Justina Blakeney

Da Jungalow is in da Houzz

2012-02-17T11:22:00.000-08:00

We have been getting a good amount of jungalove lately-- today, I've gotta give a big THANK YOU to Cathy Lara over at Houzz for featuring a tour on my 'Electic Los Angeles Bungalow." Click on over to read the full article where I talk about the jungalow and even share what colors paint I've used and where I found some of my favorite pieces. Happy Friday my friends!

The Tiniest Garden, like ever.

2012-02-16T14:05:00.000-08:00

Jason bought me this tiny, tiny garden. It's the tiniest garden ever. Even too tiny for the L'il Boomba to play in. It's also my new favorite thing, like ever. He got it from artist Nicole Ohayon who lives and works out of the Brewery Art Colony in here L.A..

This ^&*# is starting to get real! : The Nursery AKA the Baby Cove 1.0

2012-02-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

Instead of calling our little one "it" until we find out the baby's sex, Jason and I have taken to calling him/her 'L'il Boomba.' And as my belly grows and grows, despite being busy with work and wedding plans, I can't help but daydream about the 'Baby Cove'-- the room that was once my Lady Cove which--after the wedding--we will transform into the Baby Cove. I have not allowed myself to buy a single thing for L'il Boomba yet-- and that has taken a great deal of restraint-- let me tell you. (Although we have started to get a few hand-me-ups from friends who recently had little ones of their own (thanks Joy!)...But as my Little Boomba board starts to fill up on Pinterest--ideas fly around in my mommy mind of ways to surround our little Boomba with beauty, comfort and love as we begin to welcome the Boomba into this world.

And yes--even as my jeans fail to button around my expanding waistline--I'm still tripping out that we're having a baby!

Yellow cotton + leather sandals by Zuzii
Classic Bench With Storage on One Kings Lane Today
Wall-mounted fan
Colossal Dot Curtains from Anthro
Colette Bream - Star and cloud Pillows
Vintage Crib
Chevron Rug from Urban

Smart Art

2012-02-14T22:50:00.000-08:00

So, I have a friend, Allessandro Guiliano. We met during fashion week in Paris about a dozen years ago and have been the best of friends ever since. Ale', like me, is a gypsy. So, when he hit me up last week from HOng Kong and said he had left New York via India and would be coming through LA I was not surprised. Oh, the life of a jet-setting gypsy! I was however shocked when he arrived and told me his plans. He travelling to 11 art galleries in 7 countries in 2 weeks for the Damien Hirst Global Spot Challenge!

Ale' is not only a jet-setting gypsy, he is an artist. He is on this mission as a part of an installation he is creating surrounding this crazy challenge. Art breeds art. So, of course- I wanted in! Above you will find pictures taken by, well, yours truly :) from the show in Beverly Hills I took last week. Ale' got his stamp- proof of his passage through LA and the Spot show. All 11 stamps and he will be gifted a special Damien Hirst print.

I have never been particularly fond of Damien Hirst, but those spots .. . hmmmm . .. While at the exhibit, a group of kindergardners walked in. I had a flash that I wanted to bring my little misses, so after school the next day I did. She loved the spots. The guy below, maybe not so much.

And you . . . what's your take on the whole thing?

Make LOve, Make Art!

XOxo

Tablescape : Keeping Green

2012-02-13T22:19:00.000-08:00

When I say keeping green, I am referring to both the green in my bank account as well as my hopes and plans to not torture mother earth on our wedding day. Some things that are helping me along this journey are: plates that are made from fallen Acacia leaves (serisouly!), upcycled jars for centerpieces, planted (living) floral arrangements and having a (mostly) vegetarian, local, in-season menu. (How pretty are those Ranunculus!?)

For those of you who are getting all romantic with your lovers tonight, I wish you a lot of hot, fun, silly, butterfly-filled moments. Being in love is f*cking rad, isn't it?

Painted mason jars
Flatware
Plates made from fallen leaves
Blue Ticking Napkins
Burlap roll for runners
Ranunculus Via here
Gelato Artigianale

Details, Details

2012-02-13T09:05:00.000-08:00

Wedding planning is a trip. So many little details that I overlook when I'm at others' weddings that all of the sudden become vital when planning my own. I went to a rental warehouse the other day to pick out everything from napkins and chairs to salt and pepper shakers. Each tiny detail seemed almost monumental--isn't that silly? But I am having fun with all of the plans-- it's a challenge to balance my 'GREAT VISION' with my modest budget, but the budget constraints push me to think outside the box, to research more and to practice something that I'm not always so good at: asking for help, discounts and suggesting barters--all things that I am often embaressed by. But as I get deeper into the plans I realize that I with all of these tiny details, I can't to it all alone--and just as I am often volunteering my services, discounts and barters to others--others are often willing and even happy to extend the same favor to me. It's sweet, and makes me feel so blessed to be a part of such warm communities--both online and off.

Do you, like me, have trouble asking for help or favors? Or are you the type of person that magically gets everyone involved in your projects? Either way, any words of wisdom?

{The chair above is the chair that I picked for the reception. One of the most economic options--that also happens to be one of the cutest. Yay.}

Happy Friday; my upcycled window installation

2012-02-10T12:11:00.000-08:00

This is the view from my side of the bed--which is where I intend to spend most of my weekend after a long week of client work, doctors appointments, wedding planning and growing belly. I hope you get to enjoy a restful weekend--and a pretty view too.

Colorful Cravings!

2012-02-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

Over 15 Ways to wrap and wear this dress by Hatch
Lipstick shot found on Shopbop see the whole pic here
Yellow Ankle Boots and straw bangles by Toast
Vintage Southwestern Style Backpack on Etsy
Orange knee socks from Modcloth
Black Sesame Ice Cream
Cacti from Ikea
Leather coin purse on Etsy ($12.75)

The Multi-Talented Crate

2012-02-08T07:53:00.000-08:00

Whether they used to haul apples, milk, soda or wine, crates can be given a new life to store practically anything in a fun, easy, industrial-rustic kinda way. I'm in love with the crate gardens, and the tall shelving unit, aren't crates great? (couldn't resist the rhyme, sorry).

Milk Crate Planter
Crate Shelving unit
Crate Wall Garden Via Miss Modish
Crate dog table by Julia Custer Noris via Design Sponge
Crate glass-top Side-table
Trolly on Casters by Bailey's Home and Garden
Three-tiered Sides Tables by Ribih Hage

Sweet LIttle Things

2012-02-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

A collection of sweet little things I've made over the years to get you in a good DIY mood for Valentines day. The Sam Cooke-inspired post card is a free-printable, so click, enlarge, print and share. Toodles for now my lovelies, on my way to do a walk-through of our wedding venue in the rain. How's that for romantic?

Via Anthology

2012-02-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

Here are some outtakes from the Anthology Magazine shoot of our Jungalow.

images by Teri Lyn Fisher

Wanna take a guess?

2012-02-04T22:18:00.000-08:00

Docents at the museum, people in line at the grocery store, restaurant servers--friends and relatives--all love to take guesses about the sex of the baby. I have another few weeks before I get to find out, but in the mean time, I thought you all may wanna take a guess! Here are me and my little boomba between the 15th + 16th week. Getting zaftiger every day!
Hope you're having a great weekend!

Valentines day card: Free Printable

2012-02-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

A little free printable cardfrom me to you...just click on the below image for full size, print on 8.5 x 11 high-quality paper, cut it out and share with that sexy someone this Valentines Day.

With love and gratitude...

xoxo ~J

This design is free to use and share for personal use only please.

Small Spaces

2012-02-02T01:25:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! It has been a while, and I miss you, so I wanted to send out a "little" inspiration! Since moving into my little house in the roof, that very I affectionately call The Tree House I have become a huge fan of small spaces. They have always inspired me, and yet I had this dream of living in a big, grand house. Lately I have been reconsidering that whole idea. Why a big house? A big house means big expenses, big cleaning time, big energy consumption, and big responsibility. Small spaces are not only easier to maintain, cheaper and more energy efficient but they also have such a cozy feel- they create a sense of intimacy in the home. I no longer want a big house. Now I want 5 little ones all over this lovely planet; a house boat, a tree house, an adobe desert house, a gypsy caravan and hmmm .. . maybe an igloo!? What's your little dream house like?

Gypsy Caravan, Tree House , Shabby Chic Wonderland, Boat House , Little House on a Hill , My Tree House

Much Love,

And I leave you with . . ..the coolest Talking Heads song cover ever . . .!

My Wedding Dress Nightmare.

2012-01-31T13:56:00.000-08:00

I admit that I am one of those gals who has been dreaming of my wedding since I was little. The dress was always a big part of the dream, I pictured myself looking like this, this or like this:

1 | 2 | 3

But the day Jason and I got engaged I knew that finding my dream dress wasn't gonna be so easy. What I didn't know was that as a pregnant, size-14 vintage-clothing-lover on a budget it would be damn near impossible.

Now, please allow me to rant for just a minute.

First off, what designer genius decided that bridal gown sizes should be two sizes larger than 'street' sizes, so that if you normally wear a size 14 all of the sudden you wear an 18? Yikes. Talk about makin' a gal feel insecure.

Second of all, why doesn't someone make a line of stretchy wedding gowns? Ever hear of silk jersey and stretch-lace, people? I think there could be a fortune to be had-- I mean, look at the popularity of stretch pants and jeggings? Women like to be comfortable, yes? Yes!

Third of all, and I'm just keeping it real here, there are a lot of big ladies here in the US. In fact, when I'm out on the streets I see plenty of gals who are much, much larger than me--and a lot of us have ~~good~~ GREAT taste and I'm wondering why we should be subject to a shitty selection of ugly dresses on a marginalized portion of an already mediocre wedding dress website? Can you tell I'm frustrated?

After giving up totally on finding my dream vintage Mexican wedding dress (or any vintage wedding dress for that matter) that fit me, I--even just for the experience of trying on 'real' gowns--went to David's Bridal.
Gulp. Talk about depressing. They have a 'plus size' section and I could barely even fit into any of those dresses, that, quite frankly, were totally not 'me' anyway. I looked like a caramelized marshmallow in most of them, not exactly the look I'm going for.

So I got home that night as had pretty much resigned myself to getting a dress at JCrew.

