ALT's Greatest Hits

Perhaps you spotted all the buzz on Twitter or Facebook last week about the Altitude Design Summit held in Salt Lake City, Utah (speaking of FB, I finally joined in...come say hi!).  Sure, it's a lot of mixing and mingling, but it's also about giving and receiving useful advice and loads of inspiration.  In case you weren't able to attend, or you were there but missed out on certain panels, I thought I'd share the tips/advice/words of wisdom I gleaned from the conference.  I'm hoping these three points will resonate with you as well:

1.  Brooke Reynolds of Inchmark said during the panel on Work/Life Balance, "Decide which balls to put down and which to juggle.  Not all balls are created equal and some weigh more than others.  And some balls cannot be dropped".  I thought this was a clever way of putting perspective on priority maintenance.  Brooke also advised us to not be reactive by starting our day answering and checking the "gibber gabber" (i.e. email, twitter, facebook, etc.), but to instead be proactive about achieving your goals.  Lots of sage advice from that lady's lips :)

2.  My friend Joslyn of the blog Simple Lovely, shared some thought provoking tips as well (as usual!).  She said, 'when collaborating (and may I add, not just on blogs), be sure you don't "pair off"; meaning, always talk about everything together and be inclusive.  Don't gossip.' And perhaps what is my favorite tidbit from ALT is Joslyn's reminder that there is room for everyone to be successful and that there is no need to be jealous.  Everyone can experience success with grace, honesty, kindness and hard work. 

3. Our closing keynote speaker was Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project--a book I've started to read little by little (it takes time to process each of her points I think).  Gretchen shared loads of wisdom, but I think one of the most interesting points she made was that `happiness is not selfish.  In fact, it will actually make you more selfless.  Studies show that happy people are more concerned about the problems of other people and are more likely to help out.'  Gretchen goes on to say that "one of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy yourself; because we all want to be around happy people!".

I'd love to hear your thoughts too...y'all are always full of great insight yourselves!

image by Justin Hackworth--more images from ALT can be found here. 

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Registration Details - Food Photography Workshop w/Aran

I am so grateful for the opportunity to host another food styling and photography workshop in the Dordogne region of France this year with the over-the-top-talented Aran Goyoaga.  In fact, registration takes place tomorrow, Thursday, January 26th (that's today for some of you already), so I want to review the details of signing up for those interested.  Aran, her assistant Nadia (whose gorgeous home was featured in my "real life home series" last week), and I, are so thrilled to be sharing another fabulous week with 8 new friends amongst castles, cliffs and breathtaking views.

Here is how registration will take place:

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Date Night

Have you ever noticed that the longer you are married or in a committed relationship, the messier the bedroom becomes and the less frequent you find yourselves out on a date?  Isn't it ironic that the most important relationship gets more or less tossed to the back burner and less pressing matters take center stage?  This is an interesting phenomenon I've thought a lot about in the past few years as I've observed couples pay less and less attention on each other (and more on hobbies, work and their children).  I've learned that scheduling time for date nights makes a sizable impact on the happiness and satisfaction you feel within your married relationship; this is particularly true if you have children.

If you have a trusted babysitter or family member nearby, why not call or text them right now and schedule a night out for the upcoming weekend?  If you don't have either, perhaps consider a babysitting swap with a friend.  Often good friends are just as helpful as family and chances are you have a trusted friend in the same boat.  Maybe one weekend night you tend her kiddos and then she tends yours on the other.  We actually participate in this type of babysitting swap at least once a month.  Date nights are far more relaxing when we don't have to worry about forking out $15/hour!  That being said, even if you don't have the opportunity to participate in a babysitting swap, "...recognize that a babysitter is cheaper than a divorce" (source).

