Home Design Week | Rug Day

I decided that rugs need a day of their own. Windows can wait. I have a very conflicted relationship with rugs. I love them. I hate them. I've bought and sold far too many rugs in my life. So, although my experience is slightly jaded, I have a few things to offer through trial and error. 

First things first. What type of traffic will your rug be getting? Shoes on? Eating in the room? (There's nothing more noticeable than a dirty rug)

High traffic | Rugs that stand up well to a vacumn, spot cleaning and professional cleaning...wool pile, wool/jute blend, chunky jute, or flat woven (usually a blend of wool/cotton). 

Low traffic | Consider less expensive rugs if they won't get much "shoes-on" traffic. These rugs are decorative, cheaper but won't last as long. Sisal, cotton, and jute boucle. 

I'm attracted most to multi-colored floral rugs, but after a few of these, I've realized I re-decorate far too often to stick to one color palate. A rug with an ornate pattern will look great in a room with neutral walls and furniture. It can be the piece that pulls the room together. I like to use big florals on sisal and cotton rugs that cost less and won't make me feel guilty if I replace after a year or two. 

My favorite new rug is the chunky jute or wool/jute blend (top right and middle pictures of the collage). It's not the most comfortable for kids to play on, but feels good under foot, looks good with most decor, adds texture to the room and vacumns well. 

My next rug will be a simple geometric pattern wool rug for the bedroom. Single color rugs with a white pattern add interest to the room, and can make it through several re-designs (if I'm getting too intense at this point, feel free to stop reading and come back tomorrow). This style of rug works well in a room with bold color on the walls. 

Last, but not least, a list of my favorite places to find an awesome rug:

1. World Market - good prices, best selection of patterned sisal rugs. 

2. Pottery Barn - not so good prices, but rugs go on sale quickly. Great quality on wool and jute/wool rugs. Great floral patterns.

3. West Elm - ok prices and best selection of geometric and modern patterns. 

4. IKEA - great prices, good quality for the price on wool rugs. Great prices and quality of chunky jute rugs. 

Ok, enough said on rugs.

Next up...all about windows. 

Giveaway Winners

So exciting to announce 2 winners this week...#7 & #9, please come forward. 

Ryan said...

I think it is important for this give away to go to someone from Mark's hometown. Go Saxons!

Cecilia said...

Meeeee! Wish i was at camp with you.

Email me your addresses and these will be on their way. Happy listening! 

It's Time

Yes, I'm 39 and I have a crush on a 17 year old vampire (my husband knows and accepts this fact). I can't help myself. I'm figuring out how to break away from camp to get to the movies tomorrow. I don't care that the muscles look fake and the pre-kiss moments are a little too dramatic.

It's my Star Wars and I love it.

Home Design Week | Textile Day

I heart fabric. There's nothing better than a great fabric shop. After deciding on colors for the room, I like to start with the fabrics. It's much easier to match your paint colors to your fabric than the other way around. Fabric is the thing that makes your room visually dynamic. A few ideas...
Pillow Covers
Couch/Chair/Ottoman Slipcovers
Curtains
Picture Mats 
Chair seat covers
Window or Bench seat cover


I like to use 3-4 different fabrics in each room. One "main" pattern that I love and a few additional fabrics that complement the main pattern. Use the main pattern at least twice and complementary fabrics once. (For example, if I used the main fabric for pillows and picture mats, I would use other fabrics for curtains and and ottoman slipcover.) 


If you've decided to use your bold color choices on your walls, you'll choose a main fabric that complements but doesn't compete with the wall color. Use neutrals to soften the room. When you have a neutral wall color, choose fabrics that draw the eye with pattern and color. 


Another way to add dimension through fabric is through texture. A few ideas...
Cover a bench seat or pillows with grasscloth, cable knit or wool. 
Use velvet with a raised pattern to upholster a chair. 
Use a ornate patterned oilcloth to cover dining chair seats or a side table. 
Use a fabric with an embroidered design on pillows. 
Add appliques a pillow or window seat. 
Use a double curtain rod with a patterned valance in front and sheer behind. 


Always get swatches first. You are "building" the room design before investing in a big cut of fabric. (I've got a few tubs full of fabric that I bought too quickly!) Shop online. With coupons and free shipping, you can get some great deals. 


Next up...window coverings + rugs. 

Birthday Girl

I'd like to introduce you to Emma. Big 10 today. Emma makes me want a girl, and that doesn't happen often! Here's a few fantastic things I've noticed about Emma...


