Happy Holiday

Just stopping in to wish everyone a relaxing Holiday Monday. I hope you are all enjoying your day - relaxing, reading, sewing, watching your kiddos swim, treasure hunting or having dinner outside.

Whatever you love, I hope you are all having a wonderful day.

luvluv
Simone

Girlie Style

Being as fed up as I was with the girls rooms, I started to think "Why is it so hard to keep everything organized?" and "How can I change this?" Somehow...at 10pm...I had the epiphany that I needed to re-do the play room into more of a stylish hangout for the girls...then all their stuff can go in there and their rooms will stay more organized and cleaner. The playroom has a really large built-in so there is plenty of space for storage in there versus not so much storage in their rooms. So Tuesday night I stayed up waaaay too late, going through all the stuff we don't need in the play room. Moving furniture around and searching for inspiration. If I'm going to make the room appealing for them, it has to involve two things....peace signs and zebra print.

Live Laugh Dream by simonehowell on Polyvore.com

I am well on my way to accomplishing the task. I'll be on a rampage this weekend to get it all done {Last night I spent over an hour sewing appliques. BORING!. but I know the outcome will be great!} and will for sure share photos next week. I also just finished redecorating our living and dining room and would love to share a few of those photos as well. So maybe next week I'll do a little home tour.

Have a fabulous and relaxing weekend. Happy Stylish Friday!

luvluv.
Simone

One of a Kind Wednesday No. 4

I do realize it is not still Wednesday...close...but honestly, I nodded off while waiting for photos to upload...how sad is that?? THAT is what happens when you decide to stay up until 2am redecorating the playroom. ay yay yay! I digress....


I do have some exciting news. I am published!! The June issue of Sew Hip magazine is out in the UK and Europe and is heading our way. You can currently purchase it online if you would like...but I personally cannot wait to have it in my hands!



Very exciting. Two projects --The Gardenhouse Hoodie. Upcycled and Fabulous! The second one...you'll just have to wait and see!






I have created a second free pattern tutorial for an upcycled hoodie for you as well- just because I'm nice like that!







A tutorial on upcycling-- "one up-ing" -- old tee's into hoodie ruffles and fabric scraps into hood linings.... Makes for fabulously chic lounge wear. Of course now it is gorgeous out so I'll be sporting mine early in the mornings on the way to the gym or late in the day over a bathing suit as the sun sets. Either way, delish. Enjoy!




luvluv on one of a kind Wednesday-- kind of.



Simone

Me.ss

I just read a great post over at Dear Lillie - a guest post by Anne Lorys of Fiona and Twig - you must go check out her gorgeous blog! It's sort of funny, the timing of that post-- a tidbit about the insecurities we face as women and about being ourselves and embracing ourselves -- because I took some photos this morning to share with all of you. I know it so often seems all about pretty things here on Brooch the Subject and at Gardenhouse in general. And for the most part, we keep it together downstairs. Upstairs is a whole different story.....right now my girls rooms look like this......

It is the calm after the storm-- after a weekend where we were either at a dance competition or had a house full of people, or at least 2 friends over at all times. Which does lead me to this-- we have a happy house. Full of fun and memories and friends. And I guess that is better than having clean bedrooms all the time.

Today though, I am trying to embrace this after the fun mess that is me/us...but I can't. It is getting under my skin!!! So I'm going to the flea market and I hope someone will clean it up while I'm gone. {don't laugh}

Anyone have good tips for organizing girls rooms -- girls who have 6000 things they don't need. For some reason, I just can't figure it out!

Luvluv.

Simone

Secret Garden Crush

More fabric love for Style File Friday! I think I should first apologize for being so absent here the last few weeks-- that adorable baby niece of mine has me smitten and driving all over the state every few weeks! I take a day or two to get ready, then 5 days there and a few days of catchup and then leave again a week later- whew. I't sbeen non stop. So now I need to put a stop to it for a while as I am in over my head! And I think Mr. H would like a home cooked meal that he has not had to cook himself! Love that guy!

Anyway...back to said Stylish Friday post. There are some amazing new fabric lines that will be hitting the shops soon and quilt market photos are popping up everywhere. Dang I wish I could have been there. I was fortunate to be there in spirit and style. Sandi Henderson contacted me about making some bags for her booth and I was more than happy to help. Seriously my lovelies-- look at this booth! Gorgeous! Can you spot a litttle Gardenhouse in there??

{Thanks for the photo Jona!! head on over to Jona's blog to see more amazing photos of all the other booths-- delish! }Sandi is a doll and a completel idol of mine. She does it all-- and does it all so fabrulously! Fabric line, patterns, great family.....ahhhh some day-- some day I'll be able to juggle it all! {And maybe even design fabric too} Her new line is called Secret Garden. It's sooo gorgeous! Completely suzani chic meets english countryside. It has a modern yet well traveled vibe about it and I fell in love with it the moment I opened the box. The colors are perfect, the patterns are TDF -- overall just really fab! Perfect for hobo bags, clutches and short boho patchwork dresses.


