The Swede Records

DIY Glitter Mason Jars

2012-01-26T16:06:00.000-08:00

I never get tired of looking at creative office spaces and I have been doing a whole lot of it on Pinterest lately as I am currently setting up my own work space at my new home. My goal is to keep the office supplies on my desk to a minimum which allows the space and creativity to flow but also making sure to incorporate inspirational eye catchers on the wall. Finally, I'd like to add a few colors that really pop, a great marriage of function and style.

I thought the ever popular Mason Jars would be perfect for the top of the desk. My stash is ever growing and with my love for glitter, it's the perfect addition of color with the added bonus of functionality.

The project itself was very simple, did not take long at all, and the only supplies needed were glitter paint and mini circular sponges. I found both at Michael's and used Martha Stewart's line which I find to be the best quality.

I painted the glass by dabbing the glitter around the jar evenly using 3 coats (waiting 30 minutes in between each coat).

Here, I simply used a cupcake stencil for the heart Mason Jar.

Et voila! The perfect desk accessories. I will be adding another DIY project for the wall above my desk so stay tuned for the final look!

Shit People Say in Los Angeles

2012-01-25T00:53:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to get enough of all the "Shit Girls Say" spin-offs that are going viral on Youtube. Some are good, some are bad, some are SPOT ON but I would say this one is one of my favorites. This goes out to all my LA girls.

P.S. I may or may not be working with a couple of Youtube folks on one of our own ;-)

Laguna

2012-01-18T00:00:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, Jonas, my parents, and I headed down to Laguna with his folks who are in town from Sweden. It was such a gorgeous day. We took a walk down to Treasure Island Beach and then had drinks at the Montage. The Montage is a beautiful, very upscale beachfront hotel that still has a beach vibe because of the incredible craftsman style architecture.

Laguna Beach truly is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here are some shots I took on my iPhone. When I have days like these, I remember why I will never want to settle down anywhere else than California.

Golden Fashion

2012-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

I wasn't going to watch the Golden Globes ~~because Ryan Gosling wasn't there~~, ~~because Leo never wins,~~ ~~because sometimes I want to punch Angelina in the face~~ but I couldn't resist the Red Carpet fashion coverage and then Ricky Gervais came out so I ended up watching the whole show. It's of course good motivation for me as well when they present best screenplay...one day. ;-)

Did you guys like the show? I thought Ricky Gervais was unusually tame. I didn't see many of the movies that were up for Best Picture either (which I most definitely have to do before the Oscars) so my heart wasn't really into any particular category. I was really excited that Modern Family won but my 2 dissapointments of the night: Leo not winning (again) nor Rooney Mara (the Girl with the Dragon tattoo).

Here were my favorite dresses of the night

What did you guys think?

images via

And so it begins...

2012-01-10T01:20:00.000-08:00

This year is already proving itself to be one of the busiest. Jonas's parents are in town visiting from Sweden so I haven't had time to blog but I did partner up this weekend & had a blast shooting another blogger photo shoot (some shots from my iPhone below). I also accepted a new job offer today with an amazing company that I am so excited to work with. Needless to say, I am already loving 2012. Oddly enough, I feel like the busier I am...the more I get done. :-) Speaking of which, I have a lot of fun DIY projects coming your way!

Shoot with Grasie, Carlyn, & David.

2011 Recap

2012-01-05T03:01:00.000-08:00

2011 was an awesome year for Jonas & I. I reached a lot of personal ~~resolutions~~ goals, traveled the whole summer, and made some incredible new friends in our new city. I truly have so much to be grateful for and I am so thankful for all the incredible people in my life. This year was the year of weddings, we attended a total of 8 weddings and 4 of which I was in. Nuts.

Here are some highlights of my year...

:: Spent a week in NYC ::

:: Enjoyed a summer in Sweden ::

:: Spent a week in Florida for Liza's Bachlorette Party ::

:: Celebrated the Swede & my 1 year anniversary in Palm Springs ::

:: Participated in my 3rd Bay to Breakers ::

:: Carved our names in a tree on the Island where Jonas proposed ::

:: Partied in Vegas for my sister's 21st birthday ::

:: Moved to Santa Monica ::

:: Joined forces with the best business partner ever ::

:: Joined the Made by Girl team ::

I can’t wait to sit down, write out my goals, and fully detail what I want to make happen in 2012. Cheers to new memories and a fresh new start!

