My version of the rant.

I was recently reading a blog where the author was ranting about how 80% of the blogs she reads are "fluff".  I felt frustrated and disheartened by the post, and I found myself feeling guilty for my own personal pieces of "fluff".  It led me to think, "what exactly is a quality post?"  

blog (noun): short for weblog;

a Web site that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer;

I thought I would start with the definition via Merriam Webster.  In reading this, I was reminded of the fact that a blog is a personal journal.  Personal journal - repeat that to yourself.  In all reality, you should be able to write about whatever thoughts, interests, feelings, likes, dislikes, etc.  You would do it in a personal handwritten version, right?  Why is it so important to not have "fluff" if "fluff" is what you feel like posting in your personal journal that day?    

This is my version of the rant.  I say "Here's to posting whatever you would like to say without the guilt!"  And this totally includes blogging about the lack of quality reading out there in the blogosphere (thanks for the food for thought, btw!).  Read and write your blogs as you wish - learn something new, post new ideas, connect with people, laugh, discover a new fashion trend, look at beautfiul pictures, and of course, "fluff" to your heart's content.  

Happy Monday!

ask and ye shall receive......

Today, in my earlier post I asked for new book suggestions and in browing the cyberworld, I happened upon an entire book club!  Over at Gabby's lovely Felinofelice , I came across the Slow Readers Book Club. 

I often get annoyed about the craziness of the world - people that are attached to their cell phones (pretty much my biggest pet peeve ever!), constantly checking emails, always feeling like you have to go, go, go just to get ahead.  Why can't we all just live life like Europeans - relax, vacation, enjoy meals with friends rather than scarf down some fast food monstrosity (eeeeewwwww).  That is why the concept of the slow movement totally appeals.  The book club is meant to be a part of that culture.  The first book is Jeannette Wall's Half Broke Horses.  I have no idea what it is about, but I am going to pick up a copy and join the party! 

I love Lonny!

Thanks so much to everyone for their sympathy and the great suggestions yesterday.  I am going to take a serious look at the grain substitute for coffee.  Very interesting, chemical free and potentially heartburn friendly.  Anyway, as I sit here completely & ridiculously caffeine deprived, I discovered that the new Lonny Magazine is out.  Yeah!

Like most of you, I was slightly depressed when Domino Magazine announced that they were closing their doors.  That magazine made me so happy when it was dropped in my mailbox!  They always had the best, most stylish and fun home decor ideas.  They had great articles featuring creative folks with inspiring stories of ingenuity.  It was wonderful!  

For those of you who haven't heard about Lonny (I just discovered it myself): Lonny is an online magazine created by former Domino editor and blogger Michelle Adams, and it is very Domino-esque - completely fab!  Go take a peek!

The Lonny mission.

My favorite little green notebook

Yesterday, my friend Andi said the reason that she gets so crafty around this time of year, is that creativity is in her star sign during the months of November and December.  We're both Virgos so I am beginning to think my affinity for all things DIY might be in my cosmic make-up, too. 

I recently hit the crafty jackpot.  I discovered the most amazing blog through Jordan Ferney's Oh Happy Day.  It is called Little Green Notebook, and I can't get enough.  The stuff that Jenny comes up with is insane, and always looks gorgeous when she is finished.  Did I mention that she has two little girls, and a third one on the way?  I don't know where she finds the time to get to everything.  She posts great tutorials, and tons of interior design ideas, too.  You have to check it out - you will be truly inspired to use the coming long weekend to make over your house!  Here are just a few of my favorite projects... 

This photo features a couple of her projects - a revamped lamp, and a custom frame knockoff - enhanced with some inexpensive molding. 

Another photo featuring multiple projects: Updated Mattes, Lamp shades, and a refurbished orange shelf!

She made this ottoman out of a coffee table....seriously!  Doesn't it look amazing!

Gorgeous updated red credenza. 

She makes these pelmet boxes out of foam core board.  Super easy!

There are amazing tutorials for these and more on the site.  If you want to find some more DIY projects, just go onto Jenny's blog and search "DIY".  Tons of great ideas will pop up! 

Everything is coming up...birds!

It happened - it finally happened! This morning I woke up, made a cup of delicious french press, sat at the kitchen table, looked out the window and saw the first little sparrow eating out of my bird feeder. This might not sound like a great feat, I know, but my bird feeder has been hanging outside all spring and summer and was yet to have a single nibbler. Oh happy Sunday - what a great day to start my blog. As you get to know me, you will quickly realize that I have many small obsessions. To name a few: bowls of all shapes and sizes (yes, bowls!), demitasse spoons, all things vintage, interior design, gardening, diy....and yes, birds. For you today, here are just a couple of inspiring snapshots.

A lovely collection of vintage birds.
Wouldn't you love to have these in your house?A pair of vintage hand carved pigeon hair pins from etsy shop downandoutchic!
So sweet!

Completely romantic wallpaper from Second Hand Rose.

If I was on the hunt for some wedding bands these would be at the top of my list.
The other rings by Beth Cyr Jewelry are completely amazing as well.