Pretty City Things

Look For Less: Anthropologie Dinner and Drinkware

2013-04-12T08:14:00.002-07:00

So I popped into World Market the other day to stock up on Marmite and proper British beans (as I often do), and I couldn't help but notice all the pretty things calling to me (as they often do). There were a whole host of Anthropologie look-a-likes, some for less than half price. Check 'em out...

Recycled Tumblers: Anthro/World Market
Hobnail Tumblers: Anthro/World Market
Mugs: Anthro/World Market
Butter Dishes: Anthro/World Market

Salad Plates: Anthro/World Market

Bowls: Anthro/World Market

Measuring Spoons: Anthro/World Market

Ceramic Egg Crates: Anthro/World Market

I'm sure you get what you pay for in some instances, but I did bring some of the World Market bowls home with me and they seem just as well made as my Anthropologie tumblers.

If you do happen to click through those links, you'll notice that World Market sells a lot of things online in multicolored sets but, if you're after one particular color, you can buy them individually in the stores.

Oh, and this is not a sponsored post. (Unfortunately.)

Really, OKL?

2013-03-23T08:26:00.001-07:00

So I've been looking for something to replace our coffee table (it's a little on the small side for our new living room, and there was an incident involving a very hot mug that might have ripped some of the paper off the top, the perpetrator of which should be old enough to know better).

I'm between an ottoman and a steamer trunk (more on that later), and in my search I came across this tufted bench from Target:

{Valetta Tufted Bench from Target - $299}

It's pretty high on my list right now (although probably not in this color). Anyhoo, this morning, I was perusing One Kings Lane and noticed another tufted bench:

{Colette Tufted Bench from One Kings Lane - $329}

Look familiar? I promise I got each image from a different site. This one's marked down from $675, so I'm saving $346, apparently. Bargain.

Pffft.

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Recipe: Super Simple Bird's Nest Chocolate Treats

2013-03-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

So Easter is two weeks away (come on weather, catch up). I don't tend to do much seasonal decorating, but I am going to crank out some sweet treats to celebrate with the kids. I posted this super simple recipe back when I started the blog, but in case you weren't one of the two people reading then, I'm sharing again...

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: None
Serves: Makes about 10 treats

What You'll Need:
4 oz shredded wheat cereal
4 oz crispy rice cereal (Rice Krispies or Koala Crisp)
8 oz milk chocolate
Speckled egg chocolate candy (Cadbury's Mini Eggs or similar)
Cupcake liners

Directions:
1. Break up the shredded wheat until it's basically crumbs - you can use a rolling pin or something similar but I find that hands work best! Put the crispy rice in a separate bowl.

2. Melt the chocolate in a Pyrex bowl over bowling water.

3. Add half the chocolate to the shredded wheat and half to the crispy rice. Stir both until cereal is completely covered in melted chocolate. (I might have put more chocolate on crispy rice. Ignore that.)

4. Enlist the help of a dashing young assistant. Spoon the crispy rice evenly into cupcake liners and add the shredded wheat on top. (The reason I don't mix them together is because the shredded wheat looks more like a birds nest than the crispy rice. Why not use all shredded wheat? Because, to quote the hubby, "it tastes too much like breakfast.")

5. Make dips in the middle of each treat and add chocolate eggs - I used four or five on each, but you can do more or less.

6. Set in the refrigerator to harden for at least an hour. And voilà - yummy treats cute enough to be an Easter centerpiece!

A Small Space Outdoor Oasis: Plans for the Balcony

2013-03-12T15:41:00.001-07:00

I'm ignoring the fact that, as I type, it is snowing outside. Bah. Instead, I am focusing on the fact that it is almost half way through March and, therefore, the weather has to get nicer soon. Right?!

We use our little balcony a lot in summer - the kiddos can spend hours playing with their water table and I love to sit out there with a good book and a cool drink. That said, we really haven't made the most of it for the past couple of years. We sold our wooden dining set last Spring (to a lovely girl - also a Chicago-based Brit named Lizzie - too funny) and bought a colorful outdoor rug. We were all set to buy some comfy seating and finish the space off, but then we ended up sitting on camping chairs for the rest of summer instead.

There were a couple of reasons: first, we missed the sales and couldn't bring ourselves to pay full price for furniture, and second, because it was really hard to find a cute, small, comfy, affordable outdoor sofa. Fortunately, Target has a few pretty pint-sized options this year. (I used this one in my mood board, but this one or this one could work equally well.)

