Friday, May 27, 2011

Inspiration

So, my very first blog discovery was way back in 2008. And http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/ (absolutely beautiful things) has been a source of admiration and decorating ideas since then. Designer Anna Spiro from Brisbane, Australia interjects color into everything! And she loves blue and white china, fresh flowers and creates the most eye catching "tablescapes". Enjoy these lovely snap shots from her blog. I have to keep reminding myself that interior spaces can look this great! It’s possible people! But it’s going to take some more hard work and time. We’re still sifting through our boxes, sigh….but hopefully soon I will start to feel things coming together! These images sure help me want to get things done. Hope you like them!

Keep in mind, this is a small sample of her work. Her range is quite something. She manages though, no matter how vintage, modern, traditional, or contemporary she goes to keep her trademarks present. I would love to go to Australia and check out her store. Actually, I’d love to go to Australia for a zillion reasons, her shop would just be a sweet bonus.
And I just don’t know how she keeps her table tops to stay so clutter free?! This will be a challenge for me and Jay. Especially for Jay, who loves to put everything from within his pockets on top of dressers, coffee tables, and end tables…tricky.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The first nail in the wall

We put our first nail in the wall and hung a mirror above our dresser. We found the mirror on sale at Target tonight for $16 bucks! We really just went to buy a trash can (exciting) but we also found this little gem just waiting for us. Whoooop.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Off Topic

OK – I could post about our wonderful Florida vacation, the beautiful wedding we went to, or the upcoming in weekend in NC, which has turned into a family gathering…however, that would take a lot of time and a lot of pictures. I may recap what’s been happening with Jay and me next week, but this week is slammed. So for now, I leave you with this image. Another inspiring outfit from Kate Middleton. Seriously, she hits a home run every time. And Prince William is looking as dashing and sweet as ever.

But seriously, what is Mrs. Obama wearing? What is that pink and blue combo? She is always daring, which is great, but sometimes it comes off looking like she isn’t quite sure what she's doing. She does however, have the market cornered for first ladies with bare arms and bright colors. No disrespect, but I do scartch my head at her outfits sometimes.


Thursday, May 19, 2011

If you could be best friends with anyone in Hollywood?

Who would you pick? I would pick, Julia Roberts.
Reasons why – First off, she is my style icon (besides Kate Middleton). I love her bohemian, elegant, Ralph Lauren thing she has going on. She always seems classic without seeming frumpy. And she always has something that looks individual and timeless. She has made black and statement earrings, an easy, elegant, and stylish statement! Love her clothes and style!
Second, her movies are awesome. Love her range and I think her humor and dramatic acting skills combine in an awesome way. Thirdly, she has played an art historian in multiple movies: Mona Lisa Smile and Ocean’s 11. She played an artist in Closer,  Runaway Bride, and Stepmom. I think she has an interest in the arts and that’s why I’m sure we’d be friends. And if you didn't know, in my previous life I was an art historian. Now I'm an Attorney Development Guru with Fine art on my walls and dreams of a second career. Who saw that coming?!
And she also seems to try to live a semi-normal life. She’s not perfect and often doesn’t seem to try, which, I also appreciate, because I'm far from perfect.
I just think she’s cool.

In 21 hours....

Jay and I are getting on a plane to head to Florida, to celebrate Joan and Artie’s wedding! Seriously can’t wait. I’ve got my outfits all planed, Jay got an awsome new tie, and we have our flip flops and sun tan lotion packed! Jay and I are going to look just like these awesome people:
Just picture our heads in that photo. I can’t wait to run around on the beach with a champagne bottle! And Joan and Artie are going to be like these people! Blissfully happy and hopefully relaxed and overjoyed after they tie the knot! Joan is going to be a beautiful bride and Artie is going to look dapper in his tux, I just know it! Whoooop!
And if it could get any better than an awesome wedding and reception, we even get to go to Disney World after that. All I can say is: Watch out Mickey. Jay and Gudrun are coming your way!

This is a shot of Mickey when he heard we were coming. He’s overwhelmed with shock and excitement (and maybe a little nervous)! We can’t wait to get the long weekend started!!!

