Cookie Party Recap

Sorry I am overdue with this post.  It's been a busy couple of days since the party.  Samson and I had a rough Sunday and I stayed home on Monday to keep an eye on him.

Anyways, the party was great.  A good mix of people and most came and stayed for a pretty decent amount of time.  I'm glad so many of my family could come out and a few friends who happen to be in town at the perfect time!

I tried to snag a few photos of the layout before everyone arrived - and an outfit shot, because I know at least one of you would ask...

In my cleaning frenzy that morning, I had to move all the wrapped presents from the floor of my dining room to under the tree (really where they belong).  I definitely think gifts under the tree completes the whole "Christmas tree" feeling.  Only downside - less of my cute tree skirt was showing! :)

I borrowed the drink bucket from my parents again which works out perfectly to stick cold bottles of wine and beer in.  That way people don't have to grab stuff from the kitchen.  It's not showing in this picture, but you can see it in the background of the photo of Samson.

The buffet that I DIY from the Ikea shelves, is the perfect place to layout the drink section.

This year I made a few more appetizers than I did last year.  Surprisingly, I still had a lot of cookies leftover after the party.  My family will be happy I still have some for next week.

Finally, this is officially becoming Samson's spot during parties.  He provides him the escape from people's feet, but also gives him prime location to scout innocent party goers who are willing to give him treats.

As soon as I put the cookies out he started camping out there.  My guardian.

As for what I wore, it was kind of spur of the moment.  I like this shirt because it's festive without being obnoxious.  That being said, there were quite a few Christmas sweaters at my party.  I may have to think about that for next year.

After spending countless hours watching youtube tutorials on vintage hairstyles and all the makeup application tutorials, I feel pretty confident that I can get a very vintage look without too much work.  It's definitely becoming my go to look for parties.

 The shirt I got last year from Express; skirt is old from Macys.

Finally, a closer look at the hair and makeup thanks to a goofy Instagram selfie.

Random Monday post

As you can imagine, I picked up quite a few things while on vacation to hang on my walls at my apartment.  So yesterday, while I was cleaning, I decided to just head to Michael's and get the necessary frames I needed.  I was already tired (after just one week) of having all of them laying all over the dining room table.

Here are things things I bought that needed a home:

- a small canvas painting from a Paris street artist
- an 8x10 print of the Sagrada Familia
- a set of 6 vintage pinup prints from Picasso
- two postcards of paintings I liked at the D'Orsay
- the bag from my purchase at Laduree

The canvas painting was definitely going in my hallway (sorry I don't have a picture of that).  I thought I could put the Laduree bag in the bathroom (that didn't end up working) and I had no idea what I was going to do with 6 Picasso prints.

After putting them all in frames, I found good spots for them.  I snuck pictures of a few of them, though they aren't the best photos.

The small canvas, the two postcards and two of the Picasso prints made it into my hallway collage.

I moved the canvas painting my mom got for me into the bathroom - the tile makes it really difficult to hang things.  I'm not sure it's perfect, but it's good there for now.

Then, I put the framed Laduree bag in the hallway.

I ended up putting two of the Picasso prints in the dining room (because I had two in black frames, two in silver and two in white).

Then I finished by putting the Sagrada print and the two remaining Picasso prints in the kitchen.  It's nice to have some artwork in that kitchen so it has a little more life.

So, almost a year and a half into living there - it is actually starting to feel a bit more like it's complete.  At least artwork wise. :)

More artwork

This past weekend, I headed up to Milwaukee again to visit with Lauren and Kevin and see Liam for his birthday.  It's amazing that both him and Brody will be a year already!

While I was up there, I stopped by MEM's house to say hi and pick up a frame to use and then swung by Grammy and Papa's to say hello.

I have had this idea for some artwork in my dining room, but as usual, have been second guessing myself.  (What is wrong with me... I am never not head strong in my decision making)

So, of course, I couldn't wait to get started.

Here is what the picture from MEM's house looked like.

I saved the poster for her and just wanted to use the frame.

I didn't get pictures of this whole process, but I used some high gloss white spray paint that I had left from previous projects.

Then, a few months ago, I bought this box of pantone postcards on Amazon.  My plan was to use these for art work - sort of like paint chip art that is so popular right now.

It took a couple hours while the frame was drying to figure out how I wanted to assemble the postcards.

After I had them laid out in a way I liked them, I went through and taped them all together so they wouldn't slide around.  Then, I taped them onto the piece of foam board that was in the back of the original artwork.

Here is the finished piece...

And the finished piece in its new home.

I'm really happy with it and it makes me feel better that after over a year, I finally have some artwork in my dining room.

