Office Organization

I've been trying to get organized and make my totally bland office a little more homey.  If you want some really hideous "before's" of my office click here... They are just too ugly to post again...

For the last several months, it has been just me and my computer, and the room looked exactly as it did when I first moved in.  

Then I hit up Ikea...

They had some fabulous stuff to help organize and corral all the papers, and "stuff" that piles up at work.  

I loved the citron yellow boxes paired with the periwinkle file holders (a technical term) - aside from the organization factor, they bring some much needed color to this otherwise totally drab space.

And I loved these woven boxes with labels on the front - I might go back for a few extras for our house!

A few small framed prints also helped spruce up the space...

And I totally stole this photograph from our living room - I love this picture of the Ferry Building with the bokeh effect, and it very conveniently matches the periwinkle file boxes I bought!  Don't you love when things just work out??

This pretty abstract seaside painting just makes me happy...

This is no crowning glory, but my office space is a bit more livable now with some personal effects in here, and the fact that there is COLOR aside from the drab blah beige is a huge win.

I still feel that the bookshelf could use some work... unfortunately I realized that all the office furniture was rented with the building, and so painting was quickly out of the question.  I'm toying with the idea of covering the back of the bookshelf with paper or fabric of some sort - perhaps a bold black and white stripe... or maybe just a solid color.  Grey?

All that faux wood just hurts my eyes, but at least I'm making baby steps.

Now we need to get some artwork up in herreeeeee!!

Sand Between my Toes

I spent last week in Miami for a work conference, and it made for a great little break.  While we spent every day in an overly air conditioned conference room, I managed to sneak out for a little beach time...

I mean LOOK at that water... how could I not?!

It was so clear, and sooooo blue.  That perfect tropical color that seriously does not exist on the west coast!

On a few days, I snuck out to the beach over our lunch break, and parked myself in a chair for a little sun, and the feeling of vacation... even if it was for just an hour.  The warm sun, and a cold beverage was just what I needed...

And... THIS was the view from my room at the W in South Beach...

 I'll just say... it didn't suck :-)

It's a breezy 60 degrees in San Francisco, and just posting these pictures makes me crave the balmy weather, and room service.  I wish there were a freshly stocked mini-bar in our apartment... and a maid to give me fresh towels daily.

Side note: what is it about hotels that makes me go through about 5 towels a day??  Ugh, if only we had a fairy that came to our house and swapped them out for us every day...

I was so good - one morning I even got up early for a run, and to watch the sunrise...

And then I was bad, and had a few cocktails by the pool... it would have been wrong of me not to take full advantage of Miami!!


... and everyone needs a good tan in South Beach...

All in all, a fabulous week away - even if it was for work!!

Creative Chalk Dishes

Yes... I realize that chalkboard paint is very "done" in the world of home decor, BUT, sometimes you come across an idea so good you just HAVE to share.

Source

I happen to still like the idea of having a wall painted with chalkboard paint - especially fun in a kids' room or even a kitchen!  The question is, what do you do with the chalk??

Use ornate drawer pulls hung upside down!  Who would have thought!  And with the resurgence of brass hardware, this looks especially cute with the coordinating brass switch plate.

Happy Thursday!

Lake House Daydreams

I'm a city girl through and through, but there is something so charming about a lovely lakehouse.  I would get restless living there all year round, but in the stuff of my wildest dreams, we'd have a fabulous weekend retreat - a lakehouse tucked into the trees, right on the water.  Quiet.  Removed.  Perfect for swimming, bbq's, and naps on the porch.

Can't you just imagine sitting in one of those Adirondacks with a glass of wine, watching a quiet sunset on the water??  Ahhhh....

Traditional Exterior by Minneapolis Interior Designer Michelle Fries, BeDe Design, LLC

And how great is this one??  So rustic and classic.  The biggest decision you'd have to make is if you want to take the canoe or the speedboat out for a spin...

Traditional Exterior by New York Interior Designer Thom Filicia Inc.

And this second floor deck - amazing.  I'd love to start everyday with a cup of coffee out there, looking out over the water.

Contemporary Exterior by Portland Architect Kaplan Thompson Architects

And this one has a cozy little look to it.  I love that it blends in with the trees - and can't you imagine it in the winter, covered in snow next to the frozen lake?

Traditional Exterior by Norwich Architect Smith & Vansant Architects PC

This next lakehouse is absolutely stunning - with a modern flair, I picture a kitchen with poured concrete countertops, and sleek chrome hardware.  Have you seen the movie The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo??  This house reminds me of one of the fabulous modern lakehouses in that movie....

Contemporary Exterior by Essex Junction Photographer Susan Teare, Professional Photographer

And finally, this deck??  I'll take two!  I hardly even need to explain why it's so awesome.  In my dream world, this is where we'll celebrate every 4th of July, with a big party, fireworks, and the smell of coppertone.

Traditional Patio by Denver Interior Designer Lauren Mikus

Brussels Sprouts Chips

Kale chips are pretty much all the rage - a small bag from the market is around $5!  I've taken to making them at home, but just saw this recipe for Brussels Sprout Chips, and think I'll be adding this to me repertoire 

Just as easy, and it is a nice way to switch up a healthy snack.

Source

Brussels sprouts weren't exactly my favorite vegetable for a long time - I'm not a picky eater by any stretch of the imagination, but this is one food that I only started enjoying recently.

Turning them into a roasted crispy snack with fresh flavors like lemon and sea salt take away the pungent flavor that comes with steaming them.  Not a route I like to go!

Ingredients: 

 - brussels sprouts

 - olive oil

 - sea salt

 - lemon

Instructions: 

First separate each leaf from the brussels sprout. The smallest leaves won't separate so you can either go ahead and cook those too or save them for another meal idea. 

Lightly coat the leaves in olive oil. Bake at 400°F for 8-10 minutes until edges begin to get crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly. 

Remove from oven, squeeze on some fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with sea salt.

It doesn't get much easier than that!  Enjoy!