MY LIFE BY DESIGN

a cheery cherry morning....

2012-02-01T11:53:00.000-06:00

I recently discovered the best way to brighten my mornings: Michigan Cherry Coffee from Meijer.

You can select and grind your own beans right in the store. I cut it with one scoop of Maxwell House Breakfast Blend so it's not too sweet. But mix it with some Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Vanilla and it's like cherry pie with whip cream with a kick!

It's the way I start every morning and it brings a smile to my face! I hope you have a cheery cherry morning too!

mama's got a brand new mantel...

2012-01-30T11:41:00.002-06:00

if you've read my blog from the beginning, you know that I had a long running battle with my wimpy mantel in Chicago.

It makes me anxious just to look at that mess of a mantel. Well, now we're in our new home and our mantel is HUGE.

There are so many things we can do with it but for now I am repurposing items we had in our condo.
soon after unpacking our mantel looked like this.

I kind of took everything as I had it paired at our old place and used it "as is." It was fine, but wasn't really cohesive. The top of the mantel was too disjointed for my liking.

The height relationship among the vases was too small for the space. While the colors of the vases and the accents inside of them were just a little off. SIDE NOTE: The two pictures on the right are staying there for now until they move to their permanent home in other rooms. But we love them so much we are keeping them on the mantel for now.

The bottom area of the fireplace was kind of a collection of things that didn't have a home. The vase filled with decorative green straw globes is my favorite piece, so I just put it out there until I could find a place for it. The decorative cream colored swirly disc was a flea market find that I just can't figure out what to do with. But for now, it houses my workout equipment. The basket of blankets had to stay. I am one of those people who has to have a blanket on while watching TV, even if I'm not cold.

So after playing around with the different pieces, here is the new fireplace/mantel arrangement.

I took the globe-filled cylinder and put it atop the mantel to fill the space better and make the most of the height of the fireplace. I then removed the spiral sticks from the green vase, put them in the white vase and switched places with the silver candle holder. By simply rolling all of the blankets and arranging them in the basket, it helped to create even more interest at the base of the fireplace even though there are fewer accents.

The new look plays in nicer with the overall look of the room (excuse the bad TV capture). It is simplified and doesn't distract from the rest of the room. You may be wondering what happened to the pieces I removed. Well, never fear! Those pieces have been repurposed and will be featured in an upcoming post.

The mantel is still a work in progress, but as it stands, I am happy with the look. for now...

stick with me...

2012-01-26T11:14:00.002-06:00

I have a love/hate relationship with my nails. I love to get them done but I hate when they start to chip, so I have to remove the polish immediately. I did the gel manicures for a awhile and they were amazing, but $$ and made my nails pretty thin. I am horrible at painting them on my own and the polish is usually off in a matter of days. So imagine my surprise when I found a product that looks great, stays put and costs very little.

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips. Essentially they are stickers for your nails. However, they are made out of nail polish (I have no idea how) so they look like you painted your nails with polish. The beauty of it, though, is that the strips come in various sizes and are curved on both ends. So you can find the perfect fit for your nail and really get right down to the nail bed without worrying about getting polish all over your fingers and cuticles. They last up to 10 days and can be removed with simple polish remover.

I chose Wishful Pinking for my first foray with nail strips and have gotten great compliments on them.

They look just like polish, haven't come off in the shower or when washing pots and pans, and they are only $8 for a box of 16 strips. Mine have already lasted longer than any traditional manicure – and I don't know about you, but I've never gotten a manicure for $8.

They come in 40 different colors and are available at most drug stores and big box stores like Target and Walmart. Try them out and let me know what your color of choice is.

PS: as a friend on Facebook just pointed out there is another bonus: no drying time!

first project is underway...

2012-01-23T10:03:00.000-06:00

as you know, we moved into our house a few weeks ago and my first project is already underway: my home office.

This is my inspiration photo:

This Saturday, my hubby, parents and I set out for IKEA to purchase the Melltorp Dining Table pictured above to use as my desk. It is a genius idea and creates a sleek look with more workspace than a traditional desk.

I wasn't able to find a swivel chair that was a bold color or in budget, so I changed courses. I figured, I'm using a dining table for my desk, why not a dining chair for my office chair? The online search began and I settled on this one from Pier One:

So after IKEA, we headed to Pier One. While the chair was pretty, in person it wasn't as bold as I wanted. But thankfully they had a million chairs to choose from and I found the most beautiful midnight blue and mocha colored chair.

And a beautiful damask pattern:

The back even had a surprising detail:

It just spoke to me. I had to bring it home. And it will look beautiful with the white desk.

Currently my office looks like this:

It's a hodge-podge of papers, printers and wires but hopefully in the next week, I'll have lots of positive progress to report. Assembling the desk is up next, then I need to find a credenza, ottoman and wall decor. I discovered a few thrift shops in the area so hopefully I'll have time to visit them after work this week.

With the change in chair color, I have modified my color palette too. Now I am thinking it's going to be:

Gold, mustard, white and midnight blue. Here we go....

say it ain't so sandra...

2012-01-17T10:00:00.002-06:00

I've made no secret that I am a Sandra Rinomato fan. I even tried to get us on Property Virgins when we were starting our house hunt. I got so much great insight on home buying from that show. So today is an extra sad day for me.

After turning on Property Virgins and seeing some new woman on the latest episodes, I did some sleuthing (i.e. googling). And it turns out my real estate hero has quit the show. This is her message to fans via her Facebook page:

After 130 episodes and 10 seasons, I have chosen to give up Property Virgins in
favour of my new show called Buy Herself. We are currently in production for
HGTV Canada and are scheduled to premier in March 2012. I hope that the show
will get picked up for the US territory as well,since I have such devoted fans!

I am really excited about the new show as it delves into the very change that is
happening around us. For the first time in history, a significant number of
women are buying real estate on their own, taking charge of their financial situations,
whether they have delayed marriage, decided not to marry, or belong to the
stat that says 41% of marriages end in divorce. Women buying real estate is not a fad,
it’s history in the making and I am very proud to be a part of it on TV.

The show is filled with fun and drama, and will entertain and inform.
I can’t wait for you all to see it!
Thanks for your loyalty and all of your incredible comments today and always!

Love to you all,
Sandra

No offense to the new host, but she doesn't have the same spunk and energy that Sandra does. Here's hoping her new show gets picked up on HGTV US.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day

2012-01-16T08:51:00.000-06:00

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Do something positive today. Do something for someone else. Let your light shine in the darkness.

st. lucia sounds good right about now...

2012-01-13T10:29:00.000-06:00

baby, it's cold outside. although the white death they were predicting turned out to be more like mild flurries, it's still bitter cold outside. in an effort to usher in the warmer temps – and keeping in line with yesterday's sunshiny post – I painted my nails a color I would usually reserve for the warmer months.

Essie's St. Lucia Lilac.

It's my version of a rain dance, or a sunshine dance. Whatever you want to call it, I hope it summons the weather gods to bring back the warm and sunny temperatures.

sunshine in the snow....

2012-01-12T13:19:00.000-06:00

Judging by the crowds at the grocery store today, a snowstorm is coming. So in addition to the ingredients for Sunday's chili, I picked up something to brighten a potentially snowy day.

Have a sunny snowy day wherever you are!

the big day is finally here!

2012-01-04T09:22:00.000-06:00

we're moving on Friday and we can't wait. we've closed on the house but our furniture can't be delivered until Friday, so we've been working to get the house spic and span beforehand. If I have any word of advice to people buying a new home – have your carpets professionally cleaned. It is amazing! I have been back to the house twice since they were cleaned and I just want to hug them, they are so awesome.

Once we're unpacked, the first order of business is getting my home office set up. As you know, I've been working from my parents' home office and have been daydreaming about what my office will look like. Well... I've found it. The perfect office. Behold...

Courtesy of Houzz

I definitely need multiple work spaces for all of the folders and papers I have. I love the idea of keeping everything in the credenza and then having a clean workspace. I love the white and the pop of color on the chair, while the gold lamps warm up the space.

