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

If I May by Lady of the House

* Photo by Jack & Lulu *

I'm usually kept caged until Wednesdays when I'm let out to post and play here, but when I read Erin's post yesterday morning I couldn't stop myself from sharing a few recipe box finds. I don't own a recipe box, so I wondered, what's out there? I've divided my results into some silly, if not non-existent stereotypes. (Do you have a kitchen alter ego?) Now it's just a matter of choosing which one!

-For the folksy type that picks wild flowers...

-For the little ones--it's never too early to start collecting I suppose...

-For the utilitarian with a cheeky side...

-For the preppy minimalist...

-For the zen master...

Ok, back to my cage!

xoxo

Lady of the House

Technical Difficulties

The Lady of the House is having a bit of trouble with her trusty computer this week. The poor machine is, well, not working.

I'm taking advantage of this opportunity to share a public service announcement:

Don't forget to back up your photos on an external hard drive.

I think that's all I need to say about that.

Send happy thoughts to the Lady of the House as she brings her computer into the good folks at the genius bar. And look forward to her triumphant return next week!

Helpful hint: Lenovo coupons are always available for external hard drives.

Feelings by Lady of the House

It was my sophomore year of high school, and I befriended the phenomenally cool, and oh so foreign exchange student from Germany. Of course she was stuck in the Midwest of all places, but she didn't seem to mind hanging out in basements, loitering at the bowling alley, or waiting in line at McDonald's. One evening, as I stared up at that golden, glowing menu, I proclaimed, "I feel like a milkshake." And the sweet, but totally confused exchange student asked me, "What is it to feel like a milkshake?" We both may never know.

However you're feeling today, here are a few links to take you away for a bit. Enjoy!

*** These paper boxes turn "clutter" into "categorized." Wouldn't they be divine with shortbread tucked inside? Go, have a look at all the pretty options at Smock.

*** Maybe the only thing more fun than enjoying the beautiful wrapping on this soap is tearing it off. Okay, I actually know that for a fact.

*** Can't wait to give one of these bags to each of my September birthday buds. Fabric and Handle serves it up chic and sensible. Yes, please!

xoxo

{ Lady of the House }

Take it Outside by Lady of the House

Dining al fresco on these hot summer nights? Me too! I've pulled together my favorite sources for patio-friendly dinnerware that'll have you setting the table in style.

These glasses completely justify speaking with a French accent all evening.

A huge, happy bowl for yummy salads.

We all know the ease and usefulness of the skewer. Aren't these beachy and fun?

And this preppy tray may even have you smiling as you tote the dirty dishes back inside.

xoxo

{ Lady of the House }

P.S. For you bargain hungers out there: Try finding a Target promotional code for picnic ware.

She's Crafty

5 essential tools for crafting you'll always want on-hand, and my favorite sources...

1) Washi tape - One of those cheery touches that takes ordinary to splendid very quickly

2) Twine - Sweet, delicate and completely fool-proof

3) Labels - I love a border, and these just look terrific on dark envelopes

4) Glassine envelopes - Super for adding just a bit of texture and panache. They're also perfect for sticking to notes and cards like a pocket, and tucking gift cards or other little treats inside.

5) Luscious papers - For everything including wrapping, lining envelopes, making pretty gift tags, and lining your drawers.

xoxo

{ Lady of the House }

Take a Picture, It'll Last Longer by Lady of the House

As I stare the big 3-0 in the face, I'm feeling a bit sentimental. Any milestone birthday has a way of prompting us to take stock, be thankful and wonder wide-eyed at the future. Since life trots on, (or gallops, I should say) I'm grateful for the special tokens I've collected that bring to mind happy memories. The tiny purse my dad bought me in Africa as a child, the mug my aunt gave me from which I drink every morning, the hand-me-down Norwegian cheese knife and countless other odds and ends all serve a purpose and yet seem to define me to some degree. The stuff of life, I suppose.

