everything LEB

lipstick and pigs

2012-01-27T09:21:00.000-05:00

Did you read the latest issue of House of Fifty yet? It's great, maybe my favorite one yet- but then I say that about all the newest magazines.

Anywoo, my friend Danika's bathroom was featured, along with her awesome company O'verlays. Seriously these things are the best invention since sliced bread. I even used them on one of my own projects that you can see here.

Back to the point- just look at this before and after

before... 1960's dated yellow loveliness

After... hello lover!!

Paint and a little elbow grease seriously can do it all people!

Her bathroom makes me think I could give my rental bathroom a makeover. The pepto pink tiles are just itching for a makeover too. Check out more awesome projects and O'verlay stuff on her blog Gorgeous Shiny Things.

Have a good weekend everyone!

spotted, in more ways than one

2012-01-25T12:27:00.000-05:00

Hi friends, sorry I have been away for so long! On Friday my body decided to break out in this nasty rash that ended up spreading all over my back. Come to find out out I have a nice little case of shingles. Not fun I tell you. But, antiviral meds are working wonders and I am on my way to getting rid of this nasty little disease.

In honor of the spots that are all over me, here are a few of my favorite spotted things

(photos from: houzz, iambaker.com, Jan Showers, etsy, Jamie Meares bedroom via High Gloss Mag, Kate Spade, Pinterest, The Painted House, Bed Bath and Beyond and Thornton Design)

A new use for...

2012-01-20T12:39:00.001-05:00

I've spent more money on organizational and storage items for my apartment than I would like to think about. Its maybe a sickness- there is just something about going to the Container Store and getting all matching jars for my pantry. Again, a sickness I told you.

But you don't always have to shop at the Container Store to get storage and organizational tools. I found this restaurant supply store online and with a little creativity you can organize on a budget!

These are just a few of my favorite regular kitchen supply items and how I would use them

a plain old cookie sheet can be used for lots more than baking

making a magnet board for your office or organizing a drawer

Living in New England its guaranteed to snow every year. That means boots and dragging snow and salt into the house. Place a lined cookie sheet next to the door as a dumping ground for your boots.

Who couldn't use more glass jars around their house? I love these simple jars and I would use them in the kitchen pantry, in the linen closet to store small items, in the laundry room to collect loose change and other items left in pockets, in the office to store supplies (wouldn't rolls of tape look so much cooler stored in a glass jar rather than the ugly paper boxes they come in) and numerous other places. Buying these in bulk is a great way to save money on them as well.

I've been a little obsessed with bakers twine lately. I told my husband I wanted a twine sampler for Christmas and he thought I was on drugs. Needless to say I didn't get it, but I really do still want it. Using sugar dispensers would be a great way to store it so that its ready in a moments notice.

Acrylic risers are a great way to increase shelf in your pantry or closet. I love how Martha used them in her medicine cabinet shown here

There are so many different wire baskets available at restaurant supply stores. These can be used in any room in your house. The handled ones might be my favorite. I would use them to store extra toilet paper or in the pantry for potatoes or onions.

I am trying to use less paper products at home. I've made reusable rags and floor cleaning pads and on my to-do list is to make some napkins out of scrap fabric. This acrylic napkin holder would be perfect for a pantry to organize any reusable rags or napkins.

This sugar packet holder is super cute and it would be perfect on a desk for supplies or on a dresser for jewelry.

While these plain white cups aren't as pretty as Martha's they do the same job. I would line the drawer in some colorful fabric to make up for the colorless cups, and then go to town organizing all my jewelry.

I don't suggest buying candy in bulk if you have my self control, but these stackable dispensers are great. In a pantry to hold nonperishable or packaged items or in a workroom/craft room to hold supplies, I would love a stack of these.

(Photos BHG, Martha Stewart, Good Housekeeping, Twine holder and Restaurant Equipment Solutions)

A walk down memory lane

2012-01-18T09:17:00.000-05:00

While I love looking at new and fresh designs I really love going back and revisiting designers I fell in love with long ago and remembering why. Today I was going through my design files and found myself falling in love with Tommy Smythe all over again.

There is just something about his layered and lived in look that I can relate to. He has mastered mixing old and new together and I have alot to learn from him having my own mix of old and new in my apartment. I feel his designs aren't overly masculine or feminine and they are all spaces that my husband and I could agree on (which isn't often I may add)

this room had me at high gloss walls

Hello awesome chevron powder room

I am dying over the polka dot lined armoire. Not to mention those floors, I die!

All the details are delish

The spotted chairs, gallery wall, white sofa, striped rug and HERMES THROW- yes please

Where I got my idea to bowl up my match collection- genius!

I need to find some wingback chairs- I think its time.

a simple glass container makes anything chic

I've loved this bedroom for a long time

I need tile like this in my kitchen

Another Persian rug that I am obsessed with- surprise, surprise! Not to mention the touches of Kelly green- delish!

I love going down memory lane.

(Photos from House and Home by Michael Graydon, Angus Fergusson, and Ted Yarwood)

Well I'll be

2012-01-13T10:57:00.000-05:00

And I thought I loved elephants!

That's once massive ellie in their family room.

(photo from Nuevo Estilo)

cozy time

2012-01-12T13:50:00.000-05:00

There is nothing I want more than to curl up by one of these and catch up on all the magazines and books I have stacked up to read. While its January 12th and we have yet to get snow this winter- this rain is nasty!

Rain, rain go away come again some other day!

Oh and while I'm on my dream trip, I'm dreaming of being curled up with one of these

yes, please!

(all photos from Pinterest, my favorite time sucker. Follow me here)

major crush time

2012-01-11T10:05:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I stumble upon a designers website and as I click through the portfolio I feel like I hit the megabucks jackpot. I ooo and ahhh over each and every photo and I fall in love, deep in love. It happened this morning when I came across the Barrie Benson site and seriously gasped out loud.

Its not often where I really LOVE every project in their portfolio, but seriously her use of COLOR, pattern, texture and all those friggin details have me weak in the knees.

Ok enough talk, just look, or drool

The wall color, the sofa, the pillows, the coffee table, the side chair, the sans drapes windows, what, WHAT!

In my version of heaven, this is what it looks like.

heaven also has a room with yellow drapes with amazing trim, like this one.

I could sleep in that tub. The monograms and that rug need to be mine.

I don't really cook, but I would channel my inner Julia every night if I had kitchen like this.

I.need.that.rug.

Do you need a napkin to wipe your drool now? I cant get enough, like for real I want to skin these rooms and wear them like last years Versace.

All photos from the Barrie Benson website, check out more here.

frosting for your floor

2012-01-10T11:34:00.000-05:00

I bought a rug for my kitchen awhile ago (yes I still need to take pictures), but I'm always searching for more inexpensive rugs to stick other places in my apartment. All of these rugs are from esalerugs.com where I got my kitchen rug, and they all are under $300. For a rug that really can take a beating, $300 is a great deal. Here are a few of my current favorites

(link)

Rock it

2012-01-09T11:10:00.000-05:00

It's no secret I love color. So when I think of ways to bring natural elements into a space without taking away color I go right to using polished rocks, geodes and agate.

Just look at the ways you can add color AND natural elements into a design or your wardrobe

gemstone magnets

rock box

Alison's DIY agate lamp

my own rock pulls

beautiful natural lamp in this Chad Eisner bedroom

(from House Beautiful photo by Dominique Vorillon)

ring

LOVE the idea of putting something besides wood in a fireplace.
(John Loecke)

add sparkle to any bookshelf with these Geode Bookends
(as shown on Sequins and Stripes)

Agate Ice bucket from Knight Moves

Matthew Studios Agate Lamp with matching finial

Matthew Studios table- holy HOTNESS!

love the agate sconces in this Lauren Stern
(and check out that art by Nicole Cohen)

Agate counter top from Apartment Therapy

I'm obsessed with these DIY knobs from Christina at Full House

A geode inspired wedding by Kate Miller Events

agate coasters add sparkle to a side table

I love all of these- I think its time to bring some more colorful, natural elements into my family room!

needle and thread

2012-01-06T12:33:00.000-05:00

I'm talking about needlepoint and cross stitch. Saying those words can make people think many different things: country, preppy, old lady, church fair santas, and so many more. I sure do.

It's a craft alot of the ladies in my family have done, but something I never tried myself. But that changes now. At my local Goodwill I picked up these acrylic coasters from that came with a cross stitch pattern and a piece of Aida cloth (the fabric with those little squares that you use for cross stitch). The ugly snowman pattern got tossed, but my creative brain started working and I thought I might try making something fun!

