Hi All,
Sorry for the lack of postings over the past couple months. After receiving several letters about the situation, I decided to address it here. I've taken a full-time editor job and can no longer keep up with this blog. I've decided to keep it up in blogland for people to enjoy that have just caught on. Thank you so much for the sincere support over the past year.
All the best,
Brittany

Sofa for a steal

I can't get enough of this tweed mid-century inspired sofa. Not only does it have bones to die for, but it folds out to a full size bed.

If that's not enough, it's only $480 at Urban Outfitters and comes in three colors: grey, orange and sand. (Shipping costs $115.)

No excuses for the futon anymore people. Click here to check them out.

Bag it!

In honor of Earth month, I wanted to tout one of my favorite "green" books.

It's called World Changing: a User's Guide to the 21st Century with a forward by Al Gore.

Inside it's chock full of eco-chic tips to lighten your footprint on the world.

Barneys has it on sale right now for $34, which includes a cute shopping tote to eliminate your nasty plastic bag habit.

Click here to order one now.

Quick pick

Love these new silk-satin pillows from West Elm.

Partly because the retro yet modern motifs are just right for spring, and partly because they are only $24 to $39.

Click here to see them up close along with the company's other new pillow collections.

Floral notes

Just like on the fashion runway, there are oodles of flower designs debuting this spring for the home.

A lot of the items are already on sale, especially bedding. Pottery Barn has a half dozen flowery collections marked down including "Nora" pictured above.

Crate and Barrel's "Primavera" abstract floral bed linens (pictured top) by Marimekko are also seeing the red line.

In the bag

One way we can clean up the planet is toting around reusable bags instead of the ugly plastic cast aways from the local store.

RedEnvelope makes the switch stylish with its mod 5-bag "Envirosax" collection. It's $35 and available here.

Ikat you covered

Ikat fans rejoice this spring.

Many retailers are hauling out such designs, which started becoming trendy last year. Since many are hand-dyed and made of silk, they can be very expensive.

But not Wisteria's cobalt blue pillows, which are hand-dyed and only $79 each.

Pottery Barn also has a collection with bold, modern motifs but they aren't done by hand so they're only $25 a pop.

Hippie chic coffeemaker

Channel your inner hippie chick and brew your morning Joe with this eco-friendly coffeemaker by Chemex.

Not only is it light on the earth (it's plug free!), but the six cup maker is rumored to churn out really smooth and full-flavored coffee.

The best perk besides your caffeine buzz? It's only $35.90. Click here to order one now.

Cushions to crush

Just in time for spring, Ikea introduced these boho-chic "Sommar" hand-crocheted floor cushions.

I love the abstract sunburst design and sunny color scheme. I also adore that these decorative accents are machine washable and only $7.99 each!

The bad side? They aren't available online. But click here to get a look and to find an Ikea locale near you.

Pillow talk

Urban Outfitters has some unique pillows sold exclusively online right now.

This sweet bird design is based on a similar style from India that was found in a vintage shop regularly scoped out by the retailer for inspiration.

It's $36 and available here. Quilt fans, don't miss the other online-only "Crazy Patchwork" pillow.

Simply Vera home collection

We've all heard about Vera Wang's low-end fashion line at Kohl's department stores.

On the other hand, her small but stylish home collection under the same "Simply Vera" umbrella hasn't seen quite the spotlight.

The pieces are feminine and have fairly neutral patterns and color schemes that would add a fashionable touch in any decor.

I especially adore the "Poppy" comforter set in a warm cheerful yellow that's perfect for spring -- I just wish it came in a duvet too. The white coverlets are also worth checking out.

Best of all, everything is on sale right now. Click here to browse the collection.

Wire tapping

I love both of these hanging iron candle chandeliers. Not only for their thrifty price tags, but because they cast gorgeous light in any room or outdoor entertaining area.

The top is Wisteria's "Curled Wire" chandelier that's only $249. The delicate design would fit perfectly in a shabby chic space or in a sweet garden dining spot.

Just below VivaTerra's "Halo" fixture is only $139 and is easy to style from a masculine library to a cozy kitchen nook.

