change of scenery

this week's looks: bright and sunny

2013-03-25T05:00:00.000-07:00

One of the many reasons why I'm loving California:

There is absolutely no way I have to worry about snow right now. To celebrate, I want to keep things bright and sunny this week - which is exactly what the forecast calls for.

Monday: Classic black and white stripes with bright jeans. Be sure to accessorize with colors opposite the color wheel for a fresher take.

Tuesday: Dress down a flowing skirt with a lightweight sweatshirt. Stick with wedges and a top knot to balance the two pieces.

tip:Use this look to experiment with lip color - I'm trying out a hot pink stain!

Wednesday: I love mixing stripes with florals. Add a skinny belt and bright coral cardigan to make work appropriate.

Thursday: A simple sundress paired with a wool long vest to combat those cooler mornings. Add an aqua statement necklace and some lace up boots to keep from feeling dowdy.

Friday: A fun pairing of mint and coral is perfect for an after work happy hour. Bring the whole look together with a lightweight scarf and some gladiator sandals.

all clothing and accessory sourcing can be found on my polyvore page

weekend project: diy potted garden

2013-03-06T06:00:00.000-08:00

Our backyard is in desperate need of some TLC. Right now, it's nothing but weeds, old mulch and dog poop. Disgusting. The problem is I haven't a clue how to tackle. Where do you even start?

Jim's been talking about a potted garden for a while now so I'm now taking that idea and running with it. Functional + pretty = best of both worlds. Here's some eye candy to show you where my head's at.

The trick will be whether or not I can find these containers at a reasonable price. At least I know I have plenty of wine bottles in the recycle bin to get started with some hanging herbs.

emily summers

tree hugger

TIP: You can probably use gutter material to create this, keeping lettuce away from critters that might eat it. I'm thinking this could be a good way to plant green onions and spinach as well. Basically veggies with shorter roots.

apartment therapy

TIP: Head to a spirits store and ask for leftover wine crates. Last time I did this, I got one for only $5. Given our California location, I'm hoping I can scrounge up a few of these for free.

TIP: Mix it up! I'm loving the various heights, sizes and shapes of these pots. Clustering in an empty corner of our yard will cozy up the space. It's also an easy way to add color to an otherwise dull palette.

real simple

flickr

real simple

By the way, these photos are from a good old fashioned Google search. My attempt to wean myself off pinterest.

new use for a china cabinet

2013-03-05T06:00:00.000-08:00

I am 100% IN LOVE with this vintage China cabinet. As in, if it were human, Jim might have some competition. What?! Who am I kidding? Jim competes for my love against this China cabinet on a daily basis.

Sigh. My heart be still.

We found it an an antique shop here in Sacramento (Midway Antiques) and I knew the second I saw it, we had to have it. For what? I didn't know. We don't have any China. Or linens. Or anything else to fit in this adorably small cabinet. But still, I NEEDED IT. Scouring my brain for ideas on how to justify the purchase, we finally ended up on using it as record player storage. PERFECT.

So here he sits in the corner of our dining room. I'm still on the fence about refinishing but for now, I'm liking what the wear and tear brings to the space.

To keep the piece from looking drab, I added a modern vase and planter to the top of it. Then, to balance new with old, I added a few thrift store gems to mix until I got the combination I was looking for. So, so, SO happy with the end result.

OTHER OPTIONS: Using furniture in a new way adds an interesting twist on room decor. Cabinets, credenzas, dressers and bookcases can be used for all different types of storage, keeping your space feeling eclectic and less cookie cutter. Here are some other ideas for record player storage.

(Or anything else you might need to contain.)

cb2

this week's looks: spring!

2013-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Spring is large and in charge here in northern California. The trees have blossomed, the grass is green(er) and the sun is a-blazing.

THANK GOD.

