5 Things That Made a Difference to Jeanine

Starting off the series is Jeanine Hays of AphroChic. Jeanine is one to admire not just because she creates such beautiful, soulful, vibrant, and stylish home decor pieces (fabulous enough to be featured by Lucky magazine and Elle Decor, among others!), but because her story of changing careers, dreaming big, and following her passion is so inspirational. Read on to find out what has made a positive influence in this successful entrepreneur's beautiful life:

1. My husband. He absolutely makes me feel like I can do anything. We work in partnership on our company, and I would have never taken the leap to start AphroChic without him. He was the one who encouraged me to start blogging, and when I said I wanted to make textiles, he believed that we could do it. I really thank him for encouraging me to dream big and make my dreams a reality.

2. Getting laid off. For years I had been wanting to take the leap from my previous job as a lawyer to a full-time designer. I was afraid of leaving the stability of a day job. At the end of 2010 I was informed that I was going to be laid off, and it is the best thing that has happened. I am now working full-time on my business and loving it! I believe it's true that when one door closes, another one opens. Now I can focus fully on the growth of my company.

3. "She Lived A Life She Loved" - Kobi Yamada. I was at a bookstore a couple of years ago and spotted the book "She..." by Kobi Yamada. It was full of beautiful inspirational quotes for women. I was struck by the quote and reflected on it for some time. Was I living a life I loved? Was I doing what I wanted with my life? What would a life I love look like? And I think I've finally made it to the point where I am living a life that I love - close to family, working on things that I'm passionate about, and enjoying time with my husband. It's a beautiful life.

4. My mother. She was my first influence and truly my greatest influence. My mother taught my sister and I one thing - to do our best. She never pressured us to follow a certain direction, but let us move on our own, choosing our own path, and simply asked us to do our best every step of the way. I love her for giving me that freedom to develop and grow into who I am today. And I still always do my very best no matter what I'm working on.

5. Great girlfriends. I have no idea what I would do without many of the amazing women in my life. It's important to have a group of friends that you can laugh with, cry with, just sit around and dish with, and who always encourage and believe in you. I feel blessed to have incredible friendships.

Beautifully Organized Space of the Week

This week's beautifully organized space is this closet from the home of fellow blogger Freckles Chic:

Isn't it lovely? She created it by donating all the things she no longer wanted and were just cluttering up the space, and by designating a place for everything that remained. Total cost of the transformation was about $100 (for hangers, clips, shelves, storage containers, a hat stand, and headband holder). Proof that you don't need a ton of space or money to create a beautiful closet!

For the before pictures and a breakdown of the items she used for the space, be sure to check out her blog!

High Gloss Magazine!

Aren't you just loving all these online magazines? High Gloss just went live with their first issue today and I'm absolutely loving it! My favorite interior design feature was the Boston bachelorette pad designed by Erin Gates of Elements of Style (love her!). It's pink done right. Unapologetically girly, sophisticated and oh so chic. Contrast piping on the furniture, lucite pieces, patterned pillows, floor to ceiling drapes, the marble countertop and tulip table... I pretty much love everything in here, I don't think I'd change a thing...

photography by Sarah Winchester

Have you read the magazine yet? What was your favorite feature?

Matchbook Magazine!

Have you read it yet? If you haven't heard, it's the newest online lifestyle magazine that just went live last night, created by bloggers Katie Armour and Jane Lilly Warren. I haven't read it all yet (it's more text heavy than other online mags) but so far, I personally am absolutely loving it! It's filled with lots of charm and personality. A few of my favorite shots:

The Delightful Mr. Boddington (page 24)

Drawer Full of Stripes (page 44)

50 Classics for Your Closet (starting on page 38)

Chelsea Jewel Box (page 78)

An American in Paris (page 112)

Glimpses of Lela Rose's apartment (page 126 )

All images via Matchbook Magazine Issue 1

Good Morning

Absolutely in love with this gorgeous kitchen and all its lovely details by Alice Lane Home:

This one is definitely going in my Dream Home inspiration file.

breathing space

Hey guys, sorry I was MIA yesterday. I have been having a very rough and frustrating time lately. Among other things which I won't discuss here, being the clumsy person I am, the other day I tipped over a glass of water onto my MacBook causing it to shut down and make a sizzle sound. I've been taking the advice of friends and letting it dry for a few days. I'm pretty sure it's dead but maybe it will miraculously turn back-on again...we'll see. To those of you who have emailed me lately, sorry I haven't gotten back to you yet, I hope you understand.

In the meantime, my husband has allowed me to borrow his computer to blog (which almost always brightens my days). In an effort to lift my spirits a little, I'm posting this happy and cheery yet calm oasis of a space from the latest issue of Lucky magazine:

The beautiful photo spread is inspiring me to surround myself with beautiful things, pour hot tea into my favorite cup, light a candle, relax, clear my mind of negative thoughts and just breathe....

New Lonny!

So many awe-inspiring spaces to see in the Lonny mag, including these two perfectly organized lovelies:

Walk-in closet of set designer and prop stylist Lynn Nigro:

Design library of legendary interior designer Bunny Williams:

Go check it out if you haven't already!

Guest Blogging @ The Way We Are

Today I'm sharing my 2011 resolutions over at Leah's lovely blog, The Way We Are.

Click on over when you get a chance! :)

Happy Friday!

