4th of July // Inspiration Board

Independence day is just moments away and I am looking forward to our annual 4th of july bbq with our family and friends. This holiday is always associated with food, drinks and our loved ones but of course, I want to add in some decorative details to infuse the soiree with red, white and blue. 

I have some inexpensive but hopefully impactful diy's in the works to liven up our outdoor space. Check out my inspiration board below for this year's 4th of july party and to see last year's, click here.

(left to right:  snap, crackle + pop game station  /  red and blue themed silverware set-ups  /  red, white + blue fruit ice cubes  /  patriotic fruit pizza  /  flag inspired mason jars  /  americana bunting  /  patriotic popsicles  /  spray painted lawn stars)

Oh, and for some more nostgic fun, here is the 2014 4th of july video I created and here are some great recipe suggestions for an americana meal that will be both tasty and gorgeous. 

Backyard Renovations // Inspiration Board

From the day we bought our house back in november 2014, we were itching for the warm weather to roll in. Why you ask? Well that would be to start working on yet another, back yard project. If you are new to the blog, ryan and I completely renovated and landscaped the backyard of our last home (see here) a couple years ago which was a major 180 when all the dust settled. We are back at it for our new home and have some big plans for our yard.

My goals are not out of control or unattainable... especially with how much my husband loves to get his hands' dirty and does the majority of the work on his own. In my idyllic backyard, I would like to have...

- both an entertaining and dining area

- a shaded patio 

- lighting that will bring ambiance as the sun goes down

- privacy from our neighbors

- lots of lush greenery and some hints of color

- a modern and streamlined feel

We have already planted 10 new shrubs/trees in the yard to break up the hard lines and I also purchased this new outdoor rug which looks lovely with the patio furniture we already own. I think the biggest impact for the space will be the pergola we are getting installed to increase the shade over the patio. The design we want is a bit more modern and minimalistic which I think will really give the yard a focal point. I am then hoping to add some mood lighting, a few potted plants to break up all the raw materials and then possibly a small dining area for al fresco meals. 

I cannot wait to share the progress. In the meantime, here is the inspiration board I am working off of for my backyard renovations.

(left to right:  modern pergola with dark stain  /  navy accents with whimsical lighting  /  vertical garden  /  glimmering strung bistro lighting  /  tree trunks wrapped with lights  /  potted plants with tons of texture  /  a small but cozy dining space  /  simple but inviting pergola)

Lighting // Inspiration Board

Yesterday I shared some snaps of our main living spaces and the lighting updates we have made since moving in last november. We are loving the way our living and dining rooms now feel with our canned lighting and upgraded pendants. Additionally, the task lighting that we changed out in our kitchen is not only much more appealing to look at but the light they provide is ten-fold from the original. 

Sadly, one area we still have not tackled is the lighting in either of our bathrooms. However, I would really like to improve them because they feel very builder-grade and generic. In my ideal world, where money, dimensions and electrical costs were not a factor, I would install scones to flank each of the bathroom mirrors but sadly that is not an option. The layout in both bathrooms cannot accommodate anything more than overhead or pendant lighting as both vanities are jammed against the walls. Ugh. Not my fav but not the end of the world.

I have been rounding up some lighting options in an inspiration board that would work above both the mirrors. Currently the bathroom fixtures are all brushed nickel but I love the brass trend that is everywhere on blogs and pinterest. When we decide to pull the trigger on lighting, my guess is it will be one of the following options.

(left to right: 1 lamps plus  /  2 schoolhouse electric  /  3  shades of light  /  4 cedar and moss /  5  all modern  /  6 all modern  /  7 lamps plus  /  8 lamps plus  /  9 schoolhouse electric  /  10 shades of light  /  ll crate and barrel  /  12 lamps plus  /  13 shades of light  /  14 shades of light  /  15 ikea)

Which ones do you like? I would love your opinions on what lighting strikes your fancy!

Housing Update // Lighting

Lighting is everything. It can make or break a photograph, completely update a room or change the perspective on nearly anything. Ryan and I have been in our new home for 6 months now (say what!?!?!) and I just realized that I have yet to share any details about it. 

(before: crate and barrel chandelier  /  after: west elm 5 jar chandelier)

The house we purchased was built in 1958 and has all the charm we adore… gorgeous built-ins, high baseboards, decorative accents and cove ceilings. Lucky for us, the seller kept all these awesome details but flipped the interior to include all the modern amenities of a new home. Essentially we have a brand new house within the footprint and exterior walls of the original structure. It has been awesome bringing in our belongings while also purchasing some new pieces to make this place feel like 'us'. However, one thing the seller did not put as much detail into was the lighting.

