If my mother had a restaurant...

it would look a little something like this

Enjoy more here.

This is interesting and reminds me of my mom a bit with the thrown together construction using salvaged materials in combination with mismatched furnishings and old linens. This is the Pale Blue Door and apparently it seems to be a restaurant. These particular photos are from Berlin I believe but there seems to be one in London and Buenos Aires. I am a bit confused as to if this is a constant set up or like a traveling show sort of thing but regardless it is definitely interesting and proof that anything is possible.

The skirt

mine theirs
Nearly 2 years ago now I made a couple of sample skirts from a pattern I designed inspired by the apron. I have not yet made anymore but I am eager to get to it (among many other things). I found a very similar skirt here pictured above among several other styles at their site.
For my creations I want to use thin, soft calico cottons. I also have some hemp cotton I have recently considered. Maybe use the hemp blend for the skirt and a small floral, think prairie, for the waistband and a pocket OR just the opposite...

The balancing act

There are many different things I would like to be doing, to be creating but I find myself consumed by my family. I have all these ideas but can not find the time to submerge myself in them. I am amazed by the productivity and accomplishments of some mothers. I feel as though I should be able to get some of these things done but day after day passes. I notice that if I simply surrender myself to parenting in many ways I am much happier but find that I am left craving to create and accomplish something other than cleaning, cooking, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. Though when I apply my attention to a project I find myself irritated and frustrated by not being able to concentrate on what I am doing because my attention is being demanded else where. Its a small roller coaster of emotions. I am seriously in aw of woman who seem to do it all and with such grace. It gives me this feeling of "why does it seem so hard for me", not that my life is hard because don't get me wrong my life is blessed and I am extremely fortunate this I know. But, why does it seem so difficult for me to find that balance? The balance between family and self. I mean is there such a thing? There seems to be when I see the success of other women, wives, mothers. At least from an outsiders perspective that is.
I remind myself again and again of my dear fortune. I take deep breaths and cherish that not once but three times a day I get to cradle and rock a wining, fussing and fighting boy as he approaches sleep. Sleep that never seems to last long enough, usually under an hour with the slightest noises stirring him. Sincerely, I do feel fortunate and maybe that is why I feel guilt for wanting more and not always feeling fulfilled by my honor of being a mother or the guilt for feeling impatient and frustrated. I honestly would not change a thing. Though finding success in the balancing act would be nice, as well as longer nap times without the fight of course.

Etsy favorites no.1

littleocean
I am in love with her skill and her vision in reference to textiles. A true inspiration. Find more of her work here

rawhemline
Two words raw and organic

woolybaby
I just bought my boy a pair of woolybaby slippers and now I want these too. Also she inspires me to create using old sweaters allowing me to work with fiber without knowing how to knit. Though I do wish I could knit.

labonnefemme
a perfect idea for little scraps of interest that I have collected that aren't big enough for much else and vintage lace (of course)

hmm...

Sunday - random thought of the day

“All our young lives we search for someone to love. Someone who makes us complete. We choose partners and change partners. We dance to a song of heartbreak and hope... all the while wondering if somewhere, somehow, there's someone perfect... who might be searching for us.”

The Wonder Years
quotevia

Making a house our home...no.1

Every house where love abides

And friendship is a guest,

Is surely home, and home sweet home

For there the heart can rest.

-- Henry Van Dyke
via

If only I were a silversmith

If only I were a silversmith by bayoubohemian featuring chains jewelry

...oh the things I would create

Feeling inspired

by the reuse of vintage lace with a story to tell, the raw beauty of natures geode, and by accenting and creating with vintage chain.

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I love the REuse of vintage lace



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I love the primitive, raw, organic beauty of geodes



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I love the use of natural elements with vintage chain

What has you feeling inspired?

options are endless

options are endless by bayoubohemian featuring missoni dresses

My first attempt at syling with polyvore. Inspired by the steve madden maxximus bootie.

Okay...this is a really groovy site I just happened upon yesterday. Something to consume my time, time I don't actually have.

P.s. I am watching those exact boots on ebay for less than half the price in stores...

What is something you would rather be doing?

hmm...

Sunday 'random thought of the day'

repost from here via here

amen!

What exactly does it mean to be 'normal' anyway?

Anew...

The beginning of a new year is the time to start fresh. Take a deep breath followed by a deep sigh then a deep smile. Time to begin anew. Time to let go of the years past and do things a bit differently a bit (a lot) better perhaps. A perfect time to begin work on becoming a better wife, a better mother, a better sister, a better daughter, a better YOU. It may take some time to figure out just what it means to be a better you but this is a journey that we should enjoy, an adventure to be cherished.

As for me, I feel to be a better me I would like to
follow my heart and silence my doubt and insecurities
be more loving and available to my children and husband without frustration and impatience
have more trust and have less fear

What are a few things you could do to work on being a better you?

Innocent play on a beautiful winters day.

My sweet girl enjoyed spending her holidays off outdoors in nature with her imagination. This reminds me of when I was about her age I would make house layouts under the tall bushes sweeping the pine needles into piles to mark the walls while leaving open spaces for the doorways. What a memory and what a pleasure it is to experience this innocent play through the eyes of my little girl. I love to see her get so much enjoyment from the beautiful limbs of the majestic live oak. A perfect setting for play.

What sweet memory of innocent child's play do you cherish?