And the coolest mom award goes to...

My mom, Catherine!! She read my blog about Kendra Scott earrings and ordered me the pair shown below!! Thanks Mom!! You are the best!!
Amanda

I am kind of obsessed..

I came across this "gem" on my new obsession Pintrest. All of the bloggers are raving about Pintrest. If you are not a member, join. It is awesome. This fabulous jewelery is another Etsy treasure. Garnet Girl Designs is the genius behind these beautiful pieces. I am obsessed with the hand forged look of the gold and silver. The giant gems aren't too bad either. I would like one of each please.

I will take a pair in every color please...

So my friend Kristin texted me some fab earrings she bought for a weeding this weekend by Kendra Scott. I immediately was jealous, and wanted some of my own. :) I started surfing the web, and fell in love with these gorgeous Kendra Scott earrings!! Look at all of the colors!! Now I need at least 4 pair. Thanks Kris!!

Amanda

Pouf the Magic Ottoman

Moroccan Poufs are a great way to add an unexpected to punch to a room. My friend Sarah is obsessed, and after researching these images, I think I am too! They come in a vast variety of colors. Not only are they fun, they are also functional. If you have kids they are great for sitting around a coffee table and doing some crafts. Adults love them too. I can totally see me and my girlfriends perched on these little poufs with wine in hand. They are not that expensive either, usually ranging from $165.00-$345.00.

image via eye spy

image via serena and lily

image vis elle decor

image via house beautiful

image via louloupear

image via southern living

image via Domicilium Decoratus

Amanda

A few tips to cozy up a room...

It is always important when decorating a room to keep it cozy. You do not have to have dark paneled walls to give off a warm feeling. The two rooms below are perfect examples of that. They have light walls and are done to perfection. They both are warm, and looked lived in. I have listed a few accessories that are great ways to warm up a room, and won't break the bank.

Photo via House Beautiful designed by Kay Douglass

Photo via House Beautiful designed by Barbara Westbrook

Warm wood accessories and furniture are a great way to cozy up a space.

Antique Wood Dough Bowls by Blue Ocean Traders

I am a fan of having at least one throw in each room. It should look like something you want to wrap around you and curl up on the sofa in.

Belgian Linen Knit Throw Restoration Hardware $99.00

Pottery adds a nice texture to a room. Place on a cocktail table with some greenery and you are set.

Leah Vases and Bowl by Pottery Barn $24.00-$69.00

Texture is a great way to warm up your room. Baskets can be a great place to store throws, extra pillows, and magazines.
Round Rattan Basket from Ballard Designs $79.00

Books always add a little something to a room. I have stacks of books on my cocktail table. These old stacks of books are great for bookshelves, tables, and baskets.

Antique Book Bundles from Ballard Designs $18.00

Candles, candles, candles. Nothing creates a mood quite like candlelight.

Ivory Pillar Candles from Restoration Hardware $49.00-$199.00

If you want a more dressed up look, set your pillar candles on these gorgeous wood candlesticks. Groups of candlesticks create drama, and look beautiful

Florentine Wood Carved Candlesticks $39.00-$199.00

So remember having a cozy room doesn't mean you have to paint in a dark chocolate. Just make sure it a space you want to read, relax, and curl up in. The most important thing is that it works for you and your family.

Amanda

Living Room Additions

Now that my new sofa has made itself comfortable, I notice I need a few more items to accompany it. Below is a little wish list of some things that would really compliment the sofa. Once again, budget was not an issue, since this is wishful thinking. Sigh.

French Armoire from European Antiques

Othello Iron and Mirror Cocktail Table from Ateriors

Stag Side Tables from Bliss Studios

Antique Italian Chandeleir from Tara Shaw Antiques

I am sure I could go on for days with things I want or need, but this is a start. Drapes, and oushak rug, and even a new piece of artwork over my mantel would be a few more items on my list. I will save those for another day.

Amanda

I need to add a little spark to my uniform...

I am the first one to admit I wear the same basic outfit everyday. I like a white tee and jeans. I also think a whit tee and jeans is a great canvas for some bold accessories. Here are a few that have caught my attention, and have been added to my wish list.

MAVEN DROP HOOP EARRINGS

LULESTE MARKET MARBLE CHOKER

LOVE QUOTES(MY FAV) SCARF IN SUNSHINE

BELL PEPPER BAG

MODERN MASTERPIECE CUFF

SKY RENDERED TURQUOISE POST EARRINGS

CRESENT HOOP EARRINGS

Amanda

Do It Yourself Lamps, Sorta

Here is a little home project for a great pair of lamps. Look for a pair of old stairwell balusters, and have a local lamp shop wire them for you. The pair of balusters below, I found on Etsy for $17.00 for the pair! It usually cost between $35-50.00 to have them wired. Last, but not least, a great looking lamp shade. This is where I would splurge a little. Depending on the size you need, shades can range from $45-105.00 each. Lux Lampshades have gorgeous lamp shades. So for a little over $100.00 each, you can have a pair of one of kind lamps!

Amanda

Mama needs a new bag...

I need a new bag to haul my laptop and junk around. I looked down at the bag I am using now and felt truly embarrassed. I will upload the fuzzy phone picture, so you can see the severity of this issue. Below are a few dream totes I would not be embarrassed at all to haul all of my junk.

Bad Bag...Terrible

Longchamp...classic.

Herve Chapelier...durable.

Tory Burch...fabulous.

Big Buddah...bold.

Kate Spade...chic.

So many beautiful choices. If I had my way I would have a different one for everyday. I will probably end up running to Target and choosing a simple black tote. Hey, there is nothing wrong with Target!

Amanda

Picture This

Art can be a big investment. An easy and less expensive way to get a big impact is using a series of framed prints. Below are some great examples of how a few framed prints can look expensive and impressive, but will not break your bank account.

Prints work great in multiples of three.
The more you use the more dramatic the effect. It is like a collection. If you can only afford to make three at first, no problem. You can add more later.

Try to keep the framing simple. I like using champagne colored frames. It goes great with gold and silver. I also really like to stay with neutral colored mats. No matter how cute it seems, lime green mats are rarely a good idea. I like to do a big mat, even if the print or picture is small, it gives a gallery quality to the piece.




I found all of these prints on Etsy! The seller is High Street Market and they run about $14.00 bucks each. They have a huge selection and it is so fun to hunt for a little treasure. So be creative and let the following tips act a helpful guide to creating a fabulous wall of prints in your own home.

1. Stick with simple framing. It is less expensive and more classic.

2. Stay away from colored mats, they can look dated.

3. Scour flea markets, Etsy, Ebay, and old books for potential prints.

4. You don't have to use prints. Photographs, remnant pieces of wallpaper, and even fabric could create a beautiful grouping.

5. Try to get multiply quotes on framing. It doesn't have to break the bank. Sometimes the smaller mom and pop shops are much cheaper than the big craft stores. It is important to shop around.

I hope this helps with the daunting task of custom framing. It can be so much fun, and will definitely look beautiful!!

Love,

Amanda

images courtesy of Phoebe Howard and restoration hardware