Chair Makeover
Over the long weekend, I re-finished the legs of an old chair I got after a morning of volunteering for The Road Home. The legs were rusty so I sanded in using an electric hand sander ( a first for me! the whole time, i wondered what the baby must have been thinking!) and painted the legs black. It took me about 1 hour. Here are the pictures:
[ before: rusty ]
[ after sanding, getting ready to paint ]
[ e ntryway: though still temporary, i'm pretty happy]
[another] awesome tree mural
This tree mural was painted by our good friends Tom and Laura. Great job guys! To see our tree mural here.
in progress
spirals
almost done
Missing In Action
I have been under the spell — actually, my body and will has been completely severed as I incubate this little baby in my tummy. In other words, I’ve succumbed to laziness. I apologize, but in my short hiatus, I’ve been able to compile a lot of great new things! Stay tuned!
Alchemy Cafe
I met a friend for tea and appetizers at Alchemy Cafe last week and just had to make another visit 5 days later. I love it!
We had their sweet potato fries served with tarragon mayo and organic blueberry jam, dolmades (herb roasted rice wrapped in grape vine leaves!) served with garlic & dill cucumber yogurt and feta cheese and blueberry komucha tea. Glorious!
Sweet Potato Fries
Dolmades
Blueberry Kombucha
Spring Itch: Things to look forward to around Madison
It was gorgeous this weekend. Spring is finally— hopefully…here! From weekend strolls on State St., Farmers market on the square, to bonfires by lakes, hiking trails, to outdoor parties—- every event, at least for me, is something to be relished and cherished especially when I have the winter itch.
Here are some things I am looking forward to:
I’m so excited to join Crazylegs this year. I will be walking instead of running because I will be 20 weeks pregnant during this time! (but if I wasn’t I probably still wouldn’t run 
)
Although the picture is of California Spring, I look forward to Madison coming alive. Visit the Arboretum.
Flip flops and my “anti-Crocs” Crocs
And when the weather warms up: sun + beach = loads and loads of fun
Picnics and outdoor Play @ American Players Theatre
Did I mention?
The hubby and I are expecting! Today marks the 17th week. Here’s the “little turnip” at 15 weeks
Eagerly Awaiting Spring – Preview of New Marketing Ad
Here’s a sneak peek of this season’s ads!
hello lincoln.
This is the newest addition to our home—a Foundation Bengal cat we named Lincoln. It’s a whole new world for us trying to remember where pet stores are, figuring out where to put his litterbox, watching our food so he doesn’t swipe it! He’s still getting used to living with us and we’re getting to know our little wild animal (he’s an asian leopard cat bred with a domestic tabby). There are times when I feel I don’t know how to prepare for a change because I don’t know what that change is exactly… I just gotta start somewhere, do my best and learn.
Madison is a place for animal lovers. Ever been to Java Cat Coffee? They have excellent gelato but beware… you just might want to get a cat when you see all the cute pictures of locally owned kitties. I think I might just have celebrate our new cat by having gelato there…that way I can also post one of the already over abundant pictures of Lincoln!
“Staycation”?
I’m sure you’ve heard this new buzz word. This new word was borne by marketing gurus at the very eve of our economic ‘challenges’. So what is it? And is it really ‘new’?
Stay-cation is having a vacation in your own ‘backyard’– sort of rediscovering your city. And for the question if it’s really new… well, that’s debatable. Some really smart people have been doing this for a long time now; finding joy in discovering their city’s finest gems– not just stumbling upon it but actually making an adventure out of seeking undiscovered places.
Example, D and B, who are good friends of ours, would write down a list of all the breakfast places they wanted to check out here in Madison. Every weekend, as a treat to themselves, they would venture out to mine the breakfast scene in Madison. They were the ones who introduced me to Sophia’s excellent pastries on Johnson St.
This past weekend, I discovered Bolz Conservatory in Olbrich Gardens. It was glorious. The smell and feel of humidity, the luscious greenery of tropical plants…it made me feel like I was back home in the islands. We spent a good two hours soaking in the experience. It really felt therapeutic!
