Wall Frosting

As an interior design aficionado, I know that taste in art is preeminently important in making a room comfortable. No matter how much you invest in furniture, the blank canvas of your walls must be addressed! In this vein, the issue of decorating with color weaves itself into the challenge. One should incorporate the warm base colors of the room into the wall hangings(tapestries, canvases, etc), while subtly departing from the color scheme in order to avoid being monochromatic.

In my home, I am feverently devoted to the work of Natasha Wescoat. I decorate in warm colors (ruby, chocolate, pumpkin) in order to give the room a cozy feel. Her work incorporates these tones in the subject of abstract trees. I have these three pieces, and I plan buying more.

With the Waves


Tender Sprouts


Trinity

My wish list

The Christmas holidays are only 45 days away as of this post (doesn't sound too far away now does it, slackers?). I am really excited about decking out Casa de Wagner in full festive regalia this year. I usually buy all of my Christmas decorations from the thrift shop next door then donate them back at the end of the holidays. I can't wait to see what tacky finds await me this week.

Another Christmas idea I have for you readers is kaboodle.com. For those of us who are more on the materialistic side,(don't be ashamed, I unabashedly include myself in this category) you can create an online wishlist for yourself! Anyone can search for your name on the website and access your list, which resembles a department store gift registry with quantity desired, color, size, and priority with which you desire the gift. All you have to do is find an item online that you want, click the kaboodle toolbar, and it's instantly on your list.

If you're feeling spendy, check out my work in progress here at Julia's wish list

Kombucha

Kombucha is one of my all time favorite things. I have sung its praises to most people I know, spurring them to try the delicious beverage for themselves, but none have attached themselves to it with the religious ferocity with which I view it.

Kombucha is made by brewing tea, adding sugar then fermenting the sugar-tea with a culture of bacteria and fungus(yeah, I know, but bear with me). This results in a tangy, carbonated beverage. It has been around since BC times, supposedly originating in China.

Kombucha is touted with health benefits including fighting cancer(!), abolishing cellulite(!!), restoring hair color, curing diabetes, preventing illness, and curing hangover(let me personally attest to this!). In my experience, it also gives this wonderful sense of well being that I can best compare to the way you feel after a few sips of wine on an empty stomach.

Kombucha is also endorsed by many celebrities, hehee

I drink the GT Dave kombucha, which is available here in San Luis Obispo at the co-op and New Frontiers. It is also available at Whole Foods.

This is a link to an article about Kombucha and the founder of GT Dave

Where To Buy My Halloween Costumes

I've received a few requests for the websites that sell the costumes shown in my posts!

The Christmas tree and creepy/sexy(?) Freddy Kruger are at target.com

The sexy Sherlock Holmes is at Yandy.com

The "One Night Stand" costume is at chamberofhorrors.com (This is the website I bought all of my costumes from this year, seen in my jholiday blog)

All of the other costumes were self-made by their wearers!

I want a Kindle

But when are the prices going to drop? It just doesn't seem to be a worthy purchase right now. I'd love for them to come out with a new generation, too. Currently, I read myself to sleep every night by scrolling through publications on my blackberry, but a Kindle could take that to a whole new level...

the "WTF?!" costume award

This is not sexy. This is creepy and weird.

the "cute couple" costume

Everyone would know what a cute couple you were if you dressed up as Curious George and the Man in the Yellow Hat!

Times Square Costume

The "naked cowboy" from Times Square! You don't have to spend a dime if you own white undies, a guitar and a cowboy hat. Be sure to write "naked cowboy" on your butt so those who haven't visited New York know you're in costume.

I almost bought this one

This costume was edged out of my Halloween 2008 lineup. As you loyal readers may know, I have an (bordering on unhealthy) adoration for all things Sherlock Holmes.

The good news is you can wear it 2 months later

Everyone will remember you in this costume, though you might have problems fitting through doorways and knocking things off of shelves.

rememeber this Mike Meyers SNL skit?

This is one of my favorites. You could make it a group costume by having a "mom" on the other end of the bungee, or have it be even funnier by attatching the leash to a mini jungle gym that you can drag behind you.

"You know you're one if you can't figure out why this is funny" costume

Group "douche bag" costumes. Pop that collar.

The "naughty but you can still get away with it around children" costume

One night stand, get it? Ha.

More Sexy Boots

I just bought these boots too. For options, you know. I think I might have a problem.


BCBG 'Maisha' Boot

Sexy Boots

Dolce Vita 'Wendy Boot'


Every Fall I buy a new pair of boots. Boots are my favorite type of shoe, they make any outfit slammin and they're sexy (I've heard this opinion from multiple male sources). While I have a couple pairs of black knee high boots, I've been searching for so long for the perfect casual mahogany boot. These are it. They may look ordinary, but look closely at the details. Nice leather in a smoldering brown. The finish on the top is nicely tucked off with no visible seam. A nice sensible heel. Casual enough for day time. I can't wait for mid November when they ship from Nordstrom. And they're by Dolce Vita = jholiday's favorite shoe brand.

Invisible Floating Bookshelves

Get these on www.bn.com. Two came in the mail today and I just finished putting them on the wall and stacking them with books. They look sweeeeet. And you can't beat $10 for a bookshelf.

My Favorite Things

I'm creating this blog to inform the world of all my fabulous finds. For those who know me, I love to be on the cutting edge of what's new, noteworthy, an undiscovered classic, far out, fashionable, and irresistible. I love telling my friends about my new "trend of the moment" but I usually just get the "um, okay, psycho" pleasant smile and covert eye roll. Well here I am...sharing my inspirations and escapisms with the world!