Frequency of date nights is also important.  Making time for two dates each month is typically ideal for most couples.  If you have children, allow yourselves to spend some time discussing your children and their needs on one of the two monthly dates.  Then be sure to make that second date all about you and your spouse.  No kid talk allowed :)  If your spouse works extremely late hours and/or travels during the week, then you may want to consider upping your dates nights from twice monthly to once a week.  If you have budget constraints, then plan a date night "in" every now and again.  A movie and takeout enjoyed after the kids are in bed can be a lot of fun too! 

Here are some fun date night ideas beyond dinner and a movie, (which have their place mind you!), to jump start your next date night:

1.  a music-themed evening--the symphony, a jazz club or an outdoor concert are all interesting and provide a change of scenery. 

2.  hanging out in a bookstore together--I love the idea of holing up in the dark corner of a locally-owned bookstore, but often the only ones open at night are Barnes and Noble so we typically head there.

3.  dance lessons--I actually bought these on Groupon (which for the record has encouraged me to do so many things out-of-the-box), because I don't feel like my dancing skills have improved since middle school (shuffling around in a circle doesn't count as dancing, right?).  Deals on Living Social or Google Offers often offer similar activities. 

4.  stay outdoors--night skiing, a bike ride, a walk along the beach, a picnic on the lawn, and a carriage ride downtown, to name a few.

5. double dating--it's not just for high-schoolers :)  Especially when it comes to bowling, which we can technically make #6 :)

What are some of your date night ideas?

image snapped on an iPhone outside Bi-Rite Creamery in San Francisco's Mission District

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Affordable Art: Jenny Vorwaller Paintings + Prints

Whenever I spot beautiful art for a reasonable price, I always love to share my discovery with you.  Today, may I introduce you to local artist Jenny Vorwaller?  She is a talented, modern painter who happens to live here in Seattle and for the moment is quite affordable.  You should peek at her original paintings, killer iPhone covers, and fine art prints here.  Nothing is over $100 and most things are priced around $30...how's that for affordable art?

p.s. curious what this gorgeous redhead looks like?  Peek at her fabulous family photograph here.

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San Francisco Birthday Party

When I asked my daughter what kind of party she wanted for her birthday, she asked if she could have a San Francisco party with cherry crumb cake.  I raised my eyebrow and asked, "Are you sure?  What about a polka dot party? So cute, right?  Well, she didn't like that idea so much so I said, "okay, we'll do it!"  Initially I thought it would be impossible to plan, but after it's all said and done I'm now totally convinced it's possible to plan a children's party around just about any theme! 



We found an adorable little stamp set from Yellow Owl Workshop that set the tone for the party.  Those Painted Ladies and Golden Gate Bridge debuted on the watercolored invitations and then made their way onto the cupcake toppers, the favor tags and the drink labels.  Definitely got our money's worth out of those little stamps :)

 

She requested Jaime's Cherry Almond Crumb Cake, so I modified it to cupcake form with an almond buttercream frosting; although I have to admit I love Jaime's version better :)  Cupcake toppers were made from toothpicks and cardstock...so easy to put together.  The print is from Loose Petals, simply mounted on a piece of mat board with a little vintage French ribbon I've been saving for a couple of years.  It just happened to be the same color as the Golden Gate Bridge...  

I left my heart in San Francisco...

My daughter loves art and loves crafts so we sat down with her party guests and painted a few favorite scenes from the city.  Lots of Golden Gate Bridges...

Clam chowder and sourdough bread were in order for lunch...served in mini cocottes.




The morning of the party I realized I hadn't planned any party favors, so I had to improvise and try to come up with something I could make with on-hand supplies.  Pie boxes, Painted Ladies and more cherry crumb cake it was!  No one complained about more cake :)



Sources:

Invitations + envelopes
Stamp set
Striped Straws
Scalloped Punch
San Francisco Print
Pie boxes

images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

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Welcome Famille Summerbelle + a Giveaway

Okay!  We have our 5 randomly chosen winners...congratulations!  Please send me an email with your contact information/mailing address.  Thanks!