[blurry picture from the steam]
After our time in the Conservatory, we checked out the art exhibit going on and was so excited to find another local artist that I really liked! Nina Bednarski is exhibiting her works at Olbrich Gardens until April 11th. I wanted to buy all of her works! I especially loved the window paintings. Better check it out as it is one of the last exhibits in the area for awhile.
Would you want to have a stay-cation? What would you do?
an overdue return from a long hiatus…
I can’t believe today is the 1st day of February! Where did January go? I’m happy to say that I am back– finally back! My family spent a good two weeks with us here in Madison so we’ve been busy showing them what winter is like (they live in San Francisco).
I’m happy to report that they enjoyed and loved the beauty of snow.
I have a lot of aspirations for this year. I’m looking forward to more creative ways of getting back to real living… savoring life and its simple intricacies. Stay tuned!
“Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius – and a lot of courage – to move in the opposite direction.” ~E.F. Schumacker
Getting Ready for the Holidays
I am through living in denial. Winter is near—very near. But this part of the year is always full of hope and expectations. This year, my family is coming from California to experience REAL winter. I am thrilled to share the joys and the sorrows of our winter wonderland here in Madison.
In the next couple of weeks, I’ll be blogging about things to get you ready for the Holidays: How to get free shipping on your online gift purchases, DIY Christmas gifts, the best websites for flights, getting your house ready for guests, and many more! So stay tuned!
But for now, let me start my wish list with this:
Index Chopping Board by Damian Evans. I love this. An organized and colorful way to keep from having garlic flavored mangoes and not to mention– hygienic!
Click here to learn more.
Images from Generate Design
Fall Essentials
Winter is near and Fall has come and almost gone. What have you done to celebrate this season?
Did you have a picnic? See an outdoor play?
Did you go to a pumpkin patch?
Did you take time to enjoy the colors of the Fall?
Did you have apple cider and caramel apples?
It’s not too late! The weather is supposed to be gorgeous here in Madison. Go out and enjoy!
It is the perfect time to REARRANGE! Ayos Tips:
- Reds, Yellows, Oranges…Be inspired by the season’s colors! Decorate with pine cones, dried leaves, a branch, pumpkins, gourds
- For a quick and easy ‘new look’, switch out summer curtains with warmer, cozier curtains.
If you didn’t get to do a Spring Cleaning, Fall is perfect for giving your home some TLC. Click here for a list from This Old House to prepare your home for the winter.
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Quotable Designer: Terence Conran
Designer, Author and Restaurateur Sir Terence Conran is my favorite designer. Not only does he have great style but he also has a way with words. Having read his design books, he has inspired me with his writing more than the crisp, glossy pictures in his books.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
As modern life becomes ever more complex and fast paced, our homes must increasingly act as antidotes to stress and tension, as places to relax, unwind and be ourselves: essentially as spaces for easy living. This function is not new…the home has been a refuge, a necessary counterpoint to the world of work.
The home is an emotional concept as much as a physical, serviced structure…
Light, more than any other element of the interior, generates mod and atmosphere: it has a direct line to the emotions. Sight is our most highly developed sense and it is not surprising that light, which renders the world visible, should have such a profound effect on the way we feel.
- “Easy Living”, 1999
To learn more about Terence Conran and his 50 years of creating beautiful homes, click here.
Around Madison: Bradbury’s
Offering fair trade coffees and delicious crepes, Bradbury’s is a very welcome addition to Madison’s coffee scene. I had breakfast there with Rebekah a couple of weekends ago and was happy not just about their crepes but also with the refreshing ambiance of the place. Mixing contemporary, modern design with touches of “earthiness”, Bradbury’s is an expression of Madison. Bradbury’s also exemplifies the Madison culture of being conscientious about the environment and being proud of its local offerings. From shopping at UW’s SWAP meet to rewarding being conscientious about the environment (they sell their coffee beans in cans and give a $1 off refills and give a 20 cent discount if you bring your own mug.), Bradbury’s is a return to quality with all the good feelings.
Rebekah and I both had their crepes with nutella, bananas and roasted almonds. Brilliant!
Around Madison: Pasture Bedtime
When I lived in Seattle, it was all about pigs.
