Trail of Spots

<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: white;">I find myself falling down the design rabbit hole a lot lately. I've been looking for a red spotted fabric for my girls room. I was thinking of Les Touches in red, but the background is a little more tan than white. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/les_touches_cotton_print_red_79585_166.jpg" /></span></div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">Then when I was shopping on the <a href="http://www.shopfurbish.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank">Furbish site</a> the other day, I saw this little swatch on the mood board on the home page and remembered how much I love <a href="http://quadrillefabrics.com/editorial_pages_a/editorial_html/editorials_press9159.html" target="_blank">Quadrille's Rio</a> fabric. The color in real life is more coral than red (I think they actually call it 'Shrimp'), but it might just work for my purposes.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2012-06-25at14233AM.png" /></span></div></div><br />Check out how great Rio looks in black and white. Good stuff.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="492" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/DOMINO06-07RIONAIROBI.jpg" width="640" /><br />domino</div><br />Reminds me of how much I love KWID's Confetti fabric. PS if you're looking for a great pair of slipper chairs, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/72822330/pair-of-kelly-wearstler-lee-jofa" target="_blank">House of Pemberley</a> is selling a gorgeous set all done up in Confetti. The price is a STEAL considering the cost of the fabric!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/il_570xN238748583.jpg" /></div><br />Which, by the way, if you love the small dotted look of the Confetti fabric, I think <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005CXK6ZE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B005CXK6ZE&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">this fabric</a> for less than $9 a yard could be a great substitute. I'd use this lighter weight fabric for curtains, pillows or a table skirt.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2012-07-03at123950AM.png" /></div><br />PS Another spotted look from the Quadrille site! (the squares fabric in the background is theirs) The image is from Celerie Kemble's new book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307715981/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0307715981&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">Black and White (and a Bit in Between)</a> and w<span style="background-color: white;">hat an easy DIY this lampshade could be! J</span><span style="background-color: white;">ust splatter a linen shade with some watered down black paint. But be sure to practice a little first to get used to the right moves. </span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">And don't forget the ribbon trim. I think it makes all the difference in the look. I trimmed out a shade just like this one ages ago (</span><a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/02/adding-ribbon-trim-to-shade.html" target="_blank">here's the post</a><span style="background-color: white;"> from early 2009</span><span style="background-color: white;">. Dang! I've been blogging for a long time!</span><span style="background-color: white;">). I wonder if I still have that shade somewhere so I can try this splatter paint idea...</span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;">See!? Design rabbit hole!</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2012-07-03at42716PM.png" /></div>

Trail of Spots

I find myself falling down the design rabbit hole a lot lately. I've been looking for a red spotted fabric for my girls room. I was thin...

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Milk Does a Body (and Soul) Good

<script src="http://thirdparty.fmpub.net/placement/507286?fleur_de_sel=[timestamp]" type="text/javascript"></script> <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><i>This post is sponsored by <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B259251930%3B83296342%3Bm&k4=3936&k5=507286" target="_blank">got milk?</a> in partnership with THINK Together, Bay Area Community Resources and Central Valley Afterschool Foundation, nonprofit organizations that support after school programs for kids and educates them about the importance of proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Is there anything cuter on a kid -- or grown-up, for that matter -- than the frothy white mustache that remains after a gulp of ice-cold milk? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #343434;">The latest <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B259251930%3B83296342%3Bm&k4=3936&k5=507286" target="_blank">got milk?</a> campaign is all about embracing the quintessential classic in its purest and simplest form. And in today’s world, dairy milk is one of the few that has remained real and simple just two basic ingredients: milk and vitamin D3. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #343434;">In an effort to promote good nutrition and good work, got milk? paired up with THINK Together, Bay Area Community Resources and Central Valley Afterschool Foundation, community-based organizations that fuel nutrition education programs throughout California, the epicenter of American dairy. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #343434;">Beginning July 9th and continuing through August 5th, head to </span><a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B259251930%3B83296342%3Bm&k4=3936&k5=507286" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0000f6;">gotmilk.com/glasses</span></a><span style="color: #343434;"> to purchase a pair of limited edition drinking glasses that are retro cool, for a worthy cause, and won’t break the bank. (Who says functional can’t also be fashionable?)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The $15 set (price includes shipping) is comprised of a “real” milk glass, etched with the duo of ingredients mentioned earlier, and an “imitation” milk glass, etched with a much longer list of tongue-twisting ingredients.  Can you say gluconate and carrageenan?<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Every dollar goes directly toward helping kids understand the importance of nutrition and healthy lifestyles. It’s the perfect way to do your body good, and do something good for your soul... definitely a glass-half-full way of living.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Buy your set of glasses here: <span style="color: windowtext;"><a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B259251930%3B83296342%3Bm&k4=3936&k5=507286" target="_blank">gotmilk.com/glasses</a></span>.<span style="font-size: 20pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><br />