And the blue ottoman is a stroke of genius. Ask anyone that I worked with in Chicago, I was always propping my feet up on my guest chair, so this is perfect for me. I think I might flank tall white bookcases on either side of the credenza to hold books, pictures and background materials for my projects.

Now I just have to figure out where to get the pieces and make this a reality. Any ideas?

hey girl, I just found my new obsession...

2011-12-23T07:41:00.000-06:00

My love for Ryan Gosling is well documented. So how have I not stumbled across this brilliant website until now? F@#k Yeah! Ryan Gosling combines all the things I love: pictures of Ryan Gosling with witty commentary. Behold...

Hey girl, do yourself a favor and check it out. It will be time well wasted.

PS: Oh and hey girl,

You're welcome.

The best gift to give...

2011-12-19T09:29:00.001-06:00

to me, giving gifts is more than just buying something expensive for the people I love. I want the gift to mean something. Right before my wedding this year, while searching for a meaningful gift for my parents, I discovered Kind Notes.

Kind Notes are jars filled with 31 decorative mini-envelopes that include personalized messages. You can either choose from pre-written messages or receive blank papers and create your own messages. Then the recipient opens one note each day for 31 days.

I always choose to write the notes myself for a more personal touch. There are so many approaches you can take to the jars – inspirational messages, love notes, memories, notes of thanks. I like to do a combination so the message is a surprise each day. You can also choose from a wide variety of jar and envelope designs that best suit your loved one.

Kind Notes are a great gift for everyone:

1. Teachers: Kids and parents can fill it with things they like/appreciate about their teacher. Or all of the classroom parents can get together and have each child in the class write one note to their teacher.

2. Spouses: It's so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life that you forget to tell your spouse how much you appreciate them. With Kind Notes, they can open one each day and be reminded how much they mean to you.

3. Kids: Especially for teens or kids who are away at college, it's a great way to tell your kids how much you love them.

4. Grandparents: Grandma and grandpa love sentimental gifts and this is a great way for all of the grandkids to fill out a few envelopes with memories or notes of thanks. They will have personalized messages from their beloved little ones for an entire month.

Kind Notes are also perfect for:

Relatives who live far away

Military members stationed overseas

Notes of encouragement for parents-to-be

And many other creative uses

And it's the gift that keeps on giving. You can re-order note cards and envelopes to continue to show your appreciation to the ones you love. Best of all, they are only around $40 with shipping and handling.

There is still time to order your Kind Notes before Christmas. Hurry – it's a gift everyone will love!

Home sweet home...

2011-12-14T11:47:00.000-06:00

It's official, we are homeowners! We got the word yesterday and our closing is in a few weeks. We are so excited – it is a beautiful house. We still can't believe that it's ours!

The wheels in my head are just spinning with decorating possibilities. Stay tuned...

The soundtrack of my life...

2011-12-02T11:48:00.001-06:00

music is big in our house. My husband may have more CDs (remember those round things you used to buy before downloading took over the world?) than any human I have ever met. Before I met him, I fancied myself quite the music aficionado, but I humbly take a backseat to his musical knowledge and collection. That said, there isn't a day that goes by that there isn't some music playing in our house.

Music is part of my every day life and since this blog is about "My Life" I thought I'd start a new feature "The Soundtrack of My Life" about the music that is currently inspiring me.

First up is a CD that is playing at this very moment on my computer, Mat Kearney's Young Love.

You may have become familiar with Mat when his amazing breakout hit, Nothing Left to Lose, hit the charts in 2007. It was followed up with the achingly beautiful single, All I Need, that still gives me chills every time I listen to it, as well as the equally moving, Breathe In Breathe Out. He followed up his major label debut album with City of Black and White, which features one of my all-time favorite songs, Closer to Love. Do yourself a favor and listen to this song. It's hopeful, inspirational and will just make you feel good.

His new CD, Young Love, is Mat Kearney doing what he does best, mixing haunting ballads with upbeat tunes that provide for a seamless album. Many have compared his sounds (and looks) to Chris Martin from Coldplay, and I can hear (and see) it. But every song is sung with such honesty and emotion it feels more pure than any Coldplay record of late (yes, Fix You was amazing). That said, I'm still coming to terms with his "spoken word/rap" style on some songs. It's growing on me.

As a writer, I find it hard to listen to music while I write, but I've already listened to this CD three times today. It's a great album by a fabulous singer and songwriter.

My favorites on the album: Hey Mama (the album's first single), Sooner or Later, Down and She Got the Honey. I defy you not to hum "She's got the honey, and I got some money to buy her a big bouquet" by the end of it the first listen.

Added bonus: He even sounds good at 30,000 feet.

2 of my favorite things...

2011-11-30T09:05:00.005-06:00

Ryan Gosling and interior design.

All rolled into one awesome post on Apartment Therapy.

What a way to start the day. sigh...

House hunting...

2011-11-29T08:52:00.000-06:00

As you know, we have been living with my parents while we save and get things in order to buy our first home. To say I have been waiting for this moment is an understatement. Ever since I discovered HGTV years ago I have been fantasizing about this moment. I dreamed about walking through all different types of homes, tossing out words like "curb appeal" and discussing how we could "make it our own." I was sure I would be the tough negotiator, because I was essentially a real estate genius by proxy, logging thousands of hours watching House Hunters, My First Place and Property Virgins.

Speaking of Property Virgins, can we talk about Sandra Rinamato for a moment? Is she not the coolest? No nonsense, totally knows her stuff and always get the deal. I am not ashamed to admit that I actually looked on HGTV.com to see if they were filming Property Virgins in Cincinnati anytime soon – I would have died to be on that show.

Back to the house hunt. So the moment was upon us. Our first day of house hunting. 3 houses. 2 duds. 1 contender. Gorgeous "curb appeal," open floor plan and opportunities for upgrades.

But we didn't want to settle for the first thing we liked so we planned for another outing for Friday after Thanksgiving. Our realtor called on Wednesday, "Eat your Wheaties, we have 14 houses to see."

14 houses? I couldn't even imagine how it that was possible. But we carbed up on Thanksgiving and were ready to go bright and early on Friday. Our first outing helped us solidify our list of wants: open floor plane, newer house with room for upgrades but no major construction, open kitchen and yard space.

First house was a winner, good space, backed right up to one of the leading high schools in the area, lots of trees.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind of homes that ran the gamut. From spacious ranches that were meticulously decorated to foreclosures with great space but so much damage we couldn't see past it. I was on fire too. "That's an easy fix" "I can see it" "Good school district" " Excellent resale value" were just rolling off my tongue. I was like an HGTV poster child.

It was so interesting to see all the different floor plans, to learn what to look for in a home, to learn what you should never compromise on and to learn about yourself and what you really need to feel at home.

But the most encouraging thing was how many great homes there were out there in our price range. Beautiful, spacious and places we could definitely see ourselves living.

It was such a fun day and one I will never forget. This is just the beginning of a fun-filled journey and we hope to have some exciting news to share with you sooner rather than later.

What was your favorite part of house hunting? Were there any doozies that you saw? What was the coolest home you toured?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T10:45:00.000-06:00

May your Turkey Day be filled with great food and abundant blessings...

and may your jeans fit on Friday. Gobble! Gobble!

get your own original art...

2011-11-22T08:50:00.000-06:00

if you've been reading my blog for while, you'll remember this post featuring the fabulous painting of the Chicago skyline that my cousin did especially for us.

It is beautiful and substantial. The perfect focal point in any living room.

Now you too can have an amazing painting like this because my beautiful and talented cousin, Molly Reckman, has opened her very own etsy shop.

Molly and me at the wonderful bridal shower she threw for me.

The paintings are gorgeous and large. They would make a perfect Christmas gift or just a treat for yourself that you can treasure for years to come.

How about this beautiful 24" x 36" Monarch?

Dandelion Wind, 12" x 30"

Or my personal favorite, 24" x 30" Bright Idea.

Do yourself a favor and check out her Etsy shop and get yourself a Molly Reckman original today.

