I'm Back....

I'm back from a nice vacation with the fam.  The kids are off track, so we went to Las Vegas with Mr. D and enjoyed some amazingly warm weather, while Mr. D had some work to do.  We went to a different park everyday and had frozen yogurt everyday... in fact, it was so warm that the kids were complaining it was too hot. Funny. Their little bodies just didn't have time to adjust! They went from snow & freezing cold, to hot & sunny 80-90 degree weather. We surprised the kids with a little 2 day trip to Cali too. Loved my time with the kids, however, I had a hard time being disconnected from the computer for a week. I usually put the kids to bed and hop on the computer... well, I guess the bonus to no internet is more sleep. :) I now have a lot to catch up with, but am always grateful for playtime with my kiddos. Will post more photos later.

Inspiring Color: Chartreuse & Gray

New favorite color combo: Chartreuse and Gray. 

Also diggin' the thick stripes and Chartreuse tufted settee.

photo via here

Designer Highlight: Meg Braff

  

There are many designers that I follow and adore... 

however, I am going to go out-on-a-limb and say that Meg Braff has become one of my favorite designers.  

I'm continually impressed with her style and la, la, love that she includes so many colors and textures. 

I'm also impressed with how her designs can be fresh and unique 

while remaining classy and timeless.  

Once again, Coastal Living, has revealed some more of her fabulous work, 

but this time, these lovely photos happen to be of her very own West Palm Beach condo. 

Hey Meg! Next time I'm in Florida, how would you like to get lunch? 

I'd love to come see this fantastic condo for myself!

I am such a fan of warm orange mixed with cool blue. It is a beautiful combo and this room looks 

amazing paired with bold white. The wallpaper Meg Braff used is so fun and unique.

This dinning room is classy & simple, yet bold & vibrant.

Love how it is anchored with white, splashed with bright, happy colors, and evened with the green plant.

Daring. 

I don't know if I would have ever had guts to create a bright aqua bedroom, 

but I certainly I'm impressed with this fun room.

The unique coffee table and shell-inspired ceiling fixture makes this room so whimsical. 

The bold aqua furniture paired with the green pillows is genius, and Oh! hello lovely yellow. 

Although I'm not one for a pink attack, I love how the Asian-inspired wallpaper 

and a geometric print on throw pillows keeps this bedroom classy and mature. 

I just can't get enough of Meg Braff's designs. Can't wait to covet more of her work.

Photos via Coastal Living, Photographer Annie Schlechter, Designer Meg Braff

Karyn Millet Photography

Right now, I'm inspired by the photography of artist, Karyn Millet.

I've enjoyed her photography throughout different magazines, 

but these photos are pure amazing.  Oh, how I wish I could enjoy one of Karyn's  

inspiring photos in my home. Just lovely.

The Daily Dish

Here is a nice fuzzy iphone photo of my morning with the ladies from 

The Daily Dish and Good Things Utah. 

I've been a bit preoccupied this week...

 I was invited to go on The Daily Dish, which is a local lifestyle morning show.  

I've never been on TV and I was over-the-top NERVOUS.  Funny thing was, 

I was scheduled to go on toward the end of the show, but the person that was

 scheduled to be in the first segment didn't make it there in time, so I had to rush on! 

They didn't even know she wasn't there until they went to commercial and then they realized she wasn't there... so they rushed my table on the set 

and before I know it I hear: "5,4,3,2,1!" 

I was so frazzled and hadn't quite finished setting up, and had No clue where to stand. Ha! What an experience. At the beginning, my voice was all shaky but after a minute 

I think I was able to pull-it-together a bit. Wow! What an experience. 

I was asked to do a segment on Sprucing up you kitchen for Spring...

{More on that later}

I'm glad I did it and ended up having a lot of fun with the gals on the show. 

 I'm so glad I didn't give-in to my fears, and not do it, even though I desperately wanted to. :)  Now, I know more of what to expect when I go back. Yes, I did say that I'd do it again... YIKES! :{/:}

Dear Daily Dish, Thanks for having my on! 

Ladies, You're Fabulous!

MARCH MADNESS DISCOUNT & GIVEAWAY!!!!

March Madness!

