Friday Finds at Target!

Fantastic new line alert!
Ellie and I were doing our usual Target wander...
We went in for one thing, and ended up spending an hour just window shopping. Gotta love it. 
Our Target is remodeling and being reinvented as a Super Target of sorts, complete with fresh grocery items, so, we are literally relearning the layout. 
But, we did come across a new line of adorable and covet worthy decor.
I took these pics with my phone, so they are admittedly rather awful, and all I can recall of the prices were: they weren't outrageous, but they also weren't huge bargains. I will totally wait till they go on sale. But, these items are on my want list!


I picture this faux needlepoint in some sort of eclectic collection of "fun stuff" by the table in my front hall.

These sort of nerdy (hopefully you realize by now that when I say nerdy it's a positive thing) vintage typewriter style coasters are great!

I don't know why, but I have always loved the ampersand! It's so curvy and pretty!

I know quote art is still everywhere you turn, but, this one was new to me. And, I really love the sentiment.

And with that, my friends, it's Friday afternoon! Happy weekend to you!

Hot Color Trend: Yellow & Gray

Every season a "new" color combination pops into vogue and becomes highly visible in fashion and home decor. In the past it's been pink and green,  brown and aqua... last year the fresh combo of black, white and lime green was a clear winner. Right now, more than any other collection of color, I see sunny yellow paired with various shades of gray. It's lovely. It's serene. It's bright, but, not in your face. It's subtle. It's stylish.
My Mom and Dad just asked me to help them revamp their dining room. My Mother suggested gray. My daughter Ellie stepped right in with her opinions and said: Yellow.
She wants it bright and cheerful. I reminded her this isn't our apartment. Grandma and Papa might want something a wee bit more... well, not Andy Warhol. Something fun but sophisticated. I am thinking the gray/yellow scheme might just fit the bill.


These rooms below are beautiful examples of "fun yet sophisticated."

Here's the color combo on a wedding cake! Gorgeous.

As far as my parent's dining room is concerned, here are a couple examples of easy changes we could make.... 

I love these curtains from Land Of Nod!

This rug from Overstock.com is a terrific balance of fun and sophisticated.

And as for paint... well, we'll see. I am thinking the dove gray on the walls. But, perhaps both gray and yellow separated by a bright white chair rail molding might be fantastic.

Stay tuned!

Simply Saturday...Simple Smiles.

Things that make me smile:


Eloise Catherine.

Children.
The sun.
Puffy clouds.
Rain (thunder & lightning).
Pink cars (and houses and hair).
Robins.
Music.
Theater.
Friends.
Family.
Fall foliage.
New York City.

Animals.
Color.
Muppets.
Porches.
Discovery.
Great finds.
Ideas.
Baubles.
Simple beauty.
Kind acts.
Fashion.
Self expression.
Spring flowers.
Water (bodies of water, fountains, falls...).

Delicious scents (food, flora, laundry...).
Good coffee.
Good food.
Good wine.
Walking.
Peace.
Hope.


There are others, of course. 
Those are what popped into my head this morning.

What makes you smile?

Pretty in Pink

I know I usually go on and on about bright colors in my posts. Hot raspberry pink for example. It's luscious and vibrant and juicy and lively. 
It is all those things. That said, I do love me some gorgeous, soft, calm, delicate petal pink. Sigh. 
Whatever you'd like to call it: Baby girl pink, ballerina pink or peony pink, it's the shade of lovely. It's the blush on your cheeks. It's divine paired with grey, green, yellow, orange, red, aqua... Come to think of it, there really isn't any color it doesn't compliment!
And it shouldn't have to be a hue typically reserved for feminine clothing, paint or decor. Nope. No way.

Real men wear pink.
( I won't link to this Ralph Lauren sweater, though, since it's $400 price tag is absurd. )
Go to Marshalls and you'll be golden.


A perfectly pale pink paint will make your complexion glow and provide a neutral background for art. True story. Look...

This shade is called "Loveable" by Sherwin Williams.


I have a collection of opaque pink vases in my bedroom. I found them a few years ago at Ikea for only a few dollars each...

These emerald cut post earrings from Etsy are so sweet.... And only $12.00!

Pink makes me smile so much, that I just created a new Pinterest board dedicated to it's glory. 
Go be blushed! Happy Friday, everyone...

Thirsty Thursday: "Pink Grapefruit Margaritas"

It's April.
It's 70' out. 
It's beautiful...
Let's have a Spring-y, beautiful cocktail!
This one, care of Barefoot Contessa Ina Garten, 
is so perfectly lovely looking.
I haven't tried it yet, but, let's just assume it's as refreshing and delicious as it is lovely!


The Pink Grapefruit Margarita


* 1 cup Ruby Red Grapefruit Juice
* 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (about 4 limes)
* 1 cup Triple Sec Orange Liqueur 
* 3 cups ice
* 1 cup Silver Tequila
* 1 lime cut into wedges, optional salt for rim of glass


If you prefer a salted rim, rub lime wedge along the glass and dip it in the salt.
Combine the juices, Triple Sec and ice in a blender... Blend.... add tequila and stir.
Pour into glasses and enjoy!


Side notes: 
*this recipe makes 4 drinks
* it's important to use Ruby Red Grapefruit juice because it's the sweetest and makes the beautiful pink color!

