Emily: The most perfect cupcake wrappers in the world

Laser cut lovliness from Paper Orchid.

Emily: Jessica Rust

I am in love, and I mean in love with Jessica Rust's line of personalized dinnerware. The delicate patterning would be charming even if not eponymous , but in a world where Things Remembered dominates the "your name here" market her lovely items are a breath of (mine! all mine!) fresh air.

Emily: Home

I just finished this wonderful book "HOME A Short History of an Idea" by Witold Rybczynski. It is a non fictional account of how the ideas that we come to associate with home (ie: privacy, comfort, and well being) developed in the western world. Worth reading for anyone who's job involves critical thinking regarding space.

I was especially taken with his argument against Traditional Decor:

"We would feel as odd in a Model T as we would in plus fours or a hooped skirt, yet although we would not think of dressing in period clothes, we find nothing strange in dressing our homes in period decor."

As a staunch traditionalist, I had to admit that he made an interesting and valid point.

Emily: Fort Ross

When I pay attention I find inspiration in unexpected places. Such was the case yesterday when we spent the day visiting and hiking around Fort Ross. The Fort was established in 1812 by Russian traders and was purchased by the State of California in 1908. The oldest original structure dates back to 1836. It was such a treat to explore some of California's history with the hypnotic sound of breaking waves in the distance.

View from the tower.

The hikes in the area are beautiful even in winter.

One example of door hardware at the fort.

Um...yes! Apothecary jars and natural specimen!

Give me a cabinet of curiosities any day.

A charming painted bed in one of the homes.

Detail of one of the benches.

The interiors had a "Jack and Jill"/Axel Vervoordt feel.

My favorite of the door handles on display there.

Emily: Is there anything worse than a staunch woman?

If only I were more and less like Little Edie.

Emily: Affinity

The topic of performance comes up again and again when low v.o.c. paints are mentioned, and despite what some people are saying I find them to be great to work with, personally and professionally.


Benjamin Moore came out with the Aura Collection last year, and have recently added exterior paints to the line. It coats really well, has wonderful color saturation and gives off little to no odor.


The chips below are some of the colors I have used in my own home...the bedroom color is the prettiest gray/blue....

And I have yet to try Natura...the zero V.O.C. base!

Le Owner: Tiny Showcase

I've always been sorta torn on the print front: affordable art for all! vs. same 'ol thing you see everywhere.

I'm really into Tiny Showcase these days, a new print every week, and part of the proceeds donated to the charity of choice by the artist. Also appealing? Each run is printed on archival Hahnemühle German Printmaking Paper. The archival ink is specially treated and sprayed, giving it an archival lifespan of over 60 years. None too shabby.

Way more to enjoy here.

Emily: Friends over

Last night my dear friend came over to sup with his new fiance. She is a wonderful addition to both his and my life, and I am so happy that they have found one another.

So happy, in fact, that I got all excited and set the table with my very best linens, which were gifts from Mackenzie of Site Design and Alberto and Mercedes from Etos way back when we were all studying at NYSID and napkin rings made for me by my little sister, who is now an art student at Tyler.

Using the beautiful things we own not only connects us to the time and place when we acquired them, but creates a sense of meaningfulness for the present moment. Setting the table for much anticipated guests is not about displaying what you own but instead creating a space worth lingering in. These beautiful things tell them "you are special, enjoy yourself."

Emily: When failing is good

I feel like I spend so much time talking about hope, ambition and stick-to-it-iveness on this blog...now I will finally say that it is okay to fail. That is, when it leads to something huh-larious on failblog.org.

Emily: Why I love The Sartorialist

Endless inspiration...classic yet stuff I haven't seen before.
thesartorialistblogspot.com

Le Owner: Why I love Martha Stewart

It is really no secret that I love Ms. Martha, always have, always will. Yes, sure she is over the top and probably a real bitch, but she has impeccable taste. Here are a few of my faves from the her collection for Bernhardt.

Emily: Some silly for Monday

Thanks Nance for sending this to me!

Emily: Winterthur

My dear friend Joyce sent me this postcard of the Queen Ann Dining Room at Winterthur. I have always dreamed of an entry with a large mirror, Folly Green walls and blue and white porcelains, so this room is pretty much heaven for me. She went with a class taught by Dick Pencek at Penn State, which I took ages ago while studying Art History there. I have always dreamed of a visit to Winterthur and hopefully someday soon will go. God Bless America (n interior design)!

Emily: Pomo Figurines

As the holidays near you will see more and more Etsy shops being featured on this blog - as I am searching through my favorites for gifts. I believe in supporting artists instead of companies who import from China, and Etsy makes it as easy to buy something handmade as it is to shop big box.

Above are some enchanting figures from The Runny Bunny.

Emily: Isn't she lovely?

I am seriously considering this floral headband from Giant Dwarf to wear to my holiday party.....