Sparker!

2010-10-12T07:32:00.001-07:00

via Snippet & Ink

Sofia for Louis

2010-10-09T13:51:00.000-07:00

Is it strange that as soon as I saw this photo I knew it was shot in Sofia Coppola's apartment? Nah.

via Habitually Chic

Whoa.

2010-09-08T07:29:00.001-07:00

Jean Paul Gaultier for Roche Bobois.

How difficult do you think it would be to fabricate a headboard like this?

Via Apartment Therapy

Sunday morning.

2010-08-29T07:49:00.001-07:00

My view.

More here.

Bison print.

2010-08-19T07:17:00.001-07:00

I think Alexander Beeching's The Bison Constellation would work in so many spaces (in my home!). Another gem from 20x200.

Rethinking romaine.

2010-08-16T20:52:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, a salad calling for grilled romaine pops up in a magazine or blog I am reading and I quickly pass it by... somehow it just never sounds appetizing. Grilled lettuce?

But after stumbling upon this recipe on Food Practice, it is starting to sound (and look!) great. Definitely going to give this a try before summer is over.

Sunday morning.

2010-08-15T05:01:00.000-07:00

via Loving Living Small

Sunday morning.

2010-08-01T05:00:00.001-07:00

Domino.

At sea.

2010-07-31T05:00:00.000-07:00

Be back in a week. Below, a photo of Bardot in a Riva.

2010-07-26T07:15:00.000-07:00

More industrial metal bookshelf goodness.

via Automatism.

Hinge.

2010-07-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

This summer, I am making my way through our home, zone by zone, purging, organizing and trying to make things feel more "finished." I am currently trying to wrap-up the bedroom. With its wall-of-closet, this is no small task.

I still have sweaters to fold and a mattress to save for, but I can't stop thinking about lighting. Perhaps it is because the lighting is so poor at the moment. With navy walls, and at the back of our loft, the bedroom is cave-like, which I love. What I don't love is trying to read in bed at night. I go all squinty.

Enter my new obsession with bedroom lighting.

Sure, I'd love to spring for a pair of Jieldes.

But that probably won't happen. So I'm surfing ebay for something industrial, but I am also really digging the Hinge by CB2. But at 60W I fear they won't be bright enough....

Abalone.

2010-07-22T07:16:00.001-07:00

My mom has always been a beach comber. She loves finding shells and odd things on the beach to research and display at home or on my parents' boat. Last summer she took several of the abalone shells she'd collected and assembled them as wall art... I'll have to dig up some pictures to share because it turned out beautifully.

When I saw this Abalone Shell Mirror from Jayson Home & Garden on Mrs. Lillien's blog, I immediately thought of mom. A new project, perhaps?

Just awesome.

2010-07-19T05:00:00.000-07:00

Graffiti proposal.

Graffiti Proposal from PR!MO on Vimeo via A Cup of Jo.

Sunday morning.

2010-07-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Betsy Burnham via Lonny.

Loving

2010-07-17T09:11:00.001-07:00

Sofia's Paris apartment.

via This is Glamorous

Sunday morning.

2010-07-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

From Mark and Sunrise Ruffalo's home via Black Eiffel.

2010-07-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

Looking for an excuse to buy this graphic snake dress by Tory Burch...

Dixie

Yes, please.

2010-06-27T13:28:00.001-07:00

I want this. I am not kidding.

Sunday morning.

2010-06-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

via Little Green Notebook

2010-06-25T07:39:00.001-07:00

I have a painting project to tackle and I may need to think about adding a shot of color to the inside of the drawers... now to choose a color!

The New Traditionalists via Elements of Style

Further proof

2010-06-23T07:53:00.000-07:00

...that our house needs to be painted white.

Bookshelves have been on our to do list for ages. Maybe we'll just keep it simple and go with something industrial.

via Martha Stewart

2010-06-06T19:08:00.000-07:00

Thinking about repainting our house a creamy shade of white.

via The Brick House

Take A Seat

2010-06-01T05:00:00.000-07:00

via A Roaring Home

In an effort to spruce things up around the house before house guests descend in two weeks, I just ordered a black toilet seat. Kind of a weird detail to think about... but if you're reading this you understand where I'm coming from!

