Is there anything better than a summer picnic? My friend Jamieson and I took advantage of the weather this weekend and enjoyed a perfect little outdoor picnic. Jamieson pens the blog "The Nanny Recipes" and is a chef. Naturally, I leave the food choices up to her and she lets me style the table. If you enjoy cooking you must head over to her blog for some inspiration. I can barely cook but have had some success recreating a few of her dishes!

Shop the look:

Hope everyone had a great weekend! 

xx

A Nautical Approach

I can't get enough of these stairs. I would be so tempted to incorporate this into a home but wonder how durable the paint would be? It's such a lovely alternative to carpeting. Check out the full remodel here.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

xx

The little artist

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I adore the space above featuring children's art. I can imagine, as a parent, that there is a constant stream of new creations. I love the idea of choosing a few special pieces to frame properly and hang. Children are so free when they paint and create- there are no limits and it makes them true artists. The gallery wall shown above is a nice take on the idea. I also like the idea of a large scale painting over a mantle. You can even match the color palette of the room by mixing your own paint and limiting the color range offered to your little artist. 

I don't have children of my own, but I can imagine that this could potentially be a cherished piece of art for a family.

Happy Monday

xx

A Perfect DIY

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I gave a piece of art away to the little one (my sister) and have been a little stumped as to what should go in the empty space. Then I stumbled on this piece, by Oliver Jeffers.  Hello lover. I adore this idea and think it would be an easy and affordable DIY. Just find a vintage piece and paint away!
Would you ever try this?
xx 

Ultimate DIY by Caitlin Wilson

I've featured Caitlin Wilson's home office and textile line before. I love her design aesthetic and was so excited to find this photo over on Design Sponge  because I hadn't seen it yet! The gallery wall is perfection- no surprise there. The black chalkboard paint is functional- mom's know their little ones need to write leaning against a wall to develop core strength and postural control integral to fine motor skills and future writing. But let's take a moment and discuss those chairs! AHHHH! Catlin drew the leopard spots with a sharpie on the solid cream Ikea chairs. Such an amazing DIY answer to the costly Brunschwig and Fils snow leopard pattern "Les Touches".  

Have any of you tried this? I originally saw it done last year here on Little Green Notebook. Sharpie has even featured a few versions on their blog.

Would you ever try this? I don't know if I could tackle it on my own?

Feature Wall

Here's the latest update. On Friday I painted a feature wall. I used Valspar "Steel" paint with an eggshell finish. Total cost of the project was about fifty for paint, rollers, painters tape etc. It's a low budget, high impact project that doesn't take a lot of time to complete.

I like the dark color because it not only anchors the room, but also highlights the lines of the headboard. The upholstered headboard was a total steel! I'm not willing to truly invest in a bed yet, so this choice from Wayfair was a perfect fit. It's the Skyline High Arch Headboard in Parchment. I love the lines, height, and nailhead detail. It retails for $279.99 and you can find it here.

Before the feature wall my vintage chandelier blended in with the decor. Now, set against they dark wall, it really pops. I'm still in the process of switching out bedding. I love the idea of yellow which will complement the grey, but I'm also drawn to this vintage plums fabric.

Decorating takes such patience!

DIY Heart Elbow Patches

Had to share this DIY tutorial that I found over here, on Honestly...WTF.

I've wanted to do this since I posted this image last year. I definitely won't have time to get this done by Valentines day... but maybe you will? Head on over and check it out.

Enjoy

xx

ps- If you love the look but aren't interested in the DIY check out this adorable elbow patch sweater (in either black with brown hearts or white with pink hearts $62.67).

DIY Valentines Day Cards

I stumbled across this idea last year and am using it again this Valentines Day.

All you need are paint colorways from a local store like Home Depot or Lowe's.

I print "xoxo" on the front, then generally write "Happy Valentines Day" above. Sign, and you're done. The above are in progress.

Do you send out cards?

Silhouette Ornaments

One of the gifts I've really enjoyed making this year are these little silhouette ornaments. I've posted before on the process of making a silhouette, but I wanted to share these also. All you need to do is take a picture of a profile. Then, print the picture out on regular paper in the desired size. I printed wallet size photos for this project. Then I laid the photo down over black card stock and cut around the silhouette. The background is simply a scalloped circle punch (shop a similar one here). I punched a hole at the top, laminated the ornament, and then tied ribbon on. Silhouettes are a quick, easy, personalized gift. I also love the idea of framing a silhouette.

Happy Holidays

xx

Inspiration from Home Modern

I had to share this Dorothy Draper-inspired workstation from Heather over on Home Modern. Aren't the before and after pictures incredible! All of her hard work paid off because this little number is a show stopper!

