Brazilian Road Trips, Birds and Non-Scientific Surveys

We took a little road trip this weekend to Rio Quente. The area (Southern-Central Brazil) is known for its natural, thermal springs, and there are many attractions centered around warm-water activities. Our destination was a water park - aptly named Hot Park - to let the kids scamper in the lazy waters while the Winter air temps are mild-to-cool.

The drive was longish, but amazingly-scenic...

The park is like an oasis in the middle of the Brazilian cerrado (High Plains)

...and, the girls had a great time wearing themselves out

Inside the park, there's also a bird preserve. Now, I have a thing with tropical birds, not a weird thing - I just think they're incredibly beautiful, and amazingly-intelligent. Every time I see one up close, I'm more convinced I want one as a pet.

My favorite - Mr. Toucan (If I had one, I'd name him Mr. T - original, right? ;)

Incredible Hyacinth Macaw.

Several of the parrots in the preserve were very friendly - LOOK at his coloring!

So, I was still in "bird-want mode" when I spied this ginormous painting at a local display. Ben said it belonged right next to the Velvet Elvis, but I think it was pretty amazing - especially given the scale. I picture it in a room with large, white walls (ahem, our casa), but without other tropical references. Balance it out.

So, tell me. Am I off my rocker? Has the taste side of my brain taken a vacation, too, or could this painting steal a room? Set me straight, Peeps!

Ready?

Even if you're ready for all the hub-bub of a royal wedding to be over you must admit their official portrait is perfection.

I'll watch to see what she wears, probably the rest of the high points by recast. I think she pretty much rocks, so I hope she hits a home run tomorrow. High five, Waitey Katie!

Sari Curtains: Yea or Nay?

Doing a little research for a project when I came across these curtains made from Indian, saris.

I'm not sure about this sari, but think about the endless array of colors and patterns. Could be incredible, right?

MLHP recently Furberized

So happy to have a little Furbish in my life via this and this. I only have access to the online version Jamie's world of wonder, probably a good thing, as I'd break the bank if I had the chance at her brick and mortar version. Go on, Furberize yo' self!

Not your average doll house

Introducing Emerson House - the modern dollhouse guaranteed to make you feel like a schmuck for buying that pink and plastic version that most certainly leaves a giant carbon footprint.

Emerson house is a pint-sized study in modern, green living - complete with solar panels that power the recessed, LED lights. (I think I'm becoming sick just writing this)

Other amenities include, "six rooms, an open floor plan, floor-to-ceiling windows, mitered-glass corners, two fireplaces, sliding glass doors..." (yep, gag reflex in full force, now)

Also, so that your child won't be exposed to any harmful chemicals, the house is made with "Non-toxic, led-free (their typo, not mine) wood stains and paints." (I'm now convinced we're positively, purposely, trying to ninny-fie our children)

"Recommended for children age 13 or over" (because what teen is still hanging with the dolls, versus blowing things up on their Xbox - or whatever the hell those game things are)
Offered here

Happy non-sarcastic weekend.

Sunday Dinner...

..or any meal, really. 'Round this table. With all this art. Lovely.

Turn off the light, though. Candles. Yes.

anna spiro

Blog Crawl: My Life is an Open Book

I was delighted when Beth of Hello Splendor invited me to be a part of her blog crawl - an idea based on the "pay it forward" notion whereby we all get to know each other as people, not just blogstresses a bit more. The theme for today's blog crawl is: My Life is an Open Book. So, without further ado...

I hate to admit that I use my copy of I Married Adventure as a styling piece. I haven't actually delved into it, yet. However....I think the title is most appropriate for me, and had to have a copy. (Besides, it DOES add a nice touch to the coffee table!)

My Life is an Open Book: alison g. of My Little Happy Place

the author: alison g.the Setting: Brazil

the characters: husband: Ben, me, 3 year-old: Avery, 5 month-old, Isla.

the Plot:
Small-town Texas Girl marries same Small-town Texas Boy. Boy pursues career in law enforcement from State to Federal level, whisks girl from Texas to North Carolina, and now, Brazil. Girl dabbles in a variety of professions, but realizes true passion for interior design only after becoming a mother, moving overseas, and discovering design blogs.

the Twist: What's next for this gal? How will she realize her passion in a foreign country? Design school? Mentoring under a Brazilian designer? Only time shall tell??? Julia Child didn't begin cooking until she was 40, so, The Saga Continues...

Now, to stick with the spirit of the Crawl - link on over to: Connie at Sogni e Sorrisi and Jill at The Someday Blog

We're SO there!

Technically, Autumn began with the equinox last week - by the way, did ya'll see the Harvest Moon? However, for me, The Season truly begins today: the first of October. It's always such a great moment: the anticipatory prelude, the cusp, waiting for the great things to come: Pumpkins, Leaves, Football Rivalries, Charlie Brown, and lots of Comfort Food. Can you feel it?

design track mind

Form or Function?

It's the age-old question: Form or Function? Much like heels vs. flats, boxers vs. briefs, at some point we select something based on the practicality of its use, or the way in which it fancies our eyes.
For me, current form v. function decisions usually revolve around something like small kitchen appliances: cool, retro-looks-great-on-your counter vs. a Clydesdale horse of kitchen gadgetry.

I can't even imagine the scope of thought we'd have to put into decisions that come with, say, a complete home overhaul.

For instance, Bedroom: Carpet or Hard Woods?

For looks, nothing beats beautiful wood floors, agreed?

But, I can't stand putting dusty feet into my bed. Two solutions, I suppose: slippers and large rugs.
All our homes have had hardwoods in the bedrooms, and I have to say, I think I'm ready for some soft stuff underfoot.