In the Dairyland, it’s all about cows! What is your favorite cow? Here’s my favorite bovine called Pasture Bedtime created by talented artist, Michael Roberts. Approximately 2,000 watches/clocks were used to make this! To see more Michael’s creations click here.
Chalkboard Paint Ideas
Reminiscent of French cafes and rustic kitchens, I’ve always loved the idea of having a chalkboard wall in the kitchen. Chalkboard paint can be used in the kitchen, kids rooms, even dressers! A couple of weeks ago, we decided to try it out in our kitchen. It’s functional and also a lot of fun. It brings a certain warmth into the room.
Here are more to inspire:
image via madebygirl
image from lala lovely
All About Frames
Some trends spread like wildfire and here’s one that sure to take off.
Danielle bought frames from Vinnie’s Dig n Save and spray painted it red. (Sorry about the low quality pics, bad lighting!)
Danielle’s bedroom
Kate bought frames and covered them in different textured fabrics.
The Guest Room
Leather Fabric
How About Orange’s Jessica bought plastic frames from the dollar store and spray painted them orange.
Image from How About Orange
Bold Colors
I confess— I’ve been enjoying the summer THOROUGHLY. I’ve kept away from blogging for awhile to enjoy the weather, friends, riding… sigh. I love warm weather!
Thinking of new paint colors? Corrine has always been fearless when it comes to trying out her favorite colors on her walls. She and her husband Kenny (and little girl Emi) live in this great Chicago apartment!
The Living Room
The Dining Room
The Kitchen
Sucre: Madison’s Hip Dessert Lounge
Last Saturday, I visited the Farmer’s Market with my friend Jen, who just recently returned to Madison after a year in London. Our first stop was at Sucre for coffee. It was my first time to visit Sucre and I’ve been thinking about going back ever since.
The first thing that caught my attention is Sucre’s mix of modern minimalism with warm retro style. With white walls and splashes of subtle warm colors, it deliberately centers your attention to the pop of the delectable desserts. Judging from their website, I believe they are also striving for sustainable and local design. Kudos to Sucre! (I loved the cork coffee sleeve! It was such a delightful interlude to a fresh and colorful morning! But as a desert lounge, I also look forward to having a good glass of wine paired with a decadent dessert!
sucre = sweet
white. orange. brown.
wall art
Ever been to a dessert lounge?
My first experience of a dessert lounge was in Portland, Oregon last year at Pix Patisserie. Portand boasts of Pix’s pastry and an exquisite selection of beers and wines. I have never heard of dessert lounge and though I really didn’t know what to expect, I was surprised to find the place packed. Apparently, dessert lounges are the latest trend and though I am not one to jump to whatever is hip, I am loving this one.
Pix Patisserie (image from Pix)
I love the idea of the poignant luxury that turns an ordinary day a little extraordinary with an elegant (and delicious) dessert and tasty brew (or wine!).
I have yet to revisit Sucre but I imagine it would be needed refreshment for one of these warm summer nights.
20 W Mifflin St
Madison, WI 53703
608- 310-4520
50 Mini-Decorating Tips
Midwest Living has compiled 5o Instant Facelifts to give mini-boosts to your decor. Here are some of my favorites:
5. TAKE EVERYTHING OFF your bookshelves or fireplace mantel and put only half back. “The biggest thing is editing,” says Heidi Karpa, a Chicago interior designer who works with HGTV.
9. ENLARGE A SMALL ROOM by hanging a framed mirror on the wall. Or, “buy a large mirror and lean it against the wall in a hallway or room,” says Lisa Maxwell, an interior designer in Wayzata, Minnesota. “It reflects light and adds space to an area.”
18. MAKE A WINDOW APPEAR LARGER by hanging extra-long curtain panels above the top of the window. “A good rule of thumb is to look at the space above your window and divide it into thirds. A third of the way up is where the rod should go,” Karpa says.
42. CHANGE OUT a rectangular coffee table for two smaller squares, a round one or a glass-topped version, giving the illusion of more space.
27. GROUP PIECES OF DISPARATE-SIZE ART on the wall above a mantel, sideboard or entry table to create a dramatic display.
To view the whole list, click here.