She likes girl stuff (see hair and necklace) but she sure doesn't mind holding a snail or climbing in the creek. 
She is a super big sister to her little sister and brothers. 
She is very kind and patient with my kids. And she loves to play with Ben. Big points in my book. 
She's very creative and has great ideas for having fun. 


Happy Birthday Emma. Hope this is your best year yet! 

Giveaway Monday

You're going to love Mark Wade. Very talented musician & super funny guy. (see his "Butters" from south park above) He's our camp musician this month and also plays an evil leprechaun in the program. He just released his new CD, Project 4, and has generously given two copies just for you.

You can listen to his new music here. (I especially love The Back-Story & The Glorious Unknown)

Leave a comment. Any comment. And you can enter twice if you share this giveaway with a friend. Just have them mention your name, and then comment again.

Giveaway ends Tuesday night. Two winners this week. Good Luck!

Home Design Week | Color Day

As a self-professed re-decorator, I'm always thinking of the next thing that needs painting, positioning or put on Craigslist. Through five houses in the last ten years, I've learned a few things about making this process easier and enjoyable. This week I'd like to share the process I go through when putting a room together. 


Before choosing paint, textiles, furniture, or accessories, I pull together a collection of images with colors that I'm attracted to. The colors you choose (see above) might not all end up in the room, but you'll have somewhere to start. I also like to include a picture of the wood and metal colors I'll be using in the room. 


This takes time. Don't rush the process. I have a "color" folder in iphoto that I stash pictures of as I see them online. I also use a cork board above my sewing table that I pin ideas to as I see them in magazines or other print. My worst color choices have been ones that were last minute, "under pressure pics" at the paint store. If you always have a file of ideas going, you'll be ready when it's time to choose. 


After you've chosen 4-6 colors that you'd like to see in your room, it's time to start thinking about which you'd like for wall paint, painted furniture, textiles and accessories. Choose 2-3 neutral colors and 1-2 focal point colors.


What is the atmosphere you want to create?
To create a calm, light, open room, you'll use neutrals on the walls, window treatments and furniture while using the bold, focal point colors on a piece of furniture, fabrics and accessories. 
To create more of a "statement" with a room, use your focal point color on the walls and accessories, while keeping the furniture, window treatments and some textiles neutral. 


(Don't rush out and buy your paint first. Although, I do love paint)


Next up...textiles.

Odds and Ends

Saw these fabulous mailing labels from Tape Swell on Twig & Thistle. 


Since I'm 30 minutes away from the nearest Starbucks, I'm making due with these Iced Mochas from Seattle's Best. Pretty yummy over ice. 


This Blueberry Boy Bait (great name, and appropriate for my household) will be made to share this weekend. Mmm. Blueberries. 


My summers growing up always included a pair of saltwater sandals to go to the beach with. Found a good deal here. 


Hope you have a fun-filled weekend! We'll be saying goodbye to our first week of campers tomorrow, and welcoming the second group on Sunday. Feeling very blessed to be here at Lost Canyon. 


See you here on Monday for a music-lovers giveaway...

Discover San Diego

I've polled the San Diegans at camp this week for their favorite restaurant "spots". A few are well known and others are hidden gems. Here we go...

Name: Eric Scofield
Camp Job: Camp Director 
Secret Life Dream: Pro Golfer
Favorite Restaurants: 
Jake's & Poseidon (Del Mar) - Suggests a drink and appetizer on the patio at Poseidon and then dinner at Jake's. Eric's wife, Marni, suggests the almond-crusted Halibut and crab cakes.

Name: Luke Walther 
Camp Job: Head Leader
About Luke: Gave up beautiful Santa Barbara for San Diego (tough life) to start Young Life in La Jolla. Glad to have you Luke. 
Favorite Restaurants:
Sushi Deli (Downtown) & The Spot (La Jolla) - Suggests going to Sushi Deli at 5pm on Sat. night to avoid the rush. Try the Keith special roll, the Ninja roll and the Crunchy roll. Loves the burgers at The Spot. 

Name: Neil Eckerlin
Camp Job: Program Director 
Camp Alias: Captain "Jack Yo' Stuff" 
Interesting Neil Facts: Neil can play any program character from flamboyant movie director, hip-hop back up dancer to jack sparrow pirate. 
Favorite Restaurants: He wanted to say Islands, but I have a no-chain restaurant policy, so Jalepenos it is. Good Mexican joint right by his house in Rancho Bernardo. Try the carne asada fries and California Burrito. 

Name: Martin Cuchero
Camp Job: Program Director 
Camp Alias: Mr. Bojangles 
Loves: his adorable bride, Angela. 
Favorite Restaurant: Pizza Port in Solana Beach, also recommended by several others. Looks like the San Francisco and the Carlsbad Pizzas are good places to start, with a CA blonde beer. Cheers!