Today is a good day...

2011-11-18T09:45:00.001-06:00

I always think it's interesting how some people are inherently positive people and some are less so. I think naturally I lean a little more towards the latter. Why? I'm not sure. I've had a truly blessed life, positivity should come easily. It does for my dad. Whenever you ask him how his day was, his answer is always, "Great!" He is excited about everything and always ready to have fun. Even when in the last couple of years there have been some circumstances when he could have taken the negative road, he still stayed positive. I can't even count how many times I've heard him say, "I have a great life."

I want to be that positive and have that positivity rub off on those around me. I am going to make a conscious effort to choose the positive over the negative and remind myself to make the most out of life. So I found some inspirational prints on Etsy that I can put around our home to remind us of all the good in our life.

Credit

Are your a naturally positive person? Or do you lean a little more the other way? What do you do to inspire yourself?

New vs. gently used...

2011-11-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

So the hubby and I have begun our house hunt. My husband is really in love with the idea of new construction so we don't have to worry about lots of fix-it projects right off the bat. While I on the other hand, would like an existing house that isn't totally "finished" that we can make our own over time.

Yesterday after church, we checked out two new construction developments in my hometown. (I just have to say that I NEVER thought I would be house hunting in Milford, Ohio, but that is for another, much longer, post.)

Back to the house hunt. All of the models have been purchased, so if we moved into that neighborhood we would have to build, and I have to admit, the idea of that is definitely appealing. We could pick out all of the finishes and make it exactly how we want it from the beginning.

But on the flip side, I have always dreamed about buying my first home and making it my own, room-by-room, slowly figuring out our personality and how it can be portrayed in our home. I mean, I created a home DIY blog before I even had a home, so to say it's something I'm passionate about is an understatement. How satisfying would it be to see your work before and after?

Credit

In this area, "gently used" homes around here generally have more yard space than any new construction. I grew up with a beautiful yard and lots of privacy while still living in a neighborhood as you saw here, and I would really love to have something similar at my own home or have the space to create a yard like this:

Credit: my dad and mom

Another "want" for the hubby and I are neighbors who are close to our age that we can hang out with. The new construction neighborhood had lots of young neighbors outside tailgating for the Bengals game yesterday – so it was definitely a "pro" on our list. :)

So now that we've checked out the new construction in the area, the next step is to see what existing homes are on the market. I'll keep you posted on what we find and how it measures up to the new construction.

I'm curious to know your feelings on new vs. gently used homes? Where do you live? What would you recommend for first time home buyers?

Happy Veterans Day...

2011-11-11T07:44:00.000-06:00

Thank you to all the men and women who have served or are currently serving our country to ensure our freedom. Without you we would have nothing, especially a silly blog where I an write about home design and clothes. Not all countries can say they have that freedom. For that and for everything else we have because of your sacrifice, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. And to the families of our servicemen and women, thank you as well. Your families are in my heart.

Happy Veterans Day!

I'm a fan...

2011-11-10T19:38:00.000-06:00

over the last few months these vintage beauties have been popping up as design accents and I must say...

I am a fan.

har. har. I know, I'm hilarious.

But seriously, how cool are they? They've got a film noir feel to them. Like they should be on the desk of private eye.

Credit

How perfect would one of these look on a coffee table or bedside table? I'm going to have to start scouring the flea markets and craigslist ads around town for some of these hidden gems.

Current crushes...

2011-11-08T09:07:00.001-06:00

When I worked downtown in Chicago I could just walk out of my building and within minutes be at virtually any store I could imagine. Most of the time I wouldn't buy a thing but I knew they were there. So now that I have to drive to the mall and don't have a car, I think I am having shopping withdrawal and wanting everything I see online! Here are some of the looks I am currently crushing on...

BOLD LIPS

BLAZERS

jcrew.com

They put the finishing touch on any outfit. Roll up the sleeves and pair it with a fun tank and it's a great look for day or night.

LOTS O' GOLD

My fab hubby bought me a gold watch I've been lusting after for my wedding gift and now I'm obsessed with pairing it with tons of gold bracelets. Its a chic but effortless look. and P.S. I want that sweater!

POPS (of purple)

piperlime.com

Emily Cho foldover clutch

From pants to shoes to handbags, purple adds the right amount of fun to any outfit.

FAUX-GETABOUDIT

Piperlime.com

I love the texture a faux fur brings to the outfit. How cute is the 3/4 length sleeve?

What are you crushing on right now?

Puttin' on a show...

2011-11-04T11:13:00.000-05:00

if my loving husband is reading this, honey, stop right here. don't read any further.

you see, my husband has quite an aversion to what he calls "show pillows."

Credit

you know, those mounds of pillows us girls like to put on our beds, our sofas, our floors, our chairs... you get the idea. the pillows that you can't nap on because they are for looks not for use. the couch in our apartment had about seven throw pillows. they created a mood and gave personality to the room.

throw pillows are simply the easiest way to change the style of a room without spending a fortune.

even though we don't have a house yet, I've been designing the look of our family room in my head (and on Pinterest). our couch is gray and I have really been loving the combo of navy blue, yellow, gray and crisp white.

Credit

it's classic, fresh and pretty gender neutral. plus my hubby likes the navy, hunter green and maroon tones, so this is a nice way to incorporate both of our styles into the room. so, of course, you know I've been scouring the Internet for some fluffy beauties to adorn our gray couch. here are some of the ones I've really gravitated towards.

Credit

You could spell out your last name or family members' initials.

Credit

My favorite of the bunch.

Credit

And of course, right above the couch, in an ideal world, would be the Matthew Heller piece that I have been wanting since i saw it in Molly Simm's house in InStyle years ago.

Oh yes it will be mine.

hopefully our house hunt will go smoothly and I'll have a family room I love in no time, full of show pillows, piled high like stylish clouds beckoning me to come and relax -- just not nap on them. :)

so how many of you have family members or significant others who have a "show pillow" aversion like my husband? do you keep piling them on anyway, like me?

Black and orange decor...

2011-10-31T09:51:00.000-05:00

in honor of Halloween, I thought I'd explore how you can use orange and black in your decor without looking too themey.

decorati0ns.net

cocoprogetto.wordpress.com

design-decor-staging.com

home-designing.com

home-decor.sheknows.com

kreatifhome.com

I hope you all have a spooktacular evening!

Friday thoughts...

2011-10-28T14:32:00.000-05:00

I've been missing Chicago a lot lately but as I was finishing up my lunch today and going back upstairs I noticed something.

The fall is so beautiful here. The colors are just absolutely amazing.

So many reds, yellows, golds and greens.

Happy Friday! I hope you're enjoying the view where you are.

PS: A special acknowledgement goes to my parents, especially my dad for all the time he puts into making the yard so pretty. I have never seen someone mow or leaf-blow as many times in one week as that man, but he must know what he's doing.

Guest post: Making a house a home....

2011-10-26T09:17:00.000-05:00

Today at My Life By Design, we're welcoming a guest blogger from Arcadian Lighting Blog to give you helpful tips on using personal touches to make your house feel like home. Enjoy!

Hi, I'm Susi from the Arcadian Lighting blog, a great resource for lighting ideas and decor trends for your home. I'm lucky to be asked to guest blog at My Life by Design today about adding personal touches to your home. Whether seen in art, paint, light fixtures or an endless array of other personal touches, it's these little things that turn a house into a home. Enjoy!

Do you think of paint as a personal touch? Picking paint colors is a very personal choice that can transform a house to a home that looks and feels like you.

Create a photo collage with all those instagram images from your phone. A photo collage is great for a small space like the end of a hall or an entry. Choose pics by theme (family, vacation) or color for an interesting, unique art work.

Beyond just a photo collage, creating a gallery wall of personal treasures is a wonderful way to turn house into home. Fill the wall with your children's art, sentimental shadowboxes, photographs, floor lamp, and art.

Customizing furniture with paint and pattern adds a personal touch even to the plainest of pieces. Everything from vintage to Ikea can get the personal touch. Notice the great contrast between the interesting white lamps and their yummy chocolate shades.

