{Inspired} DIY Christmas Decor

The other day I was perusing my some of the blogrolls of my favorite blogs when I landed on Hi Sugarplum! Cassie's got great style and a seemingly stellar personality.

I've been in a little bit of a DIY dryspell but Ms. Cassie pulled me right out of it! Her post on DIY Tie Dye ornaments made my almost-6 month pregnant self head out to Michael's to pick up all of the necessary supplies.

It probably helped that her tree was decorated in pink and so is mine. : )

The only supplies you need are some glass ornaments and paint color of your choice. I stayed in the pink family to complement our already pink, silver, and white tree.

I scored the ornaments on sale at Michael's for $3 bucks I think. I can't recall the cost of all three paints but I do know I have enough left over to make possibly one or two more ornaments.

I'm sure there could be a method to the madness for this DIY project but I just squirted some paint into the ornament and rolled it around until the whole inside was covered.

Once they were all finished I hung them on the tree immediately. I'm definitely pleased with the way they turned out.

Scoutie Bear was less than impressed and was only concerned with waiting for her daddy to get back from the store. She's obsessed with that husband of mine.

Got any DIY decor? As always, I'd love to see it!

xoxo

I'm Ready For Our New Bed

Pretty direct and to the point blog title, huh? I think I told you guys a couple of weeks ago that we ordered a new custom upholstered bed.

It is very similar to the ever-so-popular Crate and Barrel Colette bed and I can't wait til our version arrives in 5 or so weeks!

Our bedroom is undergoing a slow metamorphosis, which is unlike me, since I like getting stuff done pretty fast. I appreciate anyone that has the patience and foresight to take their time designing rooms. I am starting to learn that skill, I think!

Once the bed gets here I am going to change our bedding. I have never been afraid of styling pillows but lately I have been stuck. I don't know what new bedding I want and I couldn't think of a pillow set-up that I was in love with.

Well, enter this recent edition of House Beautiful:

As I was perusing this little favorite of mine an advertisement for Oly jumped out at me.

The bed above has exactly the feel I want for our new bed. The pillow set-up is perfection to me. I am now currently on the hunt for fabrics/or bedding that I love to make/have the euro shams and standard shams.

I already have a bolster pillow waiting to have its cover sewn from this unexpected fabric find from an Old Navy sarong.

So those are the most recent decor thoughts in my mind. Things have slowed down just a little on our homefront, but just as soon as I think that, something gets me inspired again!

Have a happy weekend, friends! I cannot believe it's the final weekend of summer. Thankfully it's going out with a bang on Sunday because me and my mom are going to see Taylor Swift in concert! Woohoo--I'm very excited!

xoxo

Super Short Sneak Peek

I was so excited a couple days ago to come home to my fabric I ordered for the bedroom! I went straight to work cutting it for the frames behind the nightstands. I bought too much so stay tuned for a possible sale of the remnants. I'm always overly cautious about my fabric! Oh, and the frames are cheapie poster ones from Michael's that were on sale + I got to use my teacher discount! The frame cost about $9 and in better lighting, it looks really substantial and like it cost a lot more. Go me!

I took this pic with my phone at midnight last night so bear with me. It's certainly not the best, nor is it truly representative of the colors, but at least you get an idea. I can't wait to share some more updates with you all very soon!

I'm still not totally sold on our current headboard and the nightstand vignette needs a fresh eye. I tell ya, it never ends! Plus, I've got some more mini-makeovers in store for the rest of our bedroom and the office! I might be saying buh-bye to the chevron curtains...

Once summer school gets out of my life I will feel normal again and the projects are going to go to the top of my priority list!

xoxo

Flirty Flower Table Setting

Awhile back I bought an awesome box a fake flowers. I know what you're thinking. Joi's off her rocker; no such thing exists.

Well I am here to tell you I would've thought that too, but they do exist! These faux roses came in a box fashioned as gorgeous jewel -toned potpourri. I had envisioned using them as part of a tablescape but since I had only purchased one box the outcome would've been sort of puny. So my beauties sat in our buffet just waiting for a purpose.

Fast forward to last weekend and during our fun little Mint Julep Jaunt I found another great box of fake flowers.

Yay, me! I'm kicking myself for not buying another box because I think more would've ultimately been better, but such is life.

