Hi Sugarplum!

5 Washi Tape Projects (& That Time I Was in the Newspaper)

2013-06-18T07:00:00.000-05:00

Knowing you're going to be in a major metropolitan newspaper, and then actually seeing your giant mug on the cover of said newspaper, are two totally different things. I'll admit, I woke up unnaturally early Saturday morning to grab our copy of the Dallas Morning News off the porch (Yes, we subscribe to the newspaper. No, I'm not 65.)

We knew the feature was scheduled to run, but we had no idea it'd be the lead story. Or that a giant picture of me would be plastered ~~unretouched~~ on the cover! Taking a photo of me wasn't even in the plans...the photographer sprung it on me at the end of our shoot. Surely if I'd known, I'd have washed my hair, right?! Well, maybe.

The story was: Dallas' Next Crafting Obsession: Washi Tape, and they asked me to create five simple projects with it. Since I'm fairly obsessed with the cute tapes, I was more than happy to oblige!

{COASTERS}

Decorate 4 x 4-inch ceramic tiles

Add felt or cork pads to the bottom

{GIFT BOXES & TAGS}

Jazz up plain white or kraft paper boxes & gift tags

Or add the tape to plain wrapping paper for custom designs

{VASES}

Add tape to the outside of recycled spaghetti and jelly jars

Would be a cute pen holder, too

{LIGHT SWITCH}

Transform basic switchplates

{FRIDGE FRAMES}

Hang artwork on a stainless steel fridge, where magnets won't stick

Tape peels right off, with no residue

Add tape to corners of artwork, or create whole frames around it

A big thanks to the awesome reporter, Jamie Knodel, and photographer, Vernon Bryant, for the fun experience. And huge thanks for all the sweet words and support from you guys!!! You can read my interview with Jamie on Dallas News.

So spill it...are you crazy about Washi? What projects have you created with it? I'd love to see and be inspired!! How about an impromptu link party so we can all share our inspiration?!!

{Organized} Garage (the paint & tools)

2013-06-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hello, hello!! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend! We spoiled Mr. Sugarplum with love, and confused him with all the mustaches (especially since I much prefer him clean-shaven). We also heard from a lot of friends and family who saw the feature in the Dallas Morning News yesterday...thanks for the love!

I've got so much to share with you this week, including the washi crafts I created for the newspaper feature, and I finally get to reveal my Pottery Barn Mystery Box Challenge! But today I'm excited to show you a corner of our garage that got a much needed butt-kicking in the organization department.

In your house, the garage may be the Mister's domain. But as a DIY home blogger, I contribute at least half the junk that clutters up our garage. It was such a gradual process of adding tools, paint, and materials, that I hadn't realized just how chaotic the space had become. I almost dreaded the start of each new project, because I could never find everything I needed. Organizing the garage seemed so overwhelming, that I just kept putting it off.

A few weeks ago, I finally ripped off the band-aid and went to it! So quickly, in fact, that I forgot to take 'Before' shots. But I'm sure you can all imagine a garage with over-flowing shelves and piles. We have shelves built around the top of the perimeter, but I needed to store things within my ~~limited~~ reach...so my first stop was Ikea (who wants to spend a bunch of money on the garage?!).

I wanted to get these galvanized shelves, but they were out-of-stock, and when the organizing bug strikes, you have to move fast! So we grabbed the Gorm unit instead, and I'm really happy with the quality and sturdiness. Not to mention, super easy to assemble and add extra shelves.

Next, I rounded-up all ~~187~~ of the paint cans, and opened each one. I couldn't believe how many had gone bad, but were still taking up precious space on our shelves. The rest were all half-empty, and many had rusted rims, so it was only a matter of time until they went bad, too.

So I followed Jen's lead, and transferred them all to pint and quart-sized mason jars with airtight lids. Then labeled each (using this easy method) with the color name, location in the house it's used, finish, and type of paint.

Many of my projects are small, or just touch-ups, so I went with wide-mouth jars so a brush would easily fit. This keeps me from having to pour the paint into a separate container, and the jars are easy to hold and shake.

Not only do the pretty rows of paint make me happy, but just like the newly Organized Spraypaint, it's easy to see what colors I already have on hand.

Once the paint was consolidated, I went after the rest of the garage crappola. I sorted everything into piles by category, then organized them in sturdy plastic bins. With labels of course.

I like to see details, so I'll show you the contents of each shelf.

Paint trays and Dropcloths | Work Gloves | Rags

Staple Gun & Staples | Caulk, Glues & Putty, along with putty knives and spatulas

Stains & Wood Conditioner | Pint Jars of Paint from smaller projects

Full Gallons of Paint | Paint Conditioner

Car Fluids | Lawn Sprays & Seed | Random items like Plaster of Paris and drain thingie

The bucket holds all the car wash gear

Light Bulbs | Miter Box, Hooks & Clamps

Quart jars of paint from rooms and larger projects

Toolbox with Mr. Sugarplum's randomness | Nails, Screws, Anchors, etc

Paint Supplies | Sander, Sanding Blocks & Paper | Drill, Bits & Extension Cord

Painter, Packing & Duck Tapes | Bug Sprays | More lawn crap

The cool thing about this system, is each bin has everything you need for that purpose. No more looking for a drill bit in the bottom of the paint pan! The extra shelves also allowed me to store more things outside (like light bulbs and tape), which freed up room in my utility room cabinets. It never ceases to amaze me how organizing can actually create more space!

Finally, we had all the tools to deal with. We could have put them in a toolbox, but not all would fit, and you'd still have to dig around. I wanted to be able to see everything, and have it at my fingertips....so an off-the-shelf 2' x 4' piece of pegboard from the hardware store got 'er done!

These pegboard hooks hold everything firmly in place. It's easier to arrange all your tools on the floor like a puzzle first, then transfer them to the board. I practically jump up and down ~~squealing~~ when I need a screwdriver now.

How about this little corner of organized bliss?!?!

The shelves are un-treated wood, but I was too impatient to paint or stain them first. I figure since they're enclosed in the garage, they'd be fine. We did use L-brackets to brace them to the wall, though. Next up is organizing the lawn tools and the overwhelming pile of sports equipment!

What's the condition of your garage these days?! Is your sandpaper mingling with the grass seed?