Of course no project starts without a little online research first. Although I'm pretty sure I won't be doing any of these on my first try, they are pretty to look at and give me some great inspiration

I am in love with the colors on this footstool

preppy shoes- love the leopard

These remind me alot of Nantucket

an elephant coin purse- yes please!

eyeglass case

flasks, so cute for a groomsmen gift

Hello preppy lady!

Jonathan Adler has cheeky needlepoint pillows

I need to find something to do with cross stitch buttons!

dog tag kits

How could I not make this Elephant- in blue and orange would be just perfect!

If I ever finish my coasters I might have to try one of these DIY iphone cases

So many projects, so little time.

Judging from how long its taken me to stitch 1 letter on 1 of my coasters, it will take me months to finish them. Keep an eye out for that post next year sometime.

Happy Friday!

My favorite labeling tools

2012-01-04T06:45:00.001-05:00

So as I was putting together this list, I obvi thought of more than 3. So here are a few of my favorite labeling tools that I could not live without (see previous post for my favorite storage containers)

Brother P-Touch Label Maker - No words needed, everyone needs a label maker.

Avery Shipping Tags - I asked my mom to get me a box of these for Christmas and she thought I had lost my mind. She was like, seriously a box of 1,000 tags will make you happy on Christmas morning?!? It did, and I have already found so many ways to use them around my apartment. Paired with clear labels made from my Brother P-Touch label maker these are organization perfection!
Tag punch - I love this punch because it allows me to make tags in any color paper I want. I use this to make gift tags for presents, wine bottle tags, and it came in handy when making favors and other items for my wedding. Actually this thing is worth its weight in gold as I could not have finished my wedding favors without it.

Metal Rim Tags - I used these to cover the hole on my Ikea Knuff wood magazine holders. They are the perfect size and if you get the prestrung or split key ring kind they are useful for labeling so many things. (I also used these to label to the metal baskets in my linen closet, see yesterdays post for more on the metal baskets)

Sharpie Permanent Marker - Every home should have a box of these, they are perfect for addressing shipping boxes, labeling storage boxes for the basement, and are a lifesaver when it comes to moving boxes! Buy a box of them, I swear they disappear more than socks in the laundry.

Fine tip Sharpie Markers and regular craft Pentel Markers - You might not need both sets of these markers but I love having the options of using the fine tip Sharpie or the craft markers. Plus both look so neat and pretty in their own Container Store box labeled MARKERS. Yes, I have issues.

Clearly you don't need all 3 types of tags or both sets of markers. One of each would do just fine to help you get organized. But, the label maker is without a doubt my favorite tool. I might love it even more than spray paint, gasp!

Use any of these labeling items paired with yesterdays favorite storage containers and you are well on your way to an organized and happy home!

Time to get organized

2012-01-03T12:47:00.000-05:00

We all know that the new year is time to start over and get organized, and keep those new years resolutions. I know many people make at least one resolution to get or stay organized and most January magazines have one section all about organization and cleaning.

With that being said, I thought I would share some of my own easy, not too difficult organization ideas/tools that help me stay (somewhat) organized

Knuff magazine holders - I love these things and they help me corral my ever expanding magazine collection (I am my own worst enemy when it comes to this, I would advise others to rip out what they love and throw the magazine away, but I just cant seem to do it myself). Anywoo, I have a ton of these painted white, added a label and stashed on the bookshelf.

Airtight Glass Storage Jars - I couldn't live without these in my pantry. I think my love of jars in the pantry started from my Grandma, she always had everything in jars with neat little labels that made it so easy to find what I was looking for at her house. These airtight ones are perfect for keeping bulk items fresh. I use them for: rice, crackers, snacks, cereal, dried pasta, grains, oatmeal, and so many other items. I highly recommend them, plus they could make your plain pantry look like this.

Anchor Hocking 2 Gallon Jar - Same reasons I love the airtight containers I love these ones too. I use these all over my house to store things such as: my headbands, bar soap in the linen closet, paint decks and chips in my office area, and so much more. They do sell these at Crate and Barrel, but the cheapest place to find these bad boys is Wally World.

Wire Basket - I use these in my linen closet to store rolled wash clothes and rolled hand towels. They make my linen closet so pretty to look at.

Plastic Shoe Box - I know I have posted about these before but I love them that much. They are a whopping $1.89 each and if you by a box of 20, they are only $1.69 each. I probably have a total of 50 of these babies in my apartment and they are a storage lifesaver! Not only do I use them in my closet to store off season shoes, but I use them in my linen closet to store meds, first aid supplies, extra toothbrushes and toothpaste, my overflow of makeup, and other odds and ends. They stack neatly and in only 6 boxes I can store an entire 3 shelves worth of items.

Large basket - I've also blogged about this basket before too. Its large, sturdy and holds ALOT. From throw blankets to wood for the fire these are so useful.

Wine Box- One free item on the list, woohoo! Head to your local Trader Joes or liquor store and ask if they have any wood wine crates they are looking to get rid of. I use two of these on top of bookcases to store school books and binders full of class notes that I just cant throw away. I actually have used them alot and am so glad I didn't toss them.

Tray- Clearly I have an obsession with trays and boxes as I have blogged about them over and over on this blog (here, here and here). Trays are a major organizational tool in my apartment and I love how they make messy areas neat looking.

All 8 of these items help organize and keep my small apartment neat. I don't know what I would do without any of them. Even if organizing seems like a huge project, try tackling just one closet in your house at a time. I promise with some $1.89 boxes you can give it an overhaul in no time.

Come back tomorrow to see 3 labeling items that I also couldn't live without. They go hand in hand with these containers and take organizing to the next level.

Thank you!

2012-01-03T11:32:00.000-05:00

Hi there! Sorry for the radio silence for so long. I fully planned on blogging last week, but the break from the internet and blogging was so needed to get my batteries recharged again.

(speaking of napping, did you see this video? So friggin cute!)

Now that I'm back I wanted to say Happy New Year to everyone and give a massive thank you to all those readers, stalkers, friends, family and anon readers out there!! I couldn't do this blog thing without all of you and I appreciate each and every one of you, so THANK YOU!

Really, from the bottom of my heart!

I'll be back later today with some of my favorite New Year organizing tips!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T09:20:00.000-05:00

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah!!

Lindsay

'tis the season

2011-12-20T10:12:00.003-05:00

With school and life getting in the way I didn't get to go as crazy as I had planned. But I did manage to make a new tree skirt and some garland for the mantle. They are made out of felt and required no sewing (ok the garland does require a straight line) and were super easy to make. My goal was to make something colorful, with texture and a little nutty, like me!

I will warn you though, my fingers hurt for DAYS after cutting out all those felt circles- I might even have a pinched nerve in my pointer finger where the scissors hit.

tada!

It kinda reminds me of something out of Whoville and I love it.

But take one lesson from me...don't just 'guess' the measurement of the tree stand like I did. Get your lazy butt to the basement and actually measure the tree stand. Otherwise you have to wrap left over felt around a stand that doesn't fit- oops!

But, with all the wrapped boxes I have under the tree you can't even see the extra blue felt and my big oops mistake.

I had so many felt scraps when I was done cutting out all the circles and I couldn't just throw them away. So I cut all different shape rectangles and stitched them together to make this felt garland for the mantle.

After I got all the pieces cut, it maybe took me 20 min to get it all stitched together and hung. So easy!

Just waiting for Santa now!

The left over ornaments from my wreath project found a new home under this glass dome

A mini tree on the side table with a ribbon bow topper in the same colors as the tree skirt and garland. I also have my wish ball there (as seen in my stocking gift guide) and hanging on the door knob is my DIY balsam filled sachet that smells so delish!

I really should make some new stockings that are colorful and bright to go along with the skirt and garland. Just add one more thing to my to-do list this holiday season, right?

A tree for everyone

2011-12-14T11:39:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts- I am up to my eyeballs in work for my final project. I have to put together 4 materials boards, 4 renderings, and 2 papers by tomorrow at 5pm- yikes! I'm totally a beginner when it comes to rendering so it is taking me a LONGGGGG time to even get something that looks halfway decent.

