Circus Party Inspiration

I've been trying to think of a theme for my son's 2nd birthday party next week. It really shouldn't be that hard of a decision seeing as all he is really going to care about is eating the cake and opening presents, right?!

But, I figured since I already bought THIS Ikea circus tent as one of his gifts...I could use it as inspiration and incorporate it into a circus themed birthday party!

We aren't planning on doing anything huge, but I thought it would be fun to at least have some inexpensive decor in bright circus colors, and of course a circus themed cake.

I just finished browsing Pintrest for some party ideas...a big thanks to all the creative people out there that make party planning so much easier!

Image Sources: 1 2 3 4

Happy New Years!

Every year, the New Year seems to sneak up on me and I never quite get around to making the fun party favors and decorations I had planned. So, this year, I found a few "last minuet" party ideas that are simple to make and require little supplies...

Find more info here... 1 2 3 4 5 

My family has a few fun New Years traditions that I have really looking forward to including a White Elephant gift exchange and Christmas stocking re-fills on New Years morning!

Do you have any New Years traditions?

Have a fun and safe weekend!

Inspiration Thursday: The Perfect Rocking Chair

Once again I have started my hunt for a comfy and stylish rocking chair.

I began the hunt when I was pregnant with my first and I am sad to say that I never quite found what I was looking for. In fact, I ended up settling for just a plain wood rocking chair because I thought I would rather have that then a big poofy recliner type of thing.

Boy was that a mistake.

After countless nights and hours upon hours spent with a colicy/acid-reflux baby I wished more then anything that I could just have a comfortable rocking chair that I could relax or maybe even sleep in as I nursed and rocked my baby through the wee hours of the morning.

I am excited to say that after browsing through a few different options, I think I have found the perfect chair...

It's the Finn Rocker from Anthropologie...and it makes my heart skip a beat. I havn't had the chance to sit in one, but it looks very soft and comfortable, and the curved top seems like it would make a nice little resting spot for my over-tired head. 

Now comes the sad part...There is a reason why this post is appearing on"Inspiration Thursday." Because the  $1,698.00 price tag means that I will never own it (unless it happens to go on a REALLY good sale). What I am hoping will happen, is that I can use this chair as "inspiration" and find a similar one (most likely used) that I can re-upholster. 

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. 

By the way, I am being featured today on one of my new favorite design blogs, Danielle Oakey Interiors. So head on over and check it out! 

Back to School Inspiration

Even though I don't attend school anymore, and I don't have any kids that go either, the start of the school year always gets me excited! I can't wait until I get to throw a back to school party for my kids and I have already started collecting fun party ideas (I only have to wait about 4 more years :)

Here are some of my favorite ideas...

Sources ( 1 2 3 4 )

Inspiration Thursday: Lace Light Fixtures

Have you ever thought about turning your old doilies or lace tablecloths into a lamp shade?

Well, I have actually been thinking about it a lot...especially since my grandma told me that she had a whole bunch of vintage doilies that she wanted to give me. Unfortunately, every time I go home to visit, it seems like I can't fit anything extra into my bag (not just because the zipper is about to rip, but because it ends up being right on target with the 50lb weight limit) so I haven't been able to take the doilies home with me yet, but I plan to save some extra space when I travel home for the holidays!

What do you think? Would you do use a fixture like these in your own home?

Photo Credit: 1. Apartment Therapy 2. Shannon South 3. Flicker

Beach House

 Well, I guess it is officially Beach Week! After visiting the ocean I have decided that I want to live on the beach some day (I already knew I did but now I want to even more). Here are some of the things that my dream (hopefully future) beach house will have. I love how the use of white and blues in the design makes the space seam so relaxing.

I would love to put this in my son's room!

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Inspiration Thursday: Unique Backsplash

I have always been amazed at the different varieties of backslash tile. There are so many options to choose from it's almost overwhelming! Also, tile is not something that can be easily changed or removed, so it is important to choose something that is timeless or something you really like and won't get tired of.

I ran across some very lovely and unique tile ideas by Ann Sacks that would surely make a grand design statement! I'm not positive that I would classify some of them as "timeless" designs, but they sure are fun to look at!

1. blossom in aquamarine 2. zigzag 3. indah-circles 4.marilyn

Would you use any of these tile designs in your own home? 

photo credit: top - unknown via, bottom - ann sacks

Inspiration Thursday: Creative Work Space

I absolutely love to find uses for old things that might otherwise end up in the trash (like the old door headboard that I posted about last week). The more I look at this photo, the more I fall in love with it. My favorite part of this design is the old bed spring that was used like a cork board. I also found the old cheese grater pencil/brush holders to be very unique. It looks like they have used an old sawed in half table to create the desk! Such a creative and green design!