I'm so sick of sweaters and freaking layering the time to stow it all away and bring out something fresh couldn't have come soon enough. Here are some outfit ideas to help get your springtime wardrobe started.

monday: add a jean jacket and different colored flats to liven up a plain dress

tuesday: keep it casual with a flowy skirt and soft white tee

wednesday: the jean on jean keeps this preppy look from being too stiff

thursday: mix stripes and floral for a fresh take on layering patterns

friday: add some edge to an otherwise soft look with art deco-inspired accessories

saturday: navy keeps these colored jeans crisp and clean

sunday: an old concert tee and keds make sunday errands bearable

visit this week's looks: spring! by kantoske on polyvore.com for clothing sources.

day trip: point reyes

2013-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Point Reyes: A prominent cape on the Pacific Coast of Northern California, approximately 30 miles from San Francisco. Bounded by Tomales Bay and Bolinas Lagoon, this headland is protected as part of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Point Reyes is home to Tule Elk and the Northern Elephant Seal. In fact, we saw both on our way to the lighthouse. Also, if you're into this sort of thing, you may want to schedule a visit around the time the California Gray Whale swims through this area as it migrates to Baja, California.

We took a day trip here in search of a beach. Driving through what felt like the countryside of Northern California, we passed through cute little communities like Iverness and Point Reyes Station that were perfect for a quick lunch or cup of coffee. We didn't stop to take any photos of these areas because our mission was clear: find. the. beach.

As we took the windy road through the Point Reyes National Seashore the area was filled with dairy and oyster farms, with little turning points to small little bays with their own little beaches. The scenery was beautiful, the air was fresh and it was a new part of California I didn't really know about.

BONUS:There are over 300 stairs to the Point Reyes Lighthouse so be prepared to get a full leg workout in. As part of our cool down, Jim and I ended up swinging over to Uva Trattoria in Napa Valley for a much needed glass of wine and plate of pasta before heading home.

For the record, I didn't half this stuff before looking it up on Wikipedia and the National Park Service. We just thought it was something different to do and see.

arm full of bracelets

2013-01-30T20:08:00.002-08:00

I've been on a bangle and bracelet kick lately, wearing 6-12 at any given time. Always on one arm, never completely matching. It's an easy way to dress up (or in some cases dress down) and outfit, adding character and personality at the same time. Here's my top eight list for any bracelet collection:

Show off the woven friendship bracelets you share with one of your besties. Including the one you share with your mom.
It's ok to mix metallic finishes. In my opinion, the more the merrier.
Invest in a vintage gold watch - small-faced and dainty or big and bulky, no in between.
Keep one extremely sentimental bracelet or bangle in your collection at all times.
Stock up on thin bangles featuring your favorite stones, metals or style
Collect various beaded bracelets, metallic or colored, to use as fillers.
Search for thick, statement bangles to serve as the basis for all bracelet pairing
Avoid bangle sets at all costs. They have the same effect as a cardigan sweater set. If you must buy a bangle set, never wear them all at the same time.

via city and burbs

via a piece of toast

via launch grow joy

via all things stylish

pairing tip: Create a combination using one, most or all of the top eights listed above and assemble on your arm. Now find one to take off. This will help keep your combination edited and chic.

bedroom idea: dreamcatchers

2013-01-29T09:46:00.000-08:00

dream catcher: a handmade object based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net and feathers are hung around it. The belief is to hang above the bed so that the bad dreams would get caught in the net. Good dreams would then pass through the holes in the net and slide down the feathers to the sleeper.

This isn’t a trend right now, but I want to bring it back. At least as a way to break up framed artwork or even a framed artwork wall display alternative.

Use to add texture, depth and earthy notes in a bedroom to break up the soft fabrics and fluffy pillows. I ended up hanging along with my framed photo display but here are other examples of dream catchers standing on their own.

my home

via boat people

via miss modish

via the fresh post

GETTING STARTED: I'm sure there are tons of tutorials on how to make your own dream catcher. However, if you don't feel like putting your good night's sleep in your own hands, here are some beautiful ones I found on etsy.

secret garden co. via etsy

write a story via etsy

totem wolfie via etsy

use magic via etsy

happy environments: bathroom design

2013-01-28T08:24:00.001-08:00

I saw this picture while sifting through Pinterest last night and thought it had the perfect sentiment for a Monday post.

print by jimmy marble

Yes it is, headless polka dot dress girl. Yes. It. Is.

