lemon zest honey lemonade...with a splash a vodka for good measure

So this past Saturday I came across the blog for Rolling Greens, and found inspiration with one of their cocktails they posted about.  I had to tweak it a bit because I couldn't find lavender honey anywhere, but did find some mighty tasty whipped honey with lemon zest at Whole Foods.  I mixed that along with some fresh squeezed lemon juice, some vodka and blended together with some ice to have a very delicious little treat.  I garnished the drink with a sprig of lavender and lemon slice just for appearance sake.  You can see the recipe for inspiration here, I adjusted it a bit with the amounts of vodka and honey I used but you can certainly do what you think is tastiest....just drink responsibly.  

 

hump day....

Is it me, or does it seem like the work weeks lately have been dragging?  This has been a challenging, eventful few months and I hope that things start to turn around positively.  I hope you all have a great day and remember...

via

Closet Overhaul

So last week  I took on the daunting task of organizing our closet.  Now, let me just give you folks some back story so you know where I am coming from.  Paul and I share one closet...yes you heard that correctly.  Our home was built in the 1950s and is a very quaint 1050 square feet so,obviously closet space is at a premium.  So, in an effort to get that thing organized I took to the good old internets, and you know what I found... only pictures of big fabulous spaces.  Like so:

via

So, that is great and all but this chick doesn't have the space or money right now to have a closet like that.  So back in reality I asked around on people's thoughts for space savers etc.  My friend, Missy, suggested the "huggable" hangers and I can not even tell you the difference they make.  They are very streamlined, come in a variety of colors and they keep the clothes on the hangers... what a novel idea.  I haven't replaced all the hangers becauseI don't have that kind of cash right now but gradually I will phase out the old and bring in the new.  So here, it goes... the before and after progress of the closet.  If anyone out there as any space saving ideas for a small closet I would gladly appreciate them. :)

 This chaos above created so many temper tantrums on my part when trying to get ready, it's insane.

 Progress

I mounted a hook to the left of the closet to hang my outfit for the day, especially during the work week this helps me immensely to get to work on time.

I organized my jewelry by covering an old cork board in burlap and framing it.  It is a perfect place to corral some of my jewelry and a great way to see what I'm working with.  (p.s. the pink hair clip on there was from Breast  Cancer awareness)

spots & polka dots

So, obviously you all know I have an obsession with stripes, as documented here & here.  But I am really digging on some dots as of late.They can be used a lot or a little and I love the unexpected, playfulness they can bring to a space.  What do you think about using some dots & spots in design?

This is an example of just a small dosage, but big impact.  Especially, paired with traditional  furniture, striped rug and I am loving the gold étagère.  

This bench is adorable and the link below has a tutorial on how Jenny recovered the bench seat.

You know I love a bar cart, and this is no exception.  So youthful and full of energy.

Love the mix of patterns and prints.

This office from Tiffany Richey (she styled the bar cart above) is awesome sauce.  I love the light fixture, artwork, table, chairs, etc....

Images via 

1 2 3 4 5

Collecting

Grouping like items is a great way to draw your eye to an area and create a focal point with a group of items rather than a stand alone item.  I love the way you can take an item that may never be noticed in a room and create a "moment" with a grouping of similar items.  It is one of the best ways to take the ordinary to extraordinary.  I think it's best to either maintain similarities in shape, style or color.  Here are a few collectible inspirations for you.  What do you think about collections, a hoarders dream come true or a great way to showcase your stuff?

I feel like the globes would be great for a child's room but also on a dining table if your home was a little bit more playful and casual.

So pretty with the different shapes and sizes. None of which are overpowering any of the others and look great against the antique mirror.

Now this a little bit of a pricey collection being as though they are Hermes scarves but I would probably frame mine over wearing it also...if I had one.

This is so cute and could easily be done with some Goodwill finds and some spray paint.

Love the ginger jars grouped together and obviously I love the blue & white.  

1 2 3 4 5 

Blue & White

I love this color combo, it is so classic but can be interpreted in so many different ways.  Here's a little look at some of my favorite blue & white spaces.  What do you think?

So simple, the beautiful curtains and mirror stand out and the painted ceiling is totally unexpected.

Love this outdoor space, what's not to love.  I love the ginger jars, mix of textiles and greenery.

This bedroom is so sweet and calm.  I love the stripes and blue paired together and could easily be done on any budget.

This space is more modern with the stark white mixed with the saturated blue fabrics.  

Love this navy and white, so on trend with the chevron and what a great way to introduce your home with this welcoming your guests.

1/2/3/4/5