I Married Adventure (Not Literally)

Good morning, design friends and fanatics. I'm sure quite a few of you understand the name of my title, but I have a good understanding on the demographics of my readers, so I know I also have quite a few readers who don't. *The marketer in me is coming out, I know! 

SO- for those who aren't quite following, Christopher is a very entertaining husband, but this post has nothing to do with him or our marriage!!! I'm actually referring to a book by Osa Johnson, written in 1940: 

So for readers that haven't seen this book before, keep your eyes peeled when you're near a shelter magazine; you're sure to see it sooner or later (sooner most likely). Naturally, designers are drawn to this book for it's gorgeous cover! 

via here

Eddie Ross via Lonny 

via here

via here 

Again, for those readers who want to know where to find a copy: EBAY! At any given time there's at least a handful of auctions. Be patient, and you'll find a good deal - supply and demand, you know? *Now the economist in me is coming out. I think that just leaves the art historian, which reminds me of a valid point: Make sure you're paying attention to the cover art. It changed later down the line, and books published later on have an UGLY cover!!! To be clear, it's a great read, too! Johnson chronicles her adventures while traveling and exploring areas like Asia and Africa. Pretty cool gig, right? Osa (and Martin) have a museum in Kansas (where they're from) dedicated to them. 

Here's my book (again, purchased off ebay): 

Lastly, I'm still scouring ebay for Johsnon's other book, Four Years in Paradise. It's even harder to find, but the cover is just as (if not more) beautiful!!! 

I hope I've provided a basic overview of Johnson's books and why I love them (without boring design folks to death). If you're like I am, you never tire of seeing either of these books!! 

Perfection....

The new Lonny is live, and it doesn't disappoint! Now scoot your tuckus on over there!!! 

I can't wait to renovate our next kitchen (did I really just say that?)!!!!! I have so many ideas. This one is pretty close to perfection if you ask me. 

Tortoise Decor (and a Shameless Plug)

I've long loved incorporating tortoise accessories into my wardrobe, whether in the form of jewelry, shoes, or sunglasses. More recently, I've started to incorporate tortoise into our home. These images helped to persuade me: 

via Lonny

Isn't this chandelier breathtaking??!! I've been looking everywhere for something similar with no such luck!

via Lonny 

Looking to add some tortoise into your home as well?? I put together a few items to get you started: 

Plates, Glassware, Garden Stool, Flatware, Lamp, Mirror, Tray, Tray. 

Tortoise Decor by kellyfrankel on Polyvore.com

As for your wardrobe, here are just a few suggestions:

Comb, Shoes, Sunglasses, Watch

Tortoise Accessories by kellyfrankel featuring j crew shoes

Do you have any tortoise items in your wardrobe or home? I'd love to hear about them!!! 




Now for the shameless plug: my brother-in-law is opening a restaurant today in Chicago. SO- if you're in the area, go visit Freshii at 161 N. Clark St. #2080!! Congratulations, Scott!!! 

Dear Ashley Putman,

Can we be friends? If not friends, would you mind if I just walked through your house with my jaw in the "dropped position"???

Ashley Putman is a graphic designer living in Houston, Texas. Her home was not only featured in the April/May 2010 Lonny magazine but also in Fresh Home Magazine Fall 2010. I love her home because she has a lot of traditional elements, but she mixes in colorful, modern pieces. When I saw the photos in Fresh Home, I just kept thinking of how cozy and warm her home looked.

It reminds me of something Nate Berkus always says on his show: a home should feel layered and collected over time, not just filled with all brand new, meaningless items. Putman's home is a perfect example of this; I'm sure a lot of the pieces in it have stories and a history.

I'll stop gushing and share the photos now....

The first two are from Fresh Home, and I took them with my camera because I noticed her fireplace is white in one publication and black in the other. I'm hoping she changed it to black; I like it a lot better!

Love that lamp!!!!!

White fireplace...

The rest of the photos are from Lonny

.. and then black. I LOVE the painting above it as well. *It's Christina by Lucy Kirkman.

It's only fitting that a graphic designer would have beautiful gallery walls. What a great eye she has!!

I love the mix of dining room chairs. This is something I've thought of doing since we only have four chairs at our dining table. I would cover them in a coordinating fabric too. *I also have to note that if the parrot pillow is any indication of Putman's personality (as in she's fun and doesn't take herself too seriously) then we should definitely be friends.

I'm kind of joking about the whole "friend" thing. All of my coworkers make fun of me for my strange attempts at making friends. I'm basically a Grade-A, socially awkward individual, but seriously, Ashley, call me. :)

XOXO,

Kelly