Chandelierious

Simply, Saturday: Spotted!

2012-03-10T12:00:00.004-08:00

Once upon a time I did a post about "ghost" furniture: Pieces of furniture made of lucite.
Most are retro inspired, midcentury modern fabulous. But, I found this baby recently...

Drool.
This illusion table is $350.00.
No, it's not thrifty and fabulous. It's just fabulous.
The style sort of rides the border between modern and bohemian.
That's it! It's modern bohemian!
It's clear and clean, but flow-y and curvy.
I don't know about you, but I think it rocks.
It's a table. It's art. It's a conversation piece.
It's super easy to maintain and clean.
And, it will go with ANYTHING.

Thirsty Thursday: "The Chanel"

2012-03-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

I *totally* have Spring fever.
Yesterday it reached 70' here in Rochester, N.Y....
In MARCH!
There was sun is the sky, a fresh breeze in the air, Spring in my heart, and a spring in my step.
I even slept with the bedroom window open last night. It was the perfect combination of cool breeze and fleece sheets.... sigh....
Anyway, this gift from Mother Nature (Let's not even get into climate changes and global warming) inspired a fruity, light, fresh, Spring-y cocktail!

The Chanel

*5 oz. White Zinfandel
*A Shot of Peach Schnapps
*An orange slice

Put all ingredients over ice in a martini shaker and shake well.
Pour into your glass, sit back, sip and sigh.... Ahhh...
Spring will be here soon.

Simply, Saturday: Spotted!

2012-03-03T06:18:00.000-08:00

Last night Lulu and I took a trip to one of our favorite inspiration points: Hobby Lobby! We were on the hunt for a new clock for our recent bathroom re-do. While a clock wasn't found, we did spot a few things cute enough to snap some pictures of.
These little tin signs were $9.99 and up, but 50% off! They'd be perfect in a powder room, a walk in closet, or bedroom. There were dozens and dozens of them for every theme imaginable, but these really caught our eyes.

Yes! Seriously!

Shoes and love? Yes, please!

Thrifty and Fabulous!

2012-02-29T15:34:00.000-08:00

It's fair to say that "fabulous" is in the eye of it's beholder, right? I mean, sure, there are some very "wrong answers," but, for the most part, like art, it's subjective.

But "thrifty?" Well, thrifty is just thrifty! A deal is a deal. A dollar is a dollar!

I had been jonesing for a bathroom mini make-over recently. When Ellie and I moved into our apartment we weren't in a position to get new everything. So, I pieced together a cute, little (very girlie) bathroom with things we already had. And we liked it!

We still like it. A few months from now we might even switch back to it! It was just time for a change. A small one we made awhile back was adding a much needed medicine cabinet. One didn't come with the apartment. Believe me when I say, once you've had one, you can't NOT have one. I found this on Craigslist for $10.00 and gave it a hot pink paint once-over.

Alright. Good start. Bright and fun, but we still needed a little something more....

I present to you a very mini, thrifty, maybe fabulous, bathroom make-over!

We bought this harlequin shower curtain last Spring in N.Y.C. for $12.99. I loved it because it was graphic and reminded me a little bit of my beloved Mackenzie- Childs. I didn't want to drown our little room in black, so I added pops of bright raspberry, lemon and lime. Yummy, right? I did this quite thriftily with a few hand towels from Target. The tissue box came that way (thank you, Kleenex brand for the sassy cardboard boxes!). I had the vase and flower already. Instant color there! And Audrey? Poor Audrey, who was stashed away in a closet (that is wrong on so many levels), was rescued and put on display. I added some ribbon I had lying around the apartment for a little bit of whimsy.

Next up, a trip to the Dollar Tree for some more ribbon! In fact, I think Ellie and I are headed there this evening. I am going to replace the cold, metal shower rings with some colorful strands to liven things up even more.

There's only so much you're allowed to do in an apartment bathroom...

