Thinking Outside The Box (of Chocolates)

Don't get me wrong...I love getting chocolates on Valentine's Day!  However, this year, I thought I'd mix it up a little.  For my twelve year old daughter, the cutest temporary tattoos by Tattly.  Still fun and girlie, but not overly sentimental, I know she'll get a kick out of sharing them with her classmates. And, when it came time to find some creative ideas for my other two children, I didn't have to look any further than Etsy. These fun, bright pencils and this sweet little Jack Russel, both caught my eye recently.  And of course, there's always that iconic box of chocolates! (I couldn't resist this bargain) What do you have planned for Valentine's Day?

When Love Comes To Town

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I thought I'd share some of the romantic images captured recently by Scott Schuman and Garance Dore for Tiffany and Co.'s blog, What Makes Love True. These heart warming photos inspire me to see the love that is all around...and they've also reminded me that I've only got just two short weeks to get it in gear! Even though we keep it real low key around here, I still like to acknowledge this holiday. Check back later today when I'll be sharing some fun little Valentine's Day treats I've found for my own family this year.

Mood Enhancing Inspiration

Today, I'll be at the New York International Gift Fair in New York City all day.  It's pretty exciting, as I get to check out all the bright little things that I have in mind for the store in person.  I'm sure I'll also see plenty of new and inspiring ideas as well.  People often ask how I choose the accessories that we sell at zhush.com.  The answer is simple; sometimes, I get a good feeling, I'll just instinctively know it's right for the store.  It's the same for all the interiors featured here...like these fabulous Moroccan inspired rooms designed by Lucy Interior Design. The bold, vibrant colors and use of graphic shapes throughout, give off such a happy vibe! Hopefully, today will bring an abundance of mood enhancing inspiration my way.

Heading Out: NYIGF

"The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and beauty in the world" ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby

Image via: NYCtumblr

Monday's Pop

purple palatial palazzo

Image via: Marie Mason Claire

Trending: Horn and Bone Pieces

Horn and bone pieces are so versatile, both in fashion and home decor...no wonder they've been so popular lately!  Here are two of my favorites that we offer at zhush, you can check out the rest here!

Great big thanks to these lovely blogs for the recent features!  Seeing our products on other blogs never gets old! Thank you!!!

pretty pink tulips

danielle oakey interiors

Random Chanel Item No. 109

I'm so ready to embrace this weekend! How about you?

Have a great one!

xoxo,

Image via Pinterest

Kitchen Inspiration: English Style

Have you been watching Downton Abbey?  I'm so completely wrapped up in this BBC mini-series for a multitude of reasons, one of them being the fabulous interiors of this fictional estate.  While beautiful, some of the rooms might appear stiff or cold, but the kitchen quarters at Downton are always so warm and inviting.  Copper fixtures and pots plus a real deal butler's pantry loaded with silver accoutrements are just some of the reasons I find this old British kitchen so appealing.  Even today, it seems the English have warm, inviting kitchens down to a science, as evidenced by these classic kitchens by Plain English.  The Agas and steaming kettles of tea get me every time, especially in the dead of winter.

Shooting Stars

My house is star studded (as captured recently with instagram).  It's not like we intentionally set out to have stars in all shapes, forms and sizes in our home, these were just accumulated over time.  It seems like a lot when grouped together here, but in real life it's really quite subtle.  My love for this shape even extends right into jewelry and clothing as well! Do you have any running themes or motifs in your home or wardrobe?  If so, please share!

Wednesday Wants

Classic and chic, I've admired these Bottega Venetta knot clutches for so long now...don't you think the pink or red one would make an amazing Valentines Day gift? not so subtle hint-hint

Image and clutches both from Barneys

Still Preoccupied With 1985

Flipping through Veranda magazine the other day, I came upon this image by sister design team, Kirsten Kelli.  The Keith Haring artwork here, immediately took me back to the mid-eighties, and more significantly, a prized swatch watch that I had proudly worn then.  Beyond bummed that I literally have no idea what happened to this watch, as I would love to see it again.  A fervent online search revealed only this version, mine was bright red, but this is pretty close.  Like a Proustian Madeleine, I was instantly transported back to this decade, which now in hindsight seems like one giant John Hughes film.  Do any design elements ever make you feel nostalgic?

My New Favorite App

Tomorrow, the latest issue of House Of Fifty comes out!  As a contributor, I get to see a sneak peak, and I have to tell you, this issue is sooo good...jam packed with tons of inspirational photos, ideas, recipes and amazing organizational tips.  The perfect pick-me-up for the winter blahs.  Even more exciting, House of Fifty is now an app, making it even easier to read on your phone or i-Pad! I'm off to download mine now!  And, if you haven't already subscribed, you can sign up here now! 
ps: it's all free!!!

Getting Ready For NYIGF

Last year was the first time I ever attended the New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF).  Located in the ginormous Javitz Convention Center, I was blown away by the massive amount of booths and vendors.  Overwhelmed and unprepared, taking it all in proved to be futile.  Now that this year's gift show is only one week away, I'm attempting to get organized with a list of the vendors and booths I'm hoping to visit. I think my shop could use a little artwork to round off our selection of home decor, and topping off this list is Spicher and Co.  The artist/owner's home (shown here) was featured in Country Living, last year. It was the mermaid (above) and giant flowers in the master bedroom that really captured my attention.

Monday's Pop

passionately purple

Image via: CountryLiving

Thanks To These Sites

As an i-Pad fanatic, it was super exciting to see the agate clocks we carry featured on the "slice of life" page of The Daily!  And, it's always so great to see other blogs post zhush.com items...major love! Thanks so much to these fab blogs this week:

passports & pearls

 Alphabet Concepts

Third Floor design studio

fabulous K via La Dolce Vita

Kelly Market

Random Chanel Item No. 108

Weekends are so boss! Thankfully, this one came up again rather quickly.  What are your plans? Over here, we've got nothing on the horizon...and I'm lovin' it! Have a great one!

xxoo,

Image via: the coveteur

365 Days Of Creativity

I recently happened upon the blog, 365 Lucky Days, and can honestly say I'm impressed, inspired and obsessed all at once.  The brain child of Canadian artist, Lucy Jackson, 365 Lucky Days chronicles the author/artist's decision to create something new everyday.  And, by create, she means these darling embroidered works of art...which, here's the lucky part, are for sale on her site!  With each new creation (and each day) Lucy shares a bit more of herself with her readers.  Click over and see for yourself, just make sure you don't need to be anywhere for at least the next hour or so!

Tangerine Tangoes With Honeysuckle

The idea of pairing last year's Pantone color of the year with this year's, is compelling...however, I know I'm not this bold with my wardrobe in real life.  Thankfully, everywhere I look,  I'm seeing accessories that sport this daring color combo.  For the "brights-trend" timid (like me) it seems this is the ideal way to tango with color blocking.  Have you gone the bold hue route with your wardrobe choices yet?

Images via: J.Crew, Net-a-Porter

Wednesday Wants

I love the idea of adding a pop of color to an all neutral room with these classic pieces.  There's no doubt in my mind that these wishbones chairs will be mine, the only question is which wish to choose? Every time I think I've settled on a color, another hue calls my name...decisions, decisions...