Heather found the original piece here.

This was the closest match I could find.

Happy Friday!

xx

Dipped Legs

The more I see dipped legs the more I like them. I stumbled across this photo from Better Homes and Gardens over on Little Green Notebook. The chairs are actually from World Market. I'm in love with the lines, and I desperately want to recreate the pink chair! What a fun DIY.

DIY Silhouette

I love making silhouettes and have found an effective easy way to create them. All you have to do is take a photograph of a profile (preferably against a white background). Then just print the picture out in black and white on regular paper. You can print any size you like (I usually print 8x10 photographs). Once you have your copy simply layer a piece of paper underneath. I used black here but you can use any solid or patterned paper. I tape a small amount of painters tape on the edges to keep the paper from slipping as I cut around the image. The result: a perfect silhouette. I think they are the sweetest keepsake's.

Mission Organization

I love these storage ideas for your powder room. Having an organized, streamlined routine in the mornings is the only way to start the day. The makeup organizer on the left is actually from IKEA and is only 17.99!

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DIY Chevron Picnic Blanket

Are. You. Kidding.

How ridiculous is this picnic blanket? I found it on the glitter guide tumblr and went straight to Twig&Thistle for the DIY details.

The blanket is actually a fabric drop cloth from Home Depot ($6.98). The best part is that it's backed with plastic! So ideal for outdoors.

I recently went to a movie that was shown on the hill at the top of my street. A huge screen was mounted below on a building. Everyone sat along the hill on blankets enjoying not only the movie but also the spectacular view of the harbor. I can't wait to go back and I simply MUST have this in tow.

For more details, visit Kathleen's post on Twig & Thistle.

xx

LC's DIY Clutch

One of my graduation gifts to the little one was a DIY clutch that I made. I used her initials as well as her school colors. I got the idea from this post on Clare Vivier's blog. I used an American Apparel clutch ($50.00). The paint and stickers for the initials were from Michaels. Then I used painters tape to mark off the stripes. It was a quick process (using a hair dryer helped with time) and I really loved the end result. There are so many ways you could try this. Different color combinations, different line widths, even horizontal lines.

Hope this provides a little inspiration.

xx

Inspiration Board

I originally posted on my DIY inspiration board here. Sadly, over time it began to warp. Fortunately, I was able to affix it properly to the wall using velcro Scotch Reclosable Fasteners.

My current favorite image is the office of Desiree Rogers, former White House Social Secretary. Wouldn't you just die to work in a space like this? From the grand desk to the Hermes notebooks, the room is simply perfect in every way.

Image Credit: Christopher Sturman for Vanity Fair 2009

DIY Kate Spade Cloverdale Rose Bowl

I've loved the Kate Spade Cloverdale rose bowl ever since I saw it on Michele Adam's nightstand. When I saw Lindsay's DIY replica of the coveted vase over on The pursuit of Style I was floored! I knew I had to recreate the project immediately. Now I know having it styled with the domino book is a little "single white female" of me... but hey, I already owned it and I know a good idea when I see one.

The project was super easy. I spent about three dollars on the vase at Michael's. I picked up a gold sharpie to trace over my polka dot template, then filled in the dots with gold paint.

Tadah!

Roses make me so happy.

Thanks for the idea Lindsay!!

Dress Your Holiday Spirits!

I posted on this last year and am throwing it out there again because I love the idea of of personalizing your gifts. Just head to Michaels and hit the scrapbooking section.You can find tons of different paper to cover up the labels. Each piece is around a dollar. Last year I didn't really want to do the traditional red and green look so I went with an orange color palette. Then I purchased a roll of lime green ribbon, and double sided tape. I cut the paper so that it would cover the existing wine label. Then I mounted a little square piece of white paper with my holiday greeting. You can write whatever you want on the label. I was thinking that it would be fun to write nicknames, or funny quotes and comments. Perhaps another time. I really enjoyed this project and recommend you try it out!

Quick Vase Makeover

I found the hideous vase above at Michael's. I really didn't like it but the shape was just what I was looking for. A quick coat of white spray paint and ta-da!

Below the finished product. I think the grand total was around 7 dollars for the whole process.

Makeup Organization

My makeup has been totally unorganized lately and I couldn't take another minute of it.

I was at Michaels and they had out holiday decor. I decided that it would be perfect for organizing my products. The silver tray was only $6.99 and the little gold striped cups are candle votives. The large one was $3.99 and holds all of my brushes and mascara. The little one is perfect for my lip glosses and was only $1.99.

I love how this little inexpensive project is so rewarding. I feel so much better living in an organized space.