God bless J Crew, they go up to size 20 (Dear BHLDN, why don't you follow suit?) And as much as I like J Crew and have shopped there for the past 20 years, literally, I never thought that I'd have a JCrew wedding dress-- and not because they're not pretty-- they are but for someone as eccentric and crazy as I am the designs are pretty sober, especially the two dresses that come in the larger sizes that have empire waists--and therefor room for my growing belly. So, I left the J Crew windows on the computer open as I continued to search for other possibilities. I decided to use the search term 'Caftan' and finally, at shop called Thrifted and Modern, I found a dress that I thought we be 'the one'.

Giddy, I began to text my bridesmaids and they all agreed that it was perfect--I ordered the dress. Done and done. Or so I thought. When the dress finally arrived two weeks later (due to a comedy of errors) I put on the dress and looked like a humerus combo of a hippie judge, a crazy old lady in a shmata and a gospel singer--and while I've got mad respect for all three of those types of ladies, it wasn't the look I was going for our wedding.

So my search continued until I decided that I just wasn't going to find my dream dress, I would have to make it. So this past weekend I got out my sewing machines--admittedly they hadn't been out in a while--and I went downtown to the fashion disctrict and bought a bunch of lace and I made a dress-- and dress that looked kinda great on my size 6 mannequin.

Only when I tried it on, I looked like a pregnant, drunk, flapper--not exactly the look I was going for either. Feeling more annoyed than ever I began to trim small pieces off of the dress in attempts to make it look better, until the whole damned thing ended up in shreds. Yikes. You can laugh. It's OK. I was laughing too thorough all of this, admittedly it's that kind of crazy laughter that's borderline crying--but laughter none-the-less.

So Sunday as I am recounting this whole nightmare to one of my BFF's and she suggests that I have her mom, (who is an amazing designer and seamstress) make the dress for me--something I didn't think that I had neither the time nor the budget for. She and I now have an appointment on Friday, so keep your fingers crossed for me and let's hope that I don't show up stark naked to my wedding, and that this nightmare ends with a really happy fairly-tale ending, K?

Anthology Magazine gets all Jungalow

2012-01-30T10:12:00.000-08:00

When the lovely Meg Mateo Ilasco, Creative Director of Anthology Magazine approached me about photographing the Jungalow, I'm pretty sure my heart visibly jumped a little bit out of my chest. Anthology is one of my very favorite print magazines and the aesthetic, voice and feel is right up my handmade/thrifty/worldly ally. Issue number 6 debuted last week it was SO much fun to see and read the article (written by editor in chief Anh-Minh Le - who is really f-cking cool BTW) about our little crazy abode. (Not to mention all of the other great home features, DIY projects, adorable graphics etc...)

When Teri Lyn Fisher (photographer) and Britni Wood (stylist) came over one sunny morning this past fall to shoot the Jungalow, I really wasn't too sure what to expect. I am so used to doing everything on my own--from styling to picture taking etc. that it was at once frightening and exhilarating to have other (albeit super-talented) folks capture my home in the way that they saw it.
Ultimately, everything about the piece--from the written word, to the photos and the styling--does an amazingly good job of telling my story. I am so happy, grateful and honored to be a part of this publication. If you aren't familiar with Anthology Magazine, check out their site, and then pick or a subscription or snag a copy at West Elm or Anthropologie.

For additional images, please check out this post on the Anthology blog.

We belong together.

2012-01-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

Something about that room--and something about her gaze (not to mention the impeccable styling in both images, and the matching mood and colors) made me feel like they belonged together.
--
Now that Friday is here I almost instinctively get that 'TGIF' feeling even though, truth be told, as a self-employed person there is very little difference between a weekday and a weekend for me--for better and for worse. Sometimes my weekends are more jam-packed with client meetings and deadlines than my weekdays (not that I'm complaining). But I also do know how it feels to work a full time job and for Friday to roll around--it's that feeling of some finally 'me' time that is oh so necessary, even if the time is used just to do laundry, pay bills and catch up on zzzz's, it's still like--the best thing ever.

So weather for you it's a weekend for you full of family time and fun, tax prep and errands or creative project time--I hope that you find it relaxing and rewarding, peaceful and indulgent. I'm going to see I if I can't find the perfect wedding dress this weekend. Wish me luck.

Image Sources: 1 + 2

$12 Wedding Decor

2012-01-26T10:41:00.000-08:00

I'm continuing to do little trials at home for DIY wedding decor ideas (thanks for all of your kind insights about it yesterday, BTW--super helpful-- I promise not to take on *too* much) but I ordered some streamers in my marigold/yellow/gray shades as well as some paper lanterns and LED lights. There are several areas that I plan to decorate like this. Kinda smitten-- and best of all-- this whole plan fits REALLY nicely into ma budget. Oh and I put yesterday's boutonnieres into last year's painted beakers and they look pretty effing cute. Happy Thursdsay y'all!!

billy balls, boutonnieres and belly bumps...

2012-01-25T10:08:00.000-08:00

Yikes. Sorry about no post yesterday. I've had headaches for the past couple of days (apparently, fluctuating hormone levels in pregnancy can cause them) and so I took a computer-free day, hoping that this might calm the throbbing. I am feeling a bit better this morning but I have a new-found empathy for people who get migraines--no fun at all. On my computer-free day, one of the things that I did was try out a few DIY ideas for the wedding. Above are the boutonnieres that I fashioned from plants in my yard, washi tape and a couple of Crespedia Billy Balls. I think they came out quite nicely. Trying to figure out now which stuff to hire-out for the wedding and which stuff to DIY--tough decisions as fleeting time, pregnancy and 100000 ideas occupy my mind. We'll see!
Did any of you all have to figure out how much to 'DIY' and how much to 'buy' for your wedding? What did you decide?

I hope you all are having a good, headache-free week (both literally and metaphorically!) Until tomorrow,
~Justina

The Multi-Talented Shutter

2012-01-23T08:53:00.000-08:00

In the Compai Boutique that Faith and I had in Italy, we used old shutters and up-side-down drawers as shelves to display objet d'art and folded clothes. I loved the look of the old shutter then and I love it now. Shutters are very easy to find at salvage yards and can sometimes be found on the streets tossed away as rubbish. There are so many versatile ways to use them in design. How spectacular is that shutter wall? Wow!

Image Sources:
Shutter Console Table
Shutter Fence
Shutter Side Table
Shutter Headboard
Shutter Wall
Shutter Book Storage

How to add personality into your home

2012-01-21T19:47:00.000-08:00

The word Person comes from the Latin word Persona, which means 'mask'--so it seems that a gallery of masks is a natural way to add personality into a living space. I have spent the last year collecting these masks and this weekend I finally felt like I had enough to create a little statement gallery in our bedroom. I added two little lion dolls I picked up in Mexico last year as well as a (Peruvian?) hat that I sometimes wear but use also use as decor, and included an East African necklace made from old records. This international cluster of personalities really does inject a fun, lively and even humorous touch to the bedroom that I love. How do you add personality into your home?

FRIDAY FAVES

2012-01-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

1. SUNO 2. ANTHRO 3. OLSEN HOUSE 4. KILIM ($350) 5. KIFF SLEMMONS 6. CB2
7.SNOW LEOPARD

Gardinspire

2012-01-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

It's starting to feel like Springtime in LA already, which makes me feel gardinspired.

1. Bohemian Garden Retreat
2. Green Bench with pompom pillows, originally from Plumo
3. Peacock Chaired Patio
4. Moroccan Patio
5. Tropical Patio

5 ideas to pump up color + cut down cost

2012-01-17T17:47:00.000-08:00

I'm really enjoying the challenge of designing a wedding for 200 guests on a pretty serious budget. It's kinda like decorating my apartment, only I don't really have any idea what I'm doing. That having been said-- I've come across a few great ideas that I hope to implement to pump up the color, and cut down on cost during the fête--hopefully, you'll find them inspiring as well.

1.) Firstly, I am already saving glass bottles for the centerpieces. I want each centerpiece to be a cluster of different bottles filled with a few wild and colorful flowers. I may even tie the cluster together with twine, or add guests' names to the bottles as 'place cards' or even dip dye or spray paint them....we'll see. This will save on vase costs big time and save the florist cash for the bouquets and boutonnieres.

2.) Next up-- I love the idea of including fruit on the centerpieces. It adds a rustic charm and helps the pieces to look full-- plus I have a very fruitful lemon tree in my backyard, so that helps.

3.) How pretty is this dip dyed table cloth? I think dyeing some inexpensive muslin fabric might be just the ticket to avoid the trite white rentals...

4.) I'm plan to get a less expensive, more simple dress and pump up the glitz, glam and color with awesome excessories that I will wear again once the wedding is over.

5.) I love how these chairs are dressed up with ribbons--a little, easy touch, cheap that adds a festive flair to what could be boring rental chairs.

Image sources: Bottles | Fruity Centerpiece | Dip Dye | Earrings | Ribbons on Chairs (via)

Canada 1967: Illustration + Graphic inspiration

2012-01-16T14:01:00.000-08:00

I found this vintage booklet at the Vintage Paper Fair. I was immediately struck by the sweet illustrations that reminded me of one part Charley Harper and one part Rifle Paper Co.
I'm especially in love the way the flora and fauna are drawn. Although some of the depictions of the Canadians may be culturally insensitive--the overall tone and spirit of the maps make me really happy and make me wanna hop in my car with a warm coat and some trail mix and head North.

Busy Person's Correspondence

2012-01-16T10:19:00.000-08:00

This vintage 'Busy Persons Correspondence Card" was one of my finds from the Vintage Paper Fair-- that I went to over the weekend. Remember all that cool stuff I found last year? (Thanks Bonnie for reminding me about it!)Well, I thought it was very à propos to use this card this morning as I jet out the door doing prep for work, wedding and baby. yikes.

Have a great day my friends, and enjoy one of the best and most meaningful Holidays that we celebrate in the US- the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.---

I also wanted to give some shout outs around the web today-- so here we go-

-A big thank you to Desire to Inspire for including me in your 'blog favorites of late'

-Another big thank you to Apartment 34 for putting me on your Noteworthy Newbies list for 2012

-And one last blushing thank you to AesteticShelter for your sweet article 'Jungalow Fever'

-My dear Dabito did a great post with his photos from my sisters' boho 'tree house'

-I'm humbled (and happy!) to say that my Upcycled board on Pinterest has over 400,000 followers--and my new board for my "Little Boomba" has just begun--so if your interested in my finds for the little ones, feel free to follow along.

-I'm excited for my friend Peggy whose work was recently published in Architectural Digest and Vogue Living Australia. How much does that (and she) rock?