We already have the rug and the flower boxes, so I think the total cost of this little makeover should be under $1000 including flowers. Not cheap, but worth the investment I think; now we'll finally be able to make the most of our little urban oasis. :)

Here's the budget breakdown with links to everything, in case something catches your eye...
1. Auto-Tilt Umbrella - $249
2. Flower Boxes - $15 each
3. Sofa - on sale for $289
4. Outdoor Pillows - $30 for two
5. Outdoor Rug - from $19
6. Stackable kids' chairs - I can't find these online but they were $15 in the store and came in multiple colors
7. Ceramic garden stool - $145

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Lust List: Living Room & Office

2013-01-29T15:15:00.003-08:00

I want I want I want. ;)

1. Copper Painted Antler - I need more accessories to finish off our living room, and I'm digging this pretty find (it's real but "naturally shed and completely guilt free").
2. Console Table - we just bought a white console from Ikea because it was cheap and the exact right dimensions to sit behind our sofa, but I'd have loved this industrial beauty if it fit our space.
3. Hanging label holders - for all our baskets of stuff, so the Mr will have no excuse not knowing where everything lives!
4. Wire Terrarium
5. Chevron Rug - I bagged this fun rug for less than $200 thanks to a Black Friday sale and I love the impact it makes in our living room (you can see it in this post).
6. Bowl
7. Cabinet - this isn't the right dimensions for our space, but I'm on the hunt for something vintage to house our media stuff. Our living room badly needs more vintage.
8. Succulents - to go in the terrarium, obviously.
9. Paper-Covered Books - this one's a future DIY project, to make our cluttered bookshelf a bit easier on the eyes (image source).
10. Michelle Armas Giclee Print - if I had a spot for it, I'd happily part with some dollars for this gorgeous art.
11. Magazine Files - again, to prettify the bookshelf. Target has some similar ones with a fun chevron print on the inside but I couldn't find them online.

Update: DIY Upholstered Bed

2013-01-15T18:26:00.002-08:00

Remember the bed I upholstered for the little man back last year?

Well, when we moved, I had to take bits of it apart so we could get it through the doorways. It was an easy process - I just pulled out the staples and peeled the fabric back around the corners so that I could get to the screws (and around the middle of the foot board, because that's where the support beam is attached).

It had been working out really well, but there were a couple of things that weren't perfect. So, before putting it all back together, I made a few tweaks.

The Bed Base

I initially bought the cheapest bed base Ikea sells - the Sultan Lade. The slats are solid pine, it costs $30, and it's absolute rubbish. It's hard to tell in this photo, but they don't span the width of the bed - instead, they're in two rows which rest on the support beam in the middle of the bed. Need to move the bed to, say, tuck the sheets in? Don't. This happens:

{Source}

Gah. I tried screwing them to the bed frame periodically along both the sides and the middle, but it didn't help - it just made it really hard to get them back into place when they collapsed again. So I packed them up and took them back to Ikea. I didn't have the receipt anymore but when I took them to the returns desk, before I even said anything, the girl asked, "Did they keep falling off?" I'm guessing this happens a lot. She gave me a store credit, which I put towards a $50 Sultan Luroy bed base instead.

{Source}

You have no idea how much sturdier this base makes the whole bed. And it's grey, so I can now rest assured knowing that the bits of the bed that no-one will ever see are coordinated. :)

The Head Board
I also found out after I put the headboard together first time around that cheap plywood contains formaldehyde and can off-gas something chronic. It's not something you want your baby to spend 50% of his life inhaling, and it's another reason why we never moved S into his old big boy bedroom. So I took the entire headboard apart, pulled the old plywood off and replaced it with formaldehyde free birch plywood. It was more expensive - $45 versus $15 for the cheap, nasty stuff, but I think I can stretch to an extra $30 to avoid having my son sleep next to a known carcinogen. Eek. (You can read more about the health effects of formaldehyde exposure here.)

As a bonus, it looks more presentable from the back now:

Finishing Touches
I was considering putting the bed up against the walls of windows in S's new room and, if I had, I was going to cover the entire back with fabric to make it more polished. If you're thinking of doing your own take on this project, it's an idea you might want to consider.

Finally, I gave the legs another coat of paint - this time using high gloss white. It's not a very noticeable difference, but it makes it feel that much more finished.

It's held up very well so far, and still looks great. And it's perfect for ~~a hyperactive~~ an energetic three-year-old - there has been more than one occasion when the padding has helped avoid injury. Here it is in it's new room...

The plastic bins peeking out from under the bed are toy storage, in case you were wondering.

Incidentally, you might have seen this beauty from Land of Nod - so pretty but also four times the price...

{Source}

Came out after I made my "knock-off." Pretty sure they got the idea from me. Or the guy I got my idea from. Whatever.

I've had a couple of readers send me photos of their take on this project - I love that they were happy to share their awesome beds with me - and you lot too. :)

Joyce made this one for her daughter - I love the fabric they picked out.

Her daughter also made the pillows herself - super cute.

And Sona made a twin bed for her little girl too - she used colorful corduroy fabric - perfect for a fun five-year-old (who's probably six by now - it's taken me a long time to post this!)...

I love the tufted detail she used.

I'd love to see the results if anyone else gives this project a go - it really was a super easy way to get a custom bed for a fraction of what you'd pay in a store normally.

Design Board: Moroccan Vintage Romance Bedroom

2013-01-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

Jackie emailed me asking for help with her bedroom. It's a big room, but a pretty awkward shape. She described her style as "Moroccan Vintage Romance," with an emphasis on the romance. So fun!

Here's what I came up with...

Jackie specifically chose the headboard, desk and wardrobe and I filled in the rest. I also did a floor plan for the room and, while we considered several layouts, this one seems to best fit her space...