In the meantime I thought I would post a gathering of my favorite trees this year. Enjoy the Christmas eye candy while I'm in the middle of ripping mine out, won't you?

all of these trees and more can be found on my Christmas Pinterest board (along with their sources, please forgive me for not posting them here)

My Christmas Wreaths

2011-12-09T09:01:00.001-05:00

My Christmas decor has been up for awhile now, but with a final to work on and my family room floor being a mess I haven't had time to take proper photos of everything. But, I did get a chance to snap a few photos of the copy cat wreath decor I put together last week.

It took me alot longer to put this together than I thought- with measuring all the ribbon to the right lengths, picking out what ornament would go with what ribbon, you know all those anal details.

For a refresher, this was my inspiration

(via Cottage Living)

And after futzing around with ribbon and ornaments for about 2 hours this is what I came up with

It was really hard to get a good shot of this because when the sun was out you couldn't see any of the ornaments, hence the night time photo

I ran out of yellow ribbon just as I was starting this project so it could stand to get a little more yellow in there like the inspiration photo, but for now I love how festive they look on my windows.

Oh how I love Christmastime!

2011 Gift Guide for the Stocking

2011-12-07T07:00:00.005-05:00

Back again with another installment of my 2011 Gift Guide, this time it's stocking stuffers! Over the past few months I have spent HOURS searching the internet for ideas. This list is for everyone, young or old, guy or girl, there is something for everyone. Sit back and get ready to shop- there are 28 fun ideas here

1.I love a clean shaven man and this The Art of Shaving kit is just the ticket for that smooth face.

2. Everyone needs a foot rub now and then, try one with Burt's Bees foot lotion

3. Back when my husband, then boyfriend, started spending Christmas morning with my family he started the tradition of buying everyone a Tis Best Charity Gift Card for our stockings. It's been 5 years since he started the tradition and it is one of my very favorites. Sometimes we all need a little reminder that it's better to give than to receive.

4. Cant resist the pretty packaging on this Mor Soap

5. All kids should have a place to write down their thoughts, these JCrew Field Notes pads are just the place.

6. this elephant jewelry dish is the perfect resting place for your jewelry at night

7. If I got this Jonathan Adler whale eraser as a kid it would have been one of those that I kept special and never used. Did you have those kinds of erasers or pencils?

8. I want this Leopard phone case, I just need an iPhone to go in it first. Details, Details.

9. There is a running joke in my family that my Grandpa used to get underwear and socks in his stocking every Christmas and he hated it. I don't think these Christmas Boxers would be so bad to find in your stocking Christmas morning.

10. This Evil eye bracelet would sure keep that evil away.

11.These albums are currently my favorite and on endless repeat. Nothing But The Best by Frank Sinatra and Christmas by Michael Buble

12. I've been dying to try this Fresh Sugar lip gloss everyone swears by it so I just had to include it.

13. I dont eat meat but when I texted my brother asking if he liked bacon, his response was "Duh, everyone loves bacon except you!" I think I'll have to get this Bacon popcorn for his stocking.

14. On Christmas morning at my parents house after all the presents are opened and we've had a chance relax we open the wish ball to see if the wishes we wrote down the previous Christmas have come true. Then we write down new wishes for the upcoming year and put them in the Wish Ornament Ball. A few years ago my mom bought my husband and I one so we can carry on the tradition too.

15. This Claw bottle opener is so cool looking. Would be awesome for your own bar.

16.I love everything at Pixelimpress and this Pixelimpress desktop calendar would bring fun color to any desk.

17. There are no words for how cute these Lucy's Bow Socks are!

18. Love these Baggu bags- they are small enough to fit in your purse but sturdy enough to carry ALOT.

19. Another way to glam up your desk is with these Iomoi pens

20. Got dry winter hands? This L'Occitane Hand Cream is just the fix.

21. This Moose Munch is one of my Mom's favorite treats so I just had to include it in my list (hi Mom!)

22. Turn your kids into little fashionistas with these Kids Leopard Gloves

23. No explanation needed, Smith's Rosebud Salve is the best!

24. Gotta keep those shoes shined and this LL Bean Shoe Care Kit is how to keep them clean

25. Headed on a Winter vacation? You won't lose your luggage with one of these Graphic Image Luggage Tags

26. These froggie LED Flashlights are adorable and fun to play with.

27. Dr. Bronners Pure Castile Soap has so many uses, I couldn't possibly list them all here. But, I will tell you this stuff is awesome.

28. My Dad LOVES to get his head scratched. This Head Scratcher would make him a very happy man on Christmas morning.

(This is NOT a sponsored post, these are just my own opinions)

2011 Gift Guide for the Gentlemen

2011-12-06T09:15:00.001-05:00

So yesterday was all about the ladies and today is all about the men in our lives. I've always had a difficult time shopping for my dad, brother, grandpa and now husband. There doesn't seem to be as many wants/needs on their Christmas lists as the women in my lives.

Anywoo- here are a few of my favorite:

1. Just like I love my monograms, I love a man who does too. What man wouldn't want to mark their meat with this Williams Sonoma brander?

2. a hot key chain for that hot man of yours. Or maybe just your dad?

3. Have you ever been in a single guys apartment? What comes to my mind is empty walls and black leather sofas. I had my brother in mind when I picked this Ork Boston poster, and they come in lots of other cities too!

4. Love that all the new gloves out there have that magic finger pad so you can use your phone with gloves on. Genius. These ones are from Patagonia.

5. Who doesn't love Top Gun? Gotta have the Ray Ban aviators.

6. Everyone has an iPod, iPad or something along those lines these days and I think these retro style headphones are so fun!

7. Another monogram, oops. Love this Colby Leather Toiletry Case, it's perfect for the traveling man.

8. OK so maybe not every guy will love this cute brass duck bottle opener, but the women in their lives sure will.

9. Stylish birch storage boxes for the guy in your life to stash all his stuff.

2011 Gift Guide for the Ladies

2011-12-05T12:23:00.001-05:00

Its that time of year again! Time to start checking those lists to make sure everyone on your gift list is taken care of. Need some ideas for the ladies in your life? Here are my current favorites:

1. perfect for any outfit this BCBG Harlow Reptile Print Clutch can be dressed up or down

2. For your bag or travel love the colors on this Tory Burch makeup bag

3. Bath towel or beach towel these Turkish towels are bright and cheery

4. the Kendra Scott Darby earrings are such a lovely shade of green

5. love this Kate Spade bud vase on your nightstand, side table or tucked on a bookshelf for a bright surprise

6. there are about a million places I can think of to put a tray, especially this Furbish Studio leopard print tray

7. My best friends got me this Max & Chloe monogram necklace for my birthday and I have not taken it off since

8. You can never have too many L.L. Bean Boat and Tote Bags. Monogram it or label it for what its used for, I'd love a new "Laundry" one

9. I'm on a big rose gold kick and these knot earrings are simple and classic

10. Every girl needs a stylish case for her iPad (or kindle, or any other tech device) Amagansett Tablet Computer Case

11. I love places to corral all my stuff and this Square Horn Bowl is perfect in any room, from bathroom to bedroom

12. Anything with a monogram is a lovely gift in my book, and I'm not even Southern! A monogrammed jewelry case from Leontine Linens is the perfect present for any monogram lover

crafty Christmas

2011-12-02T12:43:00.000-05:00

There are so many Christmas DIY projects that I have been dying to try. I hate that the Christmas season is so short (Christmas season to me should be all year, but in reality it is the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Day). It doesn't leave much time to get all those projects on my list done with time left over to enjoy them.

Two years ago when I made my own peacock themed ornaments with clear glass balls and some paint

Super easy and so cute. I've been meaning to get to the craft store to pick up some more of those glass balls so I can make more in all different colors. I love that these can be made to match any Christmas decor theme.

Anyway, I've been searching the internet and Christmas magazines for some of my very favorite Christmas ornament DIY projects. Some have tutorial links and the others look easy enough that you could make them at home too

tin foil tape ornaments

tissue paper ornaments

painted glass ornaments- there is no tutorial on these, but they are so awesome looking that I am dying to try them

polka dot glitter ornaments

this one made me laugh- especially after Movember just ended. There is no tutorial as it is sold on Etsy, but you could easily make your own with a plain glass ornament, some white paint, and a sharpie to make you own stash design.

