Living The Sweet Life

Simply the Sweet Life Magazine Spring 2011 Release Party!

2011-05-02T07:12:00.000-06:00

The Spring Issue No.2 of Simply the Sweet Life Magazine is going to be released tonight! It will be released tonight at our twitter party. We will also be having a wonderful giveaway just in time for Mother's Day. Be sure to join us.

@SweetLifeMag

@SweetLifeinThe

I'm Back

2011-02-14T13:36:00.000-07:00

I'm back to share my love of design and Living the Sweet Life. I am also working on a wonderful NEW project- Simply the Sweet Life Magazine. Please have a look.

We have some great blog post for Valentine's Day as well

Handmade Chocolate Truffles
Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes
Sewing Cards Valentine's Craft

xo
April-Living the Sweet Life

Christmas Time is Here

2009-12-02T12:11:00.001-07:00

{photo from hgtv}

" Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer." I love Christmas time. I also love vintage glass ornaments. I collect new ones every year to add to my holiday decor. They remind me of my grandma's house and all her pretty mid-century glass balls. What do you collect?

Cake Stands * Love it List

2009-11-01T12:41:00.005-07:00

I love Fishs Eddy. What I love even more is their wonderful selection on cake stands-milk glass, jadeite, vaseline, and enamel, scallops, shells and transferware. A girl or boy could spend some money. Of course you would want to search out the finest cake recipes to display on your new treasure too.

A Perfect Table

2009-10-22T23:54:00.003-06:00

{click image to have a closer look}

I love this table from Pieces. It is just the sort of table I would love to sit down to every day with my family. From the distressed oak wood plank top, to the mahogany base, to the cross bar supports it just announces itself as a character piece in your home.

Cupcake Stands * Love it List

2009-09-21T14:37:00.003-06:00

These pretty little Cupcake Stands from FarmHouse Wares have made my Love it List. I can just imagine the lovely luncheons or tea parties or holiday gatherings complete with these cupcake stands on the table. Oh the possibilities!

Wire Baskets

2009-09-20T19:59:00.011-06:00

{Vintage Basket from Blue Bell Bazaar on Etsy}

I love pretty baskets, bins and containers of all kinds. Wire baskets are wonderful for so many things from holding potatoes and onions in the kitchen to organizing files at your desk to holding a set of your child's blocks to holding towels in the bathroom. Here are a few that I have found. What do you use your wire baskets for?

{Vintage Wire Metal Market Basket from Old Crow Farm on Etsy}

{Vintage Wireware Egg Gathering Basket on Ruby Lane}

{Wire basket holding pies from Country Living & The Farm Chicks}

Cannelle et Vanille * Beautiful Blogs

2009-08-31T16:29:00.008-06:00

{click for larger images}

I just found this beautiful blog Cannelle et Vanille by Aran Goyoaga. She is a food stylist & photographer. Take a look at her complete portfolio you will be inspired.

{all photos are courtesy & copyright of Aran Goyoaga}

La Vie en Rose Letterpress Print * Giveaway

2009-08-28T17:04:00.002-06:00

This week on my other blog Sweet Life in The Valley we are giving away one of these lovely La Vie en Rose letterpress print by Sycamore Street Press

Flowers

2009-08-23T18:12:00.004-06:00

These are the flowers we picked on our way home from our mini-cation to Salt Lake City this past week. I love fresh flowers on the table even if they are just a bunch of sunflowers that were growing wild on the side of the road. August in Utah means sunflowers. I put them in a French lemonade bottle. They are perfect! Perfectly summer.

Project * Green Kitchen Island

2009-08-23T17:22:00.000-06:00

I am working on a project. It involves the most beautiful fresh color of green. I just had to give you a quick peek. We are making an island of sorts for the kitchen. I will keep you posted as the project progresses.

Vintage Scales * In the Kitchen

2009-08-23T11:51:00.003-06:00

Vintage scales have been on my mind for a while. Now that I have the space in my new kitchen I am looking for one. Even a vintage hanging scale would be lovely hanging in the corner. I love the orange enamel on the children's scale above. An old candy scale could be fun too. There is a beautiful cast iron green enamel scale at a local antique store I would love for my birthday that is coming up in a couple of weeks. Have you found any vintage scales lately?
You can find these scales here here here and here.

Looking * Velvet Sofa

2009-08-14T18:43:00.006-06:00

{English Roll Arm Sofa from Restoration Hardware}

I am looking for a beautiful deep seated traditional style velvet sofa for my living room remodel. Something in a nice rich taupe color would be perfect. Similar to the one pictured above.

