Summer is Here: Master Bedroom Refresher

Sometimes things converge all at once to make one act. Recently, I had done a blog post about Saffron Marigold showing a peek at the new shams and duvet cover I had just purchased (I highly recommend them!) . Then I got a comment from a reader asking to see them in my bedroom. And then I was listening to the latest Skirted Roundtable about refreshing decor for the summer.....I am right there with you ladies!

SO.....here is my refreshed and renewed Master Bedroom just in time for our 100+ degree heat. I feel cooler just looking at my new bedding.

Thanks Saffron Marigold!

Local Color: Three Women

Three Women and an Armoire

When we first moved to Sacramento as a young couple and bought our first home, we had next to no funds for furniture. Tim luckily came across a shop that had pieces in our price range and came home one day with two teak patio benches (which we still have!) and a coffee table. This was about 14 years ago now, but we never forgot the shop. It seemed that it had closed.....it had at least fallen off of my own radar.

Lo and behold, some friends of mine clued me in that it was still in existence but had moved to a new and larger location. Where had I been anyway?!

The store in question? Three Women and an Armoire. (Um...really fun website BTW!) They still import teak furniture from the South Pacific at great prices, and have a large antique inventory from all over the world.

Here's a little peek ...

Fun teak birdhouse. Eye catching accessory!

Antique Octagonal Table

This table almost made it to my house.....but I had no specific place to put it. I still think about it.... a lot.

Outdoor Garden Area

This bench is just like the two we still have on our front porch. Prices are not much higher than they were 14 years ago! We painted ours a sort of a dark brown-black. (Here's a peek at one on the porch)...

Our Front Porch

New Wing Back Chair

A friend of mine got two of these new leather wing back chairs to put in front of her fireplace. We are painting her paneling and brick fireplace white for a dramatic backdrop!

Large warehouse full to the brim.

Three Women and an Armoire. A little bit of Sacramento shopping....a little bit of this....a little bit of that....and a lot of fun.

Inertia?

I have a sad story again. Can't stop thinking about it and apologies, I can't tell it straight.

I was on the bus from NYC to Boston. There are the usual suspects: another college student, several Chinese and Indian tourists, a nun, a twenty-some couple with their eight-month-old daughter, and a very fat fool of a man. Look, I couldn't help but detest him. His breathing caught thick and short and he was all pink and emitted even more heat than I do. He was traveling alone, laughing a big whooping "HAH!" to himself every so often when he wasn't trying to engage the driver in conversation. Did you know he killed Lee Harvey Oswald? In 1971 (Oswald was shot in 1963).

He notices the baby. "Oh you are beautiful. You are gorgeous! I wish I had a little baby like you. I'll make all the funny faces for you. You must be such proud parents."

And he starts singing, "You are beautiful, you are beautiful, that is for very sure."
The baby gapes -- probably only sure that she's being adored -- until he cuts short for a big belly breath. This is when her expression twists into a grimace. Parents and caretakers certainly know the jolt of fear which accompanies that face. I braced myself. The impeding cry!

Across the aisle, the man's face fell and he crumpled into his seat. He was so soft, shy and boyish now as he faced the front windshield again.

Without looking at the happy couple, his eyes bore into one of the vacant seats surrounding him. "I'm very happy for you. I wish I had a babe to love."

I felt guilty all the way to Boston and was very glad when the Lucky Star pulled in to South Station.

What upsets me is my reaction to this. My thoughts and conclusions consist of worries that I should end up as fat, delusional, and alone as this poor fellow. And while I call him a poor fellow and say I felt guilty for finding him disgusting, it's difficult for me to garner much empathy for him. Horrible and horribly, annoyingly self-aware.

Monday's Music Lyrics -- It's a Beautiful Day, by U2

I don't care who you are, you cannot help but feel good when "It's a Beautfiul Day" is played. Sometimes, its easy to find yourself in a bad mood -- things aren't going as you like, someone has annoyed you or you may have woken up on the wrong side of the bed. The problem with being in a bad mood, I believe you attract more bad things to you and before you know it your just in a bad state. Simplly, changing the way you think about something or feel about something can change your cycle and before you know it you are spinning in a cycle of fruitful production and attraction. Indeed, the mind is a powerful tool! Anyone suffering from a case of "The Monday's" should invest in this song... because it truly is a beautiful day.