Milk Does a Body (and Soul) Good

This post is sponsored by got milk? in partnership with THINK Together, Bay Area Community Resources and Central Valley Afterschool Founda...

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We Are Art

<span style="background-color: white;">I think, more than any other item in a home, you can tell the most about a person by the art they hang on their walls. No other home item tells more of a story, which is both cool and a little bit stressful. What to buy? How can I find something that reflects me and my story? How can I be original?</span><br /><br />Have I ever told you that I usually don't buy art for clients? It's like buying lingerie for a friend or something - it's just too personal. Or at least I think it <i>should</i> be.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/2222DSC_0007.jpg" /></div><br />In the past, when I'm shopping for my home, I sort of let art come to me. I buy pieces that really resonate with me when I come across them at flea markets, auctions, and online. I think that is a good method, but sometimes you just need a certain color or subject matter for a room, and I think there's been a real hole in the art market there. Especially for people on a budget.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/jennykomendaDSC_0028-1.jpg" /></div><br /><a href="http://art.com/">Art.com</a> approached me and a few other design bloggers about coming to San Francisco to preview their new site redesign and total rebranding. I saw a sneak peek of the site before agreeing to come, and it really looks great. But more importantly, it really <i>works</i> great. So I decided to do a little experiment.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2012-07-08at101807AM.png" /></div><br />I quickly flew through some of the loose image files on my desktop that haven't been archived yet, and I pulled aside the first 10 images that featured exciting art. Then I gave myself 10 minutes for each image to find a print or original work on art.com with a similar vibe. I thought I'd be able to find something at least close for about half of images.<br /><br />I couldn't believe that in less than half an hour total, I found something close to or exactly the same as the inspiration art for every single image! And, truthfully, I would be ecstatic to hang any of these prints in my home.<br /><br />Want to see what I found?<br /><br />1) I really love this bedroom and I think the ethereal art is just perfect for the spot. I thought it might be tricky to find something similar - wrong!! There are so many great, dreamy black and white botanical photographs on the site, but the photograph below stood out to me the most. It reminds me of one of Michael's and my favorite films <a href="https://www.google.com/search?aq=f&sugexp=chrome,mod=11&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=ugetsu" target="_blank">Ugetsu</a>. Wouldn't this be great in our black bedroom?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/JENNYDREAMYABSTRACT.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p14463564-sa-i2811916/wild-flowers-growing-on-te-banks-of-a-pond.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=12134&dimvals=12134-23951&ui=09a3f590f27e417aa176edd93a3b7b49" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Wild Flowers Growing on the Banks of a Pond</a> // Elle Decor bedroom<br />Search terms I used: Photography, Black and White, Botanical<br />Find similar <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b12134-c23951/botanical-black-and-white-photography-prints.htm?ui=09A3F590F27E417AA176EDD93A3B7B49" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> (I really love </span><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p12736409-sa-i2791825/michael-kenna-forest-edge-hokuto-hokkaido-japan-2004.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=12134&dimvals=12134-23951&ui=09a3f590f27e417aa176edd93a3b7b49" style="background-color: white; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">this one</a>!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>2) Finding the right color or texture in a piece of art is especially important when putting together a gallery-style art wall. A little bit of red is just what this wall needed.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/JENNYPUNCHOFRED.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p13016560-sa-i1676635/marc-chagall-the-red-flowers.htm" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">The Red Flowers</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> (Marc Chagall) // Green Office (House and Home)</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Search terms I used: Red, Botanical, Floral, Fine Art</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Find similar <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b1915-c23944-h207268/flowers-fine-art-prints.htm?ui=B299FE1A3E1A487F9119B3570C0E802C" target="_blank">here</a></span></div><br /><br />3) Isn't this a fantastic bedroom? I love this space. And the art is amazing, of course. I thought for sure I couldn't find anything similar to the modern, edgy, oversized floral photographs. I think the French artist I found (he actually silk screens on the photographs!), is a great style match.