Universally, photographs remain the best way to appreciate time gone by. But if you're anything like me, you've been clicking away at just about everything in sight, and you've got nothing to show for it. I had every intention of logging married life in lovely albums and vintage frames, but I've done a very bad job. No program is as user-friendly as it claims to be, printing is a nightmare, and then there's just getting things organized.

I'm out of excuses now that I've discovered Pinhole Press. I'm smitten with just about everything they offer: simple, clean, perfectly bound photo albums, calendars, note pads, and even holiday cards. Just upload your files and you're on your way. Do you hear that? It's your photos breathing a sigh of relief. Now, your turn!

xoxo

{ Lady of the House }

(all photos courtesy of Pinhole Press)

I Just Need Some Air by Lady of the House

Truth be told, I am not a green thumb. Though I adore flowers, know their names, even stop to smell them--I can't seem to keep them alive. My options are limited due to this fact, but even more so now that we're in a north facing flat with no garden. Meanwhile Spring, in all her glory, buds and blooms.

So I went out today in search of some sprig of nature that just might let me at least try and look after it. And after chatting with the nice gals at my local nursery, it was determined that the perfect plant for my type is an air plant. They don't need much, meaning I probably can't screw it up, and they also happen to be wild and wonderful.

I fished out some delicate glass vases my sister gave me ages ago. (CB2 still makes this one!) Then I started by sprinkling a shallow layer of sand into the base of each vase. I added a little reindeer moss for some fluff and color, suspecting the air plant might hinge itself a bit more easily with a little cushion. Then I placed the air plants, strung the vases with twine, and hung them in the kitchen window. I'm delighted to have a bit of the outside in. Now if I can just keep them alive... Wish me luck!

xoxo

{ Lady of the House }

p.s. I just set up an email address, if you'd ever like to drop me a line or ask a question like, "What should I get my sister-in-law for her birthday?" : hdhhLady@gmail.com

p.p.s Oooh! And I'm on Twitter now too: @HDHHLady .Well aren't we fancy!

Squeaky Clean by Lady of the House

When I have the luxury of a trip to the grocery store that includes my husband, I usually clear off to sniff bars of soap and read the detergent labels. I have a total thing for products, okay, an absolute weakness. I realized we had a situation when I discovered not two, but three different bottles of dish soap under the kitchen sink, four all-purpose cleansers, and a bounty of solvents that would make even Mr. Clean's ugly head spin.

A detox was in order. The typical shift from commercial-grade toxic cleansers, or a greening wasn't the plan, I needed to silence all the cheery, organic and typographically yummy labels beckoning me over and over again. Enter Casabella, an empty spray bottle, a few handy cloths and the recipe to remedy all the grocery store bottle-huffing.

So here's how it works. It's simple. You'll need a spray bottle and a few things from around the house.

1. For general surface cleaning: Baking soda -- 2 tablespoons to 16 ounces of warm water

2. To hit your windows and mirrors: Distilled White Vinegar -- 1 teaspoon to 16 ounces of warm water

3. To disinfect: Tea Tree Oil -- 10-20 drops to 16 ounces of warm water

(The recipes above come from Casabella's handy TIPS found on their website

Keep house sensibly, safely, and save your pennies for vacation.

Happy Spring cleaning, lovelies!!

xoxo

{ Lady of the House }

Let it Rain by Lady of the House

It's been drizzling for days here in San Francisco. I made someone laugh on the street yesterday when I attempted to pop open my free-with-a-piece-of-luggage umbrella that balked and bent in the wind. It wasn't fabulous, that's for sure.

My humbling experience has me devising a perfect rain get-up. Are you ready for April showers? I'm not! I need...

A proper pair of boots...

A sensible coat...

A dazzling brollie...

Oh, and a place to set her once I'm back for a hot cup of tea...

Cozy up, everybody!

xoxo

{ Lady of the House }

Building a Happy Home

Tomorrow, my brother and his lovely fiancee are getting married.  I spent a few minutes feeling a bit nostalgic, thinking back to the hours we spent playing Legos and kick-the-can, the concerts we performed in the living room, the forts we built in the backyard, his DJ skills on the way to school, the time he wore red shoes to prom...and pulled it off.  Obviously, I'm lucky to have the best brother in the world.

