(via making it lovely)
I hope everyone has a safe and very merry Christmas!
Friday, December 25, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
They want to ride their bikes. So they do.
High School Bike Bus from Keri Caffrey on Vimeo.
Orlando was rated the worst city in the United States to be a bicycle commuter. These kids wanted to ride their bike to school, so they did. Very inspirational!
♥thisgirl
Marriage Talk
(image via black eiffel.)
Marriages and weddings are a lot like this ice burg here. The top (the wedding) is beautiful, isn't it? But, no one tells you about the giant mass of ice under the water(marriage). Ice burgs are huge, massively huge. Some go down into the water for miles.
And no one tells you about it. No one tells you how to be careful around those jagged edges, you know?
We spend too much time marveling at the beauty of what we can see while paying virtually no attention to what's underneath. The very aspect of the ice burg we need to pay careful attention to. Or our ships will sink.
I don't read wedding blogs. I used to check about 15-20 every day, I kid you not. But, I was so bombarded by what is right, what is gauche, what was unique, what was what was, that I became overwhelmed. There's almost too much advice and inspiration out there. So, I stopped reading them. I stopped buying wedding magazines.
Then, something funny happened. Everything "wedding" stopped appealing to me. Perhaps it's harsh, but I stopped caring about what other people were doing. I don't care about what the bride was wearing, I don't care about their cakes. I was so over it all.
Why was I letting strangers (sorry, but internet presence does not make me want to take your advice) dictate how I planned my wedding, or even what I thought about it?
I know what I want. I know what I should focus on and what I shouldn't. I don't need everyone who can smash their hands against a keyboard giving me their two cents on what I should be worrying about because they've "been there". Oh, you've been there? Good for you. I'm so happy for you. But you've been there and I haven't. I'm not you and I'm not marrying your partner, so you having "been there" is so irrelevant to me it's almost laughable.
I know that when The Day comes, I'll know what's what. I'm glad and happy that other peoples' weddings worked out for them. I am! But, what works for you doesn't work for everyone. You could blog about weddings until you're a little gray old woman or man and I still wouldn't care. There's no denying that the amass of wedding blogs are such an invaluable resources, because they so are. I found so many great vendors through the wedding blogosphere. But, that's the only part I choose to take from it.
I'm so over trying to make my wedding unique or special. Maybe the day we start thinking to ourselves, "Well gosh. That won't get me featured on Offbeat Bride" is the day we need to step back and say "Woah. Is that what my wedding has become?". Weddings are not supposed to be a contest. I'm not going to go on some long diatribe (too late for that) on what a wedding should be. Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks and all that. But, I know this. You should never plan your wedding with the goal to being on some website. When you get that far, you've lost the point. When you get to that part, throw all your plans out the window and start again.
Focus on the underbelly of that ice burg, too. You can't put love, companionship, and partnership on some blog.
♥thisgirl
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Hanukkah Decor: A Bit Of Whimsy
Even though Hanukkah is going on right this moment, there are some pretty late decorators out there (...me...). And that's the beauty of an eight day celebration. You're not really a late decorator until the 6th day anyways!
We've seen uber-sleek and we've seen rustic. Now it's time for something a little bit in between. It's a bit crafty and DIY. A Very Etsy Hanukkah, if you will. While the last two compositions could easily be masculine in nature, this one is pretty femme. Lots of vintage, lots of girly touches.
1. crochet garland from sfgirlbybay 2. hanukkah fox print by pamelaklaffke 3. mercury glass 4. milk glass 5. glitter dreidel craft by martha stewart 6. DIY doily tray 7. vintage blue ball jars 8. heart menorah 9. wooden blocks 10. twinkle lights
Unlike the other collages, which were based around the menorahs, this one went a little backwards. I had the hardest time finding a menorah to go with all the little nuggets on inspiration I found. I knew how I wanted this set to look, but finding the perfect menorah was hard! Too modern, too traditional, too old fashioned. But, just as I was about to give up, I found the sweetest little menorah. It's on the inexpensive side (hooray!) and it's just too darling for words. But, not so darling that it's overly precious, you know? When I saw they big ol' heart in the middle and it's chubby stature, I knew I didn't have to look any farther. Even though I have a menorah of my own already, I may have to pick this up just because it's so darn cute.
For a DIY menorah tray to catch your candle drips, you can take a page out of an Etsy-er's book and paint sweet little doilies on a piece of old glass. Don't have a steady hand? Create a make-shift stamp by gluing a doily onto a piece of cardboard, brushing on some white paint. Gently press it onto a piece of glass. Repeat with a few different patterns and you have yourself an adorable, one of a kind tray!