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/JENNYFLORALSWITHANEDGE.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p15422727-sa-i3756577/nicolas-le-beuan-bnic-vegetaux-11-2008.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&ui=09A3F590F27E417AA176EDD93A3B7B49" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Vegetaux 11, 2008</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> (</span><a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--a53402/nicolas-le-beuan-bnic-posters.htm?ui=09A3F590F27E417AA176EDD93A3B7B49" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Nicolas Le Bauan Benic</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">) // Atlanta Homes and Lifestyle Mag</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Search terms I used: Botanical, Fine Art, Photography</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Find similar <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b12134-c23944-d207229/botanical-fine-art-limited-editions.htm?ui=B299FE1A3E1A487F9119B3570C0E802C" target="_blank">here</a></span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">4) This Miles Redd room is a great study in colors and lines. I also love Mark Rothko's paintings and I'm so glad art.com had a very similar print available for us! The peachy coral and icy blue colors are just perfect together.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/JENNYSOFTLOUDCOLOR.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p10059751-sa-i796645/mark-rothko-untitled-1969.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=5000004&ui=b299fe1a3e1a487f9119b3570c0e802c" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Untitled, 1969</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> (Mark Rothko) // Miles Redd</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Search terms I used: Rothko, Abstract, Fine Art</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Find similar <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--a4/mark-rothko-posters.htm?ui=B299FE1A3E1A487F9119B3570C0E802C&WT.cg_n=Search+Ahead&WT.oss=Mark+Rothko" target="_blank">here</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">5) No one does pop art like Warhol, and I love that art.com has such a great selection of Warhol prints available (I actually got one for the girls room - more on that later). Thinking about adding this heart print to the mix as well. Maybe for their bathroom??</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/JENNYGIRLYMODERN.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p1790194058-sa-i2703580/andy-warhol-hearts-c1979-84.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=0&ui=b299fe1a3e1a487f9119b3570c0e802c&searchstring=warhol+hearts" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Hearts, c. 19790-1984</a><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> (Andy Warhol) // Lonny</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Search terms I used: Hearts, Warhol</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Find similar <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--a76/andy-warhol-posters.htm?ui=B299FE1A3E1A487F9119B3570C0E802C&WT.cg_n=Search+Ahead&WT.oss=Andy+Warhol" target="_blank">here</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">6) Just like every other person in the world, I'm fascinated by the strange, dark story of the Kennedy family. I love this print, another by Andy Warhol. It adds just enough edge to this lovely, but pretty traditional space.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/JENNYEDGYNEUTRALS.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p13572999-sa-i2703395/andy-warhol-jackie-c1964-solitary.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=0&ui=b299fe1a3e1a487f9119b3570c0e802c&searchstring=warhol+jackie" style="text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">Jackie, c. 1964 (Solitary)</a> (Andy Warhol) // Design unknown<br />Search terms I used: Jackie, Warhol<br />Find similar <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--a76/andy-warhol-posters.htm?ui=B299FE1A3E1A487F9119B3570C0E802C&WT.cg_n=Search+Ahead&WT.oss=Andy+Warhol" target="_blank">here</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">7) We all know neon has been hot the past couple years especially, but I love when the bright colors are used in more classical forms - like with figurative abstracts here. I am so, so in love with the Diana Ong print below. Maybe a birthday present for myself this fall? :)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/JENNYNEONFIGURATIVE.jpg" /><br /><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p12013658-sa-i1455236/diana-ong-abstract-8.