But before I got too weepy and mushy, I decided to think ahead to the happy home that they're building together.  I wondered, what advice would I give to them?  What things have I done to make my home a haven for myself, the husband, our friends and family?  What mistakes have I made that I'd urge them to avoid?  So, here's my list:

1. Think first.  Speak second.  Unless it involved shoveling in a big piece of chocolate cake, I have often regretted opening my big mouth.  But I have never regretted holding my tongue.  
2. Say, "Please."  Do you need help with something?  Maybe the laundry?  Instead of telling your partner, "I don't have any clean skivvies."  Try this: "Oh, wonderful love of my life, would you be so kind as to help me wash my underthings?"  Ok, maybe not that obsequiously, but you get my drift.  Asking nicely gets you much farther in life. 
3. And, "Thank you."  Don't take your significant other/children/friends/family for granted.  What they bring to your life is immeasurable.  In addition to companionship, emotional support, blah, blah, blah, they probably take care of a host of tasks you don't think about on a daily basis.  Does your husband pay the bills when they come due?  Tell him you're thankful that he's in charge of on-line banking so you don't have to worry about it.  Does your mom sew the missing buttons onto your shirts every time she comes to your house?  Let her know you appreciate it.  Does your wife stay home with the kids so you can pursue a career you love?  Tell her how grateful you are for her contribution to the family.   
4. It is NOT "my way or the highway."  Here's a real life example: I always put the silverware away in the same order in the cubbies of my flatware organizer.  First the big spoons, then small spoons, followed by big forks, small forks, and, finally, knives.  One day, the husband emptied the dishwasher, and he changed the order: big spoons, big forks, small spoons, small forks, knives.  I was flummoxed.  How could anyone think to put the silverware away in such a strange order?  Promptly, I re-arranged the drawer.  Later, I thought to myself, "Erin, you are a moron.  Your husband took the time to empty the dishwasher.  Who gives a rat's rear-end how he put the silverware away???"  Moral of the story: It just doesn't matter.  And also, I'm a little crazy about my utensils.

Wonderful readers, what advice do you have for those just starting to build their nest together?  I'd like to hear, and I'm sure all the newlyweds would, too.

And, to John and Emily, may your home be a joyful and peaceful respite for every person who walks through the door.  I love you guys!

I Love My Calendar by Lady of the House

3-2-1-Happy New Year! Is it just me, or does a new calendar with fresh pages kind of trump that apple dropping at midnight? I have always relished this integral purchase, and I think the joy of choosing just the right guide to take you into the next year is nothing to mess around with.

I have come across a few in the last little while, and I thought I'd share a few resources.

Paper Source is an obvious spot to check out, and their 2011 Wall Art Calendar is a vibrantly printed option for the laundry room or drab dorm.

I troll Etsy like it's my job, and Bryan Kring's Organic Wreath Letterpress Calendar is simple, lovely and wonderful. I purchased one for a friend, and at the cost of sounding like a complete letterpress nerd, I must tell you the registration is impeccable. You'll be so proud to pin it up somewhere in your home.

Another yummy Etsy find is Dekanimal's large 13x19 Little Flower poster. It's the right amount of folk meets Japan meets quirky enough to please you til next December.

I hope you all have a happy New Year!

xoxo

Lady of the House

You Crack Me Up by Lady of the House

The Holidays are peppered with tradition, but I say there's always room for one more. This year, set the table with Christmas Crackers. What? You don't know about Christmas crackers?

These festive little tubes are basically a party all wrapped up. Inside there's always a paper crown, maybe a little toy or a joke, and oh, look at that, instant smiles on everyone's faces as the tension leaves the room.

Now growing up, we had to have my auntie mail over a box of crackers from the UK, but lately I've noticed them around, and I'm delighted to see the trend is picking up. You'll find them at Williams Sonoma, Party City, and of course, Amazon.com.