These ones are paper mache- but you could totally paint stripes on any round ornament to make your own version in any color combo

reindeer ornaments- such a cute idea for kids

Glitter geometric ornaments- I think I just love this one because its pictured with pink and orange

More glitter (Sorry Nicole. It will be over soon, I promise) I like how this one has just a touch of glitter. It could be made in so many different color combos too

So these thumbtack balls aren't necessarily Christmas ornaments (she actually made these to be vase fillers) but stick about a million thumbtacks into a styrofoam ball, add a ribbon hanger and you have such a fun ornament. I really love the texture of these!

Another version of the painted ornament- but this time only cover part of the inside with paint.

Who knew with pledge and glitter you could get a professional looking glitter ball? Not me, that's for sure.

Sequin balls- I can't imagine the time spent sandwiching all these sequins together, but when its all finished it's a really pretty ornament.

layered paillettes ornament- looks like fish scales- would be so cute in blues and greens like a fishy!

to finish all those pretty ornaments I LOVE the idea of using ribbon to wrap around the top metal part. It just adds that extra detail to make your DIY ornaments look finished (from BHG)

Are there any I missed? What are your favorite DIY ornament projects?

The most wonderful time of the year

2011-11-29T10:20:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is now over and my focus can 100% be Christmas! It's the most wonderful time of year and seriously brings out the two year old in me.

We got our tree on Sunday and it's already up and almost finished. I say almost because I've still got a few more DIY projects to get done before I can say its complete.

With much of my free time spent on Pinterest this year, the inspiration is endless. So many amazing Christmas ideas, the list of projects I want to get done is overwhelming at times. But in a good way, I mean I do LOVEEEE Christmas.

Here are some of my favorite Christmas inspiration photos for this year

Can you tell I'm going for lots of color this year? No plain old red and green for me, bring on the color!

Gather round

2011-11-22T11:21:00.000-05:00

I'm not hosting my own Thanksgiving this year, but I really wish I was! It would be so nice to be in my own home and have my family come to me. I am huge into tradition and next year I'm starting my own as a newlywed that's for sure!

Even though I'm not setting my own table, I have gathered my favorites from around the web. Most are from other bloggers too, I find them as the best source of inspiration.

Bryn Alexandra Interiors- Love the use of burlap and the wood candlesticks

Eddie Ross as seen in Lonny Magazine- Gold, blue and orange. It doesnt get better than those 3 colors together.

Eddie Ross- the pink and red combo is so beautiful here, and the plaid tablecloth just makes the entire table.

Full House- Christina went above and beyond here. The paper punch table runner is GENIUS!

This simple table from Martha Stewart is perfect. Anyone can do candles and pumpkins- love it!

Matters of Style took some ikat fabric and created this beauty. I think the gold chargers and the beautiful china pull together this amazing look.

Lauren from Pure Style Home does everythign to perfection and makes it look effortless. For her centerpiece she just went in her backyard and gathered some ferns, paired with a few pumpkins and she pulled together this stunning table.

Thanksgiving and pink normally arent paired together- but Southern Living did this pink Thanksgiving table and I just love it. I think I need some pink china for next year.

So many ideas, its going to be hard for me to narrow it down. But I guess I've got some time to start thinking about it, right?

Currently Loving

2011-11-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

I'm currently really loving these things- they are bringing me lots of inspiration today!

1. Ben Moore (and also Sherwin Williams) fan decks. I'm working on my final project for school and these babies have been getting some use. They are worth their weight in gold right now, I don't know what I would do without them!

2. LOVE the color of these Kendra Scott earrings. So perfect for the upcoming holiday season.

3. Ok so this painting has the most beautiful colors- but I am a horrible blogger and I have no idea who its by- please help so I can give credit!

4. I had this glitter nailpolish on this past weekend for my birthday celebration and I loved it. Its like a party on your nails!

5. The current issue of House of Fifty is ahhhh-mahhh-zing. So many ideas, so much inspiration, Janell is awesome!

6. How cute is this hook? It would be such an unexpected wall hook for your winter coats.

7. I really think this Harry Allen piggy would be a great reminder to my inner shopping freak that I need to SAVE more. The gold one is my favorite of course. Of course the $125 price tag for him would be going against the whole "save" message.

8. More glitter! This holiday season I want to glitter EVERYTHING I can get my hands on. I probably wont since just a little glitter does the trick, but I still love all these colors.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-15T10:11:00.000-05:00

I'm having a really (REALLY) hard time not posting about all things Christmas. I know it's not even Thanksgiving, but I'm one of those people that wishes Christmas could be celebrated all year long. Anywho, I will do my best to wait and I'm trying really hard to just keep thinking Thanksgiving over and over.

I'm not hosting my own Thanksgiving this year, but I hope one of these years. To prepare I have been collecting DIY decor ideas that would be super cute for any Thanksgiving table.

Acorns are free- can't get better than that. Just collect some acorns outside, drill some holes in them, and then string them on wire to make a super cute napkin ring. Oh, and I often times find acorns without their tops attached but I grab a bunch of them too. Just use a hot glue gun to reattach the tops. Done and done.

I'm really into felt lately (more on that later). It requires no sewing and is available in so many colors. Just print out some leaf templates from online, you might want to blow them up in size, and cut them out from your felt. Layer them on your Thanksgiving table for an instant tablecloth. Bonus, if you double the felt, they work as a trivet as well and will protect your table.

(here are some templates I found)

Love these turkeys, they remind me of those hand turkeys I made in preschool. This is a cute way to make placecards and you can even get kids involved in this craft. Nothing says Thanksgiving like a good old fashioned construction paper turkey, right?

Halloween is over but pumpkins are still cool. Just take some white or orange mini jacks and use your drill with a forstner or spade drill bit (the width of your tealight) to drill down halfway in the pumpkin. After your hole is drilled just plop the tealight in and you have the perfect Thanksgiving table votive.

Other items that can be incorporated into a Thanksgiving table are: Indian corn, feathers, corn husks, apples, pomegranites, nuts, dried leaves, bittersweet, gourds, cranberries, flowers, cabbage, pinecones and so much more! The possibilities are endless.

What decor are you planning for your own Thanksgiving table this year? Do share.

PS- thank you everyone for all the sweet birthday wishes! I had an amazing weekend full of surprises and love from friends and family. I was absent yesterday because, as predicted, I was still paying for my celebrating, oops.

(photos from Martha Stewart, BHG and pinterest of course)

They say it's your...

2011-11-10T11:39:00.000-05:00

...birthday!

I'm signing off early this week to begin my 30th birthday celebration.

It's going to be 11-11-11 tomorrow and it also marks the day that I've spent 30 years on this earth. I've got lots to celebrate and lots to be thankful for. Too much to ever put into words.

I plan on consuming too many bottles of champagne, too much food and too many sweets. And I plan on enjoying every, single second of it.

They say 11-11-11 is a lucky day and well, since it's my birthday I happen to think it's extra lucky. I hope in between all the bottles of champagne I remember to go buy a lottery ticket.

So I'm off to party like a rock star for the next 4 days. If I'm not here on Monday it's because my body is reminding me I am indeed 30 and I shouldn't be drinking like I was 21.

peaceloveandhappiness. LindsB out.

(photos from Rue Magazine)

bling bling for sale

2011-11-09T10:26:00.001-05:00

My love affair with gold (and brass) continues today with a few select picks from Goodwill. I might be giving away my secret here (but then again, I'm sure you all knew about this site and I'm the one living under a rock) but the deals that Goodwill has are awesome!

If I were to go click crazy today these are the things I would be buying:

crazy fun antelope

kinda the poor mans version of the massive antelope from the Vogue office in the Sex and the City movie.

Alright, so the Goodwill version doesn't have glass horns, but its still cool looking.

duck bookends

goblets

Just in time for Thanksgiving, these would be sure to warm up your table!

roosters

These would be really fun displayed on your bookcases

pineapples

Brass and a secret little hiding place? It doesn't get better.

snail lawn sprinkler

how friggin cool would this be on your front lawn or sitting in your garden? I wish I had even a tiny garden to use this in! I think my neighbors might think I've really lost if I put this on my front sidewalk to water the concrete. But I might just do it!

birdcage

Super cute- I might even stick a little animal in there just for fun

(and NO not a real one, I'm not that dumb. Please don't call the Animal Cops on me)

Candlesticks

I love the shape of these, with a little cleaning they would be very fun.

So many cool things up for sale on the Goodwill website- I wish I could have them all!

