Friday, August 31, 2012

DIY Hanging Planter

Hey guys!  So here is my (& Red's) latest project.  I'm a little embarrassed about how long it took me to complete this.....but I guess that's part of this new life as a mom, right?  I got the idea from seeing this hanging planter on pinterest (also seen below), but I didn't want to spend the $95 it cost.  After all, it is just a piece of wood...       
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So here was my inspiration:

And here's a short tutorial because it was actually a little more complicated than anticipated:
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1.  We went to Lowes and got a large piece of wood (5ft) and had them cut it to the size we wanted.  (If you didn't already know, they will cut your wood for free.....I'm sure there's a limit, but if you just want a couple cuts they will do it for no cost.)  Then we were driving home with our piece of wood and it suddenly hit us "how are we going to do this?".  At that moment we both felt really old......because we couldn't remember the algebra formula to figure out how to create the perfect size circle for our potted plant.  I remember doing math homework with my parents and thinking they were so old for not remembering the same thing.  

2.  So we measured the circumference of the pot we wanted to use and then (after looking up the algebra formula) got the diameter.  We then dusted off our old protractor.  I'm pretty sure this is the first time our protactor has seen the light of day since high school.  Sorry for this sad picture, it's the only one I have of the process.....I'm kind of bad at documenting my projects. 


3.  I'm sure there is a power tool that would be awesome for this project, but we didn't have one.  So- Red drilled into the drawn out circle until it fell out.
4.  We sanded....a lot.
5.  I chose a walnut stain and gave it two coats on each side (it always ends up darker than I anticipate....I need to get better at picking out stain).
6.  Polyurethane.
7.  Using this fabric twine that I already had lying around the house  (we originally tried balsa wood but that didn't work), Red nailed the fabric twine in with four gold tacs.  
9.  Project complete!  Total cost: roughly $12






Wednesday, August 29, 2012

House Tour : the home of Sophie Demenge

As the founder of Oeuf, it's not surprising that Sophie Demenge's home exudes style.  No doubt you have seen the first picture with the trapeze/swing in her home?  For me, it's one of those images I keep coming back to.  I love that her home is not too perfect for her children to play in and have a good time.  It's proof that you can have style and function......because after all the end goal is making a home for your family to enjoy and a place where they want to be, yes?
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Monday, August 27, 2012

Guess Whose Coming to Dinner?

Inevitably, with the change of seasons around the corner, I find myself in organization mode.  This weekend I tackled our linen closet and I'm slowly working my way into our bedroom.  Though Red and I are both slightly OCD when it comes to organizing, I think there is something about having an order to things that makes everyday life simpler for everyone.  On that note, I bring to you one of my favorite sources of inspiration when it comes to this subject.....the lady behind Arianna Bell Organized Interiors . 


1. Background: how did you get started?At the time I started the blog I was working a corporate job in real estate valuations and was looking for a creative outlet for my interior design passion. I had been reading a few blogs (Elements of Style was the first I came across) and they inspired me to give it a go. I registered for a blogger account, played around with photoshop and html to create a decent looking blog design, and started posting.  I had no expectations of anyone reading or it becoming anything more than a fun hobby.  The shop I started after exploring a few different career paths and feeling unsatisfied.  I was determined not to settle until I found what felt in my gut was just right. I used what little money I had and started out very small to test out the waters.  As the orders started to come in, I used the profits to reinvest in the business and grow it. On September 25th it will be one year since I opened my virtual doors!

2. One person that inspires you- My mom. She is resilient, strong, smart, hardworking, wise, positive-minded and always loving. As an adult I've come to appreciate all the things, little and big, she's done for me that have shaped who I am. She inspires me to make her proud.

3. Your design aesthetic in three simple words: comfortable modern classic

4. Favorite part about your job: Having creative control and knowing that if I work hard the sky is the limit.

5.  The number one place you want to travel: My husband and I really want to travel to the Greek islands together. We're saving our pennies so that hopefully it'll happen in a few years! 

6.  Favorite/least favorite thing to organize:  Favorite: closets, Least favorite: paperwork

7. What is your best advice/tip for organizing? Keeping the end result in mind will help you get started and keep you going.  Remind yourself why you're organizing or want to organize. Usually it's to improve your quality of life. 


Friday, August 24, 2012

Pillowing a Bed

I hope I'm not the only one who finds styling the bedroom daunting.  They say the bedroom is the last room in the house to get attention and that's definitely been true for us.  It makes sense and it doesn't (you've heard it before....how a good portion of your life is spent sleeping etc...).  Well, after years of talking about it, Red and I finally made the plunge to buy a bigger (and shall I say better?!!) bed.  We have been sleeping on the bed I had since I was thirteen.....so we were definitely due.  
Since we still haven't decided on a headboard/frame, I have been looking through magazines and trying to figure out how in the world I want to pillow our new bed.  There are so many ways to do this, and it might sound silly to you, but I think it's important.  I honestly think it can change the vibe of a room: cozy, stuffy, or relaxed (running out of adjectives, but you get the idea).  SO, I wanted to share with you some of the ways to style your bed (that I like- purposely leaving out images I dislike).  After ripping out images of old magazines, I came to the realization that I am not a fan of my bed being over-pillowed or overly structured.  I prefer a more organic approach to pillowing a bed.  The fact that I'm over-thinking this is most definitely not organic, but oh well.  So here are some images I'm drawn to.  A couple of these pictures are a little more structured  but without being stuffy, so I don't mind them so much.  What are your thoughts?  I apologize for my wordiness.....guess I had things to say :).
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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Sweet Potato Fries

Today's "healthy living" recipe comes from a dear friend of mine.  She and her two daughters visited Reese and me a couple weeks ago while Red was in the field (a.k.a. - away at training) and we made a point to exchange our favorite healthy recipes.  Although I was a little unsure of the combination of paprika & cinnamon, she convinced me to try these and I'm so glad I did.  They are easy, delicious, and healthy (win, win, WIN).
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Sweet Potato Fries

2-3 Yams or Sweet Potatoes (cut into spears)
3 Tbsp. coconut oil (I used 2 Tblsp. Olive oil + 1 Tblsp. coconut oil)
1/2 Tblsp. Paprika
1/2 Tblsp. Cinnamon
Salt + Pepper to taste ( I used none, didn't think it needed it)

* Preheat oven to 375.  Whisk spices and oil together and then toss sweet potato spears in mixture until well coated.  Place evenly on a cookie sheet & bake 25-30 min, turning halfway through.





Monday, August 6, 2012

Home Tour: Amanda Peet's Home

So, I'm back from the lake and catching up on life.  This Summer is going by so fast.....and though I am probably more aware of it this year with a newborn, I can't believe it's August.  That brings me to today- showing you photos of Amanda Peet's home from Vogue's June issue (where did July go?).  I'm going to just assume that like me, you all are having a busy Summer and haven't seen these images.  The thing that struck me the most about her home is how unpretentious it is even though we know it's expensive.  I love that she displays her children's art throughout the house.  What a warm and inviting home.
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