There will be a faux walk-in wardrobe at the top of the room built with free-standing wardrobes backed with pretty fabric. The bed is nestled in a nook with sloped ceilings.

There was a lot of to-ing and fro-ing on chairs, but in the end we settled on an eclectic patchwork chair with a poof (to bring in the Moroccan theme) and a cute little lattice-print one to sit at the desk (which you can see in the design board at the top of this post). Sadly, by the time we were done with the design, the latter was sold out, so we had to rethink!

1. Turquoise velvet drapes - Ikea ($49.99/pair) & White sheer panels - Ikea ($19.99/pair): Layered and draped around the headboard.
2. Bronze wall scone - Urban Outfitters ($39 each, currently on sale for $29)
3. Headboard - Nidification on Etsy ($600)
4. Aqua zebra print pillows - FestiveHomeDecor on Etsy ($38 each) & Coral Kelly Weastler pillow - PopOColor on Etsy ($60)
5. Art print - YellenaJames on Etsy ($48)
6. Grey ikat fabric - Domesticate on Spoonflower ($18/yd+): To line the back of the wardrobes.
7. Slim nightstand - Ikea (129), topped with Lavender ikat fabric (to go under glass table top) - Domesticate on Spoonflower ($18/yd)
8. Ruffled bedding - Anthropologie ($58-$288)
9. Chandelier - PB Teen ($129)
10. Wall hooks - World Market ($9.99)
11. Wardrobe - Ikea ($375)
12. Paint colors: Dreamy Cloud (background color) & Elephant Gray (on swatch) - Benjamin Moore
13. Window valance - Saffron Marigold ($29.99)
14. Lamp base - Target ($49.99)
15. Patchwork chair - Rugs USA ($613)
16. Gold poof - Rugs USA ($135)
17. Mirror - represents one Jackie already owns
18. Desk - Z Gallerie ($499)
19. Swivel chair - PB Teen (currently on sale for $299)
20. Zebra print rug in light blue - Rugs USA ($199+)

We also considered other options for seating - with a bit of rearranging, a small love seat could fit in place of the armchair...

Tufted love seat - World Market (currently on sale for $359.99)
Upholstered chair - Ballard Designs ($219-$354)

I had a lot of fun working on this one - it's so girly and romantic. Thanks for the opportunity Jackie!

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Lust List: Kitchen and Dining

2013-01-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share some of the pretty things I'm coveting right now (and a few I've already got in my clutches). Is it bad that this little lot is only kitchen/dining stuff? I'm thinking The Lust List might have to become a recurring feature around these parts.

1. Enamel utensil set
2. Monogram mugs - I got one of these for Christmas and now I just want to replace all my mugs with them!
3. Gold flatware - if only my budget was bigger!
4. Gold wine glasses
5. Glass back splash - a renter can dream, right?
6. Colorful bowls
7. Pitcher
8. Chair - I'm not loving the matchiness of our dining set - I think something more modern would work much better, and these are totally affordable ($65!) and cute.
9. Expandable pot rack - I have one of these holding our frying pans, colander and other things under our sink. I cannot express how awesome it is. (It's the little things.)
10. Parsons shelf - this one has been sitting pretty in our kitchen for a while, providing the extra kitchen storage space we lost when we moved.
11. Salad bowl - another recent purchase (from One King's Lane I think) - it's sparkly but organic and I love it.
12. Plates - not that we need new plates, but these sure are purdy.
13. Hand blown glasses - a recent splurge to replace our very generic ones - I love that each one is unique and a little bit wonky.
14. Pendant - I'd love a pretty pendant to replace the cookie cutter one over our dining table, but I'll have to keep dreaming about this one I think!

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2013 Resolutions

2013-01-04T16:01:00.002-08:00

I'm not setting specific project goals for 2013, but I do have a few resolutions, both blog-related and life-related, that I want to accomplish this year. I'll feel more accountable if I share, so here goes...

1. Blog More

I feel like I'm just now getting to grips with having two kids and finding time for myself. Not much, but a bit. I got a lot of projects done last year, but never got around to taking pictures and writing up posts, so now I'm not starting anything new until I've shared what I've already done (like the little paper-covered box below).

2. Better the Blog

Pretty City Things will be two years old this Spring, and it is beyond sad that I still don't even have a header. I promised myself a while ago that when I get my first paycheck, I will roll it straight back into the blog and make it all pretty like. I make about ten whole dollars a month from advertising, so it's taking a while, but soon...soon.

3. Work With What We Have

We are planning to move to the UK in the next couple of years, so while I still want to work on prettifying our space now, I don't want to spend money on anything that we won't be able to take with us. And I want to declutter and streamline the things we do have, obviously.

4. Keep Running

I started running to lose the baby weight in September. I had never run before, ever, and I was terrible at it. But I got better. I ran my first 5K race at the beginning of November and, as of today, I am 38lbs down in less than four months, and actually really enjoying it. The baby weight is gone, and now I'm working on the post-wedding weight too. I'm doing the Polar Dash as my first 10K next weekend (eeekk) and I hope to manage at least a 15K this year too. Maybe even a half marathon. Either way, I want to keep running.