When you decide it's time to crack the crackers, make sure the little bit of cardboard (the thing that ignites the crack) is pinched tightly with the paper. And pull it with whoever is seated beside you. The person that gets the bigger piece of the torn cracker wins the contents. Play nice, though. Just one crown for you, Mister.

Here's to a holly jolly one.

xoxo

Lady of the House

Showing Up by Lady of the House

Your social calendar is brimming, and yes, time is running short, but don't, I repeat, don't skimp on your hostess gifts. It's one thing being the host, now show how gracious you can be as a guest.

I'm not reinventing the wheel here, but I will say, my suggested gifts border on luxury and oh-you-shouldn't-have-yum!

1) Send a bouquet of flowers or an arrangement BEFORE the big event. What a fun little treat, and oh how useful for your already haggard friend.

2) Skip ordinary and lavish Ms. Dinner Party with decadent soaps from Claus Porto. She'll either pop them in the guest bath, or better yet, sneak them away to her quarters for that much needed soak once the guests have left and the dishes are done.

3) Got a light? Show up with the ambiance and the sparkle with a bundle of tapered candles. Seriously, it elevates even macaroni and cheese. Hostess with the Mostest will L-O-V-E you for it.

4) And if it's a quickie run to Trader Joes for a bottle of vino, at least dress it up with a fun, and might I add, conveniently re-giftable tote. Since we're not plucking the '94 Screaming Eagle from the cellar, we may as well take old Bogle to dinner in a fancy outfit.

Be fabulous, as usual.

xoxo Lady of the House

Dinner Co-op

Am I the only one running around like a chicken with her head cut off this time of year?  Between buying presents, trimming the tree, singing with Bing, baking cookies, and signing cards, there's barely time for the little things...like working, for example.  Needless to say, cooking hot dinner has dropped a few pegs on my priority list.

On days like this I'm particularly grateful for dinner co-op.  Now I'm sure you're asking yourself, "Dinner co-op?  What in the world is that?"  Well, I'll let you in on this genius idea.

My friend and co-worker, Therese, and I both enjoy cooking.  For years we've swapped recipes and tips.  Then one day, we decided to start a dinner co-op.  It's a pretty simple concept: Therese and I both cook twice as much as we need one night a week, and then swap the leftovers.  Typically, we both cook the double dinner on Mondays and bring the leftovers to work on Tuesday.  So, the husband and I have a new-to-us meal on Tuesday night, and I don't have to cook a thing!

In addition to saving time, dinner co-op is fun because it gives you the opportunity to try new dishes.  Therese has some delish recipes that my belly has benefitted from.  Chicken curry, Indian lasagna, mini burgers, mac n' cheese...  I'm getting hungry just thinking about some of these meals!

So, if you have a friend who enjoys cooking, consider proposing a dinner co-op.  Once a week, month, quarter, or year, it's a fun project that will save you money and time.  Oh, and if you do start a co-op, I'd love to hear about it!  Comment, send an e-mail, or visit our Facebook page to let me know.

Evites You'll Be Proud to Send

With the Holidays upon us, it's likely you have a hearty menu to share with friends and family thanks to HDHH. When you want to send word quickly, digital invitations do make a fair option. Then the search is on for a decent invitation, and alas, there isn't a pixel to be found that even begins to announce your event in style. Please allow me the great pleasure of introducing you to a few sites that take the art of eviting to the next level, leaving your dignity in tact.

PaperlessPost.com

CocoDot.com

Pingg.com

I promise you, you will not miss the ads for magical belly shrinkers, the host of pop-ups, the fiercely obnoxious tunes and jiggling graphics. Alright, maybe you'll miss the girls that dance 'cuz interest rates have dropped again. But they're invited to the party anyway...

I always say, the invitation is the first thing your guests receive from you, so make it special. Oh, and prepare to be copied. Remember, imitation is the best form of flattery.