Black and White

As I was looking through my favorite design photos from my favorites folder, 

 I started to notice a major pattern...

an unmistakable thing that I never really realized about myself...

I like Black and White with a punch of color.

Huh!

  I guess I never really knew that about myself, but the majority of pictures I save suggest that this is true.

So, in dedication of my new revelation, here are some fabulous photos, designs, and things...

all

Black and White 

 

I was all finished with my Black and White post...

and then I cracked open my new Metropolitan Home Magazine, December issue (um...did you say December? Uhhh yes!  I did!  How did we find ourselves here--coming up on another Christmas season? Crazy!)

 I'm so lovin' these photos and the article on a pair of professional designers from California and their home renovation.

Photos via Metropolitan Home, Elle Decor, Better Homes and Garden, Martha Stewart, Domino Magazine, 

House and Home Canada.

 

images via JCrew and Shabby Apple

Half The Sky: turning oppression into opportunity for women worldwide

Come, share your passion to raise the status of women and help end global poverty. One way to start is to read "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide." It is a new book by Pulitzer Prize-winning authors Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, and it will move you, just as it horrifies you.
But don't take just my word for it. Let me tell you what others have said of it.
Melinda Gates called it: "Both a brutal awakening and an unmistakable call to action, this book should be read by all."
Tom Brokaw said: "This is a book that will pierce your heart and arouse your conscience. It is a powerful piece of journalism by two masters of the craft who are tireless in their pursuit of one of the most shameful conditions of our time."
Angelina Jolie said: "For female readers it gives a new sense of what it is to be a woman. For husbands sons and fathers, it will infuriate and astound you. You will not want to put it down."
George Clooney, Fareed Zakaria, Greg Mortenson, Anne Rice and Khaled Hosseini also gave praise, but I'll let you see for yourself.
Kristof and WuDunn are master storytellers. Through the stories they tell of women around the world, they help us see that the key to economic progress lies in tapping the potential of half the developing world's resources: women. It turns out the best way to fight poverty and extremism is to educate and empower women and girls!
With "Half the Sky," Kristof and WuDunn are sparking a movement. Please read it, join my hand and join this new movement.
Go to: www.halftheskymovement.org
Hopeful and inspired,
Alisa

Goodbye Fall

A Fall Trip to the Zoo

Nothing like a warm weekend to run to the zoo in November!  We had a nice time with my brother and his cute kids, and my Dad.  Luckily, we were able to see some of the new babies that were born this year.  I couldn't believe how adorable those baby animals were!  There was a baby elephant, giraffe, tiger cubs,  and snow leopard.  One of the little tiger cubs was ready to pounce and attack my brother!  The cub totally zoned in on him and they had a "moment" together.... luckily there was a fence involved.  I mean, it was a baby!  The innate abilities of nature are quite amazing.  

LOVE LIST

Some beautiful things from Anthropology that would make lovely gifts...

Zoocchini

I'm so in love with Zoocchini products!  

Seriously , the animals are crazy soft and the towels are so fun and adorable.  

I don't like to have a lot of stuffed animals around, but these animals are just

too cute to not have around.  My kids adore their animals and towels.

 

Go wild for animal-centric goods for bathing, decorating, feeding, and play. 
Zootopia awaits in the form of barnyard, ocean, and safari critters. 

**Side note:  I don't know if you do this....but I totally associate my children with an animal.  
For example: 
I-man / lion
A-girl/ zebra
J-boy/ elephant
G-baby/ giraffe or monkey 
I don't know if this is because they actually like that animal...
or if it is because  I decided that they will like that animal?