Favorite Nook: Ish & Chi

Sometimes I stumble upon a blogger who has a home so chic and sleek that I assume the photos featured are from a magazine. And then I read on and realize that not only is that the bloggers home but there is a family living there with great energy and gusto. Ish & Chi is one of those blogs. Warning: You may feel extra schlumpy in comparison after you visit but it's so worth it! She was kind enough to share her son's adorable nursery with us today...

******

Hi! My name is Viv and I author a blog called ish and chi where I mainly write about my home decorating projects. Thank you so much to Mrs Limestone for having me here as a guest blogger. Brooklyn Limestone is one of my favourite reads and I am really excited to be here. She asked me to share with you my favourite nook and here it is.

This is my 16 month old son's room. It is my favourite room in our house. My husband and I decorated it before he was born. We knew we were having a boy but we didn't want an all blue room so we chose a gender neutral colour scheme instead of red and white and a touch of blue. This is where I have spent many, many hours nursing our son, rocking him to sleep, comforting him when he was sick. You would think it wouldn't be my favourite but it really is! He was so tiny and I have lots of fond memories here. Now that he is a little bit older it is where I sometimes watch him play when I'm not on the floor with him myself doodling on his etch-a-sketch and where I watch him pull out all his clothes from his dresser and pack them back in his own way. We also sit on the chair together and I read him books or we talk about all the animals pictured in the wallpaper.

I loved this wallpaper when I saw it featured in Home Beautiful magazine and it didn't take me long to order a couple of rolls and have it hung before our son was born. I found the red settee on ebay for a steal. I originally planned to recover it if the condition was poor but the red velvet was perfect and suited the wallpaper very well. I painted the frame of the chair white to match his room and to give it our own touch.

In the early days when he was still a little newborn and I was incredibly low on sleep there were moments when I wish the chair was comfortable to sleep on! Honestly though I wouldn't change a thing about his room. We are planning to make some minor changes to his room to accomodate a toddler bed in the next few months and I will be documenting the process on my blog. It will be nice to have these photos to look back on.

Thank you for reading and for having me here Mrs Limestone!

******

Favorite Nook: Lavender and Lilies

Today's favorite nook edition is comfy cozy tech from none other than Jessica of Lavender & Lilies. If you don't already know her blog well, do yourself a favor and check it out. Not only does Jessica have a great eye for all things home decor, she is also quite the fashionista. I love her clothing boards! It's a feast for the eyes and very fun.

******

I am so glad to be back visiting at Brooklyn Limestone. Stefanie asked me to talk about my favorite "nook". When she asked, I immediately knew the answer.

My bed! I love sitting on my bed to read, watch tv and blog of course. This is my favorite spot in our house. My nightstand is always stacked with whatever books I am reading and tons of interior design magazines.

It's so comfy and warm. My house is very drafty since it's really old and that spot is always warm and comfortable. The bed, bedding and window treatments were a law school graduation gift from my dad and stepmother. I added the white nightstand and lamp and of course the plethora of chargers, laptop and mags along with my favorite accessory, my monogrammed coaster from iomoi.

I am thinking about swapping out the nightstand for a mini desk and ghost chair when we move. I think I would love a little more space and this would be a convenient place for a desk. Also, I am toying with tweaking the bedding a bit but we will see. I am really into gray so I'd love to bring some gray into our bedroom.

So that's everything you would every want to know about my favorite nook.

******

Favorite Nook: Isabella and Max Rooms

I hope you enjoyed the favorite "nooks" featured earlier this month. Now I can share another fabulous batch for you. Today's comes from the author of the wonderful blog, Isabella & Max Rooms. She is a talented designer with a stunning home and a sense of whimsy - I'm a great fan of Janell. I'll let her explain her show you her favorite spot.

*****

What a fun idea. Thanks for asking me to participate in this, sounds like a post I'd like to read! This is my living room, a spot I enjoy spending a bit of quiet time in most mornings.



My favorite nook is the small curved sofa in my living room. It is a space in our home I recently claimed as my own, turning it into a sort of workspace/study for myself.



I go here after the kids have left for school, I sit down with a cup of coffee, open my computer and catch up on my blog and magazine reading before starting in on my day's work. The sofa faces the street and as I read I get glimpses of the neighborhood moving by.

I've made it my own by adding the Blog House sign, a few sentimental items, pillows, and the hand painted wall treatment above the fireplace make this space my own.

If I could change one thing I would run hardwood flooring into the space...and then cover up the majority of it with a cozy thick area rug.

******

Style & Skill Crush: Brooklyn General

This edition of Style & Skill crush is a wee bit more skill than style but I think you get my meaning.