-Another friend of mine, Jessica, has been 'killing it' behind the lens--and this interior shoot has me drooling (especially the backsplash in the kitchen).

-I like what I see over at Yeah Rentals--a new Flash Dance member who rents out modern +worldy stuff for weddings etc. hmmmm....

-Click on over to Ecouterre to read my eco-fashion predictions for 2012 (Thanks to Jasmin and Ecouterre for including me here)

Round the world in Jungalow prints

2012-01-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

Australian, Indian, Turkish, West African and Navajo prints around the Jungalow....can't wait to show you the rest of my collection...

Big news comes in tiny packages

2012-01-11T09:45:00.000-08:00

Dear friends, this is by far the biggest (and tiniest) creative project I have yet to attempt....Jason and I are expecting a wee one, and we couldn't be more excited. We are 12 weeks along, we are due in late July (Leo baby born in the year of the Dragon--Woah!!) and I had my second doctor's appointment yesterday where we got to see his or her tiny little arms and legs and tiny little nose. Being pregnant is a total trip and with my big mouth it has been so friggen hard not telling you all the minute I found out, but alas here we are, finally sharing our happy news.

So now that I'm almost out of my first trimester, I will post here every now and then about baby stuff--hope you all enjoy a good baby post. (And while I'm 'sharing' can I just say how hard it is shopping for a wedding dress while pregnant!? Yeeesh! Finding a dress that I like has been hard enough, but then factor in the belly and my oh my it's been rough. Ha!)

So that's my big news for the day. Now I'm gonna go eat some food which has become my new absolute favorite thing to do. With love and gratitude --Justina

photo courtesty of The Littlest

The Mult-Talented Book

2012-01-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

I don't read books as much as I wish I did, but these upcycled lovelies make me wanna read even less. He he.

Book Pages table runner
Book Planter
Book Bookshelf
Artichoke Pendant lamp (only $75 on Etsy!)
Ipod/iphone charging book on Etsy (about $50)
Table and floor lamp

Fiber Optics: three artists works in textile

2012-01-09T08:45:00.000-08:00

Last year while visiting Istanbul, we stumbled upon the Art Biennial that was right outside of the Istanbul Modern museum. What a treat. So many incredible new-to-me artists from all over the world. Three artists stood out me me for their use of textiles in their works that, in three totally different ways, spoke to me of balance, decay and unity: Geta Bratescu , Adrian Esparza and Lygia Pape.

Adrian Esparza's work was my favorite...the unraveling Serape that gets woven onto the wall into geometric patterns...So inspired...

Matrimonial mood

2012-01-06T09:21:00.000-08:00

my wedding colors inspiration
Mexican Wedding Dress
Succulents + Billy Balls Bouquet
bamboo plates
leafy green centerpieces in recycled jars
Tea Candles in a mason jar
Roses in braided hair
lanterns

oh and our response cards arrived yesterday!

Wedding plans are moving right along! Jason and I have decided on a east-side park location and our friends at Bash, Please will be helping out with planning and decor. This is such a big job--so much bigger than I had anticipated but it's fun and a great way to procrastinate on work stuff throughout the day. It's also a great challenge to keep the whole thing budget friendly as we attempt to not massacre our own (and our parents') bank accounts in these shitty economic times--also considering both Jason and I have HUGE families-- Jason's mom has 6 siblings and my dad is one of 13!!Anyways, you all know I love a good budget challenge-- so I'm having fun with it. Have a lovely weekend-- I hope your first week of 2012 was a good as mine! (Hey LA peeps, can you believe this weather?!?)

Color Collections: Nature's bling

2012-01-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

I've been obsessed with eating 'Nori' lately-- ya know, those seaweed snacks? Well, while I as was at the beach over the weekend I couldn't help but notice how beautiful the seaweed was--washed up on the beach--bobbles and vines. Truly Nature's bling. If I trusted L.A. beaches I would have used them as a crowns and a necklaces...

2 easy and unexpected ways to organize your odds and ends

2012-01-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

If you have a lot of 'stuff' you're always trying to figure out ways to organize and store your goods in ways that keep them accessible, organized and visually pleasing--here a couple of cheap, easy and space-saving ways to store items in your bathroom and on your desktop. I store my makeup on this tiered platter from Ikea ($14.99). This way, I can see what I have to work with (unlike if it was all in a drawer or a makeup bag) and it saves counter space because of the levels.
On my desk, I use a vintage vanity tray like these (starting at $12.00) to keep all of the odds and ends from my desk all in one spot. Its adds a nice little shine to my desk area too and helps to keep the rest of the desk free for my computer or other projects.
Happy organizing!

The Multi-Talented Chair

2012-01-03T08:35:00.000-08:00

Broken chairs are probably the easiest thing to find curbside on moving day. Now here are some great ideas of what to do with them.

Chair Swing by My Apple Tree and Me on Etsy
Chair bathroom shelf and towel rack by recyclart
Chair hangers by Antonio Fusè
Chair Planter, photo by Debra Prinzing
Chair Shelves via Recycle-eh
Chair back towel rack via A nest for all seasons
Chair as bedside table from Real Simple

Beachy Boho Home: Sacha Pytka

2012-01-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

Hello ma dears, I hope that you had a super sweet New Years. Mine was mellllllooooowwww but the highlight was visiting the charming little beachfront home of knitwear designer Sacha Pytka yesterday for a vegan BBQ hosted by my BFF Shannon and her dude Randy. The layered rugs, each one prettier than the next-- the club chair with the relaxed suzani-covered cushion, the ornate mirror and the upcycled headboard were enough to keep me wanting more. A little bit Marrakech, a little bit Quartier Latin in Paris, this little spot got me wanting to move to the beach, after all, this is Sacha's backyard:

'nuff said.

I am not a photographer...

2011-12-29T09:09:00.000-08:00

...but somehow I take some decent shots now and then and I've had a few requests of late for a post on photography tips--.

I do this with a disclaimer:
I am not a professional photographer, and I could name about 6 people of the top of my head (Jennifer Young, Bonnie Tsang, Annie McElwain, Dabito, Jen Lauren Grant, Teri Lyn Fisher...) who would be better suited than me to do this post-- HOWEVER-- photography is such an vital part of art direction, blogging, and so many other things that I do everyday that I have some tips and tricks that I've learned along the way that make my photos look cooler, and they might make yours look cooler too--so here goes nothin':

1.0 iphone
About 85% of the photos that you see here on the blog that were taken by me were taken on my iphone. {The other 15% were taken on my Canon Rebel TI or my Canon G10 (both great cameras, BTW).}

1.1 focus
I was excited to learn that if you hold your finger down on the screen of the iphone you can focus on specific things on the screen. That eliminates that camera-phone fuzziness and creates depth to the photos.

1.2 Flash = no no
For whatever reason, the flash always makes my photos look cheesy-- so I don't use it.

1.3 Light
You know how I said that if you hold your finger down on the screen you can focus? Well, you can also change the light in your image. If you find the darkest spot on the screen and hold down on it with one finger, the light adjusts and the whole picture gets lighter.

2.0 iphone apps
There are a lot of apps that I use to make my photos look that much better.

2.1 Cross Process
My all-time favorite app for pics is CrossProcess. It just makes photos look more awesome. Period.

2.2 Instagram
Instagram is a image sharing platform on iphone that has some great effects that you can add to your photos-- but my favorite effect is the Tilt Shift which allows you to blur out certain areas of your photos. If you look at my photo above see how the leaves in the upper left are blurry? Ya, that's Tilt Shift.

2.3 idarkroom
I darkroom has all of the effects rolled into one app. It also allows you to add bokeh--those light spots/out of focus areas on the picture--which is my favorite feature of the app.

3.0 Framing
I look around the perimeter--the 'four walls' of the photo to check my framing before I snap--am I including all that I want? Am I excluding all that I want? How's my angle? I also remember that I can always crop if I need to-- but I can't add image, so I try and leave extra space around the borders.

4.0 Lighting
I always look for great natural light. It just makes photos look better. Usually that means waiting for the right time of day to take my shots--and photos as different times of day create different moods. Or, if I;m taking more spontaneous pictures, this may mean moving around (higher or lower, to the left or to the right) to find the right spot with the best light.

5.0 Styling
Now styling is something that I do have professional experience in, and I'm not gonna lie, good styling helps pictures look *way* better. Learning about proportion, balance, angles and color in styling is one of those things that comes with practice-- and one great thing about digital is that you can take a picture, assess what's working and what's not, move items around, and try again.

5.1 Styling Tips
-Less is more so start with a lot and then edit, edit, edit.
-Don't make things look too perfect-- a slouchy bag near a desk, a messy throw on a bed, a pair of worn-in shoes lying on the floor near the couch-- this is hat makes photos look real and compelling, I think.
-Look for a story-- what do you want your image to convey? Think about the story or concept behind your photos and you'll start to get better at conveying a visual message.

So those are my tips-- I hope you found them to be useful. I feel like I have so much to learn still and I would love to hear your photography tips or tricks if you have any! Any great apps you'd like to share, or some other function on the iphone that I don't know about? Spill the beans and let's all become better photographers (and bloggers!) together!!

Cozy-time: Bedding

2011-12-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hey y'all. I took a couple of days off from blogging for the Holidays. I had a pretty typical Jewish gal's Christmas and went out for Chinese food and saw the new Mission Impossible flick. I mean, could I be any more stereo-typical?? But it was fun (like it is every year) and it also was nice to hang with the fam and eat latkes, sing and exchange gifts on Hannukkah. I hope you all had a nice Holiday weekend too and got a chance to chill out and get cozy.

Speaking of cozy, bedding has been on my mind a lot lately as I search for the perfect bedding for a couple of clients, and I am also considering going through an even greater bedvolution and swapping out my queen for a king. I'm sleeping better just thinking about it. Ahhhhhh.

Stunning Bedding by Bella Notte
Gold bedding by Toast
Kilim Pillow
Vintage Kantha Quilts from One Kings Lane (you can find them all over and on West Elm they're $99)
Whisper Linen Bedding by Bella Notte
Temoayan Blanets
Whisper Linen Bedding by Bella Notte

Raise a glass

2011-12-23T09:32:00.000-08:00

Have an amazing Holiday weekend my friends. Raising a Moroccan tea glass full of sweet minty goodness in your honor...

Color Collections: Jungalicious + giveaway winner

2011-12-22T08:48:00.000-08:00

How's this for a Jungalicious color palate? I'm in love with this look and I'd rock it in a Miami minute!

