestbook (a.k.a. Comments). Just take the time to point out one or two things that you enjoyed seeing, or just gush about her china collection with me...I'm lovin' it!


Well, here we are - in the living room! I love her big comfy pillows on the sofa, and I recognize those beautiful window treatments from her Christmas photo last year.


You know, I have been on a "mismatched chair kick" lately - so I enjoyed seeing her setup around the dining table. Since they're both black, the look is unified - but I love the variety in shape. (By the way - "unity" and "variety" are two of the design principles Alexis and I memorized together!)


Great chair!

I love the mirror, and I'm never opposed to fresh flowers!

Okay, I LOVE the story behind this china. Her mom started her on the collection when she turned 21, and the pattern just happens to be named "Alexis", by Noritake. It was discontinued around the 1930's, and Alexis is still collecting pieces as they become available. Isn't it beeeautiful?! She also received "Alexis" glassware by Fostoria for her 21st Birthday (discontinued between 1909 and 1925). I love pieces with a story, and antiques with a history! I would love to keep this idea in mind for Kalia, but I highly doubt there will ever be a pattern with her name - unless I design it myself!

Gorgeous china cabinet. Gorgeous china.

This is her wedding china - "Pearl Innocence" by Lenox. Ahhhh, I love china!

Ta-da! The guestroom. Pretty bed and bedding!

Well, I'm a sucker for damask. Love the shower curtain... Hey! Does this remind you of Rebekka's window treatments?!

Welcome to the Master Bedroom - another damask lover's paradise!

Cute bench! I would totally use that to put on my shoes.

Many thanks to Alexis for taking the time to share these photos. It was quite an enjoyable tour!

Marvelous, Darlin'!

I hope your weekend is just marvelous. I'm wishing for gorgeous weather, so we're not all caged up in our homes! (I know - terrible pun.) Plan on returning next week, because I have a spectacular house tour scheduled! Be sure to leave some comments, because it truly takes a lot of time and effort for friends to photograph their homes and load up the photos for your viewing pleasure. Thanks in advance!

Image: Vintage Glam Weddings / Rosie Parsons

Flower Power

(Santa Barbara / Wedding Chic)


(Style Me Pretty)

(Utterly Engaged)

(Monique Lhuillier)

(English Muse)

807 Pickin' Cute Lane

I would have played in this little house all day long - every day! Did you notice the little clothes line, and the mini-Adirondack chairs?! This house is so cute, I wanna pinch it!

Image: Home Sweet Home

Strawberry Fields Forever

Quirky? Yes. Odd? Yes. Strangely lovable? Yes!
Image: (nothing but) flowers

Ceiling Jewelry

(Design Sponge)


(Design Sponge)


(Dear World, You're Pretty!)


(nothing but) flowers


(first home)

(Shoot Factory)

Sometimes I think you could stick a beautiful chandelier in the ugliest room, and I wouldn't even notice the ugliness!

Identical Twins

(MMR Interiors)

(Home Sweet Home)

Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon

Antiques...ornate moulding...shades of pink...frilly fashion...Marie Antoinette's Petit Trianon...Ahhhhh. A little piece of Heaven.

Images: Apartment Therapy

Click Apartment Therapy to see the original tour.

Paper Party

(Full House)


(Full House)

(Jordan Ferney)

(Martha Stewart)

(Martha Stewart)

(sweet designs)

Frogs and Snails and Puppy-Dogs' Tails

(ohdeedoh)


(hiccupings)


(Apartment Therapy)

(ohdeedoh)

I honestly don't know what I would do with a little boy's room in my place...but I think these are pretty cute. It looks like they could fit in with the rest of the house, and yet there is still something masculine about each one. Do you have boys? How did you decorate their bedrooms?

Down With Brown

(Apartment Therapy)


(livingetc)


(Fabulous Fun Finds)

B is for Bathroom

(decor pad)


(burcu avsar photography)

The Princess and the Pea

(Tim Walker)


(Eugenio Recuenco)

Manuel Canovas

I think the pink and orange toile is by Manuel Canovas, and so is the wallpaper in my favorite Melissa Rufty room. (CLICK HERE)

Image: My Notting Hill

The Essence of Shabby Chic

Aaaaaaamazing. I don't know if I want to stand up and cheer like crazy for the stylist and photographer, or just cry because it's so good - it hurts! I love every detail of this wedding shoot. According to Style Me Pretty, the wedding will be featured in Brides Northern California in the Fall/Winter 2009 issue. Did you notice the initials are "A & R"? I'm sure that stands for Abby & Randy - don't ya think?! I want to put those in my house.

I am inspired in SO many ways. I want to bake some cuteness, host a shabby chic party, hit Anthropologie, do some decorating in my kitchen and Kalia's room, pick some peonies, and gather some mismatched chairs. I'm pretty sure I hit the jackpot on inspiration for Kalia's birthday party, too! I'm thinking about having a vintage-ish theme, with lots of pink (her latest favorite color), and old-fashioned candy and games. I can't stop gushing about this wedding shoot. It's just so perfect.

Images: Style Me Pretty

Photographer: Lisa Lefkowitz

Stylist: Gloria Wong Design

See it ALL on Style Me Pretty:

One, Two, Three, Four, Five

Worry-Free

I'm not sure if it's the wallpaper, the color of paint on the furniture piece, the painted hardwood floors, or the cute little chair, but there's something dreamy about this photo. Would you agree? There isn't much to it, but it makes me feel like I'm at an old house out in the middle of nowhere, just relaxing and leaving all worries behind for a moment.

Image: Apartment Therapy / Bonjour

Party Plannin'

Still thinkin' about Kalia's party plans. Fruit Kabobs! What a great idea for snacktime. Although it's not a part of my party inspiration, I love the vintage aprons and towels hanging in the background. Cuteness!

Images: Cookie

Backyard Brunch

I would love to invite y'all over for a girly little backyard get together. How do you feel about mismatched chairs? Miss Kate had the mismatched chair thing going on in her kitchen, and I thought it was rather charming.

Image: The Bride's Cafe

Fashion & Fitting Rooms

It's not like I buy my entire wardrobe (or Kalia's) at J.Crew and Crewcuts, but I LOVE the catalogs and the clothes. They're rather inspiring, in my opinion. Beautiful colors, fun combinations, and uber-girly! I just couldn't keep myself from yet another J.Crew post. Is there a clothing store with a certain style you find inspiring? Have you ever been inspired by a dressing room? I loved having an excuse to get back to the fitting rooms at Fossil in Lexington...the hardwood floors, the wallpaper, and the overall ambiance were fabulous. I also loved the wallpaper at The Black Market in Lexington...the boutique, not the chain. Okay - your turn!

Images: Crewcuts

Sitting Pretty

I'm into the sofa over the fashion in this one. Pink and tufted - two of my favorite features!

Image: J.Crew

My "To Do" List

These stairs make me want to do 3 things:

1. Whip out my Windex

2. Head to the Cheesecake Factory

3. Find Kalia's Slinky

(automatism)


(Home Sweet Home)


(Shoot Factory)

Pick-Me-Up

I just love the idea of opening a drawer or closet door, and getting a little pick-me-up from some beautiful lining or wallpaper...and without a huge commitment or investment. I also love the vintage stove below, and the color on that door is yummy.

(Fine Little Love)


(Livingetc)