SmArtSweetHeART

JHill Design - All You Need is Love

2010-02-12T21:03:00.001-05:00

Just discovered JHill Designs and I can already imagine where to hang this in our apartment...
All the animals she uses in her prints are so unique, and the combo of nature with beautiful patterns and designs just shouts "yes!".

Prints start at $25 each.

West Elm Bedding

2010-02-12T20:34:00.000-05:00

Loving this new Organic Summer Leaf bedding from West Elm... It just make you imagine the summer breeze floating in through the window.
Beautiful design and completely timeless.

Seventh Generation Baby

2010-02-10T11:28:00.001-05:00

Going along with the baby theme... Isn't this a fantastic *green* baby set for a friend, or yourself!? You can find it on the Seventh Generation website for $44.99 complete with the tote... details below...

Receive a FREE Seventh Generation Tote Bag when you purchase this Gift Kit!

A green baby is a happy baby. The Green Baby Kit helps your baby begin life on the right foot. Kit contains:

* 2 Packs of Newborn Diapers - Soft, cloth-like comfort and wetness protection perform as well as conventional brands. Non-toxic, gentle absorbent polymer won’t irritate sensitive skin. Fragrance and latex free; stretchy leg gathers and resealable closure tabs.
* Baby Wipes Tub and Baby Wipes Refill - Soft wipes contain a gentle cleansing agent that’s ideal for baby’s delicate skin. No dyes and fragrances. Made from soft cloth not processed with chlorine-containing chemicals. Kit contains a tub of wipes, plus a refill.
* Baby Liquid Laundry Detergent - Non-toxic, biodegradable. hypoallergenic detergent is tough on stains, gentle on baby’s clothes. No dyes, fragrances or phosphates.

Hotties!!

2010-02-07T16:39:00.000-05:00

I've been laboring over what hotwater bottle to buy in order to make it through this winter and finally decided on a really soft fuzzy faux fur hottie from Pottery Barn. It being on sale for $21 definitely helped make the decicion - but if money were a little less tight I'd have loved to adopt a hottie from fromtofrom's shop on etsy!! Check out how full of personality her hotties are...

My hot water bottle from pottery barn - I got the winter white one and it's *really* soft and warm (of course!!).

DwellStudio for Target Baby

2010-02-06T17:35:00.000-05:00

So if I had a baby (and looking at this design - I really *wish* I did!) I would definitely outfit the nursery in this Hippo collection by DwellStudio for Target. I absolutely love the chubby little hippos and the soothing colors - a really great design at a good price.
It's on sale right now too! And prices range from $9.89 for a fitted sheet to around $72 for a crib set.

Throw pillow shopping at Target

2010-02-06T16:48:00.000-05:00

How about this wood-cut like Thai Silk Medallion Brown Pillow - 18x18 - $49.99

Thai Silk Decorative Pillow in Garnish Plum or blue - 18x18 - $44.95

Woodgrain Outdoor Decorative Pillow - 18x18 - $39.99

Flourish Outdoor Accent Pillow - 18x18 - #39.99
Fern Outdoor Accent Pillow - 18x18 - $39.99
Sit under this soft acrylic Home Cable Knit Throw - $27.99
Flourish Ourdoor Accent Pillow - 18x18 - $39.99

Or if you prefer a more whimsical look - Isn't this Owl Nature Decorative pillow adorable?! 16x16 for only $17.99 at Target.
Owl Nature Bird Pillow also $17.99:

Setting the Table 2

2010-02-06T16:41:00.001-05:00

Or how about these Mandala inspired Simrin Raja placemats from Velocity. They come in a set of 4 for $48 and you can pick from 3 colors...
Use them to help you establish a sacred (eating) space or to help you meditate (on your delicious dinner)...

Setting the Table

2010-02-06T16:04:00.000-05:00

You can probably tell by now that I love things that bring a smile to my face...
These notNeutral Birch Veneer Placemats definitely fall into this category.
Exchange $54 for a set of 4 at bobbybirkhome. They're also having a 15% off promotion right now if you use the couponcode "magniflex".
Available in 3 different prints: Spring, Letters & Flora.

French Bull - wow

2010-02-05T19:00:00.000-05:00

I just discovered French Bull and absolutely love the colors and patterns they use in their products... There's nothing gloomy here!!!
Their prices are really reasonable too with Lazy Susans costing around $35, trays at around $25 and platters at $25.50...

Glitter bowls.... need I say more?

Don't you *love* this picnic set by French Bull? Can't you imagine a hazy, dreamy summer day under a willow tree with this picnic set laid out beside you and your sweetie?

More Marimekko Kimara!!

2010-02-05T18:52:00.000-05:00

If you can't afford the Kimara Hammock I posted on earlier this month - then how about some napkins or a tablecloth in the same zinging print! Available at Crate and Barrel - prices range from $7.95 to $109.00.

Bodum BEAN French Press Coffee Maker

2010-02-05T18:33:00.000-05:00

Bring a little design into your kitchen *in your favorite color* for only $29.95! with the new Bodum BEAN French Press Coffee Maker... mmm I'm picturing my mornings with this on my kitchen counter, the aroma of coffee in the air and a blissful look on my face...

Bodum BEAN Description:
The new BEAN French Press Coffee Maker has a patented new locking lid system. It offers a heat seal and precision pour spout. By pressing lever with thumb while pouring, you have total control over flow of liquids. When lever is released, liquid not only stops pouring but spout actually closes off which eliminates exposure to outside air. This allows your coffee to remain hot and fresh for a longer period of time and prevents drips while serving.

Nature in the Kitchen

2010-02-05T18:24:00.001-05:00

Give me a little nature in every room!! It brings on those relaxed, calming feelings and a (inner) smile every time...
That's what caught my eye about Michael Aram - timeless nature inspired designs that you can place around your kitchen (or house) to help you de-stress after that day at the office...

