I’ve always been fascinated by the tradition of gap year. It’s not celebrated, for the most part, in the United States. However, the organization I work for is trying to change that. For the past eight months, I’ve been working with 18-22 years old American young adults who are taking that gap year (some after college graduation). During this time, they work through project goals that include finding out who they are, their purpose in life, how to live in …

Suddenly, the countryside has come alive with blossom. I took these in our garden last weekend after a rather rainy day where we drove over the moors and down to the beach before retiring to home for tea, biscuits and a relaxing evening spent reading and blogging and sitting cosily in the kitchen with my husband.

The verges and hedges are full of greeness, wild flowers and new shoots. The whole place has been carpeted with soft green verdent grass. Birds …

I feel I’ve always been somewhatconscientious when it comes to resources…  I’d rather turn on the fan or put on a sweatshirt than fiddle with the thermostat; I’m a diligent recycler and reuser; I gripe at Evs if he turns the shower on and then starts shaving (I’m sorry but it does not take 5 minutes for the water to “heat up”).

But having recently made the switch from somewhat-corporate work environment to the non-profit sector, my awareness for wastefulness has heightened exponentially… …

I’m in full baby-nursery mode these days, my dears. And I’d like your help with something: a baby quilt. No, I’m not sewing one myself because that would require me knowing how to sew. But my loving mother has decided she simply MUST sew a baby quilt for her first-born grandchild. (And did I mention over here….it’s going to be a BOY!)

But here’s the thing: I really don’t like old-fashioned quilts. In fact our nursery is very bold, modern, and …

Let’s say, hypothetically speaking of course (cough, cough), that you were a complete idiot and lost your engagement ring.

Thankfully the insurance gods smiled down at you and accepted your claim. Now you have a pocket full of money and a shit ton of options as to what to do with it.

Would you…

A. Create an exact replica of your lost ring? Why?

…(whilst still remaining in London)…

This afternoon there were lots of things I should have been doing: applying for jobs, de-cluttering the flat, making the cinnamon whirls I have had the recipe for on the kitchen counter for over a week. In fact, the list is endless. But the autumnal light was too much, was too orange, too hard to resist and so I decided to take the afternoon off. To go for a walk & to find some peace and …

As you know by now, ABCD Design (the blog) turns two on Thursday, October 7. You also know that in the week leading up to my blog-i-versary, we’ve been running an ABCD Designs Bespoke Stationery giveaway over at the Pretty Lovely Things blog. The giveaway ends at midnight, so be sure to pop by THIS POST and THIS POST to leave your request for Bespoke Stationery. Don’t forget to tell us how you plan to use it if you win! …

I stumbled across this lovely little item on Anthropologie this morning.

I love it, I do.  I don’t 698 dollars love it, though.  While this look could certainly be achieved with enough flea market and antique store browsing, it would take much more time and effort than simply clicking “add to bag” on the Anthro site.  Now, if only I had $700 floating around somewhere…

What kind of twist would you add to this project, if you were to DIY?

Much love,

-B

Week #3 of my series on Etsy favorites was all about accessorizing your wardrobe… Week #4 is all about accessorizing your home!

Hijirik

I’ve sung the praises of Hirijik before but I’ll say it again: the “Live What You Love” letterpress post series is my favorite non-cheesy, gender-neutral art piece I’ve found!  We have the red in our living room and my computer background boasts the lime green at work!

Geninne

After seeing Geninne’s vibrant watercolor prints, I fell instantly in love.  An artist …

I am usually a white-bedding kind of gal. But geesh! This line of bedding by Plum Pretty Sugar makes my heart sing. It’s. Just. So. HAPPY!

Gorgeous, no? Even her brand new website is sweet, simple and oh-so-pretty! Get up to the date information on this lovely decor line from {Between the Seams} blog, or do what I do and follow @PlumPrettySugar on Twitter.

Don’t even get me started on the darling sleep-wear. I am totally a new *fan* of the line. …