New Years Eve

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone! It was nice to take some time away from the blog during the Holidays but I've already started working on some fun DIY's.

This NYE, we celebrated with our close friends with an intimate party at home. It was so nice to skip on the pricey drinks, extensive crowds, and sloppy drunks. We did however enjoy dressing up, pouring ourselves doubles, and singing/dancing like true gangsters to "Gangster's Paradise." I am surely grateful for good friends in our new city. I didn't end up taking any pictures on my camera but here are some shots from my iPhone.

Cheers to 2012!

Christmas

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Holiday weekend! The Swede and I enjoyed a 70 degree Christmas down in Orange County with family and friends. Incredible food was eaten, presents were opened, laughter all throughout the house and in a flash it was over. It's always daunting thinking about how long we prepare for the holiday and it vanishes in the blink of an eye.

Luckily we all have New Years Eve coming up. :-) 2012 is a year I am most looking forward to... Here are a few pics from our weekend.

:: DIY Orange Pomander Balls I made for Made by Girl ::

:: Christmas iPhone shots ::

:: Parents house all lit up for Christmas ::

:: Swedish Gingerbread ::

:: Christmas Eve Sunset in OC ::

San Francisco Weekend

2011-12-20T23:25:00.000-08:00

Ever since we moved from San Francisco to LA, we've been back to SF at least once per month. Even though I'm quite content in LA, I do miss my friends and the beautiful city. San Francisco is especially alluring around Christmas time too. Here are some pictures from this past weekend...

:: Puppy chillin in the Marina ::

:: Christmas Decorations in the Financial District ::

:: Walk of shame-r who forgot her shoe ::

:: Mosto Tequila Bar in the Mission ::

:: View front Penthouse Balcony at the Fairmont Hotel ::

:: iPhone shots from Camilla's wedding ::

Friday Favs

2011-12-16T00:09:00.000-08:00

The Swede and I are off to San Francisco for Camilla and Damir's wedding. It's been a crazy week so I'm looking forward to a fun weekend with friends in my old neighborhood. I cannot believe that Christmas is next weekend! Confession: I haven't even begun my Christmas shopping, please tell me I'm not the only one. Here are my Fridays Favs...

Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Favorites just purchased on Shoe Dazzle

Kelli's adorable DIY costume for baby Rylee

Camilla and Damir's gorgeous engagement pictures

{So excited for their wedding}

The perfect holiday dresses from Asos

DIY project I'm working on

DIY Statement Necklace

2011-12-14T15:09:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned last month, I joined the Made by Girl team as a DIY contributor. Today, one of my DIY Statement necklaces is featured. You can check it out here!

Sh*t Girls Say

2011-12-14T08:44:00.000-08:00

This video speaks for itself. I must have watched it 10 times. This video also confirms how much of a girl I am. If you haven't seen it already...you're welcome. ;-) Now I can't wait for the next episode!

Chevron Bar Cart

2011-12-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

I love to entertain at my home and especially enjoy throwing a good cocktail party. Lately, I've been looking for a particularly polished bar cart but haven't found any online that don't cost an arm and leg. Lucky for me, my parents cleaned out their garage and I found this office utility cart. I decided to paint it with a bold orange color, I then added the white chevron stripes for a cool mod aesthetic look.

Next on the agenda...stocking this cart with glassware, chic coasters, and fancy liquor. Stay tuned!

Hey Boy Hey

2011-12-09T01:26:00.000-08:00

I used to think that men were the hardest to shop for but after being with the Swede for nearly 9 years, I no longer find that to be true. It obviously helps when you are with someone for such a long time but I'm beginning to realize that guys are pretty simple. Don't over think it this Christmas. They will pretty much like anything you get them if you just put a little thought, time, and effort into it. I always try to subtly ask Jonas before the Holidays what he needs or wants and by the time Christmas comes along, he forgets about it. :-) Here is a quick list of 10 gifts that you may want to consider getting your main squeeze this Christmas...

