Tuesday Trend: Fiber Wall Art

I'm really digging this trend right now. Fiber wall art seems to be popping up all over the place these days. I see it on Pinterest, on some of my favorite blogs, and even on some of my favorite Instagram accounts. Between the natural elements of the materials used as well as the boho feeling this art gives, I'm itching to add one of these pieces in our home.

 

One thing I love about this art is that there are so many different styles used that no two pieces look a like. Whether using macrame or yarn as the fiber and using either copper or wood as the base, the possibilities, colors and styles for this trend are endless.

 

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While part of me wants to attempt to DIY one of these, I also would much rather support some of the great, talented small businesses who make them. As a huge supporter of small businesses, I have a selected a few of my favorite fiber art finds, all availble on Etsy via the below links.

 

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While I love the crazy bold colors of #7, my favorite might be the simple, natural look of #3. I will most likely purchase one of these for our living room, but I'm toying with the idea of trying my hand at DIYing a piece for Mila's room.

 

What do you think of this trend?

Inspiration: Packing for Vacation

What do you pack for vacation when you have no clue where you're going? Friday morning at 8:00am Jordan and I are boarding a plane to fly off to... where?? It have no idea, it's a surprise. Over the past few months Jordan has been planning a secret vacation for us - a three day weekend just the two of us (no baby!). I've been given very limited details, but Jordan was sure to give me a brief itinerary so I would know what to pack. What I do know is that I need to pack for two nice dinners, dancing, some pool time, a hiking-type adventure, and some yummy brunch. He has each day fully planned out, I love it.

 

My other problem? I foolishly agreed to fit everything I'm packing into a carry-on. What was I thinking? I am trying to pack just what I need and ditch my usual over-packing those 'just in case' items I will never touch.

 

Feeling a little lost at what to pack I did what I always do when I need some fashion inspiration. Logged into my Pinterest and starting scrolling through the dozens and dozens of outfits I've been pinning. I snagged a few ideas and started packing last night. (Check out my Instagram account 'jessicademaio' for a peek at some of the things I'm bringing.)

 

All images above can be found on my Pinterest board 'Dress Me Up'

See link in right side bar to check it out.

 

1. I'm definitely wearing something comfortable on the plane. I love how something as simple as a t shirt and shorts looks so pretty when the shorts are pink and it's worn with a great ballerina bun.

 

2. One of the few things Jordan told me is that it's going to be hot where we are going. That being said, I plan to wear minimal clothing. Shorts, tanks/crop tops and lots of skin (and sunscreen!).  

 

3. If you skim my wardrobe and even my selections above I tend to gravitate towards neutrals - blacks, grays and whites. I'm making sure to pack some punches of color for this vacation.

 

4. Braids, braids, braids. I'm not sure what's going on with my hair lately, but before I decided to do something drastic like cut it (and immediately regret that decision), I'm relying on braids to keep me cool not just for vacation, but all summer long. The loose, messy fishtail has always been a favorite of mine.

 

5. Buns, florals and showing some skin. I just love this look and think it would be the perfect brunch outfit before a day of exploring.

 

6. Even though Jordan usually teases me when I wear them, I'm definitely bringing a hat similar to this one but in black. Not only will it help cover my sleepy eyes when we get to the airport at 6:30 in the morning, and will double to block some of the sun when we arrive.

 

7. This dress just screams vacation to me. Along with an easy to carry bag and some fab sunnies.

 

8. I love basics dressed up. You will often find me wearing some sort of basic t-shirt and pairing it with anything from leggings to jeans to a skirt. This is a great look for going out to dinner.

 

9. Lace dresses and sun kissed skin. I also will also definitely be bringing a type of cross body bag. No one needs to be bothered with trying to lug a huge purse on their shoulder. Just the essentials when on vacation. 

 

10. This is how I'm imagining I'll look bringing my camera around our mystery destination. Chances are I'll look more like an out-of-place tourist and less like her, but at least I hope to have some great shots to bring home.

Since it's vacation I'm going for comfort over anything. I'm leaving the heels at home in favor of some sandals (and sneakers to hike). Comfy, loose clothes, and maybe a few fun jewels to dress things up.

What do you think? Am I missing anything? Any words of advice?

Friday Favorites: Easter Egg Inspiration

When I was a kid decorating Easter eggs consisted of staining them with colored water and spoons. These days people are using anything and everything they can get their hands on to spruce up their Easter eggs - paint, washi tape and even sharpie markers!