Photos by Olivia da Costa via Please Magazine

And the randomly generated winner of the Shabby Apple Zany + Zaftig Giveaway is Dorothy Explor'r ! Please email me your size and snail mail address at hello (at) justinablakeney (dot) com. Hurray!

My year in review...

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Two Thousand Eleven has been jam packed with miracles and mishaps, jubilation and constipation, stress, slacking, bursts of creativity as well as moments of mental congestion--but despite the bumpy ride, one thing is for sure--I am truly blessed. Here's my year at a glance, some of my most coveted moments and memories from a year of self-seeking...Now, as we welcome in the new year I can look upon this past one and truthfully say that I have no regrets. I have an amazing life, and I am so grateful.

2011

We found a new home to live in.

My best friend Caitlin and I built a Love Fort.

Jason and I grew our own food

We Cicla'd the Via

and hung out with some furry friends

I learned a ton about plants and met some wonderful people as Communications Director at Woolly Pocket

I decorated and decorated, then I decorated some more

Several of my nearest and dearest had deliveries of the most special variety

We explored our beloved Los Angeles from the comfort of the Vespa (No traffic!!)

I laughed, celebrated, cried, chilled, and freaked out with my fam and my besties

I made some amazing new friends

I fell in love with Istanbul

I occupied LA

I was Frida for a day

I got engaged to this zany fellow with whom I am very much in love

All in all, 2011 was a fabulous f*cking year. Thank you all for being part of it!

bedvolution

2011-12-20T08:49:00.000-08:00

Looking at snaps of our bed and bedroom from March until now. Funny to see how bedding can change the whole vibe in the room. I think my favorite looks are the Suzani bedspread I got in Istanbul, or the plain white duvet...What do you think? What is your best version of cozy? DOes your bed always look the same or do you switch things up?

The Multi-Talented Suitcase

2011-12-19T13:18:00.000-08:00

Chest of suitcase drawers by Rossana Orlandi
Button-tufted suitcase seats by and cabinet with lavender by Recreate
Suitcase Bar - via Apartment Therapy
Suitcase side-tables from Cupcakes and Cashmere
Vanity suitcase cabinet
{Stacked suitcases image via here}

And thank you for your kind comments about my computer. I just got a new-to-me one off craigslist. You gotta love Craig and his lists, huh? -- such a life-safer. Posts should be back to usual now! Thank you all for your patience and support.

RIP to my mac book pro

2011-12-18T13:52:00.000-08:00

Hey friends. Sorry for the silence but my computer passed away on Thursday--taking with it a fair amount of projects, designs, drawings, future blog posts and photos. It's a real bummer and I'm mostly annoyed with myself for not doing more frequent backups. Oh well. I'm getting over it but in the mean time posts on the blog won't be daily until I get back up and running again. Oy. I hope you all are having a good weekend-- and if you're bored today-- why not backup your computer files? ;-)
hugs all around
~J

An engagement gift from the thrifting gods: a Moroccan Wedding Blanket

2011-12-14T08:58:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned on Monday, I found a pretty amazing Moroccan Wedding Blanket (or Handira) at the Rose Bowl Flea over the weekend. When I dug through a large pile of colorful rags and saw this fluffy thing, I had a feeling that I had come up on something pretty special. Even more special? The $100 that I paid for it. Thank you oh thank you thrifting gods for my Wedding Blanket. I promise to have and to hold it for many, many years to come. If you are looking for a Handira Beyond Marrakech has a beautiful selection--but it's gonna cost ya a little more than mine.

Now I just have to decide which side to keep face up!? Thoughts?

Also, I have had several people inquire about sources for my throw pillows. Like most of my things, they were either bought on a trip to a far-away place--or at the Rosebowl flea. However, the orange Ikat Pillows I got on One King's Lane from Safavieh and the Organic Shine Society on Etsy has a nice range of kilim pillows like the ones I got in Turkey, at pretty decent prices. The big orange velvet pillow is from Ikea.
xoxo
~J

Tents, Canopies and Chuppahs for the hippie in you

2011-12-13T08:33:00.000-08:00

In the Jewish tradition, wedding ceremonies take place under a canopy called a Chuppah. Now that I'm planning my wedding, I'm thinking about taking this Chuppah thing to a whole new level. I'd love to get married under a huge hippie tent covered in wondrous worldly textiles. However, I fear that may take my wedding budget somewhere other-wolrdly so I'm thinking about DIY ways to built a tent or canopy-- from lights, fabrics, flowers and/or ribbons--that can create the intimate, magical affect I crave while staying inside my down-to-earth budget. Here are some tented images that inspire...

Scarf Tent
Circus Style Tent from the Glam camping Co. (I kinda just want this one for my yard, anyway)
White Voile Canopy with lights
Moroccan Style Pink and red tent
Worldly textile hippie tent I can't afford
Pillow filled tent with lights (va pinterest, if anyone knows actual source LMK)
Streamers canopy from Our Labor of Love via here

Junky Market Mondays: Rose Bowl Flea Goodness

2011-12-12T08:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a perfect day for thrifting. There were so many great pieces and even the sellers seemed more motivated to sell than usual and I got some amazing deals. The market wasn't too crowded, the whether was mild and it was just a little overcast (which makes it easier to shop and also photograph the pieces). I love all the 70's wool stuff that I saw (like that owl, the hanging planter, and the wall-hanging) and how about that blanket with such unusual yellows, oranges and fuchsias? (It would have been mine but it was a bit stained-up.) I also fell in love with those three planters-- what perfect colors-- (they were a little pricey at $65 each.)

I came home with a lot of really great finds for myself and my clients and not only did a score an enormous, beautiful rug for a client in exactly the right colors and size, but I found a colorful Moroccan Wedding Blanket (Handira) for myself that I felt like was an engagement gift from the thrifting gods--but more on that later.
I hope that you all had a fun, relaxing weekend.

Call Me Faith Design Studio

2011-12-09T07:40:00.001-08:00

above photo by David Luong

below Left photo by David Luong

below Left photo by David Luong

photo above and below by David Luong

I would be deeply in love with the design work of Faith Blakeney even if she were not my sister--and I can not express the difficulty I had in choosing my favorite photos for this post from her brand new website Call Me Faith. Spaces designed by my sister have a stylish, homey I've-traveled-the-world-and-have-impeccable-taste type of quality to them. The spaces are chic without being stuffy, they've got mad personality and somehow manage to look rustic, modern, lived-in *and* clean. Quirky cool artwork, a flawless sense of placement and an attention to detail that I can barely wrap my head around-- that's my sis.

Don't you wanna just pin everything?

I'm so excited for her with the launch of her new website-- and it also coincides with the launch of a home tour of one of her clients' homes on Apartment Therapy-- so I'd like to raise my bellini glass to my big sis and her perfectly designed spaces-- both on and offline. woot woot.

Visit Call Me Faith Design Studio for dozens more inspirational photos and projects--and to hire her to redo your home :)

(and can we talk about the mirrored bathroom for a second?!? I mean, how smart and gorgeous is it!?)

Culturally Yours

2011-12-08T07:44:00.001-08:00

Arts and culture go hand in hand, and today I begin a new regular feature called Culturally Yours, where I share creative cultural projects that both pose and answer good questions about our crazy culture. Today the three featured projects approach these creative questions and answers through various artistic media: Oratory, print and video.

Creative Morning s is a monthly lecture series founded by Swiss Miss and organized in LA by Jon Setzen. When the lecture series expanded from NYC to L.A. last year, I hopped on the Creative Mornings train and never looked back. Each month a Creative speaks and then answers questions while we (the audience) sip complimentary coffee, listen, tweet, get inspired and meet other creatives. The events are always free and held in different rad venues littered about our fine city. Now, Creative Mornings has expanded to numerous cities around the map. (See above.) This month, I am especially excited to attend because my best friend, Shannon Flaherty is speaking. If you are in the LA area, I wholeheartedly encourage you join us for a morning of creative inspiration.

Culturally yours,
Justina

Like all great movements, The #Occupy movement has begun to develop a visual language that will go down in history. Occuprint has collects said imagery and provides the art for free download for non-commercial use. As the movement grows and proliferates through cities around the globe, it is fascinating to watch the visual language morph and explode into a visual movement.

Occupy Everything by Colin Smith
We Are Not Prey by Geoffrey Escher
Separatin of Corporation and State by Adam Winnik
The Beginning is Near by Alexandra Clotfelter

If you are wondering what is going on with the #Occupy movement since most of the camps have been raided and shut down by city police and local governments, read this article written by my ~~boyfriend~~ fiancé :) about Five Ways the Movement Continues on KCET. It's damn good.

Culturally yours,
Justina

The Love Project attempts to uncover what love is through a series of video questionnaires of people on the street. What *is* love? Do you believe in Soul Mates? What does love feel like? From the profound to the ridiculous to everything in between, watch a few of these videos to see just how broadly love can be defined.

Culturally yours,
Justina

Three easy ways to invest in your home and increase your quality of life.

2011-12-07T07:58:00.001-08:00

I don't know a thing about mutual funds but when it comes to investing into one's home to increase the quality of life, I'm kind of an expert.

He are three ways that I invest in my home to make my life a little sweeter:

1. Get plants.
Plants make the air better. And if that wasn't enough all by itself, they are actually scientifically proven to make people happier, to fight fatigue, to reduce coughs and sore throats and can even enhance creativity and productivity. I just got a few more-- the jungalow can never have enough plants. (Like my upcycled plant stand in the first pic? It used to be a lamp shade.)

2. Water by the Bed.
Is it too strong to say that this water jug saves me every night? Perhaps-- but since I got it, my sleep--and therefor my life--has been SO much better. A glass water jug I got for $16.99 at a weird little 'water shop' in Atwater village has made it so that I don't have to get out of bed in the middle of the night to get water, and I don't have to drink out of icky plastic water bottles. The easy access also means that I drink more water which is good for my health, wellness and skin and hair. Especially in these winter months where we sleep with the heater on, I actually feel hydrated during the night instead of parched like I usually get.

3. Deep Cleaning
One of my guiltiest pleasures is that I have a house keeper. She comes once a week and deep-cleans my home. I can tend to be messy--I always have five or six projects strewn about the house and I let my laundry pile up. I'm lazy about deep cleaning like windows and showers and stuff. Getting a house keeper was seriously one of the best home-decisions I've ever made. She keeps the peace between Jason and I (as soon as we are about to bicker about whose turn it is to do dishes she arrives) and she gets to the little nooks and crannies of our home-- the ones that I'd probably get to once a year. And since we have a cat and also so many tchotchkes, she keeps the fur and dust at bay which helps my allergies. I make little sacrifices throughout the week to be able to afford the luxury of having her come so often-- and as soon as I get home to a spotless home any guilt that came with the pleasure flies out of that sparkly-clean window.

