Valentine's Day Love

Valentine's Day is coming up an its time to get your love on.  I know it's kind of a Hallmark holiday, but it really is the perfect time for some extra lovin' for that special someone.

Here are a few love themed items I thought were worth sharing...

 

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I'm Loving...

If I bring one more thing into my apartment without getting rid of something I think it might explode. It's time for a major purge session. But, what do you know? Before I even purge I'm already shopping for new fun accessories. Here are my current favorite finds



1. Lauren Bush Laurens new FEED line at Target has some great things!  Not only are they cute, but they also provide meals for those in need.  These metal storage bins would be so cute in a kitchen pantry.

2. It was love at first sight with this blue chest.  I need want it. I have to have it.  Blue and gold, extra storage, the perfect size to go just about anywhere, what's not to love?!?

3. These Three Sheets cocktail napkins make me giggle- they would be an adorable addition to any bar area.

4. I just bought myself a new fiddle fig leaf tree plant at Ikea.  I talk nice to it everyday in hopes that it doesn't die on me.  I'm scared to even touch it or re pot it, but if I threw the plastic pot in one of these baskets it would be the perfect pair.

5. Ikea is really stepping it up this season with all their new stuff and this fabric is no exception.  Its quirky, colorful and not just for the kiddos!

6. Speaking of purging, I think its time to rid my bookcases of my magazine collection.  By collection I mean about 5-10 subscriptions from 2000.  That's a lot of magazines folks.  I think if I had this magazine holder I would have to limit my new "collection" to 1 months worth.  My apartment might thank me for this purchase.


What are your recent favorite finds?  Do share!

search word jackpot

I have this fantasy that I will open up Craigslist one day and everything that I've ever looked for will pop up within one mile of me, all for great prices of course.  Oh and they can all be delivered to my doorstep. 

 

Right now at the top of my Craigslist search is a set of pretty brass (or any metal really, but brass is tops) chairs.  By set, I'd like 2 arm chairs OR 6 dining chairs.  Also, it would be like picking the Power Ball number if they were covered in some delicious, perfect condition velvet or leather.  But I wont push it, those changes I can make with a trip to the upholsterer, I just want the chairs.    I have no place for these chairs, but if I found them I'm sure I could find space.

 

Look how pretty they look!

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 Those floors?!?  I would LOVE for floors like those! Not to mention those windows, the shelves, and the blue doorway!

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What do you think? Are metal chairs for you?

Mirror,Mirror on the wall

On my trip to Italy last Fall I developed a deep love for their craftsmanship.  The glass specifically.  I already blogged about the chandeliers that I still cant get off my mind, but I've also been jones'n for a Venetian mirror.  If I wasn't petrified of them breaking on the trip home I would have packed a few in my carry one bag.  Even thought I didn't come home with one on my last trip,  all the more reason to plan another trip to purchase one.  Right?

Elle Decor, photo by Laura Resen

Gianni Franchellucci

via High Gloss Mag

Design Manifest

House Beautiful, photo by John Kernick

Coleen McGill

Elle Decor, photo by Simon Upton

Country Living

Elle Decor, photo by William Waldron

House Beautiful design by Windsor Smith. Photo by Victoria Pearson

 

Elle Decor, photo by William Waldron

Looking for your own Venetian mirror without the plane ticket to Venice for one?  Your in luck, here are some of my favorites

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Moms Rule

This post is directed to all those children or husbands who are late to the game and have yet to go out and get something for that special lady in your life.  It's not too late, go now! (if you're still clueless here, its Mother's Day this Sunday, May 12th)

But before you go, here are a few last minute fun (and cheeky, classic or luxury) ideas for you to ponder. 

Quaaludes Jar,  Heart Tray,  Eat Cake vase, Monogrammed Robe, Silver Frame, Rose Gold Bracelet, Gold Bar Necklace, Silver Piggy, Mothers Day Card

Sucker for Seer...

It is the most beautiful day here in Boston today. Not a cloud in the sky and  the perfect 70 degrees out. It's making me wish for days like this everyday, but I know tomorrow it will probably rain. I'm enjoying it while it lasts and I'm getting in total Summer mode. Summer mode around here includes some seersucker. Slap a monogram on that seersucker and I'm a bigger sucker for it.

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Green in low places

Every time I see another blogger or designer posting about their pretty new fiddle leaf fig tree I get a little pang of jealousy.  They really are pretty, add height to a space and who doesn't love having a tree inside?  I certainly do!

When I first moved into my apartment I wanted one so bad I went right out to the store and got one for the corner of my living room. It was perfect, exactly what the space needed.  Except it was not the perfect space for the tree.  The tree wanted more light and my dark living room corner was not cutting it.  The tree got mad at me and died within 2 short months.  I thought about getting another one, but it would just be a waste of money seeing that there would be no window going in as well. 