Adding monograms to linens for the bed and table are a way to personalize. Embroidered or stenciled with fabric paint, this is a great project for newlyweds.

DIY projects are perfect for adding personal touches that reflect your personality. Let your own sense of style shine through in things you make your own.

Adding a bit of trim, embroidery, paint or ribbon to accessories like pillows, curtains and lampshades makes them feel custom for you.

Mixing vintage and flea market finds with new is always a good way to make a house feel more like a home. Love the vintage look of the pendant light and the industrial wheeled cart turned work island. Chalkboards and chalkboard paint can turn a wall into a rotating gallery or message board.

Images: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |

What do you think of these personal touches? Comments are welcome! Don't forget to check out Arcadian Lighting for some light fixtures to create your own personal touch!

Think pink....

2011-10-25T10:05:00.000-05:00

Even though October is winding down, you can still help the fight against breast cancer by supporting many worthwhile causes. Breast cancer, unfortunately, will affect all of us in some way in our lifetime. In 2011, it is estimated that there will be 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer. But this year, there are also more than 2.6 million breast cancer SURVIVORS in the US -- thanks to all of the research and attention this terrible disease has received.

My mom is a breast cancer survivor (GO MOM!) and looking better than ever. She received such great treatment and amazing support and we know it is only by the generosity of others that the fight against this disease has come so far.

So with the last 6 remaining days in October, help the fight against breast cancer, while at the same time scoring some amazing products.

Philosophy's Hope in a Jar moisturizer now comes in a limited edition pink jar. $5 of every purchase goes to fight breast cancer.

Support the cause at Philosophy.com

Run out and get your OPI Shatter Pink of Hearts 2011 Limited Edition polish because OPI has made a donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure in the US and Rethink Breast Cancer in Canada.

Support the cause at OPI.com

Want to look Fergilicious while you join the fight? Show your support for the cause when you wear the Fergie Awareness pump. A portion of the proceeds support Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Show your support at Fergie Shoes

Old Navy has teamed up with Komen for the Cure to create a limited edition pink T. The front says "Together We Can, I Promise We Will" and 5% of each purchase of this shirt will go toward the fight.

Show your support at OldNavy.com

Kiss Breast Cancer goodbye with this cute tote from Avon. For just $5 you will get a Lips for Life Novelty tote and a Breast Health Resource Guide, and the money will help increase Avon's support for research and access to care for all.

Show your support at Avon.com

There are so many great ways to support Breast Cancer Research -- and look good while you're doing it. But the #1 way you can help cut down on the instances of breast cancer in this country is to GET A MAMMOGRAM! If you are over 35, schedule your appointment today. Honestly, getting my ears pierced hurt worse than a mammogram. And getting it done gave me peace of mind that I am taking control over cancer.

Happy shopping and thanks for supporting the cause - I know my family and my amazing survivor mom thank you for it!

And a special shout out to my dad who was an amazing support for my mom during her treatment. Go DAD!

Thought of the day...

2011-10-24T08:44:00.000-05:00

This sign just makes me happy. How are you going to make today amazing?

Get a load of my jules....

2011-10-21T08:21:00.000-05:00

There a few changes going on at My Life By Design. Since I currently don't have a home to DIY, it doesn't make a lot of sense to continue the blog as solely a home design blog. So I am going to start sharing all things that inspire me in life. Fashion... food... decor... you name it.

What better place to start than this amazing necklace by the fabulous Chicago-based jewelry designer, and my friend, jules.

I have been coveting her Family Jules Necklace for a while now and once I got married it seemed like the ideal time to finally order it. Set on a sterling and oxidized sterling chain, the Family Jules Necklace is entirely handmade just like all of her jewelry.

It features rings that are forged from raw sheet and soldered together. What makes it truly unique is that each ring can be personalized with letters to represent your name or the initials of your family members.

As a newlywed, I chose to have my first initial, my husband's first initial and the first initial of our last name. It is so beautiful and well-crafted that I wear it with everything. The initials are simple and subtle but still make a statement when you take a good look at the necklace.

What I love most about it is that because it's crafted from quality metals, it will last for years to come. And since it's personalized, it will be a great family heirloom down the road.

jules is the brainchild of the uber-stylish Julie Schwanbeck who launched the company in 2007. The hand-fabricated artisan jewelry line is inspired by organic imperfections in nature and features the finest hand-hammered metals, precious gemstones and unusual minerals. She pairs eclectic materials with distinctive metalsmithing techniques to produce amazing one-of-a-kind designs.

Check out a small sampling of her other pieces:

There is more gorgeous jewelry where this came from on ShopJules.com. And exclusively for My Life By Design readers, jules is graciously offering 15% off on any purchase through October 31. Just use the code Jenna15 at checkout.

Happy Shopping!!

Beadboard love...

2011-10-18T09:26:00.000-05:00

There is something so cozy and inviting about a room that has beadboard, especially when it's on the ceiling.

Courtesy of finehomebuilding.com

Courtesy of decorpad.com

We're used to seeing beadboard lining the lower chair rail of a room. But putting it on the ceiling adds immediate interest and warms up an otherwise run-of-the-mill ceiling.

I am a huge fan of the beachy cottage vibe, but I can't commit to designing an entire house or even an entire room in that style. The beadboard on the ceiling helps bring in elements of the cottage look while pairing it with other styles. I love the sleek look of modern lines paired with the weight of vintage furniture underneath a sky full of beadboard. It evokes a lived-in, always-been-this-way feel that seems almost effortless.

And it's not just for kitchens and dining rooms. Check out this bedroom.

Courtesy of knottinghillinteriors.com

I dream of having a breezy front porch like one of these some day.

Courtesy of diynetwork.com

Courtesy of americanpac.com

But it sure does look good in the kitchen. Maybe some day....

Jenna's dream kitchen courtesy of abovedoor.blogspot.com

Working from home

2011-10-17T11:13:00.000-05:00

So the past week has been quite a transition. I've moved from Chicago to Cincinnati. Went from a three-bedroom apartment to sharing a house with my parents (and my new husband) for the first time in 17 years. And instead of heading to a bustling advertising agency on Michigan Avenue every morning...

The actual corner where my office is located.

I walk up the stairs to my parents' office and work from home.

I went from having meetings with my boss around his desk that is an actual boat, and taking in awesome views up Michigan Avenue...

Janet Davies of 190 North (a Chicago lifestyle show) doing a profile on interesting offices that featured my agency.

to working by myself, right here.

Don't get me wrong, I am so lucky A) to continue to work for my agency from home, and B) that my parents are gracious enough to let us pretty much take over their house, even their office.

That said, the view is a little uninspiring.

So as we look for houses, I am filing away office inspiration photos as I dream of my own glam home office. I love the crispness of white furniture with bold pops of color.

Courtesy of FemTalk

I also love the cozy feeling these couches provide, plus the warmth of the brown tones. And having a window view would be amazing.

Courtesy of Sarah Richardson

Do any of your work from home? Share your home office inspirations with us!

On The Move...

2011-09-27T10:32:00.001-05:00

So it's official, we are packing up our place in Chicago...

BYE BYE CHI!

and heading back to my home city of Cincinnati.

WELCOME TO THE NATI!

There are so many things I will miss about Chicago:

My friends
The nightlife
Public transportation
The food
The lake
Walking everywhere

But there are some things I can't wait for in Cincinnati:

Being near my family
Trees
A slower pace
Being able to drive somewhere without having a nervous breakdown
Being in my hometown (no matter where I lived, I still always called Cincinnati home)
Buying our first house!
Graeter's ice cream :)

Seriously though, I cannot wait to get our home. Admittedly, we are both are pretty clueless when it comes to all of the leg work it's going to take to find the perfect house. But we've been saving and planning and we know we are making the right move for ourselves, our future and our family-to-be (hopefully!).

So, of course, in preparation for that, I have been hunting Cincinnati real estate sites as well as all of my favorite home blogs for ideas for our house and how I want to decorate. Sure, I'm putting the cart before the horse, but isn't that the fun part?

