Home Inspiration - Little Spaces



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All these spaces.

Be in my house.... that I don't yet own..... but someday, maybe?

 

I am the proud owner of a set of Lucite nesting tables now, though.

 

Ebay

 

These babies will be hiding at my MIL's house until we have a bigger space.

 

 

 

 



Currently Obsessing - World Market Furniture

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Do you think anyone would notice if I just went ahead and moved into World Market?

 

 

 



Gift Ideas - Monograms

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I'm a newly wed and a southern girl. Needless to say, I love me some monograms.

These are my top 10 monogrammed gift ideas for 2013. 

 

600 Brass Thumbtacks

What do you think of when you see this?

Do you ever think, "Man, I really need 600 brass thumb tacks." or "I'll figure out what to do with them later."?  If you don't, maybe you should - because let me tell you, they are AWESOME.

I bought these when I was at the dollar store buy a Christmas village... as well as everything else in the store. I knew they were magic when I saw them, I just didn't know what sort of magic they were going to create yet.

This all started with a trip to Ikea for faux sheep skin throws for my dining room chairs.  Also throw pillows.  I am addicted to throw pillows. I've been trying to replace a certain pillow for years but Hubs won't let it go.  Its basically just two layers of fabric at this point. Gross.

 My girlfriend had never been to Ikea, so of course it was my duty to ruin her life and take her with me. Mission successful.  On the way home I jokingly (not jokingly) asked if she wanted to redecorate my house real quick.  She was totally down.  We became best friends. We did karate in the garage.  Crafts happened.

First, we gave a big cardboard "K" a makeover with a faux nailhead trim.  I'm sure measuring would be the thorough thing to do, but we just started sticking them in using the scientific "eyeball" method.  Look-it:

Then, I stuck the rest of them in some candles.

Then we pulled everything off the walls and redecorated the downstairs because that's what reasonable people do.  I told my husband to stay out late because we were in the zone.  My thumbs ached.  I'm pretty sure I'm not allowed to hang out with that friend anymore.

Here's the tally. My husband likes the "K", the sheepskins, and the new gallery wall.  He doesn't understand the throw pillows, but I'm counting that as a win because most guys in general don't understand throw pillows.  The candles freak him out a little.  That's 4 - 1.  I'll take it.



Gold Wedge Sneakers

I got a bit ahead of myself and bought something ridiculous.

 

GOLD. WEDGE. SNEAKERS.

 

$18.98 at Wholesale Shoes Bags MN.

No online shopping but if you live in the Twin Cities its your lucky day!

I absolutely LOVE them. I also have absolutely no idea what to wear with them.  They are far less tacky than they look.  Not un-tacky, just less tacky.  It seems like such a shame to have such amazing shoes, and then be completely lost on what to wear with them!

 

Typically when I am at a loss, I head on over to Pinterest (that's a link to my page) and usually get some ideas pretty quickly.  Apparently gold wedge sneakers are not happening yet, because its slim pickin's.

 

Well hey, if Beyoncé is doing it, at least I know I'm on the right track.  Now to hijack a cab...

 

I know with shoes like that, you gotta keep the rest of the outfit simple, but so far, I am struggling!

 

Any ideas, anyone?

 

 

DIY Zebra Skin Floor Covers

Cow Hide Jonathan Adler Z Gallerie Edelman

 

Oh animal prints.  What's not to love. Oh, that's right, the price.

Never fear, you don't have to spend thousands. Just make one!

 

Here's how I did it.

1. Buy some fabric. Since this is just a floor cover, not a rug, you don't have to worry too much about the backing.  I usually have mine placed on top of another rug/carpet, and just to be safe I put some shelf liner under it (way cheaper than a carpet pad, just as good).  Find something a with a little texture to it, like a fleece or velvet.

 

fabric + paint (or just mix fabric medium with regular black paint)

 

2.  Find a style you like.  Either print it out or bring your computer over to your work area.  Mine happened to be on my new wood floors.  But I put down a poster before I painted, so there are only a few paint stains....