While you all know I absolutely love Brooklyn, one of the less than fab things is a relative dearth of crafty supply stores. So when I turned my eye on figuring how to sew, I had a bit of a issue. I could either truck into Manhattan's garment district and pretend to know what I'm doing (those stores are not novice friendly imo) or drive out to the burbs to a craft store. Neither is ideal.



Enter Brooklyn General - a little local shop with character and customer service, not to mention its great style and charm.



Their selection is limited but quite nice. They've done the hard work of finding the cute fabric and notions for me! They have a back area complete with a little bookshop of sewing/knitting books as well as a work area complete with iron and sewing machine.



But most importantly their staff are happy to answer your questions and offer their advice! And while this place can be dangerous to my savings account, I'm happy to pay a little more for the help. (Because I certainly need it!)



Judging by my experiences in there, this place is flush with customers so maybe they can open up another branch in my nabe one day? Until then, you'll find me staring at the goods here.



And if you are wondering, I did walk out of there with some fabric for to make a bag. Sadly, this week has been a disaster and I haven't had a chance to get to it but its waiting for me when I'm ready to sit down at the machine again.

Mail Call! DIY Mail Center

Remember when I purchased that little white table at the Brooklyn Flea?

I knew exactly the spot for it - this little corner at the end of my hallway. We needed a "mail drop" kind of spot and this was just the thing.

I love it but it was looking a little bare. I could have put a nice piece of art here but since the table is so small, I thought using the vertical space would be more practical.

With that in mind, I came up with a cheapo way use the area as display and organization. Since I'm very much an out of sight, out of mind person, I wanted something I could tack up recent invites, announcements, etc without cluttering the pile.

I spray painted these three frames I had saved up (large one purchased for $3 at a thrift shop and 2 smaller ones on clearance from Target)

A little white paint always goes so far with cheap crap.

I splurged for the $24 pretty radiator grill at Lowes and had this super epoxy/glue stuff hanging around from another project.

My original thought was that this screen was metal and thus magnetic. WRONG! Boy did I feel like a moron after realizing that. So I came up with a work around.

Bulldog magnet on the front, plain old magnet on the back. When you drag the bulldog, it drags the magnet on the back with it. Sweet! (But if you wanted to use this idea for jewelry or key organization, you could just get little hooks and forget the magnet entirely)

Tada! Much better now. What do you think? How do you handle your mail drop?

Shhhh! My dirty little secret.

You'll have to take my word for it but we are generally the ideal hotel guests. We pay our bill, don't ask for much and leave our room in good order. You would never catch us with suitcase full of pilfered towels. Heck, we don't even take the complimentary amenities 99% of the time. But there was one occasion that warranted sticky fingers.

It was this do not disturb sign from the George V hotel in Paris (If you want to see more of the trip, you can read my recap here.) Maybe it was my advanced age getting to me (it was my 30th birthday)? Maybe it was all the buttery croissants I ate that weekend (too many!)? I had to have it! Or I should say I really wanted it but was too chicken to steal it myself so Mr. L did the deed and surprised me with it when I got home. Isn't his larceny sweet?

In fairness, I suspect the hotel would have likely given me one if I had just asked nicely - but didn't bother with that formality.

Here is the proof of our evil ways. It graces our bedroom door. Not that we have anyone else living with us that we need a do not disturb sign but it makes me happy.

It didn't occur to me until I photographed it for this post that it just happens to have the very same colors I incorporated into the bedroom design: Gray, yellow and blue. Coincidence?

So now I've let you into my heart of darkness - lets keep this between us, shall we?

Now its your turn to confess: Do you have a dirty secret to share?

GXAJP4H7K4WF

Style & Skill Crush: Creature Comforts

Before I start gushing, I just wanted to share that I always feel a bit odd when doing this kind of post. There are so many talented sources of inspiration out there - who am I to pass judgement on what you should read? Not to mention that I feel like everyone knows about these great sites already!

But I'm overjoyed when someone else bothers to make a nice mention about my site, I really should return the karmic favor. So I hope you'll appreciate the intent as I plan to spread the love around on a more regular basis. If you think there is something I should feature in my style & skill crush series, let me know about it.

So where was I? Thats right - I wanted to share a stellar source of inspiration and great all around ideas: Creature Comforts. I expect that you already know about this site so I'm preaching to the choir but on the off chance you missed it (as I did for too long!), see for yourself.

To start off, the blog is just gorgeous to look at. Her header is one of my all time favs. In her own words, this blog is about "celebrating the tiny details that make life so amazing and looking to find beauty in the unexpected." Now thats a motto to live by.

Don't believe me yet? Look at the goodies she has on her site!

And if that weren't enough, she regularily highlights some fabulous projects/freebies/diys from other blogs (stuff I had never seen before so woo-hoo!) and just happens to sell some gorgeous packaging at her aptly named online shop, Nice Package.

Hope your weekend is as gorgeous as her blog!

