Happy 2nd Anniversary! {again}

Today is the 2nd anniversary of the Simplified Bee Blog! {actually posted this yesterday, but Blogger was down, so re-posting!} It’s hard to believe two years has gone by and writing this blog has been an incredible experience. This will mark my 387th post. I have enjoyed the learning process, following other blogs and developing friendships with so many readers and fellow bloggers. 

I have to admit, writing on a regular basis can be a chore at times, but amazingly I have never had writer’s block. What keeps me going? You do. With your thoughtful comments, notes and messages.  Many, many thanks to you!

* links to mini chevron cake stand and dream big poster both on etsy!

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

Tomorrow will be the 2nd anniversary of the Simplified Bee Blog! It’s hard to believe two years has gone by. Writing this blog has been an incredible experience and this will mark my 387th post. I have enjoyed most the learning process, following other blogs and developing friendships with so many readers and fellow bloggers. 

I have to admit, writing on a regular basis can be a chore at times, but amazingly I have never had writer’s block. What keeps me going? You do. With your thoughtful comments, notes and messages.  

Many, many thanks to you!

xo,

* links to mini chevron cake stand and dream big poster - both on etsy!

I’m Addicted

It’s official. I’m addicted to Pinterest. 

What is Pinterest? It's essentially a virtual pinboard where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by other people. People are using Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things including my favorites – interior design, home organization and entertaining. 

If you are a visual person like me, you will love it. Feel free to follow me too at http://pinterest.com/simplifiedbee/.

Here are some of the images I "pinned” or “repinned” today and thought I would share with you.

Beautiful assortment of blue & white Easter eggs from Wunderweib.

Gorgeous muted floral bouquet with succulents by To-Be-Charmed.

Adorable doorway puppet theater for kids from available on Etsy.

I even found images and a link to Skip to My Lou’s tutorial on how to make ten different fabric storage baskets.

Hope to see you on Pinterest!

Top Home Design Blogs by Moms

Circle of Moms is looking for the Top 25 Home Design Blogs written by moms for moms and Simplified Bee has been nominated. If you are a fan of this blog, I would appreciate your vote. {and would give you a big hug if I could!}  Voting is quick & easy – just click on the thumbs up next to the Simplified Bee listing on Circle of Moms. Many thanks for your on-going support! It makes it all worth it!

Also, my thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Japan. Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami. You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those affected by this disaster.  

Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?

Today I am so excited to have four more talented and very crafty design bloggers participate in the fourth,  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?  Kate Riley of Centsational Girl, Stefanie of Brooklyn Limestone, Megan of Honey We’re Home, and Layla Palmer of The Lettered Cottage {all amazing DIYers} were asked to design a look around the Bailey Bench from Jayson Home & Garden by incorporating four or so  home décor items of their choosing.

This chic upholstered bench with with hand-rubbed black mahogany and antique bronze nailheads is 61"W x 20.5"D x 18"H. 

{Kate’s from Centsational Girl}

"When Cristin asked me to design a room around the Bailey bench, I immediately began dreaming of a 'money is no object' serene and sophisticated bedroom space, one I would surely design just for me if I was a single gal with a large bank account!  Cool grays, crisp white, soft teals, golden hues, mixed with linen fabrics and the softest patterned textiles.  I love so many of these accessories, I may have to sneak some of them into my own shared master bedroom!"

Sources: Eclipse chandelier from Z Gallerie, Filmore headboard {mist} by Serena & Lily,   Italian sheeting by Restoration Hardware, White lacquer nightstand from Era Interiors {pair to flank the bed}, Peacock azure pillow by Dwell Studio, Capri bottle lamp {gray} by Jonathan Adler, Circle fret rug by Dash & Albert, Devon mirror from Z Gallerie.

{Stefanie’s from Brooklyn Limestone}

“Hi everyone - its Mrs. Limestone of Brooklyn Limestone here.  As far as I'm concerned, nothing is better than imaginary shopping - all of the fun and none of the guilt!

Don't ask me why but this lovely bench made me think of Paris.  And for a travel lover like me, there is nothing better than decorating around wonderful memories abroad.

I imagined a glamorous couple that has fabulous yet intimate dinner parties with the best food, wine and company. This space would be just off their impossibly gorgeous kitchen - a spacious eat in area with a French twist - perfect for reading the paper and eating croissant or throwing a fabulous fete.” The space would include lots of flicking candles on the flat surfaces and lots of black and white travel photography covering the walls.

Sources: Marble top dining table, Oversized clock from Restoration Hardware,  Window treatments in Summer Palance Fret fabric, reclaimed herringbone floors,  Sideboard from Wisteria, a pair of Louis XVI square back side chairs from Ballard Designs, Glass pendant lighting by Pottery Barn, Paris B&W photography by Mrs. Limestone.

{Megan’s from Honey We’re Home}

“I started with the bed, feeling that the streamlined bedposts paired well with the legs of the beautiful bench.  I then added the suzani inspired rug for a graphic punch.  I’ve had my eye on those octagonal horn mirrors forever and since they are only 12 inches, thought they would look great in a pair, stacked on top of each other.  The mirrored side table and chandelier brought in the glamour.  Feeling Spring on the horizon, I wanted to add a bit of color with the pink pillows and tulips.  The aqua patterned drapes complete the look."

