Lace Ups

I think I may have found the perfect pair of winter lace up boots...


Bandelier vintage leather boots via JCrew ($265). Read More.. Read More..

Wanted: Cozy Pairs

Warm and cozy pullover + Circle scarf... Now that it's getting colder, I want to sport this combo every-single-day.




(Sweaters via Topshop, Scraves via Anthropologie) Read More.. Read More..

Jill's Office Reveal [plus an interview]

Do you remember Jill's office? I wrote about it here when I was being a Decorative Meddler (giving other people advice so I didn't have to work on my own projects). 

Her office was dark and she didn't enjoy working in the space. She works from home and needs this area to be functional as well as pleasant. It was far from either of those ideals.

I came up with a few ideas in my virtual makeover:

My main idea was to brighten up the walls with paint, keep the chair rail because I liked it at that height, and add warm touches and use mostly white furniture (again to lighten up the feel). I also thought doing darker on top would make the room seem bigger -- I heard that once from someone who knew they were talking about and have wanted to try it ever since.

I also hoped to convince her to buy a Mac. See my shameless plug I inserted in her virtual room?

I was over-joyed when Jill sent me her "after" pictures.

Not only did she exceed my wildest expectations in her design, but she took lovely pictures of her process and sent them to me to share!

Let's remember the before:

Jill's after:

Gasp! I KNOW. Isn't it absolutely beautiful? I love it. It is calming, full of storage, and has places for her, plus her husband and 4 children, to work, play, and relax.

A major overhaul comes with a lot of work. My virtual plan was super easy (for me) and required no multiple paint coats over red walls. It reminds me why I love virtual makeovers more than the real hard part.


Jill's design incorporates all the neutral shades I love, plus those warm touches of red that ground the space and pull it all together.

Jill has so many genius ideas here, I just have to share them with you. I'm inspired to start my own project. 

(Ikea couch, Pottery Barn rug, Ikea kitchen height counters)

Me to Jill: 

What is your favorite part of your new room?

Jill: 

I think my favorite part would be the taking out of the closet doors and increasing the room's square footage. It's sure not much, but just by having the lighter color couch to look at rather than the dark doors is a delight to the eyes. Also, my kids like to play there while I'm in here, and I like it when we're together, even if we're all doing our own thing. 

Another small thing that I love, is the under cabinet light by my computer. I don't know why it's so exciting, but I love the fact that it is hidden, but still gives off enough light to work with, especially at night. Reminds me of my college days where I'd work under the glow of Christmas lights in our dorm room. 

Oh, and I like the rug, too! (But it sure is rough on the knees!)

(Chicken wire inserted in the back of a free frame that Jill painted white and distressed)

Me to Jill:

What were your best cheap finds?

Jill:

Most of the decorating pieces came from thrift stores or garage sales. Bulletin board .75, large frame FREE, large plate on shelf .50, dried roses from our wedding(!), chalk board FREE (found in our barn), side table $5, ruler container $1.

(Curtains sewn from an inexpensive painter's drop cloth)

Jill:
A project that scared me from the beginning was the little table in front of the couch. It scared me because I bought it brand new at TJMaxx (it was black), but knew I was going to paint it. Painting something that comes from a garage sale, or lost in the garage? No problem. Painting something I received a receipt for? Scary! But, it turned out to be a fun and easy project that I really like, and the best part was that Tom thought I bought it that way. Phew!

Print pillow covers: Etsy find, Amy Butler pattern
Burlap pillow: Sewed and stenciled by me (Jill)

Tom's desk: $10 at H2O (It was an ugly pink and blue color), cleaned and painted white.

Cabinet by couch; garage sale find (top was falling off, door not attached)

Cubby hole shelf: garage sale find (covered in stickers), 
painted, Ikea glass jars used for the kid's money jars

Jill:
The hardest part of the room? Argh. Has to be the counter tops. Because I wanted the corner space open underneath for my chair, I couldn't buy the standard kitchen butcher block counters from Ikea because their corner unit had to come with an actual unit under it complete with doors and shelving and lazy Susan's ($$). So, I found these counters in the office desk section at Ikea, the only problem was they were not the standard depth of the cabinets. I bought the longer length counters, thinking I could cut the extra off and add it to the back. Ha. I should have known. After 6 months of staring at the uncut/unfinished counters (using cardboard for one of the temporary counters in the meantime) I enlisted the help of a cabinet maker. If I knew it would only take him 3 hours to finish the entire project, I would have called him months ago!