That's when I realized I would need to look for plants that can survive with low light.  They might not be as cool as the coveted fiddle leaf fig tree, but they still bring life to a space.  Plus my Grandma told me they have health benefits too, like taking toxins out of the air. Yes please.

So my search was on for plants that could survive in the less than ideal light situation I had going on in my apartment.

Now you may be saying but Lindsay, "these don't look like fiddle leaf fig tree!" Of course they don't, because they aren't.  I had to get over that love affair real quick, unless I want to spend $80+ every few months to replace my dead trees.  Which I don't.  Enter the low light solutions above.  I swear the pothos plants I have can NOT be killed.  Even if I stick them in a dark bathroom and don't water them for weeks on end, they still show me love. They make me feel like I really have a green thumb. (warning these plants can get leggy, and I don't like that look on them.  I keep mine tight and bushy like the picture here)

I think with the right planter (cachepot), these plants can be cool too!  Here are my current favorites.

1. Blue and White from The Pink Pagoda   2. Black Zig Zag   3. Rose Clay Planter   4. Zinc Tall Square Planter   5. Aerin Round Woven Cachepot (if only I could afford this one, crazy for a planter right?) 6. Well Appointed House Blue Studded Planters   7. Galvanized Planter    8. Aged Copper Round Planter   9. Bataan Planter

So tell me, what low light plants do you like (and have kept alive longer than 2 months)?  I'd love a reason to head to the garden center this weekend.

Have a good weekend everyone!

Tools

Having grown up with a general contractor for a Dad I spent hours and hours with him down in his shop, or at house sites, or fixin' something around the house.  I learned all I know from him and I am so happy he took the time to teach me 'tool things' when I was little.  Because of him I was the girl moving into college my Freshman year with my own little tool box.  When I moved into my first apartment my roommates came to me for a hammer, nails and a pair of pliers.  When Christmastime comes around there are always a few tools to add to my collection on my list. Needless to say my collection is slowly outgrowing my current tool box. 

You know how some people have office closets or nursery closets?  Well, I dream about a workshop closet. Living in an apartment, that's what it has come down to these days. But, oh would it be an awesome workshop closet.  My pride and joy would be a hot pink tool chest.  Yup, pink! 

How fun would this be to see in my workshop closet??  Just thinking of all the tools I could organize in those drawers makes my mouth water.  Is that weird?  Never mind, Don't answer that.

They come in all shapes and sizes too

Don't like pink as much as I do? Don't worry they have lime and purple too.

I sound like a late night infomercial.  But I am not being paid to say this, nor did I receive a free pink tool box to review.  This is just my opinion.

Happy Art

Happy Menocal has made its way around the internet before, so this is nothing brand spankin' new.  But I just keep coming back to their illustrations over and over.  They have remained some of my favorite over the years.  Their custom heraldry has got to be some of the most artistic and creative out there.

 

I always like to check out their site for new illustrations. When I looked today I saw them in a different way. I love the everydayness about them.  Is that even a word?  They make a scary shark look like its smiling, or a family pet look like a prince or princess

In college I studied abroad in Spain and bull fights are just part of the life there.  This Matador might be my new obsession.  My gallery wall is filled with meaningful things and this print just has to find a way up there.

Hopefully the husband reads this post today. Hint, hint.



Weekend Recap

I love it when my Monday morning is really a Tuesday morning, dont you?  Thank you Mr. Washington for the day off!

So it snowed again over the weekend, something new and different aorund here.  Not wanting to brave the snow and slush on Saturday morning I made muffins.

First time I had used my muffin tins that I got for my shower over 2 years ago!?! I had to pull off the packaging and stickers, guess thats how often I bake. Except for last weekend when I made cookies, two weekends in a row, woah!! Watch out, next week I might just make something real fancy.

Speaking of making something, I also made blue cheese stuffed olives for my dirty martinis- which to me are the best.  But then Joan reminded me that jalapeno stuffed olives are really the best.  I have to say it's a tie- they both are pretty awesome

And in other news I finally crossed over to the Apple dark side and got myself a MacBook!  It is taking some getting used to, but so far so good. 

I'm really loving the simplicity of everything.  But I am a total tech idiot- tell me oh wise ones, what do I need to know about my new laptop?

How was your weekend?

Slip 'em to me

Designing in the city (namely my own apartment) sometimes can get tricky.  Often those odd shaped family rooms or even bedrooms make it difficult for seating options.  People always make room for a sofa or love seat, but other seating is the hard part.  That's when designers have to get creative.  I'm loving these armless side chairs/ slipper chairs,  they provide seating but don't completely take over a space with chunky arms.  They aren't the choice for everyone but when it comes to picking a chair that has arms and blocks your pretty city view or one of these babies, I'll take the latter.

 

 

Top to Bottom- Barcelona, beige, pink, orange with contrasting piping, blue stripe, tan with teal legs, houndstooth, white slipcovered, green with brushed brass (my FAVORITE)

 

What do you think, would you take 'em or leave 'em?

It's a jungle out there!