It's a Beautiful Day, by U2
The heart is a bloom
Shoots up through the stony ground
There's no room
No space to rent in this town

You're out of luck
And the reason that you had to care
The traffic is stuck
And you're not moving anywhere

You thought you'd found a friend
To take you out of this place
Someone you could lend a hand
In return for grace

It's a beautiful day
Sky falls, you feel like
It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away

You're on the road
But you've got no destination
You're in the mud
In the maze of her imagination

You love this town
Even if that doesn't ring true
You've been all over
And it's been all over you

It's a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
It's a beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Teach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by cloud
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light
And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colors came out

It was a beautiful day
Don't let it get away
Beautiful day

Touch me
Take me to that other place
Reach me
I know I'm not a hopeless case

What you don't have you don't need it now
What you don't know you can feel it somehow
What you don't have you don't need it now
Don't need it now
Was a beautiful day

Chic Elle Decor News!!!

The New Elle Decor July, August issue is just about here. I am looking forward to seeing the John Dransfield and Geoffrey Ross New Jersey estate revival pictured on the front cover. You know Dransfield and Ross from their beautiful pillow, bedding, furniture and accessory lines HERE.

To see all of the house photos on the Elle Decor Website, click on over HERE!

I just love their style....always have....and anyone with a dog named Cooper is A-OK by me!!!

And then there is the Florida house by Nate Berkus. (I am guessing his site is under construction because of his new TV show which is due to air this September...will you be watching?!) Anything "Nate" always gets my full attention.

There is something else going on over at Elle Decor.
A Brand new opportunity for all of you designers out there....ELLE DECOR has just launched their Designer's Registry. You can create a profile of your firm and post photographs of your best projects. It is organized by geographical region to make it easy for potential clients to find you. Best thing? It is FREE for the first year if you sign up before September 1. Click on over HERE to register.

I will be there myself soon, and I look forward to seeing all of my designer/blogger friends' beautiful work!!

From One Happy Place to Another: San Francisco Magazine's Top 5 Design Blogs

I just returned from a five day Disneyland Adventure celebrating my eldest's graduation, with my youngest in tow. It was definitely the Happiest of places for the last few days....Then I returned home to find out THIS very happy news!

Diane Dorrans Saeks, author of some of our favorite design books (Michael Smith Elements of Style, Orlando Diaz-Azcuy, Paris Style and Hollywood Style to name but a few), and contributing interior design editor for San Francisco Magazine included katiedid in her TOP 5 local Design Blogs! Diane has been a kind and generous supporter of katiedid, and for blogs in general. I am very honored to be included in this brilliant group. I am so happy to know talented designers and bloggers, Scot and Grant and am looking forward to meeting Kendra and Kit as soon as possible!

Please do visit all of the Top 5...and do not miss Diane Dorrans Saeks fabulous blog, The Style Saloniste. It is a MUST READ! Diane chronicles her adventures in travel, design, and style from all over the globe. She profiles top designers and style mavens, artists and architects all with enthusiastic aplomb.

Great thanks to you Diane! Congratulations to all of the "listers" and huge appreciation to all of the katiedid readers.

My day is made.

Going to the circus tonight

Dressed as a pirate!

So bored this minute. Wish I had my Edward Gorey coloring book.

Just got back from the post office. Sent my dad THE BEST gift idea I've ever had. I'm so thoughtful sometimes BAHAHAA!! Waiting for a call on Monday...

Have a Wonderful Father's Day!

We are off to the "Happiest Place on Earth" for a little graduation celebration. While we are gone, I am leaving you with one idea for a delicious Father's Day. My daughter made a beautiful Coconut Cake using THIS recipe from Ina Garten. Having something home made by the kids for their Dad....a perfect way to say "I love you!"

I am going to miss her when she's left for college....don't get me started!

Have a wonderful Father's Day Weekend!

a good food day

I've been cheap. Good cheap though. Really delicious so far and I've only been spending about two to three dollars a day on lunch foods. Today was especially satisfying after realizing that the corner grocery place has stacks of pistachio baklava in the perfect serving size!

So today at work, I had milk and baklava after a breakfast of yogurt and granola. Lunch of arugula, beets, goat cheese, and pear. Savory zongzi at home for dinner. Mmm so happy!

Beets in Union Square, NYC a bajillion (two) years ago:

____

Forgot that the reason I am saying this: I pulled a Melissa and freaked out over a bit of a magenta aura in the toilet water. Too bad I left my Poo Log at school because this would have been the perfect entry.