{Feeling rather proud of myself after finishing my first 5K race in November}

That's it. Nothing too ambitious, I don't think. Hear's hoping you hear more from me soon!

A Very Cozy Christmas

2012-12-28T22:09:00.002-08:00

We've been hosting my in-laws for Christmas week. All six of them. In our three bedroom condo. Plus the four of us - five, if you count the short-arsed furry thing who thinks he's a person too. Admittedly, I didn't have enormously high hopes for the week - I was picturing the worst - but I am very happy to say that it has all gone really rather well and I think (I hope!) everyone is enjoying themselves.

So how did we fit all eleven of us in? Well, we put Eleanor in with us, and Teddy too (Teddy being the aforementioned short-arsed furry thing). I would show you our bedroom except I won't, because I haven't touched it since we moved in and it's a bit of a state. Or a (blank) slate, if you insist on looking on the bright side.

Then we put Sebastian in Eleanor's room (we converted her crib to a toddler bed right after I took this)...

...and moved out the dresser and glider to make space for a single air mattress.

I snapped all these photos right before everyone arrived and I was in a mad panic trying to get everything done, so I didn't stage anything - please excuse the toys, stacks of clothes, and general paraphernalia that is essential to living but does not make for pretty pictures. I cleared one of the shelves so my sister-in-law would have somewhere to put her stuff.

We splurged on this air mattress - it's a double height one so it looks like a real bed, and hopefully the cost is reflected in the comfort factor!

I managed to get a lot done to the condo before everyone arrived. Three weeks ago, this room was blue and had nothing on the walls at all. I spent a few back-breaking hours paying someone else to paint it lavender (yes, I settled on lavender), then, once I'd figured out what the layout will be when it's all back to normal, I hung things accordingly.

This little gallery wall will sit above the dresser. It's not finished - I want to change the blue mat and paint some of the frames - but I've had all the pieces for a long time so it's awesome to see them hanging on the wall at last.

Anyway, back to how everyone fit in... We squeezed the remaining five people into Sebastian's room.

We borrowed two more air mattresses and put one next to the bed, which we left where it normally lives (although the side table got shifted). My parents-in-law have the bed and my brothers-in-law are sharing the double air mattress.

One last air mattress sits along the opposite wall, where my future sister-in-law is sleeping. Usually the Expedit sits here, underneath another new gallery wall, and there is a reading chair in the corner.

I thought I'd taken a better picture of the gallery wall, but apparently not. This one isn't finished either - I want to change the mats and/or paint the frames. And update what's in most of them too.

I feel bad about just how tight it is in there, but aside from housing them off-site, this was really the only option. There has been some mention of one-way conversations at silly o'clock in the morning, and quite the mix of fragrance (so I'm told), but overall, it's working out okay.

When we moved all the furniture out of the bedrooms, we had to find space for it elsewhere. We moved a bunch of stuff into our room, but the living room still had to house displaced toys and Eleanor's dresser.

Silly bulbs blew on the tree and we didn't have enough spares to replace them all. I think we'll probably have to trash the tree anyway - thanks to Eleanor's enthusiasm for all the sparkly pretty things hanging off it, a few of the bottom branches are now looking decidedly wonky.

Check out the stripey wall! I still have a lot to do in the living room, but it's very livable as-is now that the burgundy is gone (see the befores here).

I wanted to decorate the fireplace more but I ran out of time. All our stockings hung here, then we found space for our six guests' stockings around the kitchen cabinets. If I'd had a bigger budget, I'd have sprung for prettier stockings for them all. We hung our Christmas cards on the cabinets too.

We cooked four dinners ahead of time and froze them, and went out to eat once too, so really the only meal we slaved over (and when I say "we," I really mean the Mr) was Christmas dinner. Speaking of which, this is how we squeezed all of us around the table...

It was a mess - three folding chairs, two poufs and a folding table. I had to use two different sets of chargers and a few mismatched knives and forks. Still, it worked.

{Note my awesome hubby slaving away in the background}

I didn't do anything blog-worthy as far as Christmas decor goes. I mainly used what we already had, although I did pick up a cute candle holder (from World Market)...

...and made a super easy wreath by wrapping tinsel around a wreath form. I wanted something festive for the front door and this took five minutes and only cost me $4 for tinsel (I already had the form).

Another quick project I squeezed in beforehand was covering a box in pretty paper. I'll post more on that soon.

I Instagrammed a couple pictures of what we got up to during the week (I'm @prettycitythings), including checking out the bean and ice skating in Millennium Park.

We also dropped everyone off at the Art Institute one day, played Whirly Ball (which, if you're not familiar, is basically lacrosse with bumper cars, and it's super fun) and went to the Christkindle Market, and we're still planning to go go karting and do brunch at the Signature Room (at the top of the John Hancock building) this weekend. It's been really busy but totally fun too. Hope you all had a great Christmas and, if I'm not back before then, have a Happy New Year too!

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Best of 2012...