When all is said and done, this little room will have gotten a rather dramatic mini make-over for under $35.00. Not too bad at all...

Simply, Saturday

2012-02-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

Way, way, way back in November of 2010, I did a post called Going Global...
It was all about the ways maps and globes could be a focal part in home decor.
I found something on Pinterest the other day that reiterated that post perfectly!

I don't know about you, but I think this is a FANTASTIC look.
What a great way to add character to your home office or den. Love it!

Thirsty Thursday: "My Tiara"

2012-02-23T12:57:00.000-08:00

Found this on Pinterest the other day!
(follow me, won't you?! It's fun!)

Sounds yummy! I don't know about you, but,
I could definitely be thirsty!

Ruffles and Bows!

2012-02-20T13:23:00.000-08:00

So, you may have noticed, I'm a girlie girl. Naturally that means things like ruffles and bows are my friends. The obvious place for them is on a dress or in your hair, of course.
But, you know me. They belong everywhere!
Let's explore...

Who says a "fanny pack" has to be lame? Not me! And, certainly not THIS one from Etsy!

I lovelovelove this simple, pretty, bow ring. Also from Etsy, and less than $11!

Let's take this into home decor, shall we? This navy and white striped bow pillow is perfectly simple and casual. The bow adds just the right bit of "oomph".

Back to fabulous fashion, with this Calvin Klein ruffle dress from Overstock.
So chic and timeless. This would look great belted, too.

And, the piece de resistance ? The Wall Monkeys huge vinyl bow! How cute is this?!
It would be an obvious choice during the holidays, but why not over a bed?

A Week of Love & Lovely Things: Saturday

2012-02-18T07:05:00.000-08:00

And so, Valentine's/Love/Lovely Things Week draws to a close....
Valentines, love, and lovely things aren't just for grown ups, obviously! No way.
My Ellie is the ultimate Valentine! Here's a lovely thing with her and your little ones in mind.
Recycled love crayons (Set of 8 for $7.00) from ScribbleMeMine on Etsy! Adorable!
They come in all sorts of shapes, but the "Love" ones are a perfect way to finish up Love Week, don't you think?

A Week of Love & Lovely Things: Friday

2012-02-17T12:25:00.000-08:00

Classic. Romantic. Sweet.
Need I say more?
Nope.
See for yourself...

The Tree Print Pillow ...

Or The Birch Tree Pillow by Cozy Blue.

Fantastic wedding gift idea!
I can't decide which I like better!

A Week of Love & Lovely Things: Thirsty Thursday

2012-02-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

"A Week of Love and Lovely Things" continues with Thirsty Thursday, of course!
How delectable and sinful does this one sound?

Love Potion #9

1 oz Absolut Vodka
1 oz Amaretto Almond Liqueur
1 oz Peach Schnapps
1 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Cranberry Juice
Ice

Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shake, and serve on the rocks.
Mmm!!!!!!

(drinksmixer.com)

A Week of Love & Lovely Things: Wednesday

2012-02-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

One of the best things I have found on Etsy yet!
I love these! I want to get a mismatched set for my everyday silverware....
What a nice way to show "your love" your love when they're eating a bowl of, oh, I don't know, Grapenuts or something in the morning.
So. Cute.
This upcycled spoon by SycamoreHill is only $16.50.

A Week of Love & Lovely Things: Tuesday

2012-02-14T13:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!
Today's lovely thing?
Pier 1's Heart Bookends!
Copper hearts on a wood base. $19.99 for the pair.
Sweet, simple... lovely.

A Week of Love & Lovely Things: Monday

2012-02-13T13:07:00.000-08:00

A romantic Etsy find!
The initial ring by Cindy Lou.
Simple and perfect.
This one is $20.99 and made of brass and sterling silver.
(It's also available in a single initial option.)

A Week of Love & Lovely Things: Sunday.