Photo credit: Better Homes and Gardens

Inspiration Thursday: Vintage Door Uses

We recently bought new white bedding that by the way I am loving. Now we just need a new bed frame which we have decided to make ourselves. While looking for bed frame inspiration, I came across this photo and beautiful headboard idea. There are so many uses for vintage doors. I have seen doors used to make desks and tables but I think that this headboard is my favorite use so far. Using vintage doors in your home decor is also a great way to "go green" and use something that would otherwise be useless.

Do you know of any other good ways to recycle vintage doors or windows?

Photo credit DreamyWhites

Inspiration Thursday: Potato Chip Chair

Remember way back when I first started blogging, I posted about one of my favorite designer chairs, the Eames Rocking Chair? Well I have another favorite chair created by the same designers, Charles and Ray Eames...

the DCW Chair (also known as the Potato Chip Chair or Molded Plywood Lounge Chair).

For me, this chair was love at first site, and if I had my choice, this would be the chair I would use at my work desk or even around the dining room table. I just can't get enough of the simplistic design and every time I see it I fall in love all over again!

You can purchase this lovely piece over at Herman Miller...and it will only cost you about $780.00
Yep, don't worry...I gasped too

Do you have a favorite designer chair or piece of furniture that your dying to get your hands on?

Photo Credit: 1 2 3 - unknown 

Inspiration Thursday: Bookshelves

This is me at Top-Pot Donuts in Seattle. I was 8 moths pregnant at the time :)

Every time I come across a floor to ceiling book shelf I get so inspired to start adding to my (very small) book collection so that I can have one in my own home someday. Then I remember that it will have to be a very distant "someday" because books that lay anywhere between 1' - 3' off the ground are just asking to be pulled down and torn apart by my little guy.

But it's still fun to dream right?

For now I will have to stick with bookshelves that look more like this...

That extra bar is genius! I'm sure my little guy could still figure out how to get to the books down but it would take a little more thinking and maneuvering. Plus, if he took the time to get these out it probably means he actually wants me to read them to him instead of just terrorize the house!

photo credit: 2.apartment therapy 3.unknown via pintrest 4.martha stewart 5.via ohdeedoh

Inspiration Thursday: Storage Ideas for Small Kitchens

I have a small kitchen...and it's driving me insane.

Note: this is not my real kitchen but you can find this one here

It's so small in fact, that I have to store many of my kitchen items in very random places. For example, my rice cooker, croc pot, and cake decorating supplies are hidden in a little cabinet in my living room. I also have kitchen items in my coat closet and hallway niche. 

It would really be so nice if my husband and I could do a little kitchen remodel, but seeing as we are currently in a rental (and couldn't afford any big changes anyways) I have been looking for some great kitchen storage inspiration. 

I came across so many great ideas during my search, but many of them were ideas that could not be easily removed, and seeing how we are renting and don't know how long until we move, I needed storage ideas that I could take with me or were inexpensive fixes.

Here are a few of my favorite kitchen storage ideas along with a few helpful tips...

1. Labeling - no matter how small the space, things always stay more neat and tidy when they have a designated home. Labeling can help you and your family stay more organized.

2. Hanging Storage - Get things off of the counter and hang them on the wall, especially your more appealing pots, pans, and kitchen utensils. This not only gives you more work space, it also makes it easier to grab items that you use frequently.

3. Unexpected storage - Use the inside of cabinets and doors to your advantage. Peg boards are a great inexpensive solution for added storage.

4. Removable furniture - If you can't change your existing kitchen, bring in an armoire to give you extra storage space. Plus this is an investment that you can take with you and can serve various storage needs.

Do you have any tricks you use in your own kitchen to save space? 

Photo Credit: Photos 1-4 are credited to bhg. 

Inspiration Thursday: Creative Kitchen Seating

I love creative seating options, especially in unlikely places. Banquette seating is one aspect of design that has made its way to the top of my "must have's list" for my dream kitchen. 

This is why...

a. It's simply a fun and cozy place to sit

b. A great way to add additional color and texture through accent fabrics & pillows

c. Can be a great space saver because you don't need the clearance space a normal table requires. 

oh and one more thing...

d. If your having trouble getting your children to stay seated during family dinner, just make them get in first, then mom and dad can sit on either end...that way they'll never get out! 

