Fat Rock!
Yes, its true! I’m engaged! Tony proposed to me last night. It was so unexpected, and so sweet. We do not yet have an exact date, but are considering late August in 2010. I told myself not to get too excited, and to hold off on the planning, but that really isn’t going to happen. I have already been writing down ideas and scouring the blog world. We are considering a black and white color scheme, with either dark teal or red accents. I would also love to do a vintage touch (doesn’t that sound like us!?). I, of course, will continue to blog on our home and decor ideas and projects, but there might be some random wedding ideas here too! Fill me in on any ideas! Here is a picture of the ring.
Its a vintage square diamond turned on an angle. Pictures don't do it justice- its gorgeous!
Quirky
We had a busy night last night and didn’t finish ANY of the projects we had planned. So, in the meantime, I thought I would share with you some quirky little things that we are currently loving. Enjoy!
This pillow by Brandon Dunlap is just adorable! http://shanalogic.com/item.php?item_id=1931&manufacturer_id=156
We would love to keep our guests' drinks cold with these bone ice cubes. http://www.thinkgeek.com/homeoffice/kitchen/a34b/?cpg=froogle
Cocktail chemistry set. Guests will be amused! http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/cocktail-chemistry-set
Vintage fancy framed mirrors. These look so pretty in every home. http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/set-of-3-antiqued-vintage-style-mirrors
Frilly vintage frames. Especially in teal. http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/bouquet-of-flowers-oval-picture-frame-aqua-by-growing-veip
Jewelry made from random items. This is made from two vintage bottle caps. http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/etsy-47bonanza-vintage-soda-pop-bottle-cap-pendant-necklace
Antique bottles. Plain or fancy, they are so pretty. This one is an old ink well. http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/cobalt-blue-ink-well-vintage-bottle
Well, there’s a mish-mash of all the random (and quirky) things that are on our minds lately. Hope you are inspired. Or, at least amused.
A Stumper
We have a question for any of you creative minds out there. Our dog bowl and food situation is currently in need of fixing. I am one of those hiders. Everything should have a place and be kept out of site. So, this is, of course, driving me nuts.
Currently, there is a gap between our refrigerator and our stove. The landlord would like to someday add another cupboard in between, which I can’t argue with because it would also give us more counter space (always good). But, for the time being, we are using the gap as a space for a mat and the dog’s food and water bowls. This I don’t mind too much; the bowls are out of the way and accessible. The real problem is what to do with the food bag. We have a little drawer specifically for the dog, which holds his bones, treats, and brushes, etc. We were buying small bags of food that would fit in the drawer, but they are a waste of money. Now that we have upgraded to the large bag, we do not know where to keep it.
Not so funny story: I thought I would smartly store it behind the door to the basement steps. Then last night it came crashing down, and what sounded like loud rain was the entire giant bag of dog food pouring down the stairs!
Here is the current situation:
Does anyone out there have a better looking solution? I can’t wait to get the ugliness hidden! 🙂
Romeo says hi and thanks for any help!
All Things Can Become New Again
I have talked about this before, but just can’t get enough. Old things becoming new again. I love this idea. I especially love repurposing items when the new purpose is something completely different than its previous use. This has actually become pretty popular lately, so there is a lot of inspiration out there. I thought I would compile some of my favorite repurpose finds. I might even have to start a new project soon!
These ideas are all great. The first picture is water skis made into a chair. I have also seen old surf boards used as shelves. The second is a shopping cart made into a chair. These would be totally cute on a deck or around a camp fire. The next photo is a library card catalog with added legs used as a coffee table. Then there is the side board dresser turned into a bathroom sink vanity. I love this idea. More storage and totally unique. The last is a side table made from suitcases. Great because storage is built right in!
Try thinking of new uses for old objects. Not only will your home be more unique and express your personality and taste, but it is greener for our world to recycle old items. Its a win win!