The Friday Five

2013-06-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome Friday -- so glad you're here! We plan to spend the weekend spoiling Mr. Sugarplum...the best Baby Daddy I could have wished for....and snuggling on our son before he flies out-of-town. He leaves Wednesday for his annual two week visit with grandparents in Michigan.

To take my mind off him flying alone, I've got some fun things to share with you for today's Friday Five.

1) I posted about the super-cute Sam Edelman sandals here, and also showed you Target's version for less than half the price. Well, of course I went for the cheaper ones, and am so thrilled with the comfort and quality of them. I even tried the Sam Edelman's on at Nordstrom last week, and they look almost identical...except Sam & Libby's have a cushier bottom. TWSS Sandals don't last more than a season or two for me, so I don't like to spend much on them. If you keep yours longer, I'd probably go for these.

I also scored this pair (you know, had to order two so I could get free shipping!), and can't even believe how high-end they look! It's hard to tell in the picture, but the toe and strap are shiny gold...perfect for giving an outfit a shot of class. The bone color is also a great neutral, and I much prefer it to white. These are definitely my two favorite Summer sandals, and will be in heavy rotation!

2) The sweet and uber-organized Jen of I Heart Organizing fame, asked all her contributors for tips on cleaning and organizing around the house. She posted the mega round-up, and it is seriously good. I'm taking notes, for sure!

3) West Elm just sent out a sneak peek of their New Arrivals...and they are killing it! I've got my eye on some drapes and that industrial light. And thanks to a few puppy 'accidents' when my parents stayed at our house, we're in the market for a new Family Room rug. The dhurrie might have my name on it.

4) Speaking of rugs...I think I need to enter this contest! Flooring America and Flooring Canada are hosting a really cool contest, with the winner receiving $5000 in Tigressá Cherish Carpet—a luxuriously soft, durable and eco-friendly carpet. Hello...that's some nice carpet!!

To enter, follow them on Pinterest, and build your “Dream Room” board featuring Tigressá Carpet, then go to Flooring America to fill out the entry form. You need to hurry though, the contest ends June 23. You could be the winner of new carpet by next week!

5) I teased this shot last week on InstaGram (@cassiesugarplum) about a little photo-shoot happening at my house. The Dallas Morning News is running a feature about wondrous washi tape...and had me create several projects with it. I just got the word that it's scheduled for tomorrow's Life & Style section, so if you're local, check it out! I'll share the fun projects with the rest of you next week.

Happy Father's Day to my man, my best friend, my luvah! And a happy birthday to my crazy-talented aunt, who is my sanity-saving sidekick on all my big projects, and my sounding board for the rest of them.

Happy weekend, lovebugs!

Jonathan Adler Inspired Mustache Vase

2013-06-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

My favorite thing about home decor magazines and catalogs, is finding projects I could recreate, but with my own twist. And most every time, it costs a lot less. Today's project is my last in the Mustache series, and something I've been itching to do since seeing Jonathan Adler's quirky vases.

He has an entire line of fun pottery, featuring body parts, but $100 is a bit steep, don't you think? Since I'm on the mustache bandwagon, I decided to create my version of the Salvador Vase.

{What You Need}

Glass vase with round shape (this one is from the Dollar Store)

Pack of Mustache Erasers (these are World Market for $3)

Heavy-duty glue

Spraypaint

Fabri-Tac claims to permanently adhere to glass, so I gave it a try for this project. It holds really well if you use a thin layer, but it takes awhile to fully dry. I braced the vase on either side so it wouldn't roll, causing the mustache to slip, while the glue was drying.

Once it was dry, I gave it a few coats of flat white spraypaint.

I stuffed the vase with newspaper before spraying so the inside would remain clean glass.

And since I had a 2-pack of mustaches, I made a flat black vase as well.

Looks pretty cute next to my Adler-inspired pillow (now on sale for $19), too!

The colors make them classic, but the mustache keeps them quirky. I think that's the perfect combination, especially for small accessories that jazz up table tops and shelves.

Sure Mr. Adler's version is made by skilled artisans in Peru, but mine was only $2. So when I finally jump off this mustache bandwagon, I won't feel so bad about tossing it.

I had a little too much fun trying them out in different spots around the house.

Are you on the mustache bandwagon? Do you see random things at stores and think about gluing them to cheap glass vases?!

Check out these DIY Vase Projects, too.

Gold Dotted Vase

Confetti Vases

DIY Gold Striped Vases

Dipped Bottles

InLinkz.com

{Dads Day DIY} Easy Canvas Art

2013-06-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Let's take a short break from the mustaches today, shall we? And by short break, I mean, we'll be back to them tomorrow. But it's the last one...promise! And it's not so much a Dad's Day gift, but a fun decor project. Involving mustaches. Trust me, it's cute.

The best things about Mother's and Father's Day, are the precious drawings and sweet notes from the little ones. Dads have it easy because kids are in school over Mother's Day...so the teachers take care of all that! With Father's Day during the Summer, the kids and I were on our own to create something for Daddy.

Mr. Sugarplum loves the kid's art, and most of it ends up taped to the walls of his office. So we decided to paint something sturdier that we could display at home.

Most of the time, the kids just paint whatever they want, but since we wanted to hang these together, we all stuck with a similar theme. I cut hearts out of contact paper, and sealed them on the center of a canvas.

Then they each covered the canvas with their own abstract art, using acrylic craft paint.

Once it was dry, we peeled the contact paper off to reveal clean hearts in the center.

We hung them in the Mudroom using Command strips.

Since it's the back hall, leading to the garage, it's the perfect spot to display the kid's art. They add so much color and personality to the space, and Dad loves being greeted by them everyday!

On the other wall, we hung the giraffe art they created at this party. I love how it accidentally tied in with the green door.

Have you tried your hand at painting? I'm not artistic, so it felt uncomfortable. But I did enjoy watching the kids get creative. Are you getting crafty for Father's Day this year?

See the Mudroom Makeover here. And how we easily and inexpensively hung the board and batten here.

{Dads Day DIY} Etched Mustache Beer Mug

2013-06-11T07:00:00.000-05:00

I knew I wanted to make something for Father's Day, but couldn't decide on just one...so this week is dedicated to fun and easy projects to make for sweet Dad! The mustache craze has been going on awhile, and I'm still on the bandwagon. Yesterday we made Shot Glasses with mustache decals, today we're adding the stache to beer mugs with etching cream.

