tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40566554363592265452024-03-13T05:47:06.340-07:00I'm Glad I ExistA collection of beautiful things that make me happy to be aliveMeghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.comBlogger493125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-39395651649162904242017-12-03T17:27:00.002-08:002017-12-03T17:27:35.322-08:00Christmas WIshlist: For your Etsy-Loving Friend<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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I didn't shop from Etsy this year like I usually do, but shopping around for this post makes me wish I did! Etsy can be a bit intimidating to navigate through--there are so many shops and items, many of which are sort of tacky or cheesy. I keep lists of my favorite items and shops <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/mchirp/favorites?ref=hdr">here</a></b>, but you can shop all the highlights below!<br />
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Let's kick this wishlist off with jewelry. I love finding basics with a twist, and Etsy is also chock full of great statement pieces:<br />
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/etsy_jewelry_list/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=231779366" target="_blank"><img alt="Etsy Jewelry List" border="0" height="970" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/dKDt8KIoAKWOHhRqTFUw/cid/231779366/id/Xr-hX7zX5xG9fpmKghNhcg/size/c600x970.jpg" title="Etsy Jewelry List" width="600" /></a></div>
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Art can be a tricky thing to buy for someone else, but fortunately Etsy artists have such beautiful work that I think anyone would appreciate, from your friend who loves landscapes and nature-inspired prints, to your friend who just bought a home and wants to decorate her bathroom with a less-cheesy beach theme, to your teenage niece who's putting her own stamp on her bedroom:</div>
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Last but not least, Etsy is obviously a treasure trove for home decor pieces. I have my eye on several of the black-and-white pillows for our new den, and the leather tray is on my own Christmas list this year!</div>
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What are your favorite Etsy shops?</div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-11742234812057716572017-12-01T09:18:00.000-08:002017-12-01T09:18:31.345-08:00Christmas Gift List: For the Eco Enthusiast<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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This year I've begun educating myself on more sustainable, Earth- and people-friendly practices, from composting to biking instead of driving to buying products that are designed to reduce negative impacts on the Earth and the people making the products. Fortunately you don't have to be a hippy, granola-toting eco warrior to appreciate these lovely gifts!<br />
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There are so many different ways to lessen harms to our world, so I've labeled each product with some of the highlights of each company. I'd really recommend clicking through to each product's website to learn more, though--there are many more details and many, many more gorgeous products to sift through!<br />
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/christmas_gift_list_for_eco/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=231704707" target="_blank"><img alt="Christmas Gift List: For the Eco Warrior" border="0" height="954" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/7fawNaePiU269mmpB4vbg/cid/231704707/id/9qJjsTLW5xGHylRJ4fGqgg/size/c600x954.jpg" title="Christmas Gift List: For the Eco Warrior" width="600" /></a></div>
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The horn earrings, "Leave it better than you found it" tee, and slippers are on my own personal wishlist this year, but I'd be happy to receive any of these items!</div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-57606869411535371832017-11-30T16:10:00.000-08:002017-11-30T16:10:15.052-08:00Christmas Wishlist: for your Athletic Friend <div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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Well if all the cool kids are doing it....here's my take on the ever-present blogger Christmas wishlist! I've been slacking on exercising of late due to traveling a lot for work, moving into a new house, and most recently being sick, so I have exercise on the brain. I'm kicking things off with a wishlist for your active friend!<br />
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/christmas_gift_list_for_active/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=231702885" target="_blank"><img alt="Christmas Gift List: For the Active Friend" border="0" height="582" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/qlz4KPaxfKnMwfNkveJrcQ/cid/231702885/id/EKa6HSrW5xGnpRZpmAc2pA/size/c600x582.jpg" title="Christmas Gift List: For the Active Friend" width="600" /></a></div>
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Biking:<br />
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<li>Jacket: This jacket has crazy reflective properties! Perfect for throwing over a puff jacket in the winter, nobody will miss seeing you on your bike commute!</li>
<li>Light set: I have this set and can personally attest that they're crazy-bright. They have different settings, like blinking or solid light and various brightnesses. </li>
<li>Helmet: I also have this helmet and get compliments all the time! Super comfortable and relatively stylish as far as helmets go.</li>
<li>Tires: For the daily bike commuter, Gatorskins are a must-have--they're like armor for your bike tubes so you don't get flats so often!</li>
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Camping:</div>
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<li>National Parks Pass: Gets you in to all national parks without having to pay daily fees--a must for every camping enthusiast!</li>
<li>Jet Boil: Perfect for overnight camping trips, this lightweight stove boils water quickly to purify it, plus it's the right size for coffee, tea, and freeze-dried camping meals.</li>
<li>Camelbak bladder: You can add this to any backpack (most hiking packs are designed to accommodate the tube and I find that I drink a lot more water when it's readily available through the tube rather than having to stop to get your bottle out of your pack.</li>
<li>Thermarest: I was skeptical about the cost of this mat, but it was a game-changer once I caved. Keeps me so much more comfortable but most importantly, it's much warmer than sleeping on the ground!</li>
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<li>Tank: I personally hate built-in bra tops so these Athleta Chi tanks are my favorites for working out because they are so simple and lightweight. They used to come in fun colors, so I'd try eBay if black isn't your jam!</li>
<li>Leggings: I recently bought<b><a href="https://www.senitaathletics.com/collections/bottoms/products/high-waisted-pants-black"> these black high-waist leggings</a></b> from Senita (a woman-owned, eco-friendly USA company) and basically haven't taken them off since. They're suuuuuper comfortable, although I've been sick so I haven't tried working out in them yet. The cute black succulent print leggings are on my own wishlist--would you believe they're only $37?!</li>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-10800348156325942632017-11-29T18:52:00.000-08:002017-11-29T18:52:42.165-08:00New house: Guest bedroom inspirationFor the first time in 3 years we have a spare bedroom! Currently it's being used as an office/workout room, but eventually we'd like to outfit it up proper to be used as a real guest room. Since it's not a real budget priority right now, it will probably be a hodgepodge of hand-me-downs and Craigslist finds. To make some sense of that mess, I think we'll focus on an eclectic mix of textures and patterns, all centered around the beautiful purple patchwork quilt my mom and grandma made for me!<br />
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-20609807695303686022017-11-27T09:57:00.000-08:002017-11-27T09:57:47.067-08:00New house: Sunroom inspirationToday I'm giving you a glimpse at our ideas for our new sunroom. It's going to function primarily as a dining space, but hopefully we can squeeze a comfy reading chair in there too, because it's <b><a href="http://imgladiexist.blogspot.com/2017/10/we-bought-house.html">such a beautiful room</a></b> due to the south-facing windows and skylights!<br />
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We plan to continue the colorful, patterned look we have <b><a href="http://imgladiexist.blogspot.com/2017/11/new-house-living-room-inspiration.html">planned for the living room</a></b> (they're attached to each other) and exploit the sunlight with bright white and bleached woods, plus lots of plants!<br />
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-88885478959049171862017-11-20T17:42:00.003-08:002017-11-20T17:42:47.813-08:00New House: Living Room Inspiration<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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Yesterday I showed you the calming, neutral, textural plan we have for our new den, which is right off the bedrooms and bathroom. Next up is the inspiration for our living room, which will essentially be the opposite vibe: fun, bright, and upbeat. This room gets a lot of light and I want it to be a welcoming place for when we have people over--nothing stuffy or fragile. I'm going for a bit of a boho look, mainly through mixed patterns and colors:<br />
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/woodstock_living_room_inspiration/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=227666736" target="_blank"><img alt="Woodstock Living Room Inspiration" border="0" height="593" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/TcCM3zmMUg5nX8E2CztfQ/cid/227666736/id/Xt7LLAWW5xGg4YdO2hAMMQ/size/c600x593.jpg" title="Woodstock Living Room Inspiration" width="600" /></a></div>
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We'll supplement the more colorful accent pieces with neutral furnishings and plan to get a stash of board games and a record player! I think the den will be where we get cozy, but the living room will be where we get our dance party on :)</div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-19103353110518976092017-11-18T10:40:00.000-08:002017-11-18T10:40:21.801-08:00New House: Den InspirationWe are very slowly settling into <b><a href="http://imgladiexist.blogspot.com/2017/10/we-bought-house.html">our new house</a></b>. I've been traveling a lot for work and my husband has been working long hours himself, so the moving/settling process is taking longer than it usually does when we move.<br />
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We've decided to focus our attention on our den first. We're thinking neutrals, lots of texture and art, with a very cozy vibe:<br />
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Since putting together this inspiration boards we've started thinking more about a medium grey sectional instead of leather sofa, so I'm on the hunt now for something affordable and petite! Sounds like a unicorn in the sectional world...anyone have suggestions for us?</div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-81730116955407315482017-10-06T08:59:00.001-07:002017-10-06T08:59:21.927-07:00We Bought A House!!!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Big news everyone! We bought a house in Portland! She's a 2-bed, 1-bath semi-fixer-upper from 1949 and we have lots of big plans for her. We get the keys tonight and are taking a long weekend to start putting our spin on the place right away! I can't wait to share our progress, but for now all I have to share is the real estate listing photos. Let's take a tour, shall we?</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2cKGnjXMVQ0/Wdb9cEtdf7I/AAAAAAAAJNc/MzQhJDuIJr0PiaVZyQdDN2nl_sHptQN0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Front%2Bof%2Bhouse%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2cKGnjXMVQ0/Wdb9cEtdf7I/AAAAAAAAJNc/MzQhJDuIJr0PiaVZyQdDN2nl_sHptQN0ACEwYBhgL/s400/Front%2Bof%2Bhouse%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the front of the house. We hate the color scheme and plan to paint it immediately (cross your fingers the Portland rain holds off just long enough for us!). It actually doesn't even look as bad in these photos as it does in real life--up close, it's a clear DIY paint job that should've been two coats but was only one. Plus....yellow and brown? Really? </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2RHvk2hfUI/Wdb9cKFTkdI/AAAAAAAAJNc/HogG64aWHLcVFWE1BX9gABMRdXCjwpVIACEwYBhgL/s1600/Front%2Bof%2Bhouse%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U2RHvk2hfUI/Wdb9cKFTkdI/AAAAAAAAJNc/HogG64aWHLcVFWE1BX9gABMRdXCjwpVIACEwYBhgL/s400/Front%2Bof%2Bhouse%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The tree/bush to the right of the door is blocking a window...definitely need to bring it down to size! We were also a bit worried about the state of the lawn initially, but the pics were taken during a very dry spell (they happen in Portland, I swear!) and the lawn has since bounced back. So the front needs some zhushing but is overall in pretty good shape. </div>
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We're planning to paint the house a <a href="http://www.behr.com/consumer/ColorDetailView/S470-6">slate-y teal blue</a> with white trim, white garage door, and hopefully keep the wood door (it needs stripping and re-staining). </div>
