So many patio furnitures to choose from....

I AM NOT bragging....but, we have a fabulous backyard.  It's a split level yard with a rock wall separating the upper and lower levels.  The rock wall has four flowering trees evenly dispersed surrounded by roses bushes, poppies, geraniums, desert flowers, you name it!  Did I mention that I spend hours mowing, raking, weeding, sweating...well, you get the idea. Problem Uno: we lack sufficient patio furniture.  I've been looking for quite some time (We even expanded our concrete pad and I still don't have any chairs!) and can't quite narrow it down!  There are so many beautiful options.

Aluminum

Teak

Wrought Iron

Padded

Strap

Sling

Wicker

High Table

Low Table

A lot of choices isn't it?  I'm thinking I'd love the padded furniture the most, but knowing myself and my children, it would be destroyed the fastest.  So, I think my pick would be an Aluminum or Wrought Iron set. Like this:

Obviously a big enough table for guests is important.  Also, a canopy would be amazing to shade us from the hot sun, here in the desert.

And for the S'mores lovers in my family and friends, a firepit would definitely be a bonus!

So, what do you think of my choices?  Practical?  Stylish?  Both?  Neither?

Click on photos for image source

I love designer portfolios.....

I found another great designer, Stephanie Wohlner, via another blog which I can't even remember.  Let me tell you folks, she is awesome.  Stephanie uses great choices of cool colors and frequents earthy tones balanced with pops of color.  I love that she throws in a lot of subtle animal prints in almost every room she does.  She has a very identifiable design style and it's very appealing.  Check her out here and enjoy these eye candies.

See what I mean?  Beautiful!

Sigh, is it the weekend yet?

Awwww.....finally.  I've had a week of family birthdays, days swimming in the sun, endless yard work, and a list of projects that never seem to be completed.  But, it is the weekend, and I need just a little fun, a little food, and a little lovin!  This is my weekend outfit wish!

Enjoy your weekend everyone before the Fourth of July craziness hits!

Au Revoir!
 Images via J. Crew

I'm ready for a vacay....

When the season turns warm and delicious, depending on my mood, I'm in serious need of a time out.

Whether it's the beach, 

 

Image via HERE

the mountains,

Image via The Ardilaun Hotel

an evening walk or bike, 

Image via Welcome To Stratford

a swim,

Image via Surfing Tips

a canoe or kayak ride,

Image via Outdoor Tours

A relaxing day at the pool

 Image via HERE

or just a night in the backyard with the fire pit,

Image via HGTV

I need and love that time!

Image via Trendir.com

When you need a vacation, what do you choose to do?  Outdoor activities or relax?  Where would you choose to go?  Mountains or beach?  Please let me know! My sister and I have a daily battle on whether people choose to go to the beach and relax, or the mountains to have a physically rigorous time-out! I can't decide which one I choose!

Get ready for some kitchen pics!!!!!

In any room, I love to see and appreciate unique qualities.  Big "Captain Obvious" sized uniqueness or teeny-tiny treasures that capture my eye in a sudden double-take of recognition.  Kitchens are the ultimate get-together room in a home where everyone tends to plant themselves.  It doesn't matter whose kitchen I'm in or what style of picture of a kitchen I'm perusing over, I'm looking for that "something" that catches my oh-so-curious eye.  Thank heavens for Homes and Gardens kitchen gallery.  I might have spent some time there obsessing over every...single...kitchen....image.  Here, let me show you:

The conservatory-like style in this kitchen is so bright and inviting.

This country style kitchen is offset beautifully by turquoise accents.

I love the freestanding look of this kitchen.  The island is so casual and I love the butcher block!

Who wouldn't love this french country kitchen with butcher block counter tops and church arched style cabinets?

The green cabinets and floral patterns in this kitchen are so visually attractive.  The slipcovers over these chairs are a particular love of mine!

 I'm totally traditional, so this kitchen is probably my numero uno pick! I love the mantle over the stove in place of a hood.  AWESOME!!!

Modern shelving and seating make this kitchen unique!

Vintage kitchens are always so cute and quaint.  I love the bistro style chairs that were chosen.  Too cute for words.

Here's another darling vintage kitchen with an old stove to prove it!

As always, I'm predictable in my choice of country styles.  I heart these white washed floors!

What's unique in your kitchen?

   I have  roosters and chickens in mine......

Happy Father's Day!

To all you rugged, loyal, sexy, and loving men out there, I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day. Maybe you'll enjoy today with the U.S. Open as my husband, dad, brothers, and uncles are!

 Image via Syracuse.com

Oh, The Musically Talented....

   As a person who enjoys music and has made it a big part of my life, I'm elated when I find a genuinely talented musician.  I had vocal scholarships for college, played the piano, weakly learned guitar, and had weekly and, at times, daily vocal lessons.  That said, I know and love music.  If you've ever heard Jim Gaffigan's comedic skit on ugly people he said, "If you see a beautiful singer, you listen and enjoy the act, so to speak.  If you see an ugly performer, your first thought is, 'wow, they must be talented!'"  Isn't this so true!!!!  

   Well, I was complaining about the Britney Spears' production-like society we've come to obsess over versus real talent and an appreciation for music.  Whilst I was complaining, my husband asked if I'd actually ever seen Lady Gaga play the piano. My answer was,  "No, I'm sure it's all recorded anyways."  Was I wrong folks!  This "Lady" who I didn't especially care for or dislike prior to watching this youtube video now has my respect.

I love finding the Real McCoy and she can play and sing....WELL!!!!  I know shocker.  She said in an interview that she appreciates music, fashion, and art in all it's forms.  I think this is part of her love of unusual costumes and controversial videos with her sexual dances and lyrics.  I've got to hand it to her, she's fun to watch and she's good at what she does!

Here's some fun fashion choices of Lady Gaga:

Image via Bitten and Bound

Image via ezoox.com

Image via Graphics Hunt

Image via Follow the Fashion

Image via Stuff Queer People Need To Know

Image via Tech UV

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend filled with music, art, fashion, food, and most importantly, shopping. 

ADIEU!

What's Your Style In One Picture Challenge!

As I'm sure all of you know, Ally, from From the Right Bank, has issued this challenge I think three times.  This was so hard for me but, I think I found the perfect room.  It's a beautiful living room in San Francisco.

Why is it my style you ask?  Well, It's somewhat traditional which I love but, has touches of femininity and elegance that I think makes a room unique.  So I guess you could say this room screams of traditional elegance. I love the couches in that you could literally use them for any room in your house.  But, the chandelier, crystal lamps, and accessories glitz the room up to a more formal setting.  The fireplace is focal piece yet doesn't take away from the other lovelies in the room.  I love the mirror and darn it I love that zebra bench!  Truly I love this whole room.  What's your style in one picture?  Go join the challenge here!

Image via House Beautiful