home and decor

Holiday Gift Guide: 25 Under $25

gift guide

I know that just about every blog has done some holiday gift guide at this point (or is bound to do one soon), and I hate feeling clichéd, but what’s the good of having a blog if you can’t make a gift guide? It’s kind of fun for me, anyway, to pull together some stuff that I wouldn’t mind receiving, along with things I think it’d be fun to give. And the gift guides I see on other blogs are sometimes a little ridiculous – a $200 purse, a pair of shoes…maybe it’s just me, but when it comes to gift giving, I’ve always liked the idea of giving a bunch of smaller, fun gifts that the person wouldn’t normally buy for themselves (and that don’t leave me broke – because I love my family and friends, but it’s the thought that counts, not the price tag). Here are some of my favorite ideas – and, for your convenience, they’re all $25 or less.

1. Unique, architectural ornaments to brighten up your tree.
2. I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t appreciate being given cool art.
3. The quintessential stocking stuffer: tiny, luxurious nail polishes.
4. Bright, quirky pencils for the friend who has everything.
5. You can’t go wrong with Clinique’s black honey – it’s beautiful on everyone. (I swear by it)
6. Cute? Check. Functional? Check. Everyone could use one of these kits.
7. Rich leather gloves, just because.
8. Pigmented, light, definitely not sticky – plus, this gloss just looks pretty.
9. Simple, personalized stationary is thoughtful and useful.
10. Doesn’t washi tape make everyone happy?
11. The softest drapey, pale pink sweater that’ll work well into spring. (I’m wearing it as I type this!)
12. Glitzy earrings to bring a little sparkle to anyone’s life.
13. Simple, pretty, gold-plated studs that you could give to anyone on your list.
14. A cool, minimalist purse that works year-round.
15. This hand creme is beautifully scented and a total luxury.
16. You can brush up on your French with this seasonally-appropriate classic.
17. Pretty pens are always appreciated.
18. A thick magazine is a unique (and aesthetically pleasing) gift.
19. Glittery bangles are perfect for holiday parties.
20. Ban.do bobby pins are just the best.
21. 2015 is fast approaching – surprise your friend with a cute calendar for her desk.
22. For those who love to cook – even if they already have one, this recipe box is too pretty to pass up.
23. Delicate, pretty and for a good cause? This bracelet is a perfect stocking stuffer.
24. I just bought this book and can’t wait to read it – great for the bookworms in your life who’ve already read just about everything.
25. Rifle Paper Co. journals are just so pretty – and since I already have enough notebooks to last a few years, I’ll have to satisfy my addiction through buying them for others.

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Favorite Etsy Art

etsyart

Photography: Carousel/NYC/Blue Doors/Underwater

Mixed Media: Zebra/Equestrian/Man/Shapes

Painting: 1/2/3/4

I first mentioned that I’m working on a gallery wall in this post – and I’m still on the hunt for art. I’ve browsed through lots of different sites, but up until recently, the one I hadn’t looked at was Etsy. I know a lot of people who love the site, but I’ve always found it pretty intimidating. There are just so many options, it’s sometimes hard to sift through all of it and find things you truly love without getting tired (or distracted – hello, jewelry section…). But I took some time a couple of days back to look through Etsy, and I found a couple of pieces I can envision hanging on my gallery wall. They’re all reasonably priced, too, ranging from $10 to $75.

Which is your favorite? Are you a fan of Etsy?

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Drinks Cart

drinkscart2

A few weeks back, I talked about the design project I’m working on this summer – creating a studio space. One of the main components of the space is going to be a drinks/snack cart (because food obviously fuels creativity). I can picture this rolling cart from IKEA in the space perfectly – topped with a menagerie of colorful, snack-filled bowls, pretty straws, cheeky coasters and hints of gold.

1. Clean lines, perfectly white, casters, and just the right size – this table has everything.

2. Fun color + graphic stripes and dots make these bowls perfect for light snacks.

3. Love this glitzy bowl for holding fresh, seasonal fruit.

4. Seriously cool geometric plates for holding napkins, straws, and finger foods.

5. Perfect as tiny serving bowls – I love the candy colors and matte finish.

6. Bright coasters bedecked with cheeky phrases from kate spade.

7. Simple, cheery glasses.

8. Glitzy napkins to make a small statement.

9. Love San Pelligrino’s Blood Orange soda – and the pretty packaging.

10. Cool geometric (acrylic) straws for sipping fizzy drinks.

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Studio Project

studio necessities

I have a small storage-y type area which I’ve regarded as pretty much useless up until now. Recently, though, I was chatting with a friend about studio spaces, and inspiration struck – though the space is relatively small, it would be a perfect place to work on blogging or just to escape to with a good book (and a great excuse to work on my interior design skills). It has fantastic sunlight, a little loft above it, and just enough space for a table, some chairs and a drinks cart. My plan is to paint it white this summer and start filling it with furniture (and lots of pillows). I’ll share what I have planned for a drinks cart next week, but for now, here are the main items I’m planning on decorating the room with:

1. Paris Dining Side Chair: Sky blue with a metal base adds a cool, modern touch.

2. KALLAX Shelving Unit: Perfect as a tiny bookcase and for storage.

3. 4040 Locust Hexagon Handmade Rug: A minimal geometric pattern and yellow edging adds a subtle statement to the room.

4. hello yellow 18″ outdoor pillow: A unique, geometric pattern + a sunny hue

5. stripe riot 18″ pillow: Fun bright stripes on a neutral woven background

6. tryst 16″ pillow: A touch of metallic gold never hurt anyone

7. Air Plant Pod: Cool, cheap, colorblocked perfection

8. TEJN Faux Sheepskin: To drape on chairs or layer with other rugs

9. RANARP Work Lamp: Seriously glam without being over-the-top

10. Popsicle String Lights: Cute, summery lights to string around the room

11. hedgehog candleholder: A quirky candleholder to add a pop of color

12. CACTACEAE potted plant: I’ve recently fallen in love with cacti and succulents, and these have such interesting textures and colors.

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Bathroom Renovation

bathroom inspiration

Picture

Clockwise from Top Left: Towels/Pump/Mat/Canister/Wastebasket/Plant/Sconce/Print/Basket

When it comes to interior design, I’ve always been a little…intimidated. I don’t quite know what my “style” is – I know what I don’t like, but there are just so many decorating options I love. Bright and colorful, sleek and minimal, rich and opulent, clean and airy…I can never make up my mind on what I like, or how to combine any of those. Not to mention, I have pretty much no clue where to shop (I usually stick to perusing West Elm, CB2 and IKEA) or where to get inspiration (Domino and Pinterest are my main – read: only – sources).

My bathroom, however, is in major need of a renovation. I think it’s been in its current state since the 1970’s, and it shows. So this past weekend, I started tackling my (small) fear of interior design by looking through my aforementioned favorite sites, reading and re-reading the bathroom section of this book, and scouring Pinterest for pictures of things I liked – and the (tiny) inspiration board above is the result.

Clearly, it still needs some filling out, but it’s a start. And if any of you have favorite furniture/decor/home stores or sources of inspiration, don’t hesitate to share in the comments!

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