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=206576&dimvals=206576&ui=b299fe1a3e1a487f9119b3570c0e802c" target="_blank">Abstract #8</a> (Diana Ong) // Christine D'Ornano in Elle Decor<br />Search terms I used: Figurative, Abstract, Yellow, Fine Art<br />Find similar <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b206576-c23944/abstract-figurative-fine-art-prints.htm?ui=B299FE1A3E1A487F9119B3570C0E802C" target="_blank">here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">8) I've mentioned before that I'm a little sensitive to the overuse of portraits. To me, the portrait should be either really, really lovely or really cheeky and not-so-serious. This Sargent print is both I think. I'd frame it in something very modern to make it even less serious.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/JENNYCHEEKYPORTRAIT.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p11783098-sa-i1420143/john-singer-sargent-sally-fairchild-circa-1890.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=5023817&ui=b299fe1a3e1a487f9119b3570c0e802c" target="_blank">Sally Fairchild, C. 1890</a> (John Singer Sargent) // Elle Decor Christine D'Ornano home</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Search terms I used: Fine Art, Figurative, Women</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Find similar <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b146963-c23944-d207226/women-fine-art-posters.htm?ui=B299FE1A3E1A487F9119B3570C0E802C" target="_blank">here</a></span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">9) I love all of the Josef Albers squares studies. The colors! But if you're a bit color shy, try painting your walls a neutral color, and keeping all your other furnishings in the same quiet color family. Then throw in a large print like this one and the space will come alive, but still look grounded and mature.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/JENNYGRAPHICMODERN.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p10225904-sa-i812234/josef-albers-study-for-homage-to-the-square-c1954.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=5003709&ui=b299fe1a3e1a487f9119b3570c0e802c" target="_blank">Study for Homage to the Square, c. 1954</a> (Josef Albers) // Elle Decor</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Search terms I used: Albers, abstract squares and rectangles</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Find similar <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b206585/abstract-squares-rectangles-posters.htm?ui=B299FE1A3E1A487F9119B3570C0E802C" target="_blank">here</a></span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">10) Here's another print I plan to order for our house! My Grace is super into stars and constellations - I think she'd love this poster in her room. Isn't the blue background fantastic? There's a black option too.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></div><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/JENNYGEEKCHIC.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p13744630115-sa-i6488507/kyle-courtney-harmon-constellations-of-the-northern-hemisphere-blue.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=191640&dimvals=191640&ui=b299fe1a3e1a487f9119b3570c0e802c" target="_blank">Constellations of the Northern Hemisphere</a> // Thomas O'Brien design</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Search terms I used: Constellations</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Find similar <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b1852/maps-posters.htm" target="_blank">here</a> (maps!!)</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">11) I was so excited to learn that Art.com owns many original works and edition collections. I'm absolutely aching, dying for this vintage Chagall print. Gah! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/JENNYBRIGHTECLECTIC.jpg" /></span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://www.art.com/products/p13259107-sa-i1673814/marc-chagall-la-bible-lange.htm?sorig=cat&sorigid=0&dimvals=0&ui=b299fe1a3e1a487f9119b3570c0e802c&searchstring=chagall" target="_blank">La Bible - Lang</a> (Marc Chagall) // Kristin Buckingham for Elle Decor</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Search terms I used: Abstract, Figurative, 20th Century</span><br /><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Find similar <a href="http://www.art.com/gallery/id--b206576-c24620/abstract-figurative-20th-century-prints.htm?ui=B299FE1A3E1A487F9119B3570C0E802C" target="_blank">here</a></span></div><br /><span style="background-color: white;">I had so much fun with that little game. You guys should totally try it. It's a simple way to find art that speaks to you, that you can actually hope to afford! </span><br /><br />Any prints/pieces you've been eyeing? Do you have an inspiration piece of art you'd like me to find a match for? I'm up for the challenge! Bring it.<br /><br /><i>And of course, a HUGE thank you to <a href="http://art.com/">art.com</a> for partnering with me on this post series. I can't wait to share more (stay tuned for a really cute project I'm working on now!)</i><br /><br /><i>PS This tv spot gave me goosebumps when it was unveiled at the conference...</i><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VcEoK9relZA?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></div><br /><br />