Sources: Oly Studio Willa bed from Layla Grace, Tuxedo chandelier from Z Gallerie, Park mirrored dresser from Pottery Barn, Octagonal horn mirrors from Wisteria, Flower bowl by Kate Spade, Drapes by Cococozy, Throw pillows by Fabricadabra & Cococozy, Rug from Wisteria.

{Layla’s from the Lettered Cottage}

“The bench has sort of a "yesterday-meets-today" feel. The lines are classic, but the finishes and colors are contemporary. What a great combination!  I chose a variety of items that spoke to both styles. An industrial-looking dresser from Anthropologie that says, "Hi. I'm old- but check out the big, bold graphics on my drawer fronts." A button-tufted, but boxy-shaped, charcoal-gray suede headboard from West Elm. Smooth and shiny bedside lamps, with rough and rustic shades from Pottery Barn. Crisp, white bedding (complete with little gray pinstripes) from Restoration Hardware, paired with a vintage-washed gray quilt (also RH) and colorful, and boldy-patterned, accent pillows from Luna Bazaar. And because I love the way plants bring movement and life into a room, I threw in a few mossy terra cotta pots filled with fresh greenery. :-) ”

Sources: Headboard material faux suede in charcoal herringbone from West Elm, Anthropologie Dresser, Navy & white throw pillows, White and gray bedding from Restoration Hardware, Gray quilt from Restoration Hardware, Mercury glass lamps from Pottery Barn.

A big thank you and hug to Kate, Stefanie, Megan and Layla for participating in this series!

Each design is gorgeous in my book. Which one catches your eye?

Introducing COCOCOZY Home Collection and Thanks

Fellow design blogger, COCOCOZY has just opened a fabulous online store featuring her own Spring/Summer 2011 home furnishings collection which includes fine linen pillows, soft cotton knit throws, window coverings and fun finds. I am loving the fresh geometric prints in a mix of cool blues, earthy greens and crisp greys. Take a look for yourself - COCOCOZY Shop. Bravo Coco!

Also, I have recently received several flattering blog awards from other bloggers. Thank you to the following beautiful blogs for your kind words and mention!

xo,

Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?

Today I am thrilled to have four more talented interior design bloggers participate in the third,  Design Blogger Series: What Would You Do?  Erika Ward of Blulabel Bungalow, Marianne Strong of Haven and Home,  Maria Killam of Colour Me Happy and Kirsten Krason of 6th Street Design School were asked to design a look around the Maynard Side Table by Worlds Away {available at Clayton Gray Home} by incorporating four or so  home décor items of their choosing.

This beautiful gold leaf side table at 18" square x 26" high was just the beginning as each designer created a vignette reflective of their personal style and talents. Take a look at these fabulous inspiration boards:

Erika Ward of Blulabel Bungalow, Atlanta, GA

“2011 is all about a little spontaneity. This look is inspired by Jessica Snow’s artwork, Louis the Third, which features overlapping lines in energetic hues. Affordably priced at $200 for a 17”x 22’ print, there’s still enough money in the budget to have it framed. The Brownie Sofa [with its nailhead trim] grounds the space while adding a touch of glamour. Pulling colors from the artwork, I chose a versatile peacock blue chair and a gold Greek key rug to further the modern, funky vibe. Thom Filicia’s Citysquare fabric carries the Greek motif to the windows as drapery panels and to the sofa as accent pillows. Toss a couple of solid canary yellow pillows onto the sofa to complete the look. Hovering over the room is the most gorgeous pendant light which borrows metallic cues from the side table and its shape from the artwork. I would never have a sad day in this room.”

Maria Killam of Colour Me Happy, North Vancouver, BC

“I imagine this table paired with another one in a small guest bedroom in my future 2nd or 3rd residence in New York {smile}.  I love the green diamond pattern in the Serena & Lily headboard. Every guest room needs some fabulous, decorative toss cushions, these are by designer Trina Turk. The hot pink from the pillows would be repeated with a Robert Abbey Table Lamp from Macy's. The white barrel back chair from Williams Sonoma Home would be perfect in a guest room because no one would ever sit on it. This mirrored dresser from ZGallerie adds the perfect Hollywood glam touch for this bedroom to go with the end table.”

Marianne Strong of Haven and Home, Birmingham, AL

“As soon as I saw this table I instantly thought of a cozy reading nook.  The first thing I would add would be the Carter Chair from Mitchell & Gold.  It is large enough to be inviting, yet the nail head detail, legs and lines keep it stylish enough to compliment the side table.  I would upholster it in either a dark leather or natural linen.  Next I would add a floor lamp to make sure there was ample reading light.  I chose the Circa Bamboo floor lamp because it is sleek and adds an additional texture against the metal.  The table has a certain refinement to it, the Peshawar rug from Williams Sonoma home shares this quality while adding softness and some pattern.  Since I see the table in a reading nook I would add the Charcoal Script pillow from South of Market and the Blue Sage Ruched Throw from West Elm for added comfort.”