The glittery dreidels are back (and remember they can be any color, not just blue and silver), as are the vintage blue Ball jars. But, it seems the jars got a bit of a make-over. They're filled with lights! For those of us (...me...) too lazy to hang lights all the way up to the proper height this, this is a unique and cute compromise. A few of these jars lined up on a mantle or even on the floor would be too cute. Though, I think it wise to get "cool touch" lights to avoid a fire hazard and keeping an eye on the jars so you can unplug the lights if they do get hot.
If you're not a fan of twinkle lights as much as I am (what is wrong with you?), how about crocheting a sweet granny square/flower banner to go around the room? After the holiday season is over, you can leave them up and no one will complain that it's already February and you really need to take those down. You can reuse it for parties and get togethers, or even use it in place of ribbon to wrap presents. If you're not much of a crocheter or knitter, you could continue the doily theme, picking up on the menorah tray, and just string up some kitschy little beauties that your Bubbie let you borrow.
Milk Glass and Mercury Glass seem to really be in right now. I can see why. There are tons of cute patterns to choose from, as far as Milk Glass goes (star, grapes, hobnail etc) and such a variety of pieces that there's something out there for everyone. Finding milk glass or mercury glass bits and bobs for your Hanukkah display will prove easy, thanks to eBay and Etsy. These pieces, like the ceramic birds in the modern Hanukkah composition, don't have to be used just once a year. They're easily interchangeable for fun centerpieces on tables.
For added kitsch, why not pick up this slightly creepy yet charming print to prop up somewhere? Who doesn't want a Hanukkah Fox, dressed in her gold dress, to grace their dwelling and subsequent parties? This print seems like it would be such a great conversation piece and an awesome icebreaker.
And because I love everything typography, a set of little wooden blocks spelling out "Hanukkah" would just be too cute. Or, if you can get your hands on a full set of wooden type (that can be kinda tricky), it would look equally as darling on a mantle or shelf.
If you want your decor to be as sweet as the pounds of gelt you'll probably be eating for the next week (the case was on sale! how could I say no?), vintage pieces and bits of handmade flair will make the holidays feel like home.
♥thisgirl
We've seen uber-sleek and we've seen rustic. Now it's time for something a little bit in between. It's a bit crafty and DIY. A Very Etsy Hanukkah, if you will. While the last two compositions could easily be masculine in nature, this one is pretty femme. Lots of vintage, lots of girly touches.
1. crochet garland from sfgirlbybay 2. hanukkah fox print by pamelaklaffke 3. mercury glass 4. milk glass 5. glitter dreidel craft by martha stewart 6. DIY doily tray 7. vintage blue ball jars 8. heart menorah 9. wooden blocks 10. twinkle lights
Unlike the other collages, which were based around the menorahs, this one went a little backwards. I had the hardest time finding a menorah to go with all the little nuggets on inspiration I found. I knew how I wanted this set to look, but finding the perfect menorah was hard! Too modern, too traditional, too old fashioned. But, just as I was about to give up, I found the sweetest little menorah. It's on the inexpensive side (hooray!) and it's just too darling for words. But, not so darling that it's overly precious, you know? When I saw they big ol' heart in the middle and it's chubby stature, I knew I didn't have to look any farther. Even though I have a menorah of my own already, I may have to pick this up just because it's so darn cute.
For a DIY menorah tray to catch your candle drips, you can take a page out of an Etsy-er's book and paint sweet little doilies on a piece of old glass. Don't have a steady hand? Create a make-shift stamp by gluing a doily onto a piece of cardboard, brushing on some white paint. Gently press it onto a piece of glass. Repeat with a few different patterns and you have yourself an adorable, one of a kind tray!
The glittery dreidels are back (and remember they can be any color, not just blue and silver), as are the vintage blue Ball jars. But, it seems the jars got a bit of a make-over. They're filled with lights! For those of us (...me...) too lazy to hang lights all the way up to the proper height this, this is a unique and cute compromise. A few of these jars lined up on a mantle or even on the floor would be too cute. Though, I think it wise to get "cool touch" lights to avoid a fire hazard and keeping an eye on the jars so you can unplug the lights if they do get hot.
If you're not a fan of twinkle lights as much as I am (what is wrong with you?), how about crocheting a sweet granny square/flower banner to go around the room? After the holiday season is over, you can leave them up and no one will complain that it's already February and you really need to take those down. You can reuse it for parties and get togethers, or even use it in place of ribbon to wrap presents. If you're not much of a crocheter or knitter, you could continue the doily theme, picking up on the menorah tray, and just string up some kitschy little beauties that your Bubbie let you borrow.