2012-12-27T12:57:00.000-08:00

I really haven't blogged as much as I would have liked this year - I'm making that one of my resolutions for next year. Of the little I have had chance to share though, here's my best of...

Slip Covered Nursery Glider

One day I will finish the arms on this thing...one day.

Simple Silhouette Nursery Art

While we're on the subject - one of Eleanor's first words was "Teddy" (our dog's name), so this little project seems even more fitting for her bedroom now!

Entry Way Makeover

Big Boy Room Reveal

I started working on client design boards this year - something I hope to make more time for 2013. Here are a few of my favorites so far...

Mustard and Aqua Rental Kitchen

Jewel Toned Master Bedroom

Red and Blue Beachy Living Room

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Nowhere Like Home by Jamie Alexander

2012-11-29T04:51:00.000-08:00

For the last five years, my little brother has been travelling around the world and he has just released his first book, Nowhere Like Home, chronicling his adventures. It's a cracking read - darkly humorous and thought-provoking - and it's available to download for free throughout the weekend so I highly recommend that you do.

**Update: It's not free anymore, but it's on sale for $0.99 to download throughout the weekend and still a good read. :)

Downloading it will raise it's profile on Amazon so it should help out with future sales. Which means he might even be able to afford to buy me a Christmas present next year. ;)

{That's him!}

While I'm singing his praises for being such a talented author, I will also add that he is an amazing photographer. I have a couple of his photos framed in our place and would like some more. Here are a few of my favorites...

Chi Town...

And one last one of my wee man, taken just before his first birthday...

You can see more of Jamie's awesome photos on his website at JamieAlexander.org.

Nowhere Like Home is also available as a paperback (here), but pretty please download it for free here this weekend. Thank you! I promise it's worth a read!

Outfit Inspiration: Color Obsession

2012-11-23T19:49:00.003-08:00

My friend pointed out the other day that I was wearing all the colors of Miss E's nursery (more details on that here), and I have to admit that it wasn't a one-off. I'm a bit obsessed with the lilac/aqua/coral combo. And, while not seasonally appropriate, this outfit would do nicely for our upcoming vacation in sunny Florida!

1. Coral skinny belt

2. Sequin top

3. Skinny jeans

4. Earrings

5. Stacking bracelets

6. Snakeskin ballet flats

Look for Less: Anthropologie Folding Chairs

2012-11-19T14:51:00.002-08:00

I'm working on a design board at the moment and have had my eye on this Anthropologie folding chair...

{Overdyed Terai Chair - Anthropologie - $198}

Then I stumbled across this look-a-like - which I think I actually prefer - on sale for $60 less (thanks to an early Black Friday sale).

{Folding Chair - Rugs USA - $141 with 25% off}

While I'm here, I will add that I have lots to share but S decided a few months ago that naps were for babies, so the little blogging time I did have is now almost non-existent. He starts PreSchool in January (twice a week) so I'm hoping that will give me a wee bit of time back. In the meantime, you can always follow me on Instagram - @PrettyCityThings. Happy Holidays!

Nursery Paint Colors

2012-09-17T17:53:00.000-07:00

With S in his big boy room and out of the nursery once again (he gets downgraded to toddler status when we have guests, poor guy), said nursery is calling for its new occupant. And baby E, who is now seven months old, is well and truly ready for her own bedroom, just as we are well and truly ready to have our bedroom back to ourselves - I'm losing count of the number of times I've realized at lunch time that my pants are on inside out because I got dressed in the dark again.

Before we can move E in there, though, the room needs to be painted. I've updated the design board now that we've moved (see its previous incarnations on my design boards page). We sold a few things and I bought a new bookcase - that little turquoise beauty on the left there. In fact, we now have most of what you see on the board, I just need to pull it all together. I'm not sure if the mirror will stay, but it hangs over the changing table in our room and E loves it - the girl's got style already. She also loves eating design magazines.

Anyway, here it is with the wall color we had in our old place...

I initially embraced this wall color because I didn't want to paint, but although I liked the idea, in practice it was a bit dull. Here's a variation with warmer undertones...

It's a little hard to see, but that's a stencil behind the dresser, which I'd do in whatever color I went with. Moving away from neutrals, I've toyed with going all-out girly pink, but pink is so hard to get right on walls. Maybe a light coral...

But I'm concerned it'll look more like salmon in reality. So then I went more dusty...

But I'm wondering if maybe it's a bit too literal? So then I thought about something with lilac undertones (fun fact: this is the same color John & Sherry used in their nursery on Young House Love)...

Then again, if I'm going to go with lilac undertones, why not go all out lilac?

I'd maybe go for a slightly more subtle shade, but I am liking the idea of lilac rather a lot. The name - Peace and Happiness - is swaying me too - I love it!

Finally, there's always Rainwashed - the color I so miss from our old master bedroom...

Gosh, this one's a toughie. Do you have a favorite? Would you go with something completely different? Pretty please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

10 Pretty Table Lamps Under $100

2012-08-28T14:37:00.001-07:00

I'll start with a personal favorite (they're the ones we have in our master bedroom)...

