here's to 2012...

I know, I know.  I SERIOUSLY fell off the bandwagon there peeps.  I apologize to all my loyal followers and readers out there.  But a girls gotta take some time for herself, ya know?  And HAPPY HOLIDAYS and a big HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of you!  New year, new things!  Happy 2012 : )  Soooooo....just to recap the last month or so...  Here's a couple events that contributed to my falling off the bandwagon:
1)  I just became the new rep for Roberto Mantellassi, a GORGEOUS Italian line of leather bracelets, belts and handbags.  I will post the goodies pronto, I promise!  I was hoping to give you a peek for the holidays, but time flew by like the wind! 
2)  Of course, the holidays played a giant factor in getting sidetracked.  That is a great excuse for anyone...
3)  I got knocked up.  Yes!  I'm creating a little bambino as I blog! 
4)  This blogging business is tough work!  It really is the equivilant of a full time job, no joke.  Except the bad thing is there's no compensation.  So really, it's like working for free.  (Unless you monetize your site which I feel that if I do I'll get wrapped up in some sort of scam or a giant virus will attack my computer and eat all my files.  Anyone have any insight on this whole monetizing thing???)  All you other blogsters out there can relate.  Don't believe me?  Try it!!!  So hence, I needed a little blogging break. 

There you have it.  My 4 (main) excuses.  They're good ones though, right???  I really have more, so if you'd like to hear them please contact me...

So I'll leave you with this...here are some bright and cheery interiors for a bright and cheery New Year!!!!

images via Elle Decor

light-filled loft

Industrially sophisticated is how I would describe the design of this updated East Harlem brownstone.  The neutral color palette fits perfectly with the small light-filled space, and the chic furnishings and industrial architectural details make a great combo!

via Elle Decor

spook-tacular halloween!!!

Wishing everyone a SAFE and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

images via Redbook

beachy dreaming

Rain + dreariness + grey skies = depressing Cleveland weather.  I think I have a solution.  Printing these beachy, airy and uplifting photos to a life-size scale and plastering them all over my walls.  It will be like living in a fantasy world, complete with natural light and ocean views!  Kind of like a Truman Show scenario, but a little different.....

above images via Country Living

above images via House Beautiful

bring out the ghouls....

Halloween is almost here!  Are you prepared?  Do you have candy to pass out?  Costumes for the kids?  Tricks and treats?  Is your Halloween tree up?  Wait, what?!?  Yes, a Halloween tree.  Every year, my good friend from Arizona puts up her annual Halloween tree and decks the halls with all her ghoulish gear.  She is quite the Halloween buff, I think maybe because her birthday falls one day before the devilish day so it's a chance for a double celebration...  A couple years ago, I gifted her with some ornamental creatures from Pier 1 Imports to add to her tree display, and every Halloween I think about these ornaments and how darn cute they were.  And OK, I'll admit that I now want to start a Halloween tree of my own!!!

Wooden Devil & Mummy Ornaments

Wooden Dracula & Skeleton Ornaments

Wooden Thief & Jailbird Ornaments

Wooden Girl & Ghost Ornaments

st. regis royalty

Holy St. Regis......  The St. Regis Bangkok can be described using one word.  Regal.  It is a place fit for royalty.  With its top-of-the-line interior finishes, gorgeous design, and stately elements, it is truly breathtaking.

Lounge

...distinguished marble columns, clean-lined architecture, sparkling lights...

Jojo, an Italian dining venue

...elegant and modern setting, artistic use of sliding panels, showstopping light fixtures...

Drawing Room

...masculine feel, enduring tradition of afternoon tea, comforting wood tones...

Elemis Spa

...private sanctuary, tranquil atmosphere, feeling of floating...

...soothing sand and cream tones, accents of soft white leather, silvery Thai silk...

Grand Deluxe Room

...natural wooden floors, lush carpets with plush upholstery, unobstructed views of the city skyline...

Caroline Astor Suite

...refined color palette, whimsical use of contrasting pattern...

...floor-to-ceiling windows, refreshing use of materials...

info and images via Hospitality Design Magazine

friday fun find: wise + witty owls

The wide-eyed owl design of these Owl Measuring Cups and the geometric retro owl motif of these Owl Butter Dishes will create quite a hoot in the kitchen!  These accessories from West Elm would make the perfect gift for the kitchen connoisseur or add a touch of whimsy to your own entertaining!