Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Pinning Lately...

Lately, I've been pinning away...and I have to admit, I'm pretty much smitten with so many of these pins. If only you could 'pin' things into your home/closet/life, right? I've had a number of people mention they were not able to find me on Pinterest, so I changed my username to match my IG account (brookettred), and added the Pinterest button to my blog, come follow along! Here are a few of my recent favorites...

fresh food ideas

This gorgeous dining space...PS - I ordered these chairs, they arrive TOMORROW!

DVF love

fun set of dishes

I love the idea of drugstore beauty finds, but hate not being able to test things out - this is an awesome chart for lipstick on the cheap! My favorite is 'euro trash'

How incredible is this photo? I would love to frame it for my home.

lusting after these gorgeous pants

This is my all-time favorite IKEA rast hack. Perfection. 

I have a board dedicated to my little miss - love little fashion

perfect pop of pink

The cutest bib I ever did see 

Amen to this! I'm tired of people with bad manners...and there are a LOT of them. It's hard not to give them a taste of their own medicine, but I know it's always better to take the high road! ;)

What's on your pin boards? I'd love to follow along - let me know where to find you! 

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Tips for Selling on Craigslist

I sell quite a few things on Craigslist, and have gotten a number of emails asking for tips and tricks to sell. There is no 'secret method,' but here are a few things I have learned.

1. You CAN (probably) sell everything.
My husband is the king of wanting to throw things away (especially when we were moving), which is so frustrating to me. He was throwing away a lot of nice clothing that 'just didn't fit' him anymore (things like a Burberry jacket, and Paul Smith pants). I didn't know until AFTER the fact - I would have definitely donated them if he didn't want to wait for them to sell. You'd be shocked at what people are looking to buy. Just to prove my point to him, I listed a Mont Blanc pen he was ready to throw in the trash, and received over 20 messages within the first few hours - selling it the first day it was listed - point proven. You can sell (almost) everything. I mainly sell furniture (beds, lamps, tables, etc), but clothing and accessories go fast as well. However...this leads me to my next point.

2. Things will sell, IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT.
I know everybody thinks their own items are worth more, but I'm here to tell you - that's not true (sorry). Unless you want your items to sit for months and months, you have to price them reasonably. A rule of thumb is: pricing used items at half (OR LESS) the cost you paid for them (unless it is a vintage item that will maintain its value, or up-cycled furniture). For example, I had a used Tory Burch wallet that I purchased for $200; I listed, and sold the wallet for $40. That is much less than half, but I wanted to get rid of it quickly, and I tried to price it at what I thought was fair for a used wallet. On the other hand, up-cycled furniture can actually make you money. Remember these chairs I purchased for $100? After I refinished and reupholstered them, I was able to sell them for $325 (after using for over a year). 

3. Photos are important!
And this means good photos - if you have your items displayed nicely, people will be more likely to purchase your items (and pay a higher price). 

4. Don't get discouraged if your item isn't selling quickly.
Just because your item isn't selling right away, doesn't mean it won't. You never know when someone is going to be looking for the exact item you are selling, and if it's priced right, it will eventually sell. Don't drastically drop the price (unless you are desperate) if you can afford to 'wait it out.' It took several weeks for my dining chairs to sell, but it was certainly worth the wait. Remember to 'RENEW' your listing (this will ensure your listing is seen under current date searches). 

5. Ignore lowball offers. 
Don't respond to someone you feel has give you a lowball offer - that way they don't even have your email address. It's not worth it. 

6. DO NOT sell to someone who is offering to wire you money.
It's a scam. I only accept CASH - make sure you state that in your listing. 

7. Meet in a neutral location to sell your item (if you can).
This is obviously for safety reasons, and in order to not give out your address. This may not always be possible (for example, when selling large furniture items). If I'm not able to meet someone in a neutral location, I take the item outside of my home for them to look at/purchase. I do not invite 'craigslist people' into my home. 

Those are my simple tips and tricks - please email me or leave a comment with any additional questions! Here are a few items I have recently sold on Craigslist:


these chairs - set of 4 (Drexel Heritage)

this bed (Pottery Barn) 

this bed (IKEA)

this 'coffe table' (IKEA), this sofa (Macy's)

these bar stools (Overstock)

these runners - set of 2 (Target)

this wallet (TB)

this dining table (IKEA)

this mirrored cabinet (Overstock) 

If you're in doubt, LIST IT. Happy Tuesday! 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Hair Diaries

I've had long, dark hair for a LONG time. I think it's what looks best on me, and believe me when I say I've tried it all - long hair, shot hair (like, Charlize Theron short), medium hair, bleach blonde hair, black hair...you get the idea. I've really done it all, and I'm not afraid to take a risk - it's just hair, and mine grows very quickly. However, after trying all of these styles, I'm happiest with my long, dark hair, but I'm itching to change it up (a bit).

my current hair ...