With Easter just a few short days away for my Friday Favorites post I set out to find some unique and easy ways to decorate eggs. Lucy isn't quite old enough to start this fun tradition yet, but I'm definitely collecting of ideas for future egg decorating. Here are a few of my favorite finds.

Also, why didn't we try decorating brown eggs before? I love the look!

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I seriously want to try them all. Luckily Lucy and I have years of egg decorating ahead of us! Is anyone working on any last minute Easter decorations? 

Today I have some friends coming over to help me repaint our downstairs (living room, kitchen and entryway). It's a bit of a monster task but I'm so excited for a fresh look downstairs. Plus I'm having some family over this weekend and it will be nice to have the house looking pretty in time for guests.

Happy Friday!

Inspiration: The Butcher Diagram

 

Both Jordan and myself have worked a variety of aspects in the restaurant business. In fact, that is how we met and started dating almost 8 years go. Each of us worked as a host, server, bartender, and manager at some point. Jordan has since stayed in the restaurant bizz. After about a few years I learned that restaurant management was not for me and bowed out in favor of the booze industry. Still, we both consider ourselves 'foodies'. We love a good dinner and we love finding new places to eat. Our favorite styles of food include Tapas, Spanish, and Mexican cuisines. Take us to any Garces restaurant and we will be happy campers. That being said, only one of us can really cook - and it's not me.  Jordan loves to cook, and what he loves to cook the most is some sort of beef, chicken or pork. This man is no vegetarian and he often experiments with new ways of cooking. Some of his favorite cookbooks include The Cook and the Butcher, Volt Ink, and Grillhouse Gastropub at Home. 

 

I'm always mindful of Jordan's likes and tastes when I'm selecting decor for our house. I try not to get too feminine and ask his opinion on something before I do or buy it (although admittedly I may not always follow his opinion..).

 

I've been looking around Etsy a lot lately for some wall art to add to different rooms in our home and I came across a few butcher diagram prints that I think would be great to frame in our kitchen. I started digging a little deeper and founds all sorts of really cool decor pieces featuring the butcher diagram.

 

All of these items can be found on Etsy:

1. Beef Butcher Diagram Cutting Board, $40.00 

2. Etched Butcher's Diagram Cow Cuff, $50.00

3. Pig Coasters, Set of 4, $20.00

4. Salt and Pepper Shakers, $22.00

5. Chicken Diagram 8x10 Print, Set of Four Animals, $38.85

6. Small Plate Steer Butcher Diagram, $15.00

7. Bacon Etched Whiskey Glass, $15.00

8. Butcher's Diagram Pig Necklace, $32.00

9. Butcher's Cut Pork Framed Print, $92.50 

10. Butcher's Diagram of a Cow Flour Sack Towel, $14.00 

11. Butcher's Pig Diagram Note Card, $4.00

 

I'm tempted to buy the cutting board to use as a serving piece when we have friends over. I'm also loving the salt and peppar shakers and whiskey glass.

 

What are your thoughts on the butcher diagram as decor?

Look For Less: Anthropologie Bedding

A few weeks ago I stumbled across this picture on Pinterest and fell in love with the bedding. Jordan and I have been on the hunt for some new bedding  for our master bedroom and this set from Anthropologie would be perfect. I'm really loving that shade of blue. We currently have gray/white bedding from Target which is great, but is starting to look dingy thanks to a certain 85 pound pup who sneaks into our bed at night. We're working on that issue, too.

 

Image via Pinterest

 

Upon closer inspection I quickly realized that the above is actually two separate bedding sets. Now let me start by saying that I love, love Anthropologie and if you know me you know my house is a testament to that, but the prices there can scare you a little. I mean with the Rivulet bedding alone you're paying $98 for a sham. ONE SHAM. Come on Anthro, calm yourself. That doesn't even factor sheets, duvet cover, quilt, etc. I was starting to get anxiety just looking on their website.

 

I did a little searching around online and found a much more inexpesive alternative to the gorgeous Anthropologie bedding.

 

 duvet | sheets | floral sham | ruffle sham

 

The duvet cover is from Urban Outfitters and is a lightly brighter, less ruffled version of the Anthropologie Duvet (which appears to be discontinued anyway). The sheets are a simple jersey set from Target for $25.99. If you still crave a little ruffle, swap out the $98 shams for this Euro sham from Anthropologie for $68. You can get everything above for a total of $216.99. The two Anthro ruffled shams alone would cost you close to $200.

 

I haven't bit the bullet and bought these yet, but I will say I'm pretty tempted. I'm loving the idea of the darker sheet set, but I'm also wondering how I will feel in the summer when I'm craving light and bright. I could always swap them out for a lighter blue or gray.