Found via Apartment Therapy
More Wall Decals
To wall decal or not to wall decal— THAT seems to be the question. Some have grown weary of them but the beauty of wall decals is that they are easy to replace or just toss! Regardless, check out this Etsy store with awesome decals. Thanks for the comment, Dali!
images from BadAss Custom Decals
Playing with Sand
This is what I’ve been doing lately, it’s quite addictive. Check it out here and play with your own sand box!
found via howaboutorange
Of Cookbooks and Summer Cooking
Stainless Steel pans
Now that summer is here, my husband is on a break from school and work so I have been benefiting from really delicious dinners. We both love cooking– we love the art, we love the interactive process, we love cooking for each other and we love cooking for our friends. Our favorite cookbook right now — Everyday Food’s Great Food Fast. I love that every recipe has an accompanying full page picture.
Steak with Parsley Sauce, Polenta and Sauteed Portabella Mushrooms
Almond-Apricot Chicken with Mint Pesto– Almond crusted chicken stuffed with goat cheese, pesto made from mint, almonds and olive oil, brown rice and frozen yogurt and cherries
Lemon Custard Cakes
RePurposed Fire Pit: Herb Garden Planter
I confess– I am one of the most ignorant people when it comes to plants and gardening. Daisy or daffodil, I don’t know the difference! I grew up in the concrete jungles of big cities! Don’t get me wrong, I love plants, greens and the exhilarating notion of growing things– I just don’t like the part where they die in my hands. Four bonsais and one failed veggie garden later, I’m trying again. I’ve learned some things and have a little more confidence.
I started a container herb garden using an old fire pit.
Sage, Lemon Verbena, Dill, Lavender, Thyme, Rosemary and Citronella
Old Fire Pit – perfect for added nutrients because of the carbon!
Dill, Sage, Thyme, Parsley and Lavender
These little guys are trying to survive the soggy weather we’ve been having here in Madison.
Other ideas to have your own unique container garden:
Tire Planter:
DIY Tire Planter, learn how-to here
Coffee Can Planter:
Click here to learn how. (image from Suite 101)
A Bread Pan
Click here to learn how. (image from giant jeans parlor)
Inspired yet?
DIY Inspiration: Quote
This Memorial Day Weekend, this is what I aspire to: Having fun being creative.
Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try! – Dr. Seuss
Canoe lighting like one seen at Design MMoCA. The one made by Mark Jenssen was more spectacular but this is great as well!
photo from AT
A few of my favorite Japanese treats
Bento Box: I love having a bento box for lunch. What is a bento box? It’s basically a lunch in box but it’s anything but basic. It usually comes with rice, meat/fish, pot stickers or tempura, fruit and sushi. My favorite place to get a bento box is at Takara. There are a few websites that have ideas on how to make artful and delicious bento boxes: Lunch In A Box, Bento Box. There’s even a Flickr group dedicated to different people’s versions of bento boxes!
image from bentobox.bzzagent.com
Another thing I enjoy as a treat when I have a bento box is a Japanese soda. I have to admit that the way you have to open the bottle is the main novelty of why I love this particular Japanese soda. You have to pop a marble with a plastic cap to get it open. The marble stays in the neck of the bottle. Mesmerizing
And of course, what’s a Japanese treat without Mochi! I love Mochi! Trader Joe’s offers the best Mochi in Green Tea, Mango, Strawberry and Chocolate flavors. ( I just found out that they also have Kona Coffee flavor!) I’ve had all except Chocolate. The family-run company, Mikawaya, that makes this Mochi has a long history and tradition in making Japanese pastries here in the States. Mochi is ice cream wrapped in rice flour. It’s wonderfully soft and definitely delicious; an elegant and natural dessert.
Do you Raclette?
We love celebrating different traditions our friends introduce to us. Raclette is one of those delectable things we share during one of our Thursday night dinners. Although Raclette is more known to originate from Switzerland, Manuel who is from Germany is our ‘Raclette guy’ and Matt who is from the French part of Switzerland is our ‘Fondue guy’. Raclette is a type of cheese but is also a dish using raclette cheese. This is what you do: Each person has a mini-pan to put together your own creation. You melt a chunk of cheese in this mini-pan along with the other ingredients you would want to have. On this night, we had asparagus, spinach, mushrooms, turkey and beef meatballs, pineapple and broccoli on slices of sourdough and plain baguettes paired with Swiss wine and Pinot Grigio. Raclette is great because its such an interactive process, preparing your food as a group, around the table. I love that it can have so many varieties. Try it!
