laurendy

triggers

2021-06-15T10:58:00.000-04:00

• • • Note: depression is hard core. I've been saving this in the draft folder, hoping and praying that I could post something design/home related first. But depression is taking it's toll, and I'm not really functioning at the moment. I am a place holder in my own life. • • •

It's weird what things trigger the pain.

The first time I left work once it was over and I don't live in that direction any more.

Absent mindedly picking up something for the kids while in target and then wondering if you will have a chance to ever give it to them.

Hiding your tears in the grocery store because you don't remember how to shop for just one person anymore.

The missed moments with his kids are the worst. Friday afternoon rolls around and I'm not going to pick them up. . . celebrating a passed exam and finished school year. All the little moments you take for granted, they cut at you when don't have them anymore.

a new start

2021-06-08T11:05:00.001-04:00

Thirteen years ago, over Memorial Day weekend, I put an offer in on a little house with lots of potential. This year, over Memorial Day weekend, I moved back into that house.

At almost 40, I'm having to start over, and it really, really, really sucks.

I am broken. I hurt more than I ever thought possible and I am lost.

I don't know how this blog will evolve, or even if it will, but right now I need a place to where I can let everything out.

for the wall

2016-03-25T13:13:00.003-04:00

Kevin Russ, Cloudy Horse Head | The Nectar Collective, No Bad Days

Kevin Russ, Foggy Rainer Camper | Sarah Eisenlohr, Print

Urban Dreams Photography, Palm Springs Dino

2015 in Review

2015-12-29T10:45:00.001-05:00

Hey, guess what - I'm still here (though I doubt that I have any readers left).

2015 is the year that I got fed up with Comcast, cut the internet cord, still tried to run a blog, got the wind knocked out of me by life and gave up. . .

I let myself wallow in self pity and doubt. . .

2015 is also the year I threw myself whole heartedly into silver smithing. Losing myself in metal and stone saved me this year. I am going to continue to pursue my love of molten metal and squeeze in as many craft shows as I can. . .

What that means for the blog, I don't yet know. My love of design and decor has not dissipated. I still have a gutteral reaction when I see a piece of beautifully designed furniture and the urge to share an awesome find remains.

I'll figure out 2016 as it comes and I hope to see you on the flip side.

For the Cool Cats

2015-07-24T09:00:00.000-04:00

How awesome is this crazy cat scratching post / climbing thingy! It's freakin' Tetris for cats!! Seriously, it's called Katris Block Modular Furniture! I'm pretty sure I hear Elsie saying "buy this for me, please".

Chairish Mix n Chic Style Challenge

2015-07-22T14:33:00.000-04:00

So when I got an email from Chairish about taking part in their Mix n Chic Style Challenge, I was all "I'M IN!" The challenge was to put together a moodboard incorporating some Chairish pieces into a shabby chic design. . . So shabby chic isn't exactly in my wheelhouse, but I figured I could put my spin on it.

Without further ado, my take on Shabby Chic living room design –

You start with a neutral base, add touch of floral, some natural material, a bit of metal, and a few pops of color and then BOOM, you've got Modern Boho Shabby Chic à la Laurendy.

Mirror, Chair, Wicker Lamps - Chairish

Moroccan Leather Ottoman | Queen Anne's Lace Bud Vase | Nickel Coffee Table

Turquoise Desert Art | Ceramic Jewel Object | Authentic Juju Hat

Rattan Box Set | Tufted Sofa Sleeper | Nolan Side Table

Chairish Oh Joy! Petal Pusher Wallpaper | Naples Sphere | Gypsy Chandelier

fine print: I participated in this challenge because of my never ending love of moodboards, all options are my own and I did not receive any compensation for this post.

You've Got Options: Round Industrial Bookshelf

2015-07-20T15:38:00.002-04:00

Anthropologie $1,298 | World Market $380

While the Anthropologie bookshelf has better legs, you can't beat the price of the World Market piece. . . Seriously you get the same look for $918 less if you don't mind the spider-legs (which I don't).

Boho Bedroom Inspiration

2015-07-08T12:33:00.002-04:00

Speaking of rooms that need to get their act together - my bedroom is crying out for a makeover. . . though does it really count as a makeover if the room was never really done to begin with? Seriously, what is it, going on seven years now and I never even hung anything on my bedroom walls.

I want to work with what I have, maybe mixing in a few new pieces here and there. What I have is a mix of modern, rustic, vintage and industrial. . . so I'm thinking boho / eclectic is my best bet, so I gathered up some boho bedroom inspiration to get me started. . .

via Delightfully Tacky | via DigsDigs | via Urban Outfitters Lookbook

via Global Knockoffs | via The Home Magazine

via rom123 | via Apartment Therapy | via Urban Outfitters Lookbook

via Urban Outfitters Lookbook

Makers Gonna Make Print Round-Up

2015-07-06T12:23:00.002-04:00

At some point I am going to have to get my forever messy craft room whipped into an actual studio (I can't keep doing metal work from my sofa). And in pure Laurendy fashion, instead of clearing out said room, I put together a round-up of free Makers Gonna Make printables.