 

What are your favorite bedding sets that don't cost and arm and a leg? Any suggestions?

Kilim and Patterns and Over Dyes, Oh My!

 

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I'm starting to see this trend of bright colors, geometric patterns and over dyes everywhere and I can't get enough. I've purchased a rug and two pillows over the past week and I'm already scouting out what else I can add. While the colors may seem feminine on some, the geometric patterns and textures are enough to get the hubs on board with this trend.

 

I'll admit I was seeing the word 'Kilim' everywhere but wasn't even sure what it meant. So I checked out Wiki (one fact about me, I Google everything). Kilims are flat tapestry-woven carpets or rugs produced from the Balkans to Pakistan, but these patterns and over dyes are popping up on more places than the floor. This Kilim trend goes hand in hand with the Moroccan and Aztec prints everyone seems to be sporting these days. I've selected a few of my personal favorites that I'm eyeing up.

 

What are some of your favorite Kilim pieces?

Inspired: DIY Play Kitchen

With Christmas a month and a half away, I realized I need to get my butt into gear with gifts so I'm not scouring the mall on December 24th with a list of people to buy for. I also am really hoping to DIY a small amount of gifts this year, not to be cheap, but because I find them more personal and honestly really enjoy doing them. I've already had requests from both my mom and mother-in-law for subway sign type art as well as a DIY floral arrangement request from my grandmother and I'm thrilled to get started on them. Since this is the first Christmas Lucy will actually get to (somewhat) understand and enjoy, I really want to make it a good one. That being said, I don't want to spend a ridiculous amount of money on dozens of toys and games that she will get bored with in a matter of weeks.

Lucy honestly doesn't have dozens of 'toys' at our house. I've hand selected a few toys that we've purchased that I hoped she would not only find fun, but also can use to develop certain motor skills or learn something - coloring, puzzles, matching games, alphabet, etc. Honestly she has a ball just putting her crayons into a plastic cup and dumping the cup on the carpet or pushing our basket of recycling around the house, so spending a ton of money on things from Toys R Us honestly probably wouldn't even appeal to her.

Growing up, some of my favorite things to do were pretending to have 'grown up' tasks. I loved playing teacher, cashier, and of course mommy. I found this project a few months back and kept it in my back pocket in case the motivation arose. When we were stuck inside for two days due to Hurricane Sandy, I eventually began to run out of fun ideas to keep Lucy entertained. You might remember our homemade finger paint project. At one point when I was trying to make us breakfast (and Lucy was needing 110% of my attention) I grabbed a few of the closest (and not dangerous) kitchen gadgets and redirected Lucy into the living room. She sat and played with her felt veggies (bought from Ikea) and the wooden spoon, colander and dishes I gave her and she loved it.

I remember having a play kitchen at my grandparents' house growing up and we all loved playing and pretending to cook meals for each other.  The idea of having a play kitchen Lucy's size sounds amazing to me. Even better if I could DIY it myself over buying one. Of course being foodies ourselves, Jordan and I would love it if Lucy had interest in cooking when she got older.

I searched around and found a few great DIY play kitchens either built from scratch or by using old tv stands, dressers, etc.

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I'm hoping that since I'm mentioning this project on the blog, it will motivate me to get my butt into gear and do it. I honestly don't think it will be a difficult one, depending how complex I want to get. I definitely want to make it fun, girly and somewhat realistic.

First step is finding the right nightstands. Sounds like we have some thrifting to do this weekend!

Girl Crush: Carole Radziwill

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I should start this post by admitting that sometimes I watch trashy tv. Yup, I've been known to catch a few episodes of Kardashians, Giuliana and Bill, Bethenney, and really any season of Housewives. It's my guilty pleasure. I'm not necessarily proud of it, but recently I've found myself catching up on tons of episodes of Real Housewives of NY on demand - not to watch the awkward, catty fights, but to see what Carole Radziwill is wearing. Who is Carole Radziwill? My new girl crush.

Carole can pull off the effortless, chic Jennifer Aniston jeans and leather jacket look paired with the bold, Carrie Bradshaw-esque sense of style and sex appeal - the perfect combination in my opinion and pretty much the look I've been desperately trying to pull off (probably unsuccessfully I'll admit). Who else can wear the lace dress below with what looks like underwear underneath? And she's rocking it flawlessly at 48. Even in just a tank and jeans Carole looks so put together without even trying. I only wish I can look that great at her age. Also, her hair is AMAZING. Seriously, the cut, the color, the style. I have major hair envy. 