Graphically Me

2011-12-05T23:49:00.001-08:00

My new business cards and note cards finally came in the mail yesterday--completing my new branding. I'm very pleased with the whole new 'me' this little makeover has got me rather giddy.

Over the moon

2011-12-05T08:35:00.001-08:00

Over the weekend Jason (usually referred to here as 'my man') proposed to me. (ahhhhh I know!) We have been together for six years, and I think this is the first (or maybe second) time he's appeared on the blog but now I have a feeling you may be seeing a bit more of him.

I'm not afraid to bail him out of jail when he gets arrested for civil disobedience, and he's not afraid to be in public with me when I dress all crazy. Basically, we're a perfect pair. (and how pretty is my art deco ring? If I was the shrieking type, I think I'd shriek!)

I'm over the moon.
If you're into wedding stuff, feel free to follow along with our wedding inspirations on my new pinterest board We're Actually Getting Married. And let me know if you think it would be fun (or a bore) to follow along with some of our plans here on the blog...I don't want to the blog to get saccharin but I'd love to know if this is something you'd like to hear more about.

Alrighty folks-- L'chaim!

Inspired Finds: Dr. Seuss

2011-12-03T08:08:00.001-08:00

Bow Tie by Forage
Striped Umbrella by Gaultier
Elephant Foot's Palm at Ikea via Houzz
Blue Socks (without the red fox)
Red + White striped Beanie
1970's cloud lamp
Ivory cashmere gloves
Vintage tea cups
Beaucanea recurva plant
Verner Panton Chair in Yellow

Personalize your Holiday Tabletop

2011-12-02T07:16:00.001-08:00

A customized tabletop for the Holidays? Yes please! I just raided my jar cabinet and washed off all the old food labels. Next I took a sharpie to packing tape and decorated the tape with some simple designs and words. I then taped on my new labels. Boom.

The little glass jar I filled with rocks and a candle becomes a candle *and* a place holder by decorting it with my guests' name--it them becomes a cute little take-home favor. The little mint holder can also be a take-home or you could puncture holes in the tops of those tiny jars to make customized salt and pepper shakers!

The craft tape keeps the look rustic and homey while the coordinated look and feel keeps the tabletop cohesive and charming. So go find some old jars and bottles, a sharpie, some packing tape and a few wild-flowers and get customize your holiday the cheap, easy, eco way.

So much love for a happy weekend homies!

Jungalicious for N.E.E.T Magazine

2011-12-01T15:18:00.001-08:00

N.E.E.T Magazine was hands down the first online design magazine I read. Years ago when I still lived in Italy and was starved for English-language design mags I remember waiting on eggshells for each new issue to come out. Back then even the concept of an online design magazine was novel.

Last month when I was approached by Stephanie, the founder and editor of N.E.E.T to curate 2 pages in the current issue-- you can imagine how happy I was to give back to a publication that had given me so much inspiration. Go check out the current issue-- 'cause the magazine just keeps on gettin' better and better...and my Jungle-look finds include some works from some of my favorite crafters and designers of the moment including Satsuki, Bianca and Victoria...

Thanks Stephanie for hosting me in your beautiful publication!

Holiday Card {Free Printable}

2011-11-30T19:36:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it's December already? This year has been very good to me-- and you all have been very good to me too. As a tiny token of my appreciation I've made a holiday card for you download, print and share as desired (just click on the image to take you to the full size version).

In other news, a lot of fun stuff I've worked has been popping up around the net lately including:

The lovely Jennifer from I Art U (one of my favorite blogs) posted some really pretty pics of a Jungalow picnic I hosted a couple of weeks back.
Apartment Therapy blogged about my Nature Wraps.
Houzz.com did a piece that included my wrapping with kraft paper ideas.
And the Houzz piece was picked up on the San Francisco Chronicle site. Woot woot!

Happy December my friends, I wish you all the warmest, brightest and most magical December EVER!

The Multi-talented ladder

2011-11-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

The ladder is so talented, no? He's quite a catch...I mean he is not afraid of heights and he never complains about holding all your stuff, either--and he only gets better with age! But seriously--how great is the kids clothing rack?? Also, I just love the towel rack idea for the bathroom--great space saving solution, huh? Ahhhh old ladder, I gotta crush on you.

Multi-ladder Bookcase
Bamboo Ladder as a Towel Rack
Latter Lantern (with DIY)
Baby Wardrobe Latter
Quilt Rack
Ladder Shelf
Ladder Plant Stand (via this Pin) from Etsy
Ladder Magazine Rack

A very Zany and Zaftig Giveaway with Shabby Apple

2011-11-29T07:02:00.000-08:00

It's not everyday that I come across a clothing line that sells adorable women's dresses that fit my zany and zaftig self. Even more rare is to find an enormous selection, fun brights with unique silhouettes and a company ethos that I get down with (Shabby Apple donates a percentage of our their proceeds to charitable causes that serve women and children around the world.)

I mean... so cute right?

Here's the good news. I'm not the only one who will get a chance to rock this maxi Rosso dress at the next holiday party (I love that it can be worn on or off the shoulder). One reader will be chosen at random on Thursday, December 8th to win this dress (in the size of your choice, of course!) (So women of all shapes and sizes are encourages to participate!)

To enter to win you must be a follower of this blog. Next, "Like" Shabby Apple on Facebook
and leave a comment here saying that you did so. Make sure that you leave a full name and a way for me to reach you if you win! That's it.

Easy peasy! For extra entries, tweet, blog or facebook about this giveway and leave a comment with a link to your post.

Shabby Apple is also offering 10% off for one month for all readers of this blog, just enter COMPAI10OFF at checkout.

*The winner must have a US shipping address.
*No exchanges for the winning dress.

Today, I'm Zany and Zaftig in:
Shabby Apple's Rosso Dress
Vintage coo-coo hat (thrifted!)
And Toast Heels

Thanks for reading and good luck!

Winter cozy

2011-11-28T07:28:00.001-08:00

Ahhh what a nice long weekend -- I got to hang with four generations of family and eat pie (Thanksgiving is clearly the best Holiday, right?!) I checked out the new flick 'A Week With Marilyn' - I really liked it (Marilyn was definitely a zany and zaftig lady, huh?) I got my nails did and had coffee and tea with my girlfriends. I didn't do any Black Friday shopping but I did carve out time to make my Jungalow Winter-cozy. I used pinecones, rosemary, eucalyptus, persimmons, fuzzy throws and romantic lighting with my new-to-me- lamp shade from the Rosebowl. My jungalow is starting to smell of winter--now if only we could convince the weather to start acting the part...

Pattern Power: at home + on the web

2011-11-27T09:20:00.001-08:00

At Home:

On the Web:

I Can't get enough of clashing patterns. I'm admittedly feeling very bored of minimalism and even the beloved mid-century modern aesthetic. I mean, yes I love a good 'clean line' as much as the next gal, but let's bid adieu to this chilly vibe and welcome the warmth and vibrancy of florals, stripes, geometrics and fearless clashing! What say you?

Sources:
An Indian Summer
Also from an Indian Summer via BohemiaDesign
Via SAND on Pinterest. Original Source?
On One King's Lane last week. Haven't signed up for One King's lane yet? Their daily sales are a feast for the eyes...

The Multi-talented branch

2011-11-24T11:43:00.001-08:00

Cheaply and easily add a rustic elegance to your home. Just stalk the green garbage cans in your area and get a little sand paper, hammer and nails... Absolutely in love with the raw simplicity.

Dishtowel Rack From here via this pin
Branch Necklace holder via Kipp Ave on Pinterest
Branch Shelf: From here via this pin
Cothing rack via One Of Each blog
Branch Coat Rack by Cantilever and Press on Etsy ($245.00)
Lamp: From here via this pin
Branch Pendant lamp by Kimi Weart on Design Sponge

before + after -- a cozy winter for your bottom

2011-11-23T07:54:00.001-08:00

I saw these stools at House of Honey in South Pasadena a couple of weeks back (what a lovely shop, BTW) and instantaneously decided that they would be the inspiration for my next Before and After project, so I found a little, ugly $10 stool while thrifting to use as a base. Next I took my $30 Flokati from Ikea and cut in in half to use as the upholstery (I use the other half of the Flokati on my desk chair). Then I grabbed by staple gun and got busy--15 minutes later I had a new 70's style shaggy stool I've seen on 1st Dibs for $450. Boom!

Happy Thanksgiving friends. I have so much to be thankful for, this year and every year-- my health, my man, my family and my friends, an amazingly rich creative life and a warm cozy home to live in--fresh organic produce, really fun clients, and a freedom to enjoy life that I know is rare in this world. I am truly blessed.

Thanks also to all of you for sharing this journey with me. Every day is a blessing, and you all are a huge part of that. Happy Thanksgiving. I am excited for my Tofurky and vegan stuffing. Seriously--my mom makes it soooo yummy.

Ciao Ciao Compai, Hola Justina Blakeney

2011-11-22T22:00:00.001-08:00

Faith and I started Compai 10 years ago. As sisters, best friends and co-workers we have 'divided and conquered' on a bajillion projects, adventures and misadventures. We had the Compai Boutique and clothing line together, authored four books together, moved to different states and countries together, hell, we've even dated brothers.

The name 'Compai' comes from the Spanish word compadre or companion which is really the best way to describe the relationship that Faith and I have, and that companionship will last forever even though 'Compai'--the brand--is now coming to a close.

While Faith and I have been each running our own businesses for a few years now, using the name 'Compai' bound our creative projects together under one umbrella. Now as we grow our own ways as designers we also see it natural to change our names to better represent where we are today. This change is of course bitter-sweet for me. It feels like the end of on era--a decade of fruitful collaboration...But where one era ends another one begins...

The name of this blog is changing to 'Justina Blakeney.'
Over the past 3 years, the blog has been my platform for personal creative expression. It feels natural to give this blog my own name as it is an extension of who I am.

Faith's interior design studio is Call Me Faith -- her shiny new website will be live soon, and you can expect a big fat post about it here when it is ready.

You can also still expect to find Faith here from time to time sharing her creative projects, insights, music and good vibes with all of us.