{Gold Leaf Glass Lamp - Pier 1 Imports - currently on sale for $99}

Or, if you were willing to sacrifice the amazing shade, you could pick up one of these for about half the price:

{Mercury Glass Table Lamp - JC Penney - $60}

Here are a few more golden godesses...

{Between A Rock Lamp Base - Land of Nod - $69}

{Modern Clip Lamp - Land of Nod - $59}

A little bit of glitz...

{Studio Ribbed Glass Lamp - JC Penney - $60}

{Design + Decorate Shades ($35 each) and De-Lite base ($39) - PB Teen}

{Crystal Lamp with Black Shade - Target - $70}

Some industrial awesomeness...

{Cloche Table Lamp - CB2 - $70}

{Wood/Metal Task Lamp - Pottery Barn Kids - $89}

And finally, this friendly fellow...

{Owl Table Lamp - West Elm - $99}

Looking for something loftier? Check out 10 Pretty Pendants Under $100.
Want to see more pretty things? Check me out on Pinterest.

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Design Board: A Red and Blue Beachy Living Room

2012-08-01T13:20:00.002-07:00

Do you read Pewter and Sage? Well, you should - awesome blog. Anyhoo, Sarah hosts a mood board linky party that I always want to join and never get my arse in gear quick enough to do so. But not so this month! Here is my take on this month's inspiration: a red and blue beachy living room...

The inspiration came from these two fabrics from John Robshaw Textiles:

I'd use both as throw pillows and the darker one as drapes as well. I've been itching to design a beach house, so this was a great excuse!

Here's the full source list (clockwise-ish from top left):
Round mirror - West Elm (no longer available)
Ikat bowl - unknown Pin
Media console - Zinc Door
Lamp on console - Zinc Door
Long mirror - River Mirrors
Pendant - Home Decorators
Navy fabric (top right and on sofa pillows) - Bagru Indigo by John Robshaw
Painting - Red Sailboat by Betul Arin
Shelves - ABC Home (no longer available)
Burlap lamp shade - Lamps Plus
Red lamp base - Quality Bath (no longer available)
Steamer trunks - Candelabra
Chest - Pottery Barn (no longer available)
Rug - Zinc Door
Sofa - Macy's
Light blue pillow fabric - Twine Light Indigo by John Robshaw
Chair - Overstock
Pillow (on chair) - Zinc Door
Paint color - Celestia Blue by Benjamin Moore

Sharing this post:
DIY Project Parade @ DIY Showoff
Creative Juice @ Momnivore's Dilemma
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed
Feature Friday @ 5 Days... 5 Ways
Doin' It Yourself @ AKA Design
Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style
Mood Board Link Party @ Designer in Teal
Mood Board Link Party @ Design Your Dwelling

New Digs!

2012-07-26T07:30:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd lost all these photos but apparently I am more organized than I think and I'd already filed them away. Doh. So anyhoo, here are some hastily-snapped pics of our new place, taken on the day we got the keys...

If you can look past the nasty red wall and the hung-too-high lighting, the living room is pretty amazing, I think. It has windows all the way along two walls, a gorgeous brick wall at the end and all the industrial character our old place had with the exposed duct work and concrete ceilings.

Speaking of the nasty red wall, it's no longer red. I've been painting my arse off - two coats down, at least one more to go. I'm so excited to make this space feel more like home. :)

The kitchen is pretty teeny, but the finishes are great, and it's forced us to come up with some creative storage solutions which I'll tell you all about some time soon. I didn't get a shot of the kitchen myself, but here's the one from an old listing - thankfully it isn't yellow anymore!

The gorgeous brick also graces the master bedroom, which is significantly bigger than our old one (although it's not that clear in this photo) and has a little nook perfectly sized to fit E's crib in - hooray for not blocking the bathroom door anymore!

The master bath is bigger too, and has a double vanity. This is an old photo from the listing again - it's painted the same colour as the bedroom now. I actually prefer the cream to the greeny grey that it is now, but I'm not sure I hate it enough to do anything about it.

The guest bathroom has an awesome sink (listing photo again)...

The new big boy room is slightly larger than the old one and has floor to ceiling windows. That means we now have two proper bedrooms with windows and only one loft-style one...

...which will eventually become a nursery for Baby E. This room is pretty small, but babies really don't need much space, right?

But my absolute favorite thing has to be the storage. We have a laundry ROOM (not closet) and TWO walk-in closets, one of which now holds the ginormous stroller that used to drive me crazy sitting in the middle of our living space.

Good bones, right? Not to mention, this place has hardwood floors throughout - no more stinky, stained carpets - and our new landlords are amazing. So although it was a total pain to move, I'm so happy that we were able to find somewhere in the same building that's actually a bit of an upgrade. Yay for silver linings. :)

A Jewel-Toned Master Bedroom Retreat

2012-07-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

Sam emailed me asking for help with the bedroom in her new rental. She wanted it to "feel homey and like a sanctuary" and she sent me some gorgeous inspiration photos (which I will have to share with you soon).