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Here's the front den, where you can see the window I said was covered up by the tree. Despite that, the room gets a lot of good light. We plan to make this the movie/library room with a cozy vibe. </div>
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In this shot, you can see the white door to the laundry room and garage.</div>
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This is the view with your back to the front door. To the right are the guest bedroom (bright doorway you see here), master bedroom (behind the bookshelves), and bathroom (to the left of the guest room). </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ena8aTqfC6o/Wdb9bTeAtFI/AAAAAAAAJNc/mKR2aVNGxXAWGcAMI-pr2WW26DJ4fauaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Den%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ena8aTqfC6o/Wdb9bTeAtFI/AAAAAAAAJNc/mKR2aVNGxXAWGcAMI-pr2WW26DJ4fauaQCEwYBhgL/s400/Den%2B4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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See? Such happy light. And the floors are original!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ3YG5OYjBE/Wdb9cbTGfYI/AAAAAAAAJNc/z4toTrnLwfs93FcqFfMQPMsX34Zhq2LNgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Guest%2BBedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ3YG5OYjBE/Wdb9cbTGfYI/AAAAAAAAJNc/z4toTrnLwfs93FcqFfMQPMsX34Zhq2LNgCEwYBhgL/s400/Guest%2BBedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the small guest bedroom. Its the brightest room in the house since it's south and east facing. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj_mGf_IXUo/Wdb9cfD1fRI/AAAAAAAAJNc/mUldxnnVjeAw7OndZAq4andEEVGGcrewACEwYBhgL/s1600/Guest%2BBedroom%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj_mGf_IXUo/Wdb9cfD1fRI/AAAAAAAAJNc/mUldxnnVjeAw7OndZAq4andEEVGGcrewACEwYBhgL/s400/Guest%2BBedroom%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Small closet but it will work as a spare bedroom. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjCi1oADnV8/Wdb9dSt3BDI/AAAAAAAAJNc/E6vHOnsH_UolXSV27s1jk3ic_tUcpLGTwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Master%2BBedroom%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XjCi1oADnV8/Wdb9dSt3BDI/AAAAAAAAJNc/E6vHOnsH_UolXSV27s1jk3ic_tUcpLGTwCEwYBhgL/s400/Master%2BBedroom%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here's the master bedroom. Orange walls and boob light will be amongst the first things to go!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZH2eiVcOo7I/Wdb9dbxp3AI/AAAAAAAAJNc/2hu5ouznPq4waBn3Si4ArMXBDkuT__svwCEwYBhgL/s1600/Master%2BBedroom%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1020" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZH2eiVcOo7I/Wdb9dbxp3AI/AAAAAAAAJNc/2hu5ouznPq4waBn3Si4ArMXBDkuT__svwCEwYBhgL/s400/Master%2BBedroom%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The closet is much smaller than our current shared closet, but the room itself is much bigger so we plan to get a dresser. We may install a sliding barn door or pocket door for the closet (the door on the right) to save more space. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vX4MuBc3ho/Wdb9a7oW46I/AAAAAAAAJNc/jkX-oQe0nOcEsN5T9QQltDY1SOxOLxibQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9vX4MuBc3ho/Wdb9a7oW46I/AAAAAAAAJNc/jkX-oQe0nOcEsN5T9QQltDY1SOxOLxibQCEwYBhgL/s400/Bathroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the only bathroom. It's small, and the tub is angled so it takes up more space than it needs to. We plan to gut this ASAP to make it more functional and will replace that window and its painted-on tropical scenery at that time ;) Until we have the funds for the reno, we'll be making some smaller changes like replacing that huge mirror with a smaller one plus shelves for storage since the sink doesn't provide any!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FZJI8J9iMs/Wdb9chEfHDI/AAAAAAAAJNc/NH2VOEu6nAo5GXlXEs8IzSKlW21fIH-twCEwYBhgL/s1600/Kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FZJI8J9iMs/Wdb9chEfHDI/AAAAAAAAJNc/NH2VOEu6nAo5GXlXEs8IzSKlW21fIH-twCEwYBhgL/s400/Kitchen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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From the den, you next walk past the small kitchen. It's clean and functional, but long-term we would love to gut it and expand it into the sunroom (to the left in the photo). For now, we're planning on a makeover including ripping off the wood backsplash (???), tearing down the spice rack over the dishwasher, and adding a fresh coat of paint. We'll also replace the light and pendant and put new knobs/pulls on the cabinets. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUPe5yGalt0/Wdb9cpt8IXI/AAAAAAAAJNc/cAGaF-bP0nIB1--KFLJAwyEJTBSG2VJQgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Kitchen%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EUPe5yGalt0/Wdb9cpt8IXI/AAAAAAAAJNc/cAGaF-bP0nIB1--KFLJAwyEJTBSG2VJQgCEwYBhgL/s400/Kitchen%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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With your back to the kitchen, there's a wall with the door to this laundry room. The door you see in this photo leads outside, and there's another door to the left (out of photo frame) to the garage. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvH1UQyFvMA/Wdb9dHhz5pI/AAAAAAAAJNc/Lnh1cDHC5I02uW4yhSjIZlSO-S6tXpr2wCEwYBhgL/s1600/Living%2BRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZvH1UQyFvMA/Wdb9dHhz5pI/AAAAAAAAJNc/Lnh1cDHC5I02uW4yhSjIZlSO-S6tXpr2wCEwYBhgL/s400/Living%2BRoom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Continuing on past the kitchen, you pass a large closet (seen in the left corner of the photo above) to the large living room. This room also gets really beautiful light!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7NSbUhNjPU/Wdb9c2EsN0I/AAAAAAAAJNc/wgQ786FXxGMDbtQMrxGxX09587rpohYoACEwYBhgL/s1600/Living%2BRoom%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x7NSbUhNjPU/Wdb9c2EsN0I/AAAAAAAAJNc/wgQ786FXxGMDbtQMrxGxX09587rpohYoACEwYBhgL/s400/Living%2BRoom%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Through the sliding doors is a sunroom that was added on to the house. That stove works and apparently heats the house really efficiently in the winter. We plan to use it over this winter and then decide whether to keep it or rip it out.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWtHZ_NaT9A/Wdb9c5sN4eI/AAAAAAAAJNc/6YKmw09mxPI6-hDgT-iWZhDXLldMWo2wQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Living%2BRoom%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FWtHZ_NaT9A/Wdb9c5sN4eI/AAAAAAAAJNc/6YKmw09mxPI6-hDgT-iWZhDXLldMWo2wQCEwYBhgL/s400/Living%2BRoom%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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For some reason, when the sunroom was added to the house, they left the former exterior sliding glass doors and the frame (without window panes) to the former exterior window. We're hoping we can open this whole wall up eventually so the renovated kitchen, sunroom (which would then be used as a dining space), and living room form one large room. ("We're gonna rip down the wall between the kitchen and living room so we get a niiiiiice open concept..." -Southpark)</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_W_7Z27xi8o/Wdb9dLkXt6I/AAAAAAAAJNc/eQACl6yzdQEWxLoKxmtMFeCx26Y0IphYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Living%2BRoom%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_W_7Z27xi8o/Wdb9dLkXt6I/AAAAAAAAJNc/eQACl6yzdQEWxLoKxmtMFeCx26Y0IphYQCEwYBhgL/s400/Living%2BRoom%2B4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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These floors were added at the same time as the sunroom. From this pic, it drives me nuts how they installed the flooring so uniformly rather than staggering it! Once furniture is in I'm sure it will be fine, at least until we replace the flooring when we renovate the kitchen years from now.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WmcXHGTqRs/Wdb9dtkyj8I/AAAAAAAAJNc/ZE0RIzbbwi8NgKlqnReOOpYK1l49YKkKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Sunroom%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9WmcXHGTqRs/Wdb9dtkyj8I/AAAAAAAAJNc/ZE0RIzbbwi8NgKlqnReOOpYK1l49YKkKgCEwYBhgL/s400/Sunroom%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here's the sunroom! In addition to being south and east-facing, they installed skylights, so this room is always flooded with light. The door to the right goes to the backyard. I want to add a cozy chair under that far window--wouldn't it be so nice to drink your coffee there on a Saturday morning??</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfYwD-PB8wk/Wdb9dixYH3I/AAAAAAAAJNc/txvBbxuquXcW4dwFmiM2tJrJJ-tSe7W3gCEwYBhgL/s1600/Sunroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfYwD-PB8wk/Wdb9dixYH3I/AAAAAAAAJNc/txvBbxuquXcW4dwFmiM2tJrJJ-tSe7W3gCEwYBhgL/s400/Sunroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So many weird cutout windows in this room! The one straight forward in this shot looks through to the kitchen, and the one to the right of that (to the left of the glass sliders) is the exterior window frame I mentioned before. The sunroom is bigger than it looks from the photos--we plan to put a dining table in under the kitchen window space. </div>
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Here's the sunroom from the outside. In that L shape we plan to put in a deck. Barbecue baby!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hMsYLOAPOo/Wdb9aOSwGhI/AAAAAAAAJNc/TleGaF-MzOcHzU4WfYZ5-7qOGUezBxgHACEwYBhgL/s1600/Backyard%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2hMsYLOAPOo/Wdb9aOSwGhI/AAAAAAAAJNc/TleGaF-MzOcHzU4WfYZ5-7qOGUezBxgHACEwYBhgL/s400/Backyard%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The fully fenced yard was a major selling feature for us. Our dog will love all the extra room to play, and we imagine it to be a great space for whenever we decide to have kids. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8sckbVhWpk/Wdb9aOoXJ3I/AAAAAAAAJNc/yrmUG9dCgwwNe3bdAd0PhFYW3cyhUXA6ACEwYBhgL/s1600/Backyard%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I8sckbVhWpk/Wdb9aOoXJ3I/AAAAAAAAJNc/yrmUG9dCgwwNe3bdAd0PhFYW3cyhUXA6ACEwYBhgL/s400/Backyard%2B4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The yard features several ginormous trees that are simultaneously beautiful and terrifying. I love the shade they provide but will likely also live in perpetual fear of them toppling over on us!!</div>
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Another great feature of the property is that behind the back fence is an alleyway, so we don't actually have a rear neighbor. Long-term, we can imagine putting in a garage with a small studio apartment on the second floor of it for when we have visitors. Then we can convert our existing garage and laundry room into a master bedroom suite. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igqZk_4Ox6U/Wdb9akYuqAI/AAAAAAAAJNc/9yL6cOEVHJ0gfbTgK28gDlKwX5TOA4ScgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Backyard%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="1020" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-igqZk_4Ox6U/Wdb9akYuqAI/AAAAAAAAJNc/9yL6cOEVHJ0gfbTgK28gDlKwX5TOA4ScgCEwYBhgL/s400/Backyard%2B5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So them's the new digs! What do you think?</div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-64927134957905887702017-09-16T16:57:00.001-07:002017-09-16T16:57:10.169-07:00New House Shopping List<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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Vinny and I are thiiiiiiiis close to closing on a house (cross your fingers for us!) so naturally I've been window shopping to my heart's content. Here's what I've pulled together so far. Can't wait to show you all the house pics!<br />
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-60236199726284869762017-08-31T16:53:00.003-07:002017-08-31T16:53:42.085-07:00Sequin Skirt for Work and Play!<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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Don't get me wrong, I love (LOVE) summer. But fall is really when my personal style hits its stride. Layers, textures, broad acceptance of a more neutral color palette...I love it all. I've been dreaming up some small tweaks to my closet lately and unexpectedly, a gold sequin skirt falls high on my list. As a generally not-flashy dresser, this may be surprising, but I've thought up all sorts of ways a gold sequin skirt could fit into my existing wardrobe.<br />
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I challenged myself to create a small capsule of sorts in which each outfit incorporated the skirt plus one item from the outfit before. I'd rock this skirt on the weekends in the following ways:<br />
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/casual_sequin_skirt/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=227368715" target="_blank"><img alt="Casual Sequin Skirt" border="0" height="721" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/u1rJ247gOjwRHVQ8UUHGQ/cid/227368715/id/EETQHQCO5xGFAyc5mQc2pA/size/c600x721.jpg" title="Casual Sequin Skirt" width="600" /></a></div>
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Surprisingly, I also thought of some ways the skirt could be worn to work. My personal favorite outfits are the pink ruffled shirt worn over a work staple--the white buttondown--and the cozy green cardigan with fun leopard heels:<br />
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/sequin_work_outfits/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=227369531" target="_blank"><img alt="Sequin Work Outfits" border="0" height="573" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/i3iIym6Jrdg1cpNEyvh4A/cid/227369531/id/Np2GhP_N5xGENf9WWFI-UA/size/c600x573.jpg" title="Sequin Work Outfits" width="600" /></a></div>
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I bought this exact gold skirt (past season JCrew) on eBay but unfortunately it's too short an more brown than I was expecting. So the hunt continues!</div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-73683451722669095342017-08-24T09:15:00.000-07:002017-08-24T09:15:03.856-07:00Kelly Ventura Art: Quick Design<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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I recently came across the work of Kelly Ventura and fell in love with her vibrant floral work. I pulled together 4 quick designs of how you could use them in your home: a bathroom, living room, teen girl's room, and dining room. Enjoy!<br />
<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/kelly_ventura_quick_design/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=227159641" target="_blank"><img alt="Kelly Ventura quick design" border="0" height="513" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/wYi7ueUwnpEZ8PCc4SKw/cid/227159641/id/EmPeFueI5xGoECbsWFI-UA/size/c600x513.jpg" title="Kelly Ventura quick design" width="600" /></a></div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-43418001979492980702017-07-31T08:26:00.001-07:002017-07-31T08:26:08.384-07:00Portland House Hunting<div style="margin: 0px auto; width: 600px;">
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Guess what guys? We're house hunting! Well, to be more accurate, house scouting. Since we just paid for <b><a href="http://imgladiexist.blogspot.com/2017/06/our-wedding-photos.html">our wedding</a></b>, we need to take a little time to refill the coffers for a down payment, but we've started poking around neighborhoods in Portland where we could see ourselves living.<br />
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We visited an open house for the cutest little home yesterday, and while <strike>we probably won't be able to pull the trigger on this house before it sells to someone else</strike> it sold within 3 days to someone else, it did get me excited thinking about the decor possibilities. I put together some design boards of how I'd decorate this house if I were lucky enough to call it my home:<br />
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Entryway and Office:</div>
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This house opens to a tiny entryway with a similarly tiny office space to the left: </div>
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/brentwood_entry_office/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=225824033" target="_blank"><img alt="Brentwood Entry/Office" border="0" height="546" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/1PZEbhL7hmMYrisZBcnug/cid/225824033/id/KnjNMXN15xGP881wWs0rKw/size/c600x546.jpg" title="Brentwood Entry/Office" width="600" /></a></div>
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I'd start by painting the entry hallway with Benjamin Moore's Icing on the Cake. I'd add a pretty ceiling light, round mirror and narrow floating drawers, then finish it off with a hide rug that can take some wear and tear. </div>
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In the office area, I'd fashion it into a bit of a library, but it would also need to serve as a drop zone for jackets and shoes. I'd add narrow bookcases around hooks and a boot tray on the shared office/entryway wall, the put a desk and comfy chair opposite that. This space would be a great spot to do a fun temporary wallpaper that you could glimpse from the living room. </div>
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Living Room: </div>
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The living room is small but gets great light! </div>
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/brentwood_living_room/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=225776664" target="_blank"><img alt="Brentwood living room" border="0" height="359" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/ScLUvzLKHlAHTLzdTwcC7A/cid/225776664/id/jA3ZqGd15xGjnthjgxNhcg/size/c600x359.jpg" title="Brentwood living room" width="600" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I'd start by painting the living room the same color as the entryway, a cool aqua color. Then I'd add a sofa on the window wall facing a console with the TV and some stools that can be pulled out for guests. I'd keep things bright and colorful, adding floating shelves around the TV to hold our artwork and plants, then a small end table and blanket ladder on either side of the sofa. In the corner by the office I'd add some closed storage and more art. </span><br />
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Dining Area: </div>
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Although small, the space between the living room and kitchen could be used as a dining area.</div>
<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/brentwood_dining_area/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=225772143" target="_blank"><img alt="Brentwood Dining Area" border="0" height="315" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/WFa21tkPVE4B4B1WLYOgQ/cid/225772143/id/WoOTVL505xGzQ7sLZhqEYg/size/c600x315.jpg" title="Brentwood Dining Area" width="600" /></a><br />
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There isn't much space, so I'd put a bench on the wall where you can see they have a dresser currently. I'd add a round table for better flow and two upholstered chairs that could be repurposed in the living room for guests. I'd finish it off with some room jewelry--a pretty chandelier over the table.<br />
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Kitchen: </div>
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For a small home, the kitchen is fairly sizable and in good condition.</div>
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/brentwood_kitchen/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=225788290" target="_blank"><img alt="Brentwood Kitchen" border="0" height="402" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/0tQ7W99zBr10PasFPSwA0g/cid/225788290/id/1CjGMe505xGFAFs54fGqgg/size/c600x402.jpg" title="Brentwood Kitchen" width="600" /></a></div>
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The kitchen is fine how it is, but a bit warm-toned for my taste. Replacing the orange floors with black and white tile (or maybe <b><a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Jeff-Lewis-Manhattan-10-in-x-11-in-x-8-mm-Honed-Basalt-Mosaic-Tile-98472/207174595">these gorgeous herringbone basalt tiles</a></b>?) would cool things down a bit, then eventually I'd probably paint the upper cabinets white and the lower cabinets a dark teal color. I'd match the overhead light with the one in the entryway for continuity and add a narrow counter-height table for more prep space. </div>
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Bathroom: </div>
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The bathroom is the least updated space in the house, but it's very functional.</div>
<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/brentwood_bathroom/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=225768590" target="_blank"><img alt="Brentwood Bathroom" border="0" height="653" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/SdPdNa2W8hJLaLeiusPUig/cid/225768590/id/xFIFIr505xGiUONSV2y1RQ/size/c600x653.jpg" title="Brentwood Bathroom" width="600" /></a></div>
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I'd start by removing the mirror and replacing it with something a bit more interesting. Eventually I'd probably replace the vanity entirely, but for the time being it could be updated with some charcoal paint. I'd paint the wood window sash white (it's the only window sash in the house not painted), then go all Millenial Pink on the walls. Adding in black accessories with small hits of olive green will modernize the look.<br />
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Master Bedroom: </div>
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The main bedroom is actually pretty generously sized, and I love the existing paint color. </div>
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/brentwood_master_bedroom/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=225789073" target="_blank"><img alt="Brentwood Master Bedroom" border="0" height="248" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/CXhTwR1aqK5PtY70PkfYFA/cid/225789073/id/rjG-gfR05xG9pzjVoDbrPw/size/c600x248.jpg" title="Brentwood Master Bedroom" width="600" /></a></div>
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I'd turn the bed 90 degrees from the window and add a small dresser under the window along with striped curtains. A rattan headboard would bring some nice texture, as would the gorgeous wool rug and velvet shams. I'd do a little pattern mixing with the floral duvet and dotted sheets, then flank the bed with simple end tables. Lastly I'd add some paintings by Clare Elsaesser over the headboard.<br />
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This is definitely the biggest downside of this house--the spare bedroom is only 8x11ft. </div>
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/brentwood_guest_room/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=225790430" target="_blank"><img alt="Brentwood Guest Room" border="0" height="652" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/VDcvjIU4qhJZdtWIRupwKA/cid/225790430/id/apZA5vd05xGl8M9dV2y1RQ/size/c600x652.jpg" title="Brentwood Guest Room" width="600" /></a></div>
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To help maximize the floor plan, I'd use a daybed against the wall where they have their bed/desk combo. A fun rug draws attention to the pretty wood floors, and the rest of the space could be filled with mirrors and plants to bring a little life and light to the small space. </div>
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What do you think? Would you ever live in 928 square feet? We currently live in 620, so 928 feels like a nice fit for us :)</div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-27061198487403201192017-07-30T15:58:00.002-07:002017-07-30T15:58:22.502-07:00Quick Design: Dark Floral Powder Room<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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Dropping by with a quick dark, moody powder room design! I found <b><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/248360858/blossoms-mural-large-wall-mural-large?ref=&utm_source=polyvore&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=home%20decor">this giant floral mural </a></b>on Etsy and couldn't resist pairing it with this dramatic ceiling light<b><a href="https://www.shadesoflight.com/products/vintage-magnolia-blossom-semi-flush-ceiling-light-medium"> and the hot color of the year, blush pink. </a></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.polyvore.com/quick_design_powder_room/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=225825222" target="_blank"><img alt="Quick Design: Powder Room" border="0" height="581" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/gxmwm1onIHXNraJFSgxmg/cid/225825222/id/CF03RHp15xGAYQfKiWqlIQ/size/c600x581.jpg" title="Quick Design: Powder Room" width="600" /></a></div>
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Hope you're enjoying your weekend!</div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-53522556018325736922017-07-05T21:19:00.000-07:002017-07-05T21:19:01.062-07:00Backyard Design Dreaming<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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Now that my wedding is over, I have brainspace to once again play around with design and other creative pursuits, not to mention more financial resources at my disposal!<br />
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Here's a little backyard design situation I dreamed up. All of the products are actually designed for outdoor (who else haaaates it when bloggers post images using indoor pillows outside? Like who's actually going to truck the pillows inside and outside depending on weather?? #aintnobodygottimeforthat).<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/backyard/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=223631369" target="_blank"><img alt="Backyard" border="0" height="559" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/nnaLiZaL5SW98ObjkSfqvg/cid/223631369/id/OEkL1f1h5xGoL3YuWFI-UA/size/c600x559.jpg" title="Backyard" width="600" /></a></div>
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That gingham umbrella is just so darn cute! What's your latest outdoor design find? </div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-80594053662789761882017-06-30T08:38:00.002-07:002017-06-30T10:15:54.056-07:00Our Wedding Photos!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today I'm delighted to share photos of our wedding! We hired the amazing <strong><a href="http://www.graceandjaden.com/">Grace and Jaden Photography,</a></strong> and all photos in this post are theirs. We loved working with them and loooooved our photos--they really captured the candid moments and the look and feel of our wedding. We didn't want forced, traditional wedding photos and Grace and Jaden were more than happy to oblige. </div>
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Weddings are notoriously expensive, and it was important to Vinny and me that our money was going towards small, local businesses whenever we could. We are also very active, outdoorsy people with a lot of respect for Mother Nature, so we were very thoughtful about the choices we made to try to lessen the environmental impact of our wedding. Lastly, we've fallen in love with Portland and wanted to help our guests (most of whom were traveling from out of state) understand just what makes this area so great.</div>
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With all of those things in mind, we held our ceremony at the <a href="https://thegrotto.org/"><strong>Grotto,</strong> </a>which is one of very few places in the US where you can get married in the Catholic church in an outdoor venue. The Grotto is drop-dead gorgeous and made for beautiful photos. All of our guests have been raving about what jaw-dropping venue it was!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZxxG6deiYA/WVFGLibCy-I/AAAAAAAAJD8/iOfrCnKgi-MOwfhPdvdeOdsRroDsf-ORQCLcBGAs/s1600/Meghan%2Band%2BVinny-%2BWedding%2B%252828%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vZxxG6deiYA/WVFGLibCy-I/AAAAAAAAJD8/iOfrCnKgi-MOwfhPdvdeOdsRroDsf-ORQCLcBGAs/s640/Meghan%2Band%2BVinny-%2BWedding%2B%252828%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We did a first look, which in retrospect was a great choice as I didn't realize how nervous I was to see Vinny until I was power-walking towards him! All of my nerves settled once we saw each other and I was able to really enjoy the rest of the day.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb3nvuRUykU/WVFGMF5lBeI/AAAAAAAAJEM/IUsZlXjWqkUDs5bargmVkd5dsXPaq6gggCLcBGAs/s1600/Meghan%2Band%2BVinny-%2BWedding%2B%252846%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eb3nvuRUykU/WVFGMF5lBeI/AAAAAAAAJEM/IUsZlXjWqkUDs5bargmVkd5dsXPaq6gggCLcBGAs/s640/Meghan%2Band%2BVinny-%2BWedding%2B%252846%2529.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.bcbg.com/en/elisia-sleeveless-lace-blocked-gown/LSS66C54-100.html">My dress </a></b>was really the only one I considered, being the only one that made me feel like the bride version of myself rather than a stranger impersonating a bride. It didn't fit perfectly when I first got it, but I had a vision for it! I brought it to <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tatyanas-Wedding-Alteration-993850410630693/">my seamstress</a></b>, who made several tweaks: we narrowed the shoulder straps, dropped the back into a more flattering V, and added panels to the sides to fit my hips better. I bought the dress on eBay (from <strong><a href="http://stores.ebay.com/perfectstyle4u">this shop</a>) </strong>and was so happy with how effortless it was to wear all night--no tugging, no pulling, no Spanx or strapless bra required--just lots of dancing! :)<br />
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I'd recommend my seamstress, <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tatyanas-Wedding-Alteration-993850410630693/">Tatyana's Wedding Alterations</a></b>, to anyone. All of the reviews about her are accurate, in that her home is hard to find, her accent is hard to understand, you feel like maaaaaaybe she didn't really understand what you were asking for, but in the end she does a great job for a very reasonable price!<br />
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<li><i>Eco tip: thrift/consign/ebay your dress! Some people don't love this idea but it was great for my budget and my eco-friendly values!</i></li>
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For my jewelry, <a href="https://enclavegemsandco.com/"><strong>Enclave Gems</strong></a><strong> </strong>made me a custom pair of earrings so I could add my own <strong><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1260064474">aquamarines</a> </strong>(Vinny's birthstone). I made the necklace myself loosely based on a <b><a href="https://www.anthropologie.com/shop/celestia-layered-necklace?cm_mmc=CSE-_-Polyvore-_-US-_-Accessories%20%3E%20Jewelry&utm_campaign=desktop&utm_content=42143479&utm_medium=other&utm_source=Polyvore&utm_term=Jewelry">design from Anthropologie </a></b>that I loved but couldn't afford. I used <strong>t<a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1255235396">his smaller moonstone strand</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1270391975">this larger moonstone strand</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1260064474">these aquamarines</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1274292305">these jump rings</a></strong>, <strong><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1274292303">these clasps</a></strong>, and <strong><a href="http://www.joann.com/blue-moon-findings-clasp-metal-magnetic-cylnder-shiny-silver/14151393.html">this magnetic clasp</a></strong>. I bought my brown leather wedges for our engagement photos and they still look brand new, so I rewore them at our wedding.<br />
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Vinny found his suit from a local Portland shop <a href="http://www.wellsuitedpdx.com/"><strong>Well Suited</strong></a>, then he added the same a<a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/p/jferrar-plaid-tie/ppr5007187699?pTmplType=regular"><strong>qua tie </strong></a>from JcPenney to match the groomsmen and a <a href="https://factory.jcrew.com/p/mens-clothing/shirts/voyager_dress_shirt/tattersall-flex-wrinklefree-voyager-dress-shirt/F7663"><strong>Blue gingham dress shirt </strong></a>from JCrew Factory. We both got our outfits pressed at <b><a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/blacks-dry-cleaners-portland">Black Dry Cleaners,</a></b> who did a great job.<br />
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<li><i>Eco tip: buy local and get something he can rewear. Vinny actually wore his suit for the first time in our engagement photos, but it looked totally different for our wedding just based on his dress shirt and accessories.</i></li>
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Our flowers were designed by my wonderful mom! Although she lives half a country away, I wanted her to be a special part of our wedding planning. We decided to use faux florals for the bouquets so my mom could make them in Minnesota and bring them out. They were so beautiful and people didn't know they were fake unless they literally touched them! We got each piece from <b>Afloral</b>, Michael's, and Hobby Lobby, then my mom worked her magic. Half my bridesmaids took them home with them!</div>
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My 'something old, borrowed, and blue' all took the form of a handkerchief from my grandfather, who passed away several years ago. We tucked the handkerchief, which had blue stitching, into my bouquet and it came in handy during my dad's speech! :)</div>
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I loved how our bridal party looked together. We gave each bridesmaid a different fabric swatch from <strong><a href="https://www.azazie.com/">Azazie</a></strong> and asked them to just pick a long dress (from any store of their choice) that matched the swatch. I'm under no illusion that any of them will rewear their dresses, but at least they had the option to wear something in their chosen price point that made them feel comfortable and beautiful. From left to right: "Orchid": local bridal shop (<a href="https://www.azazie.com/products/azazie-jacey-bridesmaid-dress?color=grape"><strong>similar</strong>)</a>, "Spa": Amazon <strong>(</strong><a href="https://www.azazie.com/products/azazie-kaitlynn-bridesmaid-dress?color=grape"><strong>similar</strong></a><strong>)</strong>, "Jade": <b><a href="https://www.azazie.com/products/azazie-hillary-bridesmaid-dress?color=jade">Azazie</a> </b>(note: although this is not a maternity dress, it fit my friend's six-month-pregnant belly really beautifully), "Ink Blue": <strong><a href="https://www.azazie.com/products/azazie-amelia-bridesmaid-dress?color=ink-blue&ssi=2">Azazie</a>, </strong>"Grape": David's Bridal (sold out, <a href="https://www.azazie.com/products/azazie-lindsey-bridesmaid-dress?color=grape"><strong>similar</strong>)</a>, "Wisteria": <strong><a href="https://www.azazie.com/products/azazie-kailyn-bridesmaid-dress?color=wisteria">Azazie</a>.</strong></div>
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We did want the groomsmen to be able to rewear their wedding outfits (#reducereuserecycle) so we asked them to wear a white dress shirt, black dress pants, black shoes, and black belt of their choosing, then we provided them with their <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/p/jferrar-plaid-tie/ppr5007187699?pTmplType=regular"><strong>tie</strong>.</a> Our flower girl and ring bearer obtained their own outfits, but we provided the <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CA475B0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">bow tie and suspenders</a>. </strong>Despite being worn by a very active 2yo boy, the suspenders stayed on surprisingly well!<br />
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For their gifts, I made each bridesmaid a custom piece of jewelry using the lost wax casting method I learned from a friend. It was so fun to think up how to personalize each gift to the recipient's style--a lot of love went into each gift! Vinny gifted the boys their ties and <strong><a href="http://www.stanley-pmi.com/store/stanley/en_US/pd/ThemeID.39334800/productID.333522800">a nice thermos.</a></strong><br />
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Vinny proposed with a beautiful recycled rose gold and white sapphire "Twisted" ring from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OliviaEwingJewelry"><strong>Olivia Ewing</strong></a><strong> </strong>(above). I made his wedding ring myself--it was really fun getting his input on it as I tweaked it!<br />
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Instead of buying a band to pair with my engagement ring, we designed a wedding ring together that I wear by itself (no band). We worked with Krista at <strong><a href="https://www.greenlakejewelry.com/?gclid=CJfBg7y4w9QCFYWFfgod9D0BHA">Green Lake Jewelry Works</a></strong>, who somehow took our rambling requests and put together the most beautiful ring. We did almost the entire design process online, making only one quick stop to their Seattle store to make sure they were legit (which they totally were!). It was so much fun!<br />
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<li><i>Eco tip: Diamond and gold extraction is highly damaging to the earth and the workers extracting them. We tried to alleviate this problem in four ways: used non-diamond stones (white sapphire for my engagement ring), lab-created stones (moissanite for my wedding ring), recycled diamonds (as accents to the wedding ring), and recycled metals (white gold for my wedding ring, rose gold for my engagement ring). On moissanite: it's a lab-created stone that's just slightly less hard than a diamond but with more brilliant refraction pattern that's prettier than a diamond, in my opinion. People don't know it's moissanite unless I tell them, which I make a point to do because I think it's a beautiful stone that helps avoid destruction of natural resources! </i></li>
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My talented husband designed all of our paper goods (Save the Dates, programs, invites, wedding signage...) and <strong><a href="http://www.forgepdx.com/">his employer</a> </strong>(he works at a graphic design/manufacturing company) graciously gifted printing and materials of everything to us. It was a fun process--I'd bring Vinny my ideas of what would look good, he'd put together his spin on the ideas, then we'd tweak until it felt just right!</div>
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We decorated the ceremony venue very simply, given the enormous beauty of the Grotto. We lined the aisle with a set of glass lanterns (<strong><a href="https://www.worldmarket.com/product/clear+glass+cheyenne+lantern.do?sortby=ourPicksAscend&from=fn">large</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.worldmarket.com/product/clear-teardrop-lantern.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=fn">small</a></strong>) which we filled with <strong><a href="http://www.osh.com/Osh-Categories/Outdoor/Lawn-%26-Garden/Garden-D%C3%A9cor-and-Fountains/Exotic-Pebble-%26-Aggregates-Polished-Pebble%2C-Jade%2C-5-lbs%2C-Bag/p/1858216">jade stones</a></strong>, a battery-operated candle (<strong><a href="https://www.worldmarket.com/product/3x3-flameless-led-pillar.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search">large</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://www.worldmarket.com/product/flameless-led-tealights-set-of-4.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search">small</a></strong>), and the larger lanterns also received a <a href="https://www.afloral.com/products/fake-succulent-pick-in-green-and-grey-cm0165"><strong>large faux succulent</strong></a><strong>. </strong></div>
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Although the Grotto was an amazing place visually to be married, I feel like I have to be honest in my review of them: overall they were the biggest stressor of our wedding <em>by far</em>. Their communication was very poor (I often had to send 3-4 emails over the course of a month before getting a response), and the coordinators they provided seemed intent on throwing up roadblocks rather than accommodations. I actually just found out yesterday that they never filed our marriage license with the county! To be continued on that nightmare... Because of all this bullshit incompetence, I honestly don't know if I'd go through the Grotto if we were to do it all over again.</div>
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After the ceremony the entire wedding headed to Urban Studio for the reception. The bridal party arrived in hilarious style, as we rented a bus from <strong><a href="http://www.ecoshuttle.net/">Eco Shuttle</a></strong> that ended up looking exactly like a city transit bus! Eco Shuttle was great and affordable. </div>
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For our centerpieces, we bought round 6" plastic planters that looked like terra cotta (<strong><a href="http://www.osh.com/Osh-Categories/Outdoor/Lawn-%26-Garden/Planters/Plastic/Novelty-Mfg-10-Inch-Round-Napa-Teak/p/6831226">similar</a></strong>), filled them with ferns, lavender, and astrid from our local <strong><a href="http://portlandnursery.com/">Portland Nursery</a> </strong>and topped them off with <a href="http://www.osh.com/Osh-Categories/Outdoor/Lawn-%26-Garden/Garden-D%C3%A9cor-and-Fountains/Exotic-Pebble-%26-Aggregates-Bean-Pebbles%2C-Jade%2C-5-lbs%2C-Bag/p/1858240"><strong>small jade pebbles</strong></a>.<br />
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<li><i>Eco tip: cut flowers are incredibly destructive to the environment, especially if they're not local and in season. Instead of floral arrangements, we decided to use potted plants, many of which went home with friends and family at the end of the night, and the ones that didn't are beautifying our home. </i></li>
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We used <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CDW5HU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">these candles</a> </strong>with votives. They worked great and after 5 hours they were only burned maybe a quarter of the way through, so we are donating them to our church. Instead of your typical numbered table marker, we cut numbers for each place setting through Vinny's work. This allowed us to use our wedding colors without it ruining the nature-inspired look we were going for.<br />
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<li><i>Eco tip: what you don't do is just as important as what you do. Originally we wanted to make <b><a href="https://moncheribridals.com/wedding-ideas/34-things-that-will-make-you-say-i-wish-i-did-that-at-my-wedding/">coasters like these (#4 in the article),</a></b> but ultimately we didn't think people would reuse them and they seemed too wasteful so we opted for a simple recyclable escort chart.</i></li>
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Lastly, I wanted a loose, textural fabric for our runners, so I bought <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001G8JBXW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">cheesecloth</a></strong> off of Amazon.<br />
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<li><i>Eco tip: before you buy an item, think about whether it can be reused later. We decided against certain types of fabric for the runners, favoring cheesecloth that will be reused in the kitchen and for cleaning/car maintenance.</i></li>
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I wanted our flower girl and ring bearer to feel special, so I made them little crayon/coloring book/sticker kits. I got <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IAUA9RK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1">these clipboards</a></strong> and added a DIY coloring book using line art from Google, then tossed some crayons in to t<b><a href="https://www.worldmarket.com/product/spice-jars-with-white-ceramic-lids-sets-of-6.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search">hese spice jars </a></b>and tied it all up with a ribbon to look cute. Bonus: they brought them with on their flight home to keep the kids entertained.</div>
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For sweetheart table decor, we bought two of <strong><a href="https://www.afloral.com/products/faux-eucalyptus-garland-in-green-zge084">these faux eucalyptus garlands</a></strong> and wove in some faux ferns leftover from our bouquets. My mom made two floral accents from the leftover flowers from our bouquets, and we hung the garland with these <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WS5HLHU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1"><strong>Christmas light holders</strong></a>. We received two of <strong><a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/dundee-tall-plant-stand/s326758">these plant stands</a></strong> as a bridal shower gift, so we bought terra cotta planters and added plants from <a href="http://portlandnursery.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">Portland Nursery. </a> On the floor we placed large terra cotta planters and filled them with the cutest lavender trees from <b><a href="http://portlandnursery.com/">Portland Nursery.</a></b> Vinny bought plywood at Lowes and had his work cut the "M&V" sign out for us.<br />
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In lieu of a traditional guestbook we framed this <strong><a href="https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1250346713">stump print on Etsy</a></strong>; guests then signed the print's mat. The artist creates these stamped prints from slices of fallen logs. This particular tree fell in the Uinta mountains of Utah, where Vinny and I met and spent a lot of beautiful weekends camping.</div>
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<li><i>Eco tip: put your own spin on traditions to make them work for you. We didn't think we'd ever use/look at an actual guest book, but we plan to hang our print in our house where we can enjoy it daily!</i></li>
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Aren't my parents the cutest??!</div>
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I came up with the idea of making these 'dance ambassadors' sashes, which ended up being one of the funniest parts of our wedding. People passed the sashes around the entire party and got people dancing who would normally sideline themselves :)</div>
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I can't close without mentioning the rest of our vendors, who were all amazing and we would recommend them to anyone!<br />
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<li><strong>Hair and Makeup:</strong> I worked with Jasmine and her assistant Amy from B<b><a href="http://blossomandbeauty.com/">lossom and Beauty.</a></b> They were great--very sweet, relaxed people with really reasonable pricing for Portland. The bridal fee included a trial, which went so great and really put my mind at ease about how I would look on the big day. Then they came to my house to get everyone ready (so much more relaxing than going to a salon!) and got through my hair/makeup plus 5 bridesmaid's hair and a bridesmaid's makeup all between 9:30AM-12PM.</li>
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<li><strong>Reception venue and caterers:</strong> We held the reception at <b><a href="http://urbanstudiopdx.com/">Urban Studio,</a></b> which is the event space for our caterer <b><a href="http://pearlcateringpdx.com/">Pearl Catering.</a></b> We researched a ton of caterers and event spaces and Urban ended up being the most affordable and easy option. The space itself is sort of an industrial blank space that you can really make your own. The food was delicious (people told me the Chicken Saltimbocca was the best wedding food they've ever had) and it was very easy to customize and to allow for specialized diets. They were very easy-going and overall very easy to communicate with. </li>
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<li><strong>Rentals:</strong> Urban Studio provided most of the dishware (glasses, silverware, serveware) and they offered to arrange for the rest of our rentals, but we ended up using <b><a href="http://thepartyplace.com/">Party Place</a></b> for our table/chair/linen/special plates because it was cheaper to do so through our wedding coordinator. Party Place was great. For a small fee ($60) they dropped off and picked everything up and they were even able to add on a tent canopy last-minute when it looked like there might be rain during our ceremony. </li>
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<li><strong>DJ:</strong> We found <b><a href="http://sirkennethdj.com/about/">DJ Sir Kenneth</a></b> through our wedding coordinator, and he was very easy to work with. We met with him once briefly at the start of our planning then sent him a list of song requests a few days before the wedding. The dancefloor was packed the whole time and he was just really great and friendly!</li>
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<li><strong>Wedding Coordinator:</strong> Last but certainly not least, our wedding coordinator was Kim at <b><a href="http://www.yourperfectbridesmaid.com/">Your Perfect Bridesmaid.</a></b> If I had one piece of advice for newly engaged couples I'd say to factor a wedding coordinator into your budget, because she was hands-down the best money spent on our wedding and I honestly can't say enough good things about Kim and her staff. They say every wedding has something go wrong, but if that happened at ours I didn't know about it because Kim dealt with everything beautifully. Her fee is very reasonable for the amount of work she did. We hired her as a 'day of' coordinator, but the package included several meetings during the planning stage including a meeting with Urban Studio to ensure we were all on the same page. She also set our timeline (which I could probably do myself but it saved me a ton of stress and deliberation about whether I did it correctly) and we received a discount on our rentals through <b><a href="http://www.yourperfectbridesmaid.com/">YPB,</a></b> which made her reasonable fee even more reasonable!</li>
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All in all it was truly a perfect day; we keep saying we want to do it all over again in slow-motion! Hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our wedding :) For more inspiration, check out <strong><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mchirp/mv-6102017/">my wedding Pinterest board.</a></strong><br />
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-90684174549426640412017-06-15T13:27:00.002-07:002017-06-30T10:16:17.622-07:00Our Wedding Inspiration!Big news everyone: last weekend I got married! It was a wonderful day that I wish I could do all over again in slow motion. My husband (!) and I have each lived in several different states over the years and it was unbelievably special to get all of our friends and family from across the country (and world!) in one place. We even had a surprise guest: our friend flew in from Tokyo!<br />
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We don't have our wedding photos back yet, but today I thought I'd share how we put together our wedding. We based our entire planning strategy on three main concepts: <br />
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1) We decided how we want our wedding to feel for us and our guests and stuck to that vision. For us that meant all of our decisions were based around creating a joyful, welcoming, modern, nature-inspired wedding. <br />
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2) Every time we hit a roadblock or stressor, we'd ask ourselves, "Will this change how we feel on our wedding day?" If the answer was no, we generally cut that thing from the wedding. If the answer was yes, it helped to reframe the reason behind why we were doing that thing which made the whole process so much more enjoyable. <br />
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3) We are environmentally conscious in our day-to-day lives, and we wanted our wedding to follow suit. This meant actively making decisions to reduce excess and waste as a byproduct of our wedding. <br />
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Once these three guidelines were established, I did as any 2017 bride would do and took to <strong><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mchirp/mv-6102017/">Pinterest </a></strong>and wedding blogs. Here are some of the inspiration images that found their way into our wedding: <br />
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I am an enormous fan of artist Zoe Pawlak. I've had this painting of hers saved for years and it served as the color palette for the wedding. </div>
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Our second biggest source of inspiration came from <a href="http://loveincmag.com/katie-leclerc-and-brian-habecost-palm-springs-wedding/#_a5y_p=4721586">this gorgeous wedding</a> of an actress and casting director. While the Palm Beach look (and large budget!) is not what we had in mind, we thought they nailed a fun and happy vibe and we gleaned a lot of DIY ideas from their photos. </div>
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<a href="http://loveincmag.com/katie-leclerc-and-brian-habecost-palm-springs-wedding/#_a5y_p=4721586">Image</a></div>
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Specifically, we loved the idea of potted plants as centerpieces instead of flowers. I always feel sad seeing flowers get thrown away at the end of a wedding, plus cut flowers are tough on the environment, so potted plants helped us reduce our waste. At the end of the day, our friends all took home potted plants and it's so fun seeing parts of our wedding live on in their homes! We also loved the white runner and the idea of using numbers on each plate rather than traditional table numbers. </div>
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From the above jumping-off points, we started to narrow our focus. We liked the look of a plated table with waterfall napkin like this one, and I also really liked green plants with minimal colors in the centerpieces.</div>
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The terra cotta pots here add a bit of nice dimension and earthy tones.</div>
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We ended up choosing similar plants to this image--ours were lavender, fern, and astrids.</div>
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We didn't want to go quite as minimal as the above tables, so the grey tablecloth and white runner of this image provided some pretty contrast.</div>