Whadya wanna know : conclusion

After all of these q & a posts, you thought I was done yammering on about myself, didn't you? Ha! You'd be wrong!

These are the remainder of the questions you had in no particular order. I think I've answered all of them but if there is something I've missed or something else you'd like to know - just give me a shout.



the semi-suburbanite asked: When do you write your posts? Do you plan anything out in advance or just write whenever you complete a project/have something fun to say?

I usually outline my posts in my head before I sit down to write them. I generally write my posts a day or two in advance due to the fact I work during the day but like my posts to come out in the morning. (Don't ask me why - i just like a regular schedule.)

I try to only write posts when I have something worthy to share. I don't like to write filler posts or overload the blog with too much random stuff from the net. I feel like there are plenty of other blogs that post beautiful inspirational photos, I don't want to be another one of those. I try to include only things I do or things that I am personally really impressed by. I admit I make it harder on myself than it needs to be because of that but what can I say? I'm mental.


Photo taken at Vancouver Zoo. Is there anything cuter than otters holding hands?

the semi-suburbanite also asked: What does your husband think? How helpful/involved is he in your projects and/or parties?Oh - here are some others that might be more fun. How did you guys meet? What's the sweetest thing he's ever done for you?

He is very supportive of it (even if he doesn't entirely understand my motivation) and is extremely helpful in everything I do. He has contributed to virtually everything you see on this blog in some way - whether it was being my sounding board or sawing down wood pieces or driving me all over the eastern seaboard for supplies. I have often asked (begged!) him to guest blog because I think it would be fun to hear his side of things but he outright refuses. Maybe you guys can start a letter writing campaign?

We met the night after my prom at an after party. We just talked that night (he wasn't my date) but ran into each other again the following year. The rest was history. And yes, we've been together THAT long.

The sweetest thing he ever did for me was go to great lengths to get my baby photos. I can't even describe to you what a wonderful gift that was.

kelly@TearingUpHouses said... I really like your personal posts! i'd love to see you write more about what you think about things, what you're passionate about, your opinions, etc. it's more interesting to me when i have a face and personality behind a blog.

Its funny you say that because I feel like this entire blog is me, me, me. I'm a very open person so I'm happy to share my viewpoint on pretty much any topic (ask away!)...but I don't have any desire to "preach" about what I think unless you really want to hear about. Does that make any sense? I'm more about sharing what I doing.


If you've ever wonderd what I looked like as a child, here I am. A little monster.

Linda at Lime in the Coconut! asked... Any Limestone chips planned for the future (babystones)?

Maybe. Not this very instant but I am getting older and I feel my biological clock ticking for sure. Its a very big decision and I've never been one to rush into those lightly. For me its very much about being sure I can give a child what he/she needs and I'm not sure how I can assess my own ability to do that. So for now, the answer is maybe.


Photo taken at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.

Linda at Lime in the Coconut! also asked...Fave NYC haunts?

My favorite part of New York City is (naturally) Brooklyn. In case you missed it, I put together a little one day guide for tourists including my favorite spots in Brooklyn. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Anonymous asked... I was wondering what lens you are using? Do you use more than one? If so, do you have any recommendations on when to use them?

I usually use the kit lens that came with my camera b/c its the most versatile one I have. (And I'm too lazy to carry around others). I do use a few others when the occassion calls for it and I happen to have it handy. Right now I have 1 prime lens, 1 wide angle and 1 fish eye lens. I usually use the wide angle lens to take interior shots of my house so you can see more of the room in one shot. And Ill use the prime lens to take close up shots of small items like my invites.



A Tailored Teen asked... I have the Nikon D50 also and know I should turn off the flash but how do you do that?

If you do a google search you'll find a load of answers but here is one. Please excuse me for getting preachy here but this goes for everyone: YOU MUST READ YOUR CAMERA'S MANUAL. If you haven't read it more than once you are absolutely wasting your money. There is simply no way to get good photos without understanding the basics of how your camera works. If you don't have your manual, you can read it online here.

Livinia Redlips said... You mention you don't own designer jeans or shoes - where do you shop & what do you most often wear?

I am not a very stylish person when it comes to clothing and to top it off I'm rather cheap. So I don't tend to splurge there. A good thing for my bank account but a bad thing for my image. I don't shop at any one store exclusively but 90% of my wardrobe has been purchased at: Banana Republic, Target, JcPenney, Old Navy and NY & Company.

Freckles Chick said... What's a typical day like for you?

On a weekday we both get up early, have breakfast and go off to work. Once we get home we have dinner, watch a little tv and go to bed. Exciting huh? As I've mentioned, I don't live a very glamourous life. On the weekends we try to do something fun but it all depends on whats going on in terms of errands and things we have to get done. I try to do something blog worthy on the weekends as well but I don't always get to it. We almost never go out on the town - we save our pennies for house and travel splurges.

