Yarn-wrapped Obsession.

It's official -- I am obsessed with anything that's wrapped in yarn.

It all started back in October when we were in San Francisco and I came across the Yarbie Bangle Boutique.  They have gorgeous bangles wrapped in cashmere, silk, tweed, etc.

I ended up getting this variety, but plan to add some additional ones to my Christmas list.

Since then, I have been seeing all kinds of yarn-wrapped things that I am loving.  Like this wreath from take heart (found via Nuestra Vida Dulce).     

(photo: take heart)

(photo: Nuestra Vida Dulce)

These letters from Let Birds Fly (found via A Thoughtful Place).

(photos: Let Birds Fly)

These mason jars:

(photo: here)

These fun twine-wrapped trees:

(photo: the thrifty crafter)

And last but not least, yarn-wrapped frames from Centsational Girl.

(photo: centsational girl)

I see a trip to the yarn section of Hobby Lobby in my near future! 

Closet Crush.

Check out these amazing closets . . . 

Heels as far as the eye can see!  Um, yes please.

 

(photos above: decorpad)

(photo: apartment therapy)

But my favorite closet of all belongs to Megan of Honey We're Home.  If you don't read her blog, you're definitely missing out.  Seriously, check out how fabulous her closet is here and here.  (And yes, it's her closet that she doesn't have to share with her hubby).    

Does it get any better than a chandy in the closet (and especially one that looks like this!)? 

Every part of her closet is so well thought out.  For example, having a bigger top shelf for her boots -- genius!  We have similar shelves in our closet, but the height of each is pretty tall so there's way too much unused space between them (my heels aren't that high!).  I have always wanted to move the shelves closer together and make room for more shelves (more shelves = more shoes). 

And I love the creative way she hangs/displays her necklaces.  She used clear Command adhesive hooks.  I love the idea because it keeps things tangle-free and you can easily see what you have all in one place. 

Such an inspiring space!

Bedroom Vanity/Desk Update.

The vanity/desk (or whatever it is since we don't use it as a vanity or a desk) in our master bedroom, has been in some major need of help.  I didn't really know how to accessorize it, and what I had been trying so far hadn't been working.

I finally feel like I am on the right track, but certainly still have some tweaking to do.

For starters, I need to get a picture for the empty picture frame.  I also need a new lamp.  The current one isn't bad, but I am thinking about a ceramic lamp.  I've been eying this one.

I originally included another (empty) frame, but decided it may look a bit too cluttered. 

I don't know why something that is seemingly so simple can cause such a mental block!  But I am glad to be making progress. 

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

Busy Week.

This past week was a busy week for me at work (and the upcoming weeks aren't looking too much better).  As a result, I was pretty tired last night (Friday night).  I was on the couch and evidently falling asleep while still trying my best to have a conversation with Justin.  Part of it went something like this . . .

Me:  What are you drying in the dryer?

{me drifting off to sleep}

Justin:  Are you going to stay awake for the answer to your question?

Me:  I asked a question? 

Oops.  We had a good laugh about it!

Just My Luck.

I found an awesome dress tonight when browsing Anthropologie's website.  I was all excited about calling the store in the morning and having them hold my size so I could come try it on.  The best part is that you can use the Houston holiday shopping card and get 20% off at Anthro (and a bunch of other great places) though this weekend.

Then I saw it . . . the dreaded words . . . "online exclusive."  Nooooo!  {Read in super whiny voice} I want to get my discount and I want to wear it this weekend to a baby shower!   

Seriously, how pretty is that fabric? 

(photos: anthro)

I may just have to order it anyway . . .

Magnetic Chalkboard.

After a little test in patience, the magnetic chalkboard is done! 

I started off with an open-back frame from Hobby Lobby and a piece of MDF Justin cut to size for me.  First, I applied 5 or 6 coats (I lost count) of magnetic primer.  I read a bunch of the primer's reviews before starting and knew it was best to apply several thin coats to ensure the magnets would stick.  We also purchased rare earth magnets, which are stronger than typical magnets.  With taking those precautions, we haven't had any problems with the magnets sticking and holding paper.  My only problem with the primer is that it creates a bumpy surface.  Justin sanded it down some, but it's still not perfect.

