Friday, November 29, 2013

Things I'm Loving This Week...Gift Edition

Happy day after Turkey Day friends!
 
 
I hope you all had the best and most relaxing day yesterday! We completely did. And, truth, I never even got out of yoga pants the entire day. It was fab!
 
Do you head out shopping on Black Friday? I completely do not! I prefer shopping online from the comfort (and warmth...it is freezing here) of my own home.  Which, actually is how this little series I have on Fridays got started!
 
So, here are some of my fav gift ideas for Christmas 2013. What do you all think?
 
1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5
 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Inspiring Bloggers Series: Meeha Meeha

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to be starting something new here at Number Fifty-Three! My Inspiring Bloggers Series will introduce you to my absolute favorite blogs and the fantastic people behind them. Awesome, right?
 
And, I'm starting the series off with the amazing Meeha Meeha. She has the most wonderful style and I have been obsessed with her blog since I first discovered it!

 
 How To Decorate With A Single Gourd - 3 Ways...
 
Hello, dear Angela and wonderful Number Fifty-Three readers!

My name is Meeha Meeha and I'm super-excited to address a new crowd! Angela has got such great taste and a happy nature and we share a love for clean, stream-lined design - so I'm sure that her readers are equally cool :)
My blog Meeha Meeha is about the trials and tribulations of stylishly decorating a small home - on a budget! I think that every little corner of the house should look great and match your style. And you don't have to buy expensive designer stuff to do that. That's why I found a great way to fake a wallpaper, I made a zen garden on my little balcony and I even hand-painted my happy entryway. I hope you will come by for a quick look!

Today I would like to talk about how to decorate with a single gourd (or pumpkin). 
Many of us used a bunch of gourds, Fall leaves, pine cones etc. to decorate for the season. So did I. It's such a pity to throw them away in the beginning of December! I really like the whimsical shape of the gourds and I know for a fact that they can remain intact for almost a year. So I decided to keep a single gourd in each room and integrate them into my decor, even if little touches of Christmas are already sneaking up on our little home.


Gourd No. 1. Monochrome vignette in the bedroom



The bedroom is a place of rest and serenity. Busy decor is not welcome in here. The calmer the place, the better! I recommend creating a monochrome vignette, assorted to the bedding (if possible).
How to style it:
- Choose your gourd or pumpkin. Go through your stuff and find something similar in shape and color. I went with a cute golden gourd. The wooden Russian doll shares the same colors and also has a round shape, so it's a perfect match for the gourd.
- Clear your nightstand. You must start up with a clean slate :)
- Place the gourd and matching items on it. Complete with neutral, functional items (because the nightstand must be useful to you, not just pretty to look at). I added a stack of books, since I am an avid reader.


Gourd No. 2. Neutral colors and lots of texture in the home office



My dad always used to tell me that you cannot concentrate in a busy, cluttered environment. The mind needs some "negative space" (at least my mind does!). In the home office, I use warm colors and lots of neutrals, in order to create a soothing environment in which my brain can function properly.
How to style it:
- Choose your gourd or pumpkin. Mine is sitting in a clear vase, because it has a tricky shape and this was the only way I could make it stand up (well, sort of...)
- Go through your stuff and choose small items made of natural materials. I've got a lot of texture on my desk: glass, wood, wax, metal, ceramic.
- Add a tiny touch of red, to make it interesting to the eyes - here goes the mushroom :)


Gourd No. 3. Go bold in the living room





This plus-size gourd looks like a cross-bread between a bowling pin and a wine decanter, don't you think? I decided to make it the living room attraction, because it is a great conversation starter.
How to style it:
- Choose your contrasting colors. The maximized color contrast guarantees the WOW effect. The gourd is green and green's opposite color is red. I used a red pitcher and a red candle holder. They are both round in shape and made of glass, similar in shape to the gourd's "belly" and contrasting with the heavy texture of the gourd. Add cute tiny accents in neutral colors if you want to (the washi tape and the felt balls).
- Place the arrangement where everyone can see it when they enter the room.
- Use an asymmetric "A" shape layout. This way you make sure that the eyes of the beholder travel throughout the entire vignette. Layer the elements, placing the taller ones in the back row and the smaller ones in the foreground.

Well, that's it, folks! I wanna thank Angela again for giving me the opportunity to guest blog and to meet new friends. I hope that my little styling exercise was simple and fun. I would love if you came by Meeha Meeha for more of this stuff. Cheers!
 
 
Thanks so much Meeha Meeha! And be sure to check out her blog. Seriously. You will all love it!
 
 








 

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Pinterest Love...Last Minute Thanksgiving

Hey friends! Are you all ready for Thanksgiving yet? I have my turkey purchased, but that is really about it. Today will, for sure, be crunch time for me! I'm finalizing my menu and have already informed my boys to prep themselves for trips to Whole Foods, Trader Joes, and a couple other stores. Should be interesting! 
 
Here are some fantastic last minute Turkey Day ideas I found on Pinterest...
 
1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5
 
P.S. Try the cranberry pie, ASAP. I make it every Thanksgiving and it is my most favorite dessert of the year!