(before: ikea ceiling drum)

From the get-go, we knew that lighting would be a top priority after moving in. We had not even finished unpacking and I was already surfing the interwebs, scrolling pinterest and stopping into shops around town looking for inspiration. Now, don't get me wrong, the light fixtures in the house were not terrible or even dated, they just screamed 'big box store' and 'not our style'. Over the past several months, we have been working our way through the house, updating many of the light fixtures to not only improve the rooms visually, but to also install options which would provide better lighting overall.

(before: home depot brushed nickle mini pendant  /  after: west elm industrial pendant)

The updated lighting has made a vast improvement and we are both quite happy with the results. We are still working on plans for our 2 bathrooms which I will share inspiration boards for in tomorrow's post. Come back here tomorrow to see where we are at and maybe even weigh in on what lighting options you like best. 

A Christmas Feté

Christmas traditions are some of my favorite... I am quite the sucker for yearly traditions that quickly become staples in celebrating a holiday. 

A few favorites come to mind like my in-laws' annual christmas eve party that brings together so many friends + family for an evening of tamales, green chile, cuddling up around the fire and shots of fireball. One that has been a constant memory since I was a young girl... eating smoked salmon on crackers (a gift my dad would receive each year from his brother) with my parents + sister after we were done opening gifts. Oh and I cannot forget, after a long day out-and-about seeing our families, I always surprise ryan with a small token in his stocking once we are back home.

I would love to someday host a big christmas party of my own to build a tradition behind. There would be a mix of sparkle and natural elements, gold accents with hints of red throughout the space, tons of flickering candles to dance in the ornaments adoring the tree and plenty of food and drinks to last late into the evening hours. 

Here is my rendition of a christmas feté!

(left to right:  sequin letter garland  /  branches wrapped in tiny white lights  /  saplings in glass jars  /  perfectly wrapped gifts in black gold + white  /  stocking utensil holders  /  holiday scent on your stove  /  effortless candles in a galvanized container  /  beautiful buffet table-scape)

Edgy Style At Its Best

I would say my personal style is pretty classic but I love the look of mixing basics with edgy pieces to punch things up. Like a pair of torn jeans... they can look totally dressy when styled with a fitted button down + a statement necklace. I also am a huge fan of layering feminine tops with military-inspired jackets, sweet and strong all in one look. Below are some of my favorite edgy looks right now, straight from my pinterest page. 

As you can see, I am a creature of habit... lots of neutrals, silhouettes with jackets + skinny jeans and pieces that work in multiple seasons. I don't stray too far from what I know looks best on my body-type but that also allows for me to invest in clothing that will last for years and not go out of style.  

For more on my style, check out all my boards on pinterest.

Happy 4th

This weekend we will be celebrating our independence with family + friends, most likely on a patio with some delicious bbq. The weather in denver is of course, going to be hot so I thought I would put together an inspiration board for a forth of july party, complete with water balloons to give some relief to the heat. In my mind, this holiday is all about yummy food, fireworks and americana details. 

(left to right:  red white + blue bunting  /  sparklers  /  distressed ball jars  /  s'mores bar  /  american flag cupcakes  /  sunglasses  /  grill  /  water balloons)

Here is to a fabulous weekend... I hope you celebrate it with endless fun! 

See you back here on monday.

And the Award Goes To...

This sunday is the 86th annual academy awards. I am going to be plopped on the couch watching in my pj's but sort of wish I was having an oscars party with a group of friends. It would be so fun to put together an oscar-themed feté where my guests could fill out ballots, sip champagne and nibble on tasty hors d'oeuvres. So in the spirit of the big event, here is my mock party and all the trimmings!

(clockwise from top left:  ballot invitation  /  garland  /  polaroid camera  /  print  /  confetti balloon  /  straws  /  popcorn bar  /  champagne)

Will you be watching? Who do you have picked to win best picture? To see my academy awards post from last week, click here.

Dress To Impress // Holiday Edition

The holidays are in full swing and if your calendar is anything like mine, you have events scheduled now through new years. While I love the hustle and bustle of the holidays, I often struggle on what to wear. I want to look festive and appropriate for the event but also don't want to break the bank (I need to use any extra moola for christmas gifts). 

This year I have created 3 inspiration boards to make outfit planning as simple as possible. Many of the items below are already in my closet or I have something similar that will work perfectly. I planned my inspiration boards around 3 types of events I have in the coming weeks: dressy parties, casual get togethers and finally, christmas morning.

(clockwise from top left:  sweater  /  studs  /  lacquer  /  cuffs  /  plaid button down  /  denim  /  leopard flats  /  necklace  /  denim  /  scarf  /  booties)

(clockwise from top left:  sweater  /  blouse  /  peplum tank  /  faux leather leggings  /  necklace  /  pumps  /  skirt  /  earrings  /  cuff  /  lacquer  /  booties)

(clockwise from top left:  pullover  /  shirt  /  pj top an bottom  /  cozy booties  /  leggings  /  slipper socks  /  bralette)

Hopefully these ideas will help you look your best this holiday season too!