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Our wonderful parents

Wanted to share this photo from last weekend. It was a great weekend and I enjoyed every minute! Like I said before, we are very lucky to have such wonderful parents!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Helping myself

OK – the last post freaks me out a little. That do to list frightens me. I don’t want to leave on a note like that. So I’m posting one of my favorite room inspirations. Can’t remember where I found this one, but I always go back to it. I love the wall color, textures and the arrangement of everything in this room. It has a great lived in feeling while remaining stylish and put together. Yay, I feel better now. I definitely believe in the power of positive thinking.  I know I can get our house to look to put together. I think I can, I think I can…


A Scary To-Do List


Below is our Master to-do/to-buy list. This list had to happen. Looking around at our boxes and our blank walls is starting to get to me. And it’s definitely getting to Jay. He does not like living out of boxes. I can take it a little more than he can, so in the interest of sparing Jay and myself during this moving process, I created this list in hopes of helping us through the overwhelming projects! What’s the time frame for all this? Don’t ask. I think we’ll be lucky if we get this accomplished by the end of the summer maybe. Maybe. I’d feel pretty good if we get half of this list done by, the 4th of July. I think that’s the goal. It would also be nice to have a few more things knocked out by June 18th. My parents are coming up for the weekend to go with Jay and me to the US Open! Whoop!!! So it would be great to have things in some order by then! And then maybe we can think about having our friends over!
Entry Hall
TO DO
TO BUY
Finish cleaning floor
Accent table
Finish painting doors
Art arrangement for above table
Organize closet
Overhead light
Hang artwork
Umbrella Stand

Shoe holder (?)
Hallways
TO DO
TO BUY
Hang artwork
Rug for hallway (?)
Replace overhead light
Art for wall
Go over trim work and ceiling
Light fixtures
Kitchen
TO DO
TO BUY
Paint Cabinets
Calendar/Cork Board
Replace Hardware
Paint
Organize cabinets
Hardware
Consider new flooring
Flooring
Consider new counter tops
Counter tops
Consider new appliances
Appliances
Living Room/Dining Area
TO DO
TO BUY
Clean up ceiling
Dining room table/chairs
Remove boxes
Overhead light fixture
Organize books, decorative items
Entertainment center
Hang mirror over couch
TV
Hang artwork
Floor Lamp

End tables

Coffee Table
Bathroom
TO DO
TO BUY
Paint bathroom
Mirror
Replace Mirror
Over toilet storage
Replace lighting
Medicine cabinet replacement
Organize cabinets and storage
Lighting

Bath mats
Guest room
TO DO
TO BUY
Organize furniture in room
TV
Organize closet
Creative storage for the closet
Hang artwork
Rug

Curtain

Floor lamp
Master Bedroom
TO DO
TO BUY
Organize closets
End tables
Organize clothing
TV
Take down closet doors
Matching table lamps
Hang curtains

Find dresser

Hang artwork

Monday, May 16, 2011

Sharing

Facebook-  to share or not to share, that is question. Lately, I’m leaning more towards the not share, but there are days where I am overjoyed or excited and can’t seem to help myself. I also like the idea that my friends can keep up to date with what’s happening. It’s really hard to keep up with my some of my friends and I love that I can let them know what’s up with a quick post or photo and vice versa. But I always meet people or have conservations with people who are very annoyed or irritated at what one of their “friends” have posted. I don’t want to be one these people.  So I’ve cut back my list of friends and really try to limit the emotional gushing or blathering about being happy. But honestly, I’m a sentimental, emotional gusher in real life and I am a happy. So what’s the big deal? Are those people who complain about people posting happy things just not happy themselves? Or is it me? Should I be content to be happy and not say anything? So I find myself in a debate when I’m about to post something. And I always ask myself before the post, is this too much? So, I generally don’t post that much anymore. Leaning on the safer side as to avoid a social network faux pas. So I started this blog, in hopes that the people who read this are true friends and won’t find my sharing annoying. At least a blog you can choose to read. If you don't like, don't read it. This won’t be published in your news feed. Newsflash: you don’t have to read this if you don’t want too, but I hope that you do!
What do you think? To share or not to share?

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Tomorrow!

Jay and I leave for my home, North Carolina!

This weekend the Jorgenson’s and Ellsworth’s are getting together! We are both lucky to have such great parents. I’m looking forward to our families meeting and I hope this will be the first of many happy gatherings to come!

We are meeting in Pinehurst, NC.  A great place for the guys to golf, the girls to hang out, and all in all a great setting for a good time. Can’t wait!
I hope we have weather exactly like the perfect above. My fingers are crossed for no rain!




In 8 Days...

Jay and I will be on a plane headed to Vero Beach, Florida to celebrate our friends Joan and Arthur’s nuptials. We’re so excited for them and can't wait to help them celebrate. We'll be just like these happy people at the Vero Beach Hotel & Spa!
We can't wait to be in Florida in such a beautiful location. It will be a nice change from my office. I am counting down the days until I am sitting in the below picture with a drink in my hand.
And I can’t wait to soak in this view.
And after the nuptials and the celebrations, we’re taking a little extra time to soak in some more Florida sunshine. And we also booked ourselves a meeting with the Donald, Pluto, and Goofy. 
Can’t wait! 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Progress?

So work in the condo has been slow but steady. We still have a ton of things in boxes and we still have a long way to go. We're getting a little bit done at time. It’s been tough. We haven’t had a weekend home together since we moved and won’t have one until after June! We are out of town every weekend in May and have booked weekends in June! Which is so fun, but our poor home. It just keeps getting pushed to the side because we can’t find time to get things together! Hopefully soon. But like I said, despite our time crunch we are making slow and steady progress.