 DISCOUNT:
20 % OFF ENTIRE PURCHASE

ENTER CODE: MP20off

Fun & Fresh new items:

Decor Pillows, Children's Art, Journals, Aprons, 

Gardening Tools, Kitchen Tools, Cosmetic Bags, 
and so much more!

Go To Modern Palm to Shop!

GIVEAWAY:

if you're not already a friend with us on twitter or facebook
then please become one! We'd LOVE to be friends!

THEN, send us a comment via 
Twitter
Facebook
or comment below on our 
blog

If you tell us one of your fave  products at


Modern Palm 

 and share the love by letting your friends know,
then you will be entered to win a

$50 Gift Certificate

to spend how you'd like!

Please share the love and hopefully you'll win! 
woot! woot!

Kobo Candles: A "New Obsession" for Rachel Bilson

Kobo Candles have been highlighted many times in many different magazines and on many different web sites.  All I can say is I'm a HUGE fan of Kobo Soy Candles.  In fact, that is the reason I added them to Modern Palm... I fell in with the book and the cover.  The packaging is unique and beautiful, you don't even need gift wrapping, and the scents are memorable, unique, and fresh.  "Woooow!" Is usually the word that sneaks out after someone smells a Kobo Candle for the first time. 

Rachel Bilson added the Kobo Candle to her "New Obsession" list in her column in Instyle.

Kobo Candles are created using environmentally friendly materials and are made of domestically grown sustainable soybeans.  The scents are achieved by using the finest boutique fragrance houses in the US. 

Other Magazines & Press that Kobo Soy Candles have been a part of:

 

 Don't forget that the Kobo Candles from Modern Palm 

were included on Martha Stewart's Christmas Gift Guide!
Pretty cool stuff...

Stunningly Tropical

via Anthropologie

Inspiration in Stripes

IMAGE CREDIT: COUNTRY LIVING / VICTORIA PEARSON 

I've been looking at different wallpaper ideas for my entry and hallway... 

I've wanted to paint stripes in this location for about a year, however, I've become nervous that it's over-done, so I thought I'd put wallpaper there instead.  

Then, I saw this photo with the wide black & white horizontal stripes in the 

latest Country Living and fell in love all over again.  

Over-done or not, it is still wonderful and I still heart stripes in a big way! 

In addition to the stripes and chandelier, I'm loving the photo gallery on 

both sides of the wall and love how the stripes highlight the ceiling

See the rest of this house via Country Living!

"You Had Me at Hello!" Journals & Notecards in Modern Palm Boutique

These journals and notecards are so beautiful... 

they'll have you at Hello! 

Just one look at these journals and notecards 

and you'll fall in love with how darling they are, 

 but you'll also love the fun & unique decorative interiors of the journals 

and the different designs that are included in the notecard packs. 

From birds & owls, to flowers & trees, 

there are many different themed journals and cards.

**I personally love using journals to keep track of things my children say and do. Each child has their own journal and periodically I'll write down different quotes they say, cute or not-so-cute things they do, 

different facts or current favorites (food, colors, movies, books, etc.).

On their birthdays I'll write them a little note/letter in their journal. 

And someday, when they're older, they'll receive these journals. 

Also, in a world of technology, I still believe in the power 

of notecards and thank you cards... 

I personally love to receive a thank you card in the mail. 

The thought is so personal and lovely.

How about you? 

Are you good at keeping a personal journal or what do you use them for? 

Are you good at writing cards or do you still love receiving them?

The Whistle Bag by Jack and Lulu

Why is that the Jack and Lulu Whistle Bag 

I'm seeing at the bottom of the stairs? 

While flipping through my blessed magazine, Coastal Living, 

I spotted my favorite canvas bag inconspicuously placed in the beautiful home 

of Julie and Tom Murphy.

Julie happens to be the founder and owner of Jack and Lulu, 

a line that I happen to carry in Modern Palm. 

Julie's home was featured in the December issue of Coastal Living.  They restored a 1785 cottage in Rowayton, Connecticut, and it is sure a charmer. 

I loved seeing what they've done to this darling home. 

While the home now looks more modern and updated, 

they were able to still hold on to the character, charm, and old-fashion 

feel that really makes the home so timeless and welcoming.

