The Big Apple

Well hello there – I’m back and I’m breathing. The entire month of November was a complete sprint, but I can see December peeking its little head around the corner.

I hope you and yours had a fabulous Thanksgiving and a wonderful long weekend. I had the pleasure of joining my in-laws in NYC for 5 fabulous days. I wanted to share a few of the highlights:

First up, the Macy’s Day parade, of course. Times Square is a bit overwhelming, but quite intesting – there is never a dull moment.

Once upon a time, I was going to open a cupcakery. Magnolia Bakery in NYC was the ringleader of the whole cupcake trend, making millions off of $3 cupcakes. It was so nice to finally see (and taste!) the famous Magnolia Vanilla Cupcake.

Grand Central Station is amazing. It was incredible to me how even an underground train station can be so beautiful. I loved the architecture and details, most of which go unnoticed to the scurrying New Yorkers. Oh, and a little fun fact: because of the shape of the ceilings, if you stand in one corner (yes, like you are in time out) and whisper something, someone on the diagonal, opposite corner can hear you clear as day! How fun?!

Being a huge Apple fan, this was fun to see,

until I realized it was Black Friday.

Ok, so maybe we ate a lot (especially my brother-in-law who—purposefully—gained about 15 lbs. over 4 ½ days!). Ferrara Bakery in Little Italy had some delicious desserts.

Visiting (two!) Anthroplogies, including the flagship store in Rockefeller Plaza, was definitely a highlight. Their displays were creative (although some a bit strange) and inspiring.

You can’t really see it, but this sink of “dirty dishes” was a fountain that had water flowing into the sink. Very cool.

One morning my (self-less!) man hopped in a cab with me wander the streets of SoHo in search of inspiration from home boutiques. We didn’t have much time, so we really only found a couple shops, and wow! prices are high. Basically just add a zero to the end to all of my prices and that’s SoHo for you! It was still fun to look though.

I did snap some shots of pieces we came across throughout the week that I wouldn’t have minded taking home with me.

But my most favorite-est?? Elf on Broadway. So stinkin’ cute. If anyone is going to NYC this month, be sure to see it!

New York was fun, but I must say, there is no place like home. :)

A Quick Hello

I'm so sorry my dearies, I have been seriously MIA. Not sure what I would do without coffee these days ~ lots to do and not enough time!

A few things...

A HUGE thank you to all who were a part of UNTIL EVERY CHILD IS FED at our shop last week. Through the generosity of so many, we were able to raise enough money to buy over 30,000 meals! Y'all amaze me.

Secondly, if you haven't seen it already, look for more ideas and inspiration in the HOME section of the Sunday Stuart News by yours truly ~ thank you Hillary for such an amazing opportunity!

Lastly, I wanted to stop in to wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving ~ I hope it's filled with unforgettable moments with the ones you love most!

Inspiration Board via Forever

Headboards Galore

Almost daily I get requests for headboards. Lots of you have come in looking for something to use at the head of your bed, but many don't want to use your standard "headboard."

Here's a little inspiration for all of you headboard hunters out there:

A mantle..

An old door...

A huge mirror...

A combination of fabrics and "floating" artwork, mirrors or just simple frames...

A collection of driftwood...

Shutters...

::Bathroom Inspiration::

When my man and I moved into our house, everything got an update except for 1 room - our master bath.

When I'm brushing my teeth and looking at the linoleum peeling up or the base board-less walls, sometimes I wish we just remodeled it with everything else before we moved in.

But if we did that, I know we'd have any ole bathroom. But since I've waited this long, I planning something magical. :)

I've been collecting inspiration for a while and think I (I mean we!) have finally decided on a style.

We're going for clean with a healthy dose of worn-in. Don't think hospital sterilization, but something a bit warmer. Whites and marbles mixed with raw woods and sunlight.

I like it all but the sinks. And if it were mine, I'd have to add a bit more....stuff. I think a piece of art would be neat on the shower wall, and I'm sure I could tuck a comfy chair and cute side table in the corner.

(Does anyone know where I can find some closet doors like those?? I'm dyyyyying here. Santa please bring me summa those! 48" wide by 80" tall x 2. K thanks.)

Love, love the carved raw wood.

This vanity is pretty fun too. I like the paint job, the ledge on the back and side, and the stone is great! I would be perfect if it had a bit more storage.

Although our space is only 9' x 9', I want to make it feel more like...a room. Real rugs (not bath mats), artwork, unique lighting fixtures, etc.

Just dreaming for now, but hopefully one day soon I'll have some photos of my own to show you. :)

Aaaaaaand Breathe...

I was reminded of this amazing place today and just had to share. I've never officially made a bucket list, but if I had one, staying in this little cabin would be in the top 10.

Way out in Middle of Nowhere, Colorado, sits an old ghost town. A few years back, a loving family bought the place and transformed it into one of the Top 10 Luxury Hotels in the world.

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, beauty abounds. I like how they stated it on their website: surrounded by "a plethora of magical places." I love magical places.

This place has natural hot springs. What better way to ease the aches from a long hike through the Rockies than soaking neck deep for hours while watching the sun go down, or looking up at millions of stars??

Oh, and it gets better. The on-site chef cooks according to your dietary needs (or preferences!). Do you need gluten free? No problem. Prefer fish to beef? Alright. (And did I mention they use nearly all local, organic ingredients?!)