Some New Year’s Inspiration: 100 Things I Love
I recently saw a list some one had made of 100 things they loved. It seemed so inspiring to think about that many things that you enjoy or care about. So, I tried it. I thought that it also helped to take a deeper look at your style and personality. So… here’s my list. I hope it might help inspire you too…
100 Things I Love:
- Black and white photos
- Polaroid cameras
- Roller coasters
- Pepsi
Spiral Staircase by Martin Haesemeyer (Flickr)
- Huge sunglasses
- Antiques
- Old records
- Small collections
- Holey jeans
- Thick sweaters
- Movie nights
- Internet shopping
- Color coordinating items
- Crushed ice
- Photo booths
- Horses
- Beaches
- Lists
- Thunderstorms
- Coconut lotion
- Fireworks
- Shoes
- Moving sidewalks
- Sports
Bathtub and Fireplace by decorology (Flickr)
- Candles
- Typewriters
- Outdoor concerts
- Bonfires
- Wooden boxes
- Old picture frames
- Ferris wheels
Dice by kagedfish (Flickr)
- Ticket stubs
- Crowns
- Silk sheets
- Hot nights
- Lazy days
- The outdoors
- Corndogs
- French manicures
- Treasure hunts
- Auctions
- Handwritten cards
- Miniatures
- Vintage items
- Chocolate
- Street shops
- Motorcycles
- Dinner parties
- Eyeliner
- Sweatpants
- Mud
- Blank paper
- Road trips
- Black and white movie
Candles glowing... by annpar (Flickr)
- High heels
- Lilies
- Secret passageways
- Cubbie holes
- Shiny things
- Clean clothes
- Gum
- Fluffy beds
- Music
- Shiny lipgloss
- Claw foot bathtubs
- Tire swings
- The River
- Moc croc
- Small towns
- Big yards
- Hayrack rides
- Massages
- Inside jokes
- Old books
Sunglasses by sveltkamp (Flickr)
- Dice
- Keys
- Inspiration boards
- Fancy bottles
- Layered pillows
- Free catalogs
- My brother’s art
- DIY projects
- Wild jewelry
- Fireplaces
- Confetti
- Planners
- Mistletoe
- Freshly cut grass
- Harvest time
Polaroid Land Camera 1000 by Fallen Angel / Angel... (Flickr)
- Sunshine
- Fried food
- New Year’s Eve
- Long eyelashes
- Cowboys
- Accents
- Coffee shops
- Sidewalk chalk
- Diamonds
- Spiral staircases
- Clear furniture
- My own house!
Old record player. by MFinChina (Flickr)
Trends? Psh.
It is the end of the year and every one starts rounding up the “best ofs” lists. I have been seeing a lot of lists of trend that people would either like to see more of or never see again. The lists made me ponder. I came to the conclusion that I do not care what is considered “trendy” or “in style”. I like what I like and could care less what others think. Actually, I think that I prefer things that were never in style (both clothing and home decor), because then it can never be considered out of style. Also, if I like something, it is because it speaks to me. It shouldn’t matter what list it is on. I change my mind all the time, but not based upon what other people believe is “cool”. I, personally, never fit into one category anyways, because I mix pieces from all different styles. There should be no rules when it comes to your own tastes and your own home. If you truly love it, go for it.
Whew. With that said, I will step off of my soap box and show you all a visual list of the things that I have loved this year. Not because they are trends or not, but because that was what was speaking to me this year. I hope some one can find this inspirational, but in no way am I saying go out there and copy every picture. (Would that make it a “trend”?) Here goes:
1. The first thing that I have loved this year is collections. They can be utilitarian or completely useless. To me, collections can be like art. Some people think that if objects don’t function, they just sit there taking up space, but I think they can be beautiful. Here is a group of cameras and a small group of stereos.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/look-framed-vintage-camera-collection-on-the-cheap-072111
Angela and Adam's Mood Change. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/fall-colors-2008-midwest/midwest-25-angela-and-adams-mood-change-066295
Graham and David's Modern Escape. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/2008-fall-colors-southwest/southwest-26-graham-davids-modern-escape-066631
3. This is a little strange for me, but this year I have love all clear, or acrylic, furniture. There are so many great pictures, but here is a gllimpse of one that I am wanting:
This one even contrasts well with the cabin decor. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/look-modern-cabin-071787
4. No matter what anyone says, I love love love both empty frames and leaning frames. I lean frames as opposed to hanging them all the time. Against a wall, on a desk, on the floor… Just a couple examples:
Damien and Rachel's Chromatic Casa. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/fall-colors-2008-east/east-56-damien-rachels-chromatic-casa-066516?image_id=28726
6. I am loving repurposed decor and furniture. I have always been a fan of old, vintage, or antique items, but it more recently has occured to me how great it can be to repurpose some items into new things in the home. Some of my favrite ideas below:
Mail box used for laundry. Patrick's World of Wonder. http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/121808patrick/001h
This is a vintage sign remade into a sliding door. I'm sorry, but I do not find where the image came from!
7. I am also a fan of decorating in black and white. Don’t get me wrong, I love punches of color, but black and white can make a huge statment and go with so many additional colors. Some great black and white pictures:
I'm not sure where this picture came from, but it is gorgeous!
Make Mine Eclectic 