1. Wooden MacBook Skin
2. Skateboard Chalkboard - DIY
3. Ted Baker Man Purse
4. First Season of Happy Endings on DVD
5. iPod Shuffle
6. Ray Bans Wayfarer Sunglasses
7. Cuban Cigars
8. Wireless iPhone Mobile Speaker
9. Dr. Dre Beats Headphones
10. Instagram Canvas Prints

Christmas Cosmo

2011-12-08T01:00:00.000-08:00

You really can't go wrong with a Cosmo. It's classic, delicious, and always hits the spot. When it comes to cocktails, I like to keep it simple (even around the holidays). So, instead of eggnog martinis and creamy mixers this Christmas, I thought I'd take a staple drink & just dress it up.

In this case, I added a mini candy cane (which gives it a kick of sweetness) and edible glitter stars that really stand out. They both were the perfect additions to make this classic drink, noticeably festive. If you want to go even further...you can crush candy canes, rim the martini glass with water, and dip the wet glass edge in the crushed candy.

Be sure to give the edible glitter stars a try & add them to your favorite drink. They are so fun!

Cutout sleeves

2011-12-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Because my closet here in Santa Monica is a lot smaller than the one in San Francisco, I made it a point to go through all my clothes and put the pieces I don't wear very often aside for my lil hermana (and then donate the rest to Goodwill). There were a couple tops I was debating on keeping so I ended up hanging on to them so I could have a lil fun with some scissors. Cutting out shirts is a great way to experiment the capabilities of a pair of scissors.

This type of project is truly the quintessential DIY because it is simple enough for anyone to make, you don't have to get any special supplies, and it really catches the eye. I hope you give it a go and make this hot new trend of cut outs yourself! The possibilities are endless with a shirt and a pair of scissors...

Girl Crush

2011-12-05T00:50:00.000-08:00

Do you guys watch Revenge on ABC? I really don't even watch a whole lot of TV but somehow I got HOOKED on this show. It's set in the Hampton's with addicting characters living an outrageously lavish lifestyle full of excess. The main character, played by Emily Van Camp (of Brothers & Sisters), is a woman with a more than complicated past that fuels revenge on the rich folks who destroyed her father. One by one, she plots to get even and take them down all the while making payback look pretty.

Well last week, I came across the fashion blog Ring my Bell and immediately fell in love with this girls style. As I was browsing through her site, I realized that she was one of the main actresses on Revenge! Major GIRL CRUSH. If you are not following this British bombshell, get on it! I'm literally obsessed with every single one of her outfits and I cannot believe I've only just found her blog...

via

Favs

2011-12-01T00:05:00.000-08:00

Happy December! Can you guys believe there is only 1 month left in 2011?! I feel like I just got used to signing the date with 11' at the end. I love Christmas though and all the festivities that go along with it. Jonas's parents are flying in from Sweden and my best friend in Boston is coming to visit at the end of the month. So much to look forward to! I have a fun photo shoot in Hollywood this weekend with some Bloggers and we're doing a crazy Alice in Wonderland type of theme shoot. I seriously can't wait to see how the pictures turn out.

Here are my at home favs this week...

:: 20 inch Disco Ball that arrived yesterday in the mail ::

:: Homemade Nutella :

:: Picture I found while unpacking the last of the moving boxes ::

:: Holiday Nails ::

:: Gorgeous shot on my walk home in Santa Monica ::

Crushed Ornaments

2011-11-30T01:14:00.000-08:00

A few days ago, I opened up some Christmas ornaments only to find several broken pieces at the bottom of the box. Unfortunately, the move didn't take too kindly on my vintage gold ornaments so I tried to think of a way I could salvage them. I was planning on making some of my own this year anyway so I picked up a pack of clear glass ornaments along with some glitter and colorful sequins.

