Remember way, way, way back....

Do you happen to remember this or this?  It was a full on dining room dilemma.  Well after much advice research, procrastination and sleepless nights (totally kidding, but doesn't it sound dramatic?).  I made a decision...I chose this photo:

I love the light and I thought it would really brighten up our dining space.  I blew up the photo to a hefty 3' by 4' size, had it mounted and wrapped on gator board and tada!  It's done and I pretty much adore it!  I have to give special thanks to Krissy, Charmaine, and Denise.  These ladies sent emails, offered up photos and specifics and were like my own little crack team of designers.  The rest of you deserve thanks too for simply commenting, graciously giving your opinions.  It is crazy how important the opinions of my blogging circle can be...Actually, not so "crazy."  I constantly look to your blogs for ideas and inspiration because you are all so talented, creative and/or just plain have great taste. Muwah!!!!  I refuse to decorate without you!  

Well here is the result....it makes me happy and that is all that really matters.

~Here's the scoop my friends:  I did nothing.  I sent my photo file via email here, I told them I wanted it to be 3 feet by 4 feet, mounted on gator board (1/2 inch), and wrapped around the edges (exactly what this gal told me to say).  Then I went and picked it up the next day (they were ridiculously quick and helpful!).  Finally I took it home and mounted it on the wall with Velcro (exactly what this gal told me to do).  Easy, easy...

Roland Bello

It is really no secret; photography is a hobby of mine (actually, obsession or addiction describe it better).  I can't think of many things I like to do more than snap photographs.  One of these would have to be admiring the work of real-life photographers out there.  I get lost in blogs and sites for hours...I love how a certain someone can evoke a mood, instill inspiration or simply take me to a different place or time.

In the past I have profiled photographers that take me to a soft, serene, romantic place.  Tranquility captured by just pushing that sweet little button.  Then there are some of my favorites that conjure up something completely different.  This is the case with Roland Bello.  His photos(to me)encompass a type of perfect grit: sexy, sharp, and poignant, with just enough perfect imperfection.

found via {frolic!}

I heart Monday.

I still heart these shoes.  I got them way back in March and my love for them continues...definitely my favorite pair.

I heart this photograph.

I heart watching my tiny plants grow (shocking!  because I never thought I would.).

I heart this pillow.

I heart this shift.

I heart my little collection.

I heart these pins.

I heart this idea so much (Thank you Tyler!).

I heart this rug (via Little Willow).

I heart this "sprout."

I heart these bloomers and these "pebbles and pods."

I heart this card holder.

I heart this bracelet...and the lovely designer, one of my new blog favorites!

I heart these umbrella bowls (via Greedy Girl).

Thank you.

Yay!  I am so happy with the responses and advice.  I think #2 was the winner.  Now for my decision......take more photos (this is why Mr. French hates helping me make decisions)!!!  Actually, there is a reason for this: I love #2, but feel as if I also received some insightful tips from everyone.  I decided to apply some of that advice, pack up Mable (that's the name of my camera, totally insane, I know) and go out and take some new photos.  I am completely happy with my new choices.  The pretty pink flowers are still in the mix, along with some new Dogwood shots.  

I really have been studying my cave of a dining room and believe that the new photos could really brighten it up.  It is sad to say, but our dining room is actually more of a large hallway.  Hopefully, one of these will help. I am either going to go with canvas or a gator board option.  On top of everything else I may paint the room white!  Stop me now before my head pops off!  I will keep you posted.

The photos(it will be a surprise as to which one I choose):

 

 

 

HELP!

I have been trying very hard to make my home more of a "home" and less of a transition.  All the while trying to stay within a modest budget.  This entails much thought, research and dwelling.  I dwell so much my head hurts.  I think of an idea and I mull it over and over and over and still feel as if I need 1 or 100 opinions.  Sadly enough, I have been turning to Mr. French in times such as this.  Foolishly thinking his opinion would really be helpful.  It's not.  He is sick of me asking and I am sick of him blowing it off.  In order to save my marriage I need to stop asking him...seriously.

Which is why I turn to you!  I have been shocked and delighted by the level of creativity, beauty, and amount of taste I have stumbled onto in the blogging world. I can't believe it has taken me so long to tap my most amazing resource.  

Here is my latest fleating idea.  I want to spiffy up my dark tiny dining room and something like this is what I have come up with (not the tub, the larger than life photo).

Photo take from Style on a Budget by Emily Chalmers, photo by Debi Treloar

I am currently stuck for 2 reasons.  First I am not sure where to go (hopefully online) to create this type of thing.  I don't think I want canvas...I want smoother than that.  However, it has to have a bit of thickness to it because I don't want to frame it.  Maybe about 1/4-1/2 inch thick?

Ok here is the second issue: Which photo?  These are my current candidates (below each photo is a number).  I would be over the moon thrilled if you would leave a comment giving me your choice and/or advice.  

1

2

3

4

5

THANK YOU SO MUCH!  

Oh and the room is a very pale blue...but no windows and quite dark.

Angie Cao

I have found that the more I submerge myself into my pictures, the more I have become a fan of photography and the amazing folks behind the camera.  I find myself lost in other's work quite easily.  I do not think I could tire of looking at how other people view the world.  Especially when that view is from an individual with an amazing eye.  

I have recently found myself pulled to one of these amazing photographers: Angie Cao. I first discovered her work through beautiful Bloesem and have found myself going back to that particular post and Angie's site repeatedly since then.

  

I find her photography inspirational, personal, and lovely.  She has a way of creating a soft, quiet story through her photographs.  A story I long to be a part of. I hope you like her as much as I do.  I hope she makes you feel happy and if only for moment...peaceful. That is how I feel when I see the world through her lens.

be still....

I am so excited about this project I could just burst!  It is appropriately titled  "s t i l l."  Cindy at Quaint Handmade introduced me to s t i l l and to its lovely creator Martha.  I am a photography nut and still life shots have always been my favorite to shoot. I love the way everyday objects can be transformed into magical works of art simply by pushing that sweet little button on a camera.  I have been submerging myself in this Flickr pool since I stumbled upon it.  Here are a few of my favorites and some I submitted.  If you are in need of some serious inspiration check it out. Better yet, submit some of your own.

{by curdsnway}

{by Julie Alvarez}

{Cranstone Chintz & Lace Shadow by Quaint Handmade}

{S t i l l: hot outside by eren | this vintagechica}

{chair toy light (2) by UNIFORM studio}

{nature table by elsiemarley}

These are some of mine:

{Wooden robot}

{delicate}

{lily}

Oh and this has absolutely nothing to do with anything, but I got new shoes!   Wheeee!  New shoes just make me happy in a completely superficial way.  I call them I-got-bit-by-a-dog-the-sun-is-finally-shining-shoes:

I Heart Wednesday.

I am back!  My Wednesday is much better than my Tuesday.  I learned a valuable lesson through all of this: not all dogs want to be my friend, no matter how much lovin' I dish out.  Can't wait to catch up on all your blogs!

I heart this new sleek design (so much better than the older model).

I heart this house so much. I would buy it today, if I could (thanks Rebekah).

I heart these containers.

I heart these earrings.

I heart this tunic.

I heart this clutch.

I heart these poppies (found via Design Healing).

I heart this chair (found via a Merry Mishap).

I heart these "market totes."

I heart this dress.

I heart this wall hanging.

I heart my cup and saucer.

I heart this skirt.

I heart this painting.

I heart these s/p shakers.

I heart the way these roses look through my dirty window.