Besides that, things around here will stay pretty much the same. I will still share my tales of Jungalow madness with you all, and dish out daily inspirations in design.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Changes to the URL and my email are coming soon and I'll keep you all posted. While it's hard to let go, it feels right. Compai!

Color Collections

2011-11-22T00:08:00.001-08:00

For color, texture, pattern and shape, nature is still my #1 source of inspiration. What's yours?

The Multi-talented Spoon

2011-11-21T07:07:00.001-08:00

My Great Uncle Bert was the artist in the family. He painted, made turquoise jewelry (several pieces of which I inherited and still rock all the time) and made stuff out of spoons and forks-- like rings, bracelets and mini easels. As a little girl I remember thinking that it was the coolest thing *ever* and perhaps, now that I think about it-- that was my first introduction to artful upcycling. (I was was about 5 or 6 and already making scrunchies for my 'fro using elastic from my old panties by then, so I guess that counts too, but hey, I said artful...) Can you remember the first time you noticed an upcycled object and it tickled you the way that creative reuse can?

Spoon Starbust from Counrty Living via Tatertots and Jello
Snug Mug Spoon Wall Rack by Patricia Heal
Plant Markers via Grace Ballor on Pinterest (no source)
Spoon Rings at Silver Spoon Jewelry
Spoon Pulls by Hutch Studio
Sp-andles via Storage Glee
Coat Rack by JJ Evenson
Plant Markers at Mossy Mossy

Blue + Gold

2011-11-18T11:51:00.001-08:00

Photography by Justina Blakeney

So I had a plan for a big post today but I was up until 5:30AM bailing my boyfriend out of jail for civil disobedience at the B of A protest in Downtown L.A. yesterday. It took me about three hours to find him and then I had to wait six hours in the Police Station just to pay the bail. Craziness. This was the first time I had to bail anyone out of jail and his first time *in* jail and my oh my what a crazy night. I am really proud of him for choosing to stand up for what he believes in. I'm kinda exhausted but I did want to leave you all with some pretty pictures in blue and gold: California state colors. It feels good to be a part of the change I want to see in my state and country.

I so admire your courage and integrity babe. I love you.

What the world needs now is...

2011-11-17T08:38:00.001-08:00

heart stools
heart chair
hearts on fire
International Love Heart by Alexander Girard for Herman Miller
heart sweater
Yellow Graffiti heart (if you know artist please holla!)
Comme high Tops
Homie, Lover, Friend
Jim Flora Print
Yes 'cut-out' by Jad Fair

How a statement piece can transform a room

2011-11-16T08:37:00.001-08:00

It just takes one statement piece to transform the whole look and feel of a room. This is the lovely home of one of my clients. While all of the existing pieces in her home looked nice, together--they made no statement. By replacing her metal and glass coffee table with a large wooden antique coffee table from India, her living room became instantly memorable. The table helps to create a different mood in the space; one of travel, discovery and comfort, as contrasted to the metal and glass which is cold and does not provide a visual anchor for the space. Coffee tables make great statement pieces because they are usually floating in the center of the living room and so have the opportunity to become a real focal point.

Compai cited as "Best Decor blog" by Refinery 29

2011-11-15T17:51:00.001-08:00

The last line in this review of the Compai Blog is "seeing is believing" and that's exactly how I felt when I saw a tweet this morning that Compai was cited as one of the "Best decor blogs to bookmark now" on the mega-site "Refinery 29." We are in blogtastic company listed alongside the amazingness that is Desire to Inspire, Bright Bazaar, Remodelista and Poppytalk.
Thank you Refinery 29. Seriously, you made my ~~day~~ week! Head on over to Refinery to see some of the other inspirational blogs listed.

scenes from the weekend

2011-11-15T08:57:00.001-08:00

some Fall loveliness

From the Rosebowl flea to Jungalow tea --this weekend was full of fall colors, crunchy leaves and good friends! Today is off to a better start, so thanks to all my homies and family for your optimism and constant support after my terrible morning yesterday. I ain't got nothin' but love for you all!

Fairfax Garage Flip

2011-11-15T00:41:00.000-08:00

Garage Before

Garage Bathroom Before

Inspiration...

Flooring inspiration

Trials...

Bathroom Before + Construction...

These days, among other projects I am doing a bit of garage flipping. Most homes that I do take time, it's a process and the progress can often be slow and steady. In this case the clients were eager to get the job designed and done before baby arrives and daddy gets kicked out of his home office to make room . .. so one week we designed and the next, this one, we are building. Above are pics of the garage, followed by some inspiration and then some paint trials and construction. It's fun and wild and a little terrifying to stop in and see new walls constructed, ideas manifesting... so quickly. I love this job!! More pics to come. Stay tuned too for pics of the house which I designed that belongs to this garage, it will be published shortly on Apartment Therapy :)

Tina, sis, I know you had a rough day yesterday- well, this one is for you! A little Tenderness . . . .

My terrible horrible no good very bad morning

2011-11-14T14:31:00.001-08:00

I woke up with a sore throat this morning. Then I got a $68 parking ticket. Then there were ants in my shower, like a lot of them. Then I stubbed my toe, hard. Then my photoshop quit unexpectedly right when I was finishing today's Junky Market Monday post and I lost the whole thing.

Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No good Very Bad Day was one of my favorite books as a kid. Now I just have to remember that some days are like this.
Even in Australia.

This morning's where I'd rather be photo was found via Eat.Live.Wear.

Nature Wraps: DIY green gift wrap for the Holidays

2011-11-11T14:53:00.001-08:00

Yay! Happy Friday! In the past few weeks several of you have asked if I was going to put together more eco-friendly gift wrapping ideas for the holidays this year because last years' ideas for wrapping holiday gifts with kraft paper were a hit! Well, here they are, 100% compostable gift wrap using all flowers and leaves (and just a bit of green artist's tape). They are quite jungalicious are they not?
Have an amazing weekend you all and I hope you feel inspired to use all kinds of crazy sh*t to wrap your gifts this year :P

Color Collection: Fall Hues

2011-11-11T00:08:00.001-08:00

scenes from the jungalow: do you add or edit?

2011-11-10T08:12:00.001-08:00

My dear Dabito found this new lounger for me while thrifting. Thanks Dab! I love it and so does Luda!

I had a friend over with her 3 month old baby yesterday and he started to cry non-stop. I looked online for possible reasons and 'overstimulation' was listed as a possible motive. Well, if there was one place that provided a color/pattern overload--it's the Jungalow-- and especially now that I've integrated all of my finds from Istanbul, the Jungalow is bursting at the seams. Turns out the baby just had gas but none-the-less I think it's about time to start subtracting instead of adding. Edit, edit, edit!

I've always been better at adding than taking away. How about you? Are you an editor when it comes to your home decor? Do you rotate things, edit your collections, always have the same stuff out or just keep on adding layers, like me?

Anyways, if you are in the adding mode and are planning to hit up the Rose Bowl Flea this Sunday, I just wanted to link to the Guide to the Rosebowl Flea that I posted last month. Happy adding and/or happy editing!

The Multi-talented Colander

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Since I lived in Italy for so many years, I have a thing for colanders (strainers? what's the difference?) We ate pasta literally every single day and when ever the pasta was boiling, and ready to be taken off the stove, it seemed the the colander would magically disappear. Needless to say, eating that much pasta I acquired quite a few colanders and so I thought I'd do a little inspiration board on what to do with some of the old ones. Love the pendant lamp idea. I feel like in a very mod/pop kinda kitchen it would look adorable. That cactus/strainer in the bottom left image is at my house. And since I know someone will ask....I just take it outside when I need to water it. Also, how cute is the hanging planter idea? I love how they used a hanger as the hook.
Happy upcycling, folks!

Hanging Planter
Candle Holder
Wind Chimes
Green Pendant Lamp
Yellow Pendant Lamp
Clock

I dresssed myself Tuesday: I Re-Dressed My Living Room!

2011-11-08T06:50:00.000-08:00

So, last week I, with the help of my super handy super patient friend Fabrizio, painted a few stripes on the wall my living room wall at my home, The Tree House. My house is a sort of incubator for my interior design experiments. This week we did it again- last time sage. This time a color from Farrow and Ball called House White. I have a continual sense of wonderment when I see, time and time again, how much a little paint can transform a space. Wow. Thanks Fabrizio!

Video of the week- I don't know about this video :-/ but this song kicks butt! Have a colorful week!

underfoot

2011-11-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous tiles in my friend Vanessa's new house (not to mention her tulip table, chairs and built ins!)

I will never tire of the floors at Intelligentsia. Especially digging how they look with my silver slip-ons from Istanbul.

I fell in love with these painted stairs at Madewell at the Americana at Brand. Just another thing I would do if I owned my own home.

And yes my friends, this is the infamous rug I schlepped back from Istanbul.

I do hope you all had a nice weekend. I've been tripping out seeing all the shops and restaurants begin to unpack their holiday gear and set up for Christmas. It seems like just yesterday I was working on last year's holiday gift guides. Oy. Oh well, I guess time flies when you're having fun.

I caught Suzani Fever in istanbul

2011-11-05T14:03:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for waiting so patiently for me to start to post some of my Istanbul finds. Today I am sharing two pieces that I found at the Grand Bazaar. They are both older Suzani textile pieces, not sure how old but the one I'm using on the side-table is older--there are a lot of hand stitches and you can just tell by looking at it that it's been around a while.

The bedspread I had absolutely zero intention on buying but the salesman totally roped me in and had me sitting in his shop for literally fourty minutes showing me dozens and dozens of pieces. I would have left after only few minutes but the man knew his stuff and was explaining all kinds of interesting things to me about how the textiles are made. Apparently, the bedspread I got is rare because it is blue. He said that usual background colors are red and beige, but then again he also told my boyfriend's mother that he wanted to buy me for 5000 camels, so there's that.

The two 'feet' on the side table are antique Kilim brushes (or at least that's what I gathered from the guy who sold them to me who spoke very little English). One look and I had to have them. I just love how they look like silly, goofy wooden feet.