1. from Delia Creates

2. another one from Delia Creates

3. from Raising Up Rubies

4. and one more from Delia Creates

5. from Seven Thirty Three

Clearly I'm going to have to have one of these hanging on my studio walls. . .

July New Favorites: Birthday List Edition

2015-07-01T15:59:00.004-04:00

Taking desk accessories up a level: IMM Living Pen Cup

A pretty place to plant your cacti: Boxcar Planter Set

Something fun for the walls: Minted for West Elm, Native Bison Print

A rustic place to hang your pretties: Antler Jewelry Stand

You can never have enough totes: Baggu Canvas Tote Bag

And you can never have enough pouches to shove in said totes: Tribal Blanket Cosmetic Bag

July is my birthday month, so I decided that this month's edition of New Favorites needed to feature items I wouldn't mind opening on the 11th (which, come to think of it, is pretty much true of every edition of New Favorites).

You're the Tops

2015-06-26T08:30:00.000-04:00

Never Phased Top | Horoscoping it Out Tee | Navy Endless Possibilities Tunic

Grey Endless Possibilities Tunic | Navy Yours Chill the End Top | Dots Endless Possibilities Tunic

I am in need of some new tops and being a plus-size girl I am extremely weary about ordering clothes online (I'm pretty sure I've shared this before). But I've heard really good things about Mod Cloth's plus-size options. I'm pretty sure I'm going to try one of the Endless Possibilities Tunic. . . I hoping for a sale soon.

One Place, One Space: Fun and Colorful CB2 Front Porch

2015-06-19T08:30:00.000-04:00

Wicked Wicker

2015-06-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

Wicker is cool again. . . seriously, this isn't your Great Aunt Irma's wicker chair. . .

1. Rounded Green Wicker Occasional Chair

2. Zafira Tub Chair

3. Lloyd Flanders Tobago All-Weather Wicker Ottoman

4. Swingasan Dreamcatcher

5. Pelican Cay Aluminum Settee

6. NIPPRIG 2015 Chaise Lounge

7. KASTANJENÖT Bowl

8. Wicker Club Chair

9. ALSEDA Stool

Beach Ready

2015-06-10T16:11:00.000-04:00

It has been horribly hot this past week (and its only going to get hotter), so hot that I have even begun to consider a bikini. . . It won't be pretty, but a girl can dream or at least put together a mood board.

Find all it all HERE

I call this Stevie Nicks Goes to the Beach with a Donut.

Local Love: Dandee Donut Factory

2015-06-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

With it being National Donut Day, I had to share my favorite place to get donuts - The Dandee Donut Factory in Pompano Beach. It's not far from my house, it's open 24 hours a day, and their donuts are delicious!

We're talking old school donut perfection!

Photos by Kelly Coulson Photograpy.

DIY Donut Day Tote Bag

2015-06-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Today is National Donut Day, and in honor of this glorious day I decided a donut tote bag was in order. And in true Laurendy Home fashion, this diy is super simple.

Supplies:

1 sheet of ink-jet printable iron-on transfer paper
donut graphic download (get it here)
plain canvas tote bag
iron

Now just follow directions for the iron-on transfer paper to print out the graphic on the transfer paper and then iron it onto the tote bag. . . Seriously, that's it.

Now rock that donut tote and go enjoy some actual donuts!

June New Favorites

2015-06-01T15:02:00.002-04:00

Beat Front Property Blanket | Think Less, Live More Print

Poplin Acid Wash Pillow | Jovial Jardiniere Vase Set

DIY: Wooden Bubble Gum Ball Necklace

2015-05-29T12:07:00.001-04:00

Everyone and their brother has done a painted wooden bead necklace diy (seriously, I have an entire Pinterest board of them). So I figured it was my turn.

I wanted to make one that my nieces (ages 5, 4, & 3) would be totally into, hence the Wooden Bubble Gum Ball Necklace was born.

Supplies:
3 large bubble gum ball sized wooden beads
1 smaller wooden bead
3 bottles of nail polish in bubble gum ball colors
2mm leather cord (or any beading cord if you want if you aren't into leather)
scissors

Start by painting each of the 3 large beads with a different color of nail polish. I used nail polish because it gives the beads that nice shiny bubble gum ball look. I choice to leave the smaller bead unpainted, but you can paint it if you want to.

Tip: sit the beads down on a piece of scrap paper (with the hole facing up) and then paint the top half the bead, let dry and then flip over and then paint the other side. Let the painted bead dry over night.

Next it is time to cut the cord and string the beads. Decide how long you want your necklace (making sure it can slip over your head) and then add 8 inches.

String on the 3 large painted beads. Knot the cord, leaving a tail that is at least 4 inches.

Slip the smaller bead onto the tail cord until it is up against the knot. Secure the bead by adding another knot. Then trim what is left of the tail to a length you like.

And now you have yourself a Wooden Bubble Gum Ball Necklace.

Wear and enjoy!

Colorful Summer Shopping

2015-05-27T14:22:00.000-04:00

We are already hitting the 90 degree mark and we've officially started pool party season, I figured it was time to round up some products perfect for fun in the sun.