Dinner Preparations: Manuel from Germany, Matt from Switzerland/England, Brandy from Texas, Claude from Switzerland (Welcome Claude!! Claude just moved to Madison from Cyprus. He is Matt’s dad)
Raclette Stove
Vintage plate, silverware and raclette scraper
Bon Appetit
Tiffany preparing her mini raclette pan
“Racler” is a French word that means “to scrape”.
After dinner
Around Madison: Great Dane and Ivory Room Piano Bar
This weekend, I experienced something that I would say made me feel like a ‘real’ Madisonian. A friend of ours from Corvallis, Oregon came for a visit. As we were driving on our way downtown, I fell in love with our city. I fell in love with the beauty that surrounds us. After four years of living in Madison, I finally feel like this is home.
That night, we went to the Great Dane for dinner. The Great Dane just revamped their menu and I think what our group ordered represents the variety they offer: Fried Cheese Curds, Black and Tan Burger, New London Bridge Fish and Chips, Falafel, Portabella Burger and Lemon Pepper Crazy Chicken and of course, their beers. I also had their Porter Malt, a first for me. It did not disappoint. Everything was very delicious. Count on Great Dane for one of the best Pub foods and Pub ambiance in Madison.
After dinner, we walked to the Ivory Room Piano Bar. It was so great. Drew De Four was the main performer that night and he truly captivated the whole place. Learn more about him here. I’ve been to a couple of other Piano Bars in Chicago but Ivory Room Piano Bar really stands out. With the combination of the the setting and the quality of performers, the Ivory Room is able to make the room come alive and engage it as a whole. This place is a true gem.
(image from the Ivory Room)
Ideas for Your Backyard
These outdoor dwellings are so great! I wonder how they will fare in Wisconsin with our winters? I love these so much that I am 80% sure to have someone build it for our backyard. Designer Corey Crawford received his training through the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture. Learn more about him here.
Images from Personal Outdoor Dwelling Systems
Think Green: Repurposed Water Bottles
Michelle Brand strings together plastic water bottles. You can use it as a room divider, curtain or as a screen. These are made to order, buy them here.
An Eclectic Find This Weekend
The weekend is fast approaching and I wanted to share what this past weekend looked like for me! It started with Coffee and the New Apartment Therapy book:
And then David, Tiffany and I went to Habitat For Humanity’s ReStore. I like things that start with “Re” You can donate your used building/renovating materials to them. Learn more about them here.
Tiffany and David with our finds. Not sure exactly what they used to be but they will be shelves.
Decorative block
Colorful Sinks
Great Quote
And then for a late lunch/snack at Poppa’s Gyros off of Buck Eye Rd.
Orange
Poppa’s
Tiffany
Italian Beef, Chicago Hotdog and Fries
Anthology: delightful new boutique on State St.
Here’s a little peek inside Anthologie, the new boutique on State St. They sell locally made bags, purses, aprons, little buttons, Amy Butler patterns and other little curiosities. Being in the store brings feelings of Spring and makes you feel like skipping.
218 State St.
Love the doors!
Love the chair!
This is so great, read my post on DIY Branch decor here.
Furniture with a Conscience
Check this chair out. Its called the Favela Chair named after the shanty towns of Brazil where this type of wood is used. Each chair is glued and nailed by hand. Its yours for $3200.
Check it out here.
Visiting Design MMoCA
On Sunday afternoon, a couple of my creative friends and I went to Design MMoCA, an exhibit of interior design vignettes from local and regional design teams. To be honest, I was a little disappointed. I thought that there would be more it– more creativity, more innovation, more inspiration. I wasn’t allowed to take pictures, so bear with me. One room that really stood out to me was designed by Davison Architecture + Urban Design from Kansas, Missouri. All their furniture was made out of cardboard. Not only is this ingenious but beautiful. The inside detail of the corrugated cardboard had this clean yet natural feel, modern yet warm. This also reminded me of the Swedish cardboard furniture design studio, ReturDesign. See an article about artist, Dominque Davison featured in Wisconsin State Journal here. With the three vignettes I really liked, I noticed that the common element that they shared is that they all seemed ‘organic’. One of the rooms had a ‘transparent canoe’ that illuminated light, hanging from the ceiling. I liked the modern, contemporary lines, clean details but still organic and natural— with soul. My design defined.