So tell me, what is your favorite thrift store find?

you can do it

2011-11-08T09:56:00.001-05:00

I fell in love with this kitchen from the new book Black and White by Celerie Kemble. White kitchens seem to be all the rage these days and this one stuck out to me because of the the reclaimed wood island. I really love how by adding the wood on the island really grounds the space, makes it feel less institutional and more like home.

Recreating this kitchen in your own home wouldn't be hard either. Just cover your island with a few reclaimed wood boards, switch out your hardware to brass, and install a new kitchen faucet and you have your own Celerie Kemble kitchen on a budget.

OK, this Gooseneck faucet from Waterworks is totally not budget friendly (ringing it at $2,000+ yikes!) , but I love it. A more budget friendly option would be this one from Faucetdirect.com at around $650.00.

The Cabinet pulls and knobs are from Cool Knobs and Pulls and are budget friendly.

(first photo from: Black and White (and a Bit in Between): Timeless Interiors, Dramatic Accents, and Stylish Collections)

love me some amrapali

2011-11-04T12:04:00.001-04:00

I have a real soft spot for this Designers Guild fabric (and it comes in wallpaper too!)

The colors in it are all my favorites and the large flowers on the white background makes my heart melt. I think I tend to love things that are out of my price range that I cant have. Some kind of sick self torture or something.

Since I was already in a dream world I put together this cutie pie little reading nook. It is totally not budget friendly.

I'm totally craving color and pattern lately, can you tell?

Happy Friday Everyone!

Designers Guild Amrapali wallpaper

Stark Leopard No Rose Rug

Blue Howell Leather Wingback chairs from Anthropologie @ $2,498.00 each

Baroque Style Giltwood Mirror from 1stdibs @ $6,300

Burton ottoman from Jayson Home & Garden @ $1,195

Penguin Classic Books @ $20.00 each

Rooms Love

2011-11-02T11:46:00.004-04:00

I just got my copy of Katie Ridder Rooms from Vendome Press and seriously I can NOT put it down. It is probably the most awesome design book I've read in a LONG time.

Her attention to detail is ridiculous. There was not one photo that I couldn't pick out at least 10 things I loved. Katie's use of color is unmatched- the patterns and textures of her rooms are combined fabulously.

Its like all the most amazing best design candy wrapped up in one little package. If I could have licked the pages I would have, it's that good.

Seriously, do yourself a favor and get Katie Ridder Rooms. I swear it is one you will love forever and get SO much out of.

(all photos posted with permission from Vendome Press)

black paint isnt scary

2011-10-31T10:10:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween everyone!!

(Photos from: Abchao.com, Domino, Home and Garden Magazine, Unknown, House Beautiful design by Kirsten Kelli and photo by James Merrell, and Caldwell Flake Interiors)

chain me love!

2011-10-27T11:58:00.003-04:00

I love nailheads and when I stumbled upon this new nailhead I fell in love. Hard.

A chainlink nailhead design, HELLO LOVER!

These nailheads come in two pieces, the link and the loop and they are put together to create a whole chainlink design. At almost $70 for 50 pieces (25 links, and 25 loops) they arent exactly cheap. But they sure would make anything old thing look special.

Here is my photoshop version of what it would look like

My mind started working overtime just thinking of all the possibilities that could be done with these. I wanted to place an order for about 1,000,000 of them just so I could get started on all my ideas.

This is just what I came up with so far

Use around the edges of plain upholstered ottomans

(Target Kristine ottoman or the Ballard Designs tailored ottoman)

Jazz up a plain Ikea chair (and paint those legs!)

(Ikea Karlstad Chair)

Any mirror would look so awesome with this chainlink design around it- instant work of art for sure

(Ikea Ram mirror)

I'm obsessed with the new textile line from Caitlin Wilson, she is so talented! Anyway- a plain old bulletin board would look so cool if it was covered in one of her fabrics and then the chainlink design was added

( any old bulletin board with fabric from Caitlin Wilson Textiles)

Turn a plain headboard into a custom work of art

(Pottery Barn Kids Hana headboard)

Do the same with a plain upholstered bed- you could even go nuts and do the whole bed!

(Ballard Designs Squire Untufted bed)

green and gold- the perfect combo. LOVE these shelves now

(Green Ikea Lack Shelf)

The possibilities are endless!

They even come in silver and bronze

What would you use these chainlink nailheads on?

Pattern Choices

2011-10-25T10:46:00.000-04:00

I finally got a few coats of primer and Ben Moore's White Dove on my umbrella stand, now all that's left to do is figure out what pattern / border / design to embellish it with. Oh the choices!

Picture this in white, with one of the following design ideas:

a chevron pattern like my orange tray? I already have the orange paint too!

I am completely smitten with Caitlin Wilson's new fabric and pillow line, aptly named Caitlin Wilson Textiles. She put together an amazing collection of fabrics and pillows and they all coordinate! Making it super user friendly and almost impossible NOT to put together an amazing design using them.

Anywoo- her Deco and Signature pillows are the inspiration for a possible design.

Can't forget Jenny's famous monogram stand- LOVE hers and a project with my new monogram would be lovely!

Nailhead trim is always fun! Since I'm on a gold kick I would have to order some new gold nailheads and go to town with a fun design like this one.

Fabric patterns are always a big source of inspiration for me and these fabrics would make pretty designs for my umbrella stand. The ikat fabric is actually what I used for my new kitchen window treatment, so repeating the pattern in my hall could be a nice way to tie the two spaces together.

See my dilemma- there are so many choices! I must pick one before this weekend so I can get started on finishing this thing- its been sitting in my hall unfinished for fall too long and that has to end now!

a gentleman's rumba

2011-10-24T11:12:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend I finally got the chance to stop by the hardware store and pick up two free cans of Benjamin Moore paint (I had coupons, that's why they were free). To avoid standing in the paint aisle for HOURS, I did my homework beforehand and decided to go with Rumba Orange and Gentleman's Gray.

I went with an orange, well because its my favorite color and I just wanted it. The Gentleman's Gray is more like a blue, Farrow and Ball's Hague Blue to be exact and I just love it!

I have no use for the paint yet. But as most of my projects go, an idea just pops in my head and having the right paint colors and other materials on hand is key.

Some of the ideas I've been tossing around for this paint are as follows:

Find an old mirror at a thrift store and paint it either color- most likely orange

I'm obsessed with this room done by Pieces designer Lee Kleinhelter. This dresser is Rumba Orange! Not sure i have enough paint for an entire dresser, but maybe a small side table.

Wonder what my landlord would do if he stopped by and I painted my door orange? This door from Lauren Leiss's home is perfection, well her whole house is.

Finding a bamboo chair has been on my list forever! I actually would love one with arms for the office- and giving a bright coat of Rumba Orange would be just the touch the office needs.

I'm in love with the wall color in this room! Its actually 50/50- Twilight Blue and Gentleman's Blue- love that combo!

I don't have enough paint for an entire entryway- but this Hague Blue color is stunning in this entryway!

Jenny from My Favorite and My Best painted this sideboard Hague Blue and it is beyond georg in her dining room! I think I might have enough for a smaller version of this.

Oh the choices!!

Let me ask you, what was your most recent paint purchase (or freebie) and what did you use it for?

(photos from Cottage Living, Lauren's Blog Pure Style Home, House Beautiful design by Ashley Whittaker and photo by Francesco Lagnese, Traditional Home, and Jenny's blog My Favorite and My Best)

furniture fretwork

2011-10-19T11:38:00.000-04:00

I FINALLY finished my O'verlays project that has been in the works for far too long!

Danika and Cheryle sent me 3 of the Gigi panels to play with and immediately I knew where they would go. This small wood chest in my kitchen needed a makeover, it needed the extra bling that O'verlays add.

I started by painting the Gigi panels navy blue (as seen in this post)

They take spray paint like a dream!

Once they were all dry and ready to attach I got to work. I used Command strips on each corner to attach them to the drawer fronts.

(Bonus they can be used again & painted again)

The size O'verlays I was working with are designed to fit the IKEA Malm dresser, so they were just a tad short for my chest. But,

I came up with the best solution!

Remember my Big, Fat Fail spray paint screw up? (see that post here) The spray paint chipped off in 2 seconds, but Rub n' Buff to the rescue. It worked like a charm.

After letting the handles dry I attached them to the chest and without further ado, here is my new glamified O'verlays chest

They look black here, but I swear they are navy.

I decided to attach the handles vertically on either side of the panels. I love how different they look being attached this way!