A fun colorful picnic blanket from H&M, an awesome retro aqua cooler from World Market, a cute straw tote bag from Target, and a big watermelon pool float from Urban Outfitters! Oh, and they are all under $50!

Try Me!

2015-05-22T15:59:00.001-04:00

Just few fun recipes and diys perfect for trying over this long holiday weekend, especially if you are going to a cookout. . .

Super cute diy watermelon favors!

A yummy macaroni salad (I'm doing a version of this myself).

Fun rope basket that could double a pool tote (not a diy, but awesome none the less).

Fancy strawberry shortcake, a cookout staple with a twist!

Cute diy baby turban headbands (that are just asking to be made in adult sizes).

A lobster boil you just can't beat!

Hustling

2015-05-20T13:00:00.000-04:00

As I mentioned before, I started taking silver-smithing classes last fall. In November I had a small table in a local vintage show, the whole show was kind of a bust. The turn out sucked and I just made enough money to cover fees and dinner that night.

After that show I was a bit gun shy, but I had already made jewelry for everyone I know, so I either had to try to sell some again or quit taking the class. . .

So last month I had a booth at a local Earth Day festival -

Because it was an Earth Day event, I made most of the jewelry out of recycled metals (brass, cooper and silver plate).

And guess what? It didn't suck. In fact I did pretty well.

I really enjoyed myself and I'm looking for other craft shows to tackle in the fall (when it isn't so darn hot) as well as working on getting a website set up.

All photos by Kelly Coulson Photography.

Underfoot

2015-05-18T13:00:00.000-04:00

So I have tried two different rag rugs in my living room, neither of them were the right match, but I was willing to give it a go. . . Sadly, they couldn't hold up to Emmett and Elsie.

It's hard to believe that two pets under 15 pounds each could destroy two separate rugs, but between all the shed fur and the occasional accident, they just didn't make the cut.

So I am back on the hunt for a foot friendly indoor/outdoor option - I really just want to be able to take it outside and hose it down if need be.

I found the two options below at CB2.com -

Neutral Rug | Beach Rug

Both are 5' by 8' and reversible, and the best part is that they are both super affordable at $89.95!

My biggest reservation is that there isn't a a CB2 nearby where I can check them out, and before I buy anything I really want see it in person (I've been burned before).

Where I Am

2015-01-19T16:26:00.001-05:00

I have trying to write this post for nearly a month now. I would write it, then go back and rewrite it, then delete it and start over from the beginning again.

2014 was a very rough year for me. Professionally my job completely changed 4 times without any real notice or say on my part (all with in the same company). Personally. . . it was just bad. My anxiety has been the worst it has been since college and my OCD crossed the line between being a quirk and bring a problem more times than I care to admit. I try to keep the personal to a minimum here (which I'd funny, seeing that this blog started out as a place for me to vent), but I couldn't keep my crappy year from infecting what was once my happy place.

Even when I tried to give it my all things felt half-assed, and I'm sorry for that.

The crappy year was topped off with problems with my internet provider and then problems with my computer. I started to think it was all a sign that maybe it was time to give up on this here blog of mine. I tried and tried to write a farewell post, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it.

Turns out in not ready to give it up just yet.

Now I find myself in a bit of a predicament. . . my anxiety is still at a level that I am not comfortable with and out of pure frustration, I canceled my internet service, oh yeah, and my laptop is still acting up (1 month out of warranty). So while I'm not ready to give up on this here blog just yet, I'm not exactly in the best place to keep it going.

What's a girl to do?

Well, I'm taking what I'm calling a working hiatus. I'm taking some time to work out the technical issues, refocus, and reevaluate. I'm not sure when I'll be back to regular postings, but while on my working hiatus I will drop by occasionally with a DIY, recipe, party idea, etc. . . something worthy of having hijack a friend's computer for the day in order to post (I'm looking at you Kelly).

On a personal note, while overall last year super sucked, there were a few bright spots - my baby sister graduated, moved back south and found her dream job, I finally took a jewelry fabrication class and fell in love with silversmithing, and I had my first booth in a craft / vintage show.

For the few of you who actually stuck around through that craptastic 2014 - I can't thank you enough. And if your loyalty can hold out a bit longer, I will do my best to bring you a bright and shiny refreshed Laurendy Home. . .

2014 Christmas Card

2014-12-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Yes. . . I made my pets wear matching plaid shirts. Elsie still hasn't forgiven me.

We're going to be taking the holiday off, so have a very very very Merry Christmas, and we'll see you in the new year!

Dress Up: Holiday Parties 3 & 4

2014-12-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Faux Fur Jacket | Ninah Studded Pumps

Split Neck Sheath Dress | Oversized Staple Studs | Twisted Knot Studs

Reliably Refined Necklace | Velvet Clutch

Just because sometimes a holiday party requires you dress-up a bit, doesn't mean you can't have fun (faux fur anyone?) while keeping it classy.

Edit Metallic Skirt | Layered Geo Pendant Necklace

Reuniting with Friends Heel in Black

V-neck T-shirt | Sequin-embroidered Wallet

And then sometimes you just want to shine while at a Christmas dinner with your friends.