{What You Need}

Glass Beer Mug (this oversized one was $1 at Dollar Tree)

Etching Cream

Print-out of your favorite mustache

Contact paper

Xacto knife

Just like yesterday, I did a Google image search for 'mustache stencil,' and printed out my favorite one to fit my mug. Trace the mustache on contact paper (like this Otomi Table project), then tape it in place on a cutting mat.

Yesterday we kept the center part as a decal, but for this project we're using the outer part as a stencil.

Position it in place on your mug, and press all the edges down to seal. Using a popsicle stick, spread a thick layer of etching cream over the stencil. The instructions say 5-30 minutes...I get better results leaving the cream in place for 1-2 hours! Leave the stencil in place when you rinse the cream off, in case it needs another round.

Unlike the Etched Monogram Mason Jar, the etching was much more noticeable and contrasting on the beer mug. Not sure if it's the type of glass, the larger shape, or just because I left it on longer. The etching cream literally eats away at the glass, so there's no rubbing it off...hence the reason you want a tight seal on your stencil.

I had some seepage, but it just adds to the home-made appeal, right?

I used a strip of leather to tie a kraft paper tag to the handle, to make the gift more masculine for Dad.

I plan to add a case of Dad's Root Beer and Cream Soda (found here or here) for a full Father's Day gift pack.

Mr. Sugarplum won't care what we give him...if it's from this sweet face, he'll love it!

Do you love the mustache as much as I do?! Pretty impressive mug for the Dollar Store, don't you think?

Check out the Summer Projects tab, and Easy DIY Gifts Gallery, for more fun ideas.

{Dads Day DIY} Mustache Glasses

2013-06-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hey friends, and happy Monday. Well, it'd be happier if I were still home in bed and on Summer Break like my kids! Being on a relaxed schedule makes the evenings and weekends so much sweeter though. I started brainstorming ideas for Father's Day (it's this Sunday!), and couldn't settle on just one...so this week is all about fun and easy projects to make for sweet Dad!

The mustache craze has been going on awhile, and I'm still on the bandwagon. I was smitten with this set of Mustache Shot Glasses, but thought it'd be more special (and cheaper!) to make our own.

{What You Need}

Set of glasses (these shooters were only a few dollars at Wal-Mart)

Sheet of Duck Tape Paper (less than $1 at craft stores)

Xacto knife

Print out of your favorite mustache shapes

I did a Google image search for 'mustache stencil,' and printed out my favorite ones. You may need to re-size to fit your glasses. Using this method, I taped the shape in place on the Duck Paper, with a cutting mat underneath, and carefully cut out the shapes with an Xacto knife.

Do yourself a favor and use a fresh blade, it makes a huge difference! (Coming from someone who just changed the blade for the first time in years!)

Then just peel and stick! I lined my glasses up when applying the decals so they'd be even. Being Duck Tape, they are attached freakishly well, but I'll probably still hand wash them.

We made these for Dad, but the kids already have big ideas to use them for mini-desserts and smoothies.

They crack up seeing themselves with mustaches.

They'd make a great housewarming gift, too, don't you think? And you could use the same method for any style of glass...just size the mustache proportionately.

I hope you're part of the mustache craze, because this isn't the last one you'll see this week! Do you know a guy who'd love a set of these?

Check out the Summer Projects tab, and Easy DIY Gifts Gallery, for more fun ideas.

The Friday Five

2013-06-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today is the last day of school, so we're busy with class parties and yearbooks...and soaking up the first official weekend of the Summer. This is what's floating around my head this happy Friday.

1) Remember the Pottery Barn Mystery Box Challenge I told you about? Five bloggers create drink stations out of pieces from Pottery Barn's Outdoor Entertaining line, then they're voted on by their 1 million Facebook fans! #nopressure I can't share the full post with you just yet, but I'm so excited I thought I'd give you a sneak peek. Obviously I went with lots of color.

2) I haven't watched reality talent/dance shows in years and years, but Megan wouldn't stop talking about The Voice, so this season we gave it a try. My gosh, now the whole family is hooked! I can't even believe the caliber of singers...they totally blow American Idol away, not to mention Blake and Adam are so ~~cute~~ fun to watch! I think Sasha is my favorite contestant. Or Michelle. No, probably Amber because she's a local girl. Who's your favorite? How many more eliminations are there? Was the show this good with CeeLo and Christina coaching?! I think no.

3) Creating gallery walls is so fun, but finding the art can be difficult...not to mention expensive. Poppytalk, one of my favorite sites for beautiful ideas, is sharing these botanicals as a free download/printable. They would make a lovely gallery wall on their own, or mix perfectly with other art.

4) Shelley at Crazy Wonderful is always coming up with gorgeous makeovers, and ingenious ideas. My laundry room is a sad little space, so I was instantly wowed by hers....I mean, she had me at the stripes. But the back wall is what stopped my scrolling finger in it's tracks. Shelley's a fan of the Scalamandre Zebra fabric and wallpaper, but not of the price. So she drew her own!! Hello, impressive. I'm not artistic enough to even draw the arrows.

5) A giant welcome to my newest sponsor, Lisa Leonard Designs! I've been a long-time fan of Lisa and her gorgeous handmade jewelry, and couldn't be more thrilled to be partnered with someone of her talent.

If you haven't yet, you definitely want to check out her collection of personalized jewelry and decor. They make the perfect gifts for brides, graduates, and teachers. Hi Sugarplum readers get 15% off all non-sale items, excluding fair trade...just use sugarplum15 at check-out!

Happy weekend, lovebugs!

{Trip Report} Florence, Italy

2013-06-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe we've been home from our Italy trip for six weeks, and I've only posted about two of the stops. I think it's my subconscious way of holding on to it...it's almost like once all the updates are done, the trip will officially be over. It definitely was an experience for the memory banks, and glorious Florence was our second stop.

The train from Venice to Florence is cheap (19 euro), fast (2 hours), and mostly in tunnels through the mountains...so a good time to nap off your ~~hangover~~ jet lag. But only a few short, walkable blocks from the train station, and you find yourself at the foot of the Grand Duomo. And I mean Grand (it holds 20,000 people).

Check out the chick behind Mr. SP in full-blown pose! Love it. However, the Mister's socks are questionable.

We can look at Renaissance art and architecture in books all day long, but until you stand in the shadow or doorway of these places, you can't comprehend the size and grandeur. That's what I was most taken with in Florence...the sheer scale of the churches and statues. It feels a bit like Alice in Wonderland...we passed through the Rabbit Hole and became tiny humans in Florence.