What do you think of these artful silver-plated trivets? (All priced at around $59 each at Bloomingdales.)

Joseph Joseph Worktop Savers

2010-02-05T18:09:00.000-05:00

I am in *love* with these worktop savers by Joseph Joseph - they are definitely on my (fast approaching) birthday list!! It's hard to pick just 2 favorites (never mind 1!).

Zak Designs Footed Bowls

2010-02-05T18:06:00.000-05:00

Aren't these footed bowls gorgeous?!
You can find them at Bloomingdales for $49.99...

Cheer up your office!

2010-01-29T17:01:00.001-05:00

With this chipper little paperclip holder from Alessi... - Chirp the Paperclip Holder!

In love with...

2010-01-29T16:49:00.001-05:00

I am so *instantly* in love with this Marimekko Kimara Hammock...
This is what it would feel like to laze in a rainbow on a sunny summer afternoon... Rest your eyes on the matching throw & material while you're daydreaming!

My FUN Dream Kitchen

2009-03-01T20:16:00.000-05:00

Joseph Joseph nesting mixing bowls, sieve & measuring cups:

Below: Alessi Bird Kettle
Saarinen chair...

Saarinen table (great for breakfasts!) thanks for the design inspiration mom & dad :)

Marimekki Unikko print tray:
Marimekko placemat:

Nespresso coffee maker... mmmm...

Below: Illy Art Coffee Cups (also available in espresso size). Art by South African artist - William Kentridge.

CB2 cocktail glass, $4

CB2 stemless wine glasses $2

Ikea dish brushes 99c

www.surlatable.com whisks, around $16

Pylones Paris ice cream scoop

Pylones Paris thermal flask

Pylones Paris kitchen gloves:

Alessi parmesan grater
Salad servers: www.ochelly.com $14

Tea strainer (as seen on Oprah's list of favorites) www.laprimashops.com $7

doggy bowls www.iloveyouma.com $55

Crate and Barrel tray
Rosti Mepal Danish Spoons
Rosti Mepal Danish Cookware

Rosti Mepal Danish Cookware

Rosti Mepal Danish Cookware

My Dream Living Room

2009-01-31T15:13:00.000-05:00

Ok, so here's the collection of finalists for the living room...West Elm sectional (above & below).

Figaro style floor lamp.

CB2 floor arc floor lamp.

CB2 side table. (I like the metal legs.)

CB2 side table.

Crate and Barrel magazine rack.

Ikea sideboard/tv stand.

Ikea.
Ikea.

Ikea.

Ikea.

Ikea Expedit bookshelf.

Jonathan Adler.

Jonathan Adler.

Ikea.

Ikea.

Ok, so here's the collection of finalists for the living room...

The Work-in-Progress

2009-01-29T22:54:00.000-05:00

This is actually painted from a photo taken in Nelspruit, South Africa where my dad grew up - in the bushveld :))
So, I've completed most of the back layer - now for the details and finishing touches...

Great "Messy Winter Boots" Idea

2009-01-29T22:27:00.000-05:00

I just saw this on the Boston Apartment Therapy website and thought it was a brilliant (and aesthetic) idea!!

DREAM Bedroom & First Painting!!

2009-01-29T21:11:00.000-05:00

So I finished (almost) a painting in one day!! It was one of the best that I have ever created, until I added the background! Argh! So I have to take it out and put back the rolling hills that I had before...
I also put together a list of everything I've seen that I'd love to have in my apartment when I move out. I'll attach some pics. You'll be able to tell pretty quickly that I like classic neutral colors - a lot of white, more modern style - almost swiss/danish/swedish in it's simplicity with a pop of color. I've been highly influenced by a great friend (more like a sister) who's italian-swiss. She has impeccable taste! - Stefanie (above left, me right)!! :)
I keep trying to convince her that she should be a personal shopper... she'd be rich. You should see how amazingly beautifully she dresses her two little daughters (and herself of course)...
Below are some pics of what I might put in my Dream Bedroom... on a realistic budget!! :)
Tomorrow I'll post my dream living room...
West Elm bed (above).
Marimekko bedding from Crate & Barrel.
West Elm full length mirror (above).

Ikea drawers.
West Elm lamp (above).
I have 2 bedside lamps similar to these, from Target. This one is available at lampsplus.com.
I also have 2 bedside lamps similar to the above (thanks Stefanie!!) so I am all set for 2 bedrooms!! This lamp is available at Target for under $20!
Jonathan Adler lamp (above). I love the African feel it has...
Crate & Barrel Succulents/Plants (above & below) to put on the side table or a chest of drawers

Or... the South African Baobab version... bottom right...
(courtesy of elle decor blog)

West Elm bed/bedding (above).

Jonathan Adler Vase.

Ikea curtain panel (above) & Trapp candle (below) inspired by Selena & Ali!

Ikea Bed with removable/washable cover.
Ikea Malm Bed (above)

Ok, now for a splash more color...

Marimekko Candles (above).

CB2 Marimekko bedding.

Ikea bedding (above, pink & below white/blue) - for the other (wishful thinking) guest bedroom...

Ikea striped bedding. (Another alternative for the guest bedroom...)
Maybe some art by my favorite artist, Jane Wiles www.janewiles.com
Jane Wiles Eastern Cape Winter Sky
Jane Wiles - View from Leisure Isle

Welcome to the New Home of My Art

2009-01-27T23:32:00.000-05:00

Thanks for peeking at my blog. Take a seat, grab some warm tea and welcome to the crazy ride I love to call my life! I am taking a big step (for me), sharing my art, and the journey back into my art, and my heart... may it inspire you to leap into your passions...
Day one starts tomorrow!!