Valentine's Day Craft Ideas

Soccer Mom Style

I don't know about you guys, but it seems like Valentine's Day always sneaks up on me. With the holiday rush between Christmas and the New Year, January tends to fly by and before you know it February is half-way over. I'm making a concerted effort this year to prepare with some DIY Valentines for my family. There is something so much more special about a handmade gift for this holiday. For inspiration, I've pulled together a Pinterest board with some of my favorite V-day craft ideas. Click through below to check it out!

Follow Latoya's board Valentine's Day on Pinterest.

Artist Spotlight: Jean-Michel Basquiat

Untitled (1960)

A leader in the new wave art movement in 1980’s New York, Jean-Michel Basquiat was an electrifying talent. The duality of his experience brought unique perspective to his works. Starting in the graffiti scene as part of the duo known as SAMO in the late 1970s, Basquiat went on to refine his own style of Neo-expressionism. Basquiat was close friends with art scene elites like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Those relationships were often reflected in work partnerships. Key marks of his works include the crown, music, race and self-identity. With success came battles with substance abuse, ultimately leading to his untimely death in 1987 due to an overdose.

Untitled - Fallen Angel (1981)

Cabeza (1982)

Untitled (1982)

Self-Portrait (1982)

Dos Cabezas (1982)

Obnoxious Liberals (1982)

Horn Players (1983)

Untitled - Julius Caesar on Gold (1981)

Decor Trend: Modern Chinoiserie

I've always been a fan of Chinoiserie decor, but I'm really loving the way designers are refreshing the style by integrating a modern twist. Pops of color, textured layers, and moody contrasts work together to create luxe vibes. I'm debating whether I want to incorporate this aesthetic in one of my bathrooms, the laundry room, or a more central gathering area. Here are a few of my favorite modern Chinoiserie inspiration images from Pinterest.

Digs Digs

Dreams of Bliss

Modern Declaration

Mark D. Sykes

House Beautiful - Chinoiserie Chic

Pinterest - Source Unknown

Follow Latoya's board Modern Chinoiserie on Pinterest.

Marsala: Pantone's 2015 Color of the Year

There have been mixed emotions expressed by those in the design world about Pantone's latest choice for color of the year. Paired with colors like black, cream, and gray, I think Marsala adds a luxe pop of color. The deep hue is perfect for Fall and Winter. I'm curious to see how people integrate the color for Spring and Summer. These are some of my fav Marsala-ish picks of the moment.

Early Easter: Late Spring Arrival

In the past few weeks, I have been willing Spring to come our way. We've had spurts of warm yet breezy weather over the last few days -- including my wonderful birthday / early Easter weekend -- but it seems as if winter weather may be rearing it's head again. So while it may be turning frigid again for the moment outdoors, it's still springtime inside my home with beautiful ranunculus and hyacinths.

2013 Color of the Year: Emerald

Emerald: 2013 Color of the Year 

Green has always been one of my favorite hues. The liveliness it brings to interior and outdoor spaces, and fashion is something that I crave. Thus, I was incredibly excited when Pantone announced that Emerald was the color of the year for 2013. Now, people across the blogosphere have been blogging about this since the announcement late last year - I actually started pulling items for this post in early 2013. But, with the cold weather, I just wasn't inspired to complete the effort. With Spring just now starting to pop through the cold spells, and bring life back to my dark and cold world, I've been inspired to revive this post. Enjoy!

Birthday Reflections

I often wonder if I'm alone in cherishing my birthday as much as I do. Everyone enjoys attention and gifts, but it's much less a about that for me. Each year, I take time to reflect on how blessed I am to be here in this world and how much I appreciate my life and my family. It's become even more poignant with the loss of my grandfather this year. Yesterday was a milestone birthday for a couple reasons -- not only my age -- it was the first year I did not hear "Happy Birthday, Baby!" live from my grandfather's voice. I do, however, continue to replay it in my head. And, that, along with all the other blessings God has bestowed on me -- great husband, cute dog, supportive family -- has made this the best birthday yet. I'm growing, and I love it.

All the best!

L.

 

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Happy 2013!

Here's to starting 2013 off right! I'm proclaiming this new year as one of great promise, growth, and achievements – a renewal of sorts. Evolving current concepts. Giving life to new ones. 

My only resolution this year: Get things done, and enjoy myself all along the way! 

What are your goals for the new year?