Holiday Decor // Potted Trees

I love decorating for christmas. The day after thanksgiving I am not at the mall trying to find a great black friday deal. Instead, you can find me at home, pulling out all my holiday boxes and spending a couple hours making my house feel as festive as possible. I typically try to stay within a general color scheme (gold, silver, white and hints of red) to make things feel cohesive and not like christmas is spewing out of every shelf and corner of my home. 

(inspiration and design  /  fort lapin)

(hedge in france  /  dreamy whites)

This year I would love to incorporate a small potted pine into my holiday decor. I have found a ton of great inspiration on pinterest and have become obsessed with this look. Regardless if it is a natural wood box, a porcelain pot or even a glass vase, I just know I will be adding one into my house.

(ticking and toile  /  country life)

(mokkasin  /  emma's design blog)

What do you think? Are you loving the potted pine look?

Pinterest // Thanksgiving Inspirations

I was trolling pinterest this past weekend and found so many awesome decorating ideas for thanksgiving that I had to share. Some of these would fit perfectly into my imaginary thanksgiving dinner plans and others make me want to run to the craft store immediately.

  (a great natural centerpiece from sas interiors)

(a beautiful buffet from mod vintage life)

(wood plank chalkboard signs from eighteen25)

(a cozy and welcoming fireplace hearth from just imagine)

(wood tags to hang on your front door from that's my letter)

I usually leave up any of my 'halloween' decorations that are fall in nature and do not have a scary face or spider on them for thanksgiving. How about you, do you decorate for thanksgiving?

Entertaining // Thanksgiving Dinner

So now that my favorite holiday is behind us, I know that in a moments notice, thanksgiving will be knocking on all of our doors. As far as food is concerned, I am a huge sucker for thanksgiving dinner, specifically my dad's turkey and gravy (seriously, my mouth waters just thinking about it). I have never made a traditional thanksgiving dinner myself but it is one of my goals to tackle this decade. I hope to host my family for thanksgiving sometime soon and in my imaginary world, the table would be set with a combination of gold accents, shiny glassware and anchored with earthy chargers and serving-ware. 

(1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  /  6  /  7  /  8  /  9  /  10  /  11  /  12  /  13  /  14)

Obsessed // Coffee Station

I think we all have big 'dream home' ideas that live on pinterest pages, on inspiration boards and in our heads.  I mentioned here my dream of a white kitchen and now I have another element to add to this imaginary space.  My newest wish-list item would be a dedicated coffee station in my kitchen.  

I love the idea of having a little place in my home where I could display beautiful coffee cups, have a pot-o-joe readily available to all, a little message board with a fun saying and a well-designed sugar and cream station to look back at and admire.  A couple great wedding presents we received were a beautiful stainless steel coffee pot, white classic cups and a cake stand which I use to put all the accouterments on.  Oh, how I would love to be able to better showcase these in a coffee station of my own.  

I have seen a few diy's on blogs and then also tons of inspiration online and in magazines.  I think the last image is my favorite, the rustic but comfortable layout of the coffee station practically begs you to pour yourself a cup.  It might be worth mentioning that I am not a huge coffee drinker, as in, I do not drink coffee all day long and have to have my morning cup to function throughout the day.  However, I think I could easily become one of those people with a beautiful coffee station like these.  

What do you think of the coffee station?  Are you as smitten as I am?

all images via.

Wishing for White

Can I make a confession... I have only lived in my current house for just over 3 years but I constantly catch myself daydreaming about the next kitchen I will have some day.  My hope is that the kitchen I will have will be all white... clean lines, chic cabinetry, a streamlined layout and polished finishes that can bring everything together.  White kitchens let your food be the star of the show, they look ultra clean (even if you get a bit messy) and have such a peaceful look.

A white kitchen would be a 180 from my cozy kitchen now which is painted a soft pale blue, has black granite counter tops and light wood cabinetry.  While I do find a lot of charm in the kitchen I have now, these images from my pinterest page just make me swoon.

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like My Inspiration Board

(crate and barrel 'now and forever' collection)

I am completely obsessed with the image above.  The colors, texture, light and sparkles are so fabulous and this image has quickly become inspiration for my home this holiday season.  I love how there are natural elements incorporated through the laser-cut wood trees and pine cones which are then juxtapose by the metallic accents.   

Sadly I cannot afford to walk into Crate and Barrel and purchase all of these pieces (it would be over $300) so instead I am crafting up some elements on my own.  I spruced up a bag of pine cones with gold and silver accents similar to the image above and restyled many items I already own to go with the theme.  Finally, I am adding in some red accents to bring some richness and pops of color to the look.  I will take some photos of my house to show you what I was able to put together but I must say I am very happy when I walk into my house every night and see so much sparkle and shine.

(Ryan and I putting up our tree.  my new garland is hanging up too and I just love it)