[ simplesong ]

decorating with old photos by guest blogger kate headley

Sometimes guests think it's a little odd that I have photos of strangers hanging on my walls, but I love finding unique black and white images at flea markets + vintage shops.  They're elegant, yet quirky.  Maybe you even have some of your family that you aren't sure what to do with.

In the photo above (left) is a group shot or a "yard long photograph" of a knitting club I got for $15, which is in my entry way. The other (right) is a graduating class from 1915 I found in a little shop in Fredericksburg, Virginia called Visual Treats (I'm not going to mention the cost of that one in case my husband is reading, but let's say they range from $15 to into the hundreds depending on how special they are. And you can tell how special they are by the frame, age of photo, size, significance, condition and overall feel of the photo. That one really spoke to me.)

This spread in Country Living magazine confirms I'm not alone in my love for decorating with strangers, here's a few highlights:

I will be guest blogging again next week, thanks to Suann for having me while she's on vacation!

vacation

We're headed off to Mexico for a week [yay!] ...

I'll be back to blogging on 2/9 but come back + visit my little blog while I'm away.  I've lined up a few very talented friends to guest blog ...

- Amazingly talented photographer Kate
- Mary who is a super talented writer + keeps this amazing photo blog
- and Jane who finds all things pretty + paper

Thank you, you three!

[lovely photo via serendipty from here]

i never knew ...

I could love tape this much ...

I got the tape from DWR ... + its perfect.  The colors, the finish, everything.  And you might ask what will I be using it for?  Well, to start its perfect for my sketchbook ... before I starting coming up with wedding ideas on the computer for my clients I usually sketch it out + tape little bits of inspiration - and I love the little splashes of color the tape adds.  Simple pleasures. :] 

**edit:  just in case you need that extra push to get the tape ... dwr is having free shipping until 2/3!

organic giraffe

Like many, I love stripes.  And I'm loving these scarves ...

From organic giraffe [via mint]

And so sad about Domino.  I'm going to pull out my old issues + enjoy each page.

this is where we live

Winter gets me in a reading mood.  So, I especially adore this video right now ...
This Is Where We Live from 4th Estate on Vimeo.

[via this blog which I do not understand but has very pretty photos]

snow ... finally!

We finally got our first snow for the season ...

I've been so looking forward to this as our little one is at the age where he knows what it is + can enjoy it.  Needless to say, we had lots of fun this morning ... especially while he was "mowing the snow". 

pretty bike photos

I know bike images are everywhere ... but I couldn't resist posting some of these favorites from here ...

All images via the very cool blog, Copenhagen Cycle Chic.

pretty photos

Love all of Kate's favorite photos posted over at Ritzy Bee.  And how cute is the photo shoot Kate did for Maria [of Ritzy Bee + local event planner] ...

Kate has such an amazing eye + love her use of props.

japanese design love II

On the same site I discovered these lovely linen goodies ...

And these cookies ...

I looove this site [Jane, if you haven't seen it ... you must go].

japanese design love I

I stumbled across this Japanese site + became quickly obsessed with this tape ...

I think I need this tape. Anyone by chance know where I can get it online or in the U.S?  Nevermind, it looks like DWR carries the solid colors!