Are you surprised that I'm loving obsessed with these yellow Tolix chairs?

This bedroom has a lovely antique iron bed with bedposts topped with pineapples. 

Love the symbolism of the pineapple= hospitality.

And how darling are those 1951 prints of birds from a 

book called "All About Your Canary"? Such a unique and personal display.

Julie, what a beautiful home. I am in love with your style and designs, 

and love having Jack and Lulu items in Modern Palm.

*Gold Emblem Notecards

*The Whistle Canvas Bag

*Stripey Straws

*Union Jack Coasters

Cake Pops by Bakerella

 

This has got to be the best treat book ever!

Now I'm all about a yummy cupcake with delicious frosting... 

but these Cake Pops happen to be a new fave of mine! 

This Cake Pops Book  is darling and scrumptious and so fun for both adults and kids.  

I love the photography and organization of the book and think it has 

great ideas for a either a little activity or a big party. 

Some of my fave ideas:

Sweet Heart Pops: perfect for Valentines!

Pirate Pops: Great for my son's next birthday party

Game Ball Pops: I think I'll take some to my son's Basketball Game

Owls: I can't wait to make with my daughter...she'll love them

Sweet Snowmen: my kids loved, loved, loved making and eating these! We had a nice little activity during a cold, snowy day.

For some other ideas for Valentines click Modern Palm

Altitude Design Summit 2011

First off, aren't these retro lunch boxes just fantastic? The goodies that were found inside were so fun too! My kids were trying to take over my "treasure box."

Do you ever just FREEZE when you get overwhelmed? 
Lately, I have been doing this excessively... 
I just get so overwhelmed with things I should be doing, or want to be doing, and then these little insecurities sneak in too and it's like this triple paralyzing threat to me. Shouldn't I be able to handle life's stresses better as I age, instead of FREEZING?
I've been wanting to write about Alt Summit, but frankly, I don't think that I'm very good at putting my thoughts into words to express what I really would like to convey.  Regardless, I need to write about this just so I can remind myself why I enjoyed two days with some *crazy* amazing people. 

So, Alt Summit is basically a two day conference where there are keynote speakers, blogging classes, panels, DIY workshops, parties, and a lot of socializing with new & old friends!  I loved re-acquainting with those I met last year, and getting to know many new ladies. I am excited to apply my new-found inspiration and motivation to both my blog, a pina colada, and shop, Modern Palm. 

To complete the festivities, a series of mini parties were hosted at the hotel by the sponsors. The Kate Spade party was off the hook fun! Aren't the decorations fantastic? The black and white striped base with the fun, bright colors are P*E*R*F*E*C*T! Loved the black glasses, thanks to the Girls with Glasses who helped host the event. And the Kate Spade goody bag, filled with some lovely treats, was a great way to top off the event.

 The keynote lunch on Thursday featured Mondo and Seth Aaron from project runway, and the keynote on Friday was DJ Spooky. They were all very interesting, entertaining and informative! So fun meeting them all too. I was also excited hear from the lovely Tina Roth Eisenberg of Swiss Miss. I really enjoyed her humor and honesty during the closing keynote speech. 

photo via Armelle
{Caitlin of Caitlin Creer Interiors, 
Kirsten of 6th Street Design School, 

Amanda of Recycled Consign and Design, 
Armelle of Armelle Jewelry,& me}

 

It was great meeting the lovely ladies pictured above.

They are all very talented, wonderful, and fun! 

Here are a few of the lovely ladies and friends I was able get to know better: Rachel of Black*Eiffel,Stephanie of StephModo, Suann Song of Simplesong, Jane of See Jane Blog,Courtney of BeauCourt,Alma of Alma Loveland Designs, Kirsten of Simply Grove, Melissa of IS•LY, Dandee of Dandee Designs, Stephanie of Nie Nie Dialogues, Janie of We Heart Paper, Trina of La La Lovely, Madeline of Uber Chic for Cheap,Erin & Rachael of Today's Mama!  WOW! I could go on and on, and I think I just might, in another post...coming soon. :)I'm so grateful for all the new 
knowledge, motivation,and friends I gained from such a great conference.  I'm already looking forward to next year!  

