Hydrangea Love

Painting Pumpkins

2012-09-19T11:12:00.000-07:00

Easiest project ever!! All that is needed is:

Pumpkins (fake or real--I used fake because I wanted the white background and wanted to keep them for next year)
Paint (I used Martha Stewart glitter paint because who doesn't love some sparkle?)
Paint Brushes

At first I was going to tape the chevron pattern on, hence the tape in the picture, but I got lazy and decided to free hand it. I also decided a cute polka dot pattern would be cute too!

I think I am going to paint a few more to make a cluster for my front porch and they will stay there all fall!

Dressy Dress

2012-09-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

I found this beauty at the rack on clearance for $24.97 and am in LOVE! I think the slit makes it feel a little sexyish (maybe thats a word)-- more so then a normal maxi dress. I was told today that the dress style should be classified as a Greek Goddess dress to which I replied, "Or maybe just a fashionable dress" :)

Dress: Nordstrom Rack

Wedges: Steve Madden Manngo (Clearance!!)

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelet and Earrings: Nadri

Wall Arranging

2012-09-07T08:43:00.001-07:00

I have a wall in between my guest room and guest bath that had nothing on it. I decided to spice it up with a little creative arranging. I painted and distressed the cream frames, then arranged then on the floor in a pattern I liked before putting then up on the wall. Now I just need to find a bench to put underneath.

Hope you get a little inspiration on arranging things of different shapes and sizes on your walls.

Mint + Blazer

2012-09-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

My hubs and I went out to a nice steak/seafood place right on the water on Labor Day. I wanted to wear something cute, still summery but would be sufficient to keep me warm enough when the sun went down. Please excuse the hair... I took this picture when we got home and the ocean breeze was not kind!

Blazer: Nordstrom Rack (similar)

Necklace: Nordstrom Crystal

Tank: Nordstrom Rack (similar)

Skinnys: True Religion

Shoes: Steve Madden

This morning on my run I was so grateful for the beautiful city that I live in and I just wanted to share that with you guys!!

All Orange

2012-09-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

Churchy church outfit. Its a lot of orange but I thought the different tones help the monochromatic outfit! Hope you like it!

Skirt: Forever 21 $10.59 (similar style)

Shirt: Nordstrom Rack $19.97

Shoes: Steve Madden $44.97 Nordstrom Rack

Paint Stick Mirror

2012-08-31T09:39:00.000-07:00

I saw a few different variations of this mirror on Pinterst so I decided to try my own and see how it turned out. I wanted to try and do this project for free but ended up buying some spray paint for $3.47 so total cost of the project $3.47!!!

Supplies:

30 Paint Sticks (Home Depot or Lowes gives these things away for free!)

An Old Mirror

Hot Glue/Gun

Spray Paint

I used a mirror I already had and all I had to do was unscrew it and put a piece of cardboard glued to the back to make the mirror even to glue the paint sticks on flat.

I evenly spaced out the first layer all the way around, and then glued another layer on top in between the previous first layer.

Back side finished product

Then I sprayed it yellow and sealed it and hung it up in my guest room. So cute for so cheap! I think it really makes a statement and takes up wall space!

Smokin Hot

2012-08-29T14:58:00.002-07:00

My Target just got all of Essie's Fall collection in and I'm obsessed. My new favorite, Essie Smokin Hot-- its a mix of grey/plum and its awesome. You want a new fall color, go get it.

Leggings: Hue Denim from Nordstrom (I love these)

Top: Caslon from Nordstrom

Necklace: Forever 21--old

Essie: Smokin Hot

Ps. Look at this amazing sunset last night. It was beautiful!!

Cowboy Boots

2012-08-27T08:43:00.001-07:00

The thing I love about this outfit is my skinnys. These are "coated" jeans/jeggins that are coated with a sheen to look more like leather/ I love them. This night my husband and I went to see Brian Reagan, a comedian at an outdoor theater, hence the cowboy boots.