After a couple of rough weeks, I'm ready to put the stress and frustration behind me, clear the head and get back to being my old self again. It is true that negative energy can get the best of you, no matter how positive you are. But it is also true that majority of that is picked up by your surrounding environments. Which is why I'm a firm believer of decorating around what makes you happy.

One of my favorite places to start is Urban Outfitters. The kings of kitsch, this place is chock full of odd accessories that always make me smile. Case and point: this mint green tripe decker shelf.

Isn't she lovely? Perfect for a bathroom, kitchen or bedroom vanity, this piece is the epitome of organization. Mixed with the geometric cutouts and paint job full of whimsy, this shelving unit is bound to turn your frown upside down. Here's how I would decorate with it.

recessed medicine cabinet for the not-so-cute bathroom products
bedroom dresser turned bathroom vanity to give it that lived in look
round white vessel sink so it looks more like a table top accessory
vintage looking jewelry holder for on top the dresser
colorful rug to pull in all the accessories
v intage japenese porcelain cups holding makeup brushes and tooth paste to accessorize the shelf

TIP: Check thrift stores and garage sales for the dresser and vintage porcelain cups. It's a quick way to slash your spending in half.

an adorable built-in

2013-01-20T19:24:00.005-08:00

Look how cute this freaking built-in is. It's one of our favorite things about the house and took me two months to style. I didn't want it to look overly styled and we desperately needed containers to put random things in since we don't have the space for an entryway table.

Turns out, all I needed were some drinking glasses, books, a horse's head and bowls to get it right. Score.

As for the drawers, cards and sunglasses in the first small one. Ruby's things in the second. And hats, scarves, gloves and games in the larger drawers. What can I say? Our family likes to accessorize and compete.

TIP: Always purchase that little bowl or vase that catches your eye at the thrift store. They're inexpensive, great for containing clutter and fantastic for accessorizing shelves with. Even if you aren't sure of where or what you'll use it for at first, I guarantee it will come in handy at some point.

living room progress

2013-01-17T18:32:00.005-08:00

We've put the living room together and, as mentioned in yesterday's post, are trying to find the perfect finishing touches. Overall, I think it's really coming together.

1. THE TRAVEL WALL. I LOVE the way this wall is coming together. We're hoping to fill the entire wall with places we've traveled to over the years. It's a wonderful way to remember the great times had and the gorgeous places seen. I'm thinking about introducing some more color through painted frames - maybe some rust and seafoam greens. But just a couple.

2. THE SHELVES. I like the way they fill out the corner but am not sold on the style. Since the accessories are sleek and shiny (looking to add some color and thrift store specials here too), I'd like to introduce some rustic charm to balance everything out. Lately I've been drooling over these shelves made by Mandi over at Vintage Revivals. I'm hoping to either find something similar or suck it up and make my own.

3. THE RUG. I just don't know what to do. We need a rug (thank you, Ruby's nails) but I can't find any I like under $700, let alone within our actual price range. The dining room rug has more of a traditional/oriental vibe I love and Jim hates. I'd like to get something a little more graphic that compliments without matching. Or maybe layering a jute rug with a cowhide? I've been scouring all the online stores in search for something (ANYTHING!) that remotely strikes my fancy but I've continued to come up empty handed. I'm starting to get a little nervous and may just make Ruby wear dog shoes if something doesn't turn up soon.

4. THE UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE. I HATE all of it. It's beige, the back cushions are sloppy and large and in charge. Jim however, sees nothing wrong with it since it's in one piece and is super comfortable. We don't exactly have new living room furniture in our budget so it's definitely not a battle worth fighting right now. Maybe I take a stab at reupholstering.

5. THE SIDE TABLES. I think I might "beat up" the little stool to build character and add texture to the space. As for the other side of the couch... see the rug explanation above. Since we'd like something a little taller and larger than the typical side table, I've been on the prowl for a cabinet-type piece. I actually got the idea wandering through Target one day, spotting this little gem that doesn't quite fit the space. I'm hoping to head out the the thrift and antique stores next weekend in search of something that works. Add one of my vintage lamps, a bright white shade and some accessories... I think this room will start to shine.

