On Happiness

Wow. Friday already. That can't be bad, right?

Table Tonic

We're going to talk more about this quote next week. I don't have the juice to do the full post right now (heartburn is my middle name this week and it's mis.era.ble. No sleepies for me lately*), but I do have a little something planned for the month of June. I hope you guys get into it, too.

Also, that was JUNE. Just in case you missed it.

Where is the time going?!

Happy weekend, party people! ox


*Advice is welcomed and appreciated.

House Guest // Recently

Let it be known that I've already scolded today's house guest for making me look bad. I mean, who visits someone else's blog parading all of this gorgeousness?? Emily, that's who. She's sharing her stupid fly office and -- bonus -- also sharing how to get the look yourself! Yes, please.

. . . . . . . .

Hello all!  I'm so pumped to be here "house guesting" for the marvelous Tobe.  She probably already told you, but I'm Emily from Recently, and being here at Because It's Awesome is nothing short of, well, awesome in every sense.  (I know you've never heard that one before have you Tobe?) :)

Now, let's get down to it, shall we?  Today I'm sharing my newly polished office nook, along with some elements that I think any inspired office space needs.

Our home was built in the early seventies, so, besides a few annoying elements- like a skylight in our bedroom (a simple rain shower sounds like world war three, yikes!) - there are some super rad additions, like this built-in desk area in our kitchen/breakfast room.  It was my husbands idea to add the chalkboard wall when we moved in, and we added a coat of magnetic paint under the chalkboard paint, so it has the bonus of being magnetic as well.  He's a smart one, that man of mine.

I did some rearranging, organizing, and overall "fluffing" recently to bring our compact office nook up to par.  My goal was to create a space that was as inspiring as it was organized.  I'm a photographer (and blogger of course!) so I need my work area to be a source of constant inspiration and encouragement.

Since it's in the hub of our home, the desk is used as a catch-all for bills, receipts, car keys and school work.   Because of that, it needs to be overly organized, or I might go crazy.  That's where plenty of bins, boxes and trays come in handy.  It's also where much of my work happens, so I make sure there are more than enough objects close by that get my creative juices flowing. 

Since I know Tobe's readers must love to be inspired as much as I do, I rounded up the elements I think are most important to creating the perfectly productive office area:

Don't forget, you needn't spend your entire budget to outfit your office.  I found many of my favorite desk items at local resale shops, thrift stores, and estate sales for a steal.  As if you needed another reason to hit up your favorite flea markets, right?  

SOURCES:

lamp: gem lamp from furbish studio // lacquer boxes: c.wonder // acrylic trays: the container store // blue dot coffee mug: west elm // decorative bowls: anthropologie // pink le pens: design darling // my clear chiavari chair (pictured): find it on amazon  // my lamp (pictured): I found it at a resale shop, but you can also get it at wayfair  // creativity takes courage print: the recently society6 shop // tulip abstract photograph: the recently society6 shop // get it done notepad: rifle paper co.

Tobe, I hoped you loved my post as much as I loved being here!  Thanks for having me everyone!

. . . . . . .

p.s. You might recognize Emily from one or all of the images from this post, as they made their way all over Pinterest at lightning speed. While you're check that out, might as well stay awhile. You won't regret it.

Shop Love // Arianna Belle pillows

Want. Them. All.

Seriously. Whether your decor style is boheme, graphic, classic or trendy, she has you covered. It's kind of amazing.

I'm sure many of you are already familiar with Arianna's keen eye for style, design and organization (anyone else need to take notes on those organization skills like I do?). But just in case she's new to you, I recommend a visit to both her blog and shop.

Guest Post // House Envy with Lark + Linen

design by Amy Aidinis Hirsch

Happy Tuesday, all! Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend. Despite the massive to-do list, we really took it easy, which I think Baby and I needed in a big way.

Today, I have the supreme pleasure of sitting in for one of my favorite blog peeps today, Jacquelyn from Lark+Linen. While she is off exploring Italy (i.e. on the trip I wanted so badly to take before we were blessed with bambino), I'm talking envious spaces. Come see me!