Milk Glass and Mercury Glass seem to really be in right now. I can see why. There are tons of cute patterns to choose from, as far as Milk Glass goes (star, grapes, hobnail etc) and such a variety of pieces that there's something out there for everyone. Finding milk glass or mercury glass bits and bobs for your Hanukkah display will prove easy, thanks to eBay and Etsy. These pieces, like the ceramic birds in the modern Hanukkah composition, don't have to be used just once a year. They're easily interchangeable for fun centerpieces on tables.
For added kitsch, why not pick up this slightly creepy yet charming print to prop up somewhere? Who doesn't want a Hanukkah Fox, dressed in her gold dress, to grace their dwelling and subsequent parties? This print seems like it would be such a great conversation piece and an awesome icebreaker.
And because I love everything typography, a set of little wooden blocks spelling out "Hanukkah" would just be too cute. Or, if you can get your hands on a full set of wooden type (that can be kinda tricky), it would look equally as darling on a mantle or shelf.
If you want your decor to be as sweet as the pounds of gelt you'll probably be eating for the next week (the case was on sale! how could I say no?), vintage pieces and bits of handmade flair will make the holidays feel like home.
♥thisgirl
Friday, December 11, 2009
Chag Sameach!
("Hanukkah Dogs" by VanLesly on flickr)
I hope everyone is having a great Hanukkah! I'll resume blogging on the 18th, but I have some scheduled posts for you (including the final Hanukkah Decor post, for all the slacking decorators out there).
Then, after this break, I'm taking another break to head to New York City with Some Guy for his birthday I'm not sure if I'll be posting during that trip, but I'm sure there will be a hefty update upon my return!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to eat my weight in donuts.
♥thisgirl
Hanukkah Decor : Into The Woods
Our last compilation focused around the new and modern. This post does a bit of a 180. It's rustic, focusing on decorating more for the season of winter than for any specific holiday. It's cozy and down to earth in a way, bring the outside in.
1. vintage blue ball jars found through ebay 2. a holly wreath from amazon 3. a diy pinecone garland tutorial 4. pomegranates as centerpieces 5. bejeweled burlap and linen napkin rings by eabdesigns 6. orange and clove pomanders 7. a handcrafted wooden menorah by wpeirce 8. strings of icicle lights
Stick to the season by putting a holly or winter berry wreath on the front window or door. It gives you a nice pop of color while feeling festive at the same time. Same goes for a bowl of pomegranates sitting on the dining or coffee table. The ruby red color would look fabulous against the grain of a wooden salad bowl. Even if they were just set out in a row on a hand made table cloth, it would still look perfect.
Pomanders were originally used to keep away sickness and infection (much like wreaths) and they're easily made by poking a few cloves through the skin of an orange. The smell is absolutely heavenly and just says "winter time". A few of these, along with some sprigs of rosemary and cinnamon sticks is the perfect scent to fill a home in the colder months.
An set of seemingly dull burlap napkin rings are given a charming touch with little sparkly buttons. They're sure to keep your table unfussy, but still give it something a little festive and cheerful. Blue ball jars, which are easily acquired from eBay or vintage stores would make cute centerpieces for a holiday dinner table with a few season flowers and some rosemary.
I love the look of pinecones and they would look so adorable suspended on a mantle or even just the wall behind a sofa. If you wanted a bit more festivity, a little bit of sparkly spray paint would give them a completely new look. And if you want to cut down on waste, turning them into bird feeders after the holidays is a wonderful idea.
Finally, a beautiful menorah, handcrafted out of maple and walnut can easily turn into a family heirloom. It's different from your run-of-the-mill pewter or brass menorah, a piece that can turn into something so special to take out for Hanukkah. Perfect to be paired with a set of neutral beeswax candles.
For those out there who lean towards more rustic tastes and want to make their festival of lights eco-chic and earthy, you only have to look out your window for beautiful inspiration that needs no extra frills.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Hanukkah this evening. Be sure to keep the menorah away from the front drapes and the latke oil on low.
♥thisgirl
1. vintage blue ball jars found through ebay 2. a holly wreath from amazon 3. a diy pinecone garland tutorial 4. pomegranates as centerpieces 5. bejeweled burlap and linen napkin rings by eabdesigns 6. orange and clove pomanders 7. a handcrafted wooden menorah by wpeirce 8. strings of icicle lights
Stick to the season by putting a holly or winter berry wreath on the front window or door. It gives you a nice pop of color while feeling festive at the same time. Same goes for a bowl of pomegranates sitting on the dining or coffee table. The ruby red color would look fabulous against the grain of a wooden salad bowl. Even if they were just set out in a row on a hand made table cloth, it would still look perfect.