Kirsten Krason of 6th Street Design School, Utah

“I imagine this wonderful side table next to a comfy reading chair in an intricate batik ink print. {Slope Chair at Urban Outfitters}. A beautiful pillow found on Etsy pulls out the gold in the table and then the Pottery Barn’s Star & Flower rug has accents of gold and blue. This little reading nook would be cozy, sophisticated and colorful. The industrial iron floor lamp serves as a great reading lamp. And the butterfly art, Christopher Marley’s Form & Pheromone, Lanternflies is simple enough to work with the busy chair and rug patterns.”

A big thank you to Erika, Maria, Marianne and Kirsten for participating in this series!

There are elements in each design that I think are fabulous. Which one catches your eye?

11 Design Trends for 2011

Yesterday I was over the moon to be included in a San Francisco Chronicle article by Anh-Minh Le titled, 11 Top Trends for 2011. Eleven design bloggers {most from the San Francisco Bay Area} were asked to discuss their top decorating ideas for 2011. Small homes, nostalgia for books and cultural layering were some trends that made the list. Here’s mine {and you may have guessed it would have an organizing slant!}:

1. A magnetic board with a bold geometric print {Jonathan Adler}, 2. French vintage basket {1^st Dibs}, 3. Kuta tin boxes {Serena & Lily}, 4. IKat mini bowls {Athropologie}

“Controlling clutter has never been more chic. With organizing products from trend-setting brands like Jonathan Adler and Serena & Lily, our homes can be functional and look fabulous at the same time. Organization is not just about file folders or plain boxes and baskets. Items that do double duty – high function and beautiful form – are in high demand. For 2011, it’s all about bold patterns, worldly pieces and vintage finds. Finding everyday decorative items to help stay organized is also trending. For example, a handful of small decorative bowls in a drawer can be used to organize jewelry, craft items or office supplies.”

To find out what other design bloggers’ are trending for 2011, visit the full article at SFGate here.

Today I am also excited about guest posting at Kate’s fabulous blog, Centsational Girl, where I am sharing my favorite day planners just in time to get you organized for 2011 in style. Please take a look here.

Do you have a favorite day planner or online tool you use to keep your daily tasks, events and appoints on track? If so, please share with us!

Happy New Year!

My Favorite Design Blog Posts of 2010

It’s hard to believe 2010 is coming to an end soon. Seems like just yesterday I wrote a post about my favorite blog posts of 2009. With more and more beautiful design blogs, it was very difficult to narrow down my favorites for 2010, but here goes {in no particular order}…

Holding Court’s How to Find Inspiration Shopping.  The design blogging community continues to morn the loss of Marija who was killed in a car accident returning from an antiquing trip to Atlanta on July 10, 2010. My heart goes out to her family and friends this holiday season.

Pure Style Home’s Our Thanksgiving Table. This fun post by Lauren represents her wonderful whimsical, eclectic style to a T.

Isabella & Max Rooms’ Kitchen Island Pendant Project. In this post, the multi-talented Janell shows us how to make a custom drum shade for a pendant fixture. Aren’t this beautiful?

Cote de Texas’ The Hottest Photographer Going. Joni’s posts are always informative and beautiful. This is no exception. She walks through who Candida Hofer {the hottest photographer} and why she has attracted the attention of so many of the finest interior designers and art collectors. {image above from Town & Country via Cote de Texas}

Emily A. Clark’s Where to Start. This is a great article where Emily gives her design advice on where to start first when decorating your home. {image from House Beautiful via Emily A. Clark}

Centsational Girl’s Laundry Room Project Breakdown. Well, it was hard to pick just one post of Kate’s. She has some many great ones this year. However, her laundry room face-lift is a favorite of mine.

Bright.Bazaar’s Rue Magazine: My Holiday Column. Will’s column for Rue Magazine is always a treat. I especially like his holiday where he captured three different Christmas looks in the same room … all in one day!

6th Street Design School’s Office Details. Kirsten’s pretty and functional home office was designed with items from all different sources – many at deep discounts. Love that!

A Brooklyn Limestone in Progress’ Mail Call! DIY Mail Center. Stephani has tons of inspirational DIY projects on her blog, but the organizer side of me loved this incoming mail sorting center she made using picture frames and radiator grill. Brilliant!

Things That Inspire's Kitchen Sinks and Sink Tips from Readers. Holly is in the midst of building her dream home in Atlanta. She blogs about all the big and little decisions that she is making throughout the process. In these posts she walks through images of kitchen sinks and highlights readers’ advice regarding a variety of sink designs. Great ones to bookmark!

Velvet & Linen’s Leila’s Room. Brooke’s daughter, Leila’s new “big” girl room is eclectic, colorful and inviting. Starting with an floral rug from Anthropologie, Brooke & Leila created a beautiful bedroom retreat.

There are so many other posts I enjoyed reading in 2010. The lovely blogs listed under "buzzing blogs" are my daily reads. Please check them out when you have the time!

If you have areas of design or organization you'd like me to cover in 2011, just drop me an email - simplifiedbee {@} yahoo {dot} com.

Thank you for reading Simplified Bee and wishing you a joyous 2011!