Whew!  Sorry blog-readers – it’s been awhile!  With the launch of our new website, I had hoped to also become a little more regular with blog posts but you all have kept me busy with so many fun new design projects this fall! I love the energy and inspiration that fall brings to cozy up our houses and tackle those to-do lists that sat waiting during the summer months.

Today I thought I’d share some of my favorite discoveries of late – hopefully they’ll inspire you too!

1.

Do you have a fun chalkboard in your house … but want to write more on it than just a grocery list? Valerie McKeehan to the rescue.

 I just ordered this book on Amazon and I can’t wait to try it out.  It offers step-by-step instructions for all different lettering styles, flourishes and signs.

She “claims” that she doesn’t even have good penmanship in real life. Hmmm – hard to believe.  But her secret is sharpening your chalk – just like you would with a pencil! And get this – if you make a mistake, no need to erase the whole thing. Just use a Q-tip to erase the small area you need! I love it!

2.

I recently stopped into a favorite little store of mine called The Frenchman’s Wife. I hadn’t been in for awhile and this dressing room stopped me in its tracks.  I assumed it was brick painted over with a thick creamy plaster – but no.  The owner explained that each “brick” was actually a hand cut piece of wood attached to the wall and then plastered over. Swoon! When I asked if I could hire him out, she chuckled and said “It was very time intensive.” Darn!

3.

How pretty are these crystal “logs” from Jayson Home + Garden? They are actually made of selenite.

A little bundle in a fireplace that’s not in use would be so glamorous, don’t you think?

4.

Speaking of fireplaces, I loved this Instagram shot from @lindsay_hill_interiors. So simple with just some vintage books and white pumpkins!

5.

Love, love, love these sconces and wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler for Circa Lighting.

6.

There’s something kind of cute about these canvas storage baskets from Steele Canvas, isn’t there? They come in different sizes and would be great in a mudroom or playroom to corral shoes, sports equipment or toys.

7.

I can’t wait to get my hands on some swatches of Robert Allen’s new Durable Velvets. So cozy on a great new sofa.

8.

My new favorite candle for fall – Nest Fragrances Pumpkin Chai.

Y.U.M.M.Y.

10.

And last but not least, who better to inspire a little creativity than Mr. Walt Disney?

There’s nothing like a trip to Disney World to make you feel like a kid again and inspire you to dream big.  Thanks to my parents, sister and two cute nieces for planning a great trip!

Back to reality. 🙁

This post is for all the Moms out there whose kids have gone back to school! Whether this makes you happy or sad, hopefully it’s given you a little time to yourself.  Maybe you’ve enjoyed walking leisurely though a store, taking time to look at things without interruption, complaining, fighting, groaning or sighing.

Last week I stopped into World Market – I hadn’t been for awhile and I was quite impressed by what I saw …

World Market recently opened their first store in New York – right in Manhattan, so perhaps they decided to step up their game with a lot of chic new merchandise for the Grand Opening.

New Cost Plus World Market Chelsea New York Store (Photo: Business Wire)

I’m a big believer in mixing high and low in design – and World Market offers a lot pieces that have a high end look at inexpensive prices. Here are a few of the things that caught my eye during my (peaceful) walk through the store.

A gorgeous rug that could create a nice starting point to a neutral room. I’d use it with off-white paint and maybe some furniture in ivory Belgian Linen.

A new twist on a classic chair – I’d love to see this pulled up to a desk or a little office nook in a kitchen.

My picture doesn’t do this large-scale artwork justice – it’s got a pretty shimmer and texture.

Kind of a Restoration Hardware knockoff – I’d like to see two of these flanking a large window or fireplace.

Oh how I love this desk with it’s industrial base and white lacquer top! It’s actually part of their Mix’n Match desk collection … you pick your base and top from these choices:

Lots of fun possibilities there … and really a nice good sized desk with plenty of room to spread out!

Next up – another pretty rug:

I love the soft muted colors creating a subtle pattern. I could see this working in a cozy family room, a bedroom or a nursery.

Speaking of rugs …

… they have a lot of great jute and seagrass rugs.  I think every house should have at least one natural fiber rug!  That first one reminds me of the Serena and Lily Border Stripe rugs and the second one just looks cozy and pretty with the blue-gray woven in.

I really love these patterned poufs. Tuck two under a console and pull them out when you need extra seating or a place to rest your feet.

I also saw some pretty textiles – from table runners, to napkins, placemats and pillows.

Finally for the kitchen …

How gorgeous is this dinnerware?

And I just love bringing in a pop of green with these Jadeite pieces – adds a little vintage flair as well.

So there you have it! If you’re looking to make a few Back-to-School changes around your house, World Market may just be your winning ticket! Do you have any recent favorites from their store?