Backyard Bliss

Summer finally arrived last week in Utah!  I've never known such a wet and cold spring since moving here in '94.  Good news is, the climbing rose bush has finally bloomed and is looking better than ever.  Pity it only lasts about two weeks.

Here's some assorted piccys of our garden (yard).

 

I love how after midday the sun dapples through the grapevines.



nice place for a read

The garden, much like the rest of our house, is still a work in progress.  We practically gutted it a year after we bought our home.  We built the decks, the pergola, the paths, the beds ourselves.  We even laid sod twice (it's still lumpy and crappy, but oh well).  I even made made some ridiculously heavy patio furniture out of cedar which was really uncomfortable and quite frankly ugly (long gone, thank god).

I'll have to show you the before pictures, if I can ever find them.

Meanwhile, here's a picture (not staged, even though his music folder matches the decor perfectly) of Callum practising his songs for band camp.

Notice Little Lord Fauntleroy (Ringo) perched on his throne! Oh, Ringo!

Butterflies

If you know me, then you'll know that I have a thing for birds in decor.  I know, totally unoriginal.  And to rivial my bird obsession, is a slight partiality for butterflies.  So when I spotted this butterfly shower curtain from West Elm, I knew it would add that touch of pretty to the bathroom in our ski condo.

I'm thinking of getting this rug from Anthropologie to go with it.

wingbeat rug from Anthropologie

But I'm worried it might look too themey.

And I couldn't resist this pretty glass tray to go with the curtain. 

Bikes as decoration

Looking at the picture of my friend's green bicycle from here made me think of this picture of Chloe Sevigny's bicycle, which in turn made me think of my bicycle in the entryway.

from here

The yellow and green walls are on my next list of things to change.  I did contemplate putting wallpaper in the entryway like in Chloe's house.  I love imperial trellis, but it's super expensive, and is probably a bit busy for the space.

I'm also probably going to take off the skirt guard to the bicycle to make it look more simple, and maybe change out the saddle for a white one.

Two Wheeled Dine o Round

This weekend we had the pleasure of being 1 of 4 houses to host the "tour de tapas", a semi-annual affair involving bicycles, bites & booze.  All with the safety of helmets, of course.

Sixteen styling bikes; some vintage & some new.

Couple of pictures of the deck sans people.

Urban & Anthro Rugs

The saga of the elusive zigzag rug from Urban Outfitters continues.  Not to bore you with the details, but if I get this rug it will be a miracle.  And because I don't like to hold a grudge, I thought I'd share with you some other pretty rugs from Urban Outfitters and their sister store Anthropologie.

nouveau floral printed rug, Urban Outfitters

scarf border printed rug, Urban Outfitters

batik flowers & bohemian floral rugs, Urban Outfitters

vernal cusp rug, Anthropologie

finnia rugs, gold & blue, Anthropologie

sketched wings rug, Anthropologie

I think my favourite is the sketched wings rug.  And it's currently on sale!  Shame I don't have anywhere to put it.  Do you think Damian would like a new rug in his office? (You know I'm only joking, don't you?)

*Update: Received this email from Urban a few hours after I wrote this blog post*

Hello Suzanne,

 

Unfortunately, the Zigzag printed rug (item #20659470) is no longer available through the stores, website or catalog. I apologize for the inconvenience, but we do not have plans to reorder this item. We are continually evolving our offerings to keep current with the latest styles and trends.

 

If you require additional assistance or have any other questions, please contact us at service@urbanoutfitters.com

 

So that confirms it, chevron is definitely out of style, as confirmed by the people at Urban Outfitters.

 

 

 

 

Capiz Shell Chandelier

I've always liked the idea of having a chandelier in the bedroom.  Unfortunately my bedroom is in the attic and there isn't a flat ceiling anywhere.  And to make matters worse, when we built the upstairs, we didn't have a very good plan of where lights should go, and so we ended up with waayyy too many recessed cans.  I did contemplate converting one of the canned lights into a chandelier using one of those can converter kits, but I didn't want to spend too much money.  So instead I've cleverly disguised the can that is directly over the bed with a capiz shell chandelier from Pottery Barn Teen. 

I'm still in two minds about it.  I wish it was more opaque and white.  It reminds me of a jelly fish.  The kids seem to like it, despite the fact that they are now unable to jump on the bed (not that it was ever permitted, of course).

Here's how it looks.

For the love of birds

In honor of the new "Owl Forest" at the Tracy Aviary,  I thought I'd share with you my other little owl.

I did think about using it as a wrapping paper container, but I think it may look a little busy, and squished.  I'll probably end up putting woolly hats & gloves in it, and wait for the kids to knock it over when retrieving their outerwear.

Roman Performs for School Talent Show

Roman had his school talent show this week, and I just had to post the video because I am one incredibly proud mum!  He did brilliantly, even in the face of technical difficulties. 

And if you're not familiar with the song, it's Secrets by OneRepublic.

Saarinen tulip table copy (knock-off)

I'm in love.  Isn't she sweet?  Now, where to put her?  Actually I have a spot in mind and that will be in the new and improved music room/library, once it's done.  Stay tuned.

Meanwhile, I had a little fun with my camera and some props. 

And here's where she'll probably go after this room, and this chair, gets a makeover.

I bought the chair from Deseret Industries for $10!  I just have to find the right fabric to recover it with (and the time).

I apologise for the use of faux flowers, but that's all I had on hand.

And if you're interested in getting your own.  She's called the immer mid century style end table and is a very reasonable $208 from Overstock.com.