All images courtesy of ALT Design Summit 2011 and 

photo booth images by angela and ithyle

Signing Off for the Weekend...

Yea! I'm so excited! Today I'm heading off to to Vegas for the Winter Market
that is held at the World Market in Vegas twice a year.  Due to my husbands work,
we are down in Vegas quite a bit, but this trip is going to be very different...
extremely different. I usually have 4 children in tote, discovering the many great playgrounds or
splash parks that are in Vegas. I never really enjoy the shopping and outlets,
because currently it would be more exhausting than fun.  This time, I'll be going with some friends
and we will be focused solely on checking out the latest and greatest products
that will be ideal for Modern Palm. 

I can't wait to show you what I find and add it to the shop. Have a great weekend! :)

Listography Journals

With the start of a new year, now is the perfect time to start a journal! These Listography Journals are so creative and fun. They make the perfectly creative gift for a friend, son or daughter, husband, wife, girlfriend, or boyfriend.  Think Valentines... wouldn't this be such a thoughtful and personal gift? Love it!

*With over a quarter of a million copies sold, these journals have proven to be a hit!  Brand new to the collection is My Future Listography. This new journal helps one list all their hopes and dreams and encourages users to envision future goals and aspirations. This journal also includes over 70 all-new thought-provoking list topics that range from the practical (places to visit, habits to break, good deeds to perform) to the more whimsical (animals to adopt, other lives to lead, events to time-travel to). With quirky hand-drawn illustrations and insightful prompts throughout, this journal invites the motivation and fun that come with pondering the road ahead. Perfect for planners, list-lovers, and dreamers of all ages!

*List-makers rejoice! This quirky and imaginative guided journal is the ultimate tool for creating a unique autobiography entirely in list form. Some lists are obvious (greatest accomplishments, best friends, favorite food), others obscure (guiltiest pleasures, greatest acts of kindness, personal fashion trends), and each list is accompanied by hilarious illustrations. Listography is perfect for getting down all the details of a life less ordinary.

*My Listography  is quirky journal is perfect for the younger list-maker to create an entire autobiography in list form! Covering everything from favorite books and movies to secret wishes and dreams for the future, each list also comes with a comical illustration—perfect for hours of list-making fun. I think this is a great journal for a young adults or teens. 

New Colors! Divine Bakers Twine

Just added new colors! 

Plum, Brown, Blueberry, 

and Air Mail (Red, White, and Blue) 

We now have 12 different colors to choose from. 

Bakers Twine is perfect for making creative 

Valentine Cards, 

or wrapping any cookies or treats.  

REMEMBER: Presentation is everything! ;)

Colcasac Natural Sleeves for the MacBook, iPhone, iPad, & Kindle

Modern Palm carries the Colcasac Natural Sleeves 

and we've recently added new designs and styles to our shop.

If you received a MacBook, iPad, iPhone, or Kindle for Christmas, then chances are 

you're looking for a unique and stylish protective cover for your new technology!

The bonus is these sleeves are durable and environmental friendly!

I personally use these sleeves, and I absolutely love their designs and materials. 

They also make a thoughtful, unique, and fantastic gift...

Hello! Think Valentines! It is right around the corner! 

Do you have a lovely love or "friend" that would love to receive one?

Check out our new inventory. 

LDW Online Magazine Gift Guide

I feel like I'm still trying to catch up from the crazy month of December! I have new product that I still need to put up on the site and introduce to you, that you're going to love! I've also failed to mention another Gift Guide we were included in for the holidays was Latter Day Woman Magazine. 
Once again we were called the "ultimate gift boutique!" Awww! That's exciting that other people think that too, because I totally feel like we are.  In fact, some of our new additions, which I'll be sharing soon, would make the perfect gifts... for yourself! :)

Make a Fresh Start with Your Home Decor

It's A New Year!

Make a fresh start with your home decor

by adding some bright and happy fruit!

 

Get the look of the famous Jonathan Adler pillows,

but pay half the price!

These pillows will add a fun, bold, modern

and groovy feel to your family room,

bedroom, kitchen, mudroom,

child's room...

well, basically any room

 where you may add this fantastic pillow.

Modern Palm

has a great selection of home decor pillows for any room in the home.

For reals... a great selection that I think you'll love!