And so yes, as it turns our I caught suzani fever while I was over there. If you like the look of my suzanis and are considering purchasing one for yourself, I found some pretty ones online at The Loaded Trunk. More soon. Have a great weekend and if you catch Suzani fever, the only cure is bedrest and lots of chai tea....so drink up!

zany and zaftig 3.o

2011-11-04T00:01:00.000-07:00

This Week I'm Zany & Zaftig in:
1.o A twisty silk necklace I'm wearing as a headband that I got in Istanbul at the Grand Bazaar
2.o Vintage silk jacket I 'stole' at the Goodwill for $14.00
3.o A Vintage Purse that I scored in Brooklyn at Beacon's Closet.
4.o Jeans by Madewell--and let me talk about these jeans for a second. They work magic. They are actually comfy. I bought two identical pair because they're *that*good. They're stretchy, they fit at the right place on my hips and they flatter my tush*. yup. my tush* and elongate my legs. They are the Vintage Rocker in the chasm wash size 32/34. Trust.
5.o On my lips I'm wearing 'Flirtatious' by Josie Maran Cosmetics, also wearing Josie on my hair with one of my favorite defrizzers, her Argan Hair Serum.

I truly hope you all have a rockin' weekend!

*zaf·tig or zof·tig (zäftk, -tg)adj.1. Full-bosomed.2. Having a full, shapely figure.
*tush (/təSH/) n. : the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on.

For your Tile Files.

2011-11-03T00:17:00.000-07:00

Full disclosure. The main reason why I hope to buy my own how someday is because I want to install some fabulous-friggen tiles in the bathroom and kitchen. Now, after visiting Istanbul and the Topkapi Palace, I wanna buy a house and put tiles, not just in the kitchen and bathroom but EVERYWHERE. Pattern after pattern, motif after motif, the Turkish tiles have got me so inspired. They make painted walls seem like quite a bore, no?

Some of the tiles pictured here are Iznik. Iznik pottery and tiles were produced between the 15th-17th centuries and were influenced by the Chinese blue and white porcelain. The bolder reds and oranges were added later.

If you're feeling inspired and are fortunate enough to have a home where adding tiles is an option, I recommend Filmore Clark tiles. The tiles may not have been made for the harems of Ottoman sultans, but they are stunning none-the-less. My favorites are the Oasis Bath and the Moroccan Gold.

Hope you all are having a great week!

The Multi-talented Wine Bottle

2011-11-02T07:31:00.000-07:00

Every time that I throw a wine bottle into the recycling bin I cringe just a little bit. I get that little upcycling angel/devil on my shoulders that say, Wait don't throw me in the recycling bin, upcycle me, you know I can become a candle holder, a vase, a planter, a terrarium... and at the risk of becoming a hoarder I rinse out the bottle and stash it with my other vases until it's project time. Now that the cupboard is filling up I figure it's time to actually *do* something with these bottles and so I've put together a little inspiration board. I'm leaning towards taking the bottles to a glass cutter to makes some tumbler glasses.
I hope that you also find it inspiring for when those little angel/devils appear on your shoulders!

Image Sources:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12

I dresssed myself Tuesday: I Dressed My Living Room!

2011-11-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

As you guys know (maybe) I do residential interior design. Yes, I design homes, and for the past year or so have done very little to my own. Well, last week I had a flash, perhaps it's the change of season

(even if ever so mild here in LA). I had this urge to re-decorate- prepare for the season where you spend the most time at home- Winter. So, these circus stripes on the wall and ceiling, yes, well they are just the beginning- so tune in :). By the way- not so sure about the color- hence only the first 3 stripes. Your thoughts?

Still loving Paul Simon . . .

Junky Market Mondays: The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul--Part I

2011-10-31T14:32:00.000-07:00

The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul. Wowzers. What a place. Fifty-eight streets and over 4000 shops. It's like Anthropologie on steroids, dipped in ikat, bathed in Chai and hung to dry on a cobble-stoned street in Naples. This place is grand, and it is bizarre. Grand because it is so easy to get caught in the labyrinth of covered shops all packed to the brim with Kilim, Suzani, Ikat, beads, teapots, fake designers bags and perfumes, lanterns, antiques, musical instruments, Turkish towels, slippers, pillows...the list is about as endless as the shops themselves. Bizarre because you get sucked into the thrill of bargaining, accepting Chai tea that magically transforms into a $200 Suzani blanket that you had no intention of buying in the first place.

The first day I went on a research mission only. No shopping. The arches and tiles ceilings made my mind whirl like Dervishes. I cannot tell you how many times I thought I was on an unfamiliar street only to realize I was going in circles. To this day I am unsure if I saw the whole market despite my attempts to weave through the isles methodologically, like I do at a supermarket, or at the Rosebowl Market for that matter. By my third visit I understood the general prices (about 75% of what you can find the same things here for, I'd say.) I also discovered which shops were selling the Turkish goods-- (as many people were selling Afghan and Indian pieces). I sought out the 'old stuff' because most of the shops were selling new items--once I had narrowed my search down to the older stuff-- the Market was much less overwhelming.

Some things that surprised me about the market was that not all the vendors spoke English (or German, French, Italian or Spanish for that matter). It was fun to bargain by writing numbers down on paper-- very different--and in these kinds of circumstances, body language and personability make all the difference. I had a blast hearing all the stories the vendors that did speak English had to say. I learned a lot about different types of dyes, weaves and materials (although you never know how much of what they say is bull).

Ultimately, I did most of my Istanbul shopping outside the Bazaar at thrift and antique shops-- but the Bazaar was amazing for the experience of it-- almost more like going to a museum or watching a movie even, than going to a flea market.

I have so much more to share with you including the goodies I did find, the Spice Market, the photos from my thrifting adventures and more...so, I hope you don't get sick of me going on and on about my beloved Istanbul...

Super last minute costume idea--no shopping required.

2011-10-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

(I even kinda surprised myself with how much I look like her here :P)

I love dressing up for Halloween, but I hate shopping for Halloween--so I always just shop in my own closet and craft and/or put together something that works. Since I just got back from Istanbul I have not had any time to plan this year, so I'll be throwing some stuff together last minute.

Image Sources: Frida, dress, earrings, shawl

For a fun costume inspired by one of my style icons--dress up as Frida Kahlo. Find a fun flowey dress, preferably a Mexican vintage one (I've got about 5 of these in my closet!) grab a shawl, some dangley earrings, red lipstick, braid up your hair (see my tutorial below), do up your brows and upper lip if you like with black eye pencil if you like, and BOOM-- a quick and easy transformation into the ever-inspiring Frida!

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;gt;H&lt;/p&gt;

Have a fun and safe Halloween, friends!

I'm home from Istanbul + thank yous and stuff.

2011-10-28T08:35:00.000-07:00

I got back last night from a ten day trip to Istanbul. It was one of the most inspiring places I have ever been. I took over 2500 photos and came back with a lot of goodies, too (duh!). I cannot wait to share more about my colorful adventures with you after I have a chance to relax and go through everything this weekend.

I've gotta give a few shout outs before I start unpacking though-- first off, a HUGE thank you to my friend Victoria of Paper and Type who took loving care of our cat, Luda and our Jungalow while we were away--she has an amazing green thumb and it was such a lovely feeling to come back to the jungalow with everything thriving. She took some lovely snaps too during her staycation here--so click on over.

Also another shout-out goes to my new friend Igor who has recently begun a new design blog. It makes me happy to visit, so it's aptly named "Happy Interior Blog."He also featured a print of mine this week-- so thanks for the love Igor!

For those of you who followed me on my trip through twitter and instagram - thank you for all of your kind comments and 'likes'. It's the first time that I've 'microblogged' during a trip and it was super fun and added to the enjoyment of my adventures.

On that note I wish you all an adventurous weekend! I look forward to catching up on your blogs and hangin with friends and family. Big birthday shout-outs to my BFF Shannon, today too-- and prayers to those on the eastern side of Turkey who are dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake.

Ok. that's it. See y'all a little later on-- much love,
~j

The Jungalicious work of Rus Hanson

2011-10-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

The plantastic work of Rus Hanson is making me want to make the jungalow even more wild than it already is. Check out his breathtaking portfolio and visual diaries.

Color Collection: Figs

2011-10-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

I mean, they look like little aliens, but how yummy are figs??

I dressed my package today!

2011-10-25T06:59:00.000-07:00

It is indeed a rare occasion when I head to the post office to send a care package. When I do, I always have this childish urge to decorate the box with stickers, drawings . . . all that. But alas, I am an adult, an adult with not too much free time to indulge in those sort of things- lets be honest it was nothing short of a miracle that I managed to sort out these hand-me-downs, box them up and get them to the post office. So, in order to give them that special distinction of "care" package I asked the not so patient post woman to sell me stamps to use as decoration for my beloved boxes, instead of just stamping them with the value of the postage. After much hesitation on her part, and me having to explain that I am a die hard, old school, romantic and remind her that it is well within my rights to put 27 stamps on my package, even if numerous- she went for it. Thank you post lady and thank you lovely stamps for decorating my package. So, next time you are at the post office and have a package to send to your beloved try sweet talking the post person into selling you stamps to decorate your package, a little touch of old school romance goes a long way . . .

Shopping on Labrea...accent pieces.

2011-10-24T07:43:00.000-07:00

Shopping on LaBrea is not cheap, by my goodness--- there are some beautiful pieces to be found on this LA street full of antiques, imports, reclaimed wooden furniture and mid-century finds. Here are some accent pieces I saw and loved.

My dresser got a makeover.

2011-10-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

I bought this dresser five years ago in Brooklyn at a shop called Junk for $100. The shape was stunning but the color of the wood was a bit bleh so I painted it white and have had it in my home ever since. The dresser got pretty beat up in the move though, and I have been wanting to give it a fresh coat of paint for a while now. I finally went for it last week. I gave the whole thing two coats of teal paint, and I painted a strip of the wall behind the dresser to match. Love how it goes with my collection of chunky turquoise jewelery.

Got any fun weekend plans or DIY projects?

Finding treasures in Unexpected places: My neighborhood supermarket.

2011-10-20T07:29:00.000-07:00

When I moved to the Downtown-Echo Park area last spring I was thrilled about everything *except* for the fact that I was moving far away from my local Nature Mart and Trader Joes-- the two places that I did my grocery shopping. I had to explore around my new 'hood to find decent places to buy my groceries. The one place that I discovered and fell immediately in love with is my local Asian supermarket-- charmingly named "Grocery Warehouse." They have great and 'exotic' produce-- everything from sugar-cane juice to lychees, and amazing tea selection and all kinds of very pretty and well priced items for the home. I mean, how sweet are those pink pots? It's also where I bought the cutting board from Monday's post. Every time I go in there I'm transported to a foreign land and I get to come home with all kinds of rad souvenirs.