Shopping the Antique Faire

Sacramento Antique Faire

Sacramento has an Antique Faire under Highway 50 every second Sunday of the month. I am lucky it is about a half mile from my house, so it is easy to case it every month. One of these days I am going to have to get there before all of the pickers grab up all of the choice items...say about 6 in the morning?

One of the best things about the location, other than it's proximity to my house, is that the Highway provides shade over the whole Faire. Nice for us, and even nicer for the vendors!

Much cooler under the Highway

Over the Ocean Home and Garden Decorations

One of the vendors I like to find every time I go is Marina Geest (phone...209-327-9440) who owns "Over the Ocean", Marina is originally from the Netherlands and travels there frequently to bring us beautiful linens and antiques. I am hooked on the blue checkered dish towels and end up buying a couple every time I find her. She frequently has Oyster baskets and demijohns as well.

Over the Ocean Linens

Marina is partnering with Sue's Country Barn and Antiquarian this weekend for a huge container sale in Manteca this weekend if you are in the mood for a little Antique treasure hunting!!

Location:

12607 E. Hwy 120

Manteca, CA 95336

2 miles East of Hwy 99

Thursday June 17....6-9 PM

June 18-20 10AM-6PM

If only I were in town!!!

Moving on down the row, I found Abdoulie Jawneh from Nairobi who imports African artifacts. It was his first time to Sacramento having driven up from LA. Abdoulie had beautiful African beads and cowrie shell baskets. I ended up taking home the baskets in the photo below. Cowrie shells symbolize wealth and prosperity.....it never hurts to have a little help.

Cowrie Shell Baskets for Good Luck

African Beads from Jawneh Brothers Imports

To reach Jawneh Brothers imports.....phone 323-251-7349. Visit them in Los Angeles!

I was very happy to meet Andrew Church who specializes in vintage metal furniture which he refurbishes and sells at Alameda and other antique fairs throughout the country. He is based in Houston, and thought he might try out Sacramento! I hope he makes it back!!!

The table below was in the neighborhood of $395....much better than big city pricing!!!

Very cool metal furniture from Andrew Church

To reach Andrew, call 830-481-0080

There was another new vendor this week that had some very cool stuff.....vintage binoculars, flasks.......but I was sort of taken with something a little on the unusual side.......

It was a wood carved motorcycle that measured about 30" wide by 18" high. A little strange perhaps....but I almost took 'er home. But hey....if it's good enough for Cameron......

Carmen Diaz in the July Issue on InStyle Magazine, photo by Michelangelo Di Battista

I didn't have a chance to get this vendor's information, but they assured me they will be back next month. Maybe they will still have the bike. I can still dream......Peter and Jack would approve.

Elle Decor....the A-LIST

By now you have all heard about the new Elle Decor A-List. All of our favorite designers are on it, and just in case you had not heard, designer and blogger Grant Gibson made it onto the 5 designers to watch list! (Yay Grant!!!!)

There was a bash to celebrate all the who's who of design last Thursday at the McGuire Showroom in the New York Design Center. Almost all of the 30 A-Listers were in attendance including Jeffrey Bilhuber, Eric Cohler, Robert Couturier, Steven Gambrel, Suzanne Kasler, Victoria Hagan, Charlotte Moss, Joe Nahem, Alex Papachristidis, Thomas O'Brien, Miles Redd, Stephen Sills, Michael Smith, William Sofield, Steven Volpe, Bunny Williams.........um...need I say more? It was a little bit of design heaven.

Thought you might enjoy a few pictures....

Grant Gibson looking sharp in classic black and white, the always chic Margaret Russell, and the oh-so-talented Mr. Miles Redd.

Margaret with Steven Volpe of San Francisco

The most luscious Peonies ever.

Stop on over here for all the scoop on the A-LIST!

Party on Elle Decor!

for Lillian

When life hands you lemons... by dearcolleen

One of those things I see, love, and always forget to send you! Don't you think the Mocks need a motto?

Monday's Music Lyrics -- Let Go, by Frou Frou

LET GO, by Frou Frou

Drink up, baby, down
Are you in or are you out?
Leave your things behind
Cause it's all going off without you
Excuse me, too busy
You're writing your tragedy
These mishaps
You bubble wrap
When you've no idea what you're like

So let go, let go
Jump in
Oh well, whatcha waiting for?
It's alright
Cause there's beauty in the breakdown

So let go, let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here
It's alright
Cause there's beauty in the breakdown

It gains the more it gives
And it rises with the fall
So hand me that remote
Can't you see that all that stuff's a sideshow?
Such boundless pleasure
We've no time for later now
You can't await your own arrival
You have twenty seconds to comply

So let go, let go
Jump in
Oh well, whatcha waiting for?
It's alright
Cause there's beauty in the breakdown

So let go, let go
Just get in
Oh, it's so amazing here
It's alright
Cause there's beauty in the breakdown

Cool: Saffron Marigold

My New Duvet and Shams!!