2012-02-12T09:19:00.000-08:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, Chandelierious will be posting romantic, sweet, and lovely things every day this week. Commencing: now.
Go!
First up:
I would love to dream in these...
The Love Letters sheet and duvet sets from Anthropologie.
Yes, very decadent, but oh, so gorgeous, luxurious, and romantic.

Simply, Saturday

2012-02-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

I found something on Pinterest last week that I thought was divine. Check it:

The dresser.
Love. It.
I love the use as a buffet, yes. And, I have repurposed a bedroom dresser this way before. What I really dig is the paint treatment this was given. I have yet to test the theory, but I *think* this would be really easy to do! Naturally, you would only want to paint a piece of furniture thats finish is wearing thin... that needs a facelift.
What this looks like to me is some carefully placed painter's tape... layered strategically on the wood in a starburst pattern and painted over. After some good curing time, the tape is removed and voila!
I would love to give this a try. If and when I do, it'll be posted here, of course.
In the meantime, just thought I'd share!

Thirsty Thursday: Valentine's Day Edition!

2012-02-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

It's the Thursday before Valentine's Day and I haven't posted Thirsty Thursday style in far too long! My "big plans" for the 14th include some snuggle time with my sweet Valentine of a daughter, but maybe you have a special dinner out, or in, on the horizon. Whether your Valentine is a friend or a beloved, here's a delicious sounding cocktail (with the most romantic of titles) for the main event:

The Romeo and Juliet Cocktail

*1 1/2 oz Patron Silver Tequila
*1/2 oz Grand Marnier
*1/4 oz Chambord or Raspberry Liquor
*2 oz chilled peach juice
*3 maraschino cherries (garnish)
*orange peel spiral (garnish)

Put ice into a cocktail shaker.
Pour all the liquid ingredients over the ice and shake.
Pour into martini glass.
Garnish with the orange peel and cherries and make pretty like the picture!
Sip.
Savor.
And, cross your fingers in hopes you meet the love of your life and your ending is happier than Romeo and Juliet's.
(insert smile and wink here.)
Happy Valentine's Day!

(Props to HGTV.com for the recipe!)

Simply, Saturday: Spotted!

2012-02-04T07:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Saturday!
Spotted: Black and white, tufted, chandelier print chair!
Where?
Get thee to Marshalls!
There were two at the Irondequoit store. $199.99.
One for each side of the fireplace or heads of the dining table.
Not the cheapest thing in the world, but obviously quite the chandelierious conversation piece!

(Sigh... why do I not NEED this?! I want to need, and have room for this!)

1,000 (Or, umm, 500) Words on the Audrey Chair...

2012-01-31T12:35:00.000-08:00

Recently, I was jokingly challenged by a friend when I posted a picture of an Audrey Hepburn Chair and simply said "Sometimes a picture speaks a thousand chandelierious words."
Well, said friend triggered a little competition in me and I decided to attempt the thousand words! What you are about to read isn't the usual Chandelierious post. It's silly. Purely for fun. Unedited. Stream of consciousness style. And? Will be filled to the brim with the word "awesome." So, here goes nothing... Bear with me...

The Audrey Chair is awesome. And, very sadly, no longer available. I looked high and low. I Googled it, I Yahoo'd it, I eBay'd and I Craigslist'd it. It was in production two years ago by a company who also happened to do a line of Marilyn Monroe chairs. It was about $300 and only available through a few rather elite furniture websites. Sigh.

