I'll be Brief by The Lady of the House

As you may recall, this week my family and I are heading a few miles across town to some new digs. Moving is quite likely the most heartening of domestic events, fraught with a range of emotions all settling down to one hope: the hope of "home." Somehow while you're scrubbing schmutz off cupboard doors, and trying desperately to get surfaces to feel like new, you're having your own little Louisiana Purchase moment, staking your claim. Okay, maybe that's just me. At any rate, on Monday, I scrubbed, mopped and dusted our "new" San Francisco flat built in 1926, and it'll be a while before it feels like home. Needless to say, I'm a bit short on time, so I thought I'd post a little link love.

As I stare at all these blank walls, I've got ART on the brain. Here are some inexpensive and positively lovely posters just begging for a spot in your home and mine.

--I have always loved these quirky maps, probably because I wasn't born with any sort of internal compass. They're not only fun to look at---they actually help you get your bearings! Wouldn't the Heart poster be perfect for Valentine's Day?

--I bought this poster for Erin for Christmas, and I've got one in black hanging in my own kitchen. If you're reading this blog, I'm guessing one may be welcome in your home as well.

--For those of us that think about things like typefaces, printing methods, and cool wedding gifts, try this route. I have always coveted the aqua ampersand.

--I adore Amy Butler's textile designs. Now she's taken the best bits and turned them into iconic prints. Genius! Wishing you could slap your powder room walls in decadent wall paper? This may be your fix.

--And now for some art that's slightly "off" in a good way... Like what home isn't complete without a print of owls and pigeons partying? Tell yourself it's for your kid. It's totally for you!

xoxo

Lady of the House

I Heart Japan by Lady of the House

I'm thinking of Japan as I sit down to write, and I've decided rather than take you on a tour of my new digs, it may serve us all better to let you in on a few ways to shop for the home and thus help out in creative ways. As you know, feathering the nest is basically my M-O, but I do love giving my pennies to companies with heart. I'm guessing you do too.

First of all, connect yourselves with the big boys doing big things in Japan. They're set up to make order of chaos, and we can all feel at ease sending donations to household names.

Secondly, if you'd like to support some fabulous artists AND the relief efforts in Japan, look no further...

CLEAR THE AIR

and your front hall closet with a few fabulous hanging sachets. They're straight out of that origami phase you attempted as a kid, but better. (I'm going to hang mine on the dangling light cords in the closets. Oh and P.S. Moths detest lavender and men are turned on by the smell. I'm just sayin')

CLEAN UP

after everyone with a deliciously soft cotton towel. Well, try. These are so delicately beautiful, you may have difficulty. (Mama's think Aiden and Anais meets your splattered kitchen counter. Yes, that pure and pretty. Hello, the blanket!) These towels are printed by hand in Japan, and I almost peed my pants before Christmas trying to decide which one to choose for which Auntie. Every single one is perfection.

GRACE THE WALLS and the MAILBOX

with prints and greetings from Dutch Door Press. Their state bird series honors the places you've been, the places you come from, the places you plan to go, ie. instantly thoughtful gifts/instantly authentic decor. And the cards are so adorable, they're worth framing.

If you're out at the shops, or in need of a thing or two for your place, consider how far your moolah is going, and where it's going. I'm astounded at the grace and give exhibited in the average human being. We can be wonderful when we consider others. God bless Japan.

xoxo

{ Lady of the House }