1.  Grace Coutelen who said, "My French husband and I live in Paris..."
2.  Chelsea who said, "I want one of those maps!  Darling!"
3.  Amie, who said, "J'adore la belle Paris"
4.  Summer, who said, "Yes, please!"
5. Janelle-a-belle, who said, "I've had the London print on my wishlist for ages..."




It's always a pleasure to welcome a sponsor that I've admired and even blogged about in times past.  I'm so happy to have UK-based shop Famille Summerbelle as a new sponsor.  I am a particular fan of all their Frenchy stuff like cute Paris wallpaper (think: accent wall in a kid's bedroom), vibrant totes, family trees and folksy tea towels.  But perhaps my favorite little pretty from the shop is the Paris map print in blue, based on their original hand cut map (Londoners, San Franciscans and New Yorkers will find equally gorgeous maps of their towns).  The colors are spot on and the designs are one-of-a-kind.  And with that I'd like to share some good news...

Famille Summerbelle would like to offer FIVE readers one of their gorgeous map prints.  I'm so excited to announce 5 winners!  Five of you will get to choose one print in the color of your choice...your walls are begging you for something gorgeous so here is your chance!  If you just can't wait to find out who wins the giveaway, you are welcome to take advantage of a special sale going on--20% off all orders over $90.  Sweet! 

Giveaway Guidelines

- You have 5 days to enter this giveaway (closes Sunday, January 22nd at midnight).
- Make 1 comment on this post to enter.
- Anonymous comments will not be considered, so please make sure we know who you are!
- The winners will be chosen via random.org and announced next week at the top of this post--so make sure you peek back and see if you're one of the lucky five!
- If you win, please respond within one week of the winner announcement to secure prize.  Thank you!

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Real Life Home No.14 - a Converted Barn in Vermont

What would you give to call this lane your driveway?  And how would your life change if you enjoyed this beautiful expanse each day of your life?  A view that some say is the best view in Vermont as it covers four mountain ranges in four different states.  I, for one, cannot imagine such a thing as I can see hundreds of homes from my living room window.  Perhaps that is what makes this "real life home" so precious to me.  That, and the lovely woman who calls this converted barn in Vermont, home sweet home. 

I only met Nadia a few months ago when she accompanied Aran and I to France for the workshop, to act as Aran's assistant.  She was a stranger to me at the beginning of the week, but a friend to me at the end.  Her heart is as welcoming as the home she shares with her husband, Kevin, and I'm so excited to share a slew of images with you today.



Imagine Nadia driving home from the local farmer's market with a big basket full of locally-grown produce (Nadia owns the best market basket!).  She walks inside, drops down her bags, checks on the kittens and sits down for a moment to enjoy that gorgeous view.  How could she not?  Oooh, but it's a bit chilly so perhaps a fire is in order.  Especially these days...



Now that the fire is crackling, it's time to unload those market bags and start thinking about dinner. 

{I'm loving that red stool peeking around the corner.  What a great way to mix "old" and "new".  Oh and that green armoire!}




Time to check on the chickens...in fact, an egg or two would be delicious poached over one of those gorgeous garden tomatoes.

{Anyone else experiencing chicken coop envy?  And backdrop envy for that matter.  This setting is about as surreal as the driveway!}


{Love Nadia's signature felted wool jewelry collection.  She wore one of her favorites a few times in France and looked so beautiful.} 


Miss Nadia loves her reds and she'll take it any way she can...pretty apples, an iron chair, a stool, a pillow and paintings. 


Nadia has quite the menagerie...she's rescued several animals over the years--horses, ducks and chickens to name a few--and lovingly cares for them everyday.  This one clearly appreciates the view, as he should!

And those creamy, white dishes all stacked up on the shelf.  Simple yet so pretty. 

Aaah, and now the inspirational writer's shack settled down in the most exquisite of settings.  Something so many of us dream of, yes?  I died when she sent me this image.  My first thought was, `is this for real?'