There were a few key requirements for the space:

1. It had to incorporate the mahogany sleigh bed and the pretty purple medallion duvet cover that Sam already owned.

2. It needed storage.

3. It should incorporate rich jewel tones, particularly deep purple.

4. It needed to feel bigger despite the limited dimensions.

Here is what we came up with:

The room is only 12' x 10', but a simple colour palette with plenty of neutrals should help it feel bigger. I used Sam's purple duvet cover as a starting point and added teal as the accent because she likes jewel tones (as do I).

{Chandelier from Pottery Barn}

Sam found the gorgeous beaded chandelier, and I echoed the glass and gold elements through the art and accessories.

{Finial from Urban Outfitters}

White rental walls can feel cold, but bringing in soft texture through the velvet drapes and throw pillows should warm it up.

{Pillows from West Elm}

To keep the budget down, there are a fair few potential DIY projects in this design board. The étagère - Ikea's $40 Vittsjo - could be painted gold (either sprayed or using Rub N Buff), like the one below. It could also be used in place of a side table for extra storage in a limited space.

{By Ana Antunes}

The art work - three framed giclee prints - is beautiful but busts the bank at $290 a pop.

{Giclee prints from Layla Grace}

But it could be recreated by painting plain bamboo frames gold (here are some, but it would be worth checking out thrift stores too) and filling them with cheaper prints, like this $10 beauty:

{PrintHouseCompany on Etsy}

Finally, the dresser - a white mirrored piece from Z Gallerie - is gorgeous, but we also explored the idea of an Ikea hack. I love all the campaign style redos I've seen around, like this one:

{By Cup of Te via LizzieBomBizzie on Pinterest}

This really was a fun board to work on - I loved Sam's ideas and the brief she gave me, so thank you, Sam, for letting me help! One last look...

Aaaand here's the full source list:

Chandelier - Pottery Barn - $249
Rose pillow - West Elm - $40 (on sale)
Terrarium - Urban Outfitters - $39
Velvet drapes in 'Stone' - Pottery Barn - $129 per 84" panel
Mercury glass finial - Urban Outfitters - $29
Coral prints - Layla Grace (1/2/3) - $290 each
Étagère - Ikea - $40
Frame (on etagere) - Z Gallerie - from $15
Jewellry dish - Urban Outfitters - $10
Glass jewelry box - Urban Outfitters - $39
Purple lamp shade - Every Lamp Shade - $50
Grey sphere lamp base - Target - $45
Velvet studded pillow - West Elm - $34
Duvet cover - Ikea - $40
Grey pleated lamp shade - Target - $25
Blue glass lamp base - Target - $50
Purple glass vase - Ikea - $15
Mirrored side table - Ballard Designs - $149
Lotus tealight holder - Amazon - $22
Mirrored tray - Urban Outfitters - $19
Sleigh bed - representative of client's own
Velvet pintuck pillows - Urban Outfitters - $34 each
Mirror - Lamps Plus - $170
Dresser - Z Gallerie - $899
Purple overdyed rug - Rugs USA - $660 (but often up to 50% off)
Trellis rug - Z Gallerie (no longer available), very similar at Shades of Light - 5'x8' $279
'Spring Rain' photograph - ShannonPix on Etsy - $28

Sharing this post:
Creative Juice @ Momnivore's Dilemma
Doin' It Yourself @ AKA Design
Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage
Furniture Feature Friday @ Miss Mustard Seed

10 Pretty Pendants Under $100

2012-07-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

I keep stumbling across little lighting gems and I can't not share the love! Every one of these beauties is under $100. You're welcome. ;)

{Globe Bronze Pendant - Home Decorators Collection - $99}

{Austen Wood Veneer Pendant - PB Teen - $99}

{Perforated Steel Pendant - JC Penney - $30}

{Honeycomb Glass Pendant Shade - Urban Outfitters - $69}

{Mercury Glass Industrial Pendant - West Elm - $99}

{Depot Ceiling Lamp - Pottery Barn Kids - $99}

{Eden Pendant - CB2 - $60}

{Artica Pendant - Home Depot Canada - $44}

{Triple Tiered Pendant Shade - Urban Outfitters - $64}

{Rustic Glass Pendant - Pottery Barn - $99}

And one last bonus one. It's not quite under $100...right now. But keep an eye out and I'm sure it'll go on sale for $99 soon. And it's so pretty. (I have the table lamp version in our bedroom and built a whole design board around them.)

{Hanging Gold Leaf Lamp - Pier 1 Imports - $125}

Sharing this post:

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Creative Juice @ Momnivore's Dilemma

How To Create A Design Board

2012-07-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Last week, I wrote my first guest post for fellow Chicagoan Sarah on her lovely blog, Adventures of Our Fami-Ly. Here's the post, just in case you missed it...

One of the most frequently asked questions I get is about how I create design boards (or mood boards, if you prefer that term), so I thought I'd share my tips and tricks. Design boards are the foundation for creating a room you love. Before I started using them, my spaces were always almost what I wanted but they were never as cohesive or "finished" as I would have liked. Now that I start with a complete picture, I'm able to create spaces that look like I really want them to! Here are the "rules" I generally to stick to when creating a design board...