A constant work in progress that's slowly pulling itself together as our living room. Hopefully I can find some things at the thrift stores this weekend to start on the enhancements.

living room inspiration

2013-01-13T20:31:00.002-08:00

modern eclectic: mixing the new with the old in a way that feels collected, timeless and balanced

This is the style our entire home is decorated in. And, while it's the most casual, it's also the most difficult to get right. Which is why I'm constantly redecorating. And why our living room looks borderline like a garage sale. And why I can't pick a freaking side table or a rug to save my life. I think I have the accessories and furniture placement down, I just need a couple of things to pull the whole look together.

The Musts: Table has to have enough room for multiple beverages, plates of food and magazines. Rug needs to go along with the dining room rug and have enough visual interest to breathe life into the drab couch and chair.

I'll show you more about what I mean tomorrow, but for now, I'm just collecting ideas from the interwebs.

via bhg

Katie Ridder via the peak of chic

via style at home

via desire to inspire

via birch and bird

my wardrobe must haves.

2012-12-18T19:19:00.003-08:00

With fashion on the mind, I thought I'd share my two most favorite wardrobe staples I swear I use on a daily basis. Dress them up or dress them down, it's really REALLY hard to get these wrong. They're amazing foundational pieces that make layering, creating outfits and building a signature style seem easy.

I'm still working out the whole getting fit and eating healthy plan. Consider this even more motivation to get me started.

1. Stripes

I like this pattern not for it's timelessness, but because you can layer it with just about anything. Solids, patterns, big stripes, little stripes. It's actually better to look at a stripe as a solid. Pair with a piece of jewelry or clothing meant to make an even bigger statement.

[free people]

[see jane work play live]

[ny post]

[cupcakes and cashmere]

[reasons to breathe]

2. Beanies

There's nothing like a good old-fashioned beanie to keep things casual. I love the simplicity of this hat - it's functional, effortlessly chic and can make any face shape shine. I like pairing with leggings, nubby sweater and winter boots. Grab a coffee to-go and consider your errands finito.

[tumblr]

[green like bath water]

[vanessa jackman]

[sincerely jules]

feeling frumpy.

2012-12-17T22:53:00.004-08:00

Ever find yourself in a mood where all you want to do is start exercising and eat nothing but lean proteins and healthy fats? "It's about that time," I say to myself. "Time to finally feel comfortable in my own skin, have killer abs and glowing skin only healthy people are able to master. Yes, this sounds great. I'll start tomorrow."

Look, I have plenty of excuses. I work over 40 hours a week, am scared to run in the dark and have never, EVER craved a vegetable in my life. Except for brussel sprouts. Smothered in butter and bacon. I'm ridiculous.

But today feels different. I don't know if I've hit rock bottom or I'm finally ready to get serious but damnit, I need to get this frumpy ass in shape. So many times I think, "If only I could lose 5 10 15 pounds. I could take more risks with my wardrobe. Wear those boxy silhouettes I love and show some leg without wondering whether or not my thigh is jiggling while I walk. I'd love to finally put together those outfits I have in my head. Wearing them comfortably. And with confidence."

And then poof. The motivational thoughts vanish and the leftover pizza is in the microwave.

Truth be told, it's not even like I'm fat, I just don't feel like myself. I don't care if fashion sounds superficial or materialistic in terms of rationale for weight loss. It is what it is. For those that know me, I love clothes. I love the statements they make, experimentation it allows and confidence they boost. Fashion makes me happy. And when I start noticing myself shying away from different clothing combinations solely because of how my clothes have started to fit, there's a problem that needs fixing immediately. Plus I'm in California now. People love eating healthy out here. I should embrace this lifestyle. So I can wear outfits like these:

[elle]

[rstyle]

[real simple]

That's it. Operation Kate-Get-Your-Act-Together starts now.

bathroom adjustments.

2012-11-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

I've been going back and forth on which route to take for the bathroom for what feels like a century. With icy blue walls and creamy beige tile (thank you tasteful landlords) the space was a completely blank canvas. Girly and feminine? Cozy and plush? Modern and sleek? I couldn't for the life of me choose a direction.

