{Archive Lovin': My Apartment Balcony Makeover}

As an apartment renter/condo owner, you're lucky if you get a small patch of a garden to call your own, or a teensy balcony to lounge on. But, it doesn't mean you can't still enjoy your little piece of the outdoors. Just because your space is small doesn't mean you can't go big - you just have to simplify. My goal for my balcony makeover was to take full advantage of the space I had, and do it with a little flare! Whether lounging or dining is your priority - think about what you're most likely to use your space for and style accordingly. Here are pics of my balcony makeover...

{It's no shocker -  I love the black and white stripes, so it was a no brainer to add them to my space. I purchased the fabric on ebay and made the pillows myself. The outdoor rug was found on Craigslist for $15 - you can't beat that! The stainless circle sculpture I purchased at an art festival here in Raleigh a few years ago - I love how it adds a modern element to the space.}

{Rutan cushions from IKEA for a little extra seating}

{I just love candles! You should see the space all lit up at night - very romantic and cozy}

{Don't you love my Mr. Gnome? I purchased him at Target -green pants, red hat, and all - and then spray painted him teal to match the decor. I just love how he turned out - definitely adds that touch of whimsy I was looking for}

{Happy Memorial Day}

Don't you just love these bbq invites? They can be found here on Etsy, a set of 12 for $11.50.

To all of the U.S. Military Men and Women, past and present, let me simply say THANK YOU for your sacrifices, dedication, and service to our country.

{Weekend Plans}

 Enjoy your weekend Peeps!!!

{In The Bag}

So what's in your bag? Any products that you would recommend, and never leave home without?

{Neon: A Blast From The Past}

Where to find: Pink&Camel, Where Did You Get That blog, Pink duffel/ green clutch/ yellow skinny belt

{Do you rue?}

{From left to right}
- The next time I'm in Atlanta, I sooo want to visit Pieces, it looks like my kind of shop!
- I love the polka dot tumblers from IKEA. Want. Cheap. Lovely.
- Ghost chairs - I want to pitch my current dining chairs for these. Love. Obsessed.
- Don't cry because it's over - smile because it happened. Word.
- I love these glass cloches, and even more the "un-wedding" story starting on page 136
- The camel creamer from Target. Yep - getting it. {what's up with me and creamers these days? I don't even drink coffee}

To peruse the full issue click here, relax, and enjoy...

{My Look For Less: Truffault Lamps}

The lamps were an off-white/cream color and while I love, love, love the yellow in the Lonny spread, it wouldn't work in my bedroom - so I decided to spray paint them a glossy white...

Much better, don't you think? And without further ado - here's the final result {sorry for the big glare from the window - I'm still learning the settings on my camera}!!!

$80 for the lamps, $4 for the spray paint, $3 for the painters tape = the same look for A LOT less! So....what do you think?

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF Peeps!

~ For those of us that eat lunch at our desks - these are kinda genius!!

~ Lovin these photo booth props - especially the Royal Wedding hat!!!

~ You know Tia and Tamera from "Sister Sister" - well Tamera is getting married and her engagement photos are fantastic!

~ I'm a collector of art, and this will be delivered next week - love!

~ I think I may have blogged about these trash bags before, but I want some!

~ This is the coolest door stop - and you guessed it - I want it!

~ Mason Jar meals - kinda clever...

~ My doctor approved me to start exercising again {finally} and this is how I feel...

~ A hint to what my "look for less" project is for this weekend!

~ Don't you wish ice cream trucks in your neighborhood looked like this?

~ Don't forget to sign up for my favorite things giveaway - deadline is 5/26/11!

{Father's Day Spice Rub}

I get {and love} the Lowe's Creative Ideas magazine, and in their summer issue they have a great idea for a Father's day gift - any gift really. You know that I am a fan of handmade gifts, and I will definitely be making a few batches for others...and myself {even though I don't really love to cook}. This spice rub jar would be perfect to give to anyone who loves to cook/grill, a great housewarming gift {along with a few Omaha steaks}, or a thank you gift for the host of your summer bbq cookouts. Grab a canning jar, some spices, twine, a gift tag and you're almost there...

...all you have to do is combine:
2 tablespoons paprika
4 teaspoons ground hot chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon cracked black pepper - all in a canning jar with a lid. The mixture will stay fresh for at least a month.This rub takes minutes to fix, and flavors beef, poultry, fish, and vegetables.

Great idea right? Enjoy!