After the primer, I put on 2 coats of chalkboard paint.  While it's still slightly bumpy from the primer, the chalk still works, but it's nearly impossible to draw a straight line!  But for our purposes, it doesn't really matter.       

Because the board is on our pantry door, the chalk would fall off if we just set it on the frame.  So instead, I purchased a votive holder from CB2 to serve as a chalk holder.  (I was originally hoping to use a chalkboard pen to avoid dust, but after testing it out, it didn't erase completely.) 

It's nice to have a handy place to jot down reminders and notes, and keep invitations and other things in view.  

Ruffled White Shower Curtain.

I love the cleanness* and freshness of a white shower curtain.  There is only one thing that could make it better . . . ruffles!   

 

(photo: anthro)

(photo: target)

 (photo: decorpad)

This one is pretty, but has a little too many ruffles for my taste.

(photo: urban outfitters)

Ruffles really do make most everything better.  For example:  

(photo: jcrew)

(photo: kate spade)

 

(photo: etsy)

* I had to verify that "cleanness" is actually a word.  I guess I've never spelled it out before, but I think it looks weird with the 2 "n"s (not that it looks any less-weird with only 1 "n").  Maybe I should have just used the word "cleanliness" instead and avoided it all together.        

Breakfast Room Light.

I just realized that I hadn't posted updated pictures of our breakfast room with the Calias chandelier from Z Gallerie.  It's been hung for quite some time, but I just thought about it because I sold our previous light fixture on craigslist this past week.  The new chandelier brings just the right amount of glam to the breakfast room!

 

Also, I'm in the market for a new centerpiece for the table.  Any ideas?  I don't want anything too crazy, but I need something a little more substantial.

Office/Guest Room Switchero.

We finally moved the major pieces of furniture from the office (including our daybed) to the guest room and vice versa this weekend.  But I need some input on the placement of the daybed.  I am thinking I like it centered on the wall, rather than centered under the window.  What you do think?  Our desks will more than likely be staying where they are in these pictures.

Centered on the Wall:

Centered under the Window:

Somewhere in the process of shifting the daybed around, we decided we didn't want the cabinet over there against the wall and the dogs decided to help rearrange the pillows on the bed.  They are such good helpers.

This room is a total work in progress (and a blank canvas) so I am sure I will be soliciting your advice along the way.  I am thinking about paint colors, a rug, art work, new desk chairs, window coverings for the doors, etc.  If you have any thoughts, please share -- I'm all ears.

Two things I know I want in the room are memo boards and chevron fabric, so I am thinking about covering cork boards in this fabric.

 

(Remember that chalkboard paint project I mentioned here?  Well, Justin decided the surface wasn't smooth enough, so he sanded it down yesterday and repainted it.  On the one hand, I guess I should be thankful I have a husband who cares about these sort of things, but on the other, I now have to wait another three days . . .)

Anthro.

I ran into Anthropologie this weekend for the sole purpose of returning something.  However, I couldn't resist the lure of the kitchen section.  (I never can.)  I certainly don't need measuring spoons, but I needed these measuring spoons.  

Seriously, how cute are they?!    

And, as a little teaser, I am jumping on the chalkboard paint bandwagon . . .

I'm a rule follower, and you're supposed to wait 3 days before using the chalkboard.  Tomorrow is (finally) the 3rd day.  In the meantime, since I am also super impatient, I used the paint stir stick to test out a regular ol' piece of chalk and a fancy chalk marker (and to test out including my awesome shadow in the picture).

I'll be posting pictures of the completed project soon. 

Bar Carts.

Maybe it's because of all the Mad Men we've been watching recently, but I really want a bar cart.  Like really bad.  I've been searching Craigslist trying to find one on the cheap, but haven't found anything I like thus far.

Here are some inspiring images that will have to suffice for now.

  (photo: Restoration Hardware)

It looks even better against the trellis wallpaper!

 (photo: Habitually Chic)

 (photo: Habitually Chic)

 

(photo: Williams Sonoma Home) 

(photo: SouthernAccents)


(photo: apartment therapy)

The bar cart in the following image is barely peeking out, but I loved the room too much not to include it.


 (photo: decorpad)

 (photo: decorpad)