Finally, some art in the bedroom

I don't know what my problem has been with decorating this place.  As my mom could attest (based on the number of "ugh, I don't know"s that I utter when we are out shopping), I've been having a hard time committing to decor ideas/purchases for my apartment.  Maybe its the fact that everything is costing me money right now and I'm trying to be cautious of how I am spending my money.

Also, I blog/internet stalk a lot of websites.... a lot.  About a year ago, I found Brittany Fuson Paper online and love her adorable fashion illustrations.  Let's me honest, I LOVE all kinds of fashion prints.  I have a whole pinterest board just for fashion prints and I already have some Inslee By Design prints in my hallway.

So imagine my excitement when I see a post on facebook that Brittany Fuson was having a half off sale on a bunch of her prints.  That was enough to push me to order four of my favorites.

My initial thought was the buy wide mats in various colors to play up the colors in the illustrations and then buy some simple white frames.  After cruising around Michael's, I decided that I was just going to go simple white mats and silver frames.

I think my decision was better than my original plan.  The white mats and silver frames make the prints stand out more and will be easier to transition to future homes/spaces.

I love them and I love how artwork in my bedroom is finally (over a year later) making it look like I actually live there.  It takes it from an apartment to my home.

Now, if I can just buy a real mirror to hang instead of the makeshift one I have.  Oh, and if I can finally find some throw pillows to make my bed look more pulled together.

*I also have some ideas for artwork in my dining room (the last space that really needs something) and also in the bathroom to make it a little less utility.  Maybe another year from me.

**I kid about the year.... hopefully.

Crappy Friday

I had high hopes for today - it is Friday after all.

Wrong.  I woke up at 12:30am to the sound of water dripping.  Turns out the ceiling in my bedroom is leaking from where the radiator is upstairs.  Awesome.  I tried my best to put towels down and then had to spend the rest of the night sleeping on my couch because I couldn't NOT focus on the sound of water dripping onto the wet towel.  You will notice the rolled back carpet in the photo.  Ugh.

So I did get a bit more sleep after that.

Then, when I got to work, I was trying to wrangle my purse, my bag with lunch and a giant iced coffee out of the car and the coffee slipped and spilled ALL OVER my front seat.  So it looks like I'm off to target this morning to get some upholstery cleaner in hopes of getting the stain out before it completely sets in.  Also, the only thing I had to use was my SFHS blanket that was in the back seat.  Looks like I'm doing some laundry this weekend (hi mom!)

Anyways, before all of this happened, I was actually pretty pumped about my outfit today - and my hair!

It's something right?

Happy Crappy Friday.

 *shoes - Target, pants - Macys, shirt - JCrew Outlet, jacket - Express, hair - BIG  :)

Hello there Blog!

I know it's been a while.  I haven't had much to write about, so I haven't really bothered to stop by.  Also, the last couple of weeks have been rough for me - mentally.  So I've just been taking a break.

I have done a few things that I snapped some photos of to do a quick update.  Here they are in bullet/photo format.  First, let's talk house stuff.

A few weeks ago, I bought this Wizard of Oz print off Fab.  The red is actually the text of the original book very, very tiny.  I had a hard time deciding what size frame to use because I wanted to add a mat.  Turned out, that I would've had to custom frame, which I did NOT want to do.  Also, this 18x24 size that the original print is, is just the right size for above my dresser.  So win.

Then, yesterday my mom and I went over to Vogue Fabrics in Evanston to find some fabric to make some curtains.  I'll have some other updates next week, but I quickly hemmed up the fabric for in my room.  This photo doesn't do the colors justice, so I'll try to take another picture later. Of course, this morning that curtain rod fell right out of the wall - oh old apartment...  

Now, for a little fashion/shopping.

On Saturday, Brooke's volleyball team had a Derby themed fundraiser.  It gave me an opportunity to wear my fascinator.  And God knows I just need one excuse.

Yesterday, I went to the mall to try to find a spring dress or two to have for nicer functions, dates, etc.  Well, I struck out big time - which was pretty disappointing.  Before I left for my parents' house, I made one last stop at Nordstrom and found this nice simple green dress that was decently priced.  I tried it on at home with some new shoes I got at DSW just to make sure I really liked it.  The lighting in dressing rooms is seriously so terrible.

Speaking of DSW, I also found these fabulous shoes on the clearance rack.  How much do you love these?

Today it is supposed to be 70.  I used the opportunity to inject some spring color to my recently uninspiring wardrobe.  With a new mint shirt I got at Express.  Yeah spring!

*shirt - Express, skirt - Jcrew Outlet (old), shoes - Steve Madden (old)

Last but not least.... I love getting to spend time with my niece and nephews.  They are so stinking cute and Kayla is the best 2-year old, EVER.  She's hilarious!  After I took this picture, she said to me, "let me see it."  