Well, actually today it's an ice cap.  But that's not news to all of you because half of the US is feeling the freeze today. 

Which got me thinking of a nice warm vacation somewhere.  The jungle would be nice, I'd love an adventure trip.  But at this point I'll have to settle with some shopping online.  All the animal products out there make it easy.  Here are my top picks today

1. Unicorn Shoes- hello awesome! I love these and totally want to be in second grade again rocking these in the school halls.

2.Crocodile Clutch- I just need a Florida vacation and a country club party and this would be perfect.

3.I despise snakes, they might be the creepiest things on Earth.  But this kind of snake I might allow to live in my house, in fact it would be welcomed.

4. Oh course there are elephants here, I love elephants.  These earrings are adorable.

5. You aren't a New England girl unless you've worn at least one lobster item in your lifetime.

6. Since this is my imaginary jungle trip, I'm going to take my Judith Leiber elephant bag with me. And yes, I will carry it with me on one of those zip line tours.

7. One more elephant item thrown in here for good measure.  Gotta love baggu!

8. I've seen this notepad everywhere but I still cant get enough, it's so motivating.

9. Time to get all those iPhone 4 and 4S cases on sale- this foxy lady would love this foxy case for sure!

Monday Musings

Sometimes I get distracted online because its SUCH a web of fun things.  I'm enjoying these fun finds today:

1. I got one of these cutie little macaroon boxes for Christmas (I guess my husband really does read my blog) and its the perfect resting place for my rings at night.  All the colors are adorable!

2. Who doesn't love brass these days?  My hideous 80's shiny brass bathroom light fixture might not look so hideous if my eyes could focus on this soap pump and not the light fixture.

3. Needlepoint and leopard. No more words needed.

4. I am CRAVING an office space of my own.  I'm a bit ADD when it comes to picking out a desk for myself and I'm loving this one today.  Tomorrow it might be a new one though.

5. How fun would it be to host a backyard BBQ and bring out these bad boys to serve lunch on?

A smidge early...

...But who's counting. 

 

 I know its not even Thanksgiving yet, but I've seen people posting their Christmas trees on Instagram so I'm giving myself a pass.  I've been listening to Christmas music and lighting my Balsam Fir candles for a little over a week now.  Sorry, I just LOVEEE this time of the year.

 

 

Paddy Wax Give, Archipelago, diptyque, Fresh Balsam, D&L Noir, Illume Gold Pine

To get a few Christmas Scrooges (I wont name any names, but I happen to be room mates with one)in the spirit I love lighting Christmas candles.  I mean, who can be mad when all you smell is Christmas Tree in your house?!? Best scent ever.

Anywhoo- above are some of my favorites.  And a little hint to those shopping for candles, Homegoods, TJ Maxx and Marshall's are my spots for candles- they always have good ones.

Time to get in the spirit people!


PS- My 2012 Gift Guide posts start next week, keep an eye out for the 1st one on Monday

Mine!

It's no secret I love me a good monogram.  I'm super excited about this new store which is all about monograms!  Have you checked out Mark & Graham yet?  Its a new store by the Pottery Barn, William Sonoma folks and its great!

If you havent seen it yet go check out all the fun monogramed things they carry. Which is basically everything in case you are wondering.

To see more head to Mark & Graham

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I'm guest posting today over at Party Resources- be sure to head over to Kate's blog and check out what things I would change about my wedding if I could.  So hard to pick just a few, I love weddings and wish I could plan one every year!

Here Piggy, Piggy

I have lusted over the Harry Allen gold piggy bank since I laid eyes on it.  It is just so shiny & pretty and a work of art on its own, the bank part is just an added bonus.  But whats not a bonus is the price tag.  Ouch!

Since I like to unload my change at the end of the day, I have a change bowl on my entry table.  Because it's out for all to see, I like it to be pretty.  Until I can save up lots (and lots) of my pennies for my beloved gold pig, I came up with some more budget friendly piggy bank choices

1. The famous gold Harry Allen Pig Bank  2. Glass Pig Bank  3. Midnight Elephant Bank  4. Gold Bar Bank  5. Doggy Bank  6. Lamb Bank

Happy Thirsty Thursday!

Nightstand Necessities

Since my bedroom makeover I've been trying to keep it neat, organized and always stocked with fresh flowers.  There is just something calming about going to sleep and waking up next to some pretty blooms.  It really does make that hideous alarm clock sound a smidge more tolerable.

This week I have some fun pink and yellow dahlias next to my bed. They came from my good friends baby shower and remind me that a beautiful little girl will be here soon!

The same items are almost always next to my bed.  Maybe different versions of these items, but the same basic things are always close by. 

Here is a new version of my necessities using some favorite colors and patterns

1. Leopard Tray   2. Glass water carafe   3. Bunny Ring Dish   4. Lollia Believe Handcreme   5. ZigZag Frame   6. Petite Vase   7. Nest Candle

Tell me, what are your nightstand necessities?