I painted the ceiling in Babygirl's little room, and it almost killed me. I have no idea how the Italian artists did it....but they love a fancy, painted, ornate ceiling!

And gold. They love lots and lots of gold. I was in Liberace heaven. And I challenge you to walk around with your head thrown back, and not have your mouth hanging open. Go ahead, try it now. Impossible, right? Like putting on mascara...the mouth just pops open. This has nothing to do with Florence, but gives you the mental image of what I looked like the whole time.

We aren't Catholic, but we always light a candle and say a prayer for our kids when visiting these majestic churches. Then I usually get a little teary-eyed. I know the building has nothing to do with how close you are to God, but there's no denying the spiritual connection you feel.

The downside to Florence is the crowds...and we weren't even there during peak season. Since we hadn't booked the major museums, The Ufizzi and Accademia, in advance, they were sold out of reservations for the week. What kind of European Adventure would it be if I weren't caught dozing while the Mister hits up a museum?! (Remember this?) I blame this nap on the wine and gelato.

Instead of waiting in line for hours, we spent our time wandering the streets, markets, and lesser-known exhibits.

San Lorenzo Market - huge selection of leather goods, and 3 euro scarves

Mercato Centrale - large selection of food and oils (great for gifts!), and the lunch counters can't be beat

Although hoards of people congregate around the base of the Duomo, very few seemed to climb to the top. Maybe the 463 challenging, claustrophobic, winding steps has something to do with it.

We thought the 8 euro ticket, dizzy spell, and sweaty brow, was well worth it.

The top of the Duomo gives you a great view of the city, but if you want a close-up view of the Duomo, then find a table at the La Rinascente (a department store) Rooftop Cafe. It's a little pricey, but it's the prettiest spot you've ever enjoyed a glass of wine.

I found this series of pictures on the camera...guess I really did enjoy the ~~wine~~ view. And yes it's true, wine is the same price as bottled water in Italy.

Mr. SP always makes me laugh like this, regardless of my wine consumption.

We quickly discovered Florence was about the views, so we crossed the Arno River, and hoofed it up to Piazzale Michelangeo for a stunning panoramic shot of the city.

Of course there's another cafe up there, so we nursed our over-priced drinks long enough to watch the sun set. At this point it hit us that we really were in Italy, and this was really happening.

Dusk is a magical experience in Florence. The crowds practically disappear, and you can wander the romantic, cobbled streets, watch musicians in the Piazzas, and admire the gorgeous architecture.

Ponte Vecchio

We didn't see the original David, but there are several scattered around the city, including one in the Piazza Signoria. This is a great place to sit and watch the street performers during the day, and hear musicians at night. It also contains a free open-air gallery of huge sculptures.

{Where We Stayed}

Granduomo Apartments

This small boutique hotel, is actually a cluster of six apartments.

It is literally at the base of the Duomo, but the noise disappears when you walk through the door.

The large rooms have a little kitchenette, stocked with water, juice, yogurt, fruit and granola.

Each morning you'll find a canvas bag of fresh breads hanging from your doorknob.

You'll likely squeal every time.

Florence is a fairly small city center, and this hotel is in the heart of it.

I would 100% stay here again.

{Where We Ate}

Trattoria ZaZa

After Lauren's singing praises, how could we not?!

I still haven't gotten over the Spaghetti Carbonara.

Caffe Italiano

Full of locals, and it practically glowed with ambiance.

We ate on the Pizzeria side, and devoured it.

Vivoli Geletaria

Hard to find, always busy, and totally worth it.

We had seconds. On the same visit.

Just like Venice, Florence is a tourist's town...so avoid the restaurants directly in the main squares. Walk a few blocks, and you'll find restaurants that belong in picture books.

And we really did eat gelato all day, every day.

Can you blame us?!

Florence may turn your teeth purple, but it's so worth it! Are there any favorite spots we missed? Is Italy on your Bucket List? These posts are a mix of personal scrapbook, and my attempt at providing a guide. First-hand experiences (like Lauren's) are invaluable when planning a trip. Feel free to leave any questions in the comment section, and I'll get to them, or create a post with them. Up next....the most stunning, magical, jaw-dropping spot on our trip!

Catch up on this trip:

Part 1: accidentally London

Part 2: Venice

Part 3: Burano

Happy Summer Table

2013-06-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

If you've been reading this blog for longer than 5 minutes, then you know this place setting is likely to never happen around my house. As much as I can appreciate a calm and serene vibe, I'm just too drawn to color to ever stick with an all-white palette.

Tablescape inspiration can come from virtually anywhere...and this time, I found mine from Crystal Light Liquid!

We are serious Crystal Light drinkers around here...in fact, we probably mix a new pitcher every other day. (So basically my colon is red dye #7.) The problem is, we each have our own favorite flavor, and no two are the same. The dilemma is now solved, since Crystal Light Liquid allows us to mix our own individual glass or bottle.

I took inspiration from my favorite flavor, Strawberry Lemonade, and created a happy table of red, pink and yellow.

Click through to see more details on the table, and to enter for your chance to win $100 Visa Gift Card!

I added Crystal Light Liquid to a glass of Fresca, with a squeeze of fresh lemon, for the perfect Summertime drink. Doesn't this say, 'afternoon by the pool' to you?! Don't mind if I do!

The kids each mixed their favorite flavors, then we made custom popsicles!

I'd do just about anything to see these faces!

While I can appreciate a clean, all-white place setting,

We much prefer the jazzed up version!

Where do you find color inspiration for your tables, outfits, or decor?

Tell us in the comments, and you'll be entered for a chance to
win $100 Visa Gift Card!!

See more of my Tablescapes here | And my colorful outfits here

Rules:
No duplicate comments.
You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
a) Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
b) Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the
following unique term in your tweet message: ""#SweepstakesEntry""; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post"
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d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 6/5 - 6/30.
Be sure to visit the Crystal Light page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Joy & Revelry Style Challenge

2013-06-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

The coolest and most unexpected perk of blogging for me, has been the friends that I've made online. Some I've met in person, but most I haven't. And let's be honest, I probably never will. It's not like I can travel to every city of the country (or world!). Courtney of Courtney OutLoud, is an exception.