Inspired by this photo, I decided to make my own flirty flower tablescape with my great fake flowers!

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I'm not a party thrower nor do I entertain {although I wish I did} so please excuse my less than stellar presentation. I'm a complete novice when it comes to this stuff!

I used some craft paper for the table runner, plain white plates from Macy's + silver rimmed plates from Target, vintage etched drinking glasses, IKEA planters, votive holders from my wedding reception {how nostalgic! ; )} and pink paper napkins for the first look:

I wasn't totally sold on the greenery in the IKEA planters so I switched them out for my tissue paper flowers that I ♥ so much!

I took one final stab at this tablescape thing and took away all of the tall pieces to just focus on the roses. I liked this look a lot, but I'm kicking myself for not buying just one more box of those lovely roses! One more box would've been the icing on the cake. 'Tis true friends.

I really love this little get-up and am wishing I had guests on their way over! Mental note: must make plans for my girls to come over and enjoy my tablescaping ways. So tell me peeps....do you fancy yourself a tablescaper connoisseur? I'd love to see your creations. Send 'em my way, por favor.

Enjoy your weekend, friends! I've got a dinner date with my yas, shopping, homework, doggie sitting, and a family reunion on the agenda. What about you??

xoxo

Happy To Sad And Back To Happy Again

Phew...exhausted yet? I went through a range of emotions yesterday. It wasn't the end of the world, but I got really bummed when Dave and I made the trek out to Calico Corners and I found the Vienna Flower fabric. It was too beige, too muted, and too boring. Sad face for sure.

I thought maybe my computer screen had led me astray and almost gave up on finding the fabric, as I thought it only came in two colorways.

When we returned home I couldn't get over how the differences were so strong and went back to researching the fabric. The magazine's colorway was so vibrant and had indigos and purples and the Calico Corner version did not.

I came upon this site and copied and pasted the fabric info and it took me to the actual site where the designer ordered the fabric used in the room.

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Turns out, my eyes weren't fooling me and neither was my screen. I about jumped up and down for finding it! You can bet that I was convinced I needed it. When you can't get something out of your mind you just know, yaknow? ; )

Plus, I became absolutely entranced in this video of the behind the scenes makeover story. I am in LOVE with it all. I feel like that master bedroom + bathroom is pretty near perfection. Designer Cameron MacNeil hit this one out of the park!!

And, I would just like to say that House and Home knows how to inspire and keep readers interested! Their magazine is beyond fabulous and their website is even more helpful. I am smitten.

xoxo

Master Bedroom Makeover?

It's been awhile since this little house of ours has undergone a transformation. It's 'bout time we changed that!

After reading my favorite new-to-me magazine the other month or so, I just could not get this image out of my head. Thanks to my main guy for scanning it for me!

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I loved the colors, the bedding, those gorgeous mirrored nightstands and that framed fabric behind them. P.S. The spread can be found in the Canadian House and Home May 2011 issue seen here:

For awhile now my mind has been flopping back and forth between either buying a fabric that mimicked the one above or using this wallpaper {seen on Secrets From A Stylist--go Emily!} to do something similar behind our nightstands.

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As a side note, it's a shame that pink table didn't stick around til the second look of Emily's show. You know this girl loves it!

But back again to the fabric...the other day I googled the fabric used in House and Home shoot and I found that it is rather affordable and can be found at Calico Corners.

Annnnd, we have a Calico Corners in St. Louis!! After seeing it on the screen I feel like I need to see it in person to be for sure. It's really pretty and soft and rather sophisticated. I'm a little shocked I like it so much since it's definitely a bit of a change from my bolder decisions I've been drawn to in the past. I just go with it!

I don't plan on replacing our nightstands at all {even though mirrored ones would be yummy!}, but the bed could be another story. I guess we'll see! I just have to decide between the fabric or wallpaper, fabric or wallpaper....

xoxo

Fun Finds: Goodwill Gems + DIY Bracelet

The other day one of my dear friends, Anna, and I met for brunch and some shopping! We took over the flea market and thrift shops in town and Anna scooped up some great pieces for her home. {Ahem...she should post about them! ; ) }

While at the Goodwill I picked up two great little staples! First up, I grabbed these never-been-worn Target semi-flats:

They are the perfect little flat with just a hint of a baby wedge to keep things interesting. I really like the gun metal color and the fact that they were just $3.oo. Which I guess wasn't even really a factor since I was rocking a gift certificate. Hooray.

