Artist: Byron Sonnier

I feel very fortunate to live in a town with an amazing local art scene.  Yesterday I got a piece, I was so excited about getting, from Byron Sonnier. (pictured above)  Pictured are some of the founding members of the Sand Mountain church...you know, the one with snakes.  I just love it!  I've been to a few of Byron's openings and am floored everytime by his creations. Below are a few of my favorites.  I'm still drooling over that Alabama one.  It, of course, sold before I could get my paws on it.  Check out more of his work HERE at his website and check out his Tumblr site HERE too.

Accessory: Binbags

I love these Binbags, by Studio Toogood, made from recycled binocular cases.  They are available at The Temporium. I can so easily see myself carrying one of these.  (via dezeen)

Etsy Lunch Hour: A Few Things I Liked Today

Mustache Coffee Cups by Kimay

Marble Merino/Silk/Bamboo by fiberstory

Porcelain Knitware by alyssaettinger

Architecture: Aichinger House

I love this curtain covered two-story building by Hertl Architeckten.  Opening and closing the curtains at different windows creates a entirely new facade each time.  I do wonder how the curtains hold up, but the softness they bring to the structure is fantastic.  (via what's up via designboom)

(images:  kurt hoerbst)

Finish: Karim Rashid ALLOY Metal Tiles

Karim Rashid's metal tile collection manufactured by ALLOY.  The shapes are stunning.  (via contemporist)

Interior: Lisa Perry NY Loft

Lisa Perry's NY Loft is amazing.  I love the stark palette with pops of color, amazing pop art, and mid century modern furnishings.  I could so happily live here.  (via thestylefiles)

Snow Day!

(photo by anne punch)

Sorry for the lack of posts this week.  We've been blasted with a crazy ice storm.  This is my STREET.  Yes, I said street.  I've never seen ice like this before in Bama.  Watch THIS video my husband made of our neighborhood sledding adventure.  It captures the day perfectly.  I should be back to regular posting today so check back.

Winners!

Drumroll please!  The winners are:  Dogingham and Kate (of for me, for you...we had two kate entries). Congrats to the winners and thank you everyone that entered! 

Recycled Content: Spinnaker Chair

Spinnaker chair by  Hødnebø is made from recycled sails.  (via homedit)

Giveaway ends today!

The NPR 2011 Calendar Giveaway ends today at noon/central.  Don't forget to click HERE to comment to win.  Your chances of winning are looking pretty good right about now! 

Artist: Daisy Winfrey

My favorite Christmas present this year was a portrait my husband commissioned from a very talented artist Daisy Winfrey.  I love every last detail about it.  She wrote on the back the symbolism of each detail she included (the heart, the birds, exposed ribs, white dress) and it means so much to me.  What a wonderful, wonderful surprise!  My favorite reaction was from my 7 year old niece as she looks at the painting, then looks at me with a crinkled nose and said "i don't like it".  I know me cutting open her uncle might scar a young child, but I just smiled back and hugged her and said "it's okay if you don't like it, I love it and it's my present".  I think she was okay with that answer.

We found a great home for the giant 2' x 4' portrait here in our dining room. 

It's the perfect location because this is your view from the front door into the living and dining room.  Love it.

Accessory: iPod Nano Watch

My husband knows my inner-nerd too well and got me the new iPod Nano with the iWatchz Q band attachment.  I wear it every day even though I haven't loaded photos or music on it yet.  It's the coolest watch ever.

Etsy Lunch Hour: Dodelinedesign

Love Dodelinedesign's cards on Etsy!  This is the perfect card for my husband. Hmmm...maybe I should get it for Valentine's Day?  I can definitely afford this version of the Eames Lounge and Ottoman.

I just purchased this one yesterday for some good friends that just had their baby.  This is my favorite baby card ever.

Architecture: Wedding Chapel

The Wedding Chapel by DUS Architects is constructed of flexible white ventilation pipes in a large scale crocheted  hat pattern.  (via archdaily)

(images:  Myung Feyen)

Giveaway Ends Friday!

Two lucky readers will win a 2011 NPR calendar this Friday.  All you have to do is comment at THIS (click link) post to be eligible.  It's such a cool calendar.  I have mine up in my kitchen and smile when I see it every day.  Don't be shy.  You know you like free stuff!

Chilewich Spun Doormat

Chilewich Spun doormats are made from spun vinyl and can be used indoor or out.  I love the fun oblong shape too!

Etsy Lunch Hour: Cordinated

Cordinated...still one of my favorite etsy shops.

Interior: Brazil Loft

Oh, I love this loft in Brazil.  Concrete, old wooden floors, pops of color, cool art, and simple modern furnishings make for a winning combination in my book. 

(via lovenordic / via yatzer)

(images:  fran parente)

Lighting: Vitra Mini Chair Chandelier

Paola Pivi designed this Vitra Mini Chair Chandelier.  It makes me smile and reminds me of one of my favorite video games of all time, Katamari Damacy!  I've always liked these Vitra mini chairs and think this is a fun way to display them!  (via designboom)

GIVEAWAY: NPR 2011 Calendars!!!

I love doing giveaways...probably as much as you like winning them.  My dear friend, Matte Stephens, was kind enough to send me extra copies of this amazing NPR 2011 calendar and I'd like to spread the love to two lucky readers.  All you have to do is comment below why you'd like to win one of these calendars and I'll draw two names at random on Friday January 7th.  Did you forget to get a 2011 calendar and need one?  Do you like NPR?  Do you love these amazingly talented artists?  Go. Comment.  Now.  One entry per reader, please.

(matte stephen's piece is the image for the month of April)

Etsy Lunch Hour: Chicago Print

One of my favorite Christmas presents was this awesome "Chicago" print by Matte Stephens.  My family is from Chicago, so two of my favorite birds were killed with one beautiful stone.  I can't wait to frame it and hang it.  I did get to hang up my new 2011 NPR calendar this weekend which Matte is in also and I love it!

Furniture: Tai Chi Chair

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday.  For those of you that made resolutions to lose weight...here's a chair for you.  The Tai Chi Chair by Yuan Yuan is so beautiful, simple, and modern on its own, but when I realized it's other function I knew it was an appropriate post for the new year.  (via mocoloco)