If you need something to wear with a bag made from her new line-- I think it ships at the end of this month so hang tight! Gardenhouse will for sure be lighting it up!

secret garden by simonehowell featuring a v neck dress

You could totally pair the bag with one of these dresses {Do you DIE over the green Temperly. Me too.}

Happy Stylish Friday.

luvluv
Simone

Gardenhouse loves Botanika

Spring Quilt Market took place this past weekend in Salt Lake City. I have attended in the past and I have to say it IS the happiest place on earth. You can imagine me in aisle after isle of sewing stuff. Fabrics, notions, books, patterns, ribbons- you name it. Pure Bliss!! I was bummed not to be going this year.....but I am hoping to be there in fall. Trying to be non-committal as usual! Ha!

What comes with Quilt market is new fabric lines be revealed....Oh yes! I've been stalking the blogs to see what has been sneak-peek'd. Sometimes I am fortunate to get a little pre-release info....especially from some of my fave designers. One of them being Paula Pras. Her eye for color is TDF and her style is very similar to mine-- although she has more polish! She is a doll of a lady-- a DOLL. So funny and kind and has a HUGE heart. I didn't get to sneak peek her line but when she posted a few shots on her blog I was all over it!! ALL over it!! Sending sweet talking emails in hopes she'll send me a little something! lol. Her line could not be more me. Bright colors, vintage florals and a modern Asian geometric print-- chez chinoiserie! Ba-nanas! Seriously-- I die. Oh and can we talk about the colors I have been on the hunt for a floral on black. She delivered! I think she has a line into my brain! So you will for sure be seeing some fabulous bags coming out of Gardenhouse in Botankia-- her new line.

Botanika by simonehowell featuring beading jewelry

Sooo Polyvore worthy! Soo Friday Style File worthy-- which you know says a LOT. Yeah, on Monday-- Sorry. Blogger was down all day Friday....and I traveled up North to see my sweet baby niece again-- I know-- I can't help myself! So there you have it Paula-- a Botanika Polyvore. Worthy. Now please, hurry and get it all printed and shipped so I can get my Gardenhouse on.

luvluv.
Simone

One Of A Kind Wednesday- No.3-

I hate to be so late with this post {and now even later as blogger has been down for an hour! Is it still Wednesday??} but I spent the majority of the day at school, helping with an art project in Olivia's class. It is the first time this year I have been in her class to help....not for lack of volunteering or trying. Some teachers just don't like to have parents in the class. I'll say no more than that! We are counting down the days until summer vacation....and this year for good reason! I am longing for night swimming and fire pits and movies outside.... Late nights and late mornings and none of the stress of homework or teachers. Sounds relaxing-- and it will be until the girls have been home for 2 weeks and are bickering all day long! Ha!

Anyway, back to One of a Kind Wednesday-- I have a big fabric stash-- BIG. Patchwork and one of a kind anything are always a good idea coming out of Gardenhouse. As are loungy maxi dresses with a pop of black for a little simplicity and chic. This dress is soooo Gypset -- that sort of Boho chic artist, surfer vibe -- totally gives me the urge to travel! {and now I wish I had thrown a vintage suitcase or two in these photos!}


One great thing about maxi dresses with an empire waist line...pair them with platform wedges and you literally look long tall and slender! LOVE that! Many people think that Maxi's overwhelm a small frame-- and they do if they are wide but get the right cut {with an empire waist} and you look leggy! Yay for us short people. We love leggy!!} This one is a one of a kind and is listed in the shop - so is a listing for your own custom one of a kind wanderlust piece!

Happy Hump Day.

luvluv
Simone

Mothers Day

Did you have a fabulous Mothers Day? I hope so! What did you do? I woke up to breakfast being cooked. Crepes of course! I have been saying I'm going to share my recipe with you so here it is! . It's soo super easy! If you think you can't make crepes, you totally can. Here's the recipe--

3 eggs
2 cups milk
1 cup + 2 TBSP flour
1 TBSP melted butter

Whisk the eggs and milk together for a few minutes then Gently whisk in the flour and melted butter.
Heat a pan over medium high heat. Spray the pan with non stick spray, pour in about 1/3 cup of the mixture and now-- the key to good crepes-- the sort of instructions you only get from a gal who watched her daddy make "English pancakes" {that's what we called them growing up} twelve thousand times in her childhood-- pick the pan up and swirl the batter around by making a circle with your wrist and tilting the pan as you do this (sort of like when you pour olive oil in a pan and want it to spread out all over-- this will allow the batter to thin out. Also-- DO NOT try to flip that bad boy too early! It'll be disaster if you do. You'll be able to see the change in texture as the crepes cook so watch the center and don't flip until the center is cooked. Oh and make sure the heat is not too high. It might take you a few crepes to get the hang of it but once you do---- you'll be the coolest mom in the world! All the girls friends want crepes when they come over-- because their moms can't make them.

Oh yes-- and how do you eat them? My favorite way is to sprinkle a light layer of granulated sugar on them then coat the entire crepe with the juice of an orange. I cut oranges into quarter and put the wedges on the table and the girls just squeeze them like lemons. Delish!

