Tripod Lamps

Let me start by saying, Pinterest is evil.  It really is!  There are things on there that you never knew existed... and then, like flicking a switch, you suddenly NEED it... like right now.

Damn you Pinterest!!

This Tripod lamp is now added to the "need" list after seeing it on Pinterest.  Isn't it just plain cool?  Cool in the same way that a globe is cool... or an old wooden box.  It looks old and collected, and I feel like it has a story (even if it's brand new... you can make it up, right??) Between the brass legs, the warm wood, and that perfect little linen drum shade, I am wanting it real bad!

Luckily, I've got willpower, and will be exercising it, instead of instantly purchasing the Easton Tripod Floor Lamp from Joss & Main...

How Pinteresting - Week VII

I've taken a brief hiatus from the How Pinteresting Series, but it's about time to ressurect it!  There are so many crafty, creative, and pretty things out there, I love that there is one place to discover and share them!!

Here are a few of my favorites from the last several weeks!

1. A cozy sweater to take you from cool summer nights to crisp fall days

2. Carnations - my least favorite flower - go from being a cheap filler flower , to a statement centerpiece


3. The advent calendar has gotten an adult update - this is my kind of countdown until Christmas :-)

4. A floaty full skirt paired with a casual knit sweater... oh if only I had that skirt....


5. Smores Bar - what a FUN idea for a party or wedding, and so easy!  Here all they did was place a few can's of sterno in some riverbed rock.


6. The All Saints Aztec dress is my new obsession.  It is so fun, and is functional from spring through fall... now if only I had a spare $500 laying around...

7. A healthy recipe for Crock Pot Beef Carnitas... easy and delicious sounds right up my alley!!


8. A re-purposed console table that I absolutely adore.  It's used here next to a bed as a nightstand, and has ample space for your bedtime reading material, a pretty lamp, and a huge vase of peonies!


9. Dark walls... there is just something so rich and cozy about them - after painting the interior of the bookshelf in our dining room, I am craving more dark walls...


10. Glitter gradient manicure - fancy nails are so "of the moment" right now, but this more subtle take on nail art is right up my alley!


For other Pinterest-ing inspirations, click here for posts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of this series.

How Pinteresting - Week V

I accidentally skipped my installments of "How Pinteresting" last week, so here we go with a round up of the most awesome things I've been wanting, and pinning, and pining after...

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1. Ombre Frosting Cake
The ombre cake I made for my best friend Kira (inspiration found here and here) was a total flop.  My intentions were good, but the execution wasn't my best (to put it nicely).  I've since devised a few rules for making an ombre layered cake, however going after ombre frosting, instead of ombre cake layers looks WAY easier.  Go here for a super awesome video tutorial! Now I just need someone to have a birthday (or even just a party) so I can test this out!


2. Black Walls and Animal Print
If someone told me that they were painting their walls black, I'd be scared for them.  I'd imagine something really goth and depressing, but these walls are unbelieveable.  It makes me want to paint our place black!  This foyer looks like a swanky hotel with the marble lamps, huge gilded mirror, and the simple accessories.  And let's not forget the awesome zebra print ottoman!


3. Neon Pink Party Dress
I saw this dress on Pinterest, and felt that I just had to have it... that was until I saw how much it cost.  $320??  Yeah, not so much.  Cost aside, I LOVE the day-glo pink, the layered skirt, and the sexy open back.


4. Kissing Cockatoos Kate Spade Bangle
This is just too cute!  I love everything Kate Spade (the woman can do no wrong) and this bangle is fun and funky without being weird (in my opinion).


5. Gourmet Grilled Cheese
The recipe for the Green Goddess Grilled Cheese Sandwich (isn't the name fun to say) came straight from Tastespotting, and I am dying to try this out!  It's garlic-y, herby, and uses lots of leafy greens.  For the full recipe with instructions, check out Tastespotting.com


6. Leopard Print Blouse
Animal print seems loud, but in a smaller print, it is actually quite neutral - this blouse is the perfect example of how it should be done - gold accessories (look at those bamboo shaped bangles) and a honey brown leather tote.


