Fabulous Finds Friday: Lonny Mag. explains the madness that is Etsy!

If I am going to be honest then I have to tell you that Etsy is my addiction. I love perusing through the online shops, some saved in my favorites, some new to me... I was so happy to see in this month's Lonny Magazine, (pg. 16) a user friendly guide for navigating a search on Etsy!

{Lonny Magazine March/April 2011, pg. 16}

p.s. I hope you don't get too addicted...

Welcome to the Designery!

Hello! It's Thursday and that means I get to steal Courtney's blog for a day and post about whatever I have been obsessing over this week (caveat: usually design-related).




First up: Have you seen any pictures of the Hotel Thoumiex in Paris? It was designed by India Mahdavi and the rooms are AMAZING. A perfect mix of tradition and quirkiness. Mr. Jonathan Adler would most definitely approve!

I'm planning a trip to Europe in the near future and this hotel definitely makes my shortlist! Would you stay there? Join me next Thursday at the Designery to discuss all things interior.

Emily

Simply stunning! I covet all of the details.

It is rare that I see photos of entire projects by one design house and drool over every picture. I really, really love every room by Tracery Interiors. These rooms are simple and finished at the same time.

{This staircase is magical!}

{The juxtaposition of wild and clean lined modern here is super cool.}

{I love the way they framed the white furniture with dark accents.}

{Yes, please! These beams are incredible.}

{The true meaning of a sunny interior!}

It will be hard accomplishing anything today, as I daydream about all of these spaces. :)

Monday Musings: Rikshaw Design is fabulous!



We had so much fun at the Rikshaw trunk show on Saturday! I cannot wait to receive my tunics in the mail. Rikshaw Design is amazing. The fabrics are so soft and flowy and I am in love with the fit of the Tuxedo Kurta. I ordered one in blue for myself and the Moroccan Kurta for Payton. This will definitely be our Summer uniform.


{Red Tuxedo Kurta}






















{Girl's Moroccan Kurta}

 






















{The colors are fabulous!}



{Another detail shot!}

{Isn't Emily's dining room gorgeous?}

{Cupcakes from St. Cupcake}

What a fun girly event! I would highly recommend throwing a Rikshaw trunk show. There is something for everyone...

Happy Thursday! Exciting news...

{Emily Chessar}




 


I am very excited to announce that starting next Thursday, my lovely friend, Emily Chessar, of Chessar Design, will be writing a weekly post on all things interior design. Emily has a keen eye for color and room layout and an uncanny sense of how to make spaces come together perfectly. I am so thrilled to share her talents with all of you... 



 {Here is a sneak peak of her beautiful work!}

 
                                          

And please feel free to stop by and join us for a rickshaw design trunk show this weekend at Emily's amazing abode! We would love to see you there for a little champagne and some beautiful tunics...

Wednesday Words: Oh hello beauty!

Clean lines.
Gold.
Classic.
A wee bit geometric.
I love you Clayton Gray.

Monday Musings: I am crazy for Blue!

I am not sure if it is because I am in love with blue that I seem to see it everywhere right now or if blue really is everywhere?!




                                                                              Check out this awesome outdoor pillow from West Elm



















I think this would be fun paired with any of the others from their current Summer Collection...

Or check out Benjamin Moore's Bermuda Blue as seen in Lonny Mag



It is like vacation on a wall!





















                                                                              Or the blue sky of La Jolla!

Payton running after the birds...

I have always loved nautical blue in bedrooms but I am starting to think that I would like a blue family room or even dining room! I would love to hear about your blue room dreams!



{Meg Braff for House Beautiful}

Happy Easter from The Laings!

We had so much fun going to the MAC Easter Egg Hunt this morning at the  Jeld-Wen Field. Payton was a real pro at collecting eggs and at one point filled up her entire bag and then proceded to start dumping it back onto the turf... :)

{The mad dash begins...}

{Soaking up the sun with Mom.}

 

{Enjoying the chocolate with her friend Pitt.}



{Pay's BFF Sloane}

{Mr. Pitt concentrating on his treasure.}

{Admiring the Easter Bunny (from a distance) }

It was the first sunny day we have had around here in awhile and you could feel the happiness in the air. I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter celebration for whatever that means to your family. We are off to The Heathman for Brunch tomorrow morning and then an Easter egg hunt for Pay at home. Have a wonderful Sunday.

Monday Musings: Dreaming of Sunshine!

We had so much fun at the San Diego Zoo  last week and I have been thinking about how wonderful it was to walk around in short sleeves and feel the warmth of the sun. Seriously, though. If you live in the Pacific Northwest then you know what a wet, cold Winter we have had this year. I know, I know, everything is green a lush and lovely here. :) But, alas, I am still ready to be outside for the season and I am daydreaming of sunny days ahead...

I haven't actually seen Meerkat Manor, but I can only imagine from this shot! :)

We waited in line for quite awhile to see this beauty, but she was well worth it! So cute!

Payton avoiding kisses from Mom (per usual...)

We have an amazing Zoo in Portland which we visit frequently when the weather is nice. My favorite part is the elephant exhibit. I love that we celebrate their birthdays and that you can attend evening concerts in the Summer on the lawn. This is especially fun with all of the babies and kids dancing and running around!

Payton's first Zoo trip @ 10 months

Wednesday Words: Resonance

"There are moments in our lives when we summon the courage to make choices that go against reason, against common sense and the wise counsel of people we trust. But we lean forward nonetheless because, despite all risks and rational argument, we BELIEVE that the path we are choosing is the right and best thing to do."

My brother posted this today on his Facebook page and it really resonated with how I have been feeling lately. We surround ourselves with amazing friends and family so that we can reciprocate consistent guidance and support, but occasionally we just know what is right for ourselves. It isn't that we are being contrary, just that we have to be our own self sometimes even if it means no one else will understand.