Office: Elegant Sawhorse vs. Chunky HideItAll desk

Which of us can't see our most productive and creative selves in this clutter-free and complexion-flattering blush office - complete with its sleek glass, sawhorse desk?

Here's our desk at Casa Giese - a very heavy rustic thing I had made years ago in Texas. It does a halfway decent job of hiding all our junk, but it somehow makes me feel bogged down.

In another life, we'll have his-n-hers offices. Actually, mine will be called my "inspiration room." ;)

Bath: To Clawfoot or not?

Cocozy

designismine

It's a simple decision, really. If you have the room and budget for a clawfoot with separate shower stall - high five it. If you must do the combo gig, then leave the classic tub to the pretty images. Have you ever tried to take a shower in a clawfoot? It's nearly impossible to do without a) Getting water everywhere and b) Feeling like the curtain is attacking you. Not to mention the high wax-it factor when you try to climb waaay up and over the tub to escape.
Gorgeous form, but certainly not the winner of the multitasking contest.

As this, and other urgent questions circle my brain. What say you?

Whaa? It's Monday?!

It's kinda nuts around Casa Giese today. Kids both a bit under the weather, so our house is better known as Whiney World, and I'm working on another (non-design) related project. However, I finished the first coat of paint in Isla's room this weekend. The walls down here are not made of sheetrock, and it was like painting over chalk. Needless to say, it's taking a ridiculous amount of paint for this tiny room.
Sneak Peek:

Anyway, my point is: Cravings for this week is postponed. Happy thoughts to all of you who sent your babies off to school for the first time today.

MLHP on Facebook - Join in!

Just a quick social media update - MLHP now has a Facebook "page!" Many of you have joined the MLHP "group" (I know, page/group = confusing). I'll be shutting down the "group," and to do this, I must remove all the members, but I hope you'll hop on over, and join the conversation on the "page". Here's a link, or you can get on FB, search My Little Happy Place Blog, and then click "like."

I'll post links to blog posts on the wall (that you'll see in your News Feed), as well as additional photos of projects that didn't fit into blog posts. It's a great way to get MORE Happy Place, and a fun way for you to leave feedback on posts, photos, and engage other MLHP readers. So, boot scoot on over, and get your MLHP social media ON! ;)

Sources and Secrets: Mary's Room

Y'all have been so sweet with your compliments of Mary's room - thank you!
I've received a few questions and comments about the sources and how-to's. There's no way I could hold out on amazing readers like you, so here ya go!
Using the images as review (numbered clockwise from top left):

• Image 1: Side chairs from Overstock, reupholstered in Spicer Hvy Basket in Celery from LS Fabrics.
• Image 2: Shield-back accent chairs from our local Habitat for Humanity Restore - spray painted in Kryon's Ivy Leaf. Seats recovered in a natural linen from Hobby Lobby.
• Image 3: Settee from Craigslist - Houston.
  
• Peacock blue velvet throw pillows from Target
• Abstract landscape (as well as butterfly prints) from art.com
• Adjustable Arc Sconces from Pottery Barn
• Side tables from Hobby Lobby - originally black, I repainted them with gold "Rub 'n Buff" paint
• Image 4: Console table from Tuesday Morning, repainted in Sherwin Williams Liberty Blue
• Image 5: Buffet lamps (love that pattern on the shades!) from JCPenney
• Image 6: Strands of chunky turquoise from the Warrenton Antiques Festival (at only $15 a strand, they were a killer deal!) *Coffee table came from same place
  

Not visible in these pics, but also received questions on: the cowhide rug: Ebay. The nubby jute rug: West Elm. The large blue and white ginger jar: Homegoods. Pair of white Chinese garden stools: Big Lots.

Hope that helps!

S*&#!

So, here I was, feeling great about finding a nice pair of lamps for Mary's room here in our small town - at Tuesday Morning. Nice shape, color will work, great price.

UNTIL... the slightest tip caused this to happen...

Yes, they were the only pair, and yes, that glass is paper thin. As Mini-Me was in the car at the time of "the incident," she suggested "Daddy can fix it." I wish, Sweetie, I wish. Double Turds!

Bummers...and Silver Linings

Yesterday, a few fabric samples arrived in the mail - one of them being an ikat I hoped to use on the skirted glider in our nursery (oh yeah, remember THAT project?)
The online image made it look just right...

...But, when the swatch arrived, this is what it looked like in person

Ugh. Can you see the sheen it has? Much less true ikat, much MORE granny than I had in mind. Don't you hate it when that happens? Bummer.

How-EVAH, I was catching up on blogs last night, and lo and behold, saw that Jenny is offering to pick up and ship some of this fantastic (and all-too-perfect-for-my-chair) gray and cream ikat. Laaaaa!

Truly, a Silver Lining.

In other news...Please give Jessica over at Lavender and Lilies some love today - she has kindly selected me to participate in her Featured Bloggers series.

And LASTLY...I'm debating whether or not to head to the Warrenton Antiques Festival tomorrow. I try not to miss the twice-yearly offering of all things vintage, eclectic and cool - it's one of my favorite treks. I'm especially driven to go in order to scout some pieces for a room redo, but I'm sitting at 36 weeks prego, dilated to 3+ cm, and having quite a few (what I hope are) merely Braxton-Hicks contractions.
Dare I traipse around open fields for hours on end? My gut says, GO! (And, OB on Tuesday said I'm probably OK) But there is a part of me that wonders if I'll:
a) Be mistaken for one of the grazing cattle
b) Have the sort of fortune that'll cause my water to break with nothing more than a Volunteer Fire Dept. retiree within 30 miles.
What would YOU do? ;)