Calvin and Hobbes

A while back Michael took an interest in my old Calvin and Hobbes comic books. It made me so happy that he liked them! I'm not really a comic-book kind of girl, but ever since I was 10 years old something about these guys, their humor and sincerity, the story of a child whose best friend is an imaginary animal, has always felt so personal to me. Michael even reminds me of Calvin (some days more than others), so it seemed like the perfect Halloween costume - personal, easy, and inexpensive. All we needed was a red and black striped t-shirt and a Hobbes. 

The t-shirt was simple ($3.88 at Walmart!), the tiger was not. I originally planned to buy one (I assumed the market would be loaded with great Hobbes options - who wouldn't want a life-size stuffed Hobbes?) but found that there weren't any that lived up to the Hobbes of my imagination, and the few that I did find on etsy were expensive. So I was thrilled when I found this (free!) tutorial and pattern. I can't say enough good things about it. I'm about as novice as a sewer can get and I was able to easily understand the pattern and all of the steps. The only information I would add to the tutorial is a list of materials. I bought too much material and batting - 1 yard of orange fleece, 1/2 yard of white, and 1/2 yard of black, and one bag of batting is plenty.  It was a lot of work (I put in around 10 hours and I still have some hand-sewing to do on the stripes) but so worth it. Michael carried Hobbes proudly on Saturday, and a few days later he's still hugging his "Hobb". 

I figure if he ever loses interest, I'll be happy to keep Hobbes for myself ;)

image via my instagram feed

There's something kind of wonderful about a great workspace.

When I was in graduate school and studying for my board exams the right spot could make the difference between a mediocre day and a creative, stimulating, productive day. And it's still true! A beautiful workspace focuses my mind, fills me with ideas, and makes me want to sit right down and create.

This little table and chairs did that for me. When I looked at it I saw art projects and playdoh, puzzles, and lego towers. So, I've been thrilled that it seems to have the same effect on Michael! He loves to sit at his table and stack his blocks and play with puzzles. (There's been a decent amount of climbing on the table too, but we're working on that....) 

In the photo above he had just finished lunch and he went straight to his table, 

climbed up in his chair and started writing like it was his job. Just taking care of business.

Makes my heart happy :)

Rooms I love

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Good morning, friends! I hope your weekend was fantastic. 

Michael and I have been reveling in all the sunshine and time with loved ones here in Austin. And there's more to come! Tomorrow we head to the lake for a reunion with several close friends from college. 

I can't wait!!

I've got some packing to do, so I'll leave you with this happy little foyer. 

Isn't that orange door good?

xoxo

{summer} Homes I love

Why aren't all laundry room doors as happy as these?

(And that sailboat wallpaper? So cute!)

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Rooms I love

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I've had a crush on this one for a long time now.

Because nothing warms up a cold, snowy day like some orange.

(And I still want a little orange kitten.) 

All photos we heart it.

Orange done right

elle decor

katie ridder

sweetiepie

cabbage rose

katie ridder

There is always something interesting going on over at i suwanee, and today is no exception. I am LOVING this bathroom designed by the author. Nice work, Jamie!

wallpaper by quadrille

 

I love lamp

anthropologie

Orange you glad

all images from we heart it

Good morning! It's a rainy day in New England, and I'm here at my kitchen table with a cup of coffee blogging to you fine readers. Could life be any better?? I had a wonderful weekend - my sweet husband took me (and our dog) away to New York City to celebrate the end of my clinical training. We had a fabulous time, ate some amazing meals, and spent time with good friends. And, I learned a few things while we were there:

1) I love the city but I will never regret not living there. Too many people, lines, crowds, too much trash and noise, etc....

2) Good barbecue can be found in New York City. It's in Brooklyn at a little place called Fette Sau (Fat Pig). (What else can be found in Brooklyn you ask? Hipsters. Lots and lots of hipsters.)

3) I used to think Ella was meant to be a cattle dog, working on a ranch rounding up cows and goats. Now I think I may have been wrong because she feels right at home in the city - the walks, the people, and the luxurious hotel rooms...

Here are a few pieces of inspiration to start off the week:

What could possibly make built-ins better? 

When they're part of a gorgeous apartment in Paris. sigh

I love everything about this. Everything.

I'm not crazy about the dark walls, but this is possibly the coolest sofa I've ever seen.

Doesn't this look like a wonderful place to wake up?

So, so pretty.

And finally, this room. The furniture is heavy for my taste, and I'm not sure I like orange in the bedroom, but it definitely makes an impact, don't you think?

Have a lovely week!! xoxo

Orange crush

I woke up needing a little shot of orange so I searched we heart it, and this is what I got...

P.S. I am dying for a little orange kitten.