The "You Make My Day" awards

I've been lacking for writing inspiration as of late, so I wanted to take a moment to recognize my favorite design blogs and bloggers! I'm a horrible blog stalker - and rarely have the opportunity to leave comments. (Bad Meghan!) So, I'm hoping to make up for it!

The following 5 blogs really do make my day.

1. Newlywedisms by Bryn

As a semi-newlywed and fellow first time homeowner, I really love reading Bryn's blog. Plus, she changes her mind almost as often as I do! It's fun to try and keep up.

2. This Young House

This young couple has enough DIY creativity for all of us normal people to feel seriously lacking. I keep hoping it will rub off on me!

3. Newlywed Diaries

Jennifer has some seriously fabulous taste. I keep holding my breath to see what inspirational pictures she posts next. It makes me wish our tiny rancher had a few more rooms in need of decor.

4. Inspiration for Everyday Living

Amy takes Urban Chic to a new level. I'd trade my left arm to have her apartment!

5. Copy Cat Chic

The title really says it all. It's fantastic reading - and a wonderful place for inspiration.

Thank you for making my days more fun!

So, it's pretty well known now that I have a thing for office supplies. But, I think this might take the cake.



It's like a cross between an adult coloring book, a planner, and an inspiration binder all in one. Pretty freaking neat. You can pick one up here.

Exciting Times...

Thanks to Kate at Girl Meets Glamour I am seeing a new addiction in my already overcommited life... The Brocade Home Blog

(Designed by : Tord Boontje)

Obsession Du Jour: Camera Bags

I'll be the first to admit - I'm a bag lady. I love me some hand bags. (Right now, I'm actually coveting these satchels by Marc Jacobs and Cole Haan.) Seriously, I just don't think I girl can have enough. But lately, I've really become obsessed with finding the perfect camera bag.

Let me back up. Two years ago I indulged myself and picked up a cute little Digital SLR as a birthday gift for myself. (The best kind of gift, right?) I picked up an average grey Lowepro Bag to carry my camera, 2 lenses (my favorite and my second favorite ), and I've been try to find something cuter - and more feminine ever since. It's NOT an easy task.

(Image courtesy of shootsac.com)

Jessica Claire sells the fabulous Shootsac - and this bag quickly topped my list of must haves. But, it's not really a camera bag. It's more like a lens holder for pro photographers and I'm FAR from pro. I needed something that would not only be cute and fabulous, but would also close.

(Image courtesy of Tracyjoy.com)

Everyone, meet Kristine. I stumbled upon Tracy Joy's Etsy Site last year in my frantic Pre-Paris bag search and am just now getting a chance to pick one up. I can't wait to get it in my hot little hands. And at less than half the price of the shootsac, I feel like I got a deal.

(Image courtesy of Tracyjoy.com)

Look at all she holds!

Obsession Du Jour: Custom Jewelry

I think I might have a thing for jewelry. I just can't get enough.

(Picture from Hostess with the Mostess)

I noticed this morning during my daily blog stalking that Hostess with the Mostess was running a fantastic giveaway deal with Christina Ashley. I'd seen a few of her pieces at a local shop in my area - and it's fabulous.


She also has some of her designs for sale on her Etsy site. Check her out!

Project Dresser

I spent most of the weekend browsing all of the loveliness on HGTV, DIYnetwork, and all the other project centric home decor websites. And I think I'm finally ready to tackle the giant project that is refinishing our bedroom furniture.

My mom bought me this Pier 1 dresser set when I was still in high school - and it looks a little outdated and frankly - sad. Since reading Holly's post on Decor8 a few weeks ago - I've been kind of obsessed with how I could update the look.

Here are some of the before pictures of our dressers with all of their "rustic" charm...

I just love the pulls featured in the Real Simple Article. There are also a few more beauties over on Anthropologie's website that I just love.

So, wish me luck! I'll be sure to post the results... even if they are disastrous!