(Shelves and pen holder from Ikea)

Inspiring, right?


Beautiful work!


I know she'll have many productive hours spent in your new, well designed space.


What is your next (or current) project?


Mine is, coincidentally, my office which doesn't currently exist -- organizing first, moving rooms second, beautifying third.

Read More.. Read More..

This Week's Inspiration

A couple cute looks to start off the week...



Note that both ladies are sporting felt hats (I still need one). Also, check the Rachel Comey Londonderry boots in action (in the first photo)! A couple of my Portland lady-friends have picked up these shoes... They are super sharp and totally functional for winter - I recommend!

Here's to a great week!

(images via Stockholm Street Style and All The Pretty Birds) Read More.. Read More..

This Weekend

If you're in portland - see you there! Read More.. Read More..

Pullover Found

I had spotted this cute pullover sweater on Cafe Mode the other day and quickly saved the image as inspiration. Then happened across the sweater again while browsing Zara's website. Does anyone else find it super annoying that while Zara finally launched a website, it is not actually e-commerce in the US? (Or am I missing the magic Add To Cart button???)


Anyhow, I am hoping to make pullover sweaters a key player in my A/W wardrobe... warmth and comfort mixed with a little tomboy charm. Read More.. Read More..

Top 5.

There are many things that have kept me from blogging here on Paradise lately.

Here are the top 5.

#5

Homeschooling.

Yes, this deserves a whole post on its own. The first line will be "Getting passed the jumpers, sandals with socks, anti-social, nerdy stereotypes and educating my kids (at home)." In the meantime, I'm spending the majority of the morning, from 9am to noon, teaching both Emma and Mandy everything from math, letter, sounds, recipes, laundry, and even computer skills.

#4

Drops.

For many years I've believed I had no time for devotion to God. There was always that niggling guilt in the back of my mind that said, "You find time for other things you enjoy...". Drops is a culmination of my desire to grow in my relationship with Christ and also encourage other women. The commitment has me writing more and using precious time that I didn't know I could find.

#3

Photo Sessions.

They are coming out my ears. I love a calendar full of sticky notes with appointment dates and times -- sticky notes because at this time of year the weather is so variable and re-scheduling is a possibility. When things feel too crazy, I remember last year when I was recovering from Remington's birth and sat nursing my newborn. Time flies when you are having fun. These fall days full of sunshine are so intoxicating! The leaves, the crisp air, the sweaters, the knee high boots, oh my! I am inspired to take photos of families that will bring them joy.

#2

Birthdays.

The last few posts have been about birthday, birthday, and more birthday. All 5 birthdays in our little family fall between September to November. No worries, you don't have to hear about birthdays the other 9 months of the year. Our extended family including cousins, grandparents, and aunts, and uncles, add 12 more birthday to the "cooridoor" in the Autumn. This year we did a huge birthday extravaganza at a play center and invited all the kids. 12 in the above picture are cousins -- cudoes to you if you can pick them all out. It was good times.

#1

Vacation.

We took two days and went to central Oregon for a little R&R&S (rest, relaxation, and swimming).

Getting away with this guy and our children remains my favorite thing in the whole world. Walking, shopping, swimming, playing, tv-watching, makes for a fantastic time. We are already dreaming about our next get-away. Sigh.

Read More.. Read More..

Designer Bio: Anna Allen

Our third installment of Camp Comfort's Designer Bio features the lovely Anna Allen. Her understated yet beautiful designs have quickly gained a little cult following. So, we set out to find out what inspires Anna and her namesake line.


