Organized Jewelry
Last night I decided that I had had enough digging around for jewelry in the mornings. Or, even worse, just not wearing my fun jewelry because it was too hard to find. So, I organized the vintage medicine cabinet we have hung above our dresser in the bedroom. I took a few old little shot glasses and dishes and a short candle holder and arranged some of my favorite costume jewelry. Now everything is visible and arranged neatly. And, the inside of the cabinet looks so pretty!
Here is the outside of the medicine cabinet. I know you have seen this before, but this is a good angle of the chandelier crystal I used as a pull.
This is the inside of the cabinet all neatly organized and pretty.
Close up of the jars. I love that little one with the skull on it.
FYI: I found these little jars and glasses at the local Salvation Army for about 25cents.
Chair Love
I love chairs. Tony says that I have a strange chair obsession. Its true. I would collect chairs if space would provide. I have even thought about hanging them on walls like art in order to accomodate my passion. But, for now I will post about the chairs I am drooling over. This is my latest love (since I finally aquired my Plycraft lounge and ottoman;)
Here is a vintage Barcelona chair and ottoman:
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.pdxinteriors.com/profile/hawthorne/leather-chair-with-ottoman.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.pdxinteriors.com/profile/vintage-hawthorne.php&h=263&w=350&sz=27&tbnid=EKUbLTi-5iDUFM::&tbnh=90&tbnw=120&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvintage%2Bbarcelona%2Bchair%2Bpicture&hl=en&usg=__2thZF7Qzm1c2X5FleLbCACv3w6U=&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=1&ct=image&cd=1
I Feel A Project Coming On
I ran accross this oh-so-cute project this morning on the Curbly website.
Even though this DIY serving tray isn’t my idea, I had to link you all with it. I am most definitely going to make this my next project in the waiting. I have been looking at trays and also thinking about how to make one. But, with my love of all things black and white and my love of all things DIY, this is the winner. Check out the full how-to and more photos here: http://www.curbly.com/DIY-Maven/posts/5902-How-to-Turn-an-Old-Cupboard-Door-into-a-Serving-Tray
Thank you for the idea DIY Maven!
Etsy: A New Fav.
I had heard of Etsy before, but had never shopped thier site. Before Christmas my mom asked me if I had, and said that she was going to try it. When Christmas day rolled around, we were both delightfully surprised.
She had ordered me this adorable apron and potholder set from an Etsy seller named Annie’s Attic. The set was so cute, the seller had quick shipping, and it came all wrapped up in matching tissue and ribbon, with a hand written thank you on it. We were so impressed not only by the wonderful products, but also by the personable service. We just had to promote Etsy and this particular seller. No more poor service (thank you greatbookdeals at Amazon) and no more torn up packages and broken toys (another Christmas story), this was great on-line shopping.
Take a look at this oh-so-cute apron and potholder!
Thank you Annie’s Attic and Etsy! We will both be return customers!
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)
New Year’s Resolution
Its that time of the year again. Just like everyone else I start thinking of those new year’s resolutions. Yes, this is the year, I am going to keep them! 🙂 Here is my list:
1. Get back to running every morning before work.
The Running Free by Ll'sWorld (Flickr)
2. Finish the desk we started months ago.
My first camera by Sir Cam (Flickr)
3. Be more positive.
Focus on the bright spot, and your whole world will light up! by Sicilian Italiano (Flickr)
4. Save more money, be more thrifty.
Money Saving Tips by Mint Software (Flckr)
5. Keep a more creative eye out for the unexpected inspiration.
How to recycle jeans & Save money by gogreen.savegreen
6. Say I love you more.
"I love you" by g-mikee (Flickr)
7. Learn to cook.
Three girls learn cooking by ~~*♥♥♥Michelle♥♥♥*~~~ (Flickr)
8. Remember to take more before pictures of my projects.
I'll be a Legend after cleaning this mess by naddl79 (Flickr)
9. Just like a little kid with a diary, try to post on my new blog every day! 🙂
my 2007 diary by akaitori (Flickr)
There you have it. There’s my list. They are pretty simple and hopefully that makes them easier to keep! (And cute, fun pictures, too!)
What are your new year’s resolutions??
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!
The Little Red Stool
Being cooped up in the warm house yesterday as the snow blew outside, I had time to finish up a few projects. One was the stool that I posted about yesterday. It started out green and dirty, but now is a beautiful red. I’m not sure where I’m going to use it yet. I thought it would look cute in the kitchen, but when Tony brought it up the stairs for me, it struck me that it might make the perfect odd edition in our bedroom. Hmmm…
It looks perfect in red.
Here it sits in the kitchen, but might not stay there for long...
A New Project
The other night Tony’s mom offered us a little metal stool that she had in her garage. Knowing my love for all things vintage and all things industrial, Tony snatched it up. The current stool is painted green and very dirty and dinged up. But, we have already started cleaning it and preping to paint. I think it will be red. Our kitchen is mostly black and white, but has some punches of red. I think it will look adorable in there. Here are the before photos. After photos soon to come!
Littl metal stool before.
I think it will look so cute red.
Make Mine Eclectic 