By the way...

...a big thanks to all of your comments concerning my white bedding options. I think the majority voted for the "Pintuck" but, after a little deliberation and some concern about a ridiculous amount of ironing, I decided to go with the "Eyelet" duvet cover and pillow shams. I actually already bought them and they came in the mail last week! I am happy to say that I love them (and so does my fairly design opinionated husband, so that is a plus!)

I am currently working on a little bedroom makeover, in fact I just learned how to sew my own zipper throw pillows last week! So, look forward to some fun before & after pictures and a tutorial on throw pillows! 

Photo Credit: Top-Lonny Magazine, Bottom-West Elm

Inspiration Thursday: Fashion made easy

I'll be honest, I am not a super fashionable person. I try to wear things that I like, are comfortable, and for the most part are "in style." But, I often find myself starring at my closet saying "I refuse to get dressed today because I have absolutely nothing to wear!" This ongoing closet battle has only gotten worse as I have moved into the "mommy" stage of life and this is why....
A.I have little to no "personal" free time to shop, B.When I do shop I find myself feeling overwhelmed especially in those huge 1million sq.ft. Forever 21's, and C. I get side tracked and start shopping for baby clothes because it's so much easier then shopping for myself.

I spotted a helpful solution to this problem while browsing through emmas designblogg (a new favorite blog of mine!) When I saw this photo the first thing that popped into my mind was the word "brilliant." How awesome/time saving would it be if you could hang your outfits for everyday of the week on this rack (and if your clothes are fairly fashionable, it becomes a design feature in the space as well). You could choose all of your outfits for the week on Sunday and not have to even think of what to wear for a whole 7 days!

What do you think? Would you use something like this in your own home?

Photo Credit: DosFamily

Inspiration Thursday: Urban Bathroom

 

Kitchen and bath design has become a passion of mine over the past few years. In fact, I would love to earn my NKBA license and become a kitchen and bath design professional someday...I'll add that to my ever growing to-do list!

This bathroom is one of the most unique designs I have ever seen! I love the finishes and special touches, like the 15' high wall of greenery next to the tub!

I wish I could find more photos of the space, because it looks like the bathroom is all part of an open studio  floor plan, which is completely awesome, unless of course you need a little privacy!

By the way...

I am slowly moving forward on my master bedroom plan. A big thanks to all of you who gave some input on my grey & yellow color pallet! I love the idea of using neutral furniture pieces and then adding pops of color through accessories and throw pillows. This way, I can change things around a bit, if I ever have second thoughts about my color choices.

I've decided to go with all white bedding but I can't decide which set I like best. Out of the 6 choices above, which is your favorite? (I realize they may be hard to see, so click on the links below to view larger images).

Sources: 1.Ruffled Jersey, 2.Parachute 3.Essential, 4.Pintuck 5.Metelasse 6.Eyelet
Bathroon source: Found via Emmas Design Blog

Inspiration Thursday: Color Pallet

My master bedroom is in dire need of a make over. So, I've been looking for some color inspiration to start. I'm beginning to lean towards a grey/yellow color pallet...

I'm also loving the color combination with this bed frame...

I'm worried that I may tire of the color combination...what do you think? 

Is it too trendy?

Photo Credit: 1.{one girl} 2. hwtm 3. a creative mint 4. ever after 5. style me pretty 6. via (pintrest)

Inspiration Thursday: Outdoor Space

This summer is the first summer that my husband and I have an outdoor space to call our own. We spent the first almost 5 years living in apartments without a patio or yard. I am so excited to create an outdoor space where we can spend summer evening together. I have been searching for inspiration and here is one of my favorites. JL Designs did an excellent job creating such a relaxing and romantic outdoor space out a relatively small area. I love how organic it feels with the wood backdrop, table top plants and fresh cut flowers. I plan to take some of these ideas for our own outdoor space. Visit their site for more photos and details.

Photo Credit: JL Design

Inspiration Thursday: Incandescent Lighting

There is a lot of controversy going on right now about the use of incandescent light bulbs. Some are saying that their use will soon be banned forever, which sounds a little crazy. Its true, Incandescent bulbs are not a great source for energy efficiency. But, I have yet to see a florescent completely match the same warming tones traditional light bulbs give off.  Besides that, I can't help but fall in love with the simplistic shape and design of the incandescent bulb, it can add a great industrial and modern touch to any space.

These photos have inspired me to get a little creative with traditional light bulbs. I'm hoping to incorporate some of these ