Hump Day Dump Day (two days early)

Pretty prettiness

Wall color with the black/white frames

I want a metallic hide rug in the worst way

Green stools, copper pendant, ghost lamp, awesome rug, black/white striped lamp, are you KIDDING me

(this kitchen will never get old for me)

Why YES, it IS all too pretty for words. Seriously. Speechless.

Exciting updates!

Well kids, I've joined Pinterest and while I'm not addicted to it like everyone else in the world appears to be, it is a nice feature to collect all my images in one organized spot. 2 things I really like: 1) Easy to group images according to how I'll use them (kitchen, DIY, food, etc), and 2) When I post from now on I can just use the pinterest board webpage for you to access sources instead of individually posting sources or, more common for me unfortunately, not posting sources at all. If you want, you can follow me here.

My other exciting news is that the bf and I have been working on redesigning/remodeling his kitchen! Last weekend was spent priming and painting all the walls cream, except an accent wall that is black chalkboard! I love it lots. Don't have pictures to show so I'll share some of my inspirations for the final look I'd like to see in his kitchen.

Here are the original inspiration images:

I love the way everything pops against the matte black walls and the way all these rooms look like they have history. Things to incorporate in Vinny's kitchen: black wall (check), wood table, white, a few picture frames, plants, and mixed metals.

He'll be adding wood beams to the ceiling, from which pendant lighting will hang. I like how these two images added corbels to the bottoms of the beams, which are unfortunately really expensive...what to do, what to do

As for lighting, here are a few options I like:

A couple DIY plans are in the works, including an industrial/farm table combo like the one pictured below:

And some floating shelves made of rustic-y barnwood-looking wood:


To which we will add plants and frames with black and white are like so:

I like the big wide white mats on the ones above

Doesn't the wood tone just pop so well against the black?!

These are cool too, with aluminum backing instead of regular mats

All sources, see here: (see, isn't that easier?!)

Bookshelf styling

Pretty bookcase styling:

I like this little nook for a couch

Horizontal styling is less uptight, I think

Wanna install some similar shelves with hidden storage on the bottom in the bf's bedroom.

Accent color makes everything pop, and the random objects interspersed keep it interesting.

Etsy your room (2 ways!)

Thought it was time to do another post of rooms furnished entirely by Etsy. Here's my take on a toddler room:

Bed side of the room:

Opposite side of the room:

This is the pillow that sparked the inspiration for this little man room:

Add this wall hanging to tie in the pillow

Can't really tell from the screenshot but the bedspread is beautiful and someone should buy it immediately...only $80!!

Someone also needs to buy this cute little brass lion

And this metal medical cabinet...cute as-is or laquered in a bright color

Other sources: Retro stool, vintage fan, vintage locker, metal crates, fun dresser, my favorite pendant lighting, wooden blocks, car train, yellow rope rug

For a girly livingroom inspired by this pillow:

I'd start with this Floral chair, because really how perfect are they together?! Paint the wood white tho

Add this retro Pink chair for a little sass:

A Brass whale for whimsy and, let's be honest, cuz it's awesome:

Some pretty artwork like this violet painting

And amazing rust photograph:

A funky sideboard

Some glamorous Lucite/ram sconces:

And a few other essentials:

Chrome chandelier Regency lighting, blue/green chevron pillow chrysant pillow blue/green striped pillow yellow pillow custom sofa pink flower pillow x bench brass lamp medicine cabinet faux bamboo chest giant yellow rug brass elephant

What do you get? Voila! Girly-girl living space!

What are your favorite parts?

Holiday Gift Guide

This year I'm determined that I will find awesome gifts for my family and friends and do it before the week of Christmas. Knock on wood. I thought you might like to see some things I'm thinking about for friends and family--after all, everyone loves a good gift guide :)

Pretty Little Clutches: because what girl ever has enough purses?? These particular ones I have in mind for my girly-girl friend who likes very elegant and classy things.

Brown roses clutch

Brown and vintage lace little zipper purse

Vintage floral purse....I got this for a friend but thought you should see its prettiness anyway :)

This beautiful embroidered bag from Thailand. Cheaper than you'd think, and I'd possibly turn it into a pillow!

For your tech-y friends:

Gloves with some weird technology that lets you use your iphone while having gloves on....perfect for winters in UT and MN :)

For the opposite of a Christmas grinch: use search term Vintage Mercury Glass Ornaments on Etsy. Christmas spirit galore!

For the Hostest with the Mostest (or your geology-major sister-in-law :)

Geode coasters! (technically these are crushed glass....but search amazon/ebay for geode coasters and you'll find lots)

Other search terms I've been using (in case you care haha) are: cobalt, regency, lucite, bell/mason jar, cloche, map, industrial wire basket, wood basket, brass pendant light, wood crate, signet ring, turned wood salad bowls, decanter.

What's on your list of Christmas goodness?