Finally, while at Target, I found the rug of my dreams. It was rustic, fresh and exactly what I wanted. Since then, ~~I've~~ we've added some frames and an old wine crate to the walls - trying to continue the balance between rustic and fresh. I'm still not 100% on the shower curtain (I think the space needs another, more subtle pattern) but haven't been able to pull the trigger just yet. I also don't think I've found the exact balance I'm looking for in terms of accessories, but I'm happy with how the space is coming together.

The key to your bathroom looking eclectic vs. a rough hot mess is to 1) find artwork with a cohesive color palette, 2) combine multiple textures throughout the space and 3) mix vintage with modern accessories. This will make the design feel connected, full of depth and well-collected over time.

Here are some other examples for more ideas.

artwork: society6 / toothbrush holder: west elm / bath mat: target / shower curtain: target

artwork: society6 / tumbler: west elm / bath mat: urban outfitters / shower curtain: ikea*

* I think this might be the winner for our bathroom

artwork: society6 / tumbler: ikea / bath mat: urban outfitters / shower curtain: target

artwork: society6 / tumbler: target / bath mat: west elm / shower curtain: target

artwork: society6 / tumbler: west elm / bath mat: west elm / shower curtain: ikea

mirror turned thermostat cover.

2012-11-05T21:58:00.002-08:00

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU Jim the Builder.

With the new bathroom short on storage, we were in desperate need of more places to store my girlie bathroom stuff. You know, hair mousse, a hair dryer, a diffuser, a straightener, makeup, hair accessories, 3 different face masks... The usual.

Fortunately, with the excess storage space in the kitchen, we were able to recycle an old microwave stand into a spacious vanity. Everything was coming together except for one major eyesore:

For the record, I was completely fine with shoving a bunch of white frames up there to help camouflage the bright white thermostat. It's my not-so-secret recipe for anything ugly. Luckily, Jim decided to go a mile further and thought to actually hide it completely. He grabbed a $1 garage sale mirror I had lying around and headed to The Home Depot.

Here's what you'll need:
- framed mirror (any size)
- one door magnet
- two hinges
- piece of wood 1-1/2" wide, trimmed down to the size of the mirror (save a piece for the magnet!)
- three screws
- "L" bracket to mount door magnet

Here's what you do:
1. Trim the wood to the size of the mirror.
2. Screw in the hinges (make sure they're placed the right way for opening)
3. Drill three holes for your nails (make wider to use shorter nails)
4. Paint the wood the same color as the wall
5. Screw in the door magnet to scrap piece of wood
6. Screw wood anchors to the wall

Although the transformation isn't completely finished, the mirrored thermostat cover makes a HUGE difference. I plan on adding some artwork and/or shelving to help ground the stand on that large, empty wall. With larger accessories, new knobs and a darker stain job, this microwave stand is going to look insane. Here's kind of what ~~I was~~ we are thinking but not really exactly:

via the newlywed diaries

via bazaar of serendipity

changes.

2012-11-04T20:36:00.001-08:00

Here is the world's fastest summary of what I've been up to these past 4 months.

1. Jim moved in.
2. We got cable.
3. I was asked to transfer to Sacramento.
4. I agreed to transfer to Sacramento.
5. We drove across the country.
6. We got engaged.
7. We moved into our newly rented house.
8. We found out our newly rented house was rat infested.
9. We moved out and into another house.

It's been exciting, overwhelming and exhausting all at the same time. We've said goodbye to our families, moved to a city we've only visited once and already moved in and out of a bad rental. We've hotel-hopped, witnessed the most beautiful scenery the west has to offer and promised each other we'd continue to ride this thing out together. It's definitely been a wild few months, but I don't think I'd change a second of it. Not even the rats.

I have no idea what else life will throw our way and I won't even try to predict it. I'm just thankful to have found a place we can call home and can't wait to start decorating it!

"To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all."
- Oscar Wilde

make shift bookcase bars.

2012-05-14T10:15:00.004-07:00

I am what you'd call a sporadic blog owner. One day, I'm blogging every day - throwing out tips, tricks and mild strokes of genius for all to read. The next, I'll be lucky to get a post out once a month, and that's only to remind everyone that I'm still alive and I still have plans I've not yet started. For those that know me, this is completely typical. One minute I'm all up in your face, making plans and hanging out. The next minute I'm screening your calls, not able to pull myself away from a Cold Case episode I've already seen at least 15 times to talk to you. Hot and cold, people. Hot. And. Cold.