Gorgeous! Cheers!

Pinspiration

Why I avoided Pinterest after first hearing about it over a year ago I will never know. 
Too busy? Preoccupied? Not particularly interested in adding more "new" into my life? 
Maybe all those things. 
Whatever, Elizabeth!
If nothing else, it's eye candy. The elusive eyesore pops up every once in awhile, but, mostly, it's all drool worthy. Literally, in the cases of food pictures and recipes!
And while, yes, I can linger there for hours searching, browsing, liking and pinning, I do think, unlike other vices, it serves a purpose. 
It inspires. It might lead you to finding the perfect recipe, or pillow, or make-up design, or hair color....


Some recent Pinterest gems for you:


Banana Cream Pie in Chocolate Chip Cookie Crust

I mean, really...


Reusable Eco-friendly Paper Towel Set. 

Need. Want. Totally worth the $48.00, I think. Brilliant.


Adorable nail designs to try on Miss Lulu's little fingers...

Vintage Street Sign  for sale on Etsy.

For obvious reasons I sort of feel like I should own this!


Looking for inspiration of any sort? Dinner? Paint colors? Crafty solutions to everyday problems? It's there! Check it out! In the meantime, I will continue to periodically share some of my favorite findings...
Happy Monday, all...

Thrifty & Fabulous!

Hi, there!
Time for something thrifty and fabulous!
So...I had an idea a few weeks ago about an empty space on my dining room wall.
This spot right here:

The space I am referring to is inside the large oval frame. (I have since added more empty frames around this one as you'll see below.)
I love the quirky collection of empty frames. I also love that, from the right angle, the big oval appears to literally outline the chandelier.
But, I wanted to add more to that negative space somehow. 
My idea played off of the Audrey wall and the concept of a really big cameo "brooch". 
Why not a big ol' piece of cameo jewelry for the wall? Right? Right.
First, I tried to just get my hands on a large, old fashioned silhouette.
I looked online to see if there were handy peel and stick vinyl ones available.
I looked online to see if I could track down an original one.
Then, I got wise and decided to just get crafty. 
And cheap. (Crafty & Cheap = Thrifty & Fabulous)
I googled, of all things, Barbie silhouettes.

I printed one out and headed to the Dollar Store for a .50 cent piece of black poster board.
Using the printed picture as a template, I loosely outlined a larger version, scrapping the tiara. For .50 cents I had nothing to lose and half a piece of poster board left if I needed to try again!
I cut it out, put some plain old scotch tape on the back and slapped it right up on the wall.
And, I kind of love it!

Who knows? Maybe I will make some more little ones for the other frames...

For now, though, I like this. 

It's silly and whimsical and girlie and graphic. 

And the best part? It was almost free.

Spring & Summer Brights!

Believe it or not, I wasn't always someone who gravitated toward bright, vibrant color.
For a long time I believed I wanted to live among the watery, pastel colors. The "Shabby Chic" style in particular: washed out aqua blue, distressed pale pink... lots and lots of bright and airy white... 
This style still appeals to me. It's gorgeous. 
There's no doubt. And I still incorporate parts it into my current decor schemes. I just found that, for me, it wasn't as livable as I assumed it would be.
I need more. I crave color that invigorates me. 
That makes me feel alive, spunky and inspired. Raspberry pink, saturated sunflower yellow, rich peacock blue, citron green, ruby red... Then I temper it all with shades of white or gray, ground it all with hints of black, and create less clutter and heaviness with things like furniture and drapery.
I think I have a combination going for me now that invokes zest, but also peace. 
Happy and peaceful. Love it.
Anyway, here are a few products that I think would be perfect examples of such a things.


This Damask Turquoise Upholstered Armless Chair from Overstock would look smashing with an orange, yellow or pink graphic patterned pillow against it! At less than $145.00 it won't break the bank either!

French Bull makes some of the cutest melamine serving ware I have ever seen!
Among other things like plates, bowls and platters, their cake stand is one of the happiest ways to serve dessert and it's virtually indestructible! 
Perfect for outdoor dining...

This adorably cheery and retro inspired clock is available on Amazon for only $19.99.

Here is a perfect, real life example of my thinking I wanted to live with one thing and realizing: Um. No. That's just not gonna do it for me.
I need more "happy."
You might remember my recent mini bathroom redo...

Cute. It's cute. It works. It cost nothing to do... but, ultimately, it was too heavy for me and I just went another route this week.
Hello, lively! I understand this might be way too much for some, but it works for me!
Thank you, Woodland Garden Shower Curtain, for adding more sass to my life.

Lastly, for the ultimate in bright, happy, livable design, check out designer Jonathan Adler's books and website. He's inspiring!

Simply, Saturday: Spotted!

My mom, Lulu and I had a double header at Target and TJMaxx yesterday...
As always, good times and good window shopping!
Here are a couple of  fun items we spotted:


Houndstooth shoe laces at Target. 
Oh. Yes. 
How cute would these be in your Chuck Taylors?
Or just that little something extra turning your everyday workout sneakers into something sassy? Less than $5.00!

More houndstooth for your ears at TJMaxx! 
Only $7.99!

We found this black and white bowtie pasta for $4.99 at TJMaxx, as well.
Now, *there's* a way to make your dinner extra classy!