John Hughes

2009-08-14T00:49:00.002-06:00

{photo from Pretty in Pink}

Though this is a couple of weeks late I have been thinking over it for a little bit now. I am so sad to hear that John Hughes passed away at such a young age. His wonderful movies defined my teen years. I remember seeing The Breakfast Club with a friend of mine in the movie theater. We would watch Sixteen Candles over and over again. Some of my favorite actors started out in his movies such as Joan and John Cusack. I love Duckie from Pretty in Pink. I had a huge high school crush on Regan Packard who just happen to be very duckiesk. I would even sew my own skirts for dances. I started off my teen years in the Chicago burbs where most of John Hughes movies were filmed. I could relate in so many ways. Christmas Vacation is a family tradition in our home as well as the Home Alone 1 & 2. It really does amaze me how much influence his movies have had in my life. Rest in peace dear old friend I never really new.

Sweet Housekeeping * Mrs. Meyers, Caldrea and Farmhouse

2009-08-03T14:29:00.004-06:00

One thing I will spend extra money in is Mrs. Meyers lemon verbena glass window cleaner. Since I wash my glasses every morning. It is a special treat to have the heavenly fresh scent of lemon verbena in the air while I am doing it. I love washing all the glass in the house because of the lemon verbena that is wafting in the air after words.
Another great money investment is good quality tools. No matter the job a good quality tool makes the job more enjoyable. I just order on of these pretty natural counter brushes from Caldrea to sweep away crumbs off the counter top and table top. I can't wait for it to arrive.

A favorite dish soap. If you have to wash a dish by hand the Farm House lemon verbena liquid dish soap is one of the best I have ever used. A very little goes a long way. The dishes clean very easily plus it is a eco-friendly plant based soap.

We also use the Farmhouse Furniture Wax from Sweet Grass Farm in the lavender scent. It is also Eco-friendly with an added mood friendly bonus.
Love them all!

Lighting * Chandeliers

2009-07-28T21:31:00.012-06:00

{ Kichler Olde Bronze Halogen Swivel Ceiling Fixture }

{New Growth Chandelier}

I am looking for a kitchen ceiling lighting fixture. I would like something that adds a lot more light to our kitchen and possibly directional light to our kitchen work spaces. I love the looks of both of these.

All Modern * Kitchen * Simplehuman Trash Can

2009-07-17T20:10:00.005-06:00

I was asked to review the All Modern site. All Modern is an online shop with modern and contemporary furniture and accessories. It was perfect timing. I am designing a new kitchen and one of the thing I knew I wanted to have in my new kitchen is a brushed steel trash can with a step open lid. I love the Simplehuman trash can I ordered from All Modern. It's durable quality will last for years. It looks great too. Oh and it is finger print proof.
A plus-All Modern offers free shipping on orders over $69 plus no tax which makes most of there items much less expensive than getting them from a local store.

Another item I love are these Skyline Furniture - Armless Chairs in Gerber Surf. I love the color and the style. I am seriously considering getting a set of them for the living room.
All Modern has many great brands like Knoll, Herman Miller, Blu Dot, Dwell Studio, Bliss Living Home and more.

Good Neighbors * Lavender Banana Bread and Helping Hands

2009-07-13T13:35:00.006-06:00

This past week we have been moving into our new house. The first day we arrived with our moving truck the word got out that we would be moving in that day. Within minutes of pulling up to the house we had at least ten of our neighbors there to unload the truck. The next day another neighbor brought over some banana bread to welcome us. And the next day a couple of neighbor girls left this little bunch of lavender on our front porch. What a wonderful way to start out living in our new home. I now have this bunch of lavender in my bathroom. It is a perfect reminder to think of others every day and how a simple act makes all the difference.

Happy Independence Day!

2009-07-03T13:24:00.005-06:00

{image via here}

Have a Happy Fourth of July Weekend. I love our country!

Botanical Fruit Prints * Redoute

2009-07-03T11:53:00.006-06:00

Although Belgian artist and botanist Pierre-Joseph Redoute is know for his rose prints I am in love with his fruit prints. I have been collecting Redoute botanical fruit prints over the past couple of years to hang in my kitchen. Now that I am in the process of a remodel I am trying to decide how I want to frame them. The vintage feel and look would contrast nicely with a modern kitchen.

Modern Pillows * Robins Egg Pink on Etsy

2009-07-01T09:32:00.005-06:00

{Tangerine Swirl Pillow}

{Mod Blue Pillow}

{Modern Chrysanthemum Pillow}

A very easy very quick way to add some color and change up the decor in a room is to add some pillows. I love these mod stylish and very affordable pillows from Robins Egg Pink on Etsy found via one of my new favorite blogs The Bright Side Project.

