Anthropologie mugs – $6.00/each

Brocade desk accessories – $ 4.99-$7.99/each

Audrey Hepburn picture – $49.99

4″ pots – $1.99/each

Lamp – $19.99

I need a workspace make-over.  I spend so much time and money decorating my apartment, yet I spend the majority of my time at work.  I like the idea of an artist’s studio – a place that is both creative and functional.  The search has begun and here are my favorite  mugs, desk accessories,  pots, lamp and picture so far.

File organizers – $19.99/each

Black files – $5.99

I have received many compliments over the years about my “clutter free” apartment, but beware to anyone who opens a drawer.  Over the next few weeks, I will be putting myself through home organization boot camp.

With tax day right around the corner, my project this weekend was to organize all my recipes and important papers.  I normally stay away from The Container Store because I think it is a little over-priced. Last week, I received a 20% off coupon in the mail making these adorable file organizers a guilt free purchase.

In a recent adventure to the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market I found some great budget accessories for my apartment including: windowsill plants/pots $1/each, drinking glasses $10/4, and a horse shoe $1.  I placed the horse shoe above the door to my kitchen for good luck. I was totally exhausted after 5 hours of flea market shopping, but it was well worth it.

Pieces range from $19.99-$29.99

Last week, it poured in So Cal.  While I understand that those of us who live in California have nothing to complain about when it comes weather, all the rain made me start dreaming of Spring fashion.  In recent posts on Because I’m Addicted and Fashion Gone Rogue showcase the new Spring collection from H&M.  Here are some of my favorites.  Is anyone else counting down the days until March.

Photo cred – Fashion Gone Rogue and H&M lookbook

Thank you cards – free

Shelves – $29.99/ea

I have some of the most wonderful friends in the world.  It always impresses me that every time I give them a gift, within a week there is a beautiful handwritten thank you note in the mail.  Not an email, but a handwritten thank you note on beautiful stationary.

The cards are so beautiful and sentimental that I find it hard to throw them away, but studio apartments have limited storage.  Additionally, I hate bulletin boards and any else that reminds me of a dorm room.  I finally decided to display them by themselves on the shelves in my kitchen, as I would a plant, clock or any other knickknack.  I have to say, I love it.

Gotta run and put my Christmas thank you notes in the mail.

Jewelry tree – $29.99

Dia De Los Muertos sugar skulls – $29.99

Book side table – free (I already had them)

Hello.  Yes, I’m back.  I missed you too.

I am so excited about the changes I have made around my apartment in the last few months. My apartment was starting to feel a bit too much like a West Elm catalog, so I began adding whimsy accents.

Here is one of my first additions: Dia De Los Muertos sugar skull ornaments on a jewelry tree.  For some reason, I have always been drawn to the bright colors and gothic themes of the Dia De Los Muertos holiday.  When I mentioned this project to family/friends, everyone thought I had gone off the deep end (until they saw the finished product).  I ordered these beautiful handmade sugar skull ornaments on Etsy from a designer with a wonderful Dia De Los Muertos themed Etsy shop.  Then I picked up this jewelry tree from Urban Outfitters.  I placed this piece on top of  a side table I created out of books next to my reading chair.

What are your thoughts – cute or weird?

Bella didn’t

$54.00 Urban Outfitters

Love it!

When meeting someone new, the question “where are you from?” usually comes up at some point.  I always find it really interesting to watch the reaction of a new acquaintance when I tell them I am from Orange County.  Some times I can almost see the bad reality TV show images flickering across their minds.

I am heading home this weekend for my Dad’s birthday celebration.  I love going home and I love the OC. Don’t get me wrong, I love LA and I would probably be bored if I lived in OC.  But here are my favorite things about living behind the Orange curtain:

1. My family and friends
2. The dress code of jeans, a t-shirt and Rainbow sandals
3. Great local breakfast places like Ted’s, Alta Coffee, and Coyote Grill
4. Getting to mourn the relocation/remodel of Javier’s
5. Getting to complain about cougars and LA wanna-be’s at the new Javier’s
6. Window shopping in Laguna Beach
7. Seeing people cycling, running, and enjoying the sunshine every weekend (similar to the feeling in Santa Monica)
8. Big freeways with wide lanes
9. Going out and ending up at the same bar as everyone you know
10. Guys who surf

PC – Laguna Niguel Today

I love Forever 21’s Contemporary line.  I am really surprised that it is not available at the Bev Center, but you can order it online.  Looks like I am going to be stalking the receptionist at work again – I have all my online purchases sent to my office.

Swiss Dot Flutter Dress – $27.80

Zipper Back Satin Top – $19.80

Colorblock Satin Skirt – $17.80

Plaid Button Down Shirt – $19.80