We Are Art

I think, more than any other item in a home, you can tell the most about a person by the art they hang on their walls. No other home item te...

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Summer Happenings

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5184copy.jpg" /></div><br />What a strange week it's been! We haven't quite had the chance to adjust to the summer schedule yet, and then with the holiday right smack-dab in the middle of this week, it feels like one long, weird drawn out weekend! Our heads are clearly not in the game as we did the unthinkable and took the kids to Time Square (always a bad idea).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5278copy.jpg" /></div><br />Yesterday was nice though. We have family in town, so we did a lot of cooking and baking and eating, and really, what more could you want from a holiday? The girls helped me make this cherry pie. They did pretty good with the stars, huh?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5289copy.jpg" /></div><br />Last night we walked to the west side and watched the fireworks display, which they orchestrate from a barge in the middle of the Hudson River. We were lazy and stayed downtown (the view was much better I'm sure in midtown). Given how many people were sitting with us down in Battery Park, I'm glad we didn't bother making the trek up. The kids were pretty wiped by the heat and mosquitos by the time we got home.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5294copy.jpg" /></div><br />It's a rough life and the party must go on, so we're packing up to head to Delaware for a reunion with the clerks and judge Michael used to work for. I am excited to get out of the city for a couple days and hang out at the beach. And I'm extra excited about going to the Amish flea market again! I've missed those beautiful whoopie pies and farm fresh cheeses dearly. Not to mention the sour dough rolls, soft pretzels and homemade ice cream. And the doughnuts. (and the cinnamon rolls). Oh my.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5346.jpg" /></div><br />When we get home, it will be almost time to head to Arizona for two weeks. And then - the MOVE!!! Finally. It's been such a long process, I can't believe it's time to start packing! And there are still so many decisions to make. Like the color of the floors. I'm still liking the idea of very dark, almost ebony. But part of me wants to do a lighter, almost ash color. I was inspired by the floors at Toys R Us. And hopefully that will be the first and last time I will ever write that sentence.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/IMG_5281.jpg" /></div><br />Signing off for the week! I'll be updating instagram all weekend though if you want to follow along on our little trip to Rohobeth. (@jennykomenda).<br /><br />xoxo

Summer Happenings

What a strange week it's been! We haven't quite had the chance to adjust to the summer schedule yet, and then with the holiday right...

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Salad Plates

My favorite way to set a table is a really basic, solid color dinner plate with a fancy, colorful, patterned salad plate layered on top. If it's Thanksgiving or Christmas, I like to pull out the gold chargers and the table linens. It's sort of fool-proof and even fun to set the table with this method. It's just a matter of figuring out which salad plates will we use this time and what the flowers will look like.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2012-07-03at121626AM.png" /></div><br />So whenever I come across salad plates for a fun price, I have a hard time passing them up. It was pretty much impossible for me to not buy these <a href="http://www.cb2.com/new-to-sale/sale/techno-crazy-stripe-plate/f7342" target="_blank">tumbling blocks porcelain plates</a> from CB2. $2.95 each! Won't they be perfect for outdoor dinner parties this summer? Eight are on their way to me (along with a couple of <a href="http://www.cb2.com/shop-faves/novogratz-faves/glass-creamer/f6835" target="_blank">these</a> (cute hostess gifts!) and a handful of <a href="http://www.cb2.com/beam-coffee-mug/f6065" target="_blank">these</a> (love yellow!)).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/album%202/ScreenShot2012-07-03at121647AM.png" /></div><br />How do you set your table? Do you have one china set or many? Growing up, we used my mom's beautiful wedding china for holiday meals and sometimes just for Sunday dinners. I always liked that my mom was willing to use her nice china often, even when we were young kids.

Salad Plates

My favorite way to set a table is a really basic, solid color dinner plate with a fancy, colorful, patterned salad plate layered on top. If ...

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