P.P.S Come back tomorrow to see the start of my new series featuring bloggers that I am most inspired by.

 








 
 If you liked this post you may also like...
 


 

Chalkboard Leafed Thankful Tree

 

Our Thanksgiving Table and Menu


 
 
 


Monday, November 25, 2013

Living Room Updates & Additions

The decorating never really end does it?

I recently mentioned that we got new shelving at IKEA (here) and since that time I have pretty much arranged and rearranged. I swear to you if I ask my family one more time if the shelves look cluttered they are going to smack me. I'm not kidding. It has become a joke around here.  It's just that I really despise clutter and I want to ensure that my new shelves in now way project the image of being cluttered and overdone. I know, I know, a good part of the time I even annoy myself.
  
 

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Gold Star Tree & My Christmas Coffee Table

I sort of give up. It's freezing and snowy here so I've let the Christmas decorations begin to seep in before Thanksgiving has even happened. This is completely unlike me, but I am totally placing the blame on the wintry weather, the late Thanksgiving and not feeling well/hanging out too much at home thinking about decorating (cannot wait to call the doctor tomorrow to get my ears checked.)



Friday, November 22, 2013

Things I'm Loving This Week... (Holiday Prep Edition)

Just so you all know, my house is still decorated for late autumn...and I plan on keeping it that way for just a bit longer.
 
Don't you find this to be such an awkward time of year? You don't want to snub Thanksgiving. I mean, it really does deserve its moment, but Christmas is so grand and requires so much planning. Planning that needs to be done before Turkey Day.  Especially this year, with Thanksgiving being so late.
 
Don't fear, I'm sharing this special edition of Things I'm Loving This Week completely devoted to those essentials that need to be done prior to the holiday rush.
 
1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5
 
Just a couple of notes before I head off to start my day.
 
First of all, why do I not own that CB2 wreath? I have been pining over it for two years now. I need to make that happen.
 
Secondly, check out treat. for cards. They are unique, personal and really, really affordable. Start planning for your Christmas cards now. Here's why...last year I ran out of time and motivation and never sent out cards. I. Am. Still. Hearing. About. It. From. My. Family. Seriously, they are threatening me this year. Also, get a special little card for your love. They are customizable and truly a keepsake. It will also help you to avoid awkward situations like I have had with my own husband...like, you know...giving each other the very same cheesy card from the drug store one Christmas. Awkward. Learn from me. 
 
 
 
Enjoy your weekend!
 
   
 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Thursday, November 21, 2013

Vintage Gold Dresser & My Furniture Checklist

Doesn't it feel like forever since I shared a piece of furniture with you all? I know, I've sort of been on a crafting kick lately. But, I have still been filling my days with painting; mostly working on finishing custom orders.  There has been one exception, though. I had been looking for a dresser for our upstairs hall.  I wanted something long and low to brighten up the space and make it easier to decorate seasonally.
  
 
 

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

[Project Notebook] Cold Weather Staples

You all know we live in a smallish old home, so, as you can imagine, space is at a premium. I have to periodically go through my closet and store away out of season items and create a bag for donation for things that I'm not really into anymore.  By the way, there's a great article for closet cleaning tips here.
 
But, you know, out with the old and in with the new, right? I do like to add a couple of key pieces to my seasonal wardrobe just to keep things fresh and interesting. Here are some of my favorite possibilities for the chilly months. Which do you like best?
 
1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5
 

 

 


 
 
 
 
 


Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Pinterest Love...Cozy Rooms

My boys and I love the idea of being cozy. And, oddly, we've been talking about it a lot lately. Maybe it is because they are homeschooled and we technically can stay in our jammies all day if we want to. Maybe it is because they were so sick for the month of October (goodbye ear infections and pneumonia) and we spent so much time in our living room. Whatever it is, they've come up with a list of things that create the perfect cozy experience. And I thought I would share it with all of you. Here are their top cozy requirements. Do you agree?
 
warm, comfy outfit
 
gloomy day with snowstorm or rain
 
faux fur blanket to wrap up in
 
perfect show on TV or the perfect book or magazine to read
 
fire in the fireplace
 
 
They have a tough life don't they! And, I have to say, I agree with every last item on their list, which got me thinking the other night when I was on Pinterest. Which living rooms scream cozy to me? Here are my top five...
 
 
1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5
 
 
To see more of my favorite living rooms, be sure to check out my Main Living Inspirations board on Pinterest.
 


 
 

 
 
 


Friday, November 15, 2013

Things I'm Loving This Week... (Entertaining Edition)

Happy Friday friends!
 
I love a beautifully set table. You know, one that doesn't involve plastic IKEA cups and paper napkins left over from that morning's coffee run.
 
But, beautiful can still mean relaxed and attainable. I've found some great options for creating that perfect Thanksgiving table at some of my favorite stores. 
 
Check it out!
 
 
1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5
 
And, let me tell you. If I hadn't just spent an obscene amount of money getting new glasses for both my boys those silhouette wine glasses would so be mine! 
 

 

 

 


Thursday, November 14, 2013

Book Page Tribal Arrow Garland

Is it cold where you live? It has been freezing here the last couple of days. To me, that is the perfect weather to be cozy inside and create something pretty.
 