 I'm still trying to decide what to do, but here are some ladies with gorgeous hair inspiring me today. 

close to my current hair cut/color 

I know Giuliana Rancic said ombre hair is so 2011, but I can't get over this girl's gorg hair!

love this color - maybe a good change for summer? 

another ombre stunner

basic dark brown (what I'm normally drawn to) 

images via 

Which color is your favorite? 

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Sasha Adler's Chicago Home

I was browsing Elle this morning, and came across Sasha Adler's Chicago home, and just had to share with you all. It is beyond gorgeous - perfectly balanced with feminine, masculine, modern, and traditional elements. 




lastly, my absolute favorite...


images via 

Have a great weekend! 

Friday, February 22, 2013

Skinny 'fried' Rice

Happy Friday, loves! Any fun weekend plans? Nothing too big happening at our house...maybe that will change as the weekend progresses...probably not. ;) I'm here today with another 'skinny' recipe, that is oh-so-good, and surprisingly healthy! 

I love fried rice - I could eat it for every meal (ok, maybe not, but it is one of my favorites). The down side? It's loaded with calories and fat...not to mention I'm always hungry an hour later. Yesterday, I whipped up a quick, much healthy version at home, and was thrilled with the taste. 


Ingredients: 
brown rice (I used organic, frozen from Whole Foods)
2 eggs (or egg whites, if you prefer)
frozen peas
frozen edamame 
carrots
soy sauce
sesame oil
salt and peper to taste
dash of coriander
dash of cayenne pepper
*whatever else you enjoy in your fried rice


Directions:
- sauté frozen peas, carrots and edamame in 1 tbs sesame oil, and salt and pepper until soft
- meanwhile, cook frozen rice in microwave (or however you will be preparing rice)
- add whisked eggs to edamame, peas, and carrots (add other seasonings at this time) 
- after eggs begin to brown, add rice and stir in 1 tbs of soy sauce
- mix well, and enjoy! 


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

The Peacock Chair : Patio Inspiration

I love the Peacock chair - many people (I'm sure), would disagree...but I just love the bohemian vibe it brings to any space. I am considering getting a pair for my patio, and have been sourcing inspiration photos. Here are a few images I'm lusting after...







images via



What do you think of the peacock chair?

Monday, February 18, 2013

My New Rugs

Happy Monday to you all! How was your weekend? Mine was pretty low-key, and very much needed. I recently ordered new rugs: two for the kitchen, and one for the entry, and received all three last week. I am so happy with the way each turned out - they really brighten the spaces they're in.

First up - the kitchen rugs from Lulu & Georgia. I love the way these rugs look in my kitchen - I'm a huge fan of using pink in decorating, but have to be careful (because I do have a husband, ha!). My husband actually loved these rugs when he saw them, and I couldn't be happier. 








And here's the new entry runner from Esale Rugs...I'm totally in love with this antique Persian. I love that it has a history, and now it's in my home. Esale Rugs is so amazing - great sales (currently a President's Day sale), free shipping, free rug pad, and best of all - FAST! 


(don't mind the chucks)

love the pink in this rug

Do you have any favorite rug sources? 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Be Mine

Happy Valentine's Day McLovers! Do you have fancy plans? I don't...we celebrated Valentine's Day a bit early by going to a pretty little dinner last night. Whatever you will be doing...make it LOVE-ly! xo





Wednesday, February 13, 2013

BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad

Lately, I've been feeling like I rotate the same 10 dinners, and needed to find some new recipes...ever feel like that? I came across a recipe for BBQ chicken quinoa salad, and had to give it a try. It was a hit with my husband, and it was very easy + fast (I used the crock pot for the chicken). 

this is the only (terrible) photo I have - it tastes MUCH better than this photo looks ;) 

Ingredients: 
chicken
bbq sauce
quinoa
1 can black beans
1 can corn
cheddar/jack cheese
avocado
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. Cook chicken in crock pot for 7 hours on low (salt and pepper to taste), add BBQ sauce and shred chicken to mix with sauce, continue cooking on low for 1 more hour
2. Cook quinoa according to directions on package
3. Combine quinoa, chicken, black beans, and corn - mix well
4. Top with cheese, and avocado, and anything else you'd like
5. Serve, and enjoy!