 

3.  Cut out the shape you want.  FYI, don't make sections too thin, otherwise it starts to curl under.  Mine had a tail at one point but that has since been removed.

 

4.  Paint, Paint, Paint.  And then you'll probably be painting some more.  Remember, since this is based off of something organic, it's not supposed to be symmetrical.  Unless you like that.  Then make it so. Thick stripes, thin stripes, long, short, they all look good.

 

Excuse the bad picture, I actually did this project about a year ago.

 

5.  Let it dry, then follow the aftercare on your paint.  Depending on what you use, you might need to wash your new zebra to set the paint.

 

6.  Enjoy! Roll around on it.  Put it in front of a fire and light some candles.  Because you are awesome and you deserve to be happy.

 

 

 

My Week According to Pinterest

  

  

 

God love ya!

Come follow me on Pinterest for more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Favorite Perfumes

I love perfume.  I love that a scent can change your whole outfit.  Sometimes they are fun and flirty, sometimes they are all business, sometimes they are seductive, but whichever the case - perfume tells the world who I plan on being that day.  I must admit, I am partial to sweet perfumes.  They certainly aren't for everyone, it depends on how they react to your body chemistry.  But I've found them to be the most appealing both to me, and on me.  Below are my go-to scents....

 

Aquolina Pink Sugar Burberry Brit for Her Viva La Juicy Chanel Chance Gucci II

 

Starting at the top:

Aquolina Pink Sugar - By far the sweetest of the group, this one smells like cookies and baked goods, summer and childhood.  It is the one I wear most often, and probably my favorite. Sephora lists the notes as Bergamot, Sicilian Orange, Raspberry, Fig Leaves, Lily of the Valley, Licorice, Strawberry, Red Fruit, Cotton Candy, Vanilla, Caramel, Musk, and Wood.  It is a very playful scent, and makes me feel a little mischievous!

Burberry Brit -  This one feels a little more business to me.  I wear it when I need to feel professional and in control.  It always gives me a little "I got this" boost. The notes listed are Italian Lime, Icy Pear, Green Almond, White Peony, Sugared Almonds, Amber, Mahogany, Vanilla, and Tonka Bean.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy - I like to layer this one with Pink Sugar sometimes.  They are similar, this one is just a bit more mature and a hint tamer.  More of a date perfume than an everyday thing.  The notes are Wild Berries, Mandarins, Honeysuckle, Gardenia, Jasmine, Amber, Caramel, Vanilla, Sandalwood, and Praline.

Chanel Chance - This one I wear when I want to feel like a lady.  Think fancy events or parties.  Its also great for meeting the parents.  Listed notes are white musk, hyacinth and citron, pink pepper, jasmine, fresh vetiver, orris absolute and amber patchouli.

Gucci II - I always come back to Gucci II.  This one is very clean smelling to me, and more floral than the rest.  Sometimes I need a break from the super sweet, so I come back to this.  This one flies a bit under the radar, its a bit harder to find. Mandarin, Bitter Orange, Blackcurrant, Violet, Blackberry, Jasmine, Heliotrope, and Cedarwood make up this light, subtle scent.

 

*please note, I do not make any promises that you will fall in love with a prince, becomes a princess, and live happily ever after.  But I can't say it WON'T happen either, so better safe than sorry!

 

 



Home Office Inspiration

I'm starting to collect room inspiration. Hopefully, we end up in a house soon, and I will have all sorts of space to decorate.  For now, I'm just dreaming.

 

 

I love the feel of this room, but I'm more of a blue girl.  Plus, since the sofa I picked is a sleeper, this room could also function as an additional guest room if needed.  The bigger items are relatively inexpensive, and a lot of the accessories could be added on as our budget allowed.



couch shelving desk coffee table baskets stapler and tape dispenser rug

 

$20 Throw Pillows - Society6

I love throw pillows, not a big secret.  But they are always so dang expensive!  Not only are there literally hundreds of pillow covers for $20/each at Society6, but I spy a ton of DIY inspiration!

Throw pillow covers for $20 a piece is pretty darn reasonable, unless I buy 600.