Cruisin'

2010-05-31T07:58:00.000-07:00

I hope you all are having a delightful holiday weekend! We chose to stick close to home and it has been great. We checked out the Pasadena Museum of California Art's exhibit on the LA River, had a spicy sichuan dinner with friends and have gone for a bike ride every morning.

I picked up a new (to me) Schwinn on Friday night and I'm in love! She's perfect for cruising around the neighborhood.

Sadly, I am parting with my old Schwinn cruiser, so I couldn't resist snapping a few photos while taking one of our rides this weekend.

Photos by SparkerShop, more here.

Out & About

2010-05-21T09:31:00.001-07:00

View from LA's City Hall observation deck. It's not publicly accessible, but I was able to snag some photos while at a party benefitting Amanecer this week... and I was able to spot my house from my vantage point on the 27th floor!

I can still taste the powdered sugar...

2010-05-21T09:03:00.000-07:00

Wishing I was back in New Orleans eating beignets... but instead I am hunched over my laptop, clutching my third cup of coffee. At least it's Friday - happy weekend!

Poppys

2010-05-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

I am afraid I've missed the height of Lancaster's poppy season, so this year I'll just have to enjoy them through Love Angeles' dreamy photos...

Back!

2010-05-11T08:07:00.000-07:00

Back from a much needed vacation. We started with our friends' gorgeous farm wedding in San Luis Obispo and then jetted out to New Orleans for Jazz Fest. Pictures and shop updates are in the pipeline... in the mean time, check out these sweet honeymooners in NOLA.

2010-04-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

It's starting to feel like summer is just around the corner, and I think my feet would look pretty cute in these 'Sea Urchin' sandals by Cynthia Rowley for Roxy.

Sea Urchin Sandals

Keep or toss?

2010-04-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

I have a set of four wood chairs that are solidly built, have graceful angles and are pretty comfortable to sit in - and they were free! Yes, I picked up these treasures curbside... four years ago. Needless to say, they've been stashed away and still fall into the "unfinished project" category. I've sanded them, but could never decide on a color to paint them nor fabric for the cushions. I think I may now have a place to put them. I think they would contrast nicely with our traditional dining room table, or they may work around a reading table in the living room. But at this point I have had the chairs for so long that I am wondering if I should just chuck them. So, help me out: curbside-bound or spring project?

Why am I bringing this up now? Clearly I have been watching too many episodes of "Hoarders."

2010-04-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

Look at what my mom had waiting for me when we arrived at her house on Saturday! We're not sure what it is, but I am calling it the turquoise artichoke and I love it!

Sunday Morning.

2010-04-04T05:00:00.000-07:00

Los Angeles Times

To die for.

2010-04-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

It's Vera, and it's gorgeous. And I really, really want it for my entryway.

Anthropologie

Sunday Morning.

2010-02-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

Laying low.

Paul Dyer

Out & About

2010-02-21T17:29:00.000-08:00

From our afternoon walk.

2010-02-13T09:40:00.000-08:00

We're off to sunny San Diego to visit friends. I'll be back with lots of blog and shop updates next week. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Urban Pink Photography

See it.

2010-02-08T21:37:00.000-08:00

Have you seen A Single Man? Well, you should. Seriously, like now. GO.

Excellent performances, beautifully written and directed by Tom Ford and styled beyond belief. Vintage Mercedes. Lautner. 1960s Los Angeles. Colin Firth. Need I say more?

photos via IMDB

Sunday Morning.

2010-02-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

the selby

Before.

2010-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I am feeling overwhelmed by my perceived lack of progress on our house, I just take a look at these pictures to remind me just how far we've come!

Sunday Morning.

2010-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

So serene. From a London townhouse designed by Kelly Hoppen. More photos here.

Modernica

Pink Grapefruit & Champagne Sorbet

2010-01-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

A girlfriend and I are starting to think about the menu for a ladies' lunch we're hosting next month and I think I've landed on the perfect dessert: Pink Grapefruit and Champagne Sorbet. Doesn't that sound refreshing?