Roberta Jane: Tell us a little about yourself.
Anna: Hello, my name is Anna and I am a clothing designer and historian. I have been sewing for as long as I can remember and later became obsessed with the 19th century, particularly the 1850s-'60s time period. I have been studying clothing from the mid-19th century for about 13 years now. I started my business in November 2003 after graduating high school with the idea that I would only be creating historically accurate reproductions for living historians and reenactors. But a few years ago I decided to branch out and learn how to create my own patterns and garments for everyday wear. It has been a challenge, but very rewarding! I'm now able to meet both of my passions; history and clothing for today. When I'm not busy behind the sewing machine or in front of my computer (wink) I enjoy going to the park with my boyfriend, learning to cook new things, watch old movies, knit or participate in living history (though these days that is very seldom).


Roberta Jane: When and Why did you start your namesake line, Anna Allen?
Anna: I started designing and selling my own clothing line in May of this year. I have always been passionate about clothing in general, though my particular style has evolved quite a lot through the years. But as I have gotten older I am beginning to find my "look" and I wanted to have the chance to design the kind of clothing I would like in my own wardrobe. So essentially it's as if I'm designing a wardrobe for myself (though I rarely actually get to own any of my pieces!) And it's great fun coming up with new ideas and figuring out how to transform my ideas into actual patterns!

Roberta Jane: What are the 3 biggest inspirations for your collections?
Anna: History is a big one. When I decided to become a better seamstress, it was because I was so interested in historical clothing. And whenever I design a new garment, I'm almost always inspired by some particular garment from the past; whether it's men's working wear, little girl's frocks or simple dresses from the depression era. Although it's hard for me to choose just three, I'd say nature is another big one. I'm inspired by all the natural colors and forms. There's so much out there, you just have to open your eyes and see the beauty everywhere surrounding us. And lastly, I'm very much inspired by fabric! I have a client I sew historical garments for and every time she asks me to make her a dress, she hands me her fabric and says, "let the fabric speak to you." And I do. :) You'd be surprised how much fabric has to say!


Roberta Jane: As a blogger yourself, what are your Top 5 favorite blogs?
Anna: Oh boy, this is a hard one. I read way too many blogs. I have been thinking maybe I should limit my number and concentrate on a few that constantly make me happy and inspired. Although my list is always changing, here are my current top 5: un arc-en-ciel dans le lavabo, Mettes Potteri, 3191 Miles Apart, NIBS, The Pioneer Woman.

Roberta Jane: Random Bonus Question: What is your favorite season?
Anna: Summer! I know everyone and their mother likes fall, but I am a summertime girl. I love all seasons, don't get me wrong! But there is just something about the summer that I have always loved. Sundresses, bathing suits, lazy books, late evenings, outside concerts, gardening, green grass...bliss.

Be sure to check out Anna's blog Wildflowers:Pretty for more info. Thanks Anna! Read More.. Read More..

Ladylike Combo

Stumbled across this ladylike jacket and bag combo at Anthropologie.


I really like both items, but not sure that either are quite my style…. I love the ¾ jacket sleeves and faux fur collar – but not sure if faux fur is my thing. The color of the bag is amazing and I like the Chanel-style chain strap – but again, chain strap = not usually my thing.


Makes me wonder – How true to you stay to your prescribed personal style? Do you stick with certain styles, colors, looks or do you find yourself branching out regularly? Read More.. Read More..

From the depths of the earth (Chilean Miner Update)

If you are like me, it is easy to get lost in the daily mommy details, many of them being "icky" in nature. So often I want to stomp my foot and say, "This is too hard!" And maybe I succumb sometimes and actually stomp by foot and throw a little unsightly tantrum.


I need a reminder that my life isn't really that hard. I'm surrounded by blessings and love, even when many of them are "icky".  I received an email today that was just such a reminder... and I needed it. It was from my cousin who works for Campus Crusade for Christ and she was forwarding a note from her friend in the Philippines regarding the Campus Crusade efforts in Chile. Read and be encouraged:


Dear friends,


Once in a while the world is riveted by good news...like others around the world, we [in the Philippines] have watched with nervous anticipation as the amazing rescue effort for the 33 miners has unfolded, ever so slowly, and has finally come to an amazingly smooth conclusion.




