La Vie En Curlsz » Favorite Things

Decoration Inspiration

curlsz — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:44:58 +0000

As I venture forth decorating and updating my home I realize it may be fun to show off a little of what inspires me as I plan rooms because really 90% starts in my head and then I tend to stumble upon a finished product on the internet etc. It can be a little exhausting to have a complete idea in your head and then have to go search for the items out in the real world to make that idea come true, especially when like me you’re on a budget or just refuse to pay full price.

To get a room the way I want it takes a lot of scouring Craigslist, vintage stores, online stores, sales, estate sales and consignment sales. Out of all of these sources I have advice and opinions on each which I’ll formulate on another day.

But here are some images that show you what inspires me, from wall color to furniture to bedding to art work. Of course there are a lot of cool things out there that I love and you can see those here – but these are all images that actually will be reflected in my home one way or another.

above photo courtesy of bradybunchremodel.com

Sources include:

ApartmentTherapy.com
BradyBunchRemodel.com – great for mid century modern lovers
Etsy art
Dwell Studios

Sick Woman’s Guide to Sanity

curlsz — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 22:58:33 +0000

Like most right now I’ve been sick. Most people aren’t pleasant when they’re sick so I’ll not make the cliche excuses for my behavior, suffice it to say it’s best that I’m left alone in my cave. Which is fine because my cave is one of the most pleasant places to be even when I’m not sick. I have made sure that my bedroom, cave, has all the comforts I should ever need…minus the mini fridge, I haven’t gone quite that far.

So during a week coughing, sneezing and blowing wasn’t the most fun, it could have been worse. I made several fantastic discoveries and new favorites and was able to indulge in some old favorites as well. For me a sick woman’s guide included.

Old Favorites Like…

Basically a fruit smoothie without having to stand in line and wait for it to be made, wonderful treat and old favorite.

Was nice to drive through and stock up, no cooking necessary.

Tom Yum Gai is THE comfort food for the sick, no chicken noodle nasty please and thank you. The lemon grass and spices are perfect.

The fourth in one of my favorite historical fiction series, this one takes place in Istanbul Turkey. I have a personal love for that city and Alexander nailed it. It’s also fun to follow favorite authors on Twitter because I was able to tell her so, and she responded…swoon

I love my Roku, steaming Hulu, Netflix and Pandora is a sick woman’s angel.

New Favorites Like…

This by far helped more than anything else.

I stumbled upon this series on Netflix. FANTASTIC. I love the characters and the drama within a English household in 1912. It’s a good balance between the lives of the family and the servants. Season 2 will be filmed this spring, and I’m sad there were only 7 episodes in season 1.

This was free book on Nook’s free Friday’s. I took a chance and am glad I did. It’s the story of William Marshall, an historical fiction account of his life based on a biography his oldest son had done after Marshall died. William Marshall served King Henry II, Henry III, King Richard and King John. It spans 1167 -1197. Highly recommend for history buffs. (Elizabeth Chadwick). I’m currently reading the sequel which is also fantastic, spanning 1197-1221

Sable

Tango

Being the weather has warmed up, we’ve all taken advantage of the windows. It’s easy to be lazy when you have the laziest partners in crime. Occasionally they would move, but just to stretch or yawn. Very serene.

Give Ebla a Chance – More Happy Music

curlsz — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 19:06:04 +0000

No really – don’t you DARE stop listening after the first 15 seconds. This group is amazing. A fantastic fusion of classical and electric and sugar and spice and all things nice. You know when you’re at the movies and a score just blows you away – that’s the feeling here. The entire album (yes I say album, problem?) is great and many of the songs make me want to grab a sword and go all highlander on my co workers.

Other faves are Nara, Pompeii

E.S Posthumus — Ebla

This is Lepcis Magna another favorite

My Happy Music

curlsz — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 04:56:20 +0000

There are and always are and always will be soooo many bands, sooo many songs soooo much music that make me happy. I listen to it all day long, whether it’s pandora (till I run out of minutes) or last fm or just my Itunes.

At the moment the song that makes me happy is this, it’s an oldie but a very goodie – sorry for the lame lyrics scrolling through…

Potential Child Prodigy in the Family

curlsz — Wed, 20 May 2009 04:17:42 +0000

I have to brag er share…My non biological sister Julie emailed me today to share about my niece. This past weekend I handed over a docking station speaker combo to Julie for her new IPod. Since then she has relished in the awesomeness that is everything IPod speakers.

The other day she was playing Bryan Adam’s “If You Love Someone” and my 4 year old niece comes in and asks “what is that song from?”

Julie: “an old movie.”
Cami: “is it that horse movie Spirit?”
Julie replied no but then remembered Bryan Adams did indeed do the soundtrack for Spirit – Cami has only seen the movie a couple of times. From those two times she was able to pick out his voice and style of singing – she’s FOUR!!!!

Please God help her maintain her genius level and not be a moronic sexting teenager!

Shopping on the flip side

curlsz — Sun, 17 May 2009 04:10:24 +0000

I’m all about saving now – and as a cosmetic junkie…well this is the area to save for me.

When it comes to skin care I stick to what works for me despite the cost – due to my sensitive skin. Mass marketed skin care usually has tons of fragrance in it which can do a number on me. But when it comes to hair care I’m not going to debtor’s prison over shampoo.

I mean I love Ouidad and Bumble and Bumble but sheesh – who are they kidding?! For instance Bumble and Bumble’s Sunday shampoo – vs Pantene’s Clarifying shampoo… $19 for 8oz vs $4 for over 12 oz’s!!!! And they have the SAME ingredients!! Same with their straightening cream – yeah it’s amazing but you pay for amazing. So instead, there is Marc Anthony’s cream for about $7 and often at Ulta I find buy one get one free.

So beauty without debt – novel idea.

Smooth as Jill Scott

curlsz — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 04:01:40 +0000

Where have I been? How have I missed this wonderful singer? Recently I have fallen in love with a BBC show that is now on HBO – No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency – new female detective in Botswana Africa, actually filmed in Botswana. Based on a book series, it’s completely original and new and different I love it. The star of the show is R&B singer Jill Scott. Great actress and as I have just discovered a great singer as well.

So if you are curious at all – I highly recommend. You’ll be groovin, throwing Botswana slang around (Coco) and wearing brightly colored moo moo’s and head scarves by the end of the week.

The Vanilla Orchid

curlsz — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 03:44:59 +0000

No this isn’t another plant entry – though I could share with you how excited and proud I am of my plants that were started from seeds and bulbs…but I’ll spare you.

Instead I wanted to take some blog space to show you my friend Molly’s new business venture, the Vanilla Orchid. Molly is a former Hudson on the Bend chef and recently lived in Alaska cooking fresh caught fish and game. She’s back home and back to her roots, cooking food she loves and serving the community through home delivery service, catering and an assortment of other specialties!

Check out what she can do and keep her in mind for any parties you may have or if you are dying to try a home food delivery service with unpretentious good food!

Visit the Vanilla Orchid.