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.

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.

Pretty Simple, Simply Pretty

{Photo by Angela Wyant}

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. I'm off to have breakfast with family and friends...then a day of errands. Hope you're spending the day with your loved ones!

All Dogs Go To Heaven

{Image of Monty by Angie Wyant}

The other day I received some devastating news from my friend Angie Wyant (photographer + owner of Away to Wag) - her dog Monty was very sick and his illness was untreatable. We spent a good couple hours on the phone, talking about the wonderful life he had as well as crying uncontrollably about his passing. He was a good boy, and he will be missed.

I Scream, You Scream

I love this photo by Sacramento-based artist Angela Wyant, who also happens to be a dear friend of mine. Maybe if she sees this post she'll give me a print of it - *wink, wink*! Check out more of Angie's work here.

Wish Walter Well

Photo by Angie Wyant, originally uploaded by trendybitch.

Taking Walter to the vet today - poor little guy has an ear infection. Bummer.

I'm So Vain...

Ok, so these pictures are for a project I'm working on...I swear I'm not really this vain. These shots of me and my pooch, Walter, were taken by my dear friend Angie Wyant, a fabulous photographer. She has an amazing eye. Thanks, Angie!

Dress: Urban Outfitters; Earrings & Leggings: Forever 21; Boots: Seychelles