Coated Skinnys: Jolt from Nordstrom

Leopard Trim Top: hip from Nordstrom

Cowboy boots old

Front/Back or Back/Front

2012-08-25T12:11:00.000-07:00

The thing I love about this shirt is you could wear it either way, buttons in the back or front. Today I choose back because I was wearing my cute new necklace and didn't want to take away from that. I paired it with my bright pink skinnys, still trying to live each last day of summer!

TIP OF THE DAY: One tip I always do with wearing skinnys is paring tight pants with a loose top, or vise versa, loose pants with a tighter top. I think this rule of thumb always works and helps bring balance to any outfit.

Skinnys: Nordstrom Rack

Top: Nordstrom Rack

Necklace: Tai Pan Trading Company bought yesterday ($19.97 before my 25% coupon)

Fall Fashion

2012-08-24T09:53:00.001-07:00

Since I have been DYING in this heat wave I thought it would be nice to fantasize about what I am going to be wearing in the upcoming months. I LOVE fall fashion. I love the leggings, boots, sweaters, scarfs, and dark nail polish that are only appropriate to wear in the fall. I can't WAIT! Pinterest has become my fashion best friend.

Ps. I LOVE Tory Burch but my wallet can't afford it. One can dream, right?

Honestly, this looks so cozy, and I love Reese.

I'm still loving colored skinnies, just toned down a bit for fall

This is what I call a California fall look. Since it never gets cold here, this look is appropriate for fall. I am also a sucker for leopard print.

I love blazers, I love sparkle, I love layering, and I love chambray. Enough said.

I hope you get some inspiration for your own fall looks :)

Maxi & Ikat

2012-08-17T22:38:00.001-07:00

Today I had to drive in the car for about an hour and then do some work for my husband. I wanted to look nice-ish in something that wouldn't wrinkle... Enter the maxi skirt, the best invention ever!!

Skirt: Nordstrom Rack

Shirt: Nordstrom Rack

Cuff: Cara

Belt: BP from Nordstrom

Lots of Love!!!

Hardware Love

2012-08-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

So I saw pinterest that there was a way to spray paint your hardware to get that Oil Rubbed Bronze effect. I love that color and decided to take a go. I took the hardware off, sprayed the color as well as a finishing coat and let it dry for 48 hours before installing. The lady who did this said hers haven't chipped in 5 years so I thought I would use her process.

The Paint, Rust-Oleum in Oil Rubbed Bronze

The Before

The After:

Overall, I like the look. The hardware on the door handles now kinda has a weird feel. Plus where the tongue and groove part in the door is already stating to chip. So I definitely would not suggest doing your door handles unless they are the hideous brass that needs to go!

BUT I would paint the towel rod and toilet paper holder (not pictured) again. Turned out so cute and plus I don't think it will chip! So learn from me and don't regret what you do!!

Bumble Bee

2012-08-15T18:22:00.001-07:00

Today I went to drop something off for my husband at his office. When I walked in he said, "Look at my cute little bumble bee!" I knew I should of bought this shirt in blue and not yellow!

Shirt: Marshalls $12.99, bought today--also came in blue

Skirt: Bobeau, Nordstrom Rack (similar)

I LOVE Maxi Skirts, they are so comfy and honestly feel like wearing pjs! I want one in every color!

Cuff: Cara, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, Sold Out :(

Crystal Chandelier for Under $45

2012-08-13T10:30:00.000-07:00

If you remember in my previous post, I am in the middle of redoing my guest bathroom. One way to really change up a bathroom is to change out the light fixtures. I hated the builder grade one above the mirror and purchased a light fixture and installed it myself! I totally believe everyone can install a light fixture. I went on YouTube and watched a few videos and now I am a PRO!

Light Fixture I purchased from Overstock

But since I couldn't afford another light fixture for over the toilet, I decided to make my own. I started with a really nasty fluorescent light.

