Archive for Inspiration Notebook
Latest Women Who Create Magazine
Posted by: | CommentsHave you seen the latest issue of Women Who Create? 
The Aug/Sept/Oct 2010 isssue is loaded with profiles of uber talented women and so much inspiration!
Peek inside the work spaces of editor Jo Packham, Wendy Addison, Amy Butler and the Junk Bonanza‘s Ki Nassauer! So much to discover… Look into Nancy Soriano‘s home office (past editor-in-chief of Country Living) and behind the scenes of the Curious Sofa‘s Debbie Dusenbury. We even get a glimpse into the creative studio of Kelly Rae Roberts… a treat not to be missed!
What inspiration did I take away from the magazine… well, after I get done hyperventilating over all of the talented women and their creative nests… (sorry, the creative excitement really gets to me!) I really just love the stories. Yes, it’s not about one person, their art, or even their studio. It’s about each of the personal stories of how they got there, what makes them tick, how they fuel their creative energies, and how they find the time to create. I am thoroughly inspired and motivated to make my own story count even more.
Almost all of these fabulous women can be seen this month at the CREATIVE CONNECTION EVENT in Minneapolis, MN. Yes, can you say, how many talented women can you get into 3 fun-filed inspiring days? Oh I can’t wait… I will be there for sure! Will you? Register here and now, so that you too can attend!
If you are attending the Creative Connection Event, please comment below and let me know… I will be sure to search you out! If you aren’t able to attend, first go out and get the Where Women Create issue, read and wander through all of the delicious pages, then join us all online on our blogs so you too can experience the joy of women creating together. Oh, that just sounds fun, doesn’t it?
Charming Gardens: Inspiration from Charleston
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So many gardens around Charleston offer just glimpses as you stroll through the cobblestone streets. A peek here , a glimpse there. Not everyone wants the world gawking in at them as they enjoy the pleasures of their private space. I can’t complain too loudly, I wouldn’t want all of the tourists looking at me either!
Most gardens that have sympathy on the walkers-by or the tourist at least offer a peek through a garden date or bit of wrought iron. I will share a few images with you that inspired me and got me thinking about what touches I could add to my own garden to give it a bit of Charleston charm.
I love the ferns mixed with the delicate flowers in this moss covered planter.
Some of the flowers were so quietly pretty, just brightening up their little corner of the garden, waiting to be discovered. A few of the plantings were quite old, heirloom plants that were brought over to this “new world” they were settling in the 1700′s!
I just loved the statues covered with moss and time surprising me from their secret spots. This particular one was my favorite.
A beautiful place to show off some roses. 
I hope you find some to inspire you as well! Enjoy….
Bedrooms for sweet dreamin’….
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I love everything a bedroom represents- comfort, relaxation, rejuvenation, sweet dreams, intimacy, and restoration. It is a place all our own that allows us to restore our bodies and souls each night.
Here are a few very inspiring bedrooms that I wanted to share with you- to inspire some sweet dreams of your own.
This antique filled bedroom is rich in color and art. A masculine feel with the darker color palette, but some feminine details in the fabrics to balance it all out.
I love this canopied bed- the updated dream of every little girl. Not too sweet, but definately dreamy. A simple bed covering, some sheers all set to a rich backdrop.
This bedroom is quiet in color, but feminine in style. It’s neutral color-scheme creates a quiet oasis for the homeowners. The creamy touches in the chandelier, the mirror and the wood trim all contrast nicely with the richer wall color.
This brightly flavored bedroom is inspired by vintage fabrics and pieces. I love the mix of fabrics and the quirkiness of the art. Not a mass-produced bedroom!
Lastly, this pink bedroom is 
girly, yet not overwhelmingly so. (A great place for a gal to daydream.) The almost all white bed makes it work. The extra height on the headboard is key as well.
The key to all of these inspiring bedrooms is one thing- they are all personal spaces created with the restorative qualities every bedroom should have. Color, style, and even design, take a backseat to the mood the spaces have created for that homeowner.
So, if your bedroom is lacking personality and restorative qualities- do some sweet dreamin’ of your own to create your haven from the world!
Gorgeous Closets to Inspire
Posted by: | CommentsI am always inspired by lovely, organized closets. I particularly like the ones that are large enough to have a dressing area and one that has it’s own window. A closet should be organized enough to allow it to function with ease and pretty enough to make us happy. To start the day’s routine in a pretty personal space is a perk we should all have.
Here are a few closets that particularly inspire me…
This one is particularly beautiful with the light and airy wallpaper, large framed mirror, and lady-like chandelier. I love the colors and all of the white. A good place to start the day! (photo from My Home Ideas)
How about this one? I like the baskets, closed storage with glass doors, creamy yellow walls, personal touches, and wood floors. (photo from Progressive Farmer)
One last one to leave you dreamin’… How about this walk-in wonder? A very simple set-up, not tons of shelving, etc. I am fond of the ottoman, dressing area, ladder for scarves, and the wallpaper wrapped around the ceiling.
It isn’t always necessary to have tons of space, loads of closet organizers, or high-end products to make a functional, pretty space. (photo from Cottage Living)
I encourage you to think about making your closet all it can be.
Have fun with the process!
The Inspired Room Inspiration…
Posted by: | CommentsWhen I was stopping by one of my favorite blogs, I found inspiration this morning and thought I would share it with you…
Melissa over at The Inspired Room wrote about the joys of browsing for pretty rooms and just being able to look at the details and soak it all in. I love to do the same, beautiful rooms with contrast, layers, purpose, and personality really draw me.
I always read the articles in magazines, not just look at the photos, as the story is what draws me in. The who lives there, what inspires them, and how they live on a daily basis makes the pretty room come together, because as I like to say- “Decor is more that just a pretty room“.
So, enjoy Melissa’s post and check out the other links that have linked up under her post…. some more pretty rooms and inspiring thoughts!
Here is the link for the post I am referring to: click here
Happy Friday!