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Who is your current girl crush?

 

Seeing Spots

Polka dots seem to be everywhere and I'm loving it!

 

 

sweater | shorts | dress

tights | tights | blazer

 

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I want this wall paper in my home!

Are you loving the polka dot trend?

Inspired by Color: Navy and White

I'm not normally a 'blue person'. Whether it be in clothes or home decor, blue was a color that never appealed to me.. until now. Lately I've been craving navy blue. I find myself looking at items when shopping and mentally picking the blue color option. I keep trying to find a way to incorporate some navy into our home without having to do a complete overhaul on one of our rooms. I'm itching to freshen up our guest bathroom and figure that swapping out some linens and adding a few blue accents (without paying an arm and a leg) might satisfy my need for navy.

Here are some of my favorite blues I've been seeing lately. 
I even purchased a few. Can you guess which ones?

 

 

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TREND: Paint Dipped Furniture

One trend that I really love is the paint dipped look. I've been seeing it everywhere lately: half painted tables, chairs, spoons, baskets, anything. And they literally look like they were dipped in a bucket of paint. You can pretty much dip anything both furniture and accessories for an instant upgrade.

You can approach this trend one of two ways: using painter's tape to get a smooth dividing line, or literally dipping your accessories to get that imperfect, dripping finish. I'm personally a fan of both.

I love this trend so much that I'm going to give it a try this weekend with a side table I'm taking out of the dining room to use as a nighstand in the guest room. If it works out well, I may just dip some more furniture!

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These stools are the color/style that I plan to dip the table that currently resides in the corner of our dining room. It really is serving no real purpose in there and I think will be better suited as a side table in our guest room next to the bed. The space between the bed and walls is minimal so something tall and thin like that table is ideal.

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This one is my inspiration for the sofa table in our bedroom. How cool would it be to have the top dipped pink and the legs dipped gold? If I have luck with the smaller nightstand, I am definitely tackling our sofa table.

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I'm Dreaming of a White Office

I'm in desperate need of some space to do my work. I'm craving some sort of real work space that doesn't include a couch and a TV.  We have a small room in our basement that was the office of the previous owners. I'm planning to revamp that space into my little office. The room currently holds gift wrap, boxes and bags, holiday decor, leftover wedding stuff, Jordan's man room decor, and all my craft supplies. I need to clean out, clean up, and organize the space. Of course I can't start this until I finish the guest room.

So in the meantime, I'm dreaming.....

The Happy Home

Bright Bazaar

Decorpad

Me oh My

Three above images via Pinterest

Speaking of the guest room, no I have not forgotten or given up on the pallet. Two weekends in a row of rainy, gloomy weather has put me behind a bit in finishing since I do my painting and sanding on the deck. With a three day weekend ahead, I'm planning on getting some serious guest room work done. 

Inspiration: Florals

Maybe it's because Spring is around the corner, or maybe it's the fact that I can't keep a real flower alive for more than a week, but lately I've really been into floral patterns both in home decor and in clothing. I'm seeing flowers everywhere. I been craving those bright florals, and have been mixing them with gold and lace - so girly and so unlike me!

Even the Anthropologie homepage is covered in blooms.

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I just bought myself one setting of these dishes from Anthropologie to use on my place rack in the dining room. I love the hand painted look of the design on these dishes and the colors look so good against the dark furniture and neural colors in the dining room.

 

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I bought this sachet from Anthropologie a few months ago and stuck it in my undies drawer. Not only is it an dainty little accent, but it makes my clothes smell so pretty.

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I recently bought this adorable floral contact case from Urban Outfitters to keep on my nightstand for those nights that I don't fall asleep with my contacts in!

The frame is an another Anthropologie purchase. It's one of my favorite little floral details that holds the first picture of Jordan and me as a couple almost 6 and a half years go.

Here are a few other florals I've been liking lately:

These two gorgeous upholstered chairs from Anthropologie.

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I'm finally coming around on the idea of wallpaper in the home. I used to be very anti-paper, but now think it would be cool to use on an accent wall, or inside of a small closet. These are my two favorites:

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If you aren't quite committed to going as bold as wallpaper, there are many, smaller accent pieces that can be incorporated in your home instead.

Pillows are the easiest way.

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I love, love this LOVE pillow

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You could also go simpler with a shower curtain or duvet cover.

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And if you're willing to splurge a little, this flower rug pretty fabulous.

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 I'm certainly loving and craving florals for Spring and Summer and plan to incorporate some more into our home. How do you feel about florals?