To uninstall I just had to unscrew a few screws and untwist the orange caps keeping the wires together

Next I found a crystal light holder at Hobby Lobby for $30!! I used it for decorating a wedding I did a year back and its been sitting with no home. I then went to Home Depot and bough a hanging light fixture kit in Nickel, they have all colors for $14.99.
All I had to do was take out the candle holder center, attach the post of the lamp and affix the hanging chains to the top. Pretty simple!

And I LOVE the final product! Check back for the rest of the bathroom reveal.

Date Night

2012-08-13T10:06:00.001-07:00

Summer Date Night! My husband and I went to this new "Luxury Movie Theater" right by our house called Cinepolis. It was AMAZING!! Full motorized reclining seats, huge arm rests, and a personal waiter who answered to your every want during the movie. It made me never want to go back to "poor mans theater" again! :) What I wore

Top: Nordstrom Rack

White Jeans: 7 For All Mankind

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelet: Nadri and Cara

Framed Cards

2012-08-09T20:50:00.001-07:00

My walls in my guest room have been empty for a long time, I had no idea what to put on them. I needed some inexpensive and cute and finally came up with a really cute idea.

I found some really cute cards at the Dollar Spot at Michaels that matched the theme of my room and even had some of my favorite bling on them.

To make these framed cards you need:
Cards ($1.00 Each from Michaels)
Frames ($3.99 Each from Target)
Mats ($2.49 Each from Michaels)
Tape
TOTAL= Less then $8.00 per frame, $32 for the set

All I did was tape the cards to the mats and put them in the frames. Super easy, super cute, and super cheap!

Obsessed!

I put the frames 2.5 inches apart. I tried other widths but this was my favorite

The Guest Room so far. I have lots of other ideas for the walls that I can't wait to start!

Quilt: Target

Shorts & T-Shirt

2012-08-09T20:17:00.001-07:00

Since it is BAKING hot here, well only a high of 86 degrees, but I live in San Diego and that is deathly hot here! Today I was out running around getting in and out of hot cars so I wanted something simple. That is why a T-Shirt and Shorts had to do today.

Top: Gap

Shorts: 7 for All Mankind (Bought at Nordstrom Rack)

*These are actually capris, but I am not a hug fan of capris so I roll them into shorts

Watch: Michael Kors

Making a Statement

2012-08-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

One way to make a hug statement in a room is WALLPAPER!! I love the look of wallpaper but may have gone a little over board in my master bedroom. If I was doing it over again I would of just done one focus wall, like I did in the bathroom. But you live and learn, right??

Some tips for DIY Wallpaper:

1. Make sure you buy pre-pasted, it will make your life so much easier!

2. You definitely need a partner to make sure it all aligns correctly, the pattern I used was easy to align

3. Make sure you measure correctly to order the right amount, no need to waste money and order more, and you FOR SURE don't want to be short!

4. Wallpaper always comes in a double roll, so if it is $10 a roll, you can only buy 2 for $20.

5. I bought my wallpaper for cheap! Wallpaper Whole Sale has tons of inexpensive items

Before: Testing out some paint samples

After

My cute water closet!

My Dad's Shirt

2012-08-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

Growing up my dad ALWAYS would wear a denim shirt (usually with jeans also) and I would always make fun of him for it. Well, little did I know that these so called "chambray" shirts would come back in style, but I am not fancy so I call it denim. I can just see my dad gloating knowing he was always in style!

Shirt: Caslon (Nordstrom)

Skinnys: Joe's (on Sale!)

Shoes: Sam Edelman (old)

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelet: Cara

Upgrading/Framing Bathroom Mirrors

2012-08-07T09:39:00.003-07:00

There is nothing worse then builder grade level mirrors in the bathroom... Yuck. So I decided to frame those suckers just like everyone else.

1. Remove the little tabs holding the mirror in place. I have helped many friends do this project and I have never seen a mirror that wasn't glued to the wall, those tabs are just a little extra hold.

