Thursday, June 14, 2012

Drunken Design: Bar Carts

The bar cart is a classic piece that has recently made a comeback - in a big way. These little babies are popping up all over design blogs and fabulous interiors. The bar cart became popular after prohibition had ended, and it was finally legal to sip some bubbly in public (thank goodness...what would happy hour be like?) 


The bar cart is a simple solution for awkward nooks, empty corners, or prime real estate - they are beautiful and functional in many different rooms. Here are some of my favorites...


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Do you have a bar cart in your home? 

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Style Spotlight: Blogger Fashion

One of my favorite things about blogging is the fashion. So many fashion-forward ladies with beauty and brains share their daily outfits, inspirations, and personal style with the world...and I love it! You can find it all on the blogs: frugal fashionistas, ladies who aren't afraid to spend a pretty penny on their duds, and everything in between! 

Blogger looks I am currently coveting...




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What are some of your favorite fashion blogs? 

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Love It & Leave It

Happy Tuesday! I am so excited to introduce a new series, 'LOVE IT & LEAVE IT,' where first-time moms will be sharing one product or item they love (couldn't live without), and one they would leave behind. As my due date is a little less than 3 months away (wow), I thought this would be a fun and helpful series for all moms, and moms-to-be in the blogosphere! I'd like love to introduce you to my first guest, Natasha!

Hey yall! First of all, I want to say a big thank you to Brooke for allowing me to come over and post on her wonderful blog. My name is Natasha and I am the author of Hello! Happiness. I am a 20-something southern gal from Nashville, Tennessee. I am a wife, a new mom, and a girl who loves to entertain, exercise, cook, travel, and decorate.


My Husband and I...and we just celebrated our 1 year anniversary on June 11th

Our darling Caroline...she is almost 3 months old!

My favorite place...home sweet home

Moving on to why I am here...when Brooke contacted me about participating in her guest post series, I couldn't say no. As a new mom myself, I have definitely found my share of products I LOVE and products I could LEAVE behind. I hope this helps!

LOVE IT: The number one item I cannot live without are Aden + Anais muslin baby blankets. By no means is this something glamorous, but it is an essential at my house. They are soft, lightweight (perfect for spring and summer), and are my favorite blankets to swaddle our little peanut. Plus, they have adorable prints on them, but they don't scream BABY like some other blankets out there. I'm telling you now, run out and buy some of these...you won't regret it. You can buy them on their website or at Target!


LEAVE IT: Some may totally disagree with me, but one thing I could do without has been the wipe warmer. I registered for it because of course I was told to, but I have yet to use it and doubt I ever will. Not sure what the premise is behind the gadget because I am sure that it does help make the wipes toasty for the wee one's tiny bum, but to me it is something that is totally unnecessary and you can absolutely live without.


There are plenty of other products out there I could rave and/or rant about, but these are the two that stand out to me most! I am always featuring my favorites over at my blog so please feel free to stop by...again, thanks Brooke and I can't wait to read what other mommies are out there saying about their favorite and not-so-favorite items ;). 

- Natasha

Monday, June 11, 2012

My Weekend & a DIY

Hello! Hope you had a great weekend! We spent ours going, and going, and going...leaving me feeling exhausted on this Monday morning. Luckily, I will be spoiling myself with a trip to the spa for my first prenatal massage this evening...yay! Some highlights from the weekend...

admiring the light from my chandelier in bed - ready for a long walk - delicious watermelon popsicle - extremely lazy target shoppers

We found a new (to us) furniture store - Jonathan's Coastal Living, where I fell in love with nearly everything in sight. Like these trunks...
 and this chandelier...and these headboards...
 and (my favorite) this sofa...
See what I mean? The store was beautifully designed, and left me lusting after everything! 


On Saturday night, our friends invited us to their (beautiful) new home in Laguna Beach for a delish farmer's market dinner. They served a vegetable stir-fry over quinoa- I was in food Heaven. I tried my first-ever (sad, I know) roasted beet, and fell in love...they now hold a regular spot on my grocery list. We had a great time, and ended the evening with an array of '80s music and sweet potato bread, yum.

sunset from their dining table...I.am.jealous.


And now, on to my promised weekend DIY. While I was not ambitious enough to paint my front door, I am loving the TWO projects I did complete! 

Polka Dot Tea Towel



You Will Need:
- tea towel (or other textile of choice) 
- craft paint - I used Martha Stewart Craft Paint ($1.99 at Michael's)
- q-tip 

Directions: 
- spread your towel out over newspaper or magazine
- dip your q-tip in the craft paint
- press q-tip onto fabric (each dip should cover 4-6 dots) 
- repeat until towel is completely covered

This process is extremely simple, but a bit time-consuming, so set yourself up near a TV for Sex & the City reruns or a good movie! 

Painted Wooden Spoons

easy way to allow spoons to dry 

You Will Need:
- wooden spoon(s)
- masking tape
- craft paint
- food/baby-safe shellac

Directions:
- use masking tape to create your line 
- paint handle using craft paint (I used 2 coats of the Martha Stewart Craft Paint)
- allow to dry, and finish with shellac 

*Spoons should be hand-washed


Voila! I hope you enjoy these simple, fun tutorials! 
Have a great Monday!

Friday, June 8, 2012

DIY Weekend

Friday is finally here...I am so happy! This week seemed extra-long; maybe due to the short week we had last week. This weekend, I am challenging myself to complete (at least) one DIY project. I have seen so many darling DIYs around the blogosphere lately, and think it's time to tackle another one for myself. I'm not sure what it is, but DIY-ing makes me feel great, how about you? I have gathered 10 amazing DIYs for your viewing pleasure...which one would you like to complete this weekend? I will be here Monday to share with you, my completed project...wish me luck!  

*click on the caption below each picture to be directed to the tutorial










Have a happy weekend!