I absolutely love everything about the house below. Especially the kitchen. Too bad it's not in the school district we want.

Wow, back when I was having porch parties on my deck in Wrigleyville, who knew a few short years later I'd be talking school districts? Times change but even better times are yet to come!

Ten Years.

2011-09-11T22:19:00.000-05:00

Ten years. In some ways it has flown by, in some ways it feels like a lifetime ago. I can still remember exactly what I did that morning. I can remember how everyone came together in those months afterward. Bonded by our fear, our sadness, our strength. A nation united.

But years go by and the day-to-day struggles in life take over. As I sit watching documentaries on the firefighters of 9/11 and the families of victims left behind, it makes me feel so foolish for all of the insignificant little things that I let overshadow my life. Those people in the Towers and those who responded are the best of humanity -- the compassion, the selflessness, the hope.

As the faces of the firefighters who died during 9/11 flash across my screen, I can't help but think, what are we doing to honor the sacrifice they made? Would they be happy with what our country has become? Fighting about our economy, acting like children arguing over a toy? Worshipping celebrities who are famous for nothing? Senselessly hurting our neighbors for no good reason?

We are better than that. For those who died on 9/11, we should be better than that. For those who will come after us, we need to be better than that. When was the last time you showed the selflessness that those men and women showed on that fateful Tuesday? Giving up your seat for someone on the train? Helped your neighbor carry in their groceries? Simply saying good morning to the person behind the counter at the coffee shop?

Those brave men and women of 9/11 died so people they had never met could survive and get back to their families. Surely we can do small things in our daily lives.

Victims of 9/11

On this 10th anniversary, let's not just remember the bad that happened but see through the sorrow the good people who lost their lives on that day. Let's challenge ourselves to be better for them, for those who didn't get a chance to live to their full potential. Let's be the great nation that we can be -- showing that together we can do anything. If everyone had the mindset those firefighters had on that fateful day think of all the good we could accomplish.

One firefighter so eloquently said, "The legacy should not be of sadness. The legacy should be humanity and the resilience of life." What legacy are we leaving post 9/11? Only we can decide. Hug your family. Love your neighbors. Live your legacy.

Decor by the numbers

2011-09-06T10:13:00.022-05:00

I wanted to make our wedding decor as personal as possible. From the minute we started planning the wedding, I knew music was going to be a big theme. It started with our Save the Date and carried through to the reception decor, including the table numbers.

Instead of using traditional numbers, we decided to make each table one of our favorite singers/bands. So I scoured Michael's and JoAnn Fabrics for ways to display the numbers until I found these wood frames.

They were the perfect size, but still needed a lot of work. Thanks to the master carpentry skills of my Uncle Art, we created wooden triangles for the back so that they were sturdy enough to stand on the tables. After they were all constructed, it was time to paint. Our colors were charcoal gray and yellow. The table linens, chair sashes and the girls dresses were all charcoal, so I wanted to incorporate pops of color as much as possible. So yellow they became! I chose Valspar Yellow, mainly because it was all they had at Lowe's. But it worked perfectly.

Then it was time to choose the bands to include in the frames. We opted for photos of album covers that featured the bands' names -- so they could be more easily identified by guests. We chose bands that were important in our relationship (Michael McDonald) as well as our individual favorites. While Ryan chose bands such as Metallica, Van Halen and the Beatles, I opted to stay true to my boy band roots with New Kids on the Block, New Edition and 'NSync. Oh yes, I did. So I resized images of the selected clovers to 3.5" x 3.5" then adhered them to foam board and VIOLA!

To further insure that guests could find their table, we added numbers in the corner. After much debate with my mom, she convinced me to use these puffy number stickers that had a little glitter to them. I thought that would look awful but was so burnt out on wedding planning that I was tired of thinking. So we went with her idea.

I will admit, they were the best idea. They looked fabulous. See how nice the numbers looked in the corner?

I couldn't have been happier with how the table numbers turned out.

Courtesy of Leppert Photography

And it seems that our guests agreed!

A New Beginning

2011-08-31T14:45:00.000-05:00

I know I promised to post more back in May, but I'll be honest - working and planning a wedding out of state left me little time to even think about decorating projects. But the good news is... I'm officially Mrs. Ryan O'Brien and I am ready to get back on the blogging horse.

One thing I found out through the whole process was that wedding DIY projects were just as fun - even though sometimes frustrating - as home DIY projects. Sure I could have shared my projects while I was doing them, but truthfully, I wanted all of the little touches to be a surprise to my guests. So now that the vows have been said, the cake has been cut and the dance floor is closed, I'll share some of those projects right here on My Life By Design.

After all the fun I had planning my own wedding, I think the blog will a naturally become a combination of wedding design ideas as well as home design ideas. I'll be sharing wedding ideas and inspirations here as well - both from my own wedding and all of the awesome wedding sites I used for inspiration. And there are sure to be lots of great new things to come as we navigate married life, buying our first real house together and all the fun that comes along with it!

Hope you enjoy the ride!

It's been a while....

2011-05-09T10:56:00.000-05:00

As you've probably noticed by the weather outside, it's no longer Christmas, or even winter for that matter. But on My Life By Design, it's been Christmas for far too long.

I wish I had some fun decor updates for you, but I'll be honest - wedding planning has been more time-consuming than I had anticipated. I've traded refurbishing for invitation design, redecorating for tablescape designing, DIYing for... well DIYing. I've been doing a lot of my own decor for the wedding to add a personal touch so that has been on my mind. All i've been picturing is yellow and gray for months on end. Here's a little taste of the inspiration I've used for the wedding...

Without giving too much away, I will be sharing some projects on the blog in the next few months, when the weather gets better and I can tackle some of the bigger projects outside.

Sorry for the dormant site, but I promise there will be more in store soon!

christmas finishing touches...

2010-12-19T20:41:00.000-06:00

When we went to visit my fiance's family for Thanksgiving, my soon-to-be mother-in-law took me out for a fun afternoon of shopping at a some local antique and gift shops. If you're ever in Fort Dodge, Iowa make sure to stop by Fort Dodge Community Apple Orchard. They have the most darling store full of gorgeous home accessories. Plus their fudge is to die for!

I fell in love with this little guy as soon as we walked into the store. And surrounded by the beautiful silver, red and green berry swag, it's the perfect touch of Christmas on our coffee table.

My fiance's mom pointed this out to me. This very cute skate is just the right shade to match our decor and adds a fun, winter twist to our kitchen.

Since we live in an apartment building, I wanted to add a little personality to our front door.

I took a $1.99 wreath from Michael's and wrapped it in a silver leaf garland with green, red and silver berries that match the swag in on the coffee table.

Combined with our mantel, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in our house. :)

Merry Christmas to all!

joy to the world...

2010-12-13T14:21:00.000-06:00

my mantel's done. Let Earth receive... oh, you get the idea. I am proud to say, the bane of my existence is finished and I love it!

Ever since I saw the Crate and Barrel catalog this year, I knew I wanted to incorporate silver reindeer. Instead of spending $25 on each reindeer, I found some at Marshall's for $6.99 each.

To make them a little sturdier (because the mantel is right by the front door and has been known to get jostled when we slam the front door), I crazy glued them to wood planks and spray painted them all matte silver. One a side note, even though I have said I hate spray paint, the metallic matte silver from Krylon is the best. A couple of passes and you're good to go!

I also spray painted the candleholder, it was a faux leather from World Market but just sturdy enough for the candle. I then took some of the silver berries I used in my wreath and attached them to the candles with silver wire. Again using my silver spray paint to touch up the stems that were green.

Speaking of the wreath, it is my favorite part! I started with a $2.99 wreath from Michael's and some miscellaneous decorations I picked up for 50% off. I also grabbed wooden letters that spelled JOY. I was going to use them in something else, but then got an even better idea for the wreath.

I sprayed painted them silver, added some Modge Podge, then dusted them with silver glitter. Then I attached them to the bottom of the wreath with silver wire. Then I put just a few of the decorations I purchased in the top corner of the wrath for a touch of color and sparkle. I chose to stick with the red and silver theme to play off the green I have in my entire living room.