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I really loved the soft texture of this runner (we ended up using white cheesecloth) and how it draped over the edge with ribbons to cinch the runner.</div>
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My niece and nephew were the flower girl and ring bearer, so I made sure to include them with their own coloring books and sticker/crayon jars.</div>
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Our ceremony was held outdoors at the beautiful <a href="https://thegrotto.org/">Grotto</a>, which needed very little embellishment. Our only aisle décor was glass lanterns, which we filled with river rock and candles. </div>
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We had this Ikea easel set up with directions to the ceremony and a potted centerpiece of succulents. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/199789552/save-the-date-postcard-template-instant?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=save+the+date+postcard&ref=sr_gallery_13">Image</a></div>
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My husband is a talented graphics whiz, so he designed and fabricated all of our paper goods as well as our wedding website. His workplace (<a href="http://www.forgepdx.com/">a graphic design/manufacturing company</a>) generously printed everything free of charge, which was awesome for our budget! We roughly based our Save the Dates off this postcard, incorporating simple language and multiple fonts that were then repeated in all of our wedding signage and invites.</div>
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For our invites we really liked the floral border and clean look of this invite, but we put our own spin on ours. </div>
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I can't wait to get our photos back so I can share how this inspiration turned into reality!</div>
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<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-7216434199357214872017-05-22T09:05:00.003-07:002017-05-22T09:05:44.492-07:00Quick Design: Ethical Spring Outfits!<div style="margin: 0px auto; width: 600px;">
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Warm weather has finally hit Portland! It's been a long slog of a winter and I'm very happy to see the sun again! In celebration of our next week's weather forecast, I put together a few outfits using items sourced from companies that employ ethical production practices of one kind or another.<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/ethical_spring_outfits/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=221853227" target="_blank"><img alt="Ethical Spring Outfits" border="0" height="247" src="https://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/WubZDbhKVviavB0JHRQOA/cid/221853227/id/dpHR6rE85xGAyvWjtn1LOQ/size/c600x247.jpg" title="Ethical Spring Outfits" width="600" /></a></div>
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<strong>Outfit 1:</strong></div>
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<strong>Skirt:</strong> Kopal NY: This company uses natural dyes in their production, partnering with socially responsible groups in India to build sustainable work and keep Indian textile traditions alive. </div>
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<strong>Jacket:</strong> DL1961: made in the USA, DL1961 has found ways to reduce their water, dye, and energy use in manufacturing; they also focus on eco-friendly textiles like Tencel and ProModal. </div>
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<strong>White shirt:</strong> Fair Indigo: Fair trade company using Oeko-Tex certified dyes (regulates how chemicals can be used) and organic cotton (less chemicals = better for the earth/workers) </div>
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<strong>Sandals:</strong> Nisolo: This company focuses on transparency, sustainability, and fair trade work by using leathers only as a by-product of the meat industry, providing above-average wages and healthcare to its workers in Peru, and publishing an impact report of their practices. I bought these to possibly wear in my upcoming wedding!</div>
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<strong>Outfit 2:</strong> </div>
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<strong>Tee:</strong> Calder Blake: Each piece from this small company is created start-to-finish (design, manufacturing, shipping) in California, with an emphasis on timeless, well-made designs that last the test of time</div>
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<strong>Skirt:</strong> Conrado: This company sources its material from deadstock (leftover fabric from other stores' clothing) and produces their items in a small family-run company. </div>
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<strong>Shoes:</strong> Veja: Widely touted as a gold standard in ethical fashion, Veja has transparent supply chain and fair trade practices, encourages eco-friendly farming practices, provides incentive for suppliers to NOT deforest their land, and uses eco-friendly materials. </div>
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<strong>Outfit 3:</strong> </div>
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<strong>Shoes:</strong> Matt + Nat: This vegan company not only avoids animal products, they incorporate recycled materials such as plastic bottles and bike tires in their products and supply their workers with a safe working environment and fair wages. </div>
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<strong>Pants:</strong> Matter: I recently listened to an interesting podcast from the owners of Matter, in which they described how they look at traditional textiles like Ikat and interpret them in a modern way. They focus on slow fashion and quality materials. </div>
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<strong>Crop Top:</strong> Groceries Apparel: This company's products are made in LA with non-toxic dyes. They have <strong><a href="http://groceriesapparel.com/ingredients-new">a great page</a></strong> explaining their product sources and focus on eliminating waste and reducing their carbon footprint. </div>
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<strong>Outfit 4:</strong> </div>
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<strong>"Love over Fear" tank:</strong> Siempre Viva: This company partners with workers in Mexico, providing <a href="http://www.siemprevivaclothing.com/social-responsibility.html">business mentoring</a> to women whose businesses then create the products for the line. They source natural, organic fibers and donate to charities. Plus, in the current political climate I think "love over fear" is a great message to send!</div>
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<strong>Shorts:</strong> DL1961: per above, better manufacturing practices = reduced environmental impact</div>
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<strong>Sandals:</strong> Frye: Made in the USA, Frye is well-known for their quality leather that can take a beating and look all the better for it. </div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-28002556692529204862017-05-15T10:31:00.004-07:002017-05-15T10:31:58.581-07:00An ethical alternative to my 10x10 capsule wardrobe!<div style="margin: 0px auto; width: 600px;">
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I'm a big fan of the concept of "When you know better, do better." Recently I posted a spring capsule wardrobe incorporating new items from several mainstream stores. Since then, I watched the documentary The True Cost (it's on Netflix!), which dives into the deep and dirty world of fast fashion. Long story short, mainstream clothing stores want you to buy from them (duh), and they want you to keep buying from them (duh), so they make their clothing cheaply both in terms of cost and materials. Cheap clothing doesn't cost the company much, and it is designed to fall apart quickly so you have to buy more to replace it. To make cheap clothing, you need cheap labor and cheap materials, which leads to abuse and underpayment of workers and use of terrible chemicals and manufacturing processes that damage our world and the workers exposed to them. <br />
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This, and my subsequent research on the topic, has led me to want to make better, more intentional, and more ethical purchases when adding to my wardrobe. There are a lot of ways one can define ethical fashion, and I plan to write a whole post on what I'm learning, but here are several ways in which an item could be a more ethical counterpart to fast fashion: <br />
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1. Made in the USA: reduces carbon imprint for American shoppers and ensures better regulation of working conditions<br />
2. Sustainable materials: using natural, renewable fabrics and materials <br />
3. Sustainable production practices: reduce the use of chemicals, dyes, water, and energy<br />
4. Reused/recycled materials to create a new product<br />
5. Second-hand items: give a second life to an already-created item<br />
6. Custom/made-to-order: reduces excess material use and stores' need to get rid of items seasonally<br />
7. Buy one/give one: Toms is famous for giving away a pair of shoes for every pair purchased, which many companies have now adopted<br />
8. Buying less: capsule wardrobes do a great job of this--using fewer items, more<br />
9. Transparent supply chain: understanding where your items are sourced from gives the consumer the ability to decide if the company fits your own ethics<br />
10. Vegan: some materials, like leather, are very harmful to produce in terms of the chemicals used, plus some people do not feel animals should be killed for human use. Additionally, vegan items are more likely to be made of plant-based products (see: sustainable materials)<br />
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I thought an easy way to start would be by providing ethical alternatives to my spring capsule wardrobe. Check out my new options, and see below for why they are a more ethical alternative to my original post!<br />
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/ethical_10x10_spring_capsule/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=220783777" target="_blank"><img alt="Ethical 10x10 Spring Capsule" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/vZLC421372JzfVAIzGRsw/cid/220783777/id/gtHixo855xGGhDlclobL5Q/size/c600x540.jpg" height="540" title="Ethical 10x10 Spring Capsule" width="600" /></a><br />
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Here's how the pieces I selected stack up: <br />
1. Striped bell-sleeve top: Amourt Vert, where this is from, is made in the USA with non-toxic dies, sustainable fabrics, and zero-waste practices<br />
2. White jeans, white dress, and navy top: Patagonia and Prana are leaders in establishing transparency in their supply chain, using better production methods, employing fair trade practices, and giving back to environmental causes<br />
3. Striped short-sleeve top: Marine Layer is a US company that creates their products with a fabric made from recycled beechwood, and some of their products support local charities<br />
4. White blazer and metallic shorts: these are mainstream products (BCBG and JCrew) but sourced from ThredUp, a second-hand store<br />
5. Gingham skirt: this skirt is made-to-order in the USA; the store owner buys material specifically for each item ordered, thereby reducing material waste<br />
6. Boyfriend jeans: AG denim is a pioneer in reducing the environmental impact of their production<br />
7. Military jacket: Synergy Organic, who makes this jacket, are a fair trade company that uses organic cotton, which has less environmental impact due to not using synthetic chemicals to grow the cotton and less water needed to make the fabric. <br />
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What do you think of my ethical alternatives? </div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-58511360755729017102017-04-28T13:00:00.001-07:002017-04-28T13:00:13.428-07:0010x10(ish) Spring Capsule Wardrobe!<div style="margin: 0px auto; width: 600px;">
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Wow, this year is flying by! Between work and planning my wedding, I've been adulting pretty hard the first quarter of 2017, so I had fun doing a little online shopping this week. I picked up <strong><a href="https://www.jcrew.com/p/womens_category/shorts/novelty/tiewaist-short-in-liberty-thorpe-floral/G3934?srcCode=AFFIMPOLYVORE_shorts">this pair of shorts</a></strong>, <strong><a href="http://www.tobi.com/product/60447-tobi-over-it-all-shift-dress?color_id=86757">this dress</a></strong> (only $16!), and <strong><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Keds-Womens-Kickstart-Fashion-Sneaker/dp/B010EGL0UI/ref=sr_1_15?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1473375664&sr=1-15&nodeID=679394011&keywords=keds&tag=polyvore006-20">these shoes</a></strong> and realized they made the good start of a spring capsule wardrobe! <br />
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I originally conceived of this post as a 10x10 wardrobe challenge but kept coming up with more and more options from my ten pieces, so I hope you enjoy :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/10x10_spring_capsule/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=220783777" target="_blank"><img alt="10x10 Spring Capsule" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/UEoJ8huWKLbU04DFWUBf8Q/cid/220783777/id/FHMToUos5xGFP8HhnPGFCQ/size/c600x794.jpg" height="794" title="10x10 Spring Capsule" width="600" /></a><br />