MissK1 via This is Glamorous

The party will be at my parents' house in the desert where grapefruit season is in full-swing - hence my constant hunt for recipes featuring grapefruit!

Lunchtime Finds.

2010-01-29T19:03:00.000-08:00

Treasure from a recent outing: Oneida Silversmiths candlesticks, Brooks Brothers mens' oxford in the softest cotton (perfect for sleeping in) and a plate commemorating the 1981 marriage of the Prince of Wales and Lady Diana Spencer which was just too funny to pass up.

2010-01-27T20:34:00.000-08:00

My god, I need this bedskirt. Like bad.

Nex
t

Amanda Stone Talley's New Orleans carriage house, via casasugar. Bed skirt is Robshaw (bedskirt not available on website - I checked).

Hermes India

2010-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Seriously gorgeous Indian inspired Spring 2008 Hermes ad campaign - it's been two years and I still cannot get these images out of my head.

Photos via Ali Beee

Sunday Morning.

2010-01-24T05:00:00.000-08:00

Apartment Therapy

Trailer Love

2010-01-18T09:23:00.000-08:00

IMDB

While perusing Craigslist yesterday for Pee Wee Herman tickets, I meandered into a search for vintage trailers. How did I get there? Not sure. But now I want one... bad. Maybe it's because I watched Lucy and Desi in The Long, Long Trailer too many times as a kid.

But seriously, don't you think this pink travel trailer could be a beauty?

I imagine transforming it into something like the Enjoy Cupcakes trailer below, which I have seen in person on a trip to Los Olivos and it is ADORABLE!

Design Sponge

And of course, I would kit-out the inside with Trina Turk fabric like the Adelante Boutique trailer in Austin. Don't you love the puff ball trim on that curtain?!

Design Sponge

And if you've never seen it, you really must check out The Long, Long Trailer. Perfect for a rainy afternoon like today.

Sunday Morning.

2010-01-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

Apartment Therapy

Sunday Morning.

2010-01-10T05:00:00.000-08:00

Apartment Therapy

Red Coat

2010-01-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

I bought this coat in red from J. Crew a few seasons back and, oh boy, has it been a winner. I sort of purchased it on a whim, because really, how often do you need a heavy coat in Los Angeles?

It is the perfect shade of red, has a ruffled stand up collar and the cutest cream and fuchsia silk lining. And what do you know? It turned out to be a stand out in my wardrobe. Because it's never too cold for too long I don't get bored with it, in fact wearing my coat is like a treat - even if it's with a tank top, jeans and flip flops!

Do you have an item in your wardrobe that at first seemed like a frivolous splurge and turned out to be a staple?

Lunchtime Finds.

2010-01-06T07:40:00.001-08:00

Here are a couple of gems I scooped up during my lunch hour yesterday: a turquoise Ball mason jar with glass lid, a pristine 1964 edition of Jungle People by anthropologist Jules Henry (which looks to me like it was purchased at the USC bookstore and the student never cracked it open!), Party Patterns: with Gaiety Ganteed from 1961, and A Woman Named Jackie signed by author C. David Heyman.

Now I had promised myself that I would stay away from the book section at this particular store because our house is overflowing with books, but I just couldn't help myself. This spot always has great books that I just can't resist (fortunately, I didn't walk away with anymore cook books!).

Headgear for your "Roman Holiday" party!

Photos from Sparker Shop's Flickr.

Pretty Powder Room

2010-01-05T05:00:00.000-08:00

I kind of love this bathroom. The mirror is gorgeous, and actually would be quite handy. And that fuchsia paper!

Apartment Therapy

Sunday Morning.

2010-01-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

Looks to me like the perfect place to wake up on the first Sunday of the new year.

Apartment Therapy

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T13:40:00.001-08:00

Here's to a beautiful new year! I am truly looking forward to what 2010 has in store for Sparker Shop and can't wait to share it with all of you!

Image via One Kings Lane

Cheers!

2009-12-30T19:51:00.001-08:00

Whether you're hitting the town, or keeping the evening low key, I hope you all have a happy new year! As for me, I am heading out of town to spend the weekend with family and friends.