Where this chest is in my kitchen makes it close to impossible to get a good shot of it straight on

On top I have a white ceramic elephant that holds index cards (index cards are a staple in my house- they are perfect for shopping lists, notes, reminders and so much more), chalk for the chalkboard, a pen holder that I spiffed up with marbled paper, the white drawer unit holds receipts, and cookbooks.

This chest holds more cookbooks, wedding presents, a few office supplies that I use alot, and other random serving pieces that don't fit in my armoire.

Again, sorry for the weird angle

These fretty frets from O'verlays are awesome! They made this plain little corner of my kitchen so much prettier to look at, that's for sure!

To see more ideas on what to do with these fretwork panels check out Danika's blog Gorgeous Shiny Things and the O'verlays blog

one is silver and the other gold

2011-10-18T11:17:00.002-04:00

In the midst of giving my kitchen a little makeover I decided that it was time to give a item that I use almost everyday a mini face lift.

Actually I gave this thing a makeover back when I tried and failed at spray painting some pulls gold - I was on a major gold kick. I still am actually.

I taped up the bottom and stuck in the ball thing upright so it would be easy to spray. Oh, I also gave it a quick coat of primer spray first so I could be sure that the gold stuck.

I let it dry/cure for a good week before I put it back together and started using it.

Not that major of a change, but I like its new look.

Maybe next time I'm itching for a small change I'll get out the orange spray paint. Hmmm, maybe that's a project for this weekend.

After all, it is almost the end of spray paint season.

Weekend Recap

2011-10-17T10:48:00.000-04:00

I spent my weekend on my family room floor surrounded by this mess

It's my midterm project, due this Thursday. I spent all weekend working on it and I'm not even close to finished.

Looks like a boatload of fun right?

Extra Space

2011-10-14T10:42:00.000-04:00

Storage space is limited in my small apartment, especially after bringing home all the wedding gifts that people so generously gave us. I feel like my walls are caving in on us sometimes. And yes I STILL have 12 boxes of individual china place settings stacked on my kitchen table that are driving me NUTS. (note to self, find a new home for them this weekend)

Anywho back to the point- more storage needed. I registered for these awesome fluffy towels, I love them, they make me feel like I'm at the spa. But who knew they would take up twice as much space in my closet?!? Actually I should say, who knew my old ones were so crappy.

Closet space is like gold around my apartment and these new towels are taking up alot! Enter the over the door storage shelf

LOVE this idea!

That Martha, of course all these photos are from her. She has the best ideas.

I like storing extra supplies over the door too. All my Extreme Couponing hording products could have a new home.

A little less pretty and a little more towels and this would be perfect for me

I also like this towel bar idea. Unfortunately I don't think the husband would hang the towels properly (by properly I mean folded in 3rds the long way and then folded in half to hang, you know what I'm talking about right?) and the messy look ~~might~~ would drive me nuts. I think I might have to stick with the hooks that we have. Bummer.

I do think that some over the door shelves are in my future though. I have to find some cute wood brackets now. (second note to self, find cute wood brackets this weekend)

Happy Weekend everyone!

(all photos from Martha Stewart, except the 3rd one down from the top. That one is from House and Home)

Fall into place

2011-10-13T12:48:00.000-04:00

While I really love fall, I'm not one to go crazy with the season decorating. But switching out or adding a few select accessories is something I do like. Here are just a few ideas I'm really loving for Fall this season

Switch out an area rug for an antique Persian rug. The colors are so warm and inviting and really can be used all year long, but I extra love them in the Fall and Winter.

Another easy idea is to switch out the fabric on side chairs. It just takes a few minutes to unscrew the seat and a few staples to attach the new fabric, and in no time you'll have an updated Fall chair.

A simple maple tree branch on the mantle is a super easy (and free) way to bring fall to the fireplace. Oh, and a roaring fire screams Fall too.

There is something about nuts and pewter that just says Fall to me. If they are paired together, even better. Hit up those flea markets and second hand shops for pewter bowls and stock up on nuts from the grocery store and you have the perfect Fall decor. Bonus, you are ready for guests at anytime.

For around $20 you can get a large mum from your local nursery and in an instant give life to an outdoor space. Maybe it's just me but its just not Fall without mums.

More mums and with a single pumpkin this time.

Get ready for those Fall fires by storing your firewood in a pretty basket. You can do this all year long too, but for a Fall switch up maybe add some smaller twigs and twisted up newspaper firestarters to be ready for a fire in an instant.

We just got the fireplace fixed in our apartment and I'm hoping to get some firewood this weekend so I can have my very own romantic Fall fire. Oh and I'll be putting out some nuts and maple branches as well. Gotta love Fall!

blue pigment fun

2011-10-11T10:22:00.000-04:00

If you read Architectural Digest you might have noticed a pretty hip coffee table that made it into two of the featured homes in last months issue.

I just LOVE the Yves Klein pigment coffee table. I've seen it most in blue, but you can't forget about the lovely pink and gold filled tables as well. Delish!

Which one is your favorite?

(photos from Architectural Digest; Celerie Kembel design photo by William Waldron; Chicago Home Magazine design by Michael Richman and photo Alan Shortall; New York Times, home of Marianne Boesky; Nuevo Estillo)

Curling up

2011-10-07T13:26:00.000-04:00

mmmmm, DELISH!!

LOVE this space. I just want to curl up in one chair (with the hubby in the other chair of course) and get to reading this stack of magazines I have waiting to be cracked open.

Too bad the forecast calls for 80 degrees this weekend, this library would be the perfect place to spend a cool fall evening. Screw it, 80 degrees or not its STILL Fall in my mind.

Curling up on my couch wins, since I don't have a pretty library like this one. Sad face.

But, HAPPY FACE that it's Friday!

PS- THANK YOU to everyone for all the amazing art recommendations yesterday- I knew I could count on my readers to point me in the right direction!!

(source: Nuevo Estilo design by Isabel Lopez-Quesada)

Art Help

2011-10-05T15:03:00.000-04:00

Calling all my blogger friends...I need help.

(And yes, if you know me in real life you know that I need more help than blogger friends can help me with. Hardy har har.)

I have a large gallery wall in my hall and a few empty frames. Yes I know that art is supposed to be meaningful and gathered over time, BUT I'm looking for a few fun and colorful prints to add to the collection.

I've found a few front runners so far, but there are MILLIONS out there and I can't possibly find them all myself. So I'm cheating and asking my super smart readers for your favorite Etsy sellers (or non Etsy sellers) of fun, inexpensive, color filled, art.

Did you read that part about inexpensive? I'm not Mama Warbucks.

Ok, so far these are the front runners:

a custom Massachusetts map from Etsy seller LilyGene

the beautiful LOVE poster from the awesome Jen from MadeByGirl

cutie Mr. Elephant from Etsy seller berkleyillustration

Although, I already have the most amazing elephant on the wall from the sweet and super talented Patricia from PVE, so I'm thinking it should stay special and be the only one.

I grew up spending my summers in Maine and I love this Maine Harbor print from the Etsy seller betsymclellan

So that's all I have. This is where you people come in. Help a girl out.

Who are your favorite Etsy (or non Etsy) artists out there?

Have you purchased any meaningful art lately and if so where?

PS- thanks in advance everyone!

Subway Colors

2011-10-04T11:24:00.000-04:00

I'm having a slight obsession with colored subway tile lately. While white still might be my favorite, the colored variety is slowly creeping up to be neck and neck with white. Look all all the sizes and colors subway tile comes it- its like tile porn!

BHG

Cottage Living

Elissa Grayer Design

Elle Decor

House Beautiful

JAS Design Build

Kelly Wearstler

Kelly Wearstler via Domicilium Decoratus

Kelly Wearstler

Lonny Magazine design by Celerie Kemble and Anna Burke

Martha Stewart

Michelle Kaufmann Design photo by JB Spector

SLC Interiors

Sunset Magazine

Traditional Home design by Maureen Footer, photo by Werner Straube

What color is your favorite?

Pumpkin what?

2011-10-03T15:37:00.001-04:00

When I was little I feel like the only pumpkins to be had at Halloween time were the regular old jack o lantern pumpkin variety. Maybe it was only kind at the pumpkin patches my parents too me too, or maybe I just lived under a rock. But, these days I feel like there are so many choices when it comes to picking out your annual Halloween Pumpkin.

