{5 Things: Magazine Lust}

As I mentioned in my Weekend Plans, I spent most of Saturday morning/early afternoon at Barnes & Noble. As promised, I had my Starbucks, my iPad, and a stack of all my favorite magazines.While flipping through the pages I couldn't help but lust over all the eye candy. Flip after flip I learned 5 things that I thought I would share with you...

Update: Sooo....I just peaked at the Gucci website to see the price of the bags above...and let's just say, if I don't win the lottery or win big during my next trip to Vegas, I'll be getting clutch version... {INASD - comment below if you can figure out what this acronym means, lol!}. 

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF Peeps - do you have anything planned this weekend?

{Mixing Metallics}

I love mixing metallics! As I mentioned in a previous post, lately I've been more drawn to gold, but I really like the concept of mixing all metallics to add more of a luxe look and feel to my decor. An old school rule was to never mix metallics ~ but in my opinion it adds a freshness that just gold, silver or bronze accent pieces alone would lack. For example...

{Wallpaper from Oh Joy!, West Elm pillows, Etsy Brooch,  Ampersand Photo}

What do you think about mixing metallics? Are you a mix and match-er? 

{EmersonMade: Not Just A Pretty Flower}

EmersonMade is not just a brand that makes lovely handmade flowers, but one that has branched into the fashion world with such grace and loveliness. Emerson has an impeccable aesthetic and basically...I want everything. I chose a few of my favorite pieces below, but honestly, how can you just pick a few? It's so hard to pick favorites...

To me EmersonMade = Perfection! Don't you agree?  

OH! Emerson and Ryan's new Hampshire home was recently styled by Paul Lowe and photographed by David A. Land for The Nest magazine. To take a tour of their lovely home, click here - and enjoy!!!

{Classic Stripes and Bows}

Okay, so the allure of stripes and a classic white button-down is nothing new ~ but lately I love them more than ever. Fortunately, both seem to always make it to the top trend list for both fashion and interiors, so lucky us, we again we get to indulge in our stripes obsession... 

[Anthropologie skirt, Brooks Brothers white button-down, Kate Spade No Strings Attached bangle, Juley at Swankheights blog]

{Soul Searching}

Over the weekend I did some soul searching {as I mentioned on Friday}. I used minimal technology, hardly watched TV, brought out my sketch book...used it, and really took the time to think about me and what I want. I think it's oddly more acceptable to complain about the trivial things that bother you than it is to take note of special little moments throughout the day. This weekend I decided to focus on what I'm grateful about, what I'm good at, what I'm most passionate about, and what makes me smile. I thought for my post today that I would share {for starters} what makes me happy:

1. When I walk through the door, my Addison jumping up and down with excitement to see me
2. When my favorite song is playing on the radio as soon as I start the car
3. When I realize I can relax because I have absolutely nowhere to be
4. When I climb under covers that have been freshly washed
5. When the lights first dim at the beginning of a movie
6. When I hear a compliment and allow myself to believe and receive it
7. When I walk into Anthropologie and smell their delicious candles burning
8. When I sit down to create, get lost in the moment and marvel at what God created through me

So as I continue on my journey and life plan, I vow that when times get frustrating, busy, overwhelming {as I know they will} to remember the things that make me happy...and smile!

Enjoy your day Peeps {and thanks for listening...}!!!

PS. Don't you love the light bulb above? I found it over at Design*Sponge! If you would like instructions for how to make one for you or your sweetie...click here.

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF Peeps!!!

This is what I'm trying to tell myself:

And..

{credit: Etsy & Pinterest}

I'm starting to feel inspired already...enjoy your weekend loves! Until Monday...

{Trimming For Crafty Peeps}

While planning for my Valentine giveaway - I came across Etsy seller Petits Details, and can only hope she returns from her hiatus in time for me to place an order. Do you have a weakness for crafting supplies, spools of luxe ribbons, printed linen, etc. like I do? Then hop on over and bask in the crafty goodness. Ahh...

{The Midas Touch}

There is a decorating rule that has survived throughout history - if you want to impress and make an impact - add that Midas Touch to your decor! I used to think that gold was gaudy and old fashioned and always leaned toward silver - but recently I've started to flash little gold accents here and there throughout my decor {click here to see my fabulous little gold pig in my console table makeover post} to add a little glam. If you too love gold done in a chic way - well check these pics out {the bowls - I smell a DIY coming on}:

...and hello gold pillow~you should be mine!

Click here, here, and here for other gold inspirations...

