{Before & After: Console Table}

Over the weekend I had a lot of fun putting together my console table area simply by pulling things I had from around the house. After listening to your comments {THANK YOU!!!!}, I tried to implement just about all of them into my space. So without further ado - here is my Before & After...

Jackson Console Table - Crate & Barrel

Glass Ball Lamp - Z Gallerie

White Ceramic Owl - Z Gallerie

Round Glass Paperweight - Crate & Barrel

"I Will Not Ride In Cars With Boys" painting - DIY {see below}

Greenery - Smith & Hawken

Sailor's Knot - DIY {see below}

Gold Pig - DIY {see below}

Feel free to contact me about any of the pictures - I can tell you where I got each. I'm proud to say for this project I only spent $30.00 {$20 for the owl & $10 for the rope} everything else I already had.

Check out some of the DIY projects below:

I saw this sailor's knot on Design Sponge last week and knew that I wanted to add it to my console table. And in Design Sponge fashion, she provided step-by-step instructions {and video} for how to make it. That evening I went to Home Depot to purchase my rope and after several attempts - it's not perfect, but it works. What do you think? {Click here for instructions}

At the Raleigh Flea Market there is this man that has a truckload of metal and rusty findings. Every time I go I go search through the piles of "junk" and usually I find something that comes home with me. I found this little pig and decided to add it to my table for a little whimsy {you know me} - oh and I spray painted it metallic gold for that touch of glam.

I loved the painting that was in my Nate Berkus post and I decided to create one to add a little touch of humor to my space. This canvas was in my closet and I simply painted in black, let it dry, and with a white paint marker {and a steady hand} decided to go with "I Will Not Ride In Cars With Boys". Ha - I love it now, but not so much when my parents used to say this to me.... many many years ago. {lol!}

So overall ~ what do you think?

Wondering where the Blog of the Week went? Well... I've decided to put it on hold for a little while in an effort to have an opportunity to post more lovely finds, DIY, Before & Afters, and personal stories. Have no fear, I'll still showcase all the fab blogs that I come across - it will just be in a different format, so stay tuned. For all of the blogs that I've gushed about over the last several months, and many many more to come, they have been added and will continually be updated on my blog roll! Any objections?

{Balcony Inspiration: My Makeover}

Morning loves!! So.....here are the pics of my apartment balcony makeover. I apologize for taking so long to post the pictures, but I've been waiting on a few pillows that I ordered from Furbish. Unfortunately, they still haven't arrived - but I decided to go ahead to show off the space now and then will update the pics once the pillows come in. So without further ado - check em' out!!!

{As you know I love the black and white stripes. I purchased the fabric on ebay and made the pillows myself. The outdoor rug is exactly what I was looking for and found it on Craigslist for $15 - you can't beat that!! I added the teal as a pop of color and once my pillows come in I will be adding a burnt reddish-orange to the space for another splash of color. 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. Finally my ferns are still alive - they are definitely high maintenance and I can't believe I haven't killed them yet - yeah me!!!}

{Rotan 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}

{What's a queen without her crown?}

{I love the detail captured of this lovely flower}

{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}

So....real talk here. Comment below and let me know what you think!!! Honestly, your opinion matters. :-) 

{Replace - New Face: Borrowed DIY Before & Afters}

Face it, who doesn't love D.I.Y. (do it yourself) projects - especially when the project allows us to re purpose, "junk," we already have?!! Save a little cash, spare the landfill, and breathe life into a tired piece of furniture. Finding a great piece of used furniture at a great price is one of the great joys of shopping Craigslist and flea markets. Check out some of the fantastic and very creative DIY projects that I've stumbled upon today. Enjoy!

{Borrowed from Apartment #34}

{Borrowed from Factory Alliance}

{Borrowed from DesignSponge}

{Borrowed from Pepper Design Blog}

{Borrowed from Little Lovely}

{Borrowed from The Little Goat}

{Borrowed from Studio G}

I'm thinking my favorite is the file cabinet turned planter - sh-mazing, right? Hey lovely readers - if you have any of your own DIY projects that you would like to share - email me and I will be sure to post them. I love posting before and afters - so inspiring!

Have a great one peeps!