I just love the final look!

I have a few more touches to do around the house and then the decorating will be complete.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Inspired by young love...

2010-12-09T10:10:00.000-06:00

for this project, I was certainly inspired by young love... in two ways. I was inspired by a similar project over at the awesome blog Young House Love - it's a must visit. And the recipient of this gift is a great friend who has found herself a great guy, so I wanted to give her a personalized birthday gift this year.

Customized wine goblets.

This project was so easy and it's a really great way to give someone a gift made just for them. First, I found stemless wine glasses (a must for klutzes like me) made of thick glass.

Then I used a glass paint pen by Vitrea to write fun love quotes on the glasses. I chose one of my favorite quotes from Moulin Rouge and another one that I found online, "Love is friendship on fire." Isn't that so true?

Once I wrote each quote on the glass, I finished up with a heart to give the set a cohesive look.

Following the instructions that came with the pen (this is important as instructions may vary with different varieties), I let it dry for 24 hours. Then I baked it at 325 degrees for 40 minutes and Voila! a custom set of wine goblets.

A great tip I got from Sherry at Young House Love is to put the glasses in as the oven preheats and leave them in as it cools down. This way you can avoid any cracks that might occur from sudden changes in temperature.

The beauty of these pens is that they work on all types of surfaces. So your options are limitless: bowls, vases, plates, you name it!

ain't love grand...

Mantel sneak peek...

2010-12-08T10:06:00.000-06:00

I am putting the finishing touches on a longer blog post about my holiday decorations, but since you have all been waiting with bated breath to see my mantel (insert sarcasm) - here is a peek.

I am adding a little more height in the middle this weekend after a trip to Marshall's then it should be all complete. Stay tuned for more holiday fun...

i've got spirit, how 'bout you?

2010-11-15T13:28:00.000-06:00

I have some serious holiday spirit going on. So much so I can't wait until thanksgiving is over so I can officially decorate for Christmas. don't get me wrong, I love Turkey Day and the fact that we are spending it with my fiance's fabulous family, but I just can't wait to start decorating for Christmas.

I am especially obsessed with our mantel. My mantel dilemma's have been well chronicled on My Life By Design, so they idea of giving it a fresh new look is really appealing. I've found lots of inspiration online that has gotten my creative juices flowing...

From Crate and Barrel: My favorite of the bunch. I already found similar reindeer for a fraction of the price at Marshall's!

Credit
I just love the cozy feeling this one evokes.

Credit
Love the symmetry of this one

Credit
How cute are all of the stockings?

Credit
I like the contrast of the red against the stark white.

Credit
While I think these candles are just beautiful, I would never leave the house
all season because I would be too afraid I left one on!

I just can't wait to get started. And to top it all off, a Michael's just opened in the city. I am in heaven!!

wherever you are, you are loved...

2010-11-05T22:32:00.001-05:00

I'm back from my trip to Cali. The work conference went well, but the best part was visiting with my sister. We only get to see each other a few times a year and the visit is never long enough. I can't imagine what it's like living thousands of miles away from family like she does, and not be able to just jump in the car and see relatives in a matter of hours.

So on my last trip out there, I made her a gift to remind her that no matter how far away she is, she has a family that loves her.

I gathered old photos of every member of our extended family, pictures of us as kids, and our parent's and both sets of grandparents' wedding photos. I then decoupaged them onto a canvas along with some graphic red shapes to add a punch of color since her home is decorated in black, white and red. I also included beautiful quote that says, "You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you as you are to them."

It was a fairly easy project to do. If I ever do it again, I will make sure I print the pictures on a thicker stock because once these got wet with the modge pdoge, they rolled and bubbled up and it made it much harder to apply.

But all in all I think it turned out well and I hope it reminds my sister that even though she is far away, she is never far from our hearts.

heading to the left coast...

2010-10-29T11:08:00.000-05:00

I'm off to LA for almost a week mostly for work and also to see my little sis. I just love the lifestyle out there -- so laid back and casual -- so I'll be sure to post some pics of any design inspiration I come across.

Have a great weekend!

It's my lucky day....

2010-10-26T23:50:00.000-05:00

since I have been in bride mode for a while now, I spend the majority of my days cruising blogs and pouring over the gorgeous real weddings the sites feature. One of my favorites is Elizabeth Anne Designs. Ami & Cyd feature the most beautiful weddings, ideas and inspirations.

So I was SUPER excited when in my email I got a message from Ami saying I was the winner of a gorgeous wedding garter from The Garter Girl. I never win anything!

And to top it off, I also found out I paid off my college loans last month and didn't even know it. Thanks Nelnet for the heads up (insert sarcasm) but I will accept your reimbursement checks!

Guess today is my lucky day! Thanks again Ami and Cyd - and make sure to check out Elizabeth Anne Designs for yourself.

good to the last drop...

2010-10-18T22:19:00.000-05:00

at one of my recent excursions to the vintage market I came across the coolest silver coffee canister. It was really unique. I loved the intricate engravings. The slight patina. The fact it looks like it could have a really cool story, even if it doesn't. It makes the perfect vase.

I still need to clean it, I am assuming silver polish would work? Anyone have any home remedies that work?

Thanks to some holes in the seams, I had to place a glass inside to hold the water.

I just love the way it adds a vintage touch to my beautiful flowers.

Bad blogger

2010-10-12T09:39:00.000-05:00

My humblest apologies for being such a bad blogger lately. I swore I wouldn't get wrapped up in wedding stuff but I did. Big time. But now that some of the big stuff is out of the way, I promise to get back to my regular blogging schedule. I have two projects/purchases to unveil this weekend, when the lighting is right for good pictures.

I have to admit though, with such a small apartment, after a while I feel like I've accomplished all of the projects that I can in my space. So how do I satisfy my design cravings? Any suggestions?

What do you do when you've got "designers block?"

I'll leave you with a little inspiration. When it comes to my wedding planning, it's more about the decor than the dress for me. I found the most fantastic post recently on the lovely Green Wedding Shoes site. It's the inspiration for my wedding day design, just with different colors. Enjoy a sneak peek!

The vintage vases mixed with the bright colorful flowers are amazing.

How cute is their vintage hutch/candy station?

Loving Lonny

2010-09-16T09:46:00.000-05:00

Ever since my beloved Domino Magazine folded (R.I.P), I have been looking for a great decorating magazine that was accessible for the everyday person. Well I think I may have found it, if only in a modified form.

Lonny Magazine is an online magazine and website with great decorating tips and tools. (Although now you can order a print copy too but it's $$$$) You can actually virtually flip through the pages of the magazine online or just browse around the site.

There will never be another Domino, but Lonny is a great substitute.

Goodbye old friend. :(

stand up...

2010-09-13T21:51:00.001-05:00

part two of my weekend furniture revamp included the TV stand for our bedroom. The TV still isn't hooked up but at least the stand looks good now. It started out as your standard cherry finish from Target...

and now it's a nice glossy black.

I didn't paint the inside that is covered by the doors since it's usually full of sheets and pillow cases and rarely seen. And I didn't change the hardware since it was a simple brushed nickel that went with everything else.

I really like the outcome, but now seeing the photos, I realize there are a few touch-ups I need to do on the doors. Overall, a great addition to the room and really pulls the whole thing together.

It looks so good, I think it calls for an attempt to hook up the TV finally!

follow me...

2010-09-07T12:13:00.000-05:00

if you like what you see on "My Life By Design" don't forget to FOLLOW ME using the tools in the side bar on the right of my page that look like this:

I know people are reading, so why not start following. You can get updates in your email!

oh what a night...

2010-09-06T21:36:00.005-05:00

Labor Day turned out to be quite a weekend for projects. In the coming week, you'll see a few things I have redone in the bedroom, bath and some new kitchen decor. I know I said I found my true love last post, but I really, truly found my true love two years ago and this weekend we embarked on our greatest project to date... we got engaged!!