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Do you ever read fashion blogs and think to yourself, WHERE ARE YOU ACTUALLY WEARING THAT TO? So often, the outfits don't seem like real life options. So I focused on putting together outfits I'd actually wear in my real life. These first 7 are things I'd wear to work at my hospital.</div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/10x10_work_outfits/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=220784638" target="_blank"><img alt="10x10 Work Outfits" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/HgUZVO5D1NNniAiG39uQdw/cid/220784638/id/BGJqZ0ks5xGxwtnKpUVhaQ/size/c600x603.jpg" height="603" title="10x10 Work Outfits" width="600" /></a><br />
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Outfits 1 & 2: I'm a genetic counselor, and I'd wear these two outfits to meet with patients. Although I need to dress professionally, the nature of my work means I also want to be relatable and not intimidating, so I tend do dress business casual with some fun pieces thrown in. In the first outfit, this means lots of pattern mixing--dots, stripes, and gingham, oh my! For the second outfit, the swing cut of the army jacket is unexpected, and the big gold earrings are so funky!<br />
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Outfit 3: I'd wear this to a meeting with other departments. It looks professional but still comfortable, with a pretty rose gold watch to make sure we're keeping on schedule. <br />
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Outfit 4-5: For days spent doing admin/office type work, I prefer to wear comfortable pieces that aren't too fussy but still pulled together. The drape of the shirt in outfit 4 is breezy but the pearls dress things up a bit. Outfit 5 is literally a tshirt and jeans...so comfy!<br />
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Outfit 6-7: These are definitely "Casual Friday" outfits. Outfit 6 employs some fun pattern mixing and a cute bow tie on the shorts, but the blazer and wedges keep it work-appropriate (at least in my department!). The last outfit is simple with pops of red.<br />
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A good capsule wardrobe allows for items to seamlessly fit into your non-work life too, as demonstrated below: </div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/10x10_play_outfits/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=220784508" target="_blank"><img alt="10x10 Play Outfits" border="0" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/QbqrykoBqufwyWe8I0IPFw/cid/220784508/id/NCoWu0cs5xGvQB5PlobL5Q/size/c600x571.jpg" height="571" title="10x10 Play Outfits" width="600" /></a><br />
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Outfit 1: Since I have weddings on the brain, I'd wear this to an engagement party.<br />
<br />Outfit two: This would be a cute outfit for those days when you go straight from running errands to out with friends. <br />
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Outfit three: Brunch is big in Portland, and this dress with the shirt tossed over, unbuttoned, and tied at the waist would be so cute!<br />
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Outfit four: But the reality is that most of my brunches are not of the little white dress variety--more like the 'hungover and don't want to cook breakfast' persuasion. For that scenario, this outfit is perfect--dark glasses, comfy kicks, and a fedora to mask your unwashed hair ;)<br />
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Outfit 5: I'd wear this to an outdoor concert. <br />
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Outfit 6: This would be a fun date night outfit!<br />
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Outfit 7: July isn't really 'spring' but how cute would this be for a fourth of July party?! Love that watermelon clutch.<br />
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Outfit 8: This is the outfit I'd be most likely to wear to happy hour with friends.<br />
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So tell me: which items are you most likely to add to your own closet? I'm strongly eyeing up that swing jacket and soft striped buttonup! </div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-80445307181038484062017-01-29T09:48:00.003-08:002017-01-29T09:48:22.884-08:00Whimsy in Today's ClimateThe last several months have been rough for me. I've become much more active politically since November, devoting a lot of time and mental/emotional energy to learning about how I can best support ideas and people that are currently under attack. In addition, my job has been very busy and stressful since November and on top of it all we're planning our wedding.<br />
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Long story short, all of these fears and stressors culminated in me feeling very defeated on Friday, so I went on media blackout, poured myself a glass of wine, and started online window shopping (I rarely buy things, but the act of mindlessly browsing is relaxing to me). I started noticing that all of the items that caught my eye had youthful, whimsical elements--which seems like an appropriate counter-reaction to the heavy, hard adult topics that have been on my mind lately.<br />
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I started thinking about how despite how bleak things looked that Friday afternoon, there's still a lot of beauty in the world. Perhaps it's privileged and naive to say this, but maybe incorporating some oversize earrings, a punchy marbelized skirt, or fun bunny shoes will help serve as a daily reminder of that beauty. If you're of that mindset, see below :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/colorful_color-phobic/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=215727002" target="_blank"><img alt="Colorful/ Color-phobic" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/iTvyja9MvI3IYIG5tPzNuQ/cid/215727002/id/TnH2dofl5hGcIAnbO4xqOQ/size/c600x486.jpg" height="486" title="Colorful/ Color-phobic" width="600" /></a><br />
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A lot of my picks tended to fall into one of three themes: youthful motifs, like polka dots, baby animals, or gingham; amped-up color like fuchsia and marbelized prints; and oversized themes like big chunky earrings and exaggerated ruffles. I also picked items that were a fun twist on classic pieces, like a scalloped collar on a white button-up or big, artsy floral prints on an otherwise staid work dress.<br />
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Some of the items are clearly not work-appropriate (hot low-cut maxi dress, looking at you!), but I think many of the items I picked could easily be incorporated into your work week as well as your weekend:</div>
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Given the high-stress atmosphere at work, lately I've been alllllllll about the comfort dressing. What's better than a fun printed pair of pants paired with comfortable wedge loafers, a snuggly sweater, and oversized abstract-shaped earrings?</div>
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Then, for the weekend, pull out those bunny sneakers (!!!), pair them with a baseball tee and gingham shorts, and head on your way to do some volunteering. </div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/amped-up_color/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=215739752" target="_blank"><img alt="Amped-Up Color" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/1kCr3oAZwGYNLX8j6E9g/cid/215739752/id/DkrL6KLl5hGfADT_Y1Zllw/size/c600x451.jpg" height="451" title="Amped-Up Color" width="600" /></a><br />
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As someone who dresses primarily in black and white, this fun fuchsia skirt popped out at me and I couldn't resist pairing it with those gorgeous earrings! I kept it work-appropriate with a standard-issue black turtleneck and heels.<br />
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For play, this beautiful marble-print skirt paired well with Annie Costello Brown's beautiful chunky earrings (I'm obsesssssssed with <a href="http://anniecostellobrown.com/">her work!</a>). I kept things relaxed with a wrap top that allows a pretty lace bralette to peak through, plus some easy slip-on sneakers. </div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/oversize_it/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=215791722" target="_blank"><img alt="Oversize It!" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/G5hqfAXMTB6tf2ozyqUVCg/cid/215791722/id/htijCkfm5hGQ1urptfvecw/size/c600x474.jpg" height="474" title="Oversize It!" width="600" /></a></div>
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Lastly, I put together an outfit that's a study in scale. The diminutive scallop collar of the white buttonup contrasts well with the heavy bib of the dress. They both pair nicely with the oversized beaded earrings, with chunky sandals to balance everything out. </div>
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For my final pick, I gravitated toward this fun dress with an exaggerated ruffle. The black ruffled heels give a nod to the dress, then I added more fun ACB earrings and graphic sunglasses to round out the outfit. </div>
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So tell me: have you noticed any shifts in what you wear, where you go to destress, etc in the recent months? How are you practicing self-care while still staying engaged?</div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-71333663041206638292016-11-19T22:07:00.001-08:002016-11-19T22:07:09.941-08:00Holiday Party Dress Three Ways<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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Hello all! I took some time away partly because I was busy and partly because blogging hasn't seemed like an important use of my time when you know what's going on in the US right now. However, this blog has always been a hobby I turn to when I need a creative outlet, so I'm happy to be back in my little corner of the internet.<br />
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I would imagine I'm not alone in feeling a little less holiday spirit than I typically do this time of year, but I have several upcoming holiday parties and would like to temporarily focus on those fun things while I process the election outcome and its potential ramifications.<br />
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I had some credit at lulus.com, so when I spotted <b><a href="https://www.lulus.com/products/jack-by-bb-dakota-evezen-black-bodycon-fringe-dress/404162.html?utm_source=polyvore&utm_medium=PPC&utm_content=404162&utm_campaign=PLA">this fun fringed dress</a></b> it was a no-brainer to add it to my cart. As you know I like to restyle my clothing as much as possible, so I came up with three ways I can wear the dress to my holiday events.<br />
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My first invite is to spend Thanksgiving on the Oregon coast with friends. Being far from family over the holidays is hard to handle, so I'm grateful to friends who take in holiday orphans such as my fiancee and me :) <br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/friendsgiving/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=211794332" target="_blank"><img alt="Friendsgiving" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/uYGHwSF6dN2wqwxnTBwWA/cid/211794332/id/SNch5OOu5hGZVY7CNuhFfQ/size/c600x1024.jpg" height="1024" title="Friendsgiving" width="600" /></a></div>
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Since Thanksgiving is essentially federally-approved gluttony, for my first go-round I styled the dress for maximum comfort. I paired it with a boxy denim jacket to help hide the post-meal turkey belly and kept it festive yet comfortable with funky metallic oxfords, studs that manage to be simple and statement at the same time, and a beaded bucket bag.</div>
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My next event is an after-work holiday party with coworkers. </div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/work_party/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=211794139" target="_blank"><img alt="Work Party" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/tMD3XjOWoWzN7RU8j5mw/cid/211794139/id/ymMMI_Ou5hGTFACRzX_htA/size/c600x704.jpg" height="704" title="Work Party" width="600" /></a><br />
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To keep this office-friendly yet still full of good cheer, a skirt worn under the dress adds needed length--I think the silver would be so fun peaking out from under the fringe! I added a cozy metallic flannel, also to be worn under the dress, and some chic wedges and studs.<br />
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Lastly, I'm spending this New Year's Eve at my college roommate's wedding--so fun!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/new_years_eve/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=211793452" target="_blank"><img alt="New Year's Eve" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/Cg0HwvTlwwg6deRjJHJIDg/cid/211793452/id/uBBh4OCu5hGwEgR7Xi33Qg/size/c600x874.jpg" height="874" title="New Year's Eve" width="600" /></a></div>
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This is the perfect opportunity to bring in some bling with a goorrrrrrgeous tasseled necklace and statement earrings. Paired with luxe red velvet platform sandals, matching lipstick, and a chic updo, this outfit would be sure to kick 2017 off on the right foot.<br />
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So, which outfit is your favorite? How would you style this dress?<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/holiday_party_dress/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=211793216" target="_blank"><img alt="Holiday party dress" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/1VvXGSIlGHYkxAIvyar5Q/cid/211793216/id/IKKBgeSu5hGgQb3ENuhFfQ/size/c600x283.jpg" height="283" title="Holiday party dress" width="600" /></a></div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-40052972436095001242016-09-05T17:09:00.001-07:002016-09-05T17:09:49.697-07:00Quick design: Indigo and Raffia<div style="margin: 0 auto; width: 600px;">