Flowers * Peonies and Roses

2009-06-29T16:28:00.003-06:00

{Pink Peonies via Country Living Magazine}

{Vera Wang Roses via FTD}

Anything from a bunch of peonies from the garden to a more formal arrangement, flower always brighten up a room. I love the dreamy pinks in the peonies above. I am so happy to see Vera Wang creating some beautiful arrangements for FTD. Everything Vera does is simply impeccable.

Design Blog Finds * Amy Atlas Interview * Sweet Parties

2009-06-24T12:16:00.008-06:00

I love Amy Atlas' parties. Her pretty events filled with monochromatic treats seem like a wonderland that any child would love to live in or even me! Ever wonder who Amy Atlas is? Decor8 has a wonderful interview with Amy. Decor8 -Meet Amy Atlas
Be sure to visit Amy's Site too Amy Atlas Events

Unexpected flowers * Red Geranium Flower Puff

2009-06-14T23:56:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was stormy and over cast. My geranium handing basket fell and this pretty red geranium flower puff broke off. I am kind of glad it did. I brought it in the house. It's bright red color is now brightening our table in this dreary weather. Fresh flowers around the house are a Sweet Thing.

Giveaway * Pixie Dust Tuffet

2009-06-13T12:45:00.005-06:00

On Sweet Life in The Valley we are giving away this beautiful Lime Pagoda Tuffet from Pixie Dust. It is the very same tuffet I included in my Green Pink & Blue Inspiration Board. Mention you saw this post when entering for an extra entry.

Design Blog Finds * Sunny Buttery Yellow Inspiration

2009-06-11T13:14:00.004-06:00

{image via this is glamorous via martha stewart}

I love yellow. It's such a happy color. Just sitting in a yellow room will lift your mood. I am seriously considering a bedroom re-design in yellows, pinks and whites. This is Glamorous has a sunny yellow + pom-poms post for more yellow inspiration.

In the Kitchen * New Flooring

2009-06-09T22:46:00.004-06:00

{Cork Flooring}

{Bamboo Flooring}

I am looking for new flooring for my kitchen. This cork floor looks amazing. I love the options in color and pattern. Another great eco friendly option is the bamboo. Now to choose.

Design Blog Finds * Sinks

2009-06-06T03:43:00.005-06:00

Things I love in this kitchen:
The beautiful faucet- Kitchen scales add interest, a great addition to your kitchen plus they are fun- Wooden drying rack -Butcher block counter tops- And the apron front sink.

{from Country Homes and Interiors}

Linda at Restyled Home has a great post about kitchen sinks be sure to check it out Here: A Sink-ing Feeling

Magazine Inspiration * Martha Stewart Living

2009-06-06T00:43:00.005-06:00

Oh how I would love to have a barn that I could turn into my home. If I could find one right now I would buy it and get to work creating a dreamy space for my family much like the Cox family did. I love the Adirondack chairs and the pool that has grass right up to the edge. With the weather vane, the french windows, the sliding barn door, and a big shade tree it must be a heavenly get away.

I wish I had a house full of girls to share this big loft style bedroom. I can just imagine them staying up at night talking about boys and giggling.
My favorites in this bedroom:
It's openness with the exposed beams- The crisp white quilts look refreshing and cozy- Lots of light- Be sure to look in the Martha Stewart Living Magazine for the full effect of this room. This picture is only half of it.

My favorites in this bathroom:
The square paver floors-Love the robins egg blue enamel trash can- Great vintage farmhouse sink- A bench added to the shower and what looks like a cemented shower wall- Of course one of my classic favorites beadboard walls.

This month Martha Stewart Living Magazine is full of inspiration. I really enjoyed the resourceful use of material that Deborah Cox used to create a cozy guest house. I think it has been one of my favorite issues and I have been reading it since 1991.

Design Elements * For the Love of Maps

2009-06-05T10:50:00.006-06:00

via Three Potato Four

via Antique-Map

There is just something about a map. I have an inexpensive map of the US in pastel colors hanging above my desk. It makes me happy every time I look up at it. Adding a map be it vintage, antique, pull down or just the $9.95 pastel version adds a little something special to any room.

In The Bathroom * Shower Curtains

2009-06-04T00:40:00.005-06:00

Zebra Shower Curtain - this is for Ashley

Prom Night Shower Curtain from Madison Belle- My favorite! I love ruffles.