And if you are wondering what I did with my day....we did go to the garden center but no Yves Piaget rose. I sewed a bunch of fun bags for quilt market {I'm not going, only the bags} and I spent the rest of the day turning two of these

into two of these.

I am loving the bold print! L.O.V.E. I'll be pairing them with a coral ikat print-- ya' think I can pull it off?? It's a mini living room makeover-- actually it's not very mini :) planning all new pillows, new rug, end tables...ha! I get carried away so easily!

Have a fabulous week. Make sure to hug your mom double!

luvluv

Simone

Weekend Plans

It's mothers day weekend. What are your plans? I am planning on relaxing this weekend-- sewing, gardening and reading.

Weekend Plans by simonehowell featuring kate spade jewelry

Creative sewing-- The fabulous Sandi Henderson sent me some Secret Garden {her new yet to be released fabric line} in exchange for a few bags for her booth at quilt market and I can't wait to get started. Her new line is delish! You will all LOVE it!! Very Suzani -Boho-Chic meets English Garden! Love!! It should be available at the end of May. Head on over to her blog and check it out!

Reading-- Seriously. Love all the books in that Poylvore. I'm going to order a few copies of Q&A a Day for all the moms in my life. I love the concept!

Relaxing-- with Sofia Coppola Blanc De Blancs bubbly. If there is nothing else in the world you can thank me for, thank me for introducing you to this!! Bubbly {good bubbly}, in a pink can --with straw attached to the side. Yes, yes, you are welcome! A juice box for mom. Keep one on hand in the baby bag at all times!

And gardening-- hoping to plant a few more rose bushes {and by that I mean hoping Mr. H will plant a few more rose bushes at my direction-- it is Mothers Day weekend after all!} I really want a Yves Piaget Hybrid tea. It a gorgeous pink color which I think is missing from my garden.

What are your plans for the weekend?

Happy Stylish Friday!

luvluv.
Simone

El color!

Happy cinco de mayo chiquitas! How will you be celebrating? We'll be living it up with colorful bags, Mexican feather art and of course, margaritas!!



Cucumber Watermelon Margaritas to be exact.... Ole!


I think you'll be surprised how well all these ingredients mesh-- sweet, crisp and sour. Let me know if you make them and if you like them. Gracias!

Salud!

luvluv.
Simone

ps- I do realize I spelled spatula wrong in the recipe card but am running out the door to dance (the girls, not me!) so you'll have to just trust i really do know how to spell! k. good.

Chic Picnic

It's one of a kind Wednesday and I am trying to be back in full swing-- slowly getting there. I left Mr. H home to play Mr. mom on one of the busiest weekends of the year for us so far. Two dance performances, a slumber party and a full day girl scout function. He flew through with flying colors and I am somehow feeling like I am playing catch up! lol. But I made it here-- with a one of a kind for Wednesday! A picnic chic clutch.

I have to admit sometimes I ever surprise myself with these fabric combos but I'm loving this to pieces and it totally works!! I could see this paired with a crisp white tunic and a pair of modern heels. It's sort of Selina Lake meets Tory Burch-- Are you familiar with Selina Lake?

Stylist extraordinaire and author of Bazaar Style-- an amazingly inspiring book. She seems to work magic with pattern too. Check out her flickr photostream-- pure eye candy! She needs a Gardenhouse bag-- and a tablecloth too! Hmmmm......yes, must add that to the list!

I really should get back to work! Stop by the shop and grab the one of a kind clutch before someone else does! There won't be another one like it and you know you want to stand out at that summer country wedding you just got an invite to {and I even picked the outfit out for you too!}

luvluv.
Simone

The Ava Cave.

Gosh I feel like I have been in a cave since mid last week! I have really..... The Ava cave. My brother and sister in law were scheduled for a special delivery last Thursday-- one which I would not miss to save my life. The arrival of Miss Ava Lee Hopkinson. 8lbs 7 oz 21 inches-- a bundle of joy!!! Us Hopkinson's make the MOST beautiful babies-- we do I tell you-- and she is no exception. A full head of dark hair, perfect skin and the most kissable full upper lip you have ever seen. She's picture perfect and completely healthy.


She brings joy and peace to Scott and Mandy, and to our whole extended family. She is a dream. It was amazing to see my brother ease into being dad with in minutes. He was so unbelievably calm and collected- a natural. Scott has surprised me so much lately with his maturity and calm demeanor. Some of the things that have come out of his mouth have floored me!! He is a completely different person than he was just a few years ago and I am beyond proud of him. And Mandy, I knew she would be a great mom. She is one of the most caring and loving people I know and I think anyone who comes within 10 feet of her can sense that. My girls adore their Aunt Mandy and have since the second they met her and she has now given us all one more gift to love and cherish. Thank you Mandy {and Scott} for gracing us with Ava. We are all so in love with her.

Now I promise to get out of the Ava cave and back into the studio. One of a kind Wednesday is tomorrow so I better get on the horn!! Ava is one of a kind-- she is so snuggly and pretty and she makes the cutest little noises when she has gas. Yes, Simone, out of the Ava cave!! Back to work. Thanks for hanging in there in my absence. I promise not to disappear again while I am loving up our new family member.

luvluv.

Simone