Antique Button Sample Cards

One of my newer clients has a framed collection of antique button sample cards hanging in her home office. Isn't this a beautiful grouping?



You can start your own collection by stalking eBay with this search. There are lots of inexpensive options, if you're willing to be patient.



But if you're willing to front a little bit of an investment, I'd spring for this collection. The colors are STUNNING.

Advice Wanted: Attention Mamas!!

One of the best parts about having a blog is having access to lots of people and their opinions. This post has nothing to do with interior design (other than the pretty nursery pics - the design is by Angie Hranosky) and that's why I'm posting it on a Sunday night. Thanks for letting me get personal here sometimes.



I am quickly approaching 39 weeks. The end of this pregnancy is very near. I had two very, very different labors and deliveries with my other girls. I expect that this one will be equally unique.



SO!! I want to hear your best advice on labor pain management! What worked for you??

My husband and I have started a list of things to try this time:

Bouncing on an exercise ball
Listening to calming music
Walking, Sitting or standing instead of lying in the hospital bed
Hypno-birthing/extreme focus technique

Not so much interested in the bath idea once my water has broken.

Any quick pieces of advice would be greatly appreciated! You guys are the best!

Scissors

On my Christmas list this year is a new pair of scissors (something to cut all that ribbon, right?). The kind of scissors that I'll keep forever and just have sharpened when they get dull.

I bookmarked these a year or two ago (I think Jordan posted about them). They're beautiful and look like just the right multipurpose size.

La Plates Give Away

My girl, Camila, has a killer give away on her blog right now. A set of four monogrammed dessert plates from La Plates, just in time for Christmas. Here are my faves from the La Plates site...

What Say You

About these boxy bookshelves?

via This is Glamourous from Martha Stewart Living




via Domino, design by Tom Scheerer

Ribbon Trim

To make myself feel better, I like to imagine that everyone hoards at least something. Unfortunately, I hoard several somethings. Ribbon is definitely in that category (along with fabric, chairs, mirrors, and lamps - my poor husband).

Can't. Stop. BUYING!

I just love the way ribbon transforms lamp shades, pillows, picture mats and curtains.

Here are some of my picks from a really great trim resource - Renaissance Ribbons.

Plum Taffeta ($2.55 per yard) Love the dot details. There are lots of color options in this style.

I love plaid ($1.15 per yard) for a little boys room or a den.

Red embroidered scroll on linen ($5.35)


There's orange and navy too

Green poppies ($9.05)


Khaki embroidered medallions on linen ($5.35)


Green leaf ($4.95) looks like it belongs in Lauren's living room.


Green Chinese Medallions ($4.35)


Pink Floral ($9.60)


Salmon floral ($5.65)


One of my clients is doing her master bedroom in lavender and grays and I've been so drawn to the color combo lately... Lavender and gray ($2.45)
Blue wide stripes ($3.80)


Lime flowers on mauve ($3.50/yd) - so cute on some simple sold color panels for a little girl's room.


This one, too...
Rust mini-flowers ($1.25/yd)

Other places I often look for trim...

M&J Trimmings
trimfabric.com
L&S (especially for Greek key trim)

Do you have any good secret sources for ribbon?

Victoria Hagan Lamps

These lamps stopped me in my tracks today at Target and I wish my phone pictures did their beauty justice. A little modern. A bit trad. Sort of glam. Just perfect.



They are available only in stores through the Victoria Hagan line for $49.99 each. They seriously look 10x that expensive in real life.



I think a pair would be especially gorgeous in a small master bedroom. Sparkly-sophisticated.