I know at some point we will meet. If he called me today and said he'd be in town, I wouldn't hesitate to ~~book his hotel~~ invite him to stay with us. Somehow, we just made that connection online. I think it's a shared love of sarcasm. Whatever it is, I'm so thrilled for all is successes...including his newest venture with Joy & Revelry.

So I jumped at the chance to play along with his White Box Challenge! I received this really unique gold bowl, and was challenged to create a stylish vignette around it.

It looked great in virtually every spot in my house, but I finally settled on the mantel. I love how the gold pops against the black, and ties in with the mirror.

I'm a big fan of mixing metals and textures, so I love the combination of gold with the silver candlesticks, and the glamorous finish of the bowl, paired with the natural elements of Magnolia stems and driftwood.

Nevermind that my candles are crooked.

The cool thing about Joy & Revelry, is it's not just another flash-sale site. They have hand-selected designers like Courtney Lake, Paloma Contreras, Bryn Alexandra, Rue Magazine and others, to curate weekly collections of beautiful and unique items. Within the curated collections, the designers explain exactly why they chose the items they did, and help give you ideas on how to incorporate them into your home. It's like getting an interior designer's advice on your decorating purchases!

Use code COL_WHITEBOX_10 for 10% off your total purchase, from any of the storefronts, until August 1, 2013.

Check out how the other bloggers styled their vignettes, too!

BluLabel Bungalow | Tomorrow

A Thoughtful Place | Thursday

Have you shopped Joy & Revelry yet? Do you like mixing metals and textures? I know from experience that cut Magnolia stays green for over a month, but do you think the flower bud will bloom?!

{Outfit Inspiration} Pink & Orange

2013-06-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well, was that the fastest weekend ever, or what!? Ours was full of baseball, pool party, and a date night...we hardly came inside! It was so nice, but flew so fast.

Not only do the warmer temperatures allow me to finally ditch the black tights, but I get to bring out the brights! You're probably thinking, 'I've never actually seen her wear neutrals?!' Which is true, but my colors are a little more subdued in cooler months....not true now!

I don't think a brighter outfit exists...but that's just how I like it! Not only did I pair checks and floral, but bright orange and pink.Oh yeah, and a touch of blue. The skirt ties all the colors together, and even though the top is patterned, it still wears like a single color.

Just as I predicted, these wedges have been in constant rotation. They are so comfy and seem to go with just about everything! I love flat sandals, but I love what a heel does for my legs and height even more.

It's impossible to not feel happy when wearing this cheerful combination! Are you a fan of pink and orange? Are you wearing a lot more brights now? See my other outfits with this skirt here and here, and my other Pink & Orange outfit here. Oh, and the other time I paired Checks & Florals here.

{Outfit Details}

I link to the actual item whenever possible, but I've had most of my clothes for ages.

In those cases, I try to link something similar, too.

{Top Ten} May

2013-05-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

Somehow, without me even realizing it, May has completely whizzed by! How is tomorrow already June 1st?! I hope the Summer doesn't fly by as quickly as the first half of the year...I want to savor every last second of it! I can't wait to show you some exciting projects in June, but in case you dozed off, here's a recap of the Top Ten posts for May.

I can't believe it's been a month since we came home from Italy. I'm ready to go back! I last shared the charming island of Burano, and ~~hopefully~~ soon I'll get my act together and finish the {Trip Reports} for Florence, Cinque Terre and Milan! You won't want to miss them.

I dressed up a plain mason jar with an Etched Monogram. It was the perfect Teacher Appreciation gift.

Summer means houseguests...here's how I prepare.

I'm obsessed with all the uses for these caddies...including as a Teacher's Essentials Gift!

I paired Spots & Stripes, and showed you real-life behind the camera of my {Outfit Inspiration} posts.

We're serious about our coffee, and keeping it stylishly organized.

I DIYed a monogrammed doormat and revived the sad door hardware for a quickie Front Porch Makeover.

We're turning our organization to the garage, starting with the Spraypaint.

Things got a little saucy with Hot Pink & Leopard.

And my favorite project of the month, is hands-down the pink walls and red ceiling in the Dining Room!

What was your favorite project? Are you tackling any new ones? Happy weekend, lovebugs!

New around here? Catch up with these {Top Tens}

January | February | March | April

Project Gallery

* * * * *

I'd also like to welcome Quality Bath as a renewing sponsor!

Their support allows us to produce this many projects every month...so go check them out!

Spruced Up Porch

2013-05-29T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm still slowly working my way through the To-Do Lists in the house (Living, Dining, and Family Rooms), but with the weather so nice, I'm turning my attention outside, too. The front porch has been neglected for several months, so it was time for a spruce-up this weekend! After a few simple DIY projects, we are ready to welcome guests again.

I'm still crazy about this monogrammed coir mat (from Ballard), but after a full year outside in the elements, it was really faded and tired.

Instead of investing in a new one, I followed Freckles Chick's lead, and painted it! Using black Patio Paint (found at craft stores), I brushed and dabbed it over the existing letter and border.

Keep reading to see the mat makeover, and how to rejuvenate tired old door hardware.

Such a simple project, even my helper pitched in. It took us about 30 minutes, and after curing for 72 hours, the paint is weather-resistant and self-sealing.

Looks brand new, right?!

Next up was the sad-looking door hardware. I'd love new door knobs and locks, but those things are ex-pen-sive! I'm not really interested in dropping hundreds of dollars for a freaking door knob?! Not to mention, we'd probably destroy the door trying to get these old ones out.

Just like this project and this mirror, Rub 'n' Buff gold leaf came to the rescue! Now the knobs have a new, polished brass look. I used a q-tip for the hard to reach nooks and crannies. TWSS

After that, I gave the doors a good washing, and planted a couple of ferns. Kimberly Queens are my favorite...they stand tall and don't grow too wide or get droopsy.

What kind of a good Southern girl would I be if I didn't have ferns on my porch?!

I had a hankering to re-paint the door a new color, but ~~got lazy~~ decided I liked how it coordinated with the red accents we've got going on inside (I'm talking you, red ceiling.).

Here's a little Before & After for you junkies.

Look at that hardware and doormat shine!

Have you scraped the Winter off your porch yet? What's your favorite front porch plant? You're totally eying your old door hardware now, aren't you?!

Easy Teacher Gift: Essentials Kit

2013-05-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hi friends! I hope you enjoyed the long weekend as much as we did! The kids are literally counting down the days until Summer Break...and thanks to Memorial Day, there is only one more Monday! I wish I were a teacher and had the Summers off, but truth is, there is no way I would keep my cool working with a bunch of kids every day. I think teachers have a direct path to Heaven, and I'm so grateful to those who teach.