And, it's definitely no secret that I love book page crafts and making garlands. I also love the tribal trend in home décor.  (Remember my dream catcher I made here?) So, I decided to make this easy book page tribal arrow garland. Seriously simple!
 

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Pinterest Love...

Did you know that I am completely a magazine and design book hoarder? Because I am. I love, searching for inspiration for my home and for crafting ideas.
 
Pinterest, has taken it to a whole new level. Don't you agree?
 
Here are a sampling of my favorite pins from the last week. You can follow me here for more.
 
 
1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Monday, November 11, 2013

Simple Fresh Gourd Garland

Remember right before Halloween when I took my oldest to the pumpkin patch and the owner gave us an empty bag to fill with gourds since it was their last weekend open?
 
 
Well, I finally got around to making the project I had wanted to do all along.
  

Ready? This is so super easy and fast.
 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Late Autumn Decorating

Hey all!
  
Once I took down my Halloween décor (you can see my Modern & Fresh home tour here) it left some huge gaps that needed to be filled in our living and dining rooms.
 
 
 
 

Friday, November 8, 2013

Things I'm Loving This Week...

TGIF!
 
I went to bed with an awesome idea for switching around the rugs in our living room and office last night, so I'm going to be changing that up this morning. Isn't it totally funny how you change one little thing in a room and suddenly you've got a mini makeover happening?
 
Here are some of my fav things I've found online this week. Which do you like best?


1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5

 
 


 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Classic, Country Painted Demilune

 I'm so happy to share the full reveal of this little demilune table with your all this morning!
 
 
It just screams autumn to me! And that's a good thing because it is most definitely fall and most definitely freezing here today!
 

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

[Project Notebook] Bookshelf Styling

So...I shared on Facebook the other day that we made a little purchase over the weekend. We had been constantly moving, tweaking and changing one wall in our living room, but our choices never seemed permanent or right for the space.
 
I had initially thought about doing a huge pieces of artwork on the wall, but my husband thought that shelving would be perfect. It would fill the space, provide functional storage (which you all know is at a premium in an old home) and would visually provide a separation from the entryway.
 
We ended up getting this from IKEA...
 
FJÄLKINGE Shelf unit - IKEA
 

 
And, I pulled ideas and inspirations from these gorgeously styled shelves...
   
1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5
 
 
I'm still working on perfecting the styling, so I'm not going to share just yet. But know this....my house is a disaster and I am trying to find the balance between a filled space and a cluttered space. You all know I hate clutter.
 
 

 

 
 
 
 


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Pinterest Love... {Thanksgiving}

Is it weird that Thanksgiving is my favorite time of year? Seriously. Sometimes, I think I would choose it over Christmas.
 
I love a relaxed Thanksgiving dinner, the cool and crisp air and all the yummy food.
 
Here are some of my favorite ideas for giving your dining room table that simple, welcoming Thanksgiving feel.
 
 
 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5

And, as always, if you'd like to see more of what I'm pinning you can follow me on Pinterest here.

 
 


 

 
 
 


 
 
 


Monday, November 4, 2013

Rustic Burlap Tassel Garland

So, I've packed up all of my Halloween decorations for next year and was set to tackle late fall when my husband and I decided to spur of the moment drive to IKEA and buy a bookcase for our living room. We had been contemplating what to do on one wall and have not been happy with anything. This was a great (and inexpensive solution) but, of course, it called for lots of styling and moving things from one place to the other, which is what I have been doing since last night. (It will be awesome though and I can't wait to share it with you all.)
 
Anyway, I did take a quick little break to photograph a little autumn inspired craft I recently made. I'm really gravitating towards brown, cream and gold for November, and I love to add in a little bit of a rustic feel to my décor this time of year.
 
 

Sunday, November 3, 2013

October in Review

What a month! I had some really amazing blog opportunities (yeah!) coupled with some really ridiculous and long lasting sickness for us all (boo!).  It's left me both exhausted and excited for what's to come in November.
 
I've already started changing up certain areas of my home for late fall (think lots of browns, whites, creams and gold.)
 
If you missed anything here at Number Fifty-Three in October here's a recap of what went down.
 
I crafted. Do you love simple and inexpensive crafts? Me too!


Easy, DIY, Dream Catcher



Glam, Skull Place Cards


Golden Gourds & Canning Jars
 
 
I painted furniture, including some of my favs ever!

 
 
 

Rustic, Glam Dresser
 
 
I was featured on Apartment Therapy. I know. I nearly fainted when I found out. Then I got excited (Yeah! They think my project was good...they really do!) and then panicked (what if the comments are all hurtful and rude).  No worries though it was awesome and I am still shocked that my project was picked.

 
 Planked Wall

 

 
Then, I took part in the most fab series for fall decorating. Let me tell you, being last was not a ton of fun. I seriously stressed and tweaked my house until the final moments. Did you see how amazing these home tours were! Seriously some talented and inspiring ladies out there!

My Modern & Fresh Home Tour!


Thank you all so much for your page views and comments! Keep them coming!
 
 

 

 
 
 


Linking to: 

startathomeAll Things Thursday Blog Hop