7. Words to Live by
So true... my dad would love this saying :-)


8. Layered Sunburst Mirror
Layering these sunbursts takes this concept to the next level.  I would love this over a bed, or above a mantle.  Unfortunately, we already have a sunburst mirror on our hallway, so another in our small apartment would be definite overkill.


9. Sexy One Piece
I am a big fan of the bikini, but this one-piece has me converted.  its flattering, and hides a number of sins, but is still sexy (you should see the open back).  What I really love, that I missed on ASOS site, is the fact that the edging of the bikini has a zig-zag pattern - like it was cut with pinking scissors.  It's all about the details!!

How Pinteresting: Week IV

Oh Pinterest, how I love thee.  Even though I need to improve the number of projects I actually do, who doesn't want to see a round up of Pinterest's best of the best - the prettiest, coolest, and most inspirational pins from the past few weeks.  I know I sure do!

Without further ado, let's go!

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1. Black and White Graphic Painted Floors
La Dolce Vita is responsible for posting this FABULOUS dining room, and while it takes a brave person to paint hardwood floors, these are absolutely amazing.  Without the floors, the room would be nice but the graphic design opens the room up, and take it from "nice" to "holy guacamole"!!  Wouldn't this be a great way to revamp some sad wood floors that needed to be re-finished (or worse, torn out?!)  Time consuming, yes, but expensive? Not at all.

2. Chunky Statement Necklace from Shopbop

Shopbop has this stylish necklace in stock, and while a bit out of my "on-a-budget" price range, I can't help lusting after it.  Dress up a plain tshirt, or wear it with a flirty dress for a night out.  Something about it reminds me of this necklace Carrie wore on SATC...

3. Prettiest Bedroom in the World?

Um... I think so!  I had really loved dark wood for a long, looonngggg time (thus all the dark wood furniture currently in our apartment), but now I'm really loving distressed wood with the look of being reclaimed, or even antique.  Wood with a greyish hue seems really organic and brings a peaceful feel to most rooms.  Between the upholstered headboard, the weathered wood, and the fluffy white bedding, I am loving how this room looks!

4. Voluminous Blonde Hair

Leave it to Heidi Klum to make us hate her even more than we already did.  I am pretty sure that this photo is the definition of a blonde bombshell.  I am going in to get my hair re-blonded (we aren't all natural blondes anymore) and am thinking that I might go after some side swept bangs.  I've let mine grow out, and they are past my chin now, but this looks so cute on her - I think I could work the bangs again!

5. Marble Fret Coffee Table

This coffee table from ZincDoor is as graphically interesting as the rug it sits on!  The lattice pattern on the sides makes a huge visual impact, while the clean smooth top doesn't take it too far.  I love the table, but the price tag is a painful $4998... let's be real, that equals WAY more than $5K with taxes, shipping, etc.  To make myself feel better, I also tell myself that it would be way too busy (and big) for our modest apartment... but isn't it pretty??

6. Asos Black Mesh Skirt

How adorable is this?!  I've never ordered anything from Asos, but hear nothing but great things about their clothing - this skirt is just 35 Euros, and obviously comes with lining since it's sheer!  I am seriously considering placing an order, and will keep you posted when it comes!

7. Trellis Linen Drumshade

Shades of Light has his awesome drum shade in both a natural taupe and pale blue, and I love how simple it is.  I still love a good glitzy chandelier, but for a more muted (and boyfriend friendly) look, the drum shade has really been growing on me.  I'm not sure if $179 is a good price, but I love it anyway!

8. Slouchy Sweater

This girl's glasses are all sorts of wrong with the rhinestones, but overall, this look is so cute and easy to wear.  Even though its loose, the deep wide v-neck makes this ultra feminine, despite the ripped up jeans, and un-done hair.  I have no clue where this sweater came from, but it's going on my wishlist for summer, since San Francisco is never hot.