Regular old pumpkins

Mini pumpkins in white or orange

More ordinary pumpkins, sugar pumpkins to be exact,

and the perfect pumpkins to make pumpkin pie with.

or so I'm told, I don't actually know for sure because I always thought this is where pumpkin pie came from

Anywho- look at all these pretty varieties of pumpkins (or gourds, not exactly what the differences is anyway)

Fairytale Pumpkins, or the proper name is Musquee de Provence

Cinderella Pumpkins, or the proper name is Rouge vif D'Etampes

Carnival Pumpkins

Jarrahdale Pumpkin

Crown Prince Pumpkins

Bumpkins, or the proper name is galeux d'eysines

Turk's Turbin- I love all the colors these pumpkins have

Lumina Pumpkins

This past weekend I went to pick out our Halloween pumpkins and came home with a large Lumina pumpkin. I love its white color and that its different from the normal Halloween pumpkin. But because I'm also a stickler to tradition, I also came home with a small sugar pumpkin. I had to have an orange one somewhere. It just wouldn't be Halloween without one, right?

So, my friends, what kind of pumpkin is your favorite this season?

lookie loo

2011-09-29T10:20:00.000-04:00

Remember when I posted about wanting an umbrella stand for my front hall?

Well my Daddy is the best and he took my plans and made this beauty out of some left over MDF he had in his workshop.

OK, so she's not a beauty yet. She has some zit cream (aka wood filler) on her face but as soon as I sand that stuff off and slap a few coats of makeup on her, she is going to look like the beauty I know she is!

Thank you Daddy!!

Dipped in Gold

2011-09-28T11:52:00.001-04:00

Awhile back I started to notice painted legs on furniture. You know, just one of those details that makes something look extra special. Kinda like nailheads I guess. Anyway, when I saw Jenny do a post on dipped legs I knew it was something cool and I just had to try it.

(design sponge)

(House and Home)

It got me thinking, what legs could I paint in my apartment?

This side table in my family room was just the victim I needed.
Here is the before so you can see what I was working with

Yes, I know they aren't straight legs like the inspiration photos- but I was going to make it work anyways.

I got out a ruler and pencil and started taping out how high I wanted to paint. I decided not too far up since the table is not huge to begin with. But, not too low that you don't notice them.

For reference, I taped up 3 inches. I probably could have gone up an inch or so higher on the legs, and I could always go back and paint more- we'll see.

I forgot to take during photos because I got so excited how they were coming out, oops. But after two coats (and ripping off the tape while the paint was still WET) this is how they came out

I went with GOLD for no other reason then I love it lately. They kinda look like extra large gold leg caps, but it's just paint

It's one of those details you might not notice right away, but when you do it's like BAM those are some hot gold legs.

This project took very little paint & tape and maybe 45 minutes of my time. Oh, and since I had all of the materials already it was a $0 makeover- the best kind!

So people, get out those rulers and start marking up your furniture to paint. I promise it's an instant gratification kind of DIY that has pretty results.

PS- anyone notice the pink stools gone in the after photos? Yup, those are in the process of another makeover too. Like I tell my husband, no need getting too upset if you don't like something around here, it will be gone in 3-6 months anyways.

Sunday Morning Coffee

2011-09-26T11:02:00.000-04:00

I love this little kitchen seating area. First of all that table is too cute and I LOVE that they brought a loveseat in here for more seating. Its a perfect multi purpose space.

I imagine curling up here on Sunday mornings. You know, reading the paper with my feet up on the loveseat and enjoying a large cup of coffee. In fact I wish it was Sunday morning again and not Monday- I hate the Monday blues.

(Photo from Style at Home by Victoria McDonald)

happy days ahead

2011-09-23T10:52:00.000-04:00

Happy first day of Fall!

I am the happiest girl today. Everything about this time of year makes me giddy. From the tiny acorns on the ground to the beautiful leaves and warming up with cozy sweaters is the best!

Just look at the amazing color pallet at this time of year

And some of my favorite things

What is your favorite thing about this time of year? Do share.

A different kind of wall color

2011-09-21T12:13:00.000-04:00

I really enjoy a good gallery wall. I'm working on re-vamping my hall art wall and would love to add some more colored matting to what I already have. Since I live in an apartment and the walls are boring white (yes I can paint, but since I don't know how much longer we will live here I've just lived with the white) adding some colorful mats is the perfect way to bring color to a bland hallway.

For a clean unified look I could do all the same color mats, although this is a little too perfect for me

love these colors, but it may be a little too in your face color

Love this one. Although the walls are green and super fun, its not matchy-matchy at all

The following 3 photos are from Thomas Cary's apartment as seen from NYSD (you can see it HERE)

IMO its a massive panic attack waiting to happen. I would start shaking and might need to turn right back around and leave...if I could find the door. Although he really does have some awesome treasures, to fit everything I think he might need 10,000 more square feet.

Anywho- he has some really cool colored matting going on

purple, green, orange, yellow...oh my

And of course from Lonny- they just do everything right and this fun gallery wall is no exception. Red isn't my favorite color but this wall is making me want some red mats.

What's your favorite color matting to use for art? Are you a Plain Jane or do you like to spice it up?

(photos from:Coastal Living by Annie Schlechter, Martha Stewart, Pinterest Thomas Cary from NYSD by Jeffrey Hirsch, and Lonny)

woven usefulness

2011-09-19T10:11:00.000-04:00

When I registered for my wedding I went a little nuts with the scanning gun and added a few spur of the moment items that I thought were cool. One of those was this huge basket from Crate and Barrel and I am so happy I scanned it. It is one of my favorite things because it is so versatile and I can use it in just about any room in the house.

Basay Basket

After seeing large baskets everywhere I started to keep a folder of images and I have collected quite a few. Here are just some of the many ways to use a large basket

(Photos from: Lee Kleinhelter of Pieces, BHG, House and Home, House Beautiful, Lonny, Pinterest, Southern Living and Style at Home)

Summer all year long

2011-09-15T10:31:00.001-04:00

Back in July (or maybe it was June) I went strawberry picking. Since I couldn't eat all the strawberries before they went bad I decided to make myself some strawberry jam so I could enjoy that Summer taste all year long.

This is only about 1/4 of what we picked that day. Bad blogger me forgot to take a photo before I started making the jam...oops.

Since this was the first time I had made jam, or even canned in my life I decided to make it easy on myself and just follow the recipe that came in the Pamona's Pectin box

I chose to use the Pamona's Pectin because I wanted to make my jam with less sugar, my whole batch of jam only used 2 1/2 cups of sugar as opposed to other recipes that require 5-6 (or more) cups of sugar

my washed and sanitized jars ready to go

I put the tops in a simmering (not boiling, you don't want to ruin the plastic seal on them) pot of water till it was time to can

washed and hulled strawberries ready to go

I decided not to cut them up for a more chunky type jam. I used my handy drink muddle tool to crush the crap out of them instead.

Once I got all my aggressions out by crushing I added them to the pot along with the sugar and pectin

After I let the mixture boil for the allotted time I used a Pyrex measuring cup to pour the strawberries into my sanitized jars

I didn't want to pour a hot liquid into cold jars, so I kept my jars hot by standing them up in a pan of simmering water. Not sure if this is the correct way to keep them hot, but in a tiny kitchen with little to no counter space this worked for me.

Once all the jars were filled I put them in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.

Side note- I thought about investing in a canning pot, but since my kitchen is tiny I decided to work with what I have. I realized that the All Clad pasta pot I registered for was perfect for this job. It saves my fingers from being burned to a crisp as its super easy to lift the jars in and out in one sweep

After the jars were finished in the 10 minute water bath out they came and I let them sit on the counter overnight to cool and seal

I totally forgot to take pics of the jars after I added the cute labels I whipped up, but here is what they looked like so you get the idea

I ended up giving my Dad two pints of the jam to enjoy. He eats peanut butter and jelly like he's still in kindergarten. I figured some homemade jam would be just the thing to make his sandwiches special.

In other canning news, remember when I blogged about the pickles I made (you can see that post here)? Well since I used a boiling canning method and didn't use any additives or grape leaves (as recommended by some) they didn't turn out as crispy as I had hoped.

I was so sad when I finally got to try them that they were soggier than I would have liked. I'm not giving up on pickles yet though. I'm going to try them again but make sure I find some grape leaves to get that crispiness I was missing the first time. Any canning friends out there that can recommend a good CRISPY recipe?

Since I'm really getting addicted to this whole canning thing I cant WAIT to go apple picking this month. I'm already drooling just thinking about homemade applesauce and apple butter. Again to those canning friends, what apple recipes are a must try?