So now I have chicken coop envy AND writer's shack envy :) 

Those who are lucky enough to stay with Nadia get to rest their pretty little heads on this sweetly adorned bed upstairs in the attic.  I know my kids would jump up and down with joy over the chance to slumber here.

"How are the horses doing?", Nadia wonders as she peeks out the window.

Idyllic.

Nadia's own respite (I just realized we have the same chair from IKEA...who else has that uber versatile chair?!).  Vintage paintings, that awesome market bag I referenced earlier, and a collection of books about subjects she loves.  A tasteful, well-edited collection is always something I appreciate in others' spaces. 

I love what Nadia says about the antiques in her home, including the artwork on the wall here, "I love paintings and often buy them because I feel as if I cannot leave them behind; others I find in antique shops piled behind junk. I feel as if the pieces I have at the house have come to me with purpose.  I know that I am the curator of these things for a period in time and one day someone else will be."

It's only apropos to conclude today's tour with another pop of red and a painting of blueberries--a wild fruit that takes over the state in the Summertime.  When we lived in Boston we slipped away to visit my brother-in-law and his family as much as possible.  One such trip was during blueberry season and I"ll never forget the millions of blueberries lining the highway.  Oh how I wished we could just pull off the interstate and eat, eat, eat.  I have no doubt that Nadia enjoys these sweet, little treats all over these rolling, green hills.

She writes in appreciation for this home, "I love how bright the stars are at night, how the sunsets and sunrises take my breath away every time.  I love that I can take long walks in the forest, snow shoe for hours, pick apples, pears and berries from our yard and make fresh bouquets from acres of wild flowers.  I love the quietness of living in a secluded place and the noises that come from a big variety of birds and wild life- not to mention dogs barking, cats meowing duck quacking and horses galloping!".   Now that's what I call a "real life home" indeed.  Thank you for sharing your home with us Nadia~

You can catch up with Nadia and her life on 100 acres in Vermont over at her tranquil blog, La Porte  Rouge.  Again, that "red" comin' through :)

More lovely, well-edited spaces for your viewing pleasure:

Real Life Home No.13 - Dottie Angel's Mossy Shed

Real Life Home No. 12 - "Aunt Patty" (sophisticated mid-century)
Real Life Home No.11 - Rubyellen - (flea market finds with a French flair)
Real Life Home No.10 - Julie (elegant whites + reclaimed materials)
Real Life Home No. 9 - Petra (living in a tower w/kids)
Real Life Home No. 8 - Kayce (southern + sweet)
Real Life Home No. 7 - Sara (colorful + eclectic)
Real Life Home No. 6 - Amy (calming neutrals)
Real Life Home No. 5 - Lynne (whimsy + details)
Real Life Home No. 4 - Emily (whites + woods)
Real Life Home No. 3 - Kirsten (clean + textural)
Real Life Home No. 2 - Maria (white kitchen love)
Real Life Home No. 1 - Cherilee (mid-century modern)

images by Nadia Dole

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A Darling Children's Book about Paris

My preschool-aged daughter chose this book for her bedtime read last week and I was reminded how much I love this little book for its gorgeous illustrations of Paris and for the sweet storyline.  Set in the City of Lights about a hundred years ago, we follow a girl named Adèle and her little brother Simon as they try to make their way home after school.  The siblings stop at many famous Parisian landmarks along the way, weaving a beautiful path through the city.  While not a vintage book, it certainly has that feel, and is a darling read for little boys and girls--especially one who dreams of Paris like my kids do.

Also, happy to report that Adèle and Simon is on sale now too...ten bucks for an award-winning hardcover is not too shabby!  I should probably stock up on a few for birthday gifts myself...

Have a great weekend!




images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

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Organizing Tip #27

It has been such a long time since I've posted anything related to home organization...hmmm....maybe because I've been so disorganized this year?  Well, I'd say it's time to get that party started and what better month than January.  Here we go: 

If you have a small child in the midst, create a toy drawer in the kitchen, at his/her level. 