Currently Obsessing: Rayban Clubmaster

Rayban - Clubmaster

 

Wayfarers.... as much as I love them, I think its time for some of these bad boys.  They are adorable in a serial-killer kind of way.

 

(Maybe I'll just borrow the pair my husband might get for Christmas.... from me. Is that bad?)

 

 



Currently Obsessing: Gilded

 

1. Chevron Placemat 2. Gold "Bubbly" Glasses 3. Dipped Gold Platter 4. Filagree Gold Plate 5. Nate Berkus Dipped Bowl 6. Gold Stemware

 

I'm really stuck on this mixed metallic thing. We got some amazing Vera Wang Wedgewood China in the pattern "Flirt" for our wedding, and I've been searching for a way to inject some gold into our formal place settings.  I think any of these pieces would play really well with our china, and keep the place settings from looking too formal.

 

Also, I defiantly see some DIY potential in that gold dipped platter. Think I might try to make myself some chargers using some cheap ornate plates and paint....

 

 

 

 

Currently Obsessing - Leopard Print Wedge Sneakers

 

 

My husband absolutely HATES high top sneakers. Also, wedge sneakers. So of course, I'm obsessed with high top wedge sneakers, but I can only wear them when I go out without him, otherwise he grumbles.

 

 

Ash - Bonno Leopard Print Calf Hair Wedge Sneaker - $295

 

 

OK, I certainly cannot justify spending $295 on a pair of shoes, especially leopard print sneakers.

 

 

Call It Spring - Colabella High Top Wedge Sneakers - $55

 

$55 is pretty stinkin' reasonable though.

 

 

Princess Vera Wang - Leopard Wedge Sneakers $79.99 $30.97

 

We have a winner. Especially since I just bought a bunch of work clothes at Kohl's and got $20 back in "Kohl's Cash" which would make these sneakers $10.97. Yea, I think I can swing that.

 

 



 



Currently Obsessing: ZooKshop - Antler and Horn Pieces

I'm not even clear how I found these glorious painted animal parts. I was wandering aimlessly around the internet when suddenly my computer screen was filled with all sorts of amazingness.

 

I love pieces that start a conversation. These DEFINATLY do that. I don't know anyone who owns anything like this (yet), but that's probably for the best. Friendships tend to be strained when you are constantly trying to steal things off their walls. Which is what I would do if I ever walked into a house where one of these bad boys resides. Rip it right off the wall and make a run for it.

 

Sorry I'm not sorry, love makes you me do crazy things.

pink/grey/black painted deer skull. ZooKshop @ Etsy

 

purple/mint antler. ZooKshop @ Etsy

 

neon pink/yellow painted deer skull. ZooKshop @ Etsy

 

 Someday I'm going to hang one of these bad boys up on my wall. Until then they'll just have to hang out here.

 

Someday, I'll come back for you my darlings....

 

 

Currently Obsessing: Gold Flatware

I have always had both feet firmly planted in team silver. Silver everything, never gold. So imagine my surprise when a few weeks ago, I suddenly became OBSESSED with gold. Problem is, every piece of metal in my house is silver. Jewelry, place settings, candlesticks, picture frames, EVERYTHING. Not a drop of gold.

So like a reasonable human being, I bought myself a bunch of gold chain necklaces, hoping that would solve the problem. Nope. I'm feeling a little pot-committed at this point. I've got a seriously silver lifestyle going on here and now is not the time to suddenly become gold obsessed. Because its going to be really obvious when gold stuff starts appearing in our house, and I'm one of those lucky girls who's husbands actually pay attention and knows when new things show up.

And also because I promised him I was on a spending freeze when we got back from our honeymoon in Greece. That just might not be realistic.

I need gold flatware.

Whaaaat? Dip-dyed flatware? Anthropologie

 

So Simple. West Elm

 

Also in matte black. Because why not?

Almoco @ Design Within Reach

 

My E-Bay shopping cart is full of half sets and mismatched lots of gold flatware. But I'm not going to buy any of them because "I meant what I said and I said what I meant, an elephants faithful, 100%".

 

Sigh worthy, no?