Pomanders were originally used to keep away sickness and infection (much like wreaths) and they're easily made by poking a few cloves through the skin of an orange. The smell is absolutely heavenly and just says "winter time". A few of these, along with some sprigs of rosemary and cinnamon sticks is the perfect scent to fill a home in the colder months.
An set of seemingly dull burlap napkin rings are given a charming touch with little sparkly buttons. They're sure to keep your table unfussy, but still give it something a little festive and cheerful. Blue ball jars, which are easily acquired from eBay or vintage stores would make cute centerpieces for a holiday dinner table with a few season flowers and some rosemary.
I love the look of pinecones and they would look so adorable suspended on a mantle or even just the wall behind a sofa. If you wanted a bit more festivity, a little bit of sparkly spray paint would give them a completely new look. And if you want to cut down on waste, turning them into bird feeders after the holidays is a wonderful idea.
Finally, a beautiful menorah, handcrafted out of maple and walnut can easily turn into a family heirloom. It's different from your run-of-the-mill pewter or brass menorah, a piece that can turn into something so special to take out for Hanukkah. Perfect to be paired with a set of neutral beeswax candles.
For those out there who lean towards more rustic tastes and want to make their festival of lights eco-chic and earthy, you only have to look out your window for beautiful inspiration that needs no extra frills.
I hope everyone has a safe and happy Hanukkah this evening. Be sure to keep the menorah away from the front drapes and the latke oil on low.
♥thisgirl
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Hanukkah Decor: Uptown Loft
I know not everyone has a sprawling apartment with little shelves and nooks for decorations. But, if your pad has a credenza, a buffet, or even space on the dining room or coffee table, this may be the decor for you.
1.antler wreath by oly studios 2. acapolco tray by jonathan adler 3. icicle lights by target 4. bird salt and pepper shakers by jonathan adler 5. glitter dreidel craft by martha stewart 6. bird bowls by jonathan adler 7. relief menorah by jonathan adler
By using a grouping of like-colored (in this case, white) ceramics, you could easily get more mileage out of the pieces, as they can easily be integrated into any type of decor or setting. Nicole Balch of Making It Lovely has a set of these bird ceramics and they look beautiful on top of her Billy bookcases.
Wreaths aren't just for Christmas. Wreaths have long been a symbol of well wishes, long life, and health. A stark white wreath such as the antler wreath from Oly Studios would look just right on the door to a modern apartment. Though, if you're animal friendly, a similar and more inexpensive version of this wreath could probably be achieved with a branches, white spray paint, and a little muscle to bend them to shape.
Setting this Jonathan Adler menorah (I'm a fan of his work, what can I say?) on top of his adorable Otomi-inspired tray and putting sparkly dreidels in some modern, blown glass dishes or the Bird Bowls themselves really modernizes the usual take on the blue/white/silver combo that Hanukkah has been unfairly subjected to for all these years.
So, there you have it. A modern take on the "classic" approach of Hanukkah decor. Simple, modern, and easy enough to pull off in a small space.
♥thisgirl
1.antler wreath by oly studios 2. acapolco tray by jonathan adler 3. icicle lights by target 4. bird salt and pepper shakers by jonathan adler 5. glitter dreidel craft by martha stewart 6. bird bowls by jonathan adler 7. relief menorah by jonathan adler
By using a grouping of like-colored (in this case, white) ceramics, you could easily get more mileage out of the pieces, as they can easily be integrated into any type of decor or setting. Nicole Balch of Making It Lovely has a set of these bird ceramics and they look beautiful on top of her Billy bookcases.
Wreaths aren't just for Christmas. Wreaths have long been a symbol of well wishes, long life, and health. A stark white wreath such as the antler wreath from Oly Studios would look just right on the door to a modern apartment. Though, if you're animal friendly, a similar and more inexpensive version of this wreath could probably be achieved with a branches, white spray paint, and a little muscle to bend them to shape.
Setting this Jonathan Adler menorah (I'm a fan of his work, what can I say?) on top of his adorable Otomi-inspired tray and putting sparkly dreidels in some modern, blown glass dishes or the Bird Bowls themselves really modernizes the usual take on the blue/white/silver combo that Hanukkah has been unfairly subjected to for all these years.
So, there you have it. A modern take on the "classic" approach of Hanukkah decor. Simple, modern, and easy enough to pull off in a small space.
♥thisgirl
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