Name: Jordan & AJ Pitkin
Camp Jobs: Program Director & Work Crew Boss
Interesting Facts: Texas girl meets California boy at Lost Canyon as interns. AJ says it was love at first sight.
Favorite Restaurants: They love many restaurants in this town, but boiled it down to C-Level for a nice dinner, and Johnny B. Burgers in La Mesa for a great beer and burger. Jordan suggests the pecan-crusted brie at C-Level.

Land of Bieber

I've probably been living under a rock, but I've been taken by suprise this week by the hair. Justin Bieber hair. On every junior high boy who can grow it. Not only can they grow it, but they adopt a crooked head tilt so it lays just right. I was treated to a triple hair toss by every boy I asked to take a picture of. 


Now, I'm guilty of having the Jennifer Aniston in the 90's, but that was nothing compared to this. Amazing. Enjoy this photo collage of Biebers. Here's my commentary on the above photos, left to right...
1. Bieber buddies 
2. Man of mystery Bieber
3. "My best side" Bieber
4. Mini-me Bieber
5. Happy Bieber
6. Awkward Bieber 
7. Pantene Bieber
8. Pool shark Bieber
9. Shy Bieber 

Little Brown Pen

I love these Paris images from Little Brown Pen. I love their eye for one bold color against neutral backgrounds. The green chairs in the photo below are my favorite. They have a unique mix of "classic" french photos as well as vintage finds. I plan on ordering a few prints to display together and this perpetual calendar. 

Camp Rules

Top Ten Rules to live by at Lost Canyon...


1. Wear it like you mean it. Whatever "it" is. 
2. Headbands never go out of style. 
3. Vanilla Ice and Will Smith, loved by 40-year-olds and 12-year-olds alike 
4. Chicken is a multi-purpose meat. It's made into 312 different things at the LC.
5. Bacon is one of the 4 basic food groups. 
6. There's no such thing as a dessert quota at Lost Canyon.
7. 50 person hot tub capacity = 100 capacity during jr high week 
8. Guacamole and Chicken Nuggets are calorie-free after 11pm
9. 17 children under one roof. Co-parent or die. 
10. There's no substitute for love. (and an occasional, "I'm a jerk") 

Giveaway Winner

Meet Jordan, #22. Winner of this weeks Giada Giveaway. She also happens to be playing a mermaid who thinks she's Lady Gaga at camp this month. She's super cool. Congratulations Jordan. I'll be expecting a dinner invite soon. 

Oilcloth Chairs

With three messy boys, I love the idea of covering chairs with oilcloth. Especially the new patterns I've seen lately. Here's Heather Cameron's tutorial on HGTV's Blog. 

Welcome to Lost Canyon

Remember the first time you went to summer camp? How fun it is to come around the corner and see your week ahead of you...

Today we welcomed 250 junior high kids from around the west for the best week of their lives. I loved seeing the excitement on their faces as they piled off the bus and ran to get their swimsuits on. 

Bear's even getting in on the fun sporting a new YL headband. (Bear, you're going to have to take it off to sleep) 

Wine + Tapas

Ah. Wine and Tapas. Summer evenings on the deck after a fun day of playing. Here's a list of great Summer Wines and Chickpea Tapas.

Happy Tuesday. 

Giveaway Monday

Here's one for all of you aspiring chefs out there. A Giada De Laurentiis gourmet cooking Giveaway. Includes an Giada apron, Pappardelle pasta, parmesan garlic vinaigrette and her newest cookbook, Giada at Home. Here's a book review...

The newest cookbook from De Laurentiis straddles two continents with wonderful recipes from Italy and California. The author includes straightforward instructions for classic Italian fare, such as steak involtini; Chianti-marinated stew; pecorino and bean salad; and limoncello granita, as well as a selection of such modern dishes as grilled asparagus and melon salad; pea pesto crostini, and lemon hazelnut tiramisù. Chock-full of mouthwatering dishes for easy entertaining (Italian fried olives; whole wheat pita chips with mascarpone-chive dip; and vegetable parmesan), this appealing collection is supplemented with informative, short essays on ingredients including olive oil and dried and fresh herbs.

Leave a comment. Any comment. And you can enter twice if you share this giveaway with a friend. Just have them mention your name, and then comment again. 

Giveaway ends tuesday night. Buona fortuna! (good luck, italian style)

Nature Weaving

I wanted you to see this beautiful nature weave that Caroline made for Father's Day. Wouldn't you have loved to receive this as a gift? It's framed on top of grasscloth which makes a perfect backdrop. I found a simple tutorial here. 