While at the register I spotted this Kenneth Cole link bracelet and made it mine as well.

I am really digging bracelets right now. It's kind of weird because I've never been a bracelet type of girl. I surprise myself daily.

And to add to my growing bracelet collection, I finally made this DIY hexagon bracelet I saw Michelle talk about on her blog not too long ago. All the supplies you'll need {plus maybe a little bit --scratch that-- a lot of dexterity in your fingers}:

I'm usually a pretty good DIYer but this little braid and thread design had me almost throw in the towel. It's a good thing I'm not a quitter.

That's right. I'm wearing three bracelets + a white watch up there. Too much you say? Never. I might as well dub this summer as the "summer of the bang and bracelet". I've brought both things back into my life like it's 1998. It does have a nice ring to it, dontcha think?

That's all for now! Adios, friends. I'm off to learn something at grad school today.

xoxo

DIY: Copycat iPad Cover

Happy Wednesday...the Memorial Day holiday is throwing me off a little! I'll get to the craigslist post a little later but for now I'm here with a little DIY project I stole from P.S. I made this.

The other day my mom and maw maw & paw paw met me for a soda after school and gifted me with a super fabulous and super early birthday/Christmas present...an iPad! Woo-to-the-hoo! I had mentioned here and there that I would love one and I was pleasantly surprised to say the least. {Thanks, guys! xoxo}

Of course my mind went straight to a fabulous case. I googled the heck out of "iPad case" but came up empty handed and uninspired. I liked a couple of random cases but all of them were too spendy and I wasn't ready to part with over $100 for a case.

So I did what any girl with a pinterest addiction would do. I headed straight on over and found *the* perfect inspiration for a perfectly doable DIY cover!

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The whole project took me about an hour to do and I ♥ it! I bought all of my supplies and got to work last night.

I'm pretty pumped that I made this little case for less than a quarter of what I was about to pay for a different one! And, here's a little side note, I totally got lucky on the container store drawer liner...it was the first place I looked since the tutorial didn't mention its whereabouts. I really liked this particular version because it had a subtle chevron pattern. I think it's sold out online but you may be able to find a similar version at a big box store!

I think the tutorial is mostly pretty helpful, but here are some of my step-by-step pics to help you out as well!

1. Measure and cut the liner to fit your iPad {I ended up trimming about a 1/2" off of the side}:

2. Start from the bottom and wrap the tape all the way around the case:

3. Affix the velcro strip to the tab and top of the case {took these pics outside since I was losing natural lighting inside} :

4. Step back and admire your handiwork:

While I could've altered the P.S. I made this version, I really didn't want to because I am totally digging the neon colors + stripe action! Neon seems like a pretty hot trend right now and you all know how I'm not one to pass up a trend...now I can be stylish for a couple seconds! ; )

However, if you're not a fan of the above colors...there are numerous colors to choose from at the store. The possibilities are truly endless.

xoxo

Thrifted Treasures

Oooh-weee, I've been finding some great finds recently! I've been hitting up every thrift store we pass here lately. Lucky for me, that super wonderful husband of mine is always game!

My first find is this great little floral tray. I almost never go down the "plastics" aisle of thrift stores but that day I did!

It almost looks like a fabric was mod podged on to the tray but I can't be for certain. It was a steal at 99 cents and it's currently living in the living room.

Next up is this cute little cane tissue holder. It too was only 99 cents and I scooped it right up.

I had plans to maybe spray paint it but I also really like the natural state, as well. I was inspired by Miss. Camila to turn it into a planter after reading this post!

Oh, and p.s. those are my very first peony blooms from my side garden!! They make me so happy that they finally bloomed after three or so years.

My super great find of the week was this trio of books! I was immediately drawn to their great geometric covers and I was even crazier about their bold hues found in the inside cover.

I was lucky that the day I bought them they were having a "three for $3.00" sale! Woohoo! I've spotted some more on Etsy and eBay {if you're interested : )}.

Have I told you how much I adore thrifting? It is truly my hobby now and I couldn't be any happier.

xoxo