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Happy Labor Day! With all the great sales going on, I've been doing more online window shopping than usual and found some great pieces. Here's a quick design of how I'd use them in my home!<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/quick_design_indigo_raffia/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=206958851" target="_blank"><img alt="Quick Design: Indigo and raffia" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/7lvwUXo3NaL9Xa2QwL99Qw/cid/206958851/id/APT7NMVz5hGD7gCGZFZllw/size/c600x383.jpg" height="383" title="Quick Design: Indigo and raffia" width="600" /></a></div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-20511338004622498312016-08-23T08:24:00.002-07:002016-08-23T08:24:43.062-07:00We're all moved in! Tour our living/dining space :)<div style="text-align: center;">
We've been in our place for 3 weeks now and it's starting to feel like home. I'd like to share some preliminary photos of the work we've done on the living/dining space.</div>
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To give you a sense of the space, here's a panoramic shot from the front door:</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pP8nZl4fWA8/V7noI9qnzBI/AAAAAAAAI9w/tRLavN8NYusqkzHoxealo1hhkWdhR7IVQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pP8nZl4fWA8/V7noI9qnzBI/AAAAAAAAI9w/tRLavN8NYusqkzHoxealo1hhkWdhR7IVQCLcB/s400/IMG_1489.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And another from the bathroom (which is the open door on the left in the first shot):</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w63sXqZavf8/V7noK_iULyI/AAAAAAAAI-g/TK2TCL7jce4uk8FVwi4IlPtGK3rT-DYRACLcB/s1600/IMG_1502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w63sXqZavf8/V7noK_iULyI/AAAAAAAAI-g/TK2TCL7jce4uk8FVwi4IlPtGK3rT-DYRACLcB/s400/IMG_1502.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you can see, the living/dining area is one open space that we've divided into a living area, office area, and kitchen/dining area. The place gets such great light, it's been so fun seeing our once-deprived plants flourishing!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWK7lMSi-bg/V7noJd26coI/AAAAAAAAI98/TrD3rmsVr_o_YiNmrDDzQppYsxByekEUwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QWK7lMSi-bg/V7noJd26coI/AAAAAAAAI98/TrD3rmsVr_o_YiNmrDDzQppYsxByekEUwCLcB/s400/IMG_1492.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We just bought a new <b><a href="http://www.goedekers.com/Signature-Design-D585-13.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=pla&utm_campaign=Furniture&zmam=34103103&zmas=2&zmac=1&zmap=Signature-Design-D585-13&gclid=CPSfrKTEpM4CFZSIfgodcpwD_w">counter-height table</a></b> and are picking up <b><a href="http://cityhomepdx.com/product/low-back-counter-stool-wood-seat">the stools</a></b> to go with it next week!</div>
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I bought this ridiculous <b><a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=35775493">birdy table</a></b> last week just because it makes me laugh. Design should be fun! And check out that coffee table my fiancee made from locally reclaimed lumber. The variation in pattern and texture is awesome in person!</div>
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With only one blank wall to work with, we reused our shelving from our last apartment and filled it with personal momentos and an <b><a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70186113/">Ikea plant stand</a></b> my mom gifted me, which we've repurposed for the moment as a bookshelf. </div>
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We still have lots of plans for the space, like retrofitting the dining table to have a shelf for our pots, building a console table for behind the sofa, and building an outdoor setup for our bikes. But it already feels like home and I'm pretty happy with the progress we've made in just 3 short weeks!</div>
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Also, here's a gratuitous photo just because I think my dog is adorable. Not pictured: my fiancee telling her to sit behind me ;)</div>
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<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-79569675052503383242016-08-11T09:24:00.000-07:002016-08-11T09:24:01.496-07:00Portland Bungalow: Bedroom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we were plotting out the <strong><a href="http://imgladiexist.blogspot.com/2016/08/portland-bungalow-living-area.html">living</a></strong> and <b><a href="http://imgladiexist.blogspot.com/2016/08/portland-bungalow-diningwork-area.html">dining areas</a></b>, we decided to go light, bright and colorful. We wanted to distinguish the bedroom a bit stylistically. In perusing my Pinterest boards, a theme emerged:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.designmom.com/2012/03/living-with-kids-shaleah-soliven/">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.littlebluedeerdesign.com/tribal/">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.mixandchic.com/2014/03/home-tour-bright-and-contemporary.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+MixAndChic+(Mix+and+Chic)">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.mydomaine.com/sunset-2014-la-idea-house-disc-interiors/slide4">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://nyclq-focalpoint.blogspot.com/2012/09/packing-up-summer-decor-fall-transition.html">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/old-world-meets-modern-the-master-bedroom/">Source</a></span></div>
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Did you pick up the theme? In essence, we've decided to go a little more neutral and textural, mixing more prints and less colors. We'll maintain the white and wood theme, but add in black, blue, and grey in various patterns:</div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/portland_bungalow_bedroom/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=205055953" target="_blank"><img alt="Portland Bungalow Bedroom" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/3VEH22TUdoAsN5YV0WXoUg/cid/205055953/id/hGXWIp5a5hGmt0yjtfvecw/size/c600x514.jpg" height="514" title="Portland Bungalow Bedroom" width="600" /></a><br />
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Our goal is to do this on a budget (we're saving for our wedding), so we've repurposed items from all over our last apartment: our duvet cover, curtains, lamp, bedside table, map, TV, sconces, rug, and shoe cabinet are all now coalescing in the bedroom. The only new pieces will are the headboard (<strong><a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Better-Homes-and-Gardens-Grayson-Linen-Headboard-with-Nailheads-Multiple-Colors-Multiple-Sizes/35031680">surprisingly nice for $91!)</a></strong> and <strong><a href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/umbra-tesora-jewelry-stand?ID=2232914">this beautiful jewelry stand</a></strong> (since our new bathroom is much smaller, my jewelry is relocating to the bedroom). </div>
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I still need to find some fun patterned blue/grey/black accent pillows or shams, but overall the bedroom is already looking really nice I think!</div>
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Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4056655436359226545.post-42565843515923770062016-08-05T09:34:00.003-07:002016-08-05T09:34:25.189-07:00Portland Bungalow: Dining/Work AreaAs you know, we recently moved to a cute new bungalow in Portland. I shared my<strong><a href="http://imgladiexist.blogspot.com/2016/08/portland-bungalow-living-area.html"> plans for the living area</a></strong>, and today I thought I'd share our plans for the dining and work spaces of the main room.<br />
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Our strategy in the kitchen and office space is to maximize storage, keep lines of sight clean, and only have out items that we find beautiful. Here are some of our inspiration images:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.mixandchic.com/2015/11/home-tour-young-designers-chic-and.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+MixAndChic+(Mix+and+Chic)">Source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcvM1RNg7cE/V6PlP3J6HXI/AAAAAAAAI8U/FNyp8F6_KQQWyzGZHeLLrfwsn1Bh-GK_ACLcB/s1600/american-buffalo-dining-room-table-www.theanimalprintshop.com_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcvM1RNg7cE/V6PlP3J6HXI/AAAAAAAAI8U/FNyp8F6_KQQWyzGZHeLLrfwsn1Bh-GK_ACLcB/s400/american-buffalo-dining-room-table-www.theanimalprintshop.com_.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.theanimalprintshop.com/blog/new-release-american-buffalo-close-up-plus-a-bonus-makeover/">Source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zkk8OT3kjrs/V6PlP6l0C_I/AAAAAAAAI8Y/9LvSyQ_Uy-sWkTUKzRtmikSEWzlAOQqdQCLcB/s1600/Beautiful-White-Kitchen-by-Brooke-Wagner-Wood-Beams-and-Statement-Lighting.pg_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zkk8OT3kjrs/V6PlP6l0C_I/AAAAAAAAI8Y/9LvSyQ_Uy-sWkTUKzRtmikSEWzlAOQqdQCLcB/s400/Beautiful-White-Kitchen-by-Brooke-Wagner-Wood-Beams-and-Statement-Lighting.pg_.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://theinspiredroom.net/2016/06/29/kitchen-ideas-8-showstopping-ideas/">Source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGDJ15xFSKg/V6PlQYvSR_I/AAAAAAAAI8g/a49kWj6HhTMXOUjmgcLmIiiMJYvzUgSOgCLcB/s1600/modern-dining-room-with-wood-pedestal-tablejpg-664x1000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGDJ15xFSKg/V6PlQYvSR_I/AAAAAAAAI8g/a49kWj6HhTMXOUjmgcLmIiiMJYvzUgSOgCLcB/s400/modern-dining-room-with-wood-pedestal-tablejpg-664x1000.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.cocokelley.com/2016/07/high-low-round-pedestal-dining-tables-roundup/">Source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tBr9P5cABhg/V6PhlCRh8tI/AAAAAAAAI8A/CwlO2FjA9ecfNxGtf9bRJTyWSe_3FQojQCLcB/s1600/tumblr_m598dnNshp1qajrdyo1_r1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tBr9P5cABhg/V6PhlCRh8tI/AAAAAAAAI8A/CwlO2FjA9ecfNxGtf9bRJTyWSe_3FQojQCLcB/s400/tumblr_m598dnNshp1qajrdyo1_r1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://vivafullhouse.blogspot.com/2012/06/happy-thursday-amanda-peets-home-again.html">Source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BIZcf-nYlA/V6Phk6PlgQI/AAAAAAAAI74/DJPHh640PFQv4Y8_aiazB-_s_Gkkb4o2gCLcB/s1600/1443129816-kitchen-storage-floating-shelves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9BIZcf-nYlA/V6Phk6PlgQI/AAAAAAAAI74/DJPHh640PFQv4Y8_aiazB-_s_Gkkb4o2gCLcB/s400/1443129816-kitchen-storage-floating-shelves.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.countryliving.com/home-maintenance/organization/g2647/hidden-kitchen-storage-space/?slide=8">Source</a></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzsu_V1GDz8/V6Phk6EU-zI/AAAAAAAAI78/L1U9ID0hWEYMBHZlyC9uILbQSj-MJC2wACLcB/s1600/Amber-Interiors-Before-and-After-ClientZtotheEtotheN-Neustadt-Photo-71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qzsu_V1GDz8/V6Phk6EU-zI/AAAAAAAAI78/L1U9ID0hWEYMBHZlyC9uILbQSj-MJC2wACLcB/s400/Amber-Interiors-Before-and-After-ClientZtotheEtotheN-Neustadt-Photo-71.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://amberinteriordesign.com/before-after-client-z-to-the-e-to-the-n/">Source</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houseofjadeinteriorsblog.com/2013/08/feature-friday-lemonade-makin-mama.html">Source</a></span></div>
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Again, we're going with a white/wood/beautiful textiles theme. Here's our game plan:<br />
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/portland_bungalow_seating_areas/set?.embedder=4476061&.svc=copypaste&id=204987863" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank"><img alt="Portland Bungalow Seating Areas" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/gmchOBJuwVuuMH352CUUQQ/cid/204987863/id/YD8bx_FZ5hG6mZnyZoc3fA/size/c600x736.jpg" height="736" title="Portland Bungalow Seating Areas" width="600" /></a></div>
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We will cozy this up a bit with fun textiles and artwork, but for the most part these spaces will be utilitarian and meant to fade into the background compared to the <strong><a href="http://imgladiexist.blogspot.com/2016/08/portland-bungalow-living-area.html">living space</a></strong> and backyard. </div>
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We plan to get a counter-height table to use as a prep space and dining table. We debated getting an island with seating space, but are likely going to opt out of the extra storage in favor of keeping the space lighter and less cluttered. We found some <b><a href="http://cityhomepdx.com/product/low-back-counter-stool-wood-seat">industrial counter-height stools</a></b> at a local Portland store; I thought they'd be uncomfortable, but they're actually pretty supportive and will be very comfortable especially once I add a cute lumbar pillow :)<br />
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For the office space, we're repurposing the desk we had been using as a dinner table. We plan to get rid of our ugly Ikea place-holder chairs and replace it with one comfortable cognac leather chair. I really like the one pictured but it's from Dot & Bo and I've heard horror stories about that company! Anyone know of a similar, not horrifically expensive alternative?</div>
<br />Meghanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17324355192617091726noreply@blogger.com0