But, that doesn't make it less awesome. No. No, in fact, I will still try to explain its awesomeness and then even offer an alternative to this no longer available piece of greatness.
The Audrey chair is awesome, not only because it's neutral and will match each and every other color in the realm of home decor.... But, awesome because it's a classic French/Louis design that will be flawless in both an eclectic, modern home or a shabby chic cottage. Awesome because it has the gorgeous face of Audrey Hepburn the movie legend, the fashion icon, the world renown humanitarian printed onto it. Awesome because it showcases her most famous movie character Holly Golightly from the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Awesome because it would be perfect as a desk chair, or a hallway chair, or a bedroom chair, or a dining chair, or a living room accent chair. Awesome because the chair simply rocks. It's chic, it's classic, it's grand, it's modern, it's traditional, it's simple, it's ornate, it's white, it's black, it's fabric, it's wood, it's quirky, it's sassy, it's spunky, it's fresh, it's different, it's new, it's shiny, it's matte, it's inspired, it's inspiring, it's gamine, it's modest, it's innocent, it's bold, it's charming, it's regal, it's enchanting, it's whimsical, it's graphic, it's sophisticated, it's elegant, it's, well, chandelierious.

It's, as I mentioned, no longer available. BUT, here is my idea.... thrift store chair.
And paint. OR, a vinyl sticker. You know, like the one I have on my dining room wall. In fact, now I'm itching to find an old chair with amazing bones, re-cover this idea of a chair in something ridiculous (the good ridiculous!) like white patent leather, and yes, you got it! Attach a vinyl sticker to it. Light bulb!!! Possible new project on the horizon...

Ok, so, here's the thing about me and the blog: it's honest. It's me. It's a work in progress. And today? It's rather unedited and completely free flowing. Therefore, I admit that this does not add up to 1,000 words. It's more like 500. I may have failed the challenge...
But, 500 words about a chair with Audrey Hepburn's beautiful mug on it is- wait for it- pretty awesome. I'm okay with the 500.

Thrifty and Fabulous! First Post for Chic & Green....

2012-01-28T08:26:00.000-08:00

Wanna do something fun? Let's do something fun!
It's time for our first foray into a thrifty, and absolutely fabulous project together.
Vinyl records are nostalgic, retro, sleek, shiny and cool.
I have a record player, but, you might not.
You might, however, have a big box in the attic full of Elvis, the Stones, maybe Frank Sinatra.... and for whatever reason, might not be ready to part with them. I do have a great idea for you... and it's either free or wouldn't cost you more than a buck!
Grab those records from your attic, OR get yourself to the local Goodwill or Salvation Army where you can pick up a record for $.50. Grab your cookie sheet, a couple of metal or glass bowls, turn your oven on to 200' and let's do this!

Record Bowls!

Step one: Preheat your oven to 200'. And turn on your vent... the fumes are minimal, really, but, best to turn it on.
Step Two: Get yer bowls (the 2 bowls should be similar in size) and cookie sheet out.

Step Three: Grab yer record and place it on top of one of the bowls.

Step Four: Put them in the oven!

Step Five: Watch and wait. It doesn't take long. Could be as little as 2 minutes, as many as 5. You'll know it's time when the vinyl begins to get all warp-y and wonky.

Step Six: Remove everything from the oven, place the second bowl over the record and press down. The bowl will sink with the soft vinyl into the bowl underneath. Like so!

Step Seven: Take the record bowl out and let it cool. This literally takes mere seconds and voila!

You can use these for almost anything. Mine are on a table near the front door as a catchall for keys and such and one holds our various remotes. Being record vinyl, I wouldn't put food in them. Maybe something with a shell or peel, otherwise, no. But, lined with a cloth napkin it would be a great chip server! Really, the possibilities are endless.
So are the ways you can tweak these to your individual tastes! I use the bowl in bowl method, but you can shape these by hand, arranging the "ruffles" to your liking... or, using another, oven safe, shaped dish. A small square cake pan, for instance, turned upside down and shaped by hand, would be great looking. I've used colored vinyl here, but, black vinyl is obviously an excellent, more convenient option!
Have fun! Be creative! There's really no right answer here, and very little to lose.
Catch you next time!

For the love of Andrea, Lorraine and Adelaide....