TGIF

image via the daily muse

Better late than never, right? :)

Here in the U.S., we have a long weekend in honor of those that fought and lost their lives so the rest of us could live freely. For many, it's simply recognized as a three day weekend (which I'm not complaining about, I assure you). But for those of you that enjoy that freedom, I encourage you to give just a moment of reflection and thanks this Memorial Day for the amazing, selfless individuals that paid the ultimate price for you and for me and for millions of other complete strangers. Because what. heroes.

End soapbox.

Enjoy! ox

Interiors // Simplicity

I have been craving simplicity lately. With a to-do list as long as my arm and no end in sight (for every one item I cross off, three more appear), I can't get the idea of a long, peaceful weekend locked away in a beach-front cabin out of my head. No tv, no computer...just a couple of books, some good company, maybe a deck of cards, a few board games and a fridge full of garden fresh items to put one of my most underutilized pinboards to good use.

The Design Files

You pickin up what I'm puttin down?

Artist // Clare Elsaesser

Clare Elsaesser, Tastes Orangey Etsy shop

I seriously heart these soft, serene and maybe somewhat somber pieces by artist Clare Elsaesser. Her palette is always somewhere between soothing and moody. I imagine her work in a classically feminine space...maybe with deliciously dark walls??

Grew Into print // pinched edge lamp (i. die.) // floral jar // Uptown Jane sofa

bar cart // ottoman // abstract art // tortoise vase (full of pink peonies!) // hibiscus pillow // lattice pillow

Decor // Brass Attack

Have I mentioned that I have a brass problem?

What's that? Only once or twice?

Well, after posting this guy and admitting my addiction last night, Danielle from One Kings Lane was kind cruel enough to point out the brass animal sale they have going right now. If you have this problem too betta HIDE. YO. WALLET.

horse // frog // piggy bank // large giraffe pair // peacock dish // angel fish (he's big!)

lion // swan dish // elephant bookends // elephant // tiger // gazelle pair // deer (just like mine!)

huge llama (?!?!! um. awesome.) // gazelle on stand // gazelle (I have a similar pair!) // unicorn

These were going FAST last night, so if you're interested, better move quick!

Monday Blues // 36

Furbish Studio via Glitter Guide

Lurve this long time.
That Jamie Meares knows a thing or two about pattern play, doesn't she?

House Progress // The Dining Room

 That post title is deceiving. "Progress" should definitely be loosely interpreted. The only solid progress I've made on this room is the gorgeous Milo Baughman for Thayer Coggins chairs scored from Stephanie Scofield on Scowters.

 House of Fifty via

Which I'm still completely obsessed with except one little thing....It's been tough to find a table that can hold up to those beauties. At least, a table that I'm willing to pony up for. That is round. Preferably 60" round with a pedestal base.

 The Style Saloniste

I mean, is that too much to ask?!

 via

See, if I were a good designer, I would be putting together a moodboard and executing piece by piece. You know, I'd have my window treatments figured out....a sideboard/credenza (well, I had this until we decided to move it to the nursery)...accessories and wall art...lighting...possibly a rug...and, of course, a table. All of that would be selected so it fit together just so. But is that how I do anything?

 via

Hell to the no.

 Nuevo Estilo

I collect slowly with whatever I come by and/or will justify paying at any given time. Which is fine. I've learned to embrace this. Except that, like I said earlier this week, the nesting is setting in and I just want things generally finished. Or at the very least, I'd like a dining table.

High Gloss ... RIP

* MAN, I want those chairs. JK! I basically have those chairs. HOLLA *

The problem, if you will, is that I've gone somewhat dramatic with this room. Between those glorious chairs and the rich glossy blue on the walls (trim painted out to match), it's becoming rather...glam? And I love glam as much as the next girl, don't get me wrong. But I kinda want relaxed glam if that's such a thing? Because the rest of the house isn't glam. It's eclectic, casual and a wee bit traditional.

 McGill Design Group

And I need the dining room to be like that, too. So I've rounded up some options (mostly for looks because I'm not willing to pay any of these prices just yet....although I have had my eye on one for quite some time. Maybe I just need to pull the trigger? It's even on sale right now!)

zinc door // crate and barrel // 1st dibs (too small, but amazing!) // zinc door

Why can't i just find something nice and warm with just the right amount of grit like this?