Living Etc.

Sunday Morning.

2009-12-20T05:00:00.000-08:00

Interior designer Barrie Benson's bedroom as featured in Domino.

My Domicile Style

Silver Flats

2009-12-18T07:36:00.000-08:00

Last night I braved the crowds and went out to purchase a pair of jeans for our trip to Boston next week. Instead of returning with jeans, I came home with these...

On the upside, once I get those new jeans I will be able to channel Cameron's look.

Shop Happy

Ikat Party Dress

2009-12-14T10:25:00.000-08:00

I am trying to resist the urge to scoop this dress up! Unfortunately, none of the holiday parties left on our calendar require anything this dressy. I will just have to search for another means of justification.

On sale, here.

If I do break, I will definitely pair the dress with these gold bangles...

And then, of course, these...

Sunday Morning.

2009-12-13T08:10:00.001-08:00

Where I'd like to be while reading the paper and watching the rain.

Domino via So Haute

Sunday Morning.

2009-12-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

Canadian House & Home

Obsessed.

2009-12-04T08:08:00.000-08:00

In anticipation of a holiday party we're hosting later this month, I am trying to get the house ready. Really, I should be cleaning, but instead I am rearranging. Tonight I had a minor epiphany: switching the dining room and living room rugs completely changes the look of the house. I love it!

And now, I am totally obsessed with these Mongolian lamb pillow covers from West Elm. Specifically, I NEED the small tan one in the front... or maybe the long slender one. Either would be perfect in our new living room.

Where I want to be.

2009-12-03T05:00:00.000-08:00

I simply cannot get enough of this photo right now. Need the lamp. Want to curl up on the couch. Off to paint the house white...

Living Etc.

Disco Fever

2009-12-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

I spied this photo from Elle Decor over at Coco + Kelley yesterday which reminded me that I NEED a large disco ball. It's fun, it's unexpected - and the light!

Tales from the Red Velvet Lounge

New York Social Diary

Flickr

The LA House

2009-12-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

What ever happened to this book? Publisher Collins Design lists the release date as March 5, 2008... so will The LA House ever hit shelves?

In the mean time, a peek into Sommers' dining room from Cottage Living.

via FrontPorchStudio's Flickr page

Citrus

2009-11-29T10:20:00.000-08:00

I spent the morning picking tangerines with my mom and when we returned to the house dad was making french toast - do I really have to return to the city this afternoon?!

Beyond juice, what should I do with all of these tangerines?

Sparker Shop Flickr

Sunday Morning.

2009-11-29T05:00:00.000-08:00

Canadian House & Home

A Family Kitchen

2009-11-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

In honor of the fact that we'll all be spending a lot of time in the kitchen tomorrow - whether you're the one doing the cooking or just keeping the cook company - here is a lovely little family kitchen I found on Cookie's site. This space manages to look both stylish and well used. I love the dark floors and while chalkboard decor may be about done, this fridge is quite charming. Enjoy!

Pie.

2009-11-22T18:15:00.000-08:00

Found perusing Gourmet's website: Sweet Potato Pie with Gingersnap Pecan Crust. Sounds (and looks) delicious.

And for something a little different, Chocolate S'more Pie.

What will you be serving for dessert on Thanksgiving, and more importantly, what will you be serving it on?

Color Block

2009-11-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

I just ordered a pair of Kate Spade color block tights for myself - I can't wait to wear them for a fun night out!

Already Salivating

2009-11-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

I am starting to get really excited about Thanksgiving! It's all about family and food - what could be better?

This year our gathering will be small, so my mother and I are bucking tradition and trying out a new menu. We found lots of good food and tablescape inspiration in the November issue of Sunset Magazine and we can't wait to try it all out!

Are you ready for Thanksgiving? What will be on your menu? If you are looking for a last-minute hostess gift or the perfect serving piece, be sure to visit Sparker Shop. All continental U.S. orders placed by Sunday, November 22 can be delivered for the big day!