As excited as they are for the break, my kids are really going to miss the amazing teachers they had this year. Since many teachers dip into their own pockets for supplies, I thought a little kit of classroom/desk essentials would be a helpful Teacher Gift.

Since making this Earring Caddy, I've been obsessed with all the uses for these type of organizers. And this one, intended for beads, is only $2 at Michaels!

As an added accent, I first looped a ribbon around the lid, securing it in place with glue dots.

Then covered the top with decorative paper. This paper is double-sided, so it looks cute when the lid is open, too.

You could go hog-wild decorating the lid, but I prefer to keep things simple. And of course everything is cuter with a monogram...so I glued little chip letters to the corner.

The lid snaps closed on it's own, so the bow is just decoration.

Then comes the fun part...filling the little compartments with colorful office supplies. (Note to self: Use clear tape on the lid next time!)

These compartments aren't adjustable, so I had to get creative. I did cut one of the dividers out to make room for the hand sanitizer. Babygirl's teacher loves chocolate, so I threw some Kisses in, along with a cute pair of earrings. I consider chocolate and jewelry to be essentials!

All supplies from Target, and earrings from World Market.

Bright, cheery and useful...not to mention easy...that's the formula for a perfect gift!

What are you gifting your teachers with this school year? It doesn't have to be big, crafty or expensive...just something that lets them know they are appreciated. Do we have any readers that are teachers? Share in the comments your favorite things to receive!

Here are a few other Teacher Gift ideas:

Easy Teacher Gift

Chalkboard Mug/Teacher Gift

Easy Teacher Gifts

DIY Sharpie Mug

Monogrammed Etched Jar

InLinkz.com

Super Sales

2013-05-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Memorial Day weekend, friends! This is the time we pay our respect to those who fight for our freedom, but the retail stores celebrate by having gigantic sales! In case you're taking a break from the sun, and spending a little time with your laptop...I thought I'd share some of the amazing sales with you. Yay for holiday shopping weekends!

C.Wonder is offering 25% off your full-price order of $100, no code needed. Also, take an extra 50% off sale items with code SALE50. I love this Starfish Stacked Ring and Striped Boatneck Tee.

The Half-Yearly sale for Women and Kids is going on at Nordstrom. Does anyone even come close to their customer service and easy return policy?! Seriously, they are the best. Those yellow wedge sandals I posted about here are included!

Click here for the full listing of sales....

The Friday Five

2013-05-24T07:00:00.000-05:00

How about a Hoody-Hoo for the long weekend!? I've got cook-outs, pool time and Summer dresses on the brain this Friday.

1) I pinned this dress from Forever 21 last week, then immediately had to order it. It appeared to be the perfect Summer dress...bright colors, light fabric, easily dressed up or down...and cheap! Unfortunately, it's not so cute in person. Unbelted it looks like a mumu, and belting it didn't help much either. Not to mention, the armholes are so big you can see all the lady bits up top. Total bummer, but back to the store it goes.

Natalie is a genius at flushing out the good stuff from Forever 21, so I ordered this one too, after she posted it. It looks pretty high-end in person, and the details are impressive for the price. The Love 21 line is cut more for women (as opposed to juniors), so I tried both an XS and S. One fits great on top, but the other is better on bottom TWSS. What do you think, is it a keeper? Which size looks best?

2) Now that we're spending more time outdoors, I'm excited to pull this DIY Fedora back out! Are you a hat person?

3) My parents are moving soon, and gifting us with their super-duper, mac-daddy grill (their down-sizing means new stuff for us!). I'm not a good griller, but I'm determined to master Martha's BBQ Chicken this weekend. I think I'll add Shay's Corn Salad, or Sheaffer's Black Bean Salad to the menu. Or better yet, I'll invite them over and they can bring both!

4) I'll provide the rafts and a cute Patriotic Table like this one from last year. That sounds fair, don't you think?

5) Occasionally I get asked if I help design spaces for other people. I'm much too chicken for that, and who in their right mind would want their house to look like ~~mine~~ a box of Crayolas?! The one place that much color and pattern is universally accepted, is in Kid's Rooms. Those are my absolute favorite to create, too. Kirsten has partnered with Land of Nod for this fabulous series, and I've been devouring every post. I know my kids will want some changes to their rooms as they get older, so I'm gathering all these great ideas.

What's on the agenda for you? Have you found any great Summer dresses? What about grilling tips? Happy long weekend, lovebugs!

{Outfit Inspiration} Hot Pink & Leopard

2013-05-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for your comments on our new Dining Room colors! I know they are bold, and certainly not everyone's cup-of-tea, but they make us happy. And isn't that what's most important when designing your home...creating a space that reflects you, and makes you feel comfortable and happy? As cliche as it sounds, I want our home to be a haven for us.

Today's {Outfit Inspiration} takes a break from pattern mixing, but is no less bold. Home and closet...I just can't help myself! I'm drawn to vibrant colors and patterns!

I have a small waist, but fuller hips and bootay, so virtually all my skirts and dresses are an A-line silhouette. The rare exception is when I find a pencil skirt with enough stretch to fit curves, and is thick enough to not pull and pucker. (These are my favorites.)

Someone get that girl some self-tanner! And a comb.

The pink top is so vibrant, the skirt actually becomes a neutral in this outfit. That's one of my favorite things about leopard...it goes with virtually every color. (See my take with with kelly green here.)

I piled on a few necklaces to get a chunkier look. The leather wrap bracelet is from my sweet friend, Courtney.

What's your favorite color to pair with leopard? Have you let your legs out for the Summer yet?

{Outfit Details}

I link to the actual item whenever possible, but I've had most of my clothes for ages.

In those cases, I try to link something similar.*

*Some links contain affiliates.

The Best Part of Waking Up

2013-05-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

Recently, Folgers asked me to talk about my morning routine, and I realized that on a perfect day, it revolves around coffee and music. I'm not exactly what you'd call a morning person. I'm not a grouch or anything, but I need a little time before the family can start with the rapid-fire questions and requests.

