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Tuesday, September 27, 2011


For a long time I wrapped a scarf around my neck to cover my scar. I didn't want to share it with others because I didn't like to look at it myself. It screamed "cancer" and to me that was the worst thing it could do.

This post is not about linen... it is about thyroid cancer. I am not writing it for myself, but for anyone you may know currently diagnosed with the disease. If you know someone who just left the endocrinologist's office with a "suspicious nodule," who needs someone to talk to, I'm your go-to person. I have been diagnosed with thyroid cancer twice - both while I was pregnant. I am healthy now because I found my answer in Dr. Michael Yeh at UCLA.

I am writing this because thyroid cancer keeps coming up.


I no longer hide my scar and it turns out that it is a conversation starter. Women see it and start asking questions because they too have thyroid concerns. They too have had cancer and aren't sure if their experience is over or just waiting for the next chapter.

Cancer is one of those words we avoid as much as we can. It is ugly and it hurts and it can leave us heartbroken. But in other cases it can teach us life lessons and strengthen us and even make us better people. I have seen both sides of the spectrum.

My dad lost his life to it, I rediscovered my life because of it. (I love this photo of my Dad and sister, Keli. I am on the left. 1980's)

I don't have all the answers...just the ones pertaining to my own experience. If you are pregnant with thryoid cancer, email me (heatherhhays@gmail.com). We can chat and I hopefully can help. (Here is my whole story on the UCLA Endocrine Patient Blog which I was asked to contribute to because of my diagnosis while pregnant - scroll down to "Heather Hutchins-Hays".)



This is what I love about blogs - they connect people - they offer support - and in the end they remind us we are not alone.

Linen and Burlap Halloween Decorations

Monday, September 26, 2011

I found some wonderful linen and burlap Halloween decorations on Etsy! If you are like me, you want something cute, but please...not scary!

Boo Eek Burlap Pillows by Little Miss Momma


Wicked Burlap Pillow by Little Miss Momma


Linen Pumpkin by Jennifer Lyons


Jack-o-lantern Burlap Basket by Jennifer Lyons


Personalized Fabric Pumpkin by The Old White House



Black Cat Linen Box by Hagante Handmade Originals


Raven Pillow Cover by Designs by Nancy


Autumn Pumpkin Bunting by A Good Home


Orange Burlap Happy Halloween Banner by Giddy Gumdrops


Orange Burlap Pumpkin by Ramona Owen Designs


Boo Burlap Banner by Funkyshique


Grapevine Burlap Wreath by The Walnut Street House

What are you finding for Halloween that you love?

Happy Fall

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Lynn Morgan Interior Design

Wednesday, September 21, 2011


I am happy to share that I found the rest of the home that went along with the beautiful kitchen that had the turquoise kitchen lantern I talked about a few weeks ago thanks to Simply Seleta.












I love the yellows, whites, grays, turquoises and greens used throughout this Shingle-style home. The white walls are so soothing but the pops of color keep you interested. Now, if only I could find the source for those kitchen fixtures!

Interior Design by Lynn Morgan
To read the full article in New England Home Magazine click here.

I Know What it Means to Love New Orleans

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

A little girl at the Seafood Festival last weekend was wearing a charm that read:

"I know what it means to love New Orleans."

I want one for myself because I too know what it means to love this city. Aside from the friendly people and delicious food (I have gained 8 pounds in 6 months - not good), the architecture continues to captivate me daily. I found these photos of a gorgeous French Quarter home on my Realtor's website (Eric Wilkinson - French Quarter Realty). I have to plug that since he waited patiently as my husband and I took 4 years to finally decide to move here from California!

Here is the front of the home. If you have been to the French Quarter, you know this is a pretty standard street view. The homes look interesting but you have no idea what awaits you inside.

Above is the courtyard. I love the pavers and the shutters...

Interior brick floors...

High ceilings...

Blue shutters in the courtyard...

Are we in France? What an incredible outside area in the bustling French Quarter area.

Amazing chandelier...

This gray kitchen is perfection. The form and function are so harmonious and it exudes modern conveniences and old world charm. I love the stainless steel mixed in with the antique table that is used as both an island and seating area.


I am chandelier obsessed lately...is there green in this one?

A room with a view...

Check out the view here - the old roofs in the forefront and the modern skyline in the background. I would say this is one of my favorite things about New Orleans' architecture. I look out my upstair's window with my daughters nightly to see the amazing sunsets.
While we gaze at the bright pinks and purples in the sky, I look at the old chimneys and aging roof lines. It is an incredible sight because it is truly unlike anything I have ever seen before in a modern American city.

New Orleans is big on brick walls...I love them.

Another view of the outside shutters and courtyard...

If you are in the market click here. Otherwise, have a great night!
xo, Heather

A Little Celebration

Monday, September 19, 2011


Tonight I am celebrating - just a little. One of my dreams is to publish a Christian children's book. I have written many stories, sent them off to publishers and have waited. Today I heard from one and it looks like one of my stories may get made! Fingers crossed!

Vintage Linens

Sunday, September 18, 2011









I just found a beautiful blog titled Silviya's Simple Life. In her post "Heritage" she shares photos of the vintage fabrics her grandmother just passed on to her. There are original striped grain sacks and homespun fabrics that are simply gorgeous. What a special gift to receive!

A Perfect Gray

Friday, September 16, 2011


Painting my home in New Orleans is completely different than California. Here, many homes have the same color running throughout with everything including doors, mouldings, etc. in the same paint color. I must say, it looks fantastic although I am not used to it quite yet. I learned that no matter what, mouldings and doors are white, white, white. So, I am looking for just the right neutral. I found an amazing blog called A Perfect Gray. It offers some really fantastic advice on what the best gray paint colors are, how you know which gray is right for your home and "what everyone should know about gray." Not to mention there are many beautiful photos of interiors with various shades of this elegant color. I'm not completely sold on what I am painting yet, but this blog definitely has helped me narrow it down. What do you think about one color everywhere?

La La Love You

Thursday, September 15, 2011


I couldn't resist when I saw this La La Love You poster on Everything Turquoise. A friend recently asked me why I named my blog La La Linen. Really the name just made me smile kind of like this poster. Have a great Friday!

Restoration Hardware Baby & Child

I love how Restoration Hardware Baby & Child features so much linen in their lines. I was all set to show some product shots until I got lost in the absolutely beautiful room gallery section of their website. These nurseries and children's rooms are stunning. They are elegant in design and so much fun to look at I had to share!
































- THEME BY ECLAIR DESIGNS -