I am lucky enough to have the sweetest, most caring boy in the world want to marry me. His proposal was thoughtful, sweet and amazing. I am on cloud nine.

Needless to say, the weekend got off to a great start. So on Sunday, I was inspired to take on some projects in our house I had been putting off. The bedroom is a mish-mosh of different colored wood furniture, so I wanted to give it a cohesive look.

I took on the nightstand first.

This $20 craigslist find has amazing detailing. I removed the hardware, sanded and got to priming. My new best friend Marcus at Home Depot tinted the primer to a grey for me to make it easier to paint black. Marcus saved me a ton of recoating time.

After a few coats of semi-gloss black and coat of spray lacquer to protect and give it shine, my nightstand has a new look.

Excuse the lack of a bedskirt, the bedroom is a work in progress.

The handles were a tarnished brass. I haven't gotten new hardware yet, so I took out the aluminum colored Krylon paint and gave them a few coats. Not the final look I want, but a good compromise for the moment.

The nightstand and its companion piece (which you'll see later this week) really make the room feel more streamlined and less cluttered.

A fresh new bedroom sanctuary - a great way to start off our engagement!

Hope you all had a great weekend too. :)

when it's meant to be, it's meant to be...

2010-09-02T20:01:00.000-05:00

let me take you back to last Friday's post and my wish list of items for Saturday's vintage market.

"5. This FABULOUS purse I saw there last time. I believe in fate and if the vendor still has it, it is mine. Oh yes, it will be mine."

well, fate was on my side last Saturday because this is now in my possession:

isn't she a beauty? the unique shape. the color. the texture.

the soft leather...

look at that loop detail. love.

I can't get enough of it. It was meant to be mine.

so I didn't find anything on my list but the purse. don't judge. you can't help where love finds you. :)

PS: I also found a really cute, vintage step ladder/step stool combo but it's in the midst of some heavy cleaning. it will be unveiled soon.

and the list goes on...

2010-08-27T11:00:00.000-05:00

this weekend is the most exciting weekend of the month - the Randolph Street Market is back! It's going to be a gorgeous day, so my cousin and I are getting there early because I have a lot of needs (and wants) for my house:

1. A nice smaller wooden cabinet with two drawers for our main bathroom. Currently we are using a "lovely" plastic two drawer container from Target to hold towels, TP and other random toiletries. The aesthetic isn't cutting it.

2. A bunch of frames. Unfortunately, my mantel had a bit of a meltdown last weekend. As soon as it was up, it was quickly down again -- but not by my doing. I shut the door to go our and grab coffee to celebrate my design victory and CRASH!! I just knew. The door rattled the picture which crashed into everything on the mantel, including two jars of the scented oil reed diffusers. And of course, one landed right on my BFs nice camel colored dress shoes. He was a trooper about it. I on the other hand had a meltdown - I was just do darn mad that it was ruined.

So anyway, I took it as a sign that the mantle wasn't meant to be, and have a new idea for framing some lovely family photos we have. Stay tuned...

3. Vases. I want to put a cool vintage vase in our bedroom on the dresser and fill it with branches. The room needs more design but nothing too girl, I'm hoping this does the trick.

4. Vintage drawer pulls. I am painting a nightstand and TV stand in the next week or two and need new knobs or pulls for the drawers and doors. Fingers crossed I can find something cool.

5. This FABULOUS purse I saw there last time. I believe in fate and if the vendor still has it, it is mine. Oh yes, it will be mine.

If you're in the Chicago area, hit up the Randolph Street Market -- it's fantastic -- and let me know what you find.

man oh man...tel

2010-08-21T13:32:00.001-05:00

one of the challenges of living with someone is incorporating your pieces together. Our mantle has been a thorn in my side since we moved in in January. I'll be honest, most of the decor in the house is my style, but I am very conscious of using my boyfriend's things so it feels like his place too. One such item is his "Pubs of Iowa City" poster. I had it framed and put it on our mantle right after we moved in, but the whole looks was just kind of a hodge podge.

It had a lot of stuff on it with no real organization. So it just sat until I came up with an idea. Taunting me every time I came home. At a recent flea market, I found this adorable metal tool box. I didn't like the red so I stripped the paint.

It unveiled what I hoped, a cool stainless finish.

Then I headed to JoAnn Fabrics and found some decorative accents to put inside.

Hanging the poster, removing the clutter, and placing some accents along the mantle gave it a cleaner more streamlined look and works better with the living room.

The shoes are still a problem, I have been searching for a nice storage solution for them. If it was me, they would be in our respective closets, but my boyfriend likes having his shoes at the front door. Compromise, compromise. :)

Since I want to share all my tips with you, there is one secret tool that helps every project run smoother, especially when you're staying in and working on a Friday night. And this time it was no different. Thank you magic tool...

i've got a feeling...

2010-08-12T07:57:00.000-05:00

there are so many times you are searching for an item you have a clear vision of in your head but you just can't find it. Other times, you're looking for something else and stumble upon something that just speaks to you. At the flea market a few weeks ago, as we were on our way out, I spotted this swirly-twirly thing. Even though I had no need for it, I couldn't leave without it.

I just love everything about it. The swirls, the shape, the weight.

I just imagine how great it would look on a coffee table or console. I just don't have a place for it ... yet. But someday it will have it's proper home.

what was your must have piece?

make it work...

2010-08-08T21:38:00.000-05:00

sometimes a project just doesn't come together they way you envisioned it in your head. And when I started this blog, I promised to share the hits and the misses. My bathroom art project was a miss in my opinion. I really wanted it to work. I sat with it for a couple days, but it just didn't feel right. In theory, repurposing letters from old street signs to use as art sounded cool – unfortunately it just didn't come together.

So on to bigger and better things.

I found this cute tin basket at the flea market a couple of weeks ago. I thought it would be perfect to replace the 'near & dear' art. So I got out the rest of my Sunshine Yellow spray paint.

I loved the look. Then I put it on the wall.

Again I am not totally feeling it. I am thinking of removing the handle and mounting hardware on the back to hang it. I'm also not sure what to put in it. I sooooo didn't want to go the flowers route, mainly because I knew I would end up with fake flowers since putting real ones in a steamy bathroom is the equivalent of taking my $10 and dropping it in the 'commode' – as the kids say.

And as much as I love a good fake flower, it just felt too 'Golden Girls' for my bathroom.

I thought maybe I'd put hand towels in it. Nope, it looked dumb. Then I thought "GOOD LORD WOMAN" (DIY projects make me yell at myself in my head sometimes.) "Why are you trying to make yellow work so hard?"

And I think my head is right. Maybe trying to add another big splash of yellow just doesn't work in the space. Maybe the armoire is all I need and keep the rest black and white. Maybe a black basket with yellow flowers. Fake, of course. Now where's that can of spray paint...

I'd gladly accept any suggestions of what I could put in the basket. I really like it, I just can't figure out how to make it work. Hmmmm... what would Blanche do? :)

many thanks and things to come...

2010-08-06T07:51:00.001-05:00

huge virtual hug to my girl T at www.fashion-butter.com for the shout out on her blog this morning. If you haven't checked out blog, she's got some serious style and all of her pics use her gorgeous village in Greece as a backdrop. FAB!

PROJECTS IN THE WORKS:
so real life has been really busy lately, so I'm sorry for the lack of blogging. But I have a few projects in the works for the weekend and will show off my results soon. One is a redo of a project that has been featured here and the other is a mantle redo. I still need a little inspiration for this project, so show me your favorite mantles on the web.

flea market finds...

2010-08-01T20:27:00.001-05:00

I finally experienced the Kane County Flea Market and it did not disappoint. So many booths, so many great things. Because I'm quite Type A, I made a list of all the things I was looking for. Because I am also not quite Type A, I forgot it at home. So I had to try and remember what I needed. One thing I wanted was a basket for the bathroom that I could use to hold toilet paper. The bathroom is a major focus right now, so you'll be seeing a few more projects in the coming days.

I was so excited to get this project started that I forgot the before picture. But it was an antique white that was a little beat up. I decided on a glossy black and started spraying.