Rosewood Black and White Shower Curtain by Nicole Miller

Tiddliwinks Shower Curtain - Mod Pink & Brown

Shower Curtains Butter Collections-simple clean lines in one of my favorite colors butter yellow

Roller Rings - no plastic rings please

Glass Shower Curtain Hooks- pretty classic additions

I often find that one of the last things to be added in a home's decor is the shower curtain. I can see why. A good shower curtain is a chore to find. It may be a good idea to start with a good shower curtain when designing your bathroom and use it as your inspiration. Don't forget to look for a nice set of shower curtains rings too. No plastic please. I am going to get the set of glass shower curtains hooks above. They are so lovely.

Traditional Girls Room in Green Pink and Blue * Inspiration Board No.1

2009-06-03T12:34:00.011-06:00

{click to enlarge}

June Days:
With the color of roses in the June garden, the leafy green trees and the blues of a summer sky filled with puff clouds the first Living The Sweet Life inspiration board is for a girl's room. Color pallet~whites, fresh lime greens, pretty pinks and robin egg blues.
From left to right top to bottom:
Madeline Armoire by Pottery Barn Kids
Serena & Lily Bedding Sheet Set Penny Dot Melon at at Layla Grayce
Tuffets by Pixie Dust
Mahar Drygoods Suitcase Trio
Emmas Treasures Mansion Bed at Rosenberry Rooms
Read With Me Print by Sarah Jane Studios
White Base With Pink Hardback Shade at Target
Shaggy Raggy Lime Jersey Cotton Rug at Layla Grayce
Heather Bailey Fresh Cut Fabrics-Spring

Garden Rooms * Outdoor Chaise Lounges

2009-06-03T03:46:00.011-06:00

{Arbor Chaise by Crate and Barrel}

{Wellington Chaise Lounge at Target}

{St Barth's Outdoor Chaise by William-Sonoma Home}

{Chesapeake Double Chaise by Pottery Barn}

I can see myself spending hours this summer reading a book or a favorite magazine on one of these chaise lounges sipping a frozen lemonade while the kids are playing in the yard. Extending your living space to the outdoors creates a peaceful calming element to your home life.

My Favorite Set Decorators * You've Got Mail

2009-06-02T03:04:00.000-06:00

When I watch a movie of the things that draw me into the movie is good set decor. I love the set decoration on You've Got Mail. Kathleen Kelly's apartment is adorned with an eclectic feminine feel in contrast to Joe Fox's more formal masculine apartment to reflect their personalities. I love Kathleen's desk and chair- so open and comfortable. The echo of the egg and dart design in the outside architectural elements on her window that repeats in the door frame around her bathroom is genius. The old piano tops of the apartment design to make it perfect for Kathleen. One of my favorite things in Joe's apartment is the tall clock in the hall with it's strong masculine straight lines. The Shop around the corner is just the sort of children's book store I would love to spend hours in with my children. It is everything from the old counter to the lovely bookshelves. Even the open sign on the door of the shop and the bell that rings when you enter creates a nostalgic feel. The set decorators for You've Got Mail are Susan Bode and Ellen Christiansen. I couldn't find any photos of the set but these two photos show a little bit of Kathleen & Joe's apartment. Notice the vase of flowers on Kathleen's desk- just so pretty. If you know of some please let me know. I would love to add them.

Flooring * Wide Plank Reclaimed Wood Floors

2009-06-01T23:00:00.003-06:00

{photo from Appalachian Woods}

I love woods floors. They are my choice flooring. Wide plank reclaimed wood flooring is the cream of wood floors. They are eco-friendly, full of history and character. These beautiful old-growth planks come from old factories, barns, and homes. You can find antique reclaimed wood flooring in oak, teak, maple, chestnut, hickory, heart pine and more.

2009-06-01T14:54:00.001-06:00

Coming soon...
Living The Sweet Life with April
Post on home-garden-food-design

Ad prices

2009-06-01T00:56:00.000-06:00

My ads on Living The Sweet Life start at only $50 which means they are priced for perfectly for small business.

About:

Living The Sweet Life is a design based blog with posts on home, garden food and design. Written by April Atwater founder & editor of Sweet Life in The Valley, Out & About with the Family and Cool Stuff 4 Us. My education is in design, photography and communications. I am a designer by talent and birth. It is who I am. It is what I enjoy. My camera is my favorite tool. Cooking fine food is one of my favorite pass times.

Sponsorship for Living The Sweet Life:

I choose sponsors that are relevant to the content. Each sponsor much be a something I would post about. The prices are great for small design studios, photographers, and other related business.

Sizes:

I offer ads in 160x 160 px and 160 x 60 px

contact me for placement rates sweetlifeinthevalley@gmail.com be sure to specify you would like to place an ad on Living The Sweet Life

Have a great day!

April