9. Nailhead Chair

This Chair is from Joss and Main - a site I've been hearing more and more about!  It's membership only (it's free to register and join), and while I don't know a ton about it yet, they have some really wonderful collections.  From the number of blog posts I've written about my love of anything with a nailhead trim, it should come as no surprise that I am in love with this chair.  It's got great lines, the nailhead pulls out the details, and I think I could happily sink into this at the end of every day.  If there were casters on the bottom, I think it would be PERFECT.

10. Coral hi-low dress

A HUGE trend this spring and summer, hi-low dresses are everywhere.  I'm not 100% sold on all of them, but in this floaty fabric, I think its really feminine and pretty.  It also helps that the front isn't super short - that can look sort of odd.  I also love the double wrap belt - it makes a "long" dress more casual so you could wear it in the afternoon when it's still light out.  This would be perfect for a rehearsal dinner, wedding, or nice dinner out.  Know what would really finish it for me??  Some sort of aqua accessory - coral and aqua are like peanut butter and jelly... it's just so right together.

Pinterest Recipe

Ok, I am totally guilty of this Pinterest phenomenon - pinning to pin!  I mean, there are just so many pretty, yummy, inspiring, funny things on Pinterest - it's become quite the addiction!  The problem?  I've never actually done any of the DIY projects I've pinned, or made any of the recipe's.  That must change immediately!

I decided to start out small with a simple side dish I'd pinned a while back.  Summer is nearly here, and in California it means amazing produce.  A quick trip to the grocery store later, three mid-size summer squash zucchini's were all mine!  Trust me when I say that this recipe for Squash Chips is easy as pie, and soo delish.

Squash Chips:

Ingredients:

  - Squash - this works with any kind here

  - Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  - Salt

  - Pepper

  - Chili Flakes

  - Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese

Instructions:

  - Slice squash into thin rounds

  - Coat in Olive Oil

  - Move rounds to flat baking sheet - no overlapping

  - Sprinkle tops with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes to taste

  - Bake at 375 for 30 minutes until golden brown

  - Top with Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, and place under broiler for an additional 5 minutes until crispy (watch them - don't want to burn them in the final 5 minutes!)

How Pinteresting: Week III

Here we are... almost the end of another week!  My cold is starting to get really awesome now (lovely hacking cough), but I'm feeling better now that the sore throat and achyness have passed!

The looonnnnggggg weekend is so close, I can almost taste it!  Luckily, my agency is owned by a French holding company, and those Frenchies really know how to vacation.  What does that mean for me?  It means, that I get Monday off for Memorial day, along with tomorrow... just for good measure!

Anyway, on the edge of a lovely long weekend, enjoy the best of Pinterest from this week
xo

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1. House Beautiful's Mismatched Seating 
This room is actually fairly simple if you look closely, but the almost empty white walls allow that amazing chandelier to take center stage, and the mismatched chairs keep the feeling of the room casual, instead of super formal.  I looooveeeee.



2. Recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts
Growing up, there was nothing I hated more than brussels sprouts, but now I LOVE them.  Boiled brussels sprouts are still god awful, but broiled with garlic, and dipped in flavorful aioli?? Yes please!  Check out the full recipe here.



3. All White Wedding
I already posted on this wedding, but I am just still so in love with the all white brides maids dresses, I couldn't resist.  So pretty.  So simple.



4. Neon Accessories
Not for those with uber traditional taste... also not for those who are shy.  There will be no blending into the background in statement pieces like this!  How fun for a girls night on the town, or a summer party.



5. Bold Striped Entryway
You might think that a small space + bold pattern = bad idea, but the black and white stripes draw the eye up, and make a narrow entryway feel spacious.  So fabulous and so French!



6. Chocolate Peanut Butter Parfait
Um.... how delicious does this look?!  A simple little dessert that doesn't look TOO bad for you...  go here for the full recipe!