I am so happy to have stumbled upon a bedding line called Saffron Marigold while searching for a new duvet cover and shams for my bedroom. I was online and googled "Indian Bedding" when I found them. The name alone was conjuring up beautiful exotic images in my head. I was hoping that the company was as good as it looked when I ordered what appeared to be the perfect Summertime bedding. I chose a black on white paisley pattern.

Saffron Marigold's pretty stationary

Let me just say.....I am extremely impressed all around. Saffron Marigold emailed me a confirmation immediately, and the next day emailed me that my items had been shipped. Two days later (I had asked for standard shipping) my package appeared (granted, I realized when ordering that the company is based in Petaluma, California....I'm only a couple of hours away...but still!!). It beat the Crate and Barrel bedding I ordered by two weeks!

When I opened up the box, a handmade paper envelope made with Marigold petals caught my eye. So pretty. Inside was a beautiful card printed with the company's logo with information and care instructions inside. What an impressive touch! Details like this make my day. I would not hesitate to have a box like this delivered to my clients.

The duvet and a just as impressive. I expected the block print on the front to be like the photo on the website. But I was pleasantly surprised by the small blue paisley print on the opposite side. So fresh and pretty! I feel like I got two looks in one. Really great quality and the fabric is really nice. Best of all....the pricing is right where it should be....fair and affordable!

Two thumbs up!!!

Here is a little background and some of the other prints available from Saffron Marigold.

Carving a Wood Block

Indian fabrics are printed using a wood block method where detailed patterns are painstakingly carved into the wood.

Here is an example of a particularly intricate pattern.

Many of the patterns are in medallion forms like this one, and the pattern I chose for myself. Others are all over patterns like the one below. Almost always there is a decorative border along the edges, and bedding is printed to the size of the duvet or sham, so there is a border along all of the edges.

Here is just a sampling of what can be found at Saffron Marigold.... You are bound to find something perfect for summer!

Happy Shopping and Happy Summer!!

Early summer Fridays at work

2pm if I don't go off for lunch, 3pm if I do. So I stuck it out until 2, had a really delicious lunch (is it annoying/pretentious to drink coffee out of bowls if it's a bowl?) and spent a few hours at The Met waiting for dinner with a friend. I eavesdropped on other visitors' conversations when I could understand the language. Why do we visit museums? I don't understand. If it's what we're saying - "Cool." "That's really powerful." "I feel it." - then I know much better eavesdropping/people watching spots.

John Paul II is soon to be a saint. 

So excited about Ikea AND Costco!

lucky me

There's an Ikea in Brooklyn and we've been itching for a trip.
THE WISHLIST (who knows what a cheapo like me will actually follow through with):

Björkefall candlestick, $5.99

Dekad alarm clock, $5.99

Solig net, $19.99 in white

Solig solar-powered table lamp, $19.99 in black

V ågen double wall hardware, $2.99 / 2 pack

What should I do for a rug? Valby? Or maintain the hardwood? Where can I get heavy velvet curtains on the cheap? I should just make them?

Must remember: keep purchases small for the haul back to school blargh..

Movin' On Up!

Living Room of designer, Jay Jeffers

If you are like me....any opportunity to see inside the home of an admired top designer is not to be missed. I just got word that the oh-so-talented Mr. Jay Jeffers has put his beautiful San Francisco home on the market. Jay says he and his partner are ready for a bit of a change.

I had blogged about Jay's house HERE awhile back....but if you want pictures of the whole shebang....head on over to the Sotheby's site HERE for the grand tour!!! Such a fun HOUSE!!! Whoever gets it will have built in panache to spare.

And I am sure we will all get to see Jay's NEXT house adventure!

UPDATE!!!

If you are in the Bay Area this weekend, there will be an OPEN HOUSE on Sunday. Nothing better than seeing a well designed home in person!!!