Happy canning everyone!

Color my world

2011-09-13T13:08:00.000-04:00

September kinda just crept up on me, it just came out of nowhere. Does anyone else feel like that?

With September came the start of school and this semester I am taking a Color Theory class. I'm only 2 classes in and already I love it! School is totally different when you are taking classes that you LOVE and are really interested in. Color Theory is nothing like my Econ 101 class in college. Talk about booooring.

Anywoo- if I am absent every few days or so I'm blaming my homework. In fact, this weeks homework was coming up with my own color wheel.

It's not as easy as it looks- all that mixing and getting JUST the right colors. I really hope I don't have too many wrong, ekk.

The syllabus has us doing so many fun things in this class and I'll be sure to share more than just my silly paint mixing.

PS- can we discuss the whole target.com site crash this morning? Like how did they not know the Missoni line would be popular. I was beyond PO'ed

ding dong...

2011-09-12T15:32:00.000-04:00

...Oh its just me.

These have got to be the coolest doorbell button cover things ever. I don't even have a doorbell but I want to mount one outside my apartment door because they are so cool!

get your own at Rejuvenation.

She's got legs

2011-09-08T09:28:00.000-04:00

Usually I am drawn to bright and bold colors, but when I saw this first image I fell in love with this house.

Its the table that got me- oh my those LEGS, I am drooling!

Now that I look at this space I could totally live here. But, I'd add some bright window treatments, bold pillows, some fun artwork with colored matts and other pops of color with accessories. Sounds fun, right?

(photos from El Mueble)

old as dirt rug

2011-09-07T11:28:00.000-04:00

all my shopping and searching online finally paid off- I am the proud new owner of my very own antique Persian rug!!

You can see why I wanted one so bad HERE

Anywho, here is a little teaser of all the pretty colors

I know, I know there isn't much red in it like my inspiration photos. But, I realized that I don't have that much red in my house and I am more drawn to the blues and other colors in the rug. Plus the size was PERFECT for my kitchen and it looks like it was made for the space.

Don't you love when things happen like that?

I'll be sure to show you more of the kitchen as I finish a few other projects. (another hint, these babies are for the kitchen)

Happy Hump Day!

Big, fat fail

2011-09-02T10:52:00.001-04:00

Last week I went to Home Depot and bought 6 of these

I had big plans for them. They were scheduled to get a gold makeover. See, I was too lazy to order the proper ones online and thought I could just give them a little coat of spray paint and all would be right in my world.

After I let them dry, I saw chips. Then more and more chips. Those stupid effers would not hold the spray paint. This is what I spend 45 minutes doing

chipping off all the spray paint

big FAT fail!

So now I'm left with the original silver finish wondering if I can ever get my beloved gold finish on them. This is what I will spend my Labor Day doing.

Hope your Labor Day is filled with happy gold dreams, Ciao!

Color Trends

2011-09-01T11:35:00.000-04:00

The Pantone Fall 2011 Fashion Color Report came out awhile ago, but its finally Fall 2011! While I love these colors for fashion, they also play a big role in interiors as well.

I'm thinking I need to paint something Bamboo or buy an accessory in that color- I just love it.

Anywho, here are some beautiful rooms following the Fall 2011 Color trends

(Photos from: Alice Lane Home, Amanda Nisbet, Apartment Therapy, Jill Seidner Interior Design, Kishani Perera, Rue Magazine, Full House, Design Sponge, and Pinterest)

Hudson Shopping

2011-08-30T11:51:00.000-04:00

Boston friends- major sale going on at Hudson right now! They are moving and from now till next week sometime they are trying to move everything from their old location.

I stopped by yesterday and basically wanted to buy everything I saw!

Those large wood things were AWESOME- I wish I had a place for them in my tiny apartment

there was tons of lighting, mostly Visual Comfort stuff too- on major sale I might add

It took everything in me not to take these chairs home. Marked down from something like $1500 to $750 I WANTED THEM!

This lamp shade was MASSIVE. It would be perfect for someones huge room- it was $350 marked down to $50

This tortoiseshell console almost made it in my bag- but then I remembered I'm still paying for a wedding, boooo

loved the live terrariums- super cute

Oh this couch, it was lovely and on major sale- like 50% off sale. Run now to get this and make me super jealous.

Hudson Boston

312 Shawmut Avenue, in the South End

*this post is in no way sponsored by Hudson and I didnt get anything for free- I just love what the have and wanted to share :)

Over It!

2011-08-29T10:37:00.000-04:00

Irene an I are NOT on speaking terms!

I totally thought when I woke up yesterday and still had power I was in the clear. I had a list full of things to get done, starting with a few sewing projects. Just as I got everything set up and ready to go... the power flickered twice and went out for good! Apparently Irene and her wind gusts had different plans for me. BOOOO to you Irene!

Thank goodness I got my spray paint project done on Friday afternoon. Here is a little hint

side note- here is where I have to get my spray painting done

in the back alley- my neighbors hate me

Anyways, that's right I have myself some awesome fretwork panels from Danika and Cheryle and their new company O'verlays!

These two ladies are GENIUS and the possibilities of projects that can be done with their panels are endless. Just look at some of the things that have been made so far

And the super funny Bri over at Me, you and a wiener came up with this creation which I am slightly obsessed with

My panels are currently drying and as soon as it's spray paint weather again (aka Irene the wench is gone) I will get to painting the chest these babies are going on.

Be sure to head on over and check out O'verlays- I guarantee you have a project you can use those babies on!!

All the small things

2011-08-25T09:37:00.000-04:00

It is said that good design is in the details, and I could not agree more.

Often times I find myself hating things about a room in my house and its usually something large: the TV stand, the couch, the curtains, the rug, etc. To be honest I don't have unlimited funds to go out and change those, but what I can change is the smaller details. Recently I have been trying to appreciate what I can not change (totally easier said than done when you are a design freak, as I could literally rip out my hair ~~sometimes~~ most times) and turn my focus to the smaller details.

Here are a few spaces where the details are really done well and what I am noticing in each room

The border around the room, the colored mat in the framed art, the monogrammed pillows, the double molding around the bottom of the room, and the trim on the toss pillows

I LOVE how the desk is made to look like a piece of furniture- the bottom of the file drawer is perfection. I also love the trim on the shades, and the gold on the inside of the lamp shade.

This is the perfect little space. Things I am noticing are: the sideways chevron chest- LOVE, the ruffles on the drapes (which are on the bottoms as well) and the little chevron pencil cup- so cute!

love that headboard shape and the nailhead trim, how there is a recessed circle around the drawer pulls, the small art that is hung under each mirror, the lace trimmed pillows, and how the side tables are covered in glass (great for those of you who like to keep drinks next to the bed, this way you wont get those nasty water rings)

Tobi Fairley, the queen of color and details does it again! Just about everything in this room is amazing but my most favorite things in this room are those yellow stools at the end of the bed. They aren't your typical circle or square shape- its like a really fat quatrefoil shape.

So tell me my lovely readers, what details are you loving lately?

(Photo 1: Gwen Driscoll Designs, Photo 2: Hillary Thomas as seen in Lonny, Photo 3: Nick Olson design as seen in House Beautiful, Photo 4: Rue Magazine, and Photo 5: Tobi Fairley design from the Hampton Designer Showhouse)

A whole new level

2011-08-23T09:27:00.000-04:00

Is chevron still all the rage? Or do you think its on the way out?

Either way, this kitchen really takes the whole chevron love to a new level. I'm actually kinda digging it. What do you think?

I wish I had a country house with a kitchen like this. A country house on a lake, with a boat and a pretty dock to sunbathe on. Yes, that is what I wish.

daydream over, back to work ya'll

(Photo from this really cool Spanish magazine El Mueble)

you can stand under my....

2011-08-18T14:43:00.000-04:00

...you know the rest of the song. You're welcome for getting it stuck in your head now.

Ok, so I need a new umbrella stand. I came to this realization when I saw this photo on Julie's Blog and fell in love

hello sunny lover

Then I remembered Jenny made her own monogrammed version as well.

Both genius.

I also love these ones, but I think I might stick with the painted square variety.

I sketched up some plans on how I wanted mine to look and emailed them over to my Dad. I'm hoping he has some scrap wood in his shop that can be made into one of those tall, square badboys.

Dad, if you are reading this hows that umbrella stand coming? LOVE YOU!