Speaking of cold, I've been slowly putting an idea together in my head for a bookcase bar. My living room has a major case of the blahs so I'm making plans to brighten up the space. Part of the plan includes refinishing a bookcase my grandpa made for my mom (which I eventually "needed" per usual). It's currently stained a light finish and stores some DVDs and a bunch of random decor I need to either use or ~~toss~~ donate. I want to paint it a glossy white with a bright pastel [insert color] backing for a subtle hint of color. Then on one of the shelves, I want to add a make-shift bar keep things casual, fun and available for drinking. Here are some of the fab inspiration pieces I've been using to compile the idea. Can't wait to show off the finished product you know, once I start it. Hot. And. Cold.

via apartment therapy

via shelter interior design via house beautiful

via design sponge

via joanna goddard

via decor pad

via shelterness

via fresh home ideas

via the yellow cape cod

via apartment therapy

via because im addicted

colds suck.

2012-04-30T10:15:00.002-07:00

Hi. I caught a nasty cold sometime last week and haven't been able to shake it. And because I haven't been able to shake it, I spent most of the weekend asleep. And since I spent most of the weekend asleep, I didn't get anything done. And since I didn't get anything done, I have nothing to write about. See how that all works out? Here's a hint as to what I was planning on accomplishing:

via design sponge

via little green notebook

via the sweet beast

via bloesem

via wedgewood park modern

Sigh.

Back on Tuesday.

fab room friday: maximized kitchen

2012-04-27T06:04:00.000-07:00

via the kitchn

why it's fab

white subway tile + black grout = easy to hide dirt
two toned cabinets make the space feel open and airy and I am LOVING the blue as the bottom color
marble counter top with gray veining keeps the space looking clean and fresh
open and closed upper cabinetry for display and heavy duty storage
every single ounce of the sloped ceiling is maximized (although I'm not sure what you'd store in that teeny tiny cabinet)
two sinks (bar + basin). Jim would have a field day in here!

decorating with succulents

2012-04-26T18:58:00.003-07:00

Succulents. You plant them once, they look cute always and you water them never. They like bright light and watering every now and then, allowing the soil to dry in between watering. Boom. Done. Consider yourself green thumbed. I love them.

The best thing about succulents is they can look good in anything and anywhere. Plant them in a teacup, glass tumbler, small votive or even a mason jar. Add to a bookshelf, next to your kitchen sink, on your bedroom windowsill or on top of the entertainment center. Whatever the canister and wherever the placement, a succulent can help add a green element to a space with little to no maintenance.

Be sure to plant them in either potting soil specifically for succulents or a 50/50 mixture of regular potting soil and perlite. After that, it's only a matter of finding the perfect planter!

Here are some ideas.

via the proper pinwheel

(florescent planter DIY included!)

via the brick house

via craftberry bush

via design crush

via fruit fly pie via etsy

via a6

make it pretty: quiet place

2012-04-26T17:13:00.000-07:00

logo, photography and styling by Corrin Acome

tip: Grab a pretty pebble from each beach or calming place you've visited. Display them in holders with lots of compartments (vintage knobs, egg holders, etc.) to remind yourself to relax and stay calm.

For more challenge photos, click here.

make it pretty: travel

2012-04-26T17:09:00.001-07:00

logo, photography and styling by Corrin Acome

Tips and my side of the challenge coming soon. As soon as I buy a new CompactFlash card, take the photos and figure out a tip.

For more prettiness, go here.

make it pretty: urbanscape

2012-04-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

logo, photography and styling by Corrin Acome

Check out the rest of the challenge here.

make it pretty: books

2012-04-26T17:02:00.001-07:00

logo, photography and styling by Corrin Acome

I'm hoping to update these posts with some of my photos. Once I get a new CompactFlash card. And actually take the photo.

Check out more make it prettiness here.

make it pretty: bubbly

2012-04-26T16:58:00.001-07:00

logo, photography and styling by Corrin Acome

Find more challenge photos here.