Just like every other girl that wants to pre-approve a photo. :)

Quick Check In

This week while working a conference in Baltimore, I'm having the opportunity to browse my blogs I follow (did you hear about Google Reader?  Did it bug you as much as it bugged me?)

I've decided that this spring/summer I'm going to focus on decorating my place - or finishing decorating it.

A few things off the top of my head:

1. artwork for my bedroom
2. artwork for the dining room
3. the bathroom!

I need to buy some new towels and I would like to get some shelves in there to put some stuff up.

Also,

1. CURTAINS!

I would like to add something to my kitchen to warm it up a bit (and cover the window at the door).  Also, I am hanging throw blankets and extra fabric over my windows in my bedroom.  Such a grown up move! Ugh.

Also, I want to do some major cleaning.  It would be a good idea to pull all the blinds off and scrub them on the back porch with a brush.  They are nasty.

Anyways, I'm back to work - but just wanted to pop in and jot some thoughts down.

I hate coming up with a title

I've been thinking about a lot of things lately.  Being sick and spending time laying around will do that to you. This post is going to be all over the place.  You've been warned.

First, I received notice for my apartment lease renewal and that it included a $300 rent increase.  While the $300 increase brings my rent back up to reality (what most spaces in my area are renting for), it was still a shock to the system.  That of course, brought on that "oh shit" moment where I was panicking about having to move in 4 weeks.

After much debate and internet searching, I decided that I really like my place.  I like my space and I really like the location.  So I was able to work out a little agreement with my manager to include my parking.  So I'm staying!  Thank goodness for not having to think about moving again until 2014.

. . . . . . . .

I don't know if you have realized this by my other posts, but I've been in sort of a funk lately.  I feel really dependent on a few friends to have any social activity and with them having other things to do and significant others, it means I spend a lot of time doing nothing.  So I need to make some new girl friends.  Amanda suggested I join a few meetups, so I've done that.  Now we'll see how that goes.

. . . . . . . .

My match subscription ends in March.  I am still checking my matches, but I've pretty much given up on that.  I would like to date, but clearly, Match is not the way to go.  A friend said she's had some fun on OKcupid because it's free.  I took a look around and see A LOT of the same people from match.  So clearly, internet dating might not be for me.  Maybe I'll meet people through some meetups?

. . . . . . . .

I started running training for my half marathon.  I missed the first week because of my sickness but now I'm back on track.  I have been feeling like all these little things I keep telling myself I'm going to do (workout at home, etc) are NOT working.  So I am visiting a gym around the corner from my place to see if it's worth signing up.  I figure with classes and free weights and another option to run if its crappy out, PLUS the fact that it is less than a block away will be enough to give me no excuses to go.  

I know part of my problem is that I get home from work and walking Samson at 6ish and then feel like I just want 2 hours to sit and eat dinner and chill before I walk Samson and go to bed again.  Even trying to get to sleep by 9pm isn't getting me good rest.  So maybe I use that time more wisely and not sit and watch TV for 2 hours.  Like go to the gym.  I want to be cognizant of being home for Samson, but I also need to utilize my time better.


So that's what I have going on right now.  In between trips for work.

Painting Weekend

This weekend was BUSY.

On my way home from work on Friday, I swung by Home Depot to pick up my supplies and then grabbed my mom to head back home.  We tried to meet Brendan for dinner on Friday and walked over to Flat Top. Of course, Brendan over booked himself so it just ended up being my mom and I.

Saturday morning, we walked Samson and got breakfast at the diner down the street before making a trip down to the Crate & Barrel and the CB2.  I was desperate to use my C&B gift card to buy new wine glasses and get these side tables I had seen on the CB2 website.

Finally, we were home and ready to get painting by noon on Saturday.

First thing we did was move the dresser out on the back porch so we could sand.  My mom got started with that while I hand sanded the expedit shelf from Ikea.

 sanding, sanding, sanding

 Sanding seemed to take forever.  I'm sure my mom's arms were shaky for a good hour afterwards.

When the sanding was done, we brought the furniture back into the dining room where we prepped the area for painting.  Then, we primed and got to painting.  Due to the temperature in my house (and the thin coats of paint), we were able to do a lot of work that afternoon.  The primer dried after an hour.

Here were all the pieces when we stopped for the night.

Sunday morning we put the final coat on the expedit piece and the second and third coats on the dresser and drawers.

As a reminder, here is what the expedit piece looked like when I bought it from Ikea.  If you recall I added the legs to it.

 posted here

After 3 coats of paint and a piece of plywood nailed into the back, here is the finished piece.

The nighttime lighting doesn't do the colors justice.  Here is the piece taken yesterday with my stuff put back.

paint colors: Behr semi-gloss finish - Green: Japanese Fern; Turquoise - Winter Surf

All my new wine glasses made it onto this piece as well as the new appetizer plates I bought. I'm totally ready for my party this weekend!