{Lonny Magazine: January/February 2011 Issue}

Yay!!! The Lonny Magazine January/February 2011 new issue is out! Per the usual, Lonny is chugged full of inspirational ideas but the one thing that stuck out to me in this issue is the perfectly styled tables. I don't know why, but this is something that I continue to struggle with - how to add that cluster of books, that vase of flowers, that little box or trinket...all without it looking overly cluttered. You know what I'm talking about? So thank you Lonny Mag for giving me some ideas of how to style my tables- here's a glimpse at some of the loveliness...

To view the entire magazine - click here...and ENJOY!

{TOMS: One For One}

I've been wanting a pair of TOMS shoes ever since I got back from LA in the fall. Literally everyone was wearing them, and while I was still trying to warm up to them, I became a fan by seeing all the different ways people were wearing them. Over the weekend, I tried to figure out which pair I wanted to buy....but then I found a pair on ebay that I'm hoping to win {see below}. 

And you guys know about Blake's mission right {no his name is not TOM} - with every pair of shoes you purchase, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need. How could you not want to support this lovely cause?

Still not sure if you love them? Well here's a little street fashion to help you out....you can wear with leggings, jeans, dresses, skirts....literally everything. They're a little hippy - a little chic - and oh so very comfortable.

Be sure to check TOMS site often - they update their designs all the time ~ I'm looking forward to whats to come for Spring...

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF Peeps!!!

Did I happen to say TGIF??? {lol} Man am I in need of a break...enjoy your weekend!

{Exposed Brick Walls}

I love me a good loft. I have always dreamed of owning a loft with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and espresso brown wood floors. Instantly adding character and rustic charm even, lending an industrial modern touch to a space, exposed brick has me hooked. While perusing through Pinterest {one of my new fave sites for eye candy and inspiration} I came across these pics and have printed and added them to my bucket list folder:

Do you also have an obsession with brick walls? Or better yet - have them?

{Adore Home Online Magazine}

I was recently introduced to Adore Home Magazine, and am thrilled to add it to my favorite list of online magazines. Adore Home magazine, is a new Australian home and lifestyle magazine available exclusively online. Founded and created by designer Loni Parker, Adore Home invites you into inspirational homes, and looks at the latest products on the market. The thing that I love the most about Adore Home {and all online magazines} is that it allows design resources and products to be just a click away.

This is my favorite spread in the magazine - there isn't anything that I don't love about this room! I love the tufted couch {although I would have to get something a little darker}, the poufs, the perfectly styled coffee tables adorned with books and fresh flowers. I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the dining room table in the background with ghost chairs...

I have a dark espresso brown dining table and matching chairs that is a little...blah. During my "get rid of {as in sell} everything event that is coming, I had planned to part ways with it, but after seeing this pic I'm thinking about keeping the table, selling the chairs, and buying four ghost chairs. Hmmmm....wheels are turning.

Loni - your magazine is beautiful - full of eye candy and inspirational ideas. I wish you nothing but success and look forward to your next issue.

Lovely readers - to check out Adore Home Magazine, click here...and enjoy!

{Get In My Kitchen}

Since joining WW, I am growing to like the kitchen. I have opted to cook my own food, now versus purchasing processed and fast food simply because I love the fact that I know {as best as I can} what I'm putting into my body. During this process of changing my eating lifestyle it's making me realize the importance of not only eating healthy, but being more aware of what I am eating.

Over the weekend I found several items that I would love to add to my kitchen to spice it up and add a little fun to it. I'm trying to get to the point where I really love cooking and experimenting with recipes ~ adding some of these fun items to my kitchen certainly won't hurt...take a peak:

Shop List:
Upcycled + Chic = No.1
Strawberries + Ceramic + Always = No.2
Eat + Well + Napkins - No.3
Glass Chic + IKEA = No.4
Ceramic + TV Dinner = No.5
Fancy + Milk = No.6
Good + Eats = No.7
Golden + I would eat everything out of this bowl = No.8

{FLOURISH Valentine Giveaway: Will You Be Mine?}

I got this amazing idea over at Fancy Bisquit and thought it was too cute not to do the same. I'm a sucker for all holidays and love any reason to celebrate and give gifts. So this year I would love to snail mail YOU, my lovely readers, a handmade Valentine goodie.

{Pic credit}

So....Will You Be My Valentine?

Instructions:
1. Comment with your answer below: either YES or NO by February 4, 2011!

2. If YES, then please email me your full name & address: japayne3@yahoo.com {by participating, you authorize FLOURISH to send you a Valentine goodie. Your information is considered confidential and will not be abused or shared.} If you do not send me your address, I cannot send you your present!

3. If NO, well.....I love you anyway and I thank you for your continued support!

Everyone who comments below will receive a gift. While I love and appreciate all comments, only those listed below will be included - Facebook & Twitter will not count!

I'm excited!!! I better get to planning and creating...