Nice job Caroline. You're such a creative girl. 

Birthday + Lost Canyon + Father's Day

I think I might need a vacation from celebration.                                       


After opening birthday presents and sucking down my favorite Starbucks drink, we packed up the truck and headed over to Phoenix. Got the kids in their pajamas and met our friends to celebrate my birthday. Oregano's pizza and salads, Malbec and a delicious homemade espresso cake. (Miss you guys)


Saturday morning was spent having a relaxing brunch and a not-so-relaxing trip to Target with six kids to pick up the last few camp essentials. We hit the road again mid-afternoon to arrive at Lost Canyon by dinner time. After un-packing and getting situated in our new "home", we stayed up late talking with friends. 


Father's Day highlights included a scavenger hunt around camp to find John's presents, chocolate cupcakes decorated by the kids with sprinkles and tootsie rolls, and an evening showing of Princess Bride. 


Was your Father's Day weekend all you hoped for?

39

Taking a blogging break today to celebrate my 39th birthday (no, not 29. Don't be shocked). 


We're also packing up the family today and heading to camp at Lost Canyon for the next three weeks. I'll be blogging and giving away cool gourmet kitchen stuff on monday! See you back here then. 

Hello Kindergarten

We experienced something incredibly holy today. And I have the feeling this is just the beginning of these experiences with our Ben. Ten special kids graduating into the next big phase of their lives. A graduation that symbolizes countless hours of hard work to learn, to grow, to develop. 

Ben gives so much of himself to do the things that come so easily for the rest of us. Every small step, every word, every new thing he understands takes determination that most of us will never understand. 

Being in the class today, I was touched by how every person in the room was so committed to Ben's success. When he walked out (with John's assistance) to graduate, the whole room erupted with cheers. As he enthusiastically clapped for every graduate, the other parents laughed and clapped along with him. I realized how much he has affected every parent, every kid, every teacher, every therapist he has contact with. 

It's such a privilege to be this boy's mom.

Cool Camping

We've been avoiding camping with three small children. But I think this is the summer we're jumping back in. Beach camping (to get our feet wet).

I have to admit, the new camping gear that's out there has me excited about packing up the truck. Some of these gadgets would make our first camping trip a bit easier. I found these and lots more cool things at Campist.com. 

Bodum charcoal picnic grill - $50

Brunton Flip-n-Drip Percolator - $45

Freeplay LED Lantern - $57

Capacious Portable Hammock - $149

Summer Journals

One of our goals with Lincoln this summer is keeping a journal. I decided to do a journal-making project this week before the end of school. 26 kids, one teacher (who is ready for summer!), Harrison and I. Good times. 

Here's the scoop on what we did. 

1. Used basic composition books and downloaded this template for inside the front cover. Cut out a picture of each child for inside the template. 

2. Offer a variety of options for kids to create their own cover. Fun fabrics, paint, watercolor sticks, coloring books to cut out, construction paper, scrapbooking paper, magazines, etc.

3. Wrote out a list of summer journal ideas for them to copy into their front cover. Some of ours included: vacation, nature, daily record of summer activities, dreams, good ideas, and summer camp. 

4. Decorate cover. We used modge podge over the top of the covers so they can take a beating this summer. 

5. Start writing. Get creative. Write your little hearts out. 

Look at these adorable faces. Have a great summer Room 5!

Babble Feature by Design Mom

Got some love from my favorite blogger, Gabrielle Blair of Design Mom. Check out My Three Sons on Babble.com.

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Baby Gift On Your Shopping List? Stop Here.

POSTED BY GABRIELLEBLAIR ON JUNE 14TH, 2010 AT 1:00 PM

A couple of weeks ago, to celebrate our baby’s arrival, the lovely crew atMy Three Sons sent a baby gift — a package full of sweet little items. I had never seen their wares before and I now I’m super impressed. The colors are great. The designs are fresh. The quality is top notch.

If you’re looking for a special baby gift — something that will be used and loved — I can highly recommend their charming shop. Extra fun: they’re offering free shipping for the month of June!

See my favorite baby gift picks from My Three Sons after the jump.

You can’t go wrong with a onesie & bib set. You can choose the monogrammed onesie with the fabric of your choice. Or the birth order onesie — a fun baby gift for a big sister to give to a new little brother.

Two other great baby gift choices: the generously-sized hooded towel and the super-soft blanket in minky and silk. Either or both would be so appreciated by any mom.

What about you? What kinds of things do you like to give as a baby gift?