Las Tias

 Although, I'm pretty sure both of these local boys are still sitting right where I saw them last....

I'm really only serious about that one with the toddler friendly angles and edges....

Could I maneuver that into a round with marble top (a la this but with blue walls) or would that be too much brass?

Will happily accept links in the comments and moodboards in my inbox! :)

Decor // Nursery Inspired

Try as I might, I can't stop thinking about this nursery finally coming together. I mean, I have definitely been nesting these past few months but now that the room is painted, I want nothing more than to start getting things in place.

The walls are the same delicious soothing light gray as our family room (the name of the color escapes me now, but it's Ben Moore) and we've repurposed the old family room rug for this room. We'll probably also be repurposing the "Jimenez dresser" as it is affectionately named from the dining room to use as a dresser/changing table. I randomly snagged a giant stuffed giraffe (a la this guy) at a garage sale last summer (totally not even pregnant at the time -- holy psycho) for $5 so that will make its way in there as well. And the crib that I used as a baby will be code compliant once Eric makes a few adjustments, so Baby Reed will use the same crib that my brother and I did!

I know. So fun, right?

* And, seriously, I married a fire protection engineer so things will be compliant. I know what you other mommies are thinking about using an old crib. *

Anyway, just thought I'd round up a few fun bits and pieces I've seen on the internets and longed for...

1 leather hippo (similar) // 2 galaxy pillow // 3 tufted spots pouf

4 pagoda lamp // 5 lion night light // 6 tribal hamper

I'm learning that gender neutral is not that hard when it comes to decorating the room. Clothes, however, are a whole different story.

Also, mix in some vintage goodness up there. And apparently there will be an animal slant if my tendencies win out :)

Type Tuesday // Zachary Smith

I know I've kind of gotten away from these Type Tuesday posts, but I just couldn't help myself when I came across these crazy gorgeous, crazy inspiring specimens from the very talented Zachary Smith.

And the one I need plastered absolutely everywhere throughout my day...

Chronic over-analyzer right hurr.

I'm trying to quit.

See all of Zachary's amazing work here. (Sooooo many more great quotes and phrases!)

Monday Blues // 35

California Style

Don't you love this space? I'm looking to eventually do something similar in our family room. (You know, when I have several G's sitting around for my wishlist sectional.) Extra points for the upholstered ottoman, over-sized cushions, fabulous french doors and...well, okay, just all of it.

My sweet mama painted the nursery this weekend for my Mother's Day gift, and it looks amazing! Can't wait to finally start getting to work on the rest of it. (About time, right?)

Happy Monday!

House Guest // Raiana Schwenker

I can't lie to you guys. Part of me wanted to wait a week before posting this so I could have first dibs on all of the Craigers gorgeousness today's house guest found in my city. (To be fair, I've made a move on a few of these with no luck.) Let it be known that Raiana is as good as the rest of the Craigslist champs, and she's kind enough to be sharing her dirty little secrets. Woop!

If you aren't already familiar, I highly recommend stopping in to see Raiana. Maybe you recognize her little feature on Sadie & Stella that went viral on Pinterest? Girl has crazy good taste! The perfect balance of traditional, glam and edgy. And as a fellow lover of vintage goods, sic barware, brass, and blue and white china, she had me hooked in an instant. (I mean, are you kidding me with this crop??)

I digress. Let's hear from Raiana.

. . . . . . .

 

You guys, I am so excited that Tobe asked me to be her House Guest! We have learned that we have a lot in common, especially design wise. One thing I know we share, and I am sure share with all of you - is that we want high style, but without the high price tag. More specifically, we wan't high end vintage that is unique, well made, and gorgeous. Craigslist is a goldmine for these pieces, and finding that one amazing piece you have been hunting for can seriously feel like winning the lottery. The only problem is that sometimes your odds are about the same. However there are definitely some tips and tricks to make using craigslist a bit easier, and help you weed out the garbage to find the treasure. Here are some of my tips and favourite keywords:

   

One of the biggest things that will aid in your success on craigslist is having the patience to go through every page of ads[ and then through them all again after simply adding an 's' to the end of that keyword ;) ]. It's also beneficial to have a trained eye - practice, learn furniture styles, periods, finishes, manufacturers, designers...etc. Those skills are probably what makes certain people seem to have more luck than others. It's not always luck, usually time and experience [and a little crazy passion :)]. I have noticed I can go through ads extremely quickly, and zero in on the good ones when they come up - its just taken practice and experience. Same goes for flea markets and antique sales, eventually your eye is trained to skim quickly and narrow in on the treasure.

