Workin' on My Fitness...You're My Witness

So, after the mini photo shoot of my house yesterday, I did indeed make time for a successful Pilates work out. I hate the feeling of dread before a work out, but I always feel so amazing afterwards! This post doesn't really have a point besides driving home the fact that I need to be held accountable by a trainer, friend, or in this case my blog readers to work out, or I'll keep putting it off. I plan to work out again today. Well, so long as nothing else comes up...

Image via Martha Stewart

Recent Projects at Casa Dolce Vita or How I Tried to Put Off Working Out

Our Christmas Tree

This morning I told myself I HAD to work out this afternoon. I don't really enjoy it, so I always end up finding something else to do. In an attempt to put off working out today, I decided to take some pictures of the little projects we've recently completed around the house.

A close-up of the ornaments... I started off with the idea of making the tree red and silver this year, but ended up adding the green ornaments because I felt that it needed something more.

Our mantel with the garland I made last year

A close-up of one of the stockings

I realized that after asking you guys for help in finding some orange pillows, I never showed you the ones that I ended up buying. The plan is to eventually replace the carpet in our living areas with dark hardwoods and I would like to get new sofas, but alas, I must work with what I've got in the time being. My husband also installed a new Selecta pendant from Circa in our breakfast room and we bought the Tango Panels from Z Gallerie for our family room.


I searched high and low and faced limited options in the orange pillow department. I ended up going with these from Crate and Barrel. I think the color complements the brown nicely, the fabric is nice quality, and the inserts are goose down, not the snazziest, but nice enough.

I was recently inspired to do a plate wall in my dining room. I am planning to buy a nice buffet to go underneath the plates. I recently missed out on a Dorothy Draper chest on Ebay that would have been perfect! Unfortunately, someone was a bit faster than me and scored it for $600! What a steal!

The plate wall as it looks today. We are planning on adding more over time.

Write On

"The Emily"

I like my handwriting, but I've always dreamed of being able to write as beautifully as talented calligraphers like Betsy Dunlap. After browsing her website the other day, I found a calligraphy pen in my office and started to practice. I did okay, but didn't come anywhere close to Besty's gorgeous work.

Betsy's work has been commissioned by Barney's New York, Martha Stewart, Loeffler Randall, Enfant Terrible, and The Guggenheim Museum. How fabulous would it be to have an artist like her address all of your correspondence? I would be even more excited to open my mail if I were on the receiving end! It's always so nice to receive a card or an invitation that is addressed beautifully. It makes me want to open it up even faster!

"The Sofia" - This whimsical design is my favorite. I think it's perfect for invitations to a cocktail party or a bridal shower.

"The Jill"- This lovely design is ideal for baby shower invitations.

"The Amelia"- This one is a bit more traditional and would be gorgeous for wedding stationery, holiday cards, or anything that required a more formal touch.

"The Elle" is rich with flourishes and decadent all around...perfect for anyone looking to make a statement.

All images via Betsy Dunlap

This Week's Quote

I want to be a part of it... New York, New York

I love, love, love this vintage-inspired poster by Jim Datz for Three Potato Four. I love the typography and 1950's vibe. It reminds me of the fabulous books by Miroslav Sasek from the fifties and sixties.