Best of all, both are light on the earth using no electricity. What a bright idea!

Adler adds wallpaper

Our homes can only handle so many of Jonathan Adler's cheeky mid-century mod ceramic accessories, curvy lamps and needlepoint pillows.

Luckily, the mid-century loving decorator just debuted an equally intoxicating wallpaper collection. The bold papers come in 24 different hues and patterns and are also available for custom color orders.

Each "jumbo" size roll (the equivalent to 3 standard rolls) is $195 and available by calling 877-287-1910. Click here to check out the cool wall coverings now.

Outdoor rug to love

It's as difficult finding a cheap-and-chic outdoor rug as it is a pair of Christian Louboutins at the Barneys shoe sale.

Fortunately the stars have aligned at Crate & Barrel with the retailer's super stylish "Solara" rug collection.

The indoor/outdoor floor coverings have a groovy '60s inspired hourglass pattern (the same one that Jonathan Adler uses on many of his pillow designs).

The yellow-and-white or taupe-and-sand rugs range from $36 to $499 and are washable with the spray of a hose.

A glass act

There's an art to entertaining. RedEnvelope's "Cubist" martini cocktail set makes that clear.

The super chic (and clever!) set is $64 and includes an espresso wood tray and four glasses, which slip into cubes meant to be filled with ice to keep glasses cool -- in more ways than one.

Chaise worthy

For a long time now I've admired Target's "Ella" outdoor chaise lounger. (I blogged about this piece last summer!)

It has the look of something that would be poolside at a chic hotel like the Viceroy in Santa Monica.

Now you can turn your backyard into a chic oasis too. The chair is on clearance for $128!

That's a steal for stylish outdoor furniture. Click here to check Ella out.

A piece of history

There's been a lot of talk about racial tensions in the US lately. One of our country's most famous racial rifts is that of Gee's Bend, the tiny Alabama town whose African-American residents were isolated when the ferry was taken away for decades.

While in isolation, generations of women in Gee's Bend created gorgeous colorful quilts that are now so famous, they've been honored in museum exhibits across the country.

Lamps Plus is currently honoring the women's designs with a group of ceramic home accessories that boast replicas of the artisan's intricate work. The collection, which is by Kathy Ireland, is on sale too making the frills $25 to $45 each.

Click here to check them out.

American Living lowdown

Unless you've been living under a rock, by now you've heard of the new American Living collection at JCPenney. (I can only imagine the company's advertising budget!)

The line, which is designed by Ralph Lauren, is adorable. I'm not usually the traditional all-American type, but the plaid bedding, striped blankets and floral sheets are perfect for those with a modern country sensibility.

Best of all, of course, are the prices. They start around $12 for bathroom rugs to $$299 for comforter sets. Purchase items online? Type MARJCPC at checkout for an additional 15-percent off.

Click here to check out the collection.

Take a whiff

The other day I received a sweet smelling "Get Well" card. I thought my thoughtful friend might have squirted a dab of her yummy Chanel perfume on the paper stock until I flipped it over and read that it was in fact scented stationery.

Never hearing of such a thing, I got on Google and started researching. In case you were unaware like me, there is an entire industry devoted to this trend.

My favorite scented find are these boxed stationery sets from Neiman Marcus online that come in rosewood, orange blossom and green tea aromas. Inside the pretty patterned boxes are 24 cards and envelopes as well as a "refresher vial" to keep the paper smelling pretty.

Disclaimer: It's my fave purely on aesthetics, I have not smelled the stationery. But in my opinion, a girl can never go wrong with something from Neiman Marcus.

Fab outdoor fabrics

As the weather's warming up, I can't help but get excited about lounging outdoors soon.

Christopher Farr Cloth has an amazing collection of chic outdoor fabrics that is perfect for pimping out the patio or pool chaises.

Normally, fancy fabrics -- especially for outside -- are super expensive. But the British brand's collection starts around only $65 a yard.

Unfortunately, the fabrics aren't available online. But you can click here to find out where to order them near you.