As I took the sequins out to put inside, I thought I would try using the sparkly broken pieces instead. I carefully put the broken ornaments in a funnel straight into the clear ball and was pleasantly surprised with the end result. It will definitely add a unique touch to our tree and not all was wasted. :-)

His audition is better than yours

2011-11-29T02:47:00.000-08:00

I mentioned Dave on Twitter, but if you have not seen this video already...you're welcome.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T02:37:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I've been off the radar for the past few days busy with family, friends, and of course our big Green Card interview. Jonas was officially approved for his Green Card on Wednesday! We celebrated by taking 50 shots of vodka, screaming out all the state names for each shot, and then ran around the neighborhood singing the Star Spangled Banner with American flags wrapped around us. You know...a pretty standard evening. Ok fine, we actually just went out for tacos.

It was actually pretty funny sitting in the waiting room watching all the other couples go through for their interviews. There was one couple in particular who CLEARLY only got married for a green card. But then again, who am I to judge? I obviously married the Swede for his sweet dance moves I didn't take my camera with me this weekend but it was kinda nice not worrying about taking a bunch of pictures. Here are just a few I snapped on my iPhone. Have a great week everyone!

Gift giving

2011-11-22T02:26:00.000-08:00

We all know buying gifts for people around the holidays can be challenging. My family has always been great about not putting the focus on presents and trying to donate our money and time. As us kids got older, instead of purchasing every single person in our family a gift (we have a big family), we would make personalized ones and also paired up into teams to put on a comedy show for the family on Christmas Day. Hours of entertainment : )

Of course I still like to buy gifts for friends and even though girls are usually easier to shop for then guys, I still get stumped on what to purchase for my leading ladies. Here are a few ideas I put together that I think both you and your friends will love. I will make sure to post some last minute gift ideas as Christmas gets closer and include suggestions for the boys too!

1. Sephora by OPI Holiday Glitters

2. Peace Sign Bottle Stopper

3. Classic Carrie Personalized Name Necklace

4. Cambridge Satchel

5. Pandora Ad-free membership

6. Crystal Head Vodka

7. Made by Girl BFF Bracelet

8. Chalkboard vase

9. Coco Mademoiselle Perfume

Made by girl

2011-11-21T00:03:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to announce that I will be joining the Made by Girl team as a DIY contributor! It truly was such an honor to have been chosen by Jen. She is such an inspiration not only as a talented designer but as a driven entrepreneur. For those of you who are new to Jen's work, make sure to visit her website and check out her incredible artwork as well. My DIY projects will be featured on Made by Girl bi-monthly starting next month so definitely check back as I will be linking up the posts.

Happy Thanksgiving week!

Image via Jen's Cocoa and Hearts

Thanksgiving place cards

2011-11-18T00:52:00.000-08:00

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, all I can think about is the spread of amazing traditional recipes that that my Mom & Aunt put together for the family. It's hands down the best meal of the year.

While delicious food is always essential, it's also nice to add a little personal touch to the Thanksgiving table. Place cards are not only festive and inviting, but also completely functional. Here are some DIY place settings that I put together hassle-free and all in just a few minutes. I hope these inspire you to make something fun for your table this year!

:: Cinnamon sticks ::

:: Gold tipped pine cones ::

:: Indian corn ::

:: Gala apple :

:: Mini pumpkin with tea light ::

Favs

2011-11-16T00:00:00.000-08:00

We have been in our new apartment in Santa Monica for about 3 weeks and our office is still completely filled with moving boxes. In my defense, we have been out of town every weekend and will be traveling once again on Thursday until Sunday. With a calendar full of guests already scheduled to visit, I need to get this place in top shape and asap. What I can't seem to decide on is our kitchen table. I'm looking for a long rustic wood table that can seat up to 8 people. I've been eyeing this beauty from Restoration Hardware but I'm not crazy about the price. Anybody suggest any sites for these type of tables? Despite our home being in a state of disarray, I've managed to put together a few pieces around our home that really stand out.

Here are my at home favs this week...

:: I carry your heart jewelry tray ::

:: Purchased zebra painting ::

:: New wine rack ::

:: Wine cork holder ::

:: Candles in our jacuzzi bath ::