7. Upholstered Headboard with Nailhead Trim
I NEED this headboard!!  I've seen so many from Ballard Designs and Pottery Barn, but $600 seems a bit steep once you factor in the fabric and shipping.  I've toyed with the idea of making one myself, but the lines here seem a big out of my league, to put it nicely.  I love the big empty wall behind it, and the rustic chandelier handing off center.  I have no idea where this came from, but I want it so badly.



8. Cute Nautical Ensemble
Be careful with this one - high waisted shorts are NOT for everyone.  While it looks adorable on this teeny tiny model, I'll pass on the bottom half of this outfit, but the sheer aqua blouse would be so adorable this summer with a lower sitting pair of white shorts and gold accessories galore.



9. The Girliest Bedroom in the History of the World
If I thought I could talk Kris into pale pink walls with matching silk curtains, this would be my room in a heartbeat.  I am fairly certain this is what heaven looks like, and don't even get me started on that mirror... pure glamour all the way.



10. Stunning Halo Engagement Ring
Hummina Hummina... that engagement ring is TO DIE FOR.  I think it's set in platinum (thus the darker metal), and I'd prefer more shine with a white gold, but now I am just getting nit picky.

How Pinteresting - Week II!

Here we go my friends!  Here is a round-up of all my Top 10 faves from Pinterest for the last week!  The most inspiring, pretty, funny, or useful... let's just call it, the best of the best!  Feel free to follow me if you can't get enough <3

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1. Lauren Conrad's Two-Week Bikini Boot-camp

Sounds hard since it requires more than an ounce of discipline, but look how FABULOUS she looks!  It really goes to show what dedication to a regular workout routine and careful eating choices can do!  Definitely want to test out this two week Bootcamp!

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2. Chalkboard Serving Dish DIY

Originally from Wit and Whistle I am just LOVING how easy (and inexpensive) this one is - perfect for labeling cheeses, cookies and other little goodies!

Inexpensive serving dish + Chalkboard Paint = Awesome idea! 

(shop Ikea for some awesome inexpensive serving dishes - you can't beat $5)

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3. Peonies in the Bedroom
Do I really need to explain any more??  Best of all... they are in season!

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4. House Beautiful's Chandelier in the Bathroom
This room was also featured in their magazine, but the entire home was one of my favorites in a long time.  Home owner Annie Brahler has a STUNNING chandelier adorning every room in her home, and I love her for it!  How dramatic are these dark chocolate walls with the white floors, claw foot tub, and blown glass chandelier??  It's food for the eyes I tell you!

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5. Bright Bud Vases
From a first look, these stand out to me as a cool DIY - simply glue down a graphic paper to a cheapo glass vase, but these are so much cooler than that!  What a great option for bringing some color into a room without a huge commitment.

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6. Turquoise and Yellow Statement Necklace
Is this not the perfect statement piece for summer?  Bright colors that go with so much!  If you are feeling bold, pair this with tangerine, or just wear it to spruce up a neutral outfit!

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7. Framed Chalkboard DIY
This idea struck me as being so cute and SO useful as soon as I saw it!  Can you imagine keeping this in the kitchen to write down shopping lists as soon as you run out of something?  Leave cute notes for your honey in the mornings? Doodle...  I have a few empty frames, and I think I know JUST what their purpose is going to be...

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8. Wall Garden
Living in San Francisco, we have zero outside space (sad face) but for the lucky who do (my old apartment had a fabulous deck), this would be the ideal way to get some greenery around without taking up the square footage.  And succulents need so little maintenance... how perfect!!

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9. Homemade Oreos

Um.... such an easy recipe, and these look mouth watering.  If it weren't for this dang "get healthy /lose weight for summer" nonsense, I'd be making these tonight!

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10. Neon Yellow Skirt

It does not get hotter than this!  Short skirt, high neck lace.  So chic, and so flattering!  Must find full pleated skirt like this ASAP!