Sunset

Framed Lace

2009-11-20T07:00:00.001-08:00

Last week I promised to share a fun project with you all - well here it is! I was inspired by the use of lace in this Design*Sponge photo shoot and the LA Times' feature on Kristan Cunningham's Venice home. A few weeks ago I happened upon some beautifully hand crocheted pieces and these two images immediately came to mind:

Design*Sponge

Los Angeles Times

So, I snapped them up before anyone else could get their hands on these gems and got to work. Now they have been framed in black frames with black mats - a perfect contrast which really highlights the beautiful details of these one of a kind pieces.

And now, you can enjoy them too! Available in Sparker Shop:

For the Hostess

2009-11-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

Arrive with flowers. Vintage milk glass vases, here.

Tart & Sweet

2009-11-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

Incorporate cranberry. Yellow depression glass bowl and saucer, here.

All American

2009-11-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

Pass the mashed potatoes. Vintage Pyrex, here.

Shelving Solutions

2009-11-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

I have shelving on the brain. Our living room is stacked with books and we're in desperate need of some floor-to-ceiling bookshelves.

I would love to have something like this built in, but our budget will probably dictate something else.

Cookie

via At Home At Home

I love the mounted shelving in Julianne Moore's study:

via If the Lampshade Fits

These industrial shelves may just work too:

Loft Life Magazine via SFGirlByBay

Isle Crawford

Serving Gravy?

2009-11-17T19:37:00.000-08:00

Japanese stoneware by Noritake. Get it in time for Thanksgiving.

Scandale

2009-11-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

LOVE this poster from Galerie Montmartre. Wouldn't it be great in a powder room or walk in closet? Check out their vast selection of vintage posters here.

Saturday Snug-fest

2009-11-15T12:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, we actually got together and made snuggies/slankets/snuglets. A copious amount of wine was consumed.

It's ok though, they're hip now - Urban Outfitters says so.

I highly recommend hosting your own Snuggie-making cocktail party. Free pattern available here.

Lucite Console

2009-11-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

Inspiration struck yesterday, which means that today I'm on the hunt for a second-hand lucite console table. I know, I know I can easily pick one up at CB2, but I figure I'll start by stalking Craig's List. Wish me luck!

Domino

Upcoming Project

2009-11-04T07:50:00.001-08:00

Can't wait to share a little project with you later this week that was inspired by this Venice, California home...

Photos via LA Times

Sunday Morning

2009-11-01T09:33:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure I could ever take the plunge and paint my bedroom walls and trim black, however, right now this looks like a lovely spot to spend a Sunday morning curled up reading the paper.

Living Etc.

Cleo

2009-10-30T18:44:00.001-07:00

Liz is providing the inspiration for my costume tomorrow.

Boo!

2009-10-30T10:26:00.001-07:00

via Sunset Magazine

Roy DeCarava

2009-10-29T10:05:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-23T18:51:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-19T07:30:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-18T08:21:00.001-07:00

This is lovely. Ballard Designs - who knew?

Divine Bovine

2009-10-14T18:13:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-10-12T18:55:00.001-07:00

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

Peg Board Realized

2009-10-11T19:54:00.001-07:00

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!'

2009-10-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-06T07:30:00.001-07:00

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.

A Second (or Third or Fourth) Look...

2009-09-14T18:31:00.000-07:00

Ruthie Sommers' kitchen - if you were a Domino magazine devotee, then you'll recognize this image from the inaugural issue of the magazine. The room has been admired by many ever since (black paint! in a kitchen!), and stills feels fresh to me. While catching up on the blog Shelter this evening, I saw something in the photo I'd never noticed before - Blue Willow china on the shelf in the upper left hand corner! Now, of course, I love the room even more.

Image via Shelter. P.S. Congratulations, Julie!

You can get your own Blue Willow collection started at Sparker Shop:

Pegboard Inspiration

2009-09-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday while sitting in the Sparker Shop booth at the vintage fair, I found myself flooded with ideas. Fortunately, I had pen and paper with me and was able to jot them down between tending to customers. Many of the ideas were just little improvements for the booth, blog or shop. All simple, easy things - like the calendar on the blog sidebar that shows when I'll be manning the pop-up shop. But the one I am really excited about is improving my booth display.