1. Pick a color palette

I tend to pick between three and six colors to stick with in any one room. They can be neutral - brown, gold, cream and gray create a serene mood in the bedroom below - or more exuberant, but try to repeat each color in at least three different places to make it feel intentional and cohesive.

{My Dream Master Bedroom}

It's also a good idea to pick key pieces that tie several colors together, like the painting in this kitchen:

{Mustard and Aqua Kitchen for a Rental Apartment}

2. Work with what you have

If you're on a budget and have perfectly good furniture already, try to find an image online or take a photo yourself and add that to your board at the beginning (keeping the background neutral and cropping it closely will make sure the image flows with the rest of your board) . If it's something you can't change, you have to find ways to work with it.

We already owned some pink chairs before we moved into our loft, and I was at a loss as to how to tie them into the turquoise color scheme I wanted to use. I thought about slip-covering them then decided to stick them on a design board and see what else I could find to tie them in.

{Teal and Pink Loft Living Room}

Just adding pink throw pillows to the couch bought everything together, and now I love pink and turquoise together. In the finished room, I added more pink in the art work and accessories, but the design board set the tone.

3. Budget

Your design isn't going to work if you don't have the cash to complete it. I tend to put a design together, figure out what it would cost as-is, then work on bringing the total cost down if I need to. You can always use inspiration pieces on your design board and then makeover thrifted pieces or "hack" affordable pieces from big box stores.

{Colorful Big Boy Room}

I really wanted an upholstered bed for my little man's big boy room (above), but we couldn't afford to shell out big bucks for one, so I bought a $50 bed frame from Ikea and made my own.

{DIY Upholstered Bed}

4. Let your design evolve

I tend to create a design board and then step away for a while...

{Baby Girl Nursery}

If I still love it a few weeks later, great. But usually there are things I want to change, or things I fall in love with that I want to incorporate into the space. I started working on my daughter's nursery before we even knew she was a girl, and the board underwent a lot of changes over the months that I was pregnant. It ended up with a similarly girly vibe but a more modern overall look.

5. The technical details

I use Olioboard.com to create my design boards. There are other choices (like Polyvore or Photoshop), but this was the most user-friendly and free option I could find.

Olioboard lets you browse products and other people's boards for inspiration, and you can also add images from websites or upload your own. It's a really easy site to use, so I'll spare you a technical walk-through - once you've created an account, just click "Create+" and start building your room.

If you'd like to see more of my design boards, check out my design boards page. I'm also offering free design boards if you want a bit of help with bringing your ideas to life - shoot me an email for more details.

Pretty Giveaway Winner!

2012-07-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

The winner of the Brimfield Growth Chart from Kim's Sister, chosen by Random.org, is entry #1...

Congrats Susan! I'll email you soon.

And huge thanks to Karen - aka Kim's Sister - for sharing one of her gorgeous creations!

Happy Independence Day!

2012-07-04T11:00:00.000-07:00

I don't normally do holiday posts, but since this is my first year as an American (I got my citizenship last October), I feel particularly celebratory. After some really sad news over the weekend, it was nice to get out today and enjoy the sun.

We had a kids' parade and then the fire department brought a truck, closed the road and turned one of the hydrants into a fountain. The Chicago fire department is awesome!

S has been talking about the fire truck all week, and it did not disappoint!

Later, we're off to see some fireworks. Hope you're enjoying the day too!

And remember, the Brimfield Growth Chart giveaway is still open too - you have until Monday night to enter to win one of Kim's Sister's fabulous growth charts!

Guest Posting at Adventures of Our Fami-Ly

2012-07-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

I'm guest posting today about How to Create a Mood Board for fellow Chicago blogger Sarah over at Adventures of Our Fami-Ly - go check out her lovely blog!

The Brimfield Growth Chart giveaway is still open too - you have until Monday night to enter to win one of Kim's Sister's fabulous charts!

Pretty Giveaway! Growth Chart from Kim's Sister

2012-06-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

I'm super excited to be hosting my first ever giveaway, and it's a good one! Do you remember the gorgeous canvas growth chart I used in S's room?

Well, I asked Etsy seller Kim's Sister if she would be interested in offering one up for a Pretty City Things reader, and she said yes. :)

I should note that my growth chart was a custom order and is missing the bottom six inches. If you win, your growth chart will reach all the way to the floor.

{The Brimfield Growth Chart by Kim's Sister on Etsy}

The prize: One awesome Brimfield Growth Chart (usually $37 USD)

To enter, visit Kim's Sister on Etsy and make her shop a favorite (leave a comment here saying you did).
For up to three additional entries, you can also do any of the following (again, leave a comment for each):
- "Like" Kim's Sister's website (there's a "Like" button top right)
- Follow Pretty City Things using Google Friend Connect or Linky Followers (over on the right there)
- "Like" Pretty City Things on FaceBook

The rules:
- Giveaway is open to US and Canadian readers only (sorry everyone else!)
- Entries will be accepted until midnight CST on 7/8/12
- Winner will be selected randomly and will be notified by email (so please leave me an email address!)
- If unclaimed after two weeks (i.e. you don't email me back), winner forfeits the prize and a new winner will be announced