Festival of the Harvest

2011-10-19T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sukkot is a Jewish Holidaythat is a harvest celebration and it is customary to build a 4-walled structure the is covered on top with greenery like palm leaves. This structure is called a Sukkah. Throughout the holiday you eat inside the sukkah and many sleep there, too. This was by far one of the most fun of the holidays as a kid.

Faith and I helped our mom and dad build and decorate our their sukkah last week and it looked so festive and jungalicious when it was all finished, so I had to share here.

I hope you are all enjoying the bounty of the harvest! Here are some of my faves that are in season: Beets, Blackberries, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Dates, Figs, Pumpkins and Sweet Potatoes.

I dresssed myself Tuesday: Tis the season . . .

2011-10-18T06:56:00.000-07:00

Around this time of year, I wardrobe switch. I go through my clothes and my daughters', and swap out the summery clothes for the wintery ones. When I do this, I always have pieces to give away. Pictured above are some of the clothes Noa' that no longer fit. Many are pieces I bought for her, way before she was even born. Lucky me, I have many friends with little girls, and 2 little girls along the way. Before I pass these digs onto them, I thought I'd take one last shot to commemorate their cuteness. What do you do with your old clothes? Hand-me them down? Sell them? Recycle them? or keep them in the back of your closet, just in case?!

Mark Ronson and . .. BOY GEORGE?! holy matrimony. Sanctified!

A spot of color for your kitchen + Istanbul.

2011-10-17T08:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! You all know I'm all about introducing brights in the home, right? Well, I discovered a pretty cheap and easy way to do just that by painting an inexpensive cutting board I got at my local Asian grocery market. This cutting board was a great find because it already has a hook on it for hanging, is round, and is a nice, thick slab of wood. I new when I saw it at the store that is would make a sweet canvas.

I decided to keep it simple and to paint something graphic on the board--a color wheel of sorts. Then, I used a matte varnish to seal the paint onto my (now) tray.

The whole project cost me $12 and when I finished and hung it on the rack above my stove, it added such a fun POP of color that I wanted to go back to the Asian market and pick up 11 more in all different sizes and do a whole wall of 'em... but alas, there are no empty walls in the jungalow--as you can well imagine. So this one will have to do for now.

On another note, Jason and I are leaving for Istanbul tomorrow! We'll be there for a little over one week and you can imagine how excited I am. Turkish food, textiles, and decor...oh my! Our hotel is just a half block from the Grand Bazaar. I mean...I think it'll be like heaven on earth for me, yes?

I've scheduled posts for the next 10 days so the blog will still be posted to daily, so please do check back. I also plan to be doing some tweeting and instagram-ing from over there so if you wanna see some of my Turkish delights in real time, be sure to follow me on twitter and 'compai' on instagram.

Are you familiar with Istanbul? I'd love any tips or recommendations if you've got 'em.
Have a wonderful week, friends, and I'll 'see' you all when I get home. Sağ olun!

Zany and Zaftig 2.0

2011-10-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

Photos by Dabito

Last week I kicked off this new series Zany and Zaftig*.
Here are today's tips for other zany and zaftig ladies:

-Pair shmata* dresses with cute shoes--dress UP the shmata.
-Use sashes as belts.
-Dresses that fall just below the knee are flattering.
Don't lay in a bathtub in your shmata. It may get dirty :P

This Week I'm Zany & Zaftig in:
1.o Raffia Hoops from Mexico
2.o Vintage Dress from El Salvador that my sis gifted to me. Thanks boo, I LOVE it!
3.o A vintage pink silk sash that I wear in my hair, as a belt, on hats, around my neck...so versatile.
4.o Some sweet lace-ups from Anthro. (Sorry, I got them last season).
5.o I got that adorable heart ring from a dear friend Aireka for my birthday last year.

I truly hope you all have a blessed weekend!

*zaf·tig or zof·tig (zäftk, -tg)adj.1. Full-bosomed.2. Having a full, shapely figure.

*shmata (SHMAH-tah): Literally meaning a rag or cloth, such as a kitchen towel. Often used derisively to refer to clothing: “Go out now? In this shmata?”

It's a Jungalow out there...

2011-10-13T01:01:00.000-07:00

1 | 2 | 3

4 | 5

6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

11 | 12 | 13 | 14

15 | 16 | 17

19 | 20 | 21

I hope you all take a second to get wild and ferocious with me on my new Tumblr...

Scenes from the Jungalow...

2011-10-12T01:06:00.000-07:00

I've been drawing on all my pots lately...

And I keep on growing more and more plants...

like I said....

This is an Elephant Ear Leaf. Doesn't it look hand painted?

I got that family at the Rose Bowl. The books I found in Switzerland. Check out their beautiful covers on this older post.

A little Pink Lion I picked up in Mexico.

This is what my bedroom *usually* looks like. A crazy-cozy mess.

The artwork from the Rosebowl... now in the entryway of the jungalow. It reminds me of Florence's Duomo. When I lived in Italy I lived just a few blocks away...

I dresssed myself Tuesday: Field Trip to the Fish Store

2011-10-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

These days I seem to be finding inspiration in the most random places. Yesterday it was the aquarium, aka the fish store. I went with my lil' one on a hunt for a tiny turtle (as most turtles grow to be very big, very quickly- and we have no room for an extra roommate in this little house!). What we found was so much more! So NOa' and I began snapping shots of our favorite fish!

An old friend once invited me deep sea diving, I'll never forget it. She said "Faith you will love it, all of the fish seem to be designed by Versace!". Well, not exactly- I definitely see some Roberto Cavalli in there, and that pinky one is calling out "Blumarine" to me (no pun intended :) Perhaps my next big vacation will be a trip under the sea!

Where have you found random inspiration lately??

Faith

I present to you Mayer Hawthorne, my fiance' :)

Keep on drawing

2011-10-10T20:42:00.000-07:00

With all of my amazing gadgets (thank you Steve Jobs, you are missed) it's easy to forget to go back to the basics. Lately I've been drawing (doodling?) at night--trying to keep my fingers in shape--and not just for typing.
Do you draw? It's amazing how different and fun it is to see what one can come up with with just pen and paper...

A very Special Junky Market Monday How-to.

2011-10-10T00:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the Rose Bowl Flea Market (it happens every 2nd Sunday of the Month in Pasadena). Faith and I scour the market every month for our clients and for ourselves. We often get friends, blog readers and acquaintances asking us for advice about the market--so I decided to lay out some of the FAQ's for the Rose Bowl Market, with answers here.

1. What Should I bring to the Market?

-Bring cash. A few vendors will accept cards and/or checks, but most accept only cash. There is an ATM on the premises but taking out cash costs $5 (ouch) and there is a $200 maximum per transaction, also the ATM line can get long and it's a drag to wait to get money out.

-Bring water. Just like the ATMs, there are beverages and snacks at the market, but they are REALLY expensive, so pack a snack and save your cash for the goods.

-Wear layers + comfy, closed toed shoes (it can be dusty). The market is huge and you'll be doing a lot of walking, and if your journey is successful-- a lot of schlepping, so wear comfy clothes and layers because it can be brisk in the mornings-- but then it gets hot. Sunglasses and/or a hat help to. Don't forget the sunscreen.

-Bring big bags. Unless you fell like making 3 trips to your car and back, bring some big bags. I like those big blue Ikea bags because they are huge and sturdy.

-If you're serious about finding furniture, bring a truck or van. With some vendors you can work out delivery options, but mostly, you're going to want to take your purchases back home with you directly, so if you plan on buying furniture, considering renting a van or truck to get your goods home in.

2. What's the best time to get to the Rose Bowl Market?

The answer to this question depends a lot on your purpose for going to the market. If you are going for a leisurely Sunday outing, I recommend that you get there at 9AM- the admission price goes down to $8 per person, it's early enough to still be cool, and to get a decent parking spot. The market is also less crowded the earlier you go, which makes it more pleasant. If you wanna be all hard core though and get first dibs on the goods, then express admission from 8:00am - 9:00am is $10.00 per person, early admission from 7:00am - 8:00am is $15.00 per person, and a special preview VIP admission is from 5:00am - 7:00am and costs $20.00 per person.Ya.

The earliest I've ever gotten there was at 7:00AM. It was awesome.

3. What's the best way to shop the market?

There is no 'right' way to shop the market. Duh. However, there are some things you may find helpful. The front area by the admission is mostly new stuff. I usually skip that section. There is also food and live music in the front area. I usually skip that section too.

The next section out (and this section is HUGE) has most of the Tchochkes, furniture, objects, art etc. whereas the outer area has mostly clothing. That is not to say you won't find clothing in the furniture section and vice versa, but as a general guideline it's true. In the 'furniture' section, each row is marked by a letter, and each booth has a number, so a booth may be in spot K8 or S2. Note these numbers if you need to meet up with someone or if you need to come back to a booth for any reason.

I usually walk all the way to the far corner of the market and then weave my way through each isle so that I don't miss anything. If I find something that I like, I put a deposit on the item, note the booth number and come back at the end to pay the balance and pick up the goods so I don't have to schlepp through the whole market holding a bunch of heavy stuff.

Examine items thoroughly--in the excitement of a good find it can be easy to overlook holes and stains--so do your homework.

4. Can I bargain?

Yes you can and you should. The market can be expensive and it's annoying to pay boutique prices at a flea market. Bargaining is part of the fun. There really is an art to it, too, but Faith will have to do a post on that because she truly is a maser at the fine art of bargaining. I would say as a rule think about how much you'd pay for the item before you ask the price, so you have an idea of what it's worth to you. Also, a lot of times if you buy more than one thing at a given booth people are often willing to do 'batch' pricing. Lastly, be fair when bargaining--don't low-ball and don't take it personally if people don't lower the price. You can always try coming back to see if later on in the day the item is still there and if they are willing to go down on the price.

5. How do I know how much something is worth?

I often looks things up using my iphone--if there is a painting or a print or something I may want to know more about the artist-- but mostly, I never know what an items monetary worth is-- it's more about the connection I have with something, or how that item makes me feel, or how crazy rad it's going to look in my clients' living room- than a monetary value. But as a little trick-- I sometimes try and imagine the item in a different setting-- I may say to myself, if this lamp/chair/dress was at Lawson Fenning, or Amsterdam Modern or Resurrection how much would it cost?

Hope you all found this helpful!

I wonder if any of you have any tips for shopping the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul as I will be heading there on the 18th... Woohoo! (I hear it's even crazier than the Rose Bowl!!)

TTYL.

xoxo