It's been chilly around here (well for So.Cal standards anyway!) so we've been putting Little Foot in a little sweater when we take him out. These photos are from earlier this week:

He looks pretty darn cute in his little turtleneck, if I do say so myself :) It's a lambs wool and acrylic blend and was custom made for him by Anna of The Puppy Pocket. If you're in the market for a dog sweater (or t-shirt or hoddie!) I highly recommend her, she's quite talented and super sweet!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Bathroom Makeover

I'm absolutely loving this fantastic before and after from my girl Irene over at designstIles:

Before

After

Isn't it beautiful? I love how fresh it feels! Read her post about it here.

Beautifully Organized Space of the Week

This week's beautifully organized space is from the home of interior designer Amy Meier. Since she and her husband eat most of their meals on their patio dining table, Amy used the "dining area" of her small apartment to create a fully functioning office for her design business.

A large Ikea bookcase provides easy access to fabric samples and papers carefully organized into a mix of woven and wire baskets, bins, and fabric covered binders. A magnet board next to her metal desk serves as a place for Amy to post pictures and paint and fabric samples that inspire her projects.

A trio of white shelves and a three pocket file holder take advantage of wall space and provide a place to hold a multitude of items including fabric covered albums, leather boxes, and sketchbooks.

All photos by King Au for Better Homes and Gardens

Designer Spotlight: Sara Tuttle

Recently came across a photo of one of interior designer Sara Tuttle's projects and was delighted to find an inspiring portfolio once I clicked over to her

website

. I love how beautifully she incorporates classic and antique pieces and makes spaces feel lively and fresh with layered color, texture and pattern. A few of my favorites from her:

all images via Sara Tuttle Interiors

Beautifully Organized Space of the Week

It's the last one of 2010, so let's make it a fabulous one shall we?This week's beautifully organized space is from the home of fellow blogger Megan of Honey We're Home. Prior to moving into her custom built home, Megan lived in a townhouse with very limited closet space so having the opportunity to have a walk-in closet of this size was a dream come true for her.

The closet is just off the bathroom and measures 9'4 x 13'2! It was designed to include an island with cubbies in the middle, a shoe rack, built-in dresser, adjustable hanging shelves, shelves for purses, and a fabulous chandelier.

Pants are hung on wire hangers from Bed, Bath and Beyond and jeans are on small felt hangers that don’t bow in the middle. Before the shoe rack was built, Megan counted her shoes to see how much space she’d need. The top shelf was removed to fit tall boots which are kept upright used boot inserts.

Scarves are hung and tied over a lower rod. Lightweight sweaters are folded over white plastic hangers from Target and arranged by color -creates such a beautiful rainbow effect don't you think?

Megan created a necklace holder behind the door using Commandhooks. She stores her purses on the side shelves. Her dresser drawers hold gym clothes, undies, sleepwear, and more jewelry.

The full-length mirror to the left of the dresser is where she plops down to do her makeup each day.

Atop the island is a runner is from World Market, a clear bin holding her makeup from The Container Store, and a flower vase and candy jar from Home Goods. On the right side of the island, she keeps her tank tops, casual long sleeve shirts, and shorts/capri pants. On the left, storage bins from Target hold belts, bikinis, and scarves. The zebra ottoman is from Hobby Lobby.

To see more of Megan's gorgeous home be sure to visit her blog if you haven't already!

Last week of the year!

I'm back from spending a few days in our hometown visiting family for the holiday. How was your weekend?? For those of you who celebrate Christmas, have your started taking down all your Christmas decor or are you leaving it up a little longer? I usually leave mine up til New Years, then pack it up in large labeled plastic containers.
Are you working this week or enjoying time off lasting through New Years?

image credit: 1 via HGTV

Ideas for Organizing Your Shoes

As I was oohhing and ahhing my way through the flickr album of the incredibly gorgeous home of fellow blogger Sam Reitmayer Sano, I spotted a few noteworthy ideas for organizing shoes:

A shoe tree makes use of vertical space and since most models rotate, it allows for easy access.

Use the gaps of a wooden crate to hang your heeled shoes. A unique idea for those who like to display their shoes and have something unexpected in their space.

Under-shelf wire baskets are usually seen in kitchens, but they're great in closets too. They maximize space and are pretty versatile. Tip: If you shop for one of these baskets, whether online or in-store, make certain it's tall enough to fit the type of shoe you want it to hold. Measure first, then shop!

*To see the rest of her swoon-worthy home click here.

A Warm and Cheery Living Room

Did you know there's a digital issue of Martha Stewart Living available for iPads? I haven't downloaded it since I don't have an iPad (ah..someday!) but I've heard great things about it.

Lucky for those of us without an iPad, some of the features are posted on Martha's website. One such feature is the warm and cheery living room of decorating editor Rebecca Robertson:

There are so many beautiful details to love -like the trim detail on the lamp shades, the white sawn balusters that were adhered to the walls to create a graphic statement, the Ikea glass front cabinets embellished with radiator grill material, and the DIY coffee table trays she made using baking sheets, zigzag fabric, and Plexiglass.

Do you have an iPad? Have you downloaded the magazine? If so, please do tell about the other fabulous features!

Three Years Ago Today...

...I was lucky enough to marry the love of my life... ...the one that makes me smile every day, the one whose warm embraces make everything better, and the one I enjoy building a beautiful life with.

Happy Anniversary Baby!