2012-01-26T12:54:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to write about this, but, this blog is a snapshot of my life. Mostly, the really wonderful parts that I am inspired to share, or, the silly things I hope you might get a kick out of. But, sometimes, life happens, and happens hard. And, tragically.
I wrote recently about my newborn niece, Adelaide. What I didn't write about was my sister Andrea, and her partner Lorraine, and the journey that culminated in adopting their daughter, my niece, Adelaide. It was a long one. One that was dreamed of for many, many years... one that was hoped and tried for, for many years. Ultimately, the adoption route was taken this past year, and they got the call of their lives a few weeks ago. It was Addie. She came home to all of us on her one week birthday.
And we lost her a day later.
There are still no words that could adequately express both the joy of her arrival, and the sadness of her passing. The details don't matter here. What matters is that Andrea and Lorraine were the mommies of a beautiful little girl that was taken far too soon. They will always be her mommies. I will always be her Aunt. The few perfect moments with her will always be locked in our hearts and minds.
Adelaide was loved, adored, wanted. She had a family. In her short time here, she had loving family, and her little soul had to have felt that. I believe she felt that. (If only because we West women are extremely demonstrative!)
As the days go by, and slow healing begins to happen, Andrea and Lorraine's community of friends have put together an event. A benefit. Because, yes, it's a very delicate, yet complicated situation, and, it's the right thing to do.
For Adelaide. For them. For hope.
Adelaide Hope.
Please take a look at the event information on Facebook and below.

Thank you.

2012-01-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

Hi, Chandelierious friends!
Well, I did it. Yesterday I went ahead and got my feet wet over at Chic & Green with a little introductory post as the new "Thrifty and Fabulous" editor. I'm excited about this new adventure and truly hope you'll follow me back and forth, read Karley's blog, and get inspired. Or, at the very least, maybe entertained a little bit!
I'll remind you that Chic & Green is: an MSNBC Going Green Network Blog, an NBC Today Show Network Blog Partner and is among the top 5% of the most popular blogs nationwide. So, naturally, I am honored, excited, thrilled, and yeah, kinda stoked. (Thank's, Karley!)
Here's what I shared there yesterday...

Hello, Chic & Green-ers!
Please allow me to introduce myself....
I'm Elizabeth: Friend to Karley. Mommy to Ellie. Family to many. Blogger to my readers at Chandelierious. Sometimes a singer/actor. Always a lover of incredibly thrifty finds or projects! As a newly single mom, that last part, being thrifty? That's now sort of a necessity. And I know I am not alone in that! Even before that, though, I found much more joy and satisfaction in the thrill of the hunt than in the ease of buying a mass-produced end table at Target. (That said, I love me some Target, and probably do have one of their end tables somewhere. I digress.)
Finding something at the Salvation Army for a couple of dollars, for example, and turning it into a personal, one-of-a-kind conversation piece is really, really fun. And easy! And you can absolutely do it, too. All you just need is a little time (and, believe me, I understand that novelty), an imagination, and maybe some paint and a glue gun. It's amazing what you can accomplish with a little paint and a glue gun!
I crave discovery, creation, transformation, repurposing, making things beautiful... and doing it all on a budget. That's what I'll be sharing here as Chic and Green's new 'Thrifty and Fabulous" editor!
I will be back soon with something fabulous up my thrifty little sleeve!

I Heart Nerds.

2012-01-23T12:48:00.000-08:00

It's true. I heart nerds. Or, actually, correction, apparently I heart geeks. There's a difference. I learned this through Pinterest not too long ago. From this handy guide below, in fact.

(click here to read it full size... in my semi computer illiterateness, I don't know how to magnify this picture so you can actually, you know, read it. My bad.)

And, geek is chic. There are a plethora of products out there right now celebrating the pocket protector and horn rimmed glasses. I say, right on.
Take a look at these:

I absolutely love this nerd pillow from Etsy. So cute! It's made, cleverly, from a men's dress shirt. For $40.00 it comes with the cushion insert.

