Wednesday, August 31, 2011

SCORE!



So today I swung by the local consignment shop to check out what they had. And could you believe I saw this gem! What's even better is that it was half off! A table I have been loving for a while now, I found unexpectedly and only paid $45! It made my day! (is that sad?)


Now I am just trying to figure out where to put it. I've got a living room re-do in mind but am only slowly piecing it together since I want to replace everything we currently own. In due time....


Monday, August 29, 2011

Back to Berkeley {and Reality}


We have been back for a week now and I am finally all unpacked {sad, but true, especially with 2 crazy little munchkins undoing everything I just did}. I feel like I have come back with a fresh new perspective and vigor. I have been on a massive cleaning, purging, and organizing spree. I have lots of ideas swirling in my head for my own home and other's, so stay tuned for those.

Anyhow, here's to some fresh, clean spaces that are a breath of fresh air. {Did I use the word fresh too much?....no other word describes it as perfectly!} They are all delightfully organized and clutter-free :)

via IHeart Organizing. Love the wallpaper background of the closet-desks, and love the lucite chair.

Gweneth Paltrow's Manhattan apartment...love the clean color palette, that snuggly rug and that cozy, fun swing!

Courtney Cox's Malibu home. Love the grey tones as well as that industrial-chic desk

What a bright and sunny color palette. How about that pin-board on the door? There was even room to hang a chandelier!

Talk about organized closet! Just as I was feeling good about my own I had to find this.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

So sad.

So my babysitter showed up 25 minutes late and I missed the deadline for Nate Berkus. So mad. So so sad. Would have been a great memory.

Monday, August 15, 2011

Nate Berkus



Tomorrow I am going to a taping of the Nate Berkus Show and could not be more thrilled! What a great way to end my summer in NYC :)

I'll give you the deets when I get back!

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Lovin' the Brick



I have always loved an exposed brick accent wall....but it has been magnified since being here in NYC. I love the loft look. I love the juxtaposition of the raw brick with something soft, just like my love of mixing vintage/antique and modern. So until I can have a brick accent wall of my own someday, here's to dreaming....






Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Guest Post: Dinner Party Tips


I thought it might be fun to start having a few guest posts here and there. Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to New York City Rentals . Manhattan Real Estate, home improvement and the latest architecture, design and fashion. Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign. We did a collaborative effort on how to throw a smashing dinner party....and of course I added some inspiring photos as well. So cheers to your next fete~

If you've ever wanted to party like you favorite Manhattan socialite, you could either head downtown to the endless party of bars and clubs—or you could throw your own and bring the downtown scene to your place. When you think of throwing your own Manhattan style party, think of bringing an ultra-modern glam factor to your décor. Think you're not glamorous enough to throw a luxurious party fitted for a Manhattan party queen? Think again with these easy party tips for throwing a party worthy of the paparazzi.

Party Layout: The key part of any successful party is how much people enjoy themselves by interacting with friends or by meeting new ones. Setting up the layout of your space to allow for mingling is very important. Use a mix of long and short tables to create areas where people can chat or for the ladies to take a break from their heels. Use tables that you already have throughout your space. Even if you don't have a lot of surfaces to use, use your furniture to create small, intimate seating arrangements. Whatever you do, don't line your walls or party perimeter with chairs; you don't want you party to resemble a high school dance.

*not the best representation of the scene from 500 Days of Summer...such a perfect outdoor party scene!

Decorations: It's all about the lighting. Think low lights and luxurious looking décor. This doesn't mean you need to break your bank though. Use white tablecloths to cover your surfaces and accessorize with silver elements; silver candles, silver trays, napkins and plates. Save money by creating your own centerpieces. Simply take shallow silver bowls, fill the bottom with decorative stones and place different sized candles in the center. A small bowl filled with stones, water and floating candles is always a great idea too. If you're having the party outside, get out your holiday lights and string them around the area.

Hor D'oeuvres: Food can be catered or, for the frugal fashionista, it can be made at home. Remember to think of finger food and things that are easy to nibble on. People will be mingling, talking and maybe even dancing so think of things that are easy to pick up and eat. Set up food throughout the room to encourage people to walk around and not hover over one food table. Set out some of the food in the beginning of the party and keep some of it tucked away in another room. When the trays are empty, you'll have food to refill them with to keep your guests happily nibbling all night.

Drinks: Having a well-stocked bar for the party does not mean having every type of alcohol available for your guests. Pick a cocktail recipe or two and mix up a large pitcher of it, buy some box wine and put it in pretty decanters, and don't forget to have a few sodas on hand for those who don't drink.

With these easy party tips, you're bash will be the talk of the town!

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Modern Anthology

One day the fam and I were out exploring Brooklyn. Brooklyn has a lot to offer- they have a nice waterfront park area and are really cleaning up the streets and have some of the best shopping too.

I had looked up a few stores I wanted to check out, one of them being Modern Anthology. It was a lot to take in. I loved everything about it and pretty much wanted to move in. It had homewares, gift items, and some mens clothing. It had lots of industrial-chic, vintage, and quirky items. I snapped a few pics to show you, but if you are in the area, you'll have to check out the rest of the goods yourself :)


Wednesday, August 3, 2011

New York City


Our time in New York City is flying by and sadly coming to a close. I love the buzz of the big city and there is so much inspiration around every corner....whether it's the colors at a flower stand, the sound of music playing in central park, the structure of a building and skyline, the juxtaposition of old and new, or the laughter of children playing.





I'm going to miss this place.
*all photos from flickr



Monday, August 1, 2011

care seat opinion?

Sorry for the random non-design question....I have been needing to upgrade my 3 1/2 year old to a bigger car seat for a while now, but with the craziness of summer traveling, I'm going to do it when we get back to Berkeley.

So.....any of you readers have a suggestion of a bigger car seat for my son? I don't want to break the bank or anything, but of course I want him safe (and it will get used my future siblings).

Thanks for the advice!
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