Friday's Etsy Shop: Millie Fern

When I decided that I would host a vintage baby collection on my Etsy shop, I knew that I needed some adorable props for my photographs... it was the perfect excuse to order the amazing handmade stuffed animal "plushies" from Millie Fern.



I ordered four animals: the cuddle bunny, the cuddle elephant, the yellow dog, and the chenille duckie.



I loved them when I saw them on the Millie Fern site, and was even more thrilled when they arrived! These little "plushies" are so well made, I couldn't get over it. They are cushy and cute and completely adorable. Order them. You will love them. If not for your little one, give them as a baby shower gift. I cannot recommend this store enough.

Want a $40 gift certificate to High Street Market?

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I love Anne's blog, she is so creative and such a wonderful writer! Her blog makes my day a little better. Go check it out here!

Vintage Inspired Kids Rooms

I love designing spaces for kids.  To me, a child's room should be imaginative and playful, functional, and ultimately a safe haven for it's resident.  It shouldn't scream "baby", but it can't be too grown up either.  You need the right balance. 

I love combining vintage elements into nursery rooms and kids rooms.  It might be about a great vintage wallpaper or a mid-century chair, a piece of art or a fantastic light fixture.  It might even be as simple as a retro color scheme.  Mixing the old with the new gives you a modern space with more personality.  And, I think that a room like that will actually grow with your child.

Here are some of my favorite vintage-inspired kids rooms...

...

Cookies were awesome

Update: These cookies from Fortune Cookie Cafe were so good. Really. Really. Good. They arrived in a beautiful box, complete with Fortune Cookie Cafe label, and each flavor was individually wrapped in cellophane and tied with orange yarn. So cute, and so so yummy. Definitely will be buying more and giving as gifts on special occasions.

You should too.

Desperate times call for... Ikea.

Lately, I have spent a nice amount of time running in and out of Ikea (entering through the Exit, of course, to avoid "the maze") collecting picture frames for my awesome Alicia Bock photographs. In times like these, there is no better friend than an Ikea "Ribba" frame (with mat included) for $12.99. And let's face it, Ikea is one of the go-to stores for low priced home furnishings-- especially if you love Swedish-inspired modern design... you're all set.

And while Ikea's style can seem somewhat limited, don't rule them out! This superstore has some fabulous pieces that can stand on their own. Here are a few of my favorites:


100% wool rug. Love this Indo Gabbeh rug at $199.00.


The Stockholm Rand rug. It is so terrific, I don't think a rug like this will ever get old. It comes in two sizes: 5'7" x7'10" and 8'2" x 11'6" for $179.00 to $299.00.

You love it, I know.

Image from the home of Amanda Peet, Domino Magazine archives.


NEW! Trondheim four-drawer dresser, $249.00


One of my all-time favorites, the Lack bookcase. Plus, it comes in black, black-brown, light blue, light pink, red, and white. For only $129.00

Couldn't this be the Lack bookcase?



The Kulla pendant lamp has a lacquered shade and comes in red(!), white and black for $69.00


The Foto pendant lamp for only $29.99. It's 20" in diameter, and would be great over a small round dining table.

Doesn't this look like the Foto lamp? Similar, huh?



We all know the Expedit bookcase, but check out the new Expedit coffee table with glass top, in birch, black-brown, or white for $69.99


I love this new Engan chest with two drawers, it would make a great nightstand for $99.99

Ahem... Dorm Room Living?

Seriously? This is a DORM ROOM! Really. I know. Read it here.



Some highlights from the article: His name is Sir Maximilian Sinsteden (not really "Sir" but I think it is sort of fitting). He worked last summer with Charlotte Moss, and he claims he "finishes her sentences" and "she reads my mind." Wow.

He is paying to store that drabby dorm furniture so he can enjoy a more sophisticated dorm room. Maximilian says by the time he was twelve, he had already redesigned the rooms in his parents Connecticut home a few times over. The curtain tie backs in this dorm room are repurposed ascots. When a friends mom called upon his services for a design tour, Maximilian made a scaled replica of her home out of gingerbread(!) and used it in the kitchen as a prop.

He has already finished his first solo design job (after opening his own design firm)-- the furnishing of a 78-foot yacht. Wow. I feel like a loser.









Ok, let's talk about this. When I was in college, we weren't allowed to drill anything into the walls and we certainly weren't allowed a fully stocked WET BAR in our room! And, we weren't allowed to paint and we definitely were not allowed to remove the dorm furniture and have it stored out of sight for the duration of the school year.

So there.

Carrier & Company

Last week, I posted some inspiring office spaces. A few of the most inspiring offices were designed by Carrier & Company, the husband and wife design partnership of Jessie Carrier and Mara Miller. Their online portfolio is completely gorgeous, so take a look and enjoy!

Friday's Etsy Shop: Fortune Cookie Cafe

Assorted Butterball Cookies, $18.00 for 2 dozen

Mmmm, these look delightful. I found this fantastic bakery on the front page of Etsy this week, and it was love at first sight. I just want to reach through the picture and steal one these sugar-coated shortbread cookies! I ordered two dozen of these assorted butterball cookies just this morning! I coudn't resist (she makes raspberry, triple berry, and chocolate, people!).


Dulce de Leche Shortbread Sandwich, $18.00 for 1 dozen

Fortune Cookie Cafe prepares and bakes your cookies the same day that they ship them! Nothing is frozen, and this means a lot to me. They ship all of their products USPS Priority Mail, so they will arrive within 2-3 business days. By they time they arrive, they will be fresh and yummy. Yummy, can't wait! All baking is done Monday through Wednesday, so if you place an order today (like me), it will be baked and shipped on Monday.

I think that sending cookies is such a great way to show someone that you care... instead of sending your best friend flowers on her birthday, send her two dozen of these... By the way, if you are still looking for a Mother's Day gift, these yummy cookies might be just the ticket. And, bonus, you don't have to do any of the work. Love that.


Raspberry Shortbread Sandwich, $18.00 for 2 dozen


Dark Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookie, $16.50 for 2 dozen


Russian Tea Cakes, $10.50 for 1 dozen