happy friday!

Some recently found favorites for your weekend:

:: fabulous marimekko wallpaper for your desktop

:: 50 fantastic uses for old things

:: loving every aspect of this room

:: swooning over this and this from the VS spring line

:: finally! matchbook magazine has launched

:: love vintage/thrift stores? check out this site

:: free printables for valentine's day

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! See you Monday! :-)

(image from phil mantas, via style me pretty)

paper pastries

These pretty paper pastries from Imeon Designs would make the perfect favor box for any occasion. Fill them with candy or trinkets and you have a fabulous (and adorable) way to thank your guests for attending your bridal shower, wedding, birthday party...

(images form imeon designs)

beautiful vessels

Loving these simple bud vases by Rou Designs. So feminine, and such a darling shape... what a beautiful way to display flowers!

a special treat... 10% off at Overstock.com!

Hello lovely ladies! How was everyone's weekend??

I'm extremely excited to announce that Overstock.com is offering my readers 10% off!!! Isn't this fabulous news!!? I love having the ability to shop at my leisure, in the comfort of my sweat pants!! :-)

To get the discount, just use promo code 121745 (excluding movies, books, and electronics) and
save 10% at checkout.

If you need some inspiration, here are some great products I found:

:: fabulous clothing & accessories ::

:: gorgeous lighting ::

:: great home & office furniture ::

Happy Shopping!! Is there anything you have your eye on?

All the ideas and opinions expressed are my own. No monetary compensation was received for doing this post,
however, I was provided with a discount code.

happy friday!

Another week has flown by... For me, this past week has been busy... but productive! My friend Kristen and I have been working hard to get our business and website in order... I'll keep you posted on our progress! :-)

Now onto the weekend! Which goes a little something like this: meetings, a trip to joann's, groceries, laundry, blah, blah, blah...

How about a few links to help you through the weekend:

:: the jan/feb issue of Lonny is out!

:: have some fun! get involved in a valentine's swap! i did!!

:: thinking about a kitchen remodel? read this.

:: get inspired to beautify your bookshelves.

:: loving this simple ponytail twist... just need to figure out how to do it!


Now, the exciting news... what you've all been waiting for...



Thanks to everyone who entered!! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
See you Monday! :-)

(photo from catherine nunnally)

swoon worthy: laura lombardi jewelry

I found Laura Lombardi on Etsy a while back and I've been obsessed ever since. Luxurious and edgy, her jewelry is made from carefully selected vintage and repurposed materials and each piece is crafted by hand! I'm completely in LOVE with it all! Swoon away!!

:: DON'T FORGET :: Today's the last day to enter the Starbuck's giveaway!! Good luck to everyone who entered! Winner's will be announced tomorrow!

(images from laura lombardi)

laura mae dooris

Loving the artwork of Laura Mae Dooris... the layering of paper and acrylics, the use of printmaking techniques and the balance of colors... all of it makes me happy! :-)

And don't forget to enter the Starbucks giveaway... it ends tomorrow!!

craving color

Could your rooms use a little extra spice and energy? Adding color to a room can greatly enhance its visual appeal, and also affect the way you feel while you are in that room. These are just a few simple and tips to help add color to a bland room...



A floor in a bold color is definitely a courageous design choice! Floors are probably the most permanent part of an interior, so you really have to be committed and fearless. For something a little less permanent, try adding a great area rug. Not only will it add to the look of a room, but also create an ambiance by adding color, shape, and texture.

(above images found here and here)

If a room lacks dimension or is overwhelmingly white, paint is a pretty easy way to transform a room. If you want a little more texture, try adding wallpaper. Either way, your are sure to breathe life into a simple and bare room.

(above images found here, here and here)

Adding bright, bold, accessories is an easy choice when trying to spruce up a room, or make a statement with an eye-catching, but timeless piece of furniture. Best of all... if you get tired of your accent color, you can simply change by moving the pieces to other rooms it to something else, no messy paint required!!

(above images found here, here and here)

How do you like to add color to your space? What color(s) do you always tend to lean towards?

{free printable } 2011 calendar

If you're still in need of a calendar like I am, why don't you head over to jeanniejeannie.com and print this adorable one for FREE!! I can't believe it's mid-January already, where does the time go?!

Simply print, cut and enjoy!! (via design crave)

(image from Jeannie Huang)

let's start the week off right... with a giveaway!!!

Did someone say giveaway?! Heck yeah!! What a great way to start off the week!!
And I know I just did a post, bashing their new logo, but it's all good... I still love my Starbucks!!

I wanted to do a little something special for my lovely readers! I appreciate all of you -- for your support, encouragement and inspiration. This blog is really turning into a passion of mine and I am so thankful to all of you!

Here's what you need to do:
:: Leave a comment letting me know you are a follower, and also tell me what's your favorite thing to get at Starbucks! I'll take a passion tea lemonade, or maybe a mocha frappuccino... Heck, I'll take anything, I'm addicted! :-)

How about a few extra chances...
:: Leave another comment with a tip, or advice for other "newbie" bloggers like myself... something helpful or constructive.

:: Blog about this giveaway in a post of yours, and leave another comment.

Don't forget to leave your e-mail (if you don't list one on your blog/profile). I have to be able to get in touch with you! Otherwise, I'll have to choose someone else...

2 lucky winners will be picked at random, and each wins a $10 Starbucks gift card!!!