DIY - Mirrored Dresser

I think I mentioned earlier that my husband and I have lived in our house for almost two years. We live in a tiny (1200 sq ft) 1950's rancher that just oozes goofy tract home charm. When we bought the house, we were convinced we had the chops to take on all the projects that the house needed to become the stylish abode we both dreamed of. Let me just tell you - we're not so handy.


But that doesn't stop me from dreaming. I stumbled upon this fabulous DIY mirrored dresser on Apartment Therapy yesterday, and just had to share. I think that girl may have ended up with some of my creativity.

Obsession Du Jour - astrological jewelry

I stumbled upon this lovely by Ella Poe on Turquoise Chic yesterday, and I haven't stopped thinking about it. The Constellation Series seems to be the first line for this designer - and it's fabulous. What a unique take on symbols that usually have a dime store quality to them.

It comes in Rose Gold or White Gold, but at a minimum of $1k, it might be a while before I can pick one up... (Although a portion of the proceeds benefit Woman for Woman International!)

Operation: Saute Pan - Concluded

Alright, I went for it.

I'm now the proud owner of a flame colored LC saute pan. I'm excited. It's my first LC purchase - even though I've been using their products for years.

I also may have picked up 4 of these adorable Petite Pumpkin Casseroles. I'm thinking they will be a cute accessory during our Thanksgiving dinner this year. I did end up paying $9 more for my pan through amazon, but they're giving me this adorable Blueberry Casserole since I spent over $99.

Love it!

Operation: Saute Pan

I'm in desparate need of a new saute pan in my cookware arsenal. When we registered for our wedding (Almost 3 years ago - ack!), I went the easy route and received a lovely set of Calphalon pots and pans. Honestly, I hate them.

I do most of my cooking in the 4 or 5 Le Creuset items that my mother received for her wedding over 25 years ago. (I kid you not. I love my 25 year old Le Creuset - complete with 1970's wooden handles!) They're a variation of Le Creuset's dijon color, match nothing, weigh a ton and are probably my favorite possessions! I don't know what it is about these bad boys, but they have yet to do my wrong.

So my question is this. Do I spring for the LC Saute Pan? (It's definitely the pricier option!) Or are there other decent cookware brands out there? Is it possible to find another pan that will win my heart - and maybe cost a little less?

All clad has a fabulous French Skillet that is also calling my name....

Decisions, decisions.

Fantastic website

Websites like this are so exciting to me. What a fabulous way to clear out your bookself of the treasures you've already read, and re-read, and get new titles for your library. Plus, it's free to join!

Take a look at the Paper Back Swap and see for yourself. Just don't forget to add me to your buddy list! (Megmeg)

I'm currently waiting on The Queen's Fool to arrive since I loved The Other Boleyn Girl so much. (The book, not the movie.)

Happy reading!

Obsession Du Jour - Target

I love it when Target scores with their designer lines. There is something about cheap fashion finds that make me giddy. Not that I don't appreciate a quality purchase - but who doesn't love $25 shoes?



Target's designer du jour is jour Jovovich-Hawk (As in Actress Milla Jovovich..) I'm loving how feminine their stuff is. This cute wrap dress would be so perfect once the weather gets warmer, plus the wrap makes it casual enough to double as a swim suit cover up around a nice hotel pool. (I'm currently doing a lot of travel fantasizing...) I love this floaty ballet tank too. And really, if I'm dreaming of vacationing poolside, I might need to pick up their super cute polka dot bikini...

As a side note. Run, don't walk to pick up these Isaac Mizrahi galdiator sandals For $25 - they're FABULOUS.

(Image courtesy of Target Corp.)

A place to call my own

My husband and I moved into our first home almost two years ago and I still don't have a place for my computer. (The husband has a bonafide OFFICE! He has such a loving wife...) Unfortunately, I don't remember where I stumbled upon that lovely office closet photo- but I love it! What a perfect way for me to store my geeky goods.

Plus, I think now I can manage to finally to concince my husband that I *NEED* this chair.