Monday, July 30, 2012

Back to School, Back to School

With summer winding down, and all those college kids about to go off to school, there is the anticipation of meeting new people, new places, new adventures, and of course, the MOST exciting: Dorm room decorating!!!

With all the "rules and regulations" of hanging pictures, etc (some of those colleges are really sticklers, trust me, I know, I've been there!), it can be difficult to make that white-walled dorm room feel like home. This blog post is dedicated to inspiring ideas, getting organized, and making that small room feel more like a personalized and comfortable crash pad.


Go ultra-girly with Parisian/Marilyn inspired decor. Stay classic with the black and white or add a pop of color (pink, purple, Tiffany teal, the possibilities are endless!)
I love the blue and orange combination. A fun color combo I would have not thought of myself.
Indecisive?! Go modern and mix prints. The combined tribal and floral print is perfect for the eccentric girl who wants it all.
Bunk beds. The perfect way to create more space for activities!
Stripes and plaid. This contemporary straight-lined print mishmash can up the cool factor in any guys' room.
Red and purple merge together for a stylish, merry living space.
Small storage space with shelves and hooks. Perfect way to keep all those clutches and handbags conserved and organized.
Need more closet space? Or just want to prepare a weeks worth of outfits?! Use soda-tabs to double hangers for the ultimate outfit organization. This way, you can hit that snooze button a few more times without going in to that frantic, panicked stress mode searching for "that shirt I know is in here somewhere!" And never, ever go to class in those sweats again! After all, a girl must always be prepared to meet a dashing stranger or an old enemy.
Calling all accessory freaks! Keep that bracelet collection under-control by using soda bottles as an inexpensive bracelet holder.
Use PVC pipes to create plenty of space to organize shoes.
Attach a magnetic strip in a cabinet to keep bobby and safety pins accessible and easy to find.
Cute way to hang photos, cards, memos, etc. without ruining walls and so simple/cheap to make!
Another neat way to display photos. String lights across and simply clip on!
Store snacks and room meals in this refridgerator cart from Pottery Barn Teen: Bye-bye to the sloppy looking "kitchen" area.
3 in 1 Breakfast Maker from freshfinds.com. Now, where was this when I was in college?! Actually, better question: Why do I NOT own one of these now?!



So, good luck to all of those going away to college this year. I hope you found some useful ideas from this blog post. And just remember, when all else fails...I present you with two options.

Option 1:


aannnddddddd...I give you option 2:



Photo Credits: Pottery Barn Teen, Keep Calm Prints, Ideabottle.com, Etsy.com, Pinterest.com, Siam House Design

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Happy Birthday, America



Since it's just about America's Birthday (and I LOVE birthdays), I've been feeling...umm, should we say, much more Patriotic than usual? So in honor of Independence Day, I've decided to dedicate a blog to the stars and stripes, freedom, and Lady Liberty. As I type this, with my red, white and blue sparkely nails, I am reminded of all the things that make me love the 4th of July (and this time of year, in general): The fireworks and fairs, friends and family, BBQs and beers, popsicles and pies, baseball and blue jean shorts...I could go on...and of course, we can not forget about the many brave men and women that are the reasons we are able to enjoy these holidays in the "Land of the Free"...So, sit back, relax, and enjoy some pretty patriotic pictures and ideas. Sending wishes for a safe, fun-filled 4th of July!


The Americana theme has been huge this year, whether it's in decorating, clothing, or color schemes.
The plain white walls with the pop of red make a dramatic statement.
Adorable little boy's room.
Seaside Americana. Take me there.
Old blue vases?! Just add red flowers for a cute display.
Dress up a table with some star spangled napkins from Pottery Barn.

Now for head to toe red, white, and blue:
LOVE! Sky High Jeffrey Campbell platforms. (Lita Platform boot-American Flag)
Flaggish chucks.
Red, white, and shorties.
Gorgeous Chanel ensemble.
Seeing lots of stars and stripes :)
Cute Patriotic Mani.
Awww...and who doesn't love sleepy puppy pictures?!
Last but not least, be sure to celebrate with red, white and desserts!



Photo Credits: Houzz.com, Martha Stewart, Better Homes and Gardens, Pinterest, Pottery Barn, thecraftingchicks.com