Baby Charlie

Meet Charlie. Precious Charlie. I haven't had the pleasure of making his acquaintance in person, but I am certain I would hardly be able to resist the charms of this beautiful, bubbly little boy. After all, I have three of my own and I can assure you, there is nothing, nothing quite like the charms of a sweet baby boy.

This is Sarah. Sarah is Charlie's mama. As a mama, oftentimes it is so difficult to ask for help. We mamas want to do it all and protect our cubs with all the ferocity a mama lion can muster. However, once in a while life throws you for a loop and when others step in to soften that blow, it is a blessing for you and for them. Sarah's Charlie is in need of surgery. Specifically, to treat a condition he has called Craniosynostosis. I am not a doctor, but to put it bluntly, Charlie's noggin will be operated on to surgically separate his skull plates that fused together while in the womb. You, me, all of us can imagine that the costs associated with such a procedure are astronomical. While I will certainly use my powers of prayer, and good thoughts, and mama juju to wish Charlie well, as well as pray for a full recovery, I will also do what I can to help this family shoulder the burden of the incumbent finances that go hand-in-hand with such an expensive medical procedure.

You can do the same, Every little bit counts and just imagine the mountain of bits we can create if everyone contributes what they are able. To add yours to the pile, go here.

P.S.- thank you. The power of the human spirit, of our generosity to help in times of need, is overwhelming. Feel free to go out and overwhelm.

Give Her Money, She is Pretty

She had me sold at "cheap as farts" and "just for shits and giggles," but don't underestimate my buddy Jenny over at My Favorite and My Best, this lady has some serious talent. Like Talent with a capital T. Jenny has been running a super popular series of posts where a reader writes in with a craigslist decorating wish list and poof, just like that, their dreams are realized. Take the above table as an example. A reader requested some furniture for her porch area, you know, to kick back, lounge, entertain and amongst so much awesomeness was this sweet find. $50 smackaroos for a fabulous, probably one of a kind, table that would make for a great bar set up. And just in case you can't see past the dust, I found this sexy vintage room featuring a virtual twin console table. Now you see the potential, dontcha. A veritable dead-ringer. So hightail it to MFAMB and for a mere $25 Jenny will make all of your craigslist dreams come true.

{bottom image via Balustrade and Bitters}

Siberian Wooden Houses

{notice the little window within the window}

As some of you already know and others have probably deduced by my name, I do not originally hail from the United States. I was actually born in the Ukraine, but my maternal grandmother was born in Siberia. When I came across these amazing images of the wooden houses in and around the neighboring villages of Irkutsk, Siberia I was mesmerized. Photographed by Vladstudio, this local wanted to document these fairytale-like cottages before they have been completely destroyed by time and the elements and I am so thankful that he did.

I can't even begin to comprehend the time, skill, and craftsmanship that went into creating these cottages and the incredible details that abound. To come across something like this, in what is virtually the middle of nowhere, must be an amazing sight. I have no recollections of the home of my great grandparents, but I like to think it was a place as magical as this. Funnily enough, I guess some things never change, because in my childhood home here in the U.S. and in my grandparent's home I always remember lace-curtained windows just like so many of the homes pictured above. One of my favorite details may very well be the tiny little windows that swing open from just one of the panes on the facade. I wonder what the story behind those is? A private fairy entrance perhaps? I wouldn't be surprised.

{spectacular photography via Vlad Gerasimov of Vladstudio, see more here}

Friday Fixation: The Society Inc.

Part "old haberdashery," part "hardware store," The Society Inc., brainchild of stylist Sibella Court, defies explanation. After all, it's difficult to describe a place which offers amongst its services- product development, graphic design, original artwork, seasonal paint colors, interior styling, local and global textiles, furniture, and homewares. And lest I forget it, wedding design. Yes, they do that too. A one stop shop, perhaps, would be an apropos description. Do check out the site, it's beautiful as well.

{images via The Society Inc.}

Initial Me

Beautiful typography via Jessica Hische. Find yours here.

{spotted on the ever inspiring Little Green Notebook}

Smitten

I love this charming nursery. It seems like such a personal space filled with so many delightful and carefully chosen objects. It doesn't hurt that dad is a senior graphic designer at Urban Outfitters, but even so, I adore the eclectic mix and all the attention to detail. What a lucky little lady to reside in such a special room.

{all images via grayhood}

Holy Mother of Tile

How insane are these spectacularly tiled walls!!!

{image via Michael Crockett}

Wanderlust

I kinda love this, thought you might too...

{images via the completely engrossing- places I wish I were}