Giveaway ends: Thursday, January 20th at 10PM EST.
Winners will be announced on Friday, January 21st, so make sure to check back!!
** Starbucks did not sponsor this giveaway. I wanted to something small to thank all my loyal blogging friends! :-)

(image from starbucks)

hello weekend!

Hope you all have fun weekends planned!! On my agenda: my hubby's work Christmas party, taking down the rest of the Christmas decorations, and of course... work!! Sounds exciting, huh?! Here are some links to check out this weekend:

:: Loving this collection of prints...

:: Wishing I could buy these...

:: In need of a new cookbook... Giada or Ina??

:: Try doing something crafty... like this or this.

See you on Monday!! Wishing you all a lovely weekend!!!

(image from janet hill)

new reads for 2011

I LOVE books... especially ones related to art and design!! Here's a round up of new interior design books hitting the shelves in 2011 (via real simple). I definitely think I'll be picking up a few of these...

1. Decorate by Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick
2. Pale & Interesting by Atlanta Bartlett
3. Modern Vintage Style by Emily Chalmers
4. Design*Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney
5. Undecorate by Christiane Lemieux and Rumaan Alam
6. Creative Walls by Geraldine James
7. A Stylist's Guide to NYC by Sibella Court
8. Romantic Prairie Style by Fifi O'neill

Are there any books you're excited for ... art, design or others?

quiz: test your brand awareness

If you have some time to kill between now and say Monday, perhaps you would like to test your brand awareness by taking The Brand Quiz. Based on two colors, a visual hint, and a cryptic verbal clue, see how many brands you can identify. I got 15 out of 21... not too bad, i guess! :-/

Click here if you want to try your luck at The Brand Quiz.

(found via brand new)

lovely patterns

I'm really loving these patterns from sparrow & co... maybe I'll get this notebook?

(images from sparrow & co.)

new starbucks logo... what do you think?

Starbucks unveiled its new logo this past Wednesday to mark the company’s 40th anniversary. The new mark drops the name, and gives the iconic Siren a few subtle updates. People either love it or hate it, and many believe the wordless logo is better, since they are expanding beyond coffee and into international markets.

I on the other hand, really enjoyed the previous version. I feel like something is missing without the type, and I also liked the contrast of the black center. To me, it looks a bit unfinished and plain. I don't hate it as much as the GAP disaster, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they change it back.

What do you think of the changes? Do you like the old logo or the new one?
And stay tuned... there may or may not be a giveaway in the near future... :-)

(image from starbucks)

vintage by color

How was everyone's weekend? Mine wasn't too exciting... didn't really do too much, but that was fine with me! I thought I'd start the week with these fun shots by Hilda Grahnat. I first heard about Hilda a few months back, both on Decor8 and Design*Sponge. I just love her design and photographic style. I'm always checking out her blog and shop, so I thought I'd share this wonderful talent with you. These are some of my favorites shots, you can even buy them as postcards! Aren't the colors amazing? And I love all the vintage details... I want that yellow typewriter!!

// blog // flickr // shop //

(images from hilda grahnat)

::::::::: You should also stop by my friend Michaela's blog :::::::::
Follow her (if you don't already!) and enter her giveaway!

hello weekend!

Where did the week go? Here are some links to check out this weekend.

:: This wallpaper would look great as an accent wall.

:: Loving this pillow.

:: Need this in "J" to collect all my loose pens & pencils.

:: Thinking about making these cookies! They look so yummy!

:: Wishing it was spring!

See you on Monday! Wishing you all a lovely weekend!!

(image form kristy bee)

things i like

// 1. color outside plaque // 2. meryl floor lamp // 3. coqo floral curtains // 4. palmela vase // 5. parsons console table

sweet confections

Sophisticated. Elegant. Amazing. You MUST look at these stunning creations by Maggie Austin in Washington DC. She's been featured on a dozen blogs and even in Martha Stewart's, The Bride's Guide. These cakes make me want to get married all over again!

(images from maggie austin)

paper blooms

Looking for something unique? Try adding some fun and flair with floral arrangements made from paper! Each bouquet is personally handcrafted - petal by petal - and can take up to 25 hours to construct! They are a little pricey, but would make a perfect addition to any home, wedding or dinner party!!

(images from whether paperworks)

bold & bundled

As much as I hate to admit it, Winter's not even close to being over with! :-/
I'm not really a big snow or cold weather person, but there's nothing I can really do about that... since I don't plan on moving any time soon. So I guess I still have plenty of time (at least 3 months) to bundle up, brave the frigid air, and still look stylish. It was so hard to choose, but really love the the olive green military coat and steve madden boots... and maybe the infinity scarf!! :)

// 1. belted military coat // 2. leopard coat // 3. cable knit beanie // 4. loose rib infinity scarf // 5. fleece line flat boot // 6. taupe nubuck boot // 7. long cable gloves // 8. lace up shearling boot
// 9. fingerless gloves // 10. patterned lurex scarf

ghandi's top 10

Happy 2011 everyone!! I thought I'd start off the new year with some words of wisdom. My lovely friend Kristen posted this image on her Facebook the other day, and of course I had to share it with you! It was designed by Francesca Ramos, a design student form California. I highly suggest you print out your own copy!! What a great example to help us enjoy life and live it to the fullest. LOVE IT!

(image from francesca ramos)