But one of the stories behind the story has been the work of the Chilean Campus Crusade for Christ ministry to reach out to and encourage the miners -- even while they were still trapped hundreds of meters below the surface.



Some weeks ago, our national director in Chile, Christian Maureira, initiated contact with the rescuers to offer moral and spiritual encouragement to the miners. Although the rescuers initially were hesitant to allow contact, eventually they realized that they needed all the help they could get to keep the miners' spirits lifted and to create an environment of hope.




The Campus Crusade for Christ ministry provided MP3 players with the Jesus Film audio, and large portions of scripture, for the miners to listen to. It turns out that there were believers among the miners, and they had daily prayer meetings together twice a day. One of the miners, Jose Samuel, wrote to Christian Maureira from inside the mine to thank him for the MP3 materials. Some of his comments were:




“I want to express my appreciation for this great blessing for me and my co-workers, it will be very good [for] our edification” (referring the MP3’s)


• “I am well because Christ lives in me”
• “We have prayer services at 12 a.m. and 6 p.m.”
• “I ask all of you for pray not only for us here, but for all the lost people in the world”
• At the end of the letter he signed off with Psalm 95:4 “In his hand are the depths of the earth, and mountain peaks belong to him”.




Upon reaching the surface, many of the miners were wearing the tee shirts given to them by the ministry, with the Jesus film logo on the sleeve, and with Ps. 95:4 written on the back. Many also made their first words upon reaching safety praise and thanksgiving to God for His sustaining grace.




We know they still a long road of readjustment to overcome. Please pray for them. And pray that the story of their faith in God and the role He played in their rescue would be used for God's glory around the world.




In His care,




Jim (via Brenda Friesen with Campus Crusade for Christ) Read More.. Read More..

Folk Skirt

A longer, calf-length or ankle-skimming skirt is on the top of my Fall wish list. I love this folkloric version spotted via Glamcanyon (also, please note the felt hat - love!)

Here's another cute folk skirt option via Oma Vintage...


The search continues! Read More.. Read More..

Oh, Sonia

If you did not catch Sonia Rykiel's Sp11 show, I recommend you pop over to style.com and check it out... Stripes, geometric prints and an amazing color palette... Now if only I could afford her clothes! Read More.. Read More..

Time flies when you are having fun.

Memories do not know the boundary of time. 

Was it just yesterday or a year ago that I labored all day and delivered our son? 8 days over-due I remember the excitement, trepidation, discomfort, and all out horrible pain so very vividly. 

I remember the feel of his slimy new body, his completely smooshed nose, the loudness of his cry, and how he only wanted to be held by me. I remember the rush of love poured over me in that instant.

It was just yesterday.

I'm sure of it.

A few things tell me I'm wrong about the passage of time. My baby doesn't want cuddling or breastfeeding. He wears 18 month clothing and sits in a high chair shoveling table food in like he may never be fed again. He loves to wrestle on the floor and stands and tackles like a big boy. He blabbers and we can hear words -- yesterday he copied the sound of a police siren. And dancing, oh, there is just nothing as hilarious as a baby's diapered butt trying to find the beat of the music.

Even though he isn't walking, he is more toddler than baby. He is in to everything!

He is all boy. He eats dirt.

Has it really been a year?

I treasure each day we've spent with our Remington James.


His sweet personality blesses our lives.

(Love you Little Man. Love, Mom)

Read More.. Read More..

Fall Roundup: Felt Hats

Inspired by this photo of my gorgeous and dear friend, Afton, I am itching to find a felt hat for Fall.

There are so many different shape hats, here are a few styles I am liking:



Stetson Fedora ($78), Topshop Floppy Hat ($50), Billykirk Trilby ($150), F21 Belted Cloche ($13.80).

Do you have a favorite style hat you'll be sporting this A/W? Read More.. Read More..

1980 was a great year.

It was my birthday last week. Birthdays always cause me to reflect, but this one especially because I turned the big 3-0. This birthday finds me as a woman growing in my faith with an amazing God, married to a handsome, hardworking guy, mommy to 3 (an almost 6 year old, a 3 year old, and an almost 1 year old), blogger, canner, writer for Drops, MHO (manager of household operations), gardener, crafter, friend, neighbor, and singer in the band (worship band).