You see, lately I have been collecting a lot of vintage kitchen utensils. They are unique, built to last and I can't seem to resist them. The downside is displaying them. I've been laying them out on one of my colorful table cloths, but somehow that doesn't seem to do them justice and it takes up quite a bit of valuable table space. So, yesterday I had the idea to build a kitchen peg board for my booth! Not revolutionary, but to me it was very exciting.

Ever since, I have been trolling the web for inspirational photos. The toughest decision will be deciding what color to paint the board! At the moment, I am leaning toward a French blue.

Below are some of the photos from which I'll be drawing inspiration, and here's a great story I ran across about Julia Child's pots being reunited with her kitchen at the Smithsonian.

Domino via Flickr.

Apartment Therapy.

Design*Sponge.

This one is my husband's dream! How to be Domestic.

Better Homes & Gardens circa 1983 via Flickr.

Martha Stewart.

Simple, Elegant Table

2009-09-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

I will be recreating this look for a dinner party as soon as possible. Equally appropriate for an end of summer fête or a fall harvest dinner party.

Image via Shelter.

Waning Days of Summer

2009-08-25T20:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's post was all about fall, but today I'd like to slow down and enjoy the waning days of summer. Here's my Etsy roundup of everything you'll need to celebrate the season.

First, throw on this Mexican Bird Sunshine dress from JessJamesJake and call up your friends!

Pair the dress with these perfect summer hoops from Favor Jewelry. I picked up a pair myself and have been wearing them with everything!

You and your guests can recline on Plum Cushion's Palm Springs terry cloth cushions:

Sip margaritas served in this green glass pitcher from Sparker Shop:

Serve appetizers on these sunny yellow platters:

Wrap up with dessert in these fetching yellow sorbet cups:

And ensure you'll enjoy summer all year long by picking up a print from JP Greenwood:

Top photo also from JP Greenwood.

Getting Ready for Fall

2009-08-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, it never truly gets COLD in Los Angeles. So when catalog after catalog arrives bursting at the seams with winter coats, I get jealous. Not so much for the extreme weather found in other locales, but for the wardrobe.

I think I've stumbled up a good compromise: the cape. Stylish and warm, and here in LA you could probably wear one with a white tank top underneath!

Here are a few of my favorites, the first is from Anthropologie:

A close up:

A vintage orange/coral cape from JessJamesJake:

Another lovely option from Anthropologie:

Diane von Furstenberg's stylish take for fall:

Busy, Busy

2009-08-12T22:56:00.000-07:00

*UPDATE: Sparker Shop will be at the Silver Lake Craft* Art & Vintage Fair this weekend, Saturday, September 12 from 10am to 4pm. Come say hi!*

Busy, busy. Doing what? Well, for one thing, I have been getting ready to participate in my first vintage fair! This Saturday, August 15th, I will have a booth at the Silver Lake Craft* Art & Vintage Fair. The Sparker Shop booth will be open for business from 10am to 4pm, so if you are in the area please be sure to stop by. And I can't make any guarantees, but the last time I was at the fair, which occurs every Saturday, the Border Grill taco truck made an appearance.

To prepare, I have been gathering lots of special goodies which include the items in my shop, succulents and herbs planted in vintage vessels (talk about a wonderful hostess gift!) as well as the framed vintage bow ties pictured below.

Hope to see you there!

Majolica

2009-07-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

When I laid eyes on these:

I immediately thought of this image from Australian Vogue Living:

Image via Desire to Inspire

Then I stumbled upon these images from Martha Stewart Living:

Images via Mostly Majolica

And now I'm inspired to get out there and find some more! Start your collection by picking up this set of Majolica leaf plates made in Portugal from Sparker Shop!

Tweet! Tweet!

2009-07-06T20:04:00.000-07:00

Sparker Shop is now on Twitter! Join these folks and you'll receive tweets about the latest additions to the shop, art and decor that are inspiring me, tips on vintage finds around town and much much more. Click here to follow Sparker Shop.

Be sure to check out the cool people below who are already following Sparker Shop and get your twitter mosaic here.

Thanks to Eye Spy for tipping me off to Twitter Mosaic!