What I liked most about it was that it was two pieces. A cool basket that housed a metal bin. The only downside of the project was that I didn't measure the location that I wanted to put it. So I had to place it perpendicular to the wall. But I still think it works.

Here's a closer look at the details of the box.

Now my TP has a cozy little home and my bath is one step closer to order. HOORAY!!!!

(I guess there is a little Type A in there. )

mirror, mirror...

2010-07-28T20:39:00.003-05:00

I know I'm a little late to the "chalkboard paint party" but I've had a chalkboard paint project in my mind for a LONG time now.

One of my friends gave me this amazing frame that used to house a mirror in its former life. I had it in my old place but never did anything with it, but now that we're in our new place, it completely matches our comforter. So the project was ON!

My plan was to take the frame and back it with some extra illustration board I had.

Since much like my aversion to spray paint, I have a thing against exacto knives. Honest to goodness, I have NEVER been able to cut anything in a straight line with those things. So I had to enlist the help of one of my art directors at work.

Once it was cut, I painted it with chalkboard paint and a foam brush. In 30 minutes it was dry. I mounted it to the back of the frame and VOILA! A chalkboard with a contemporary twist.

It goes perfectly in our room. Now the room is a work in progress, the nightstand needs to be refinished, painted black and fitted with new knobs, but it is coming together.

It was a really simple project and I love that we can change the message.

It's like revolving art!

So as a late arrival to the party, tell me what kind of projects you've done with chalkboard paint.

Beth over at The Stories of A to Z is hosting a Chalkboard Paint Party. Go check it out for more great ideas for using chalkboard paint!

near and dear...

2010-07-25T23:52:00.000-05:00

it's always true that great things come when you're not looking for them. this weekend I headed to the flea market. While I had a few things on my list, I came home with nothing I intended to get, but a great idea came to me at the show.

I recently painted an armoire that I purchased off craigslist. the pop of yellow is great, but it needed some more yellow to make it feel more at home in the space. On my list was to get something vintage and ornamental that I could spray paint the same yellow to hang on the wall and balance the yellow.

Well I didn't find that but I found something even better. Digging around a booth, I found reclaimed road signs that have been cut into the individual letters. LIGHT BULB! While the selection of letters was slim, I knew the impact would be just right.

I love when a project just comes to you and works out just like you thought. Now the letters I purchased on Saturday but they didn't have an ampersand. But I went back today and another booth had stencils, so I thought I could paint one black.

Despite my aversion to spray paint that has been well documented, I grabbed the glossy black and changed that bronze ampersand to black. I think it turned out really well. It wasn't what I had anticipated putting in the space, but the fact that its so unique is what I like about it.

If I had my way I would change the lighting and the trim, but it's a rental. So for now that has to stay and I think the new artwork and the yellow armoire are steps in the right direction for giving the cold, rental atmosphere a warm, personal feeling.

And it's a nice reminder to remember those things I hold "near & dear."

What are some unusual art projects you've done?

my project was featured....

2010-07-25T15:22:00.001-05:00

My yellow armoire was just featured on Life in the Fun Lane for Fresh Coat Friday! If you haven't checked out Holly's blog, you should. She is an amazing furniture restorer and part of what inspired me to start a blog. Check out my Fresh Coat Friday post here.

people get ready...

2010-07-20T10:25:00.000-05:00

the Randolph Street Market is back and that means more projects are going to be in the works after this weekend. I have a long list of things I "need" for the house, so we'll see what I come home with.

If you're in the Chicago area and have never been, you need to check out the market. For a ticket price of $9, you get access to booth after booth of great antiques, vintage furniture, decor and jewelry, and also the Indie Designer market where local designers show off their goods. It's indoor and outdoor so there's a lot to see.

Check it out - I'd love to know what you find!

wall in the family

2010-07-18T15:39:00.000-05:00

Ever since we moved into this new place in January, our living room wall has been taunting me. It's huge. And our couch is huge. I knew whatever went on that wall had to be big as well. It was overwhelming so I just tried to ignore it.

The wall to the right is the wall in question, not the best angle for the pic.

But it's the first thing you see when you walk in the door, so I couldn't ignore it for long. But big art means big $$$. Something I just don't have for one piece of art. Plus, everything I found was nice but it didn't mean anything.

Then one day I was talking to my cousin, who just happens to live across the street form me. (side note: we are both from Cincinnati, but ended up living on the same street in Chicago - it's great to be so close to family when you're far from home.)

She a middle school art teacher and was talking about this painting she did for her brother. It was amazing! Then it hit me - I'll commission a painting for the living room.

My cousin was more than willing to do it, so all I had to do was find the right picture to turn into a painting. I knew exactly which one I wanted:

The Chicago skyline is amazing. It's perfect for our living room. My cousin took the photo, got some supplies and two weeks later, my new living room art is ready to be unveiled.

Isn't it amazing? The shading alone just amazes me. My cousin is a fabulous artist and I am so honored that she did this for us and it's now hanging in my home. And doesn't it look great in the space?

It fills up the space perfectly -- it's 36 inches long and just the right size for the space. My boyfriend and I both love it and we had friends over last night and they were commenting on how beautiful it is.

If you're not finding what you need at the store or don't have the $$ for it, get creative. Ask someone you know who is artistic if they'll create something for you. Or better yet, create it yourself. Art is personal - let it reflect what you love.

-j

buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....

2010-07-15T22:28:00.000-05:00

Yellow, black and white. When designing with these colors, there is a fine line between a pop of sunshine and looking like your room is home to a family of bumble bees.

I've had my eye on a jewelry armoire for a while now. I finally purchased one thanks to the wonders of craigslist. With no room for it in my bedroom, it found a home in my bathroom. However, the light wood was not meshing with my black and white decor. It had to be painted.

Turquoise? Red? The same celery green that punctuates the majority of my house? Nah. I kept going back to yellow.

So, thanks to the ridiculous "no spray paint" laws in Chicago, on a trip back from Indiana, I purchased two cans of sunshine yellow paint at a small town hardware store. Once home, I prepared to paint. Let me tell you, I think there are two reasons spray paint is banned in Chicago: 1) of course, graffiti 2) it is ridiculously hard to paint in a tiny courtyard without totally covering your neighbors deck in Sunshine Yellow gloss paint.

But after much blood, sweat and tears -- well just a lot of sweat -- I finished it and couldn't be happier. It totally gives my bathroom the pop of color I was hoping for, and the yellow is a nice happy color to see first thing in the morning. Behold...

My bathroom is not conducive to picture-taking so this is the best shot I have. The yellow goes perfectly with the black and white design I have going. The bath is attached to the master bedroom and the bedspread and accent towels have the same damask-like pattern.

Even after my issues with the spray paint, this was a fairly easy project. I removed the handles, and it was a miracle I kept track on the teeny tiny screws. I sprayed it with the drawers intact - simply because I was too lazy to tape off the inside of each drawer so I wouldn't spray the fabric yellow. It actually worked out fine, nothing stuck together. The only problem I discovered was with the side doors. Closed, they look great. Open, that's another story. But you live and learn.

Maybe I'll fix it someday, but really no one but me sees it and I'm cool with it. My little burst of sunshine is a bright sunny spot for me on dreary mornings before work, and I couldn't be happier with it. But I am officially retiring my spray can until I have a yard or really cool neighbors who don’t mind yellow speckled cars.

-j

and so it begins....

2010-07-14T17:53:00.000-05:00

Today is my birthday (yes, I'm a shameless birthday celebrator!) and what better way to celebrate than launching my very own blog.

I've been tossing around the idea of having a design blog for a while. Partly to keep a record of my design projects, party to inspire me to follow through with the ideas that pop into my head. But I struggled with how to make it different than all the others out there. After going round and round, I finally decided - who cares! It's different because it's mine. I enjoy reading tons of blogs because they always inspire me with tons of ideas that I can use or put my own twist on. Hopefully my blog will do the same - or at the very least, entertain you.

So welcome to my life... by design.