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.

Happy Tuesday

Favorite color?  Check.

Favorite skirt?  Check.

Booties?  Check.

Sock Bun? Check!

This is probably the most "on trend" I could get.  In honor of my super trendy sister, Lauren, and her birthday today!!!

 *sweater, Jcrew Outlet, skirt - Ann Cramer, Booties - Sole Society

Also, finished and hung the other curtain I was talking about yesterday.  I used this same fabric to cover the openings in my front door and also something for in the bathroom.  Haven't hung those yet.

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. :)

Jewelry Organization

A few weeks ago, my mom picked up this serving tray at Pottery Barn because I was looking for something to hold my jewelry.  I took it home and tried to assemble it and the trays wouldn't stay in the right positions, they kept falling on top of each other.

So my smart mom went and bought washers with smaller holes and now it works great!

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.

Delayed gratification

Right before Hurricane Sandy, I ordered two rugs for my apartment from Rugs USA.  If you remember, I posted about the one in my bedroom here.  That one came right away.  The second one, for my dining room was back ordered and then delayed because of the storm.

FINALLY, it arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait to put it out (even without a rug pad).

I LOVE IT!

Sorry about the mess.  I'm in the middle of putting up holiday decorations and getting everything ready for my party next weekend.

The rug is really thick and soft so for the price I paid, it's a steal.

I'm so excited to see rooms in my place finally start to come together.  Little by little.

On a slightly unrelated note - it's almost December!  Here's my little apartment tree.

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).

Why I am not a full time artist

I posted on Monday about my attempt to create some artwork for my living room.  Something I had been avoiding for over a month.

Well, after nights of working and reworking... and reworking the art, I finally put the paints away and stepped away from the canvases.  :)

here's a close up

I have a deep respect for people who are truly artists.  It's agonizing for me to sit there any not scrutinize my work.  I would never get anything accomplished.

Finally, last night after the canvases were completely dry, I hung them and cleaned up my mess in the dining room before my mom gets here this weekend.

I had two of the same size canvases but I hung one vertically and one horizontally to fit in the two walls that separate the dining room and living room.

The longer they are up there, the more I like them.  So at least I have that going for me.

  The full view - please note who has found his way onto the couch...

This guy is now just starting to use the rain as an excuse.  It was barely raining and not even storming when he forced himself onto the couch while I was skyping with Kayla and the Hales last night.

As you can tell, it was super stressful...

He's lucky I love him so much.  My yellow couch is starting to look a little less yellow.

The weekend wrap up.

This weekend was a cleaning smack down on my apartment.  The level of dog hair that had accumulated in the corners was down right embarrassing.  My hardwood floors got a good scrubbing.  It was a great way to get a good base clean before I have my first party at my place in two weeks.  It will certainly make the cleaning in the next couple of weeks much easier.

It was nice to have a weekend to just get things done.

After cleaning, I made a trip over to Brooke's place to help her do her hair for a wedding and then had a get together with my grade school friends down at one girl's house in Indiana.  It was a lot of fun.

Sunday morning, Samson and I took a long walk along the lake - it was so nice out!  I think I wore him out because he spent most of Sunday like this...

so cute that I almost forget how annoying he can be sometimes :)

Then, Sunday afternoon I decided to tackle the two large canvases that have been leaning against the wall since I bought them over a month ago.  Having this party in two weeks have forced me to get some things done that I have been avoiding.

I found this great inspiration online and thought two large canvases that flank my living room would be perfect.

source

So I started a few layers of the painting.  I like where it is going but I think covering the entire canvas would look better. So does my mom when I asked what she thought.  So I'll be working this week on finishing the paintings.

Here's the mid-point:

I still have another layer or two to add on top, to bring out some of the bright colors that are on the first layer.

Honestly, if you don't mind the designing part (which I enjoy), DIY paintings are some of the cheapest ways to create bold artwork for your place.

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.

Technically my Friday

I actually made an effort to wear a nice outfit, blow dry my hair, AND put on makeup every day this week.  That includes wearing heels each day.  Something I'm pretty sure I haven't done consecutively since I moved to Chicago.

Flat out, I've been lazy.

Subconsciously, I actually feel better when I look better and put forth the effort.  Some days when I'm my most tired, I need to remember that.

*blouse - Jcrew, jeans - Rock & Republic, shoes - Steven, necklace - DC Food & Wine festival

I love this blouse... wish I had bought a couple when it was on sale.

On a side note, today is my Friday.  I took tomorrow off to run errands (oh, the joys of adulthood).  I'm hoping to get some things done as far as apt decorating and set up.  I saw this great idea on Ikea Hackers (if you don't know this site and love DIY - Check it out!).

source

Then I also saw this great idea to hack a bookshelf into a banquet for your dining room.  I have a huge wall space and would love to have somewhere to serve food from when I have a party.

source

So I will be heading to Ikea tomorrow to pick up some things - the list keeps growing. :)

The first weekend home in a while

Not the catchiest title, but it summarizes my weekend for sure.  I was finally home from traveling and able to accomplish some things at my place.

First, I headed up to the Hales' house to meet Brody.  Of course, I was equally excited to see Kayla - she's just so darn funny.

She just LOVES the phone!!!  (PS, all photos taken with my new Iphone 5.... honestly, the photo quality (especially with the front facing camera) is WAY better!)

Little Brody is such a sweet boy.  He was sleeping most of the time we were there, but I did get some time holding him.

After that visit, I was able to get some things done at my place.  I FINALLY spray painted the rack I got from MEM as well as most of the black frames in my hallway (sorry, forgot to take a photo of those).

I'm so glad I decided to paint this rack.  It adds some color to my bathroom.  Now I just have to buy some new towels so I can fill it.  I also spray painted the garbage can I had in there as well to match.

I did run a couple errands this weekend.  One was to World Market to return these curtains I wasn't completely sold on.  I saw these two couches that I think would be great in my sun room.  This teal option can fold down to a sleeping space, which would be nice.

They also had the cute button loveseat that I have pinned before.

 Finally, I took a trip over to the Marshalls down the street from me just to check out what they had.  They had a set of two bathmats in a pomegranate red that I bought to use in the kitchen.

Of course, last night I couldn't find Samson in all his usual spaces so I got up to investigate...

Apparently, Samson approves of the new rugs.

I've been seriously overwhelmed with everything I need to do in my space.  My mom reminded me to just focus on one space at a time... so I'm going to try to remember that.