{These are a few of my favorite things...}

If you guessed "they are two things that you have blogged about before" -or- "I don't know, but they're amazing and I wish I had them"...then you are on the right track. Both of these items I've blogged about more than once and are considered 2 of my favorite things. Because I love them so much, I feel that one of my favorite readers {that's you} should have them too! Sooo.....I'M GIVING THEM AWAY!!! It's been a while since I've done a giveaway - so I thought it was about time.

Here's how to enter:

1. Simply comment below why you would love to win this giveaway {I need your email to contact you if you win. If you do not feel comfortable placing it in the comment box below, please feel free to email me: japayne3@yahoo.com}

2. To receive an extra entry: simply blog, tweet, or post on your facebook about this giveaway - and provide the link in the comment box below!!!

The last day to enter is Thursday, May 26 @ 3:00pm ET. The winner will be announced in next Friday's post. Good luck!!!

{t.b.d + Savvy = Lust}

Marimekko Umbrella/Hunter Rain Boots/Flower Top

I kind of fell in love with this floral top over the weekend, while strolling through the t.b.d  and Savvy departments in Nordstrom. I could literally spend hours in those departments -  only if I was willing to spend hundreds of dollars on one single top. I did, however, make a purchase {for an undisclosed amount} but don't think I could {won't say ever} justify a $200 top. My only wish is that it will go on sale at the end of the season - in the interim I will be stalking it on a daily... 

Enjoy your day Peeps and stay dry - unfortunately it seems that April showers just brought more May showers! 

{Bold Gold}

Hammered necklace\Kenneth Cole ring\Knuckle ring\Spike cuff bracelet\Elephant necklace\Alexander McQueen skull ring

{Weekend Plans}

TGIF!!!! Sorry about the delay in post today. Blogger has been down for a full day {ugh} - so without further ado - here are my weekend plans!

Link lovin to return next week {blame Blogger}. Enjoy your weekend Peeps!

{Office Makeover: Lonny Mag}

The new issue of Lonny is out and I'm completely jealous over their office makeovers {starting on page 62}. Wow - what a transformation! It has given me a lot of ideas of how to spruce up my place, from the pops of color {as mentioned yesterday}, to the white furniture, to the mix-matched chairs, and the oversized white-framed artwork - I'm just going gaga over it!

To check out the full transformation {and of course lots of pages of eye candy and inspiration} click here and enjoy!

{Adding That...Pop}

If you're anything like me, you're looking for ways to lift your mood and the second place I always want to update is my apartment {can't lie, the first place is my closet - adding clothes, shoes, and bags to it definitely lifts my mood}. Anyway, back to the apartment - how about adding a pop of color? It's easy and cost effective and makes all the difference. I'm quite tired of looking at my table-less {I had to throw away the tables I had because they wouldn't fit as my last space was MUCH larger - I have one side table and a makeshift coffee table} and beige apartment, so...

{Accordion Side Table; Antique Coffee Tables; Fuchsia Chair; Green Couch}

The accordion table is going to be mine - and I'm going to  start searching Craigslist for that perfect, pop of color chair {or at least one I can get reupholstered}...the hunt is always on...

{Nude & Coral: My May Picks}

Morning Peeps! I've been out of the scene for a while, so I thought I would kick off today with a few of my favorite things for May:

I'm searching for a white blazer for this spring and summer....so perfect for frigid offices, and cool nights!

Don't you love this Kenneth Cole ring? I'm looking for more shiny gold jewelry to add to my collection - but I love this ring...and the price is right!

Coral nail polish - have it, love it...you should too!

Have you checked out the new Jess LC handbag collection? I purchased the one above, should arrive this week - yippee!

Kendie Everyday - love her, and LOVE the coral shirt and green necklace! {are you seeing a theme in my picks this month - lovin' coral}

In the Middle of Difficulty Lies Opportunity - yup!

Love these espadrilles from Aldo. What I love the most is that you can switch out the ribbon to whatever color or pattern you want!

It's time for me to get a big girl umbrella. I have the cute little one that fits in your purse, but the moment you take it out and try to use it in the rain, it flips inside-outside and I end up soaked. Love this one from Kate Spade!

So... do you have any favorites that you've purchased this spring and would recommend?

{I'm here, but I'm not, but I'm here}

How dare me just completely fall off the face of the earth, right? I know, I know - I've been a horrible blogger this week - but I promise to be back in action next week. When life throws you curve balls, and includes things in your agenda that you didn't plan, what do you do?

Before I leave you I thought I would let you know {for those that haven't already heard} that one of my fave bloggers and jewelry designer, Jess LC, just launched her own handbag line. Now you know I love me some handbags, so one of these will be in my collection soon. Click here to see the full collection - and enjoy! 

Miss you guys, enjoy the rest of your week!