Colorful Kitchens: Lamps

Living with a house being remodeled during the winter seems like a huge headache, especially for a homebody like me. But if I can keep myself focused on the lights at the end of the tunnel it will help. I've had my eyes on these lampshades for a very long time. They are the product of a collaboration between Yellena James and Schoolhouse Electric (click on this link to the left to see all color options) up in Portland. Recently Schoolhouse Electric just engaged in another artist collaboration with another one of my fave Portland artists, Amy Ruppel. In fact international blogger Grace Bonney at Design Sponge just wrote up the event. Damn, we're lucky to be in the PNW where art and function collaboration abound. Truly what a wonderful idea to have artists help create great light fixtures. I'll let you know if either one of these end up in the new kitchen. Tell me in the comments section which lamp shades you like best.

From Design Sponge

I heart Mod Portland, Oregon

This past weekend we were up in Portland for a glamorous wedding at the Hotel deLuxe. The hotel used to be the Mallory Hotel and we have many fond memories of the bar (Driftwood Room History). Mr. Monkey and I were pleased to see that not much has changed in our favorite room. The walled mirrors, wooded ceilings and overall dark atmosphere continue to exude sexy whispered conversations of years past. The drinks were delish and the food was lip-smackin'. The rooms are small reflective of their 1912 construction date and smartly appointed. We loved our silver bar trolly complete with 3 kits - sewing kit, first aid kit, and the oh so important intimacy kit. Aveda products can be found in each bathroom as are menus for various types of pillows and spiritual readings. All staff were welcoming and made each guest feel special. Mr. Monkey and I were able to purchase vintage duds at Puttin' On the Ritz(350 East 11th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401-3246; 541.686.9240). The ladies a POTR did a great job of helping us find the necessary high quality clothing. I've included a picture of me at the end of the evening - so my fresh luster was gone and my darling shoes with a retro feel from Miss Meers are cut off but you get the general idea. If you are headed to Portland and interested in a retro glam experience with a modern twist you'll be pleased as punch at Hotel deLuxe.

Landed . . . a wall unit

Here's our new wall unit. This picture was taken at Hawthorne Vintage and Sheila there was nice enough and smart enough to take this picture and send it to us so that Mr. Monkey would know how to put it back together. In our search for a wall unit we also ventured over to Look Modern. Oh my modern! Everything is gorgeous there. You must go if you're in Portland or you can check out their web site and drool from the comfort of your home or your place of business (during your lunch break only of course). While we were picking up our furniture at Hawthorne Vintage I perused the latest issue of Atomic Ranch. I was tempted to purchase it but it was $6.95! Too damn pricey for me for a magazine. I was also turned off by my own preconceived notions about the city mentioned in their cover story - San Jose. I admit this is wrong of me and hypocritical. In fact there is proabably some girl in San Jose writing a blog just like this trying to convince the world that San Jose is much more modern than folks think. So I'm sorry San Jose and Atomic Ranch. I still don't want to pay 7 dollars for a magazine though. Signing off from sizzling Phoenix . . .