Cleo

Liz is providing the inspiration for my costume tomorrow.

Boo!

via Sunset Magazine

Roy DeCarava

Today I am captivated by the photography of Roy DeCarava. As is apparent in his work, he relied primarily on ambient light, giving his photographs a dark, almost velvety quality and reminding the viewer that DeCarava began his career as a painter. DeCarava passed away this week. Articles in the LA and New York Times detail the life and career of this talented man who quietly turned the lens on the people and world around him.

Ketchup Bottles, Table and Coat

Graduation

Sun and Shade

Freedom Marcher

Juxtaposed

I am blown away by these images from the Selby of Xavier Veilhan's installation at Versailles. The contrast between the historic structures and the bold art is striking while perfectly balanced. The show runs through December 13th, if only I could escape to France to see it in person! For the full set, click here.

Baby Boom

Over the weekend some good friends announced that they are expecting, so naturally, nurseries are on the brain. Here are a few of my favorite nurseries and kids' rooms from the now defunct Cookie magazine, snatched from their website before it disappears (which is rumored to happen sometime this week).

Ikat Sunrise

This is lovely. Ballard Designs - who knew?

Divine Bovine

It's no secret, I love cows. In fact, I am borderline obsessed with them. Just ask my husband. Our drives through central California are always peppered with, "Cow!" "Look - cows!" and "BABY cows!!"

Combine my love for heifers with this post on photographer Sharon Montrose's blog and it is almost too much to handle.

Now, the only decision is which one (or ones?) to purchase. Fortunately, I will have a few weeks to decide as Sharon says she'll be selling the prints in her Etsy shop in time for the holidays.

Which would YOU choose?

Elle Decor?

Yes. That is the answer I arrived at while staring at my Elle Decor subscription renewal notice this morning. I realize that their asking price of $22 is significantly less than what I'd pay at the newsstand, but somehow it seemed steep for 10 issues. After a quick google search, I found that I could renew my subscription for $6.95 via the Home Shopping Network. SOLD!

And although I feel this magazine is sometimes a tad dry, it still comes through with some great peeks into fabulously stylish homes. Case in point, the home of Trina Turk and Jonathan Skow as featured in the July 2007 issue of Elle Decor:

via Apartment Therapy

via Point Click Home

via Point Click Home

via Point Click Home

Peg Board Realized

After scouring design blogs for inspiration, my peg board dream has been realized.

It started with a sketch my dad and I drew during a brainstorming session and then we were off to the hardware store where I tried to find an excuse to purchase this neon pink string.

Next, we had the peg board cut to size.

Then we picked out some spray paint and got to work. Dad had the entire thing put together in a flash! My contribution consisted of fetching tools, tightening a few screws and spray painting the finished product.

Yesterday, Sparker Shop packed up and went to the Silver Lake Art Craft & Vintage Fair where the peg board had its trial run. I think it was quite fetching!

The booth was organized and eye-catching and I was so proud when I heard a woman remark to her friend that it looked "well edited."

I am so pleased with the way the booth is looking, but now I have many more ideas to implement! The next project will be having a custom canopy made - anyone know a good seamstress in Los Angeles?

And because I couldn't resist, here's a picture of one of the highlights of the day, a mango ice cream and sugar cookie ice cream sandwich from Coolhaus. Delicious!

Give Sparker Shop the 'Thumbs Up!'

In an uncharacteristic move, I spent my entire Saturday cleaning the kitchen. We're talking down-on-my-hands-and-knees, tooth-pick-into-every-nook-and-cranny cleaning. Why all the fuss? Well, I went out on a limb and entered our kitchen into Apartment Therapy's 'Room for Color' contest!

I've long been a fan of Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, et al., but had never gone so far as to enter one of their annual contests. I have to admit, I've felt more than a little intimidated. For some reason this time around I decided to go for it.

Now, I would love if you would vote for our kitchen! And if you are unfamiliar with the Apartment Therapy community, now would be a great time to get acquainted. I find that every time I visit the site I pick up a handy tip or stumble upon some inspirational projects.

Thanks for indulging me, and again, here's that link: Suzy & Adam's Kitchen.

Oh, and if you look closely, you'll see some items that should be appearing in the shop soon!

New @ Sparker Shop

Lots of new goodies in Sparker Shop! Here are the highlights... perhaps you'll find something to check off of your holiday shopping list (it never hurts to get started early!).

Tupperware containers in citrus hues.

Fluted milk glass vases. Classic shape, in the always chic white.

Simply lovely glass creamer from France.

Aluminum, glass and lucite cake plate and dome.

Pyrex mixing bowl in Federal Eagle pattern.