Life's full and life is good!

A decade ago, life was so different. I had just worked the summer in southern California as a lifeguard, quit college, broke up with my boyfriend of almost a year, took a solo road trip to the middle of Canada, was in a dear friend's wedding, came home to live with my parents, swore off dating for a whole year because I was tired of the drama, got a job at a tux shop and was planning a trip with my friend Janelle to Europe.

A decade before that I turned 10. (How do you like my math abilities? I don't think I've actually learned a lot more math concepts in the last 20 years). I don't remember a whole lot about my 10th year. I was in fourth grade, I was homeschooled, lived in a tiny house (740 sq. feet), shared a pink room with my sister who had decided Barbies weren't cool, wore a lot of scrunchies in my permed and still naturally blond hair, took piano lessons, liked to sew entire outfits for myself -- crafting was my life.

A decade before that I was a newborn (see, there are my math skills again). I was born on my own terms, 3 days before my mom's scheduled c-section. My mom always said it was the start of doing things my way! The year was 1980.

The president of the United States was Jimmy Carter.

The average income was $17,700.

A first class stamp was 17 cents.

A gallon of milk was $2.19.

A VCR machine was $700.

Mt. St. Helens erupted (pretty sure there was no correlation between my birth and the eruption).

Post-It Notes were invented.

Cabbage Patch Dolls were the poplular new toy.

Mini skirts, riped jeans and sweatshirts, bright colors, big hair, and leg warmers were fashion trends.

Mullets or mohawks were sported by everyone who was cool.

Naturally I wanted to celebrate this amazing year with a 1980's themed birthday party. I made some colorful invitations to set the theme and invited family and a few close friends who love me enough to wear costumes, side ponies, spiked mohawks, and blue eye liner.  Other prep involved making food to feed everyone, procuring a projector (from Jeff's mom's work) to show "Back to the Future," making a 12' x 12' big screen for the movie, and praying for some beautiful Fall weather (it was perfect!).

Please notice Jenni's scrunchy, crimped side pony, plastic-y jacket with shoulder pads, striped t-shirt dress with tule skirt, ruffle belt, purple leggings, teal socks, and white tennies. 

Classic. 

Perfection.

My parents picked up the cake and had "Sunny" printed on it since that was my childhood nickname. Ah, remember when rainbows were a good thing? Life was simple, sweet, and brightly colored. I miss those days.

I also miss leg warmers because there are so many times my ankles are chilled but not my feet or the rest of my legs.

I have totally rad friends to dress so fashionably for my party. 

 A cropped sweatshirt and short cut-off shorts... I have no words. 

Little Clara was even wearing a vintage 80's dress and beads.

I gave these two the award for "best dressed" because they found their outfits in their very own closets. That takes some skill. Kelly's purple sweatshirt had kitten on the front -- I would have been envious of that in the 80s.

Jayne went with the 1980's suburban mom look with an Oxford shirt and pearls and side braid. One universal trend in the 80's worn by all was the over-the-top make-up. Hot pink lipstick, too much blush, and blue eye make-up. 

My brother-in-law, Paul wore eye liner for the party. I was touched by his thoughfulness.

My sister's outfit was classic. Where do you even find stirrup pants these days? Goodwill in NE Salem apparently. The black wool coat with leather insets and should pads the size of Texas was a nice addition over her rayon-print blouse, tied at the waist. 

A blue mohawk to match dad's. 

The girls were happy to cooperate with the theme. Blue hair? Sure mom.

Nearly everyone dressed up, with the non-costume-wearers feeling like the weird ones.

I had so much fun and appreciate everyone's efforts.

At dark, everyone settled down to watch "Back To the Future" (way more swearing in it than I remembered. Eek). The night was perfect with the projector and sound system that Jeff moved outside. He also built the huge screen. Nothing says "love" like a guy setting up his sound system outdoors... and wearing a costume for his wife's 80's party.

And I certainly felt the love! 30 (and beyond) is going to be a great year.

Read More.. Read More..