print is not dead

Remember this fantastic magazine I told you we were selling in the store...

and did I tell you how much we all really, really love it?

Well, check out this super cute little video promo for Anthology Magazine.  It's called Print Is Not Dead.  And I sure hope print isn't dead, because what would we all do without magazines?

Print Is Not Dead from Anthology Magazine on Vimeo.

keep getting organized

I am away at Alt Design Summit (hopefully having a great time!), but I came across this fantastic post the other day on etsy by Suann of simplesong about getting organized for the new year and thought I would share some of its goodness, in case anyone else is still looking to organize their life.  How much do you love that giant clothes pin?

How's your organizing going?

fresh paint

What is it about a new coat of paint?  It just gives everything around it a fresh feeling.  Well, our poor, neglected library was in great need of a new coat of paint (almost embarrassingly so...).  I decided to paint the shelves a dark gray and leave the wall behind them white.  I absolutely love the way it turned out.  Its like a brand new room...

What do you think?

everyone loves a remodel

What is it about following along with a remodel that is so exciting?  There is just something about seeing the before and after pictures and admiring what clever ways people chose to adapt their home for their family, even if you don't know them.  Well, the Chicago Burches (my oldest son and his wife, along with their six kids) just bought this amazing house and have a big remodel about to be underway.  They are expanding the kitchen and digging a basement and lots of other little fix-ups to make the house their own.  I would probably follow along with this remodel even if I didn't know them (I have a sickness like that), but all the more fun that I do!  So, I will probably steal little bits of their remodel from time to time to share over here for anyone that is interested.  Don't you think this house is just amazing to begin with...

They already ripped out all the carpet in the house themselves...

and look at the floor that was underneath...

Must be that new year itch for change that makes me enjoy this so much.  I get to sit back, watch and enjoy, but not actually be the one dealing with it!

getting organized

Its that time of year again, when I feel the overwhelming urge to get my house (and my life) in order.  What is it about a new year that makes people (especially women, it seems) want to clean out, organize and rearrange their homes?  It is almost like we need to have some physical reminder that it is actually a new year and we get a fresh start.
Anyway, I have been wanting to get my craft room in order for how long now?  I finally put this chalkboard wall together, but the actual room is still in complete disarray.  Its so hard to put anything away when you know you are going to need it again...  and then everything just gets left out.  Oh, well.  I have given it a little start with these fantastic new wall organizers.  Hopefully, I will have clean, organized craft room pictures to show you one of these days...

And, if you are interested, the Willows has a few little items to help you get organized this new year...

If you are like me and scrambling to make this year an organized one, I wish you all the luck in the world!  And, if you have any good tips on how to make that actually happen, please share!

on being spontaneous and good eats

I don't think I would call myself a spontaneous person necessarily, but I do occasionally have that itch to jump up and do something and do it that minute. Like a couple months ago when I up and flew off to New York. Or this week when I up and decided that I am going to go to Alt Design Summit this coming week in Salt Lake City. Within 24 hours I had airline tickets, a hotel and was registered for the conference... and have been stressing about what to wear ever since. Is anyone else going? Would love to see you there...

And, in unrelated news, I ate at St. Francis last week (not for the first time, but I felt the need to mention it for anyone who hasn't tried it yet...). I can't go there without getting their Pork Chile Verde. It is so delicious, especially on a chilly winter day (granted, we don't have many of those, but the pork is super tasty either way).  Also worth mentioning, their pumpkin soup, baked goat cheese and all of their flatbreads.  That is all I have really had there, but I am going to bet all their food is equally delicious (my only bummer of an experience was with a dessert we ordered, but I am willing to forgive them, as everything else is so very wonderful).  Our waiter was so nice letting us sit and chat and take all the time in the world. And did you know kids eat free all the time? I tried to pass off my daughter for the free meal, but then she wanted to order a cocktail and I figured the waiter probably wouldn't go for the free kids' meal and cocktail combo...

So, what plans do you have for the weekend?  

CP Shades

Did you know the Willows' carries CP Shades? Well, we do. And, if you don't know about them already, you should come have a look. They are comfortable, versatile and all around amazing. From the lips of the designers themselves, they are "wearable classic clothing" and, best of all, they are made right here in the USA. Check out this great video all about this fantastic company...

And just because we love them so much, come in today or tomorrow, mention this blog post and get 20% off your CP Shades! See you soon!