Life is Full

Alley Party Guests, Jenny and Andy

Life has a way of becoming bountiful all at once. I think the more one is involved with people, the more opportunities arise. Lately life has been very full, and I must apologize for letting my blog slip a little. Especially since the blog has been one of the main sources for how much life is giving at the moment!

So a little sharing is in order. As you know, we live in a turn of the century neighborhood which developed with alleys behind all of the houses ( presumably so horses could be put away behind the houses). Tim and one of our back alley neighbors, Rob, had been conceptualizing a party with all of the alley neighbors for a few months now. The idea was to have a Pot Luck in the alley with a band in our garage and the homemade beer brewed by Rob (fan-TAS-tic BTW!!!!) in Rob's garage. This all ended up coming about on Memorial Day weekend.

Vital Signs, Classic Rock in our Garage

We really had no idea how it would turn out.... We know most of our neighbors, but not all. We had never heard the band before....they were recommended by a friend, and we didn't know how many would show up! Wellll....From the response, it looks like it will be an annual event. Perhaps semi-annual! We have had requests for an Oktoberfest. (I will keep you informed!). The band ( Vital Signs....Classic Rock...916-388-1931 if you are in the Sactown area...contact Dave Mauck) was great....everyone was up and dancing . The Brew was so popular Rob had to break out a second batch. And the Pot luck was delish. Brats, salads, and lots of watermelon. Sometimes a casual thing can turn into the most fun.

Pot Luck

I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

This last weekend was quite eventful as well! Saturday, Tim and I drove with my Mom to Healdsburg to empty out a storage unit Mom had been renting for the last 15 years. We thought it was about time to let the contents see the light of day once again.....and Mom could save a little cash to boot! Mom used to live in Healdsburg, and for those of you unfamiliar, it is located in the wine country right along the Russian River. (More HERE) It is beautiful, charming, and home to antique shops, great B&B's, restaurants and recreational opportunities.

Oakville Grocery, Healdsburg

Although the main reason for the trip was to empty out a treasure trove of furniture and art that had been in hiding for such a long time (we didn't even know exactly what we would find!)....we still had to have lunch, right? So after a morning of driving to Healdsburg (about 2 hours from Sac) picking up a U-haul truck and loading it up with fantastic loot (more later on that!) we headed over to Oakville Grocery for lunch. Located right on the town square...it is THE place for sandwiches and salads. Me? I had a Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich and Roasted Beet Salad with a Sparkling Pear Cider. Mom had the Roast Beef, and Tim had a Roasted Veggie Sandwich with a fresh Snap Pea Salad.

Lunch at Oakville Grocery in Healdsburg

Refreshed we were ready for the drive home and a late afternoon of unpacking. We finished just in time for the guests to arrive for a year end pizza party for my daughter, her girlfriends and moms. (Actually, I did need to leave to pick up Tim from returning the U-Haul truck.... perhaps we were trying to pack in a little too much for one day!) We had fun making pizzas with Trader Joe pizza dough (I highly recommend!!!) and any topping you can imagine is also available at TJ's! Easy.

Sunday...it was a quick trip to the Sacramento Farmer's Market....it is Cherry Season....and I am addicted to Rainier cherries....had to have them.

Sacramento Farmer's Market Cherries

After breakfast, I drove to San Francisco to meet one of my favorite bloggers! Grant Gibson, designer and blogger extraordinaire, threw a scrumptious brunch for Architect Design blogger, Stefan Hurray. (Stefan lives in Washington DC and is enjoying a birthday trip to California....Happy Birthday Stefan!!)

Brunch at Grant Gibson's lovely San Francisco Home

Grant is not only a fabulous designer (Ahem...top 5 designers to watch list in Elle Decor, people!) he is also a consummate host and cook! We were treated to Roast Vegetable Quiche, Smoked Salmon Quiche, Asparagus and Fingerling Potatoes, Fresh Strawberries, Homemade Scones and Clotted Cream. There was minted iced tea and Prosecco Mimosas. And the company was so much fun! (I wish I had been able to get every one's picture...but here are a few)

Stefan of Architect Design blog, and Grant

Sally Swing and Scot Meacham Wood, Fabulous designer and author of Tartanscot Blog

Moi and Stefan

It has been a very busy time...and a very good time as well. We will be celebrating my older daughter's High School graduation this weekend with family, and the girls and I will be heading to the Happiest Place on Earth for a little Grad Trip in a couple of weeks. I am working on some really fun work projects which I hope to share with you very soon!

So...without further adieu....it is back to work!

Have a great day!