2. Next measure out the pieces and decide how you want to proceed. Personally I am not too handy and had the guys at Home Depot cut my pieces for me. I also didn't want to deal with the angle cuts so I used the cheater way of corner pieces and I think it still looks good!

3. Next I stained the wood I bought. I would not recommend this. My next mirror I bought the lightweight white fake wood and painted it. Since it was MUCH lighter, it stuck up there so easy and I didn't need the excessive tape you see in the next picture!

4. Next using Liquid Nails for Mirrors (I didn't use the mirror one the first time and the frame slid right off) Put glue everywhere expect for about 1/2 inch on the edge closest to the mirror.

5. Start in a corner and put corner piece, press and hold for a few minutes and then move on to the frame, and continue the same process.

6. Tape it up so it doesn't slide around

7. Finish it off with a sealer and you are done! Such an upgrade!

Stay tuned for the rest of this bathroom makeover!

Black and White Stripes

2012-08-05T17:39:00.001-07:00

I go to church on Sundays and I love that it give me an excuse to wear cute skirts and dresses. This outfit works because I am paring a bold pattern (the striped skirt) with a plain bright top.

Skirt: Nordstrom Rack (bought yesterday for $21)

Shirt: Nordstrom Caslon Elbow Sleeve Ruched Tee in Roco Red

(I love the ruched, it makes you look skinny!)

Shoes: Target

Necklace: Target Clearance

Watch: Michael Kors

Bracelet: Nadri

Stripe Painting Made Easy

2012-08-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

I have been loving all of the stripes I have seen, and wanted to paint some in my guest room, but I am a bit lazy and hate taping with a passion. So I wanted to tape as little as possible and came up with a genius, if I do say so myself, solution to only tape once.

1. Decide what size you want your stripes, then overestimate and freehand painting those stripes on the wall. This may look frightening, but it works!

2. Measure out and tape off your stripes. To make sure they are level, I duct taped my level to a yard stick. Pretty high class

3. Choose a color for the stripes, I used Martha Stewarts Sharkey Grey, its a perfect mix of grey with a brownish undertone to go with my wood furniture.

4. Lastly, my favorite part, peel off the tape and stand back in awe!! Now I just need to fill up those walls.

(Bedding and pillows purchased from Target last year)

Essie Love

2012-08-04T21:44:00.001-07:00

I have a confession to make... I am obsessed with The Bachelorette. Monday nights are my favorite day of the week. And I love all things Emily Maynard. Then I saw this InStyle article and new I had to buy that nail polish because I always loved it on the show.

Courtesy of Craig Sjodin/ABC and Essie

Essie Ballet Slippers, I bought it at Target. It is now my favorite go to neutral polish and I'm in LOVE. Try it out, you won't be disappointed.

Dinning Room Wall Stencil

2012-08-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

I LOVE accent walls and since I was seeing tons of wall stencil ideas in pinterst so I knew I had to join the party and had the perfect wall to do it.

Boring nothing wall in my dinning room that I had no clue what to fill it with. I then purchased the "Rabbat All Over Stencil" from Cutting Edge Designs and went to work.

1. I had to paint the wall white since I wanted the stencil part to be white and the rest to match my wall color.

2. I started from the bottom and worked my way up. What I learned is to let the paint dry up a bit before you go to the next section. Since the stencil I purchased you had to overlap, if you didn't let it dry, it would smudge all over... Trust me, don't do it!!

So close, yet so far....

The hardest part was bending the stencil to do the tops and sides. I should of waited till the hubs got home because using your 2 hands and 1 foot to hold in place was pretty difucult.

3. Finish up by taking a small paint brush and using the white fill in all of the little slip ups you may have had (Don't worry, we all have them)

The Big Reveal...

The wall then seemed still a little empty so I bought these mirrors from Pottery Barn and these chairs on clearance at Kirkland Home. I now LOVE my little dinning area that was so plain before.