Although a wee disappointing, I thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of the crisp spring afternoon, rediscovering sights and enjoying the company of my friends.
Umbrellas at the MMoCA store
Rebekah | Bench
Coffee | Sarah | Camera
Orpheum | Rooftops | The Capitol
Brandy Texas| Sarah Manila| Rebekah Urbana
Madison is Top 17 Best Green City in America
Madisonians, be proud, Madison has been ranked the Top 17 Best Green Cities in America by Country Home Magazine.
Having lived in a few cities (Los Angeles, Seattle) and visited a number of others, there are a lot of things I appreciate about Madison. I love that the city is very pro-active about its recycling program. I love that our city encourages its citizens to be green by helping monetarily through tax discounts and loans to assist you in making your renovations more green! I also love seeing so many Madisonians bring their own grocery bags to the store to reduce paper bag/plastic bag usage.
What are ways you’ve gone green? It really isn’t that hard to be green. Check out my recent post for more ideas.
See the rest of the Top 25 Best Green Cities here. (La Crosse WI is top 12!)
50 Ways to Help the Planet
Earth Day was yesterday and some celebrate this week as Earth Week. In honor of moving towards being more mindful of our planet here is a link from Wire and Twine who has put together a list of 5o ways to help the planet.
Click here to see the full list.
(Via Apartment Therapy)
Here’s more links on being Green:
Viva Terra - Eco-living with Style
Ideal Bite – Bite-sized tips on being green ( A personal favorite, I get this in my inbox everyday.)
Madison Comes Alive
This weekend has been so lovely! Everywhere you look, spring abounds. My weekend has been as lively as spring; starting with the Madison Outdoor Farmers Market that began on Saturday morning, the afternoon of discovering flowers blooming in our yard, an exquisite Italian dinner fund raiser at Tom and Laura’s and a Karaoke Birthday Bash “Alliance” for Shane and Manuel on Saturday night.
What I’m loving right now:
My Crocs Prima.They are unbelievably comfortable.
Starting the herb garden; so far we have basil (from Tracie) and mint from the Farmers Market.
Flowers in our yard
Hot and Spicy Cheese Bread from Stella’s Bakery. So delicious! Available at the Farmers Market and Woodman’s
It’s finally warm enough to be outside!
What I’m excited about:
Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
Ayos Tip:
Bring Spring into your home and feel refreshed and enlivened;
- Open windows, let light in with light airy curtains;
- Make room in your closet by switching out your winter clothes for spring clothes;
- Make use of this time to go through your clothes and donate those that don’t fit well or you haven’t worn in awhile.
- Earth Day on Tuesday! Reuse, Recycle, Reinvent, Create and Save!
another sneak peek: shane and tiffany’s green room
Sorry my posts have been sparse lately! I’ve been busy starting a new job. Here’s some eye candy for you all for now. I’ll be back posting more ideas and more beautiful things!
Shane and Tiffany
Hallway to their bedroom
Tiffany reupholstered this chair. Shane’s amp.
Jimbe and inherited wood lamp from Shane’s mom.
Wedding pictures
Tiffany made this curtain for the closet.
Spring planting.
An Update: Modern Coffee Table
It’s been a soggy week here in Madison, so its taken awhile for us to paint the coffee table I bought last Saturday. It took a couple of cans of black high enamel spray paint and a can of lacquer paint to get the paint even and glossy. We have yet to put the final coat of clear gloss on it but I think we’ll have to wait till next week when the rain lets up!
Ayos tip: Function and aesthetic can and should go hand-in-hand. Spend some time planning and investing in buying anything for your home. Function is important but without beauty, there’s hardly inspiration to feel at home. In my experience in helping people be organized, this two are essential in maintaining peace and being organized: a system that works and that system must be something that you like.
S