For a weekday morning, that means I hole myself up in the bathroom while I get ready, with only the radio to keep me company. That usually lasts a few short minutes before a little person barges in. Then it's a mad dash to feed the kids, drop them at school, and get to work on time. Coffee doesn't even come into the picture until I've been up for a few hours...and even then, it's office coffee. Not exactly a relaxing or leisurely morning routine!

But once the weekend rolls around, I'm singing a different tune in the morning. Mr. Sugarplum is pretty serious about his coffee, and I'm pretty serious about cute trays...so we keep all the morning coffee essentials corralled on a cute Ikea tray.

Beans are stored in a sealable jar, and a tea canister brought back from this trip holds sweetener (it happens to have my initials). This little set-up makes me smile every time, and I love that it keeps the counters organized.

Then I escape to the new backyard patio, with my iTunes, newspaper, and favorite mug.

Mr. Sugarplum used to be a professional musician, and even though he doesn't do it for a living anymore, there is always music playing in our home. He even made up a song about coffee we sing as a joke.

Reheat my coffaaaay,
Pour me some love.
Add a pinch of sugar, baby,
and french vanill-uuuuh!

I should enter him in the Folgers Jingle Contest...then every morning could be a weekend. You know the person who wrote, "The best part of waking up, is Folgers in your cup!" retired on that jingle! #cha-ching (You're welcome for getting that stuck in your head all day.)

You can listen to the Top 10 Finalists in Folgers' Jingle Contest, and vote on the best. Cast your vote once every day through June 19th, and you could win free Folgers Coffee, iTunes® gift cards, signed CDs from Gavin DeGraw (you know I love me some Gavin!!), and even a $10,000 Grand Prize!

What's your morning routine like? Does it involve coffee and music? Is the Folgers jingle now stuck in your head?! Do you think my Mister missed his calling as a jingle writer?!?

Official rules found here.

neighbors

2013-05-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

The love and war between Texas and Oklahoma dates back to the early 1900s. It's a rivalry as old as College Football. And while there is no love lost between the two states during the annual Red River Rivalry, during times such as these, Oklahoma is undoubtedly, our beloved neighbor.

We've made the short trip across it's border countless times, to visit friends and explore. I wish we were with those friends now. My heart aches for the communities, neighborhoods, and families impacted by this devastating storm, and my thoughts and prayers are with them.

via

{How to Help}

Make a donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief fund, or give blood at a local branch.

Text "redcross" to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

Family pets and animals are also severely impacted. Donate to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society.

The Salvation Army and Oklahoma Disaster Relief are delivering food and disaster response to victims and are accepting financial help.

Text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts.

{Dining Room} Pink! There It Is!

2013-05-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

You guys didn't disappoint when I offered up our Dining Room wall color to your vote, and I can't thank you enough for your great feedback! After a family vote, and a Pinterest consultation, we went with my original plan, but gave it a kick in the pants!

Oh yes, we did!! We painted the walls pink and the ceiling red! If you've read this blog for more than a week, then you know we are not afraid of color (hello, navy bathroom and green door!). And, in this instance, all we had to lose was the cost of two gallons of paint. The Dining Room had come a long way (see before shots here), but it lacked energy, and that little something-something special.

Now there's no putting this baby in a corner.

The room positively glows, and the ceiling adds the unexpected touch I love in a room, not to mention, a big dose of energy.

I could marry this ceiling, I love it so much. The red (Sherwin-Williams 'Showstopper' in flat finish) is the perfect masculine counterpoint to the pink, and keeps the room from being prissy, or too sweet. What I didn't anticipate, though, is how much pinker and more intense it would make the walls.

First, the painter rolled the pink walls (Sherwin-Williams 'Verbena' in satin finish), and it matched the paint strip exactly. We clapped, and patted ourselves on the back for choosing the perfect sophisticated, barely-there, pale pink. (By 'we,' I mean me.)

But after the red went on the ceiling (only needed two coats...Sherwin-Williams paint gives the best coverage!), I walked in and literally gasped. First at how much I loved the red. Then at how much pinker the walls had become. I think it's absolutely gorgeous, but it's not exactly the subtle pink I was going for. I'll live with it awhile before making any decisions, but right now I'm a little nervous. And funny enough, Mr. Sugarplum and our son LOVE the whole combination...and want the pink to stay as-is!

I love how the red ceiling ties to the Entrance Hall rug, and all the red accents throughout the Dining and Living Rooms.

Yikes! Those yellow undertones in the Entrance Hall need painting, fo sho.

And the pink ties in with the Living Room bookshelves and rug. See, there was sort of a method to my madness!

The blacks and golds look more bold and glamorous now, and the wood tones even richer. The room positively glows...like you're sitting inside a shell, or a genie lamp.

The wall color intensity changes, depending on the light and time of day. Sometimes I love it more than Fritos. Other times, I'm not so sure.

But there's no denying the impact two gallons of paint made on the room!

This fancy Dining Room makeover is almost complete! What do you think?!

(Check out all the handy Sherwin-Williams Color Selection Tools that can help you with your home makeover.)

Dining Room List

(click on each link to see the project)

Moodboard Plans

Attempt to Makeover Existing Chandelier

Replace the Chairs

Replace Chandelier

First Round of Sideboard Lamps

DIY Gold-Lined Lampshades

New Drapes

~~New Wall Color~~

Brighter Rug

Address Knob Situation on Sideboard

What to do with the Piano?

Repair Piano Leg

Piano Bench Makeover

Replace Lampshade on Piano

Wall Art?

For a chance to win a $100 Sherwin-Williams gift card, let us know what you think about this makeover, or what room you would like to make over in your home!

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for entering!

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 5/20/2013-6/10/2013.

Be sure to visit the Sherwin-Williams brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

The Friday Five

2013-05-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

I think it's safe to say that warm temperatures are here to stay! This is my very favorite time of year in Texas, while it's warm enough to enjoy the perpetual sunshine, but not so hot that you seek shelter in the air-conditioning. The impending Summer season is a big influence for today's Friday Five.

1) My girl, Chassity, declares the Sam Edelman Gigi as the perfect sandal. I've seen them on countless celebrities, and I've heard they are super comfortable and hold up well season after season, so I'd have to agree. I'm cuckoo for the Zebra & Gold combination.

Zebra & Gold | Black | Citrine & Cork

Tangerine | Snake & Leopard | Leopard

But Target just released a Sam & Libby version that looks reeeeeallly similar. They are only $25, so for the same price as one pair of Sam Edelman's, I could get two pairs of these. Hmmmmm. They're only available online, so I haven't tried them on. Have you seen them in person?

