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