One thing we have managed to tackle are the curtains. A slight necessity since our place gets a lot of natural light. Yay, natural light! We got our curtains at IKEA. After shopping around I found that for style and price, the IKEA ones were a pretty sweet deal. And through these IKEA curtains I have also learned about the wonder of iron on hemming. Quite spiffy. Here’s what’s up in our bedroom:
Since our bedroom wall is a light grey/blue color and our bedroom gets the most light of any room in the house, we needed something dark to help control the light in the morning. We went with this dark navy blue, velvet-like curtain. It adds a nice texture to the room while also blocking out the sun. The blue curtain also looks great against our freshly painted walls. Also, in our bedroom we are going to put these curtains up:
We have two sets of double doors against one wall for our closets. Double closets! Which works out nicely for Jay and me. We eventually want to take the doors off and put the curtains pictured above on the inside of the frame. It will save us some space in our room. The doors are big and swing far into the room, making things around the closet a bit cumbersome. I took this idea from the husband and wife team at http://www.younghouselove.com/. In a recent post they talked about replacing their bedroom closet door with curtains. Below is a picture of what they did and what I am using as inspiration for our bedroom doors:
And lastly, our living room curtains. Since our carpet is ivory, our new rug (which turned out great in our space!) is a light sage green, and our walls are a light yellow, we decided to go with something light and natural. Plus we like all the light coming into the living room so we didn’t want to get anything too heavy. We bought a double hardware piece so we could layer some curtains:
Then we got these two curtains and put the lighter one on the bottom:
Hopefully soon I can get some pictures up of our actual place. We are still waiting on cable and internet to get installed. Which happens on Friday! Whoop. And once that happens, it will be easier to post pictures we take. So look out! ;)


Monday, May 9, 2011

Weekend Review

So after not having stepped foot into a movie theater in forever, I got see two movies this weekend. The first was “Something Borrowed”.  A great girl’s night movie. No real surprises here. It's a typical romantic comedy.
After the movie, us girls went to Zola for some drinks and nibbles. During a catch up session, someone exciting walked into the restaurant. One of my mom’s favorite people, Anne Coulter. I told the girls how excited my mom would be and that I had to get an autograph. My friends are great and despite our political differences managed to allow my excitement and even helped me get a photo and an autograph for my mom! Perfect timing for Mother's Day. It was a fun filled girl’s night!
Then, Sunday after Jay returned from a bachelor party we meet up with the groom himself and one of his groomsmen to check out Thor. The guys were pretty tired from the night before so sitting in a dark theater at 3:00 in the afternoon was the perfect activity. Thor was great. I was entertained and was pleased that the actors didn’t take themselves too seriously in the movie. I, of course, also loved all the Norwegian undertones. All in all a pretty good movie.
I also managed to take a nap this weekend, unpack a little more and spend some QT with Jay. Pretty sweet weekend line up. We also hit some golf balls Saturday afternoon before Jay left for the casino in West Virginia. Glad I was able to take a break from all the house stuff. But I can’t break for too long, there are still boxes to unpack, walls to paint, and things to organize. Hopefully this will be a productive week. I'm feeling rested and ready to go.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

From Jay - the Man Den.

So, I made a rush decision about two weeks ago and decided to buy a couch from Crate and Barrell Outlet. Gudrun and I had discovered it together one Sunday. This couch was one of the most comfortable couches I had ever sat in. I was sold. Gudrun loved sitting in it too, but wasn't crazy about the color.  It's a dark brown sleeper sofa with really soft squishy pillows. I could imagine taking a nap on this couch or lying on it to read a book.  Gudrun has put her flavor into our new home in alot of areas already so I'm trying to create what I can. I'm creating what is often called a "den" in the man world. Otherwise known as the: the Man cave. Women can have spots of their own too, but men have kinda claimed the "mancave" in a way that surpasses any other type of room. This awesome couch was my chance to put something down in the guest room I loved. So, I jumped on the couch and bought it for a great deal.  By the way, this couch was almost 50% off the original price at the Crate and Barrel outlet. So on moving day, my brother and I moved this couch into the condo.  There was only one problem. It wasn't fitting through the doorway into the guest bedroom!!  I measured the couch to make sure it would fit in the room itself but didn't think about the entery way and getting the couch into the room. So I had some frustrating times with this, especially since Gudrun didn't like the idea of this couch in living room or in any room really but the guest room. So I started thinking outside the box and I was able to move the couch in vertically which took very little effort. But I was succesful after many other creative attempts to get the couch in there. First I had tried to get it in horizotally by unscrewing the feet. Which didn't work. But after all my attempts, finally I have the couch in place and can start my path to creating the perfect den.