Category: not just for…

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

I’ve always loved the look of a wax sealed envelope, but struggled with melting the wax at just the right spot and without singe marks.  It occurred to me last night to melt the wax onto another surface, allowing me to better control the quality of the seal as well as make multiples.  I broke out my non-stick baking mat and it worked just perfectly.  A little glue to fix them to an envelope, and I was all set.

Using glue instead of dripping wax directly on what I was sealing opened up other opportunities for using the seal too! How about a pretty little adornment on a bud vase? Cute and personalized.

Have a SPLENDID Wednesday!

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Friday Faves 1.20

ONE cutest paris inspired notepad from pinhole press and the girls with glasses. TWO custom pencils which I really love, but cannot figure out who contributed them!  Let me know if you do! THREE mini gallery printed from minted. FOUR nyc map magnets from cutie pie company, but their stationery is even cuter – check it out!!

 

We have been showered with SO many free goodies and treats since being here in at Alt Summit.  I’m learning a TON about blog design and how to make it better for all of my lovely readers out there!  Check up on some of these vendors who so generously donated items for all of the attendees of the conference!

Have a FABULOUS Friday!

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Brighter Days Ahead

In preparing for a new year (and having some time off work), I spent a little time sprucing up my home workspace. I cleaned and organized, putting away my Christmas gifts and straightening the pile of clothes and accessories that inevitably make their way strewn across my (half upholstered) antique settee.

In putting a few pretty patterned woven scarves away, I came across this yellow feeder stripe scarf from J Crew that used to never leave my neck.  I decided that it would be the perfect accent to adorn the white curtains against the white walls and trim of my office.

It’s simple, but beautiful.  The opposite window is tied in the same fashion with a different striped scarf in navy. If you like the look, but would want to use the same color/pattern, consider purchasing a couple matching styles from a cheap online site where scarves are sold for around $5.

For a plain, neutral space, using scarves definitely gives a blustery winter window brighter outlook.

Have a BRIGHT Tuesday!

 

P.S. if you haven’t yet taken my year-end survey, I would be SO appreciative!  I’m trying to make the site better for all of you! Click HERE to take it (a super quick 10 questions).

 

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Not Just For Indoors…Outdoor Clean

Pretty much my whole life, I can remember my father talking about wanting an outdoor shower. The younger me thought this was a ridiculous idea.  Why would you want to shower (and be naked) outside where there are plants and bugs and you might just get dirty walking back inside.

The current me wants an outdoor shower pretty badly.  Being outside with nature on a warm summer evening would be nice. Adding a second shower to our one current would be double nice… and I suppose the nicest of all would be the chance it would give my grass covered husband to clean off before he stepped in the house.

After doing a little research, I think others have had the same master plan.  The shower above is from the home of Martha Stewart Living’s decorating editor Rebecca Robertson and couldn’t be more appealing.  These outdoor showers’ use range from seaside retreats to garden showers to just plain added bathroom space.

*above from Samuel H Williamson Associates incorporates an outdoor shower into a clients backyard pool garden.

*by Coburn Architecture, an outdoor shower in this one bathroom beach shack accommodates a second bather.

 *photo by robert granoff

*Paradise Valley Residence by Carson Poetzl

Are you ready to take a shower in your backyard yet? I sure am… I am already scheming about how this could be done asap in my yard.  But now, I’m off to take a shower in my indoor bathroom!

I suppose it is the first day back to work for a lot of us, have a WONDERFUL Tuesday and four-day week!!

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Not Just for the Zoo: Animal Instincts

 

I’ve been feeling quite feisty a few times this week and with it being Friday, and the week coming to a close, I think I’ve decided to leave the grisliness to the animals.

These cute pieces can lend an animal instinct to your home is a fun way, which doesn’t involve any commitment to long walks!

*from top left: Elephant Lamp by Jonathan Adler, Bear Staple Remover by Jac Zagoory Designs, John Dickinson Animal Leg Chair, Ibride Diva Ostrich Table, Dachshund butter dish by Jonathan Adler.

Which one is your favorite?  Do you have any critters or creatures adding to your home decor?

 

I hope you all had a WONDERFUL week and are geared up for an AMAZING Friday!  I am headed off to a ‘hot pot’ dinner with some friends and then I am really looking forward to a little relaxing after a long work week! I’m also thinking a spa visit tomorrow morning might be in order ?!

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Not just for shipping anymore: Pallet turned TV console and more

*photo: house of earnest

When it came to my own living room, I wanted an alternative to a traditional TV console.  I felt like most of the media focused pieces out there were just that- media focused.  I did not want media to be the main focus of my primary living space, so I was looking for a piece of furniture with some character and which could still easily house all the necessary TV related knickknacks and components.

This need prompted me to do what I usually do when I can’t find what I want in the market – make something.  Although by brain child, my husband did the work by cutting two pallets in half, and cutting out some of the middle back planks to make plenty of space for cords and power strips (out of sight, out of mind!).

I was first inspired by this photo from remodelista below which brings the idea from college bachelor pad to chic and sophisticated, but casual still.  But I was finally convinced to try this in my home when I saw  the pallet coffee table for storage in the house doctor 2011 spring catalogue.

*photo: remodelista

*photo: house doctor

And even for options other than storage, pallets can be used in a fair amount of other ways which are still stylish and original.

*Sources: top two Vectroave, third None via Whitney on Pinterest

 

How do you feel about pallets used in your home as furniture?  Leave a comment with your thoughts – I’d love to hear them!

P.S. How many of you went home and made cupcakes yesterday?

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