Happy Birthday, America!

{photo by Angie Wyant}

Happy 4th of July, everyone! Hope you're out enjoying all the parades, BBQs and fireworks that come along with Independence Day. I'll be spending today poolside with friends - just the way I like it.

Vacation (All I Ever Wanted)

A couple months ago I blogged about weeHouses, which are these totally covetable, customizable prefab homes by Alchemy Architects. Well, I just got an email from the folks at Alchemy touting that you can now rent the above lakeside weeHouse during select dates - and the prices aren't too bad. The two-bedroom, two-bath weeHouse is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York - specifically on Seneca Lake. Even if you have no intention of renting the place, I suggest you check out the additional photos - because the place is amazing. Or, if you're looking to get away for a little while, check out the rental details.

Angie & Jennifer's Modern Yet Rustic Abode

{coffee table by IKEA, leather sofa by Restoration Hardware}

When my dear friend Angie Wyant first bought her quaint East Sacramento home she was working as a commercial photographer for the likes of Martha Stewart, Vanity Fair, Gourmet and Sunset. It was an exciting time, chock-full of fabulous places and fascinating people, but the constant travel required for the job left little time to spend at home. As a result, renovating her home took a back seat. That is, until she scaled back on her photography jobs and started her own pet-sitting company, Away to Way.

Since then, Angie and her fiance Jennifer have essentially gutted the place - knocking down walls, putting in new windows and doors, and basically creating their dream home. During my tour, the self-effacing Angie was quick to point out that there are many renovations still needed -of course, I thought the place was divine.

Our style could be described as...comfortable with modern accents.

Where do you look for inspiration? Dwell and Metropolis magazines, and the Bravo show Flipping Out.

{tiered side table and chocolate shelving unit by West Elm, leather chair by Restoration Hardware}

What our friends say...That it's clean and cozy, and that it smells good. We always have Aveda candles burning.

{bed from IKEA, bedding by Dwell}

What is your favorite part about your home? The light and airy feel of our home. We don't use window coverings or screens because we want to let as much light in as possible.

{vintage chair, dressers by IKEA, photograph by Angie Wyant}

What was your biggest indulgence? The new kitchen - we put in concrete countertops, a Wolf stove and Poffenpohl kitchen hardware. Kitchen planner Moly Korb of MK Designs was an amazing resource.

{hardware by Poggenpohl, sink by Bates and Bates, cabinets by Kings Custom Cabinetry}

{bird salt and pepper shakers by Jonathan Adler}

What is your proudest DIY project? The tile in the bathroom, which was inspired by the flooring in the Restoration Hardware showroom. My mom and I {Angie} installed it on our own, and I love the way it came out!

{All bathroom furniture & fixtures from Restoration Hardware}

What it the best advice you were given while redesigning/decorating your home? Mix quality pieces with affordable items. Also, do your research before you start!

{Kitchen table and chairs by IKEA, lamp from DWR, all photos by Angie Wyant}

More house tour photos up on the Bows & Sparrows FB page.

Pom Pilot

{hand-felted pom pom flowers by Berry Island}

{hand-felted flower trio by Berry Island}

These hand-felted pom poms by Etsy seller Berry Island make me happy - they just do. Also, Fridays make me happy - especially the ones preceding three-day weekends! Happy Friday, everyone!

On the Street...Sacramento, CA

I don't normally make a habit of harassing random people on the street, but when I spotted Raquel last weekend at the Sacramento Mid-Century Modern Home Tour I couldn't resist! She was wearing the most adorable dress and I just had to know where it came from. Turns out she made it herself! I loved everything about it: the neckline, the material, the simple silhouette - not to mention the shoes and skinny belt she paired with it. I asked if she sold them anywhere and she said no - laughing and joking that maybe she should. We exchanged names and I made her promise to send me a photo of her and her totally covetable dress. Well, she made good on her promise. Here she is with her pooch Benny 2.0. Thanks, Raquel. It was lovely meeting you! P.S. If you decide to start selling these dresses email me!

Power Couple

{double cloud pin by Lost at Sea}

Something magical occurs when wood and baby blue join forces. Seriously. I'm pretty much a sucker for anything that incorporates the two. Throw in some puffy clouds and there's no helping me. Take for instance this double cloud pin by UK-based design duo Lost at Sea - it's lovely. Don't you think?

The Fringe Giveaway Winner is...

Drum roll, please! I'm excited to announce that the winner of the $25 gift card to Fringe is commenter #23 - Jae! Special thanks to Audrey of Fringe for donating the prize. Even if you didn't win, I highly suggest you stop in the shop to see all the pretty goodness.

Congratulations, Jae! Shoot me an email so we can work out all the details. Oh, and you have to promise to send me a picture of whatever fabulous item you pick out! Happy Monday!

{winner chosen by random.org}