Now and Then: Painted Window

My Monday afternoon was spent doctoring up a boring little window in our bathroom. I was inspired by my weekend at the Hacienda Doña Andrea, a beautiful wedding venue and bed and breakfast. They have similar treatments on their windows, so I thought I'd give it a shot.
All it took was some white acrylic paint and a broken comb to get the squiggles. Much more exciting now, I'd say!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

petites lumières

fish night light (photo by Gabe Holton).

my coyote fence in the front courtyard.

metal star-light on the back deck.

palm plant.

box lights (made by the crafty Margaret Emma Lane).

bedroom star-light.

my bedroom birdcage light.

(i also have a birdcage obsession,

but only own 2 so far because they're so damned expensive.

i scored this one at a yard sale for 25¢).

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I've got a hankerin' for ambient light. I can't shake it.

The florescent bulbs of hospitals or classrooms insult mine eyes, (no offense to Dan Flavin, of course) and I just can't seem to find a love for stark overhead lights, unless dimmed significantly, or shielded by a beautiful fixture. Perhaps I'm a romantic? Or maybe I just need my home to calm me, to glow instead of glare.

My collection includes several strands of christmas lights that hang year-round, candles that perch in almost every room, hanging paper lanterns, a lava lamp, antique table and floor lamps, 3 night-lights, outdoor stone lanterns, and even a glowing piece of petrified wood.

Yes, this need for little lights even leaks into the outdoor spaces of my casa, making the place seem bigger, like illuminated outdoor rooms in the night.

So while some of you are cut off from purchasing yarn or tape, I'm cut off from the candle aisle. And, ok, so I'm still working on quitting the old stock-up-now-while-the-selection's-hot! christmas light sections each december.

There is just something so seductive and inviting about a lowly-lit area, like being out under a full moon and the nurturing starry sky. All becomes shadows and beautiful grey areas.

So is this why I deeply love Paris, the city of light? And the fireworks and sparklers of July 4th? The traditional faralitos of Santa Fe?

Twinkle, twinkle little lights. You totally turn me on.

-Cameron: Santa Fe, NM

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"Nothing is constant but change"

Last year, if you told me that I'd have carnations in my house, I would have slapped you. As a self-proclaimed "flower snob" and after working as a floral designer for 8 years, I would have slapped me too.But, I guess things change and I just might have to blame my Saturn Return....but more on that later. Call me crazy, but I just love how cheery these bright (and long-lasting!) carnations look in my teal fiestaware pitcher!

On another note, this photo is of one of my favorite corners of my house. Not only does is house my chronicles of Everyday Food mags, but it also has a bamboo plant and a salvaged yellow shelf both schlepped around since college and some sweet seashells....a great reminder of my homeland, California.

So, my sweet chirpers, what are the favorite corners of your casa? Do share your faves with us!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Sac en Plastique (cause everything said in french just sounds cooler)

Recently, I've been doing really well with the whole "bring your own bag" thing for grocery shopping. Love it. But let's face it, folks, it's impossible to avoid those pesky plastic bags all of the time. I don't bring my own bag into Target Boutique, right?

So the bags come home. And you just can't throw them out. Can you. No, not when there's so many great uses for them all of the time (favorite examples: cleaning the litter box, transporting dirt for gardening, small trash cans, etc.) So here they are, completely taking over the house. They're everywhere, and they keep growing. As much as I use them, I just can't keep up. So I thought, there's got to be a solution for these multiplying buggers.

The other day, bing! It occured to me.

Homemade sac-en-plastique dispenser:

Perfect.

Thanks Coca-Cola.

-Cameron: Santa Fe, NM