Freckles Chick also asked... Does Mr. L read your blog?

Yep, he does. Sometimes he'll spell check for me.

Freckles Chick also asked... What's yours & Mr. L's backgrounds?

We were both born here so we are Americans. His parents are Italian. My parents were also born here but if you went a little farther back you'd find Greek, Italian and Irish relatives. Im a mutt.

Emily A. Clark aked... What is the one thing you did to best promote your blog in the beginning days?

I honestly never expected that many people would read my blog. Nor do I do much (then or now) to actively promote. I try to post about topics I find interesting in a hope to keep your interest as well. Sometimes I achieve that, sometimes I fail. So I don't have much advice for you - just do your best and readers will follow.



Michelle said... I'm heading to England in April...have you been there? Any suggestions on whats great?!

Yes, I've been to London a few times and love it. (Haven't been outside the city though.) Its one of those few cities I would like to live in. You can read about my last trip to London here.


our moving announcements

Victoria said... This is totally not travel related but I am always curious as to whether you send your invites to professional printing companies or if they are always handmade.

When I do something for myself (most of the stuff I share here) I tend to print them myself because the quantities are pretty small and I don't mind it not being perfect. When I do any work for a client, its always printed professionally.

Anonymous said... Do you ever feel like you've overdone looking at shelter media? For example, there are so many renovation blogs that I love but if I overdo it then (1) my house looks like a hovel, (2) I feel like I need to vignette my possessions, and (3) I know I'm going to scream if I see one more Keep Calm and Carry On poster/Eames recliner/Danish modern credenza/cowhide rug/Duralit toaster.I get over it when I take a little break from the Internet, but I wondered if you have a similar experience.

I definitely take breaks from shelter mags. Its too much of the same stuff and they don't show real homes as far as I'm concerned. (Real in the sense that real people without servants and a billion dollars). But I feel personal blogs are a totally different story - I get invested in the lives of the writer and I want to know what they are up to. I'm not a competitive person so I don't really compare my house to theirs aside from learning what I can from each. As for blogs that just post inspirational photos - they are nice to look at and I appreciate the time and effort it takes to do that every day, I just don't find that as interesting as the more personal ones.


Elizabeth asked... i'm looking at a bridge faucet for my kitchen without a side sprayer. i was wondering if you miss having one and would've made the same decision?

I was concerned about that as well when we decided on it. But because it was in the center of the counter, I went with form over function. I can honesty say I don't really miss the sprayer. I just move the spout around and its fine.


Heather asked... Have you considered designing as a living? I hate to think of you in a drab office everyday. And, of course, my other question is...can we be friends?

The short answer is yes and yes. I'v considered it but I'm very much a realist. Unless Martha calls or some other miracle happens, I don't think its realistic for me to start a new career at this point in my life. I'm just not that brave. So I keep that side of my brain active by running a small design business as well as blogging, crafting, etc. And yes, we can be friends :)


Naz asked...Yankees or Mets?

I not really a sports fan so I don't have a preference. Mr. Limestone is a sports fan and he is absolutely a Yankees fan.

Dana said... How/why did you start blogging?

I started blogging so I could document the renovation process. I figured it would force me to be disciplined about writing it down. The plan was to make a little book out of those photos and posts and close up shop. I never expected to blog about anything else other than the renovation but as you can see, it didn't work out the way I had expected.

Kay* said... To me, you have a very timeless classic interior design style. can you post a pictures of a room (from a design mag or some other source) that people like myself might be surprised to know you adore? perhaps it's super contradictory to how you've designed your own home or just stands out to you for some reason.& tell what you like about it!

Thanks Kay. I could name interiors unlike my own all day - there are so many beautiful styles and so little square footage! Its hard to pick just a few but the homes of both Nicole of Making it Lovely and Anna of Door Sixteen are both fabulous but completely different than mine. Each woman clearly has vision and style while maintaining a unique point of view about home design.



Allison said... Pieces of mail and magazines- I never know how to organize or where to keep them- what's your approach to your mail/magazines- and do you use any organizational tools to help?

I'm not a very organized person. For magazines, I tend to throw them away after I'm finished reading them. I do save some but I think Im going to have to clear those out too. I just don't use them often enough to justify the space they take up.

Thanks so much for reading - I take each one of your comments to heart. I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about my life.

Green Day!

It's March 16 which means the insanity that is St. Patrick's Day is about to descend upon New York City. It can not be escaped.

In honor of the holiday but with a much more tasteful twist than green beer or bagels, the fab Censational Girl asked me to contribute a list of my favorite greens on her blog.



Thanks to Kate for asking me!

And the winner...

of one only slightly used copy of Flea Market Style is Jennifer of The Magic Brush!

Hope you can put it to good use!