You can have a picnic packed if you want to head out to the hills for the afternoon, but be sure to make it back by dark. The wine (from their near-by vineyard!) starts flowing as all of the guests gather 'round the old antique table for a family style dinner. How fun?! I love meeting new people over a great meal.

Would you go in the summer?

Fall?

Or winter?

magical places + mountain air + wildflowers + afternoon strolls + organic food (on an antique table, no less!) + local wine + new friends + hot springs (all with my cowboy!) = a really, really, realllllly fun time.

Even their logo is perfect.

**all images via dunton hot springs

{Kitchen} Island Getaway

I don't know about for you, but the kitchen island is the singular most used item in our entire house.

It is our catch-all and our dinner-prep. We (namely, I) fold our laundry there and read our mail. It holds our wine and microwave and pots and pans and spices and trays and Kitchen-Aid and...you get the point. And when we have dinner parties, despite ample seating areas, everyone tends to hover around this thing. I'm telling you - this one piece does it all.

So what's my point? Here it goes: to all you folks out there getting ready (or in the process of) building or remodeling your kitchen, choose your island carefully. Don't get me wrong, our island gets the job done, but if I knew this item was going to host 90% of our time at home, I would have picked one with a little more soul.

But the most perfect kitchen island ever?

I'm not even sure I totally understand how those drawers work, but I loooooooveee it! And those handles?!? No lack of storage. I think it's perfect. In fact, I might just have to measure my space when I get home. A girl can dream. :)

(FYI - this piece is for sale, so if you want details, just ask!)

Until Every Child is Fed.

So remember that Grand Opening party petite surprise was hosting on November 4th? And then remember when it got moved to November 18th? Yah, it happens.

Well anyways, our official Grand Opening celebration has (much to my delight!) morphed into more of a Support-A-Great-Cause party. Don't be fooled, celebration is still in order, but it will be tastefully coupled with an opportunity to CHANGE PEOPLE'S LIVES. Can a party get any better than that?! We think not. :)

It is my great honor to cordially invite you (any anyone you can drag along!) to join us on the evening of November 18th at petite surprise. We will be hosing the event UNTIL EVERY CHILD IS FED. And it's just that - a chance to feed precious (but dying) children.

Here's the TRUTH:

the TRUTH is there are 147,000,000 million orphans in the world. sick. starving. dying. unloved. uncared for. the TRUTH is 70% of them will never be educated. the TRUTH is 43,836 precious children die each day because of hunger related causes. that is one child every 2 seconds. the TRUTH is starvation is PREVENTABLE. the TRUTH is we make excuses. the economy is bad. gas is expensive. so is food. we can’t afford to help. the TRUTH is if your household income is $50,000 or more per year, you are in the top 1% richest people in the world. in the WORLD. the TRUTH is we wrap our arms so tightly around what we have that we can’t extend our reach to help those who truly NEED. the TRUTH is they are orphans. abandoned. the TRUTH is that when they go to bed at night no one tucks their blankets in around them and kisses their foreheads. the TRUTH is that when they wake up in the dark scared, no one runs to comfort them. the TRUTH is that due to someone else’s carelessness, some will die of AIDS. the TRUTH is poverty and squalor and disease and desolation are REAL. they have names. and faces that stare back and hands that squeeze tight. the TRUTH is they are beautiful people in need of love. the TRUTH is you can’t take your money with you. one day you will die, so while you are here why don’t you help someone LIVE. at one child every 2 seconds, this is a matter that can not wait. it is URGENT. the TRUTH is that for children under age 5, 54% will die from preventable, treatable illnesses. they are not statistics, they are people. they are children with no one to help them, no one to love them. they are dying because we have chosen to care more about our comfort and security than for their basic needs. the TRUTH is they did not choose to be born into the situation they are in. they are just like you or me. real people with personalities and smiles. the TRUTH is they don’t need sympathy, they need help. TANGIBLE HELP. healthy meals. clean water. simple medications. the TRUTH is you have a choice. you can choose to use your freedom and this opportunity to do something about it, or you can turn your cheek and pretend 43,000 children won’t die tonight from the lack of something you have the means to provide. the TRUTH is even $.19, the cost of one meal in Uganda, can make a difference. the TRUTH is you YOU CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE.

Here's what we plan to do about it:

We hope you will make plans to be here. Check out our Facebook page for daily posts of great products and services from generous, local businesses to be raffled off!

Petite Surprise is on Facebook!

Yes, we've gone to the dark side. Petite Surprise has its own page - be sure to check it for up-to-the-minute information!

Enjoy this uh-maaaaaazing day and have a happy weekend!

Get the Look - 10.12.10

A vintage shoe rack.

Great for:

- a unique china "cabinet"

- narrow storage piece in a bathroom

- extra shelving in a kitchen

- a catch-all for the entry

- or even for it's original purpose - a shoe rack in your closet!

I have a very similar small farmhouse table for $95 (opposed to $588 at terrain!).

I found a pair of these swivel chairs. They are not in the shop, but if you are interested, let me know. I'll haul 'em over for ya!

These riddling racks are great for wine lovers! Usually outrageously expensive, I got a deal on one that I'm selling for $90. (NOTE: mine is single sided)

2 Things

1. Unmark your calendar for November 4th.

2. Mark your calendar for November 18th!

Plans have changed. Petite Surprise will be hosting an evening of food, live music and raffles on Thursday, November 18th. We will be donating three raffles you don't want to miss. More details to come. :)