Tumbleweeds

Most of the time tumbleweeds are a huge nuisance - like for these homeowners:

Extreme example, but even one flying across the freeway or stuck in your garden can cause a headache. Well, I think tumbleweeds are beautiful. Poky, but geometrically perfect. And for use in decorating? They are free! Well, unless you choose to buy them online from one of the many websites that sells them for upwards of $40. Yes, that is right. People sell tumbleweeds, and I've heard they make good money doing it too. The Japanese are apparently huge fans. It is amazing what you can accomplish with the internet today. Why didn't I think of this? I could be selling tumbleweeds for a living!

Here are some great uses of these "dead things" as Jon calls them.

A light fixture! I love it! I think I am going to go find some good ol' Idaho tumbleweeds. That is one thing we actually don't get in our backyard.

picsdigger, remodelista, theproprietress

converting

Ahhh...the window displays at anthropologie. I know I am the last person to write about these wonderful creations, but I have a secret. I have never really loved anthro. Unlike every other girl in my generation, and the one before and the one after, especially design girls, I have never been a huge fan. It was always too bohemian for my ultra-modern sensibilities. I have never been able to wear the clothes, as I feel silly, youngish, and like an imposter. Too many prints! Not enough black! How would I put it all together? Everything always seems so loose, and I like structure. That said, I am converting over from the dark side. Literally. I really appreciate the home accessories. The wallpaper, the furniture, the bedding and the handbags. And a girlfriend gave me a dress to wear when I was pregnant that is beautiful. As it would be, the closest anthro to me is 3 hours away so I don't have much opportunity to get close and take another look. So, I am resigned to finding window display shots on the web that make my heart swoon. These are made with beautiful colors of fabric. Seriously? The guy who thinks of this stuff is a genius.

images unkown

Dinner Hike

Last night we went up to beautiful Norton Lake in the Sawtooths. We had some dinner snacks and dad saved a bunch of whitebark pine trees from the nasty little beetles that kill them. It's a project he's involved with that includes a nonprofit and the forest service. Peanut and I tagged along for the gorgeous view, of course. Not a bad way to spend the evening.

good thing wyatt wore all his camo and olive green shirt. I did that on purpose so nobody would see him! ha!

sunset living

I adore sunset magazine. A lot. I always have. Here are two reasons why. Casual, laid-back yet amazing style. I have lusted after those bubble chairs forever. It makes me want to live in California. Minus the traffic but plus the great weather and swimming pools and outdoor living.

this kid is pretty happy these days. walkin' around and very excited about it.

our view from dinner on our back patio last night. summer is extremely short here so you have to take full advantage.  

thank you houseguest CZ for leaving behind the beautiful flowers your BF gave you just 'cause. I have enjoyed them immensely.

this fabulous old, abandoned church is in Fairfield. Jon found it when he was going for a motorcycle ride up in the hills in the picture beyond. I love it. it also happen that Jon has a house in Fairfield that we will be repairing/repainting this week in anticipation of new tenants. Maybe he will show me where this great building!

these things are all super-inspiring today:

i love the tissue paper lanters. i love anything that is inexpensive and easy and makes such a big statement. and balloons! They are popping up everywhere! the bigger the better.

this kitchen makes me swoon. glossy and modern, but the light blue ceiling brings the techno down just enough. brilliant!

top 3: allthingslovely, bottom bellmaison

this is what we did fourth of july weekend:

had wonderful friends visit and bring their little girl (wyatt's girlfriend)

we walked, boated, and held hands

i know it seems a little uncool that we didn't do anything super fourth of july-ish, but I figure we have lots of years of having to go to the parade and watching fireworks ahead of us, this might be our last chance to just escape the tourists and head out into the woods.

i made fourth of july cupcakes, because I HAD to, but there was nothing special about them so I didn't take a picture. maybe next year I will be a little more gung-ho.