Leopard & Black | Snake & Pink
Aqua & Tan | Citrine & Cork

2) How gorgeous is this banquette? Well done, World Market!

3) I mentioned getting a Clarisonic Mia for Mother's Day, and loved hearing how passionate so many of you are about yours! I've only been using it for a week, but I'm already totally ~~obsessed~~ hooked. I did a lot of research and shopped around before pulling the trigger, and am really happy with this one on Amazon for under $100.

4) I'm super excited to be participating in Pottery Barn's latest Mystery Box Challenge! It's a "friendly competition" (please, they have no idea how competitive I am!) between five bloggers to create a 'Summer Sips Cocktail Party'. I posted this image on InstaGram (@cassiesugarplum) this week to announce it, and I think some people thought I was going on a Pottery Barn shopping spree!

The challenge is each of the five bloggers received the same mystery shipment, and Pottery Barn's Facebook fans will vote on who creates the best set-up with those items. We were also gifted with $50 for supplies. I'm so excited I can hardly wait tear open these boxes...the whole thing goes live next month, so I'll be sure to keep you in the loop. I'm not too proud to beg for your votes!

5) I'm thrilled to welcome Design Your Dwelling as Hi Sugarplum's newest sponsor! Beth creates custom mood boards for any room in your house, each including furniture, color scheme, lighting, flooring, window treatments and accessories. Along with the Design Board, you'll receive a full shopping list and instructions for any DIY projects. That's serious bang for your buck! She also offers 'Quick Fixes' for your design questions and dilemmas for only $25.

Thanks to sponsors like Beth for providing us with some project funding! The DIYs would be pretty sparse around here without it. Happy weekend, lovebugs!

Preparing for Houseguests

2013-05-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Hey, hey, hey! We've been busy organizing the garage the last few weekends, but with Summer break just around the corner, we'll be welcoming house guests soon, so I spruced up our spare room, too. I can't really call it a Guest Room, since it's more of a dumping ground. You know the kind of room I mean...that one you keep the door closed and pretend it's not straight out of an episode of Hoarders. Please tell me you have one of those?!?

The peeps at Command gave me further incentive to clear a walking path in the room. They challenged me to use their new products to create a welcoming space for guests.

After ~~shoving everything in the closet~~ cleaning up the clutter, I made an organized place for overnight guests to put their things. We want them to feel as comfortable in our home as they do their own

Living out of a suitcase is no fun, and neither is forgetting your toothbrush! I stocked little pails with all the essentials, and hung them from Command Brand Terrace Hooks. Guests can grab the whole pail, or just what they need, and head to the bathroom.

I added Command Brand Double Hooks so they'll have plenty of room to hang their coat, bags, etc.

The Command Brand Smart Phone Caddy is mounted nearby, and close to an outlet, so they can charge their phone or any other electronics.

And I always include fresh drinking water, magazines, and a place for jewelry at night. Flowers in a little Confetti Vase help them feel welcome and special, too.

And the great thing about these Command hooks, is they remove quickly and easily once the guests leave! So I can get back to trashing my spare room. How do you prepare for guests? What special touches do you include? What's the state of your spare room or closet?

I'm thrilled to be working with Command Brand from 3M to share with you this project I created. You can check out all their products, along with many project ideas, on the Command website, the Command Twitter page (@CommandBrand), Command Facebook page, and Command Pinterest page.

Tickled Pink

2013-05-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

I knew you guys wouldn't disappoint when I asked for your input on what color to paint our Dining Room, and I loved all your responses! But what I didn't expect, was how many of you would choose Option B...red walls and pink ceiling! Either we share an addiction to color, or you know I'm not afraid to make a bold choice. Second place was Option A...pale pink walls and red ceiling. And to be fully transparent...just as many chose Option E...and thought I'd totally lost my marbles. But that's another post entirely.

I, too, love how the Sherwin-Williams Color Visualizer illustrated the room with red walls. Like, really love it. And you know I'm not shy about color (you remember this room, don't you?). If the Dining Room were fully contained, I'd likely go for it. But with such an open floor plan, the room is basically an extension of the Living Room and Entrance Hall, and I fear the red would overpower everything and become the sole focal point. So I went back through my Pinterest board of ideas for our Dining Room...and there was a single repeating factor.

via

Room after room that made my heart flutter had pale pink walls. Pinterest boards don't lie, people! If you're pinning something over and over, there's a reason. I also read somewhere that the glow of a pink room is most flattering for people. Who doesn't want to look good in their own home?!

via

So I decided to listen to ~~Pinterest~~ my heart. But I also can't deny the power this photo has over me.

via

I'd better decide quick, the painter will be here Friday! Follow me on InstaGram (@cassiesugarplum) or Facebook for sneak peeks. Why do I suddenly feel nauseous?! It's just paint!

{Field Trip} CB2

2013-05-14T08:30:00.000-05:00

This isn't a real and true Field Trip, since I'm not actually touring the brick-and-mortar CB2. But that's only because there's not one in my area! If there were, I'd be field-tripping more than my wallet could handle! CB2 is the younger, hipper, (and most importantly) more affordable cousin of Crate & Barrel. I can always rely on them for cool lighting, furniture, and home accessories. Now they've sweetened the pot by partnering up with Robert and Cortney Novogratz...the husband-wife designer dream team...for a CB2 and Novogratz Collection.

The fearless and colorful collection is inspired by the Novogratz's Brazilian home. (Total side note, but how cool are you to say, 'My house in Brazil.' Which not only indicates you have multiple houses, but that you're lucky enough to have one of them in Brazil!! Think they'd want to adopt a grown woman?!)

I could live in a house full of these pieces. How about you? The Dupla Credenza is my favorite, but the Figueira Swing Chair would be fun for the backyard.

The Novogratz aren't likely to adopt me, but there is a chance me and 3 friends could win a one-week stay in their Brazilian vacation home! Or a $100 CB2 gift card!

Just enter the CB2 and Novogratz Brasil Sweepstakes before June 3rd for your chance!

Follow CB2 on their social media channels for more updates on this Brazil trip of a lifetime.

Twitter: @CB2Tweets | Pinterest: CB2 | Facebook: CB2

But if you win, you have to take me. What's your favorite piece from the new collection?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of CB2 for SocialSpark.
All opinions are 100% mine. Duh.