This Nerds are Sexy necklace was also an Etsy find. But, here's a tip: they sell the eyeglasses charm at Hobby Lobby for $1.99. Make your own! I am!

Eloise loves nerds, too, and wears the love proudly with her Harajuku Mini wear from Target.

When I found this set of prints on Pinterest, my first thought was: Must. Have. These.
I couldn't locate where it might be for sale, so, of course, I plan to make my own version soon.

So, spread the nerd love. The geek love. The dweeb and dork love for that matter. It's all good.

Words on Wednesday...

2012-01-18T13:10:00.000-08:00

Without going into detail, and truly not trying to appear cryptic, I am going to share that a recent tragedy has left me without words. I'm honestly not sure how to get back into sharing my usual wordy self here... It will take some time, but it will happen.
I do believe words can heal. Saying them, singing them, writing them...the right ones.
Right now, there aren't right ones. But, as I attempt the process of getting back to wordiness, I will allow the recent explosion of inspirational word art to do some of it for me.
You've seen them everywhere... posted on Facebook, pinned on Pinterest, in the stores...
I just saw these ones the other day in TJMaxx.

Prices range from $12.99-29.99. Sizes abound.
OR, get inspired! Buy a blank canvas, pull out the handy Sharpie marker and make up one of your own. I've got some plans to do some of that in my future...
I'll be back sooner than later...

Perfectly Peacock!

2012-01-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

It's everywhere. It was the "it" color of Fall.
So, this isn't news, but, it's not going anywhere either. Peacock, the plume and the color are here to stay. And, rightfully so!
Hello, gorgeous...
This rich and vibrant color inspires me. In fact, I've been quoted as telling friends "You need more peacock blue in your life." Here are some reasons why...

This laptop case from Etsy is downright regal.

If a dish towel could be regal, this one would be!

Also from Etsy, they call this a cake topper, but you all know me well enough by now to know this would go on my wall. Most likely the "E" wall, yes indeed....

Pier 1 is one place that's been all over the peacock trend for a while. This chair is a perfect example. The teal and green and brown are lush together.

From lush to sumptuous... Curtain panels are a dramatic way to add the color and the feather design into your decor.

Now, I'm not suggesting you go all out and have a peacock themed room. No, no, no.
No. A piece here. A splash of color there. Use the design as an accent somewhere... once, maybe twice. Pull it all together elsewhere with pops of blue on your dining table...
Like this sparkling, bold glassware.

Or, a ruffly, decadent throw pillow on your bed or sofa.

Remember, color and design should be fashionable, yes, but also FUN.
It's fun to switch it up every once in awhile.
Get your peacock on!

Another Surprise! It's Adelaide!

2012-01-10T13:06:00.000-08:00

Remember when I said 2012 was already chock full of delightful surprises? Well, the other one, I can finally share now: It's Adelaide!
Adelaide Hope, my surprise, miracle of a newborn niece. We are still waiting for her mommies to bring her home to us. Ellie and I can't wait to get her in our arms. But, while we wait, in honor of her, today's post will be about all things beautiful, baby girl style.
Of course I've been browsing....in store and online. Here are a few of the gems I've come across....

These leopard ballet flats from The Baby Bella Boutique on Etsy for $18.50 are sassy and sweet.

This Garden Nursery Butterfly Mobile from Love Bug Lullabies also comes in other shapes and colors schemes.

Adelaide could match her big cousin Eloise in this Harajuku Mini "I love Nerds" outfit from Target!

And, just look at this delicious bedding set from Overstock.com! Called Lizzie, it's a perfect combination of juicy pops of color, graphic flowers and dots.

This alphabet rug would be darling with the bedding....love it!

Of course, I will let my sister pick out her own nursery decor, but you can be sure that Aunt Elizabeth will be there to offer some chandelierious design inspiration, buy a chic but cozy outfit or offer hours upon hours of open arms, love and babysitting. Hurry home, Adelaide! We can't wait to meet you!