I Promise!
I'm not gone forever. . .be back soon!!!

fAvOuRitE aRt: part 4

My dear Claude Monet, he is certainly a cliche now, but this piece isn't so I'll throw it in. Of all the pieces I've seen in the best museums in Europe, this was one of the most captivating. It is absolutely huge to begin with (I'd guess 8'x12') and the detail is extraordinary. So let your eyes feast and if you're ever in Paris visit Monet's lovely ladies at the Musee d'Orsay.

Happy Monday!

50 Ways to Celebrate Life Everyday (#s 11-20)

once again, I've altered a few things so please check out the original here

11) Get your picture taken by a professional photographer.

I like to consider my bff Blair a professional, and well she's certainly talented-me:

image is mine, please don't copy in stalker-esque style!

Eventually though, one day, on the most special of days, I'll have my wonderful friend Melanie take a shot of me. . .perhaps in a gorgeous white dress-something like this:

image is property of Portraiture by Melanie, please don't copy. Melanie and I would hate to have to track you down!

12) Create a butterfly garden.

image from here

13) Laugh until your belly hurts.

14) Stretch.

image from here

15) Sing! (but for those of us, not too great at that, I say. . .do it anyway! go for a drive in the country, roll the windows down, put some great music on and sing away!!!) I highly recommend this song:

"will you love me still when we awake and you find the sanity is gone from my eyes?"

16) Bake!

picture from martha of course!

17) Eat berries fresh from the market - or even better, go pick them yourself!

image from here

18) My personal fave!: Hunt for birds nest, don't touch if you find one, just look!

image from here

19) Start taking small steps to help the environment: car pool, recycle, etc.

image from viva terra

20) Pay it forward! make a donation, volunteer, help out!

image from here

I'll be back next week with the #s 21-30. I'm off to Asheville for the next couple of days. Stay in touch!

Modern Electronica

(fabulous picture found here)

My DVD player has broken, my big old black tv is an eye-sore and my computer could go at absolutely any moment. So no, it is not like me to do a post about electronics, but its what's on my mind so forgive me my current indulgences:

Flat Screen TV/DVD combo from here: $208

However, would it be wrong for me to just go with the Pink TV (seams much more my style) from Target of course: $299.99

In all seriousness, I think its going to have to be a white TV after all. How about this one? $279.99 also from Target:

Computers, well perhaps this one would do-Cosmopolitan Pink from Sony and Best Buy $799:

While I'm dreaming, I'd also like one of these: $119.95 (from here)

Of course one of these as well: $149 (from Apple of course)

And finally, the digital camera is a must and I think this cute little guy in Tiffany Blue is just wonderful $229.99 (from here):

Okay so my grand total comes to = $1577.93 Not bad eh? Got to run off a get a second job now, be back soon! J/K!!!

Have a fabulous weekend ya'll!

Fun Friday Furniture (from Etsy of course!)

Friday's are fabulous aren't they? Here's some fantastic furnishings to make your week end on a wonderful note. Like in most things, my tastes are very scattered so some are modern, and others verrrry traditional. Whatever your personal aesthetic is, I hope you enjoy!

French Writing Desk from LeShab $575:

Steel Side Table from Coresthetic $525:

Antique White Chair from Vintage Chic $475:

Blue Pouf/Ottoman from Atelier Afra $395:

Stacked Plywood Modern Nesting Tables from MichaelFlynn $285: (this guy is really talented ya'll, beautiful pieces!)

Ooh La La Chair from YiaYias $345:

Industrial Funky Metal Stand by Old Crow Farm $65: (you must check out this shop-especially the little yellow drawers=such perfection)

Hot Pink and Zebra Vintage Stool from Fabulous Mess $50: (I've had this favourited for a looooong time)

Set of 2 Metal Patio Chairs from the Vintage Supply Company $500:

While we're discussing Etsy furniture resources, I just had to take the opportunity to share the gorgeous work of Shann Spishak. Lovely paintings featuring gorgeous furniture. I'm sure you'll heart them just as much as I do. (the painting at the top of the post is her's as well-I think I MUST have it, don't you?)

Have a simply wonderful end to what I hope has been a divine week!

Love Always,

Alva

Slipcover Delight

Making a trip to ikea soon. . .getting a new slipcover for the sofa! thoughts?:

Some of these are fabulous but a bit too crazy for my new "streamlined romance" look:

At the end of the day, I will most likely take the road often traveled and go with the less is more approach equaling one of these:

BTW-anyone else having problems with blogger? Seriously, I edit something and it shows up completely differently on screen. Way wierd.
Anyway, be back tomorrow with Etsy recommendations, so please be there for that.
Its almost Friday, yay!

rAnDom pHoTo #3:It's almost the beachy time of the year!!! This one's my favourite big brother a looong time ago. Love how the photographer caught the rays of light just a bit in the edge of the photo, don't you? This makes me smile from ear to ear (his cheesy grin usually does).