 

There are a ton of variations, and if you have the time and patience it pays to try them all. For example - sofa, couch, sectional, settee. Sofa table, console table, entryway table, accent table. Try 'highback' , and then try 'high back'. In the tips graphic I mentioned trying to anticipate how someone with no knowledge of what they have would describe their item. For example I often see brass chair being advertised as 'gold metal'. I found a pair of these, listed as 'yellow metal cottage chairs or good for a student house' [im effing serious people.] So try and dumb your search terms down a bit sometimes, and even downright mangle the spelling of a word and you can sometimes hit the jackpot - because who else would think to search for shandeleere?

 

And just for fun I hit up Tobe's local CL, or maybe just for self inflicted torture...because now i'm in physical pain that I can go pick some of these items up.

 

[brass coffee table here | rare spun fiberglass patio set here |upholstered arm chairs that I am just dying over and need here | brass lamps here ]   [bamboo armoire here | x base cast iron patio set here |vintage sofa here | brass mirror top console table here ]   [bamboo desk here | chinoiserie vintage loveseat which I just think could be the greatest here | milo style brass etageres here | mirrored deco dresser here]   [set of three campaign pieces that will be insane when cleaned and painted here |bamboo and burlwood side table here | milo baughman for thayer coggin sofa here | burlwood pedestals that I would buy in a heartbeat here]

 

Do you guys have any other tips for how you find the best stuff on CL? Whats the most amazing thing you have ever found on craigslist?

I hope this was helpful! Have a great day xox

Interiors // Rue Magazine

First, I have to say that you guys are ridiculously awesome for your comments/insta comments yesterday. Hi-larious. Sectionals all around!

Second, I am obsessed with this feature in the latest Rue Magazine. And not just because Julie Pierce's place is totally nails (which it definitely is). More, I absolutely love every single word of her interview. I freak out all the time about how long it's taking me to decorate our house. I mean, it's been almost a year and a half and we still don't have a dining room table (or a sectional). That is, we don't have THE dining room table. Julie's wise words ease my anxiety....Not to mention the "final product" that is her home. Pretty amazing, if you ask me.

Gift Ideas....that you can get me // Mother's Day

It's been long debated whether I technically count as a mom. (Dude. Stepmoms totally count.) Even this year, I got the sympathetic head tilt when I suggested that I finally officially qualify.

Whatever. If you ask me, even fur baby parents count. Caring for another being is motherhood, dammit!

And so I'm making it easy for a certain someone to get me something perfectly acceptable. I mean, only one of these items really breaks the bank. The rest are beyond affordable at $95 or less!

1 heels // 2 gazelle horns // 3 tote // 4 euro sham // 5 bangle // 6 studs // 7 sectional

I know. I've got a really good chance on that sectional, don't I? A girl can dream.

If you want actual gift ideas, I would definitely check out To and From. Gifts galore!

Decor // Persian Rugs

Hello, my name is Tobe and I have a rug problem. Persian rugs, specifically.

Could someone with money laying around please buy these so I can live vicariously through you?

First, I'll take this mint condition Heriz.

Possibly this one, too.

Definitely this runner.

Probably this little gem for our powder room (sadly, a little too wide or I for reals would be bidding).

Probably this one. I mean, there's turquoise. Dah.

Looks a little rough, but it sure is purty.

Don't say I never gave you anything.

I may or may not be scouring shopping for a powder room rug. Mini persians be expensive, yo.

You think I like mine with some red?

Sidenote: Have you guys seen Ebay's new Pinterest-like layout? Genius!