I learned this valuable tip from my mother-in-law several years ago when my first child became mobile.  It seemed that I often spent time in the kitchen--tidying, prepping, cooking, baking, writing, etc.  My toddler, wanting to be close to me (and I to her obviously), would open drawers and cupboards and make all sorts of messes, as little ones do when they're curious.  So I decided to free up space in one of my bottom drawers (it was a sacrifice in a studio apartment, but worth it nonetheless) and fill it with all sorts of fun, age-appropriate toys.

What happened next was wonderful!  While I stirred the risotto on the stove, my daughter stacked blocks, pretended to talk on the phone and drove cars around my feet.  Instead of being bored and subsequently demanding, she now happily entertained herself under my watch.  Definitely worth the precious real estate in my small kitchen!  In fact, I still practice this tip with Baby Gray, my fourth child; here we are 9 kitchens later and still making space for a "toy drawer" :)

One important note about toys for toddlers...make sure that the toys you expose your child to are not choking hazards.  As a rule of thumb, anything that fits inside a toilet paper roll is considered a "chokable".  My own adorable baby sister passed away a very long time ago from choking on a toy and I would never want anything like that to happen to you or your child.  So don't feel like you're being overprotective by protecting your child...better safe than sorry, right?!

Peek here for 26 more organizing tips if you're feeling inspired.  I promise there isn't anything too overwhelming mixed in there :)



images by Stephanie Brubaker for stephmodo

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Links to Love: Color, Style & a Better You

A little mid-week link love to liven up this gray January day...

A classic trench for every budget...I have to chime in that I love my trench from H&M.

Sometimes I don't start thinking about New Year's resolutions until a week or two into January; and I'm glad I waited because this delightful collaboration between Danyelle and Lindsay is unexpected and sweet.

Jason Wu for Target?  Oh man this could be the best one yet!

All about satsumas and what I did last night with Ziploc bags.

Looking for a pretty palette?  This blog is the best resource.

Food photographer Karen Mordechai snapped the prettiest images of the pie boxes from my etsy shop holding a chocolate lavendar pie (yes, please!).  Take a peek at the recipe and more pictures over on her beautiful blog, Sunday Suppers. 

image 1 - Stephanie Brubaker  /  image 2 - Target  /  image 3 - Karen Mordechai

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Food Styling + Photography Workshop in France Part Deux

Today, I am happy to announce that I am hosting another food styling and photography workshop in France this year with Aran Goyoaga of the award-winning blog, Cannelle et Vanille.  September proved to be the perfect time of year in 2011, so we've decided to press repeat for this next workshop, which will take place September 23-27 of 2012.  The workshop will be limited to just 8 guests.  Think: delicious food, castles, picturesque villages (one of which will be your "home" for the week), comraderie and up close and personal instruction...in France.

More details about the workshop are outlined on Aran's blog today so take a peek if you're the least bit interested in upping your game when it comes to food styling and photography. We would love to have you with us that week in the Dordogne region of France!  You can peek at images from last year's workshop here, here and here. 

images by Aran Goyoaga of Cannelle et Vanille

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At the Beach

I realized this week that I haven't shared any personal photos with you in awhile, so here is a peek at our recent excursion to the beach on a sunny, glorious day.  Here in Seattle I've learned to stop everything when it's sunny and just enjoy, enjoy, enjoy every last ray.  It was a fine coincidence that I'd just pulled a loaf of banana bread out of the oven when the sunshine debuted over our neighborhood.  We quickly donned our wellies and hit the beach with a foil-wrapped loaf of banana bread to enjoy; which we did in under a half hour! Ha!  Talk about spoiling our appetite :)

p.s. I really appreciate all the emails about how much you enjoy my banana bread recipe...thanks friends!

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