My mom did majority of the work on the dresser.  After 3 coats of paint on the main sections of the piece, it was done.

Here's what it looked like originally.

posted here

And here's what it looks like now.

paint colors: Behr high-gloss finish: Cobalt Glaze

I still have to get new hardware (because these are way too ornate for this piece).  I am in love with it.

I'm so grateful that my mom could come and help me.  It definitely made the work more enjoyable and we were able to finish much faster than if I did it all myself.

Little by little my place is coming together.  I ordered two rugs online yesterday (one for the dining room and one for my bedroom).

Perspective

Last night my friend, Marie (HI MARIE!), came over to see my place and then grab a bite to eat.

She made a comment to me about how nice my place was and in what a great location it was in.  She's not the first person to say it, but her timing was perfect.

At a time when I am constantly stressed and angry about what I don't have done in my apartment, it's hard to remember that from anyone else's perspective my place is pretty decent.  It's so easy to be stuck eyeballing your situation with deep scrutiny and only noticing the bad/not done things.

So this is a thank you to all those family and friends that have said how much they like my place.  I needed that.

And hopefully you will love it even more when I'm actually done. :)

The DIY Weekend

This weekend was super productive for me - apartment wise.

On Friday, my mom, Kayla and I headed out to Ikea to pick up the things I was looking for to complete the projects I talked about last week.

First (and un-DIY-related) I FINALLY picked out a duvet cover.  I don't know why this was so difficult for me, but I finally caved and bought one.  Next is some throw pillows.

source

Then I started tackling the DIY vanity.  In total, the shelves, mirror, baskets and lights costs me around $100.  Which was about what I would've paid for a piece of furniture to fit in the space.  I still need to find the right stool, but this one that I already had was a good holder for now.

I also bought a few things to start to hang some of my jewelry.  These are actually paper towel holders.  It is certainly not a completed project, but a great start.  I had forgot I had some of these necklaces because they were at the bottom of the tub I was storing them in.  Next is something for the dresser to hold rings and earrings and something to hang on the wall for longer earrings.

Last, I put together the expedit shelf to use for my banquet table in my dining room.  I added the besta legs for more height.  I bought it in the natural color because I plan to paint it.  I didn't think that room could take any more dark furniture.

Apartment Update

On Friday, I FINALLY gained access to the storage area I get in the basement of the building.  Because of that, I finally cleared out my dining room.

It looks so big now that my table looks tiny.

The items against the radiator are pictures that I still haven't decided what to do with.

Apartment Improvements Round 1

This weekend I had big plans to do some spray painting and decorating.  Well, some of that was done... most was not.

First, I had to do something about my front door.  The front door to my apartment has three frosted windows in it.  Not sure why - since that defeats a good portion of the privacy.  Also, there is a hallway light directly in front of the door.  The first night in my apartment, it was so bright it was like I left a light on.  The second night, I taped some cardstock paper over it to kill some of the light.  It has been like that for a month.  So on Friday, we stopped at Home Depot and found some contact paper (that you use to line shelves).  I thought this would be a good alternative to help dim the lighting since I did not want to put a curtain on the door.

Well, we managed to find some paper and when I added it (3 layers in each pane), it actually looks like it's supposed to be there. WIN!

Then, I wanted to get started with attempting to organize my hallway mural of photos.  I was using the idea from Young House Love.  I don't have as many frames as they have, so I was a little looser with my set up.  I followed their lead and made a newspaper outline of each frame and size to help me layout the walls.

Here are the 3 walls in my hallway with the outlines taped up.  I figured I would start with smaller bunches on each wall and then I could add out from there.

 Hallway 1 next to the door

 Hallway 2 between the bedroom and the living room

Hallway 3 next to the bathroom door

After laying out the frames to see if I liked that order, I started measuring for the nails.  Honestly, I followed YHL's process almost exactly.  I did run into one problem - there seems to be studs ALL over the walls.  So I'm going to have to go back and get some shorter nails for a bunch of the pictures.  Not the worst issue, but a mishap for sure.

Then, I went through and hung things to see how I felt.  Here's what it looks like so far.

 Hallway 1

 Hallway 2

Hallway 3

About half of them don't have any artwork in them and the canvases all need to be painted, but at least I can see what they would look like.  I planned to paint all the black frames white so that everything coordinated together.  I'm glad I have to wait on that a bit... I may change my mind.  Also not sure if I should paint the mirror white.  That bright green works with my colors so maybe with the paint on the canvases it won't stand out so much.

So it's progress at least.  Fewer things taking up space on my table and floor for sure.

While I was at it, I decided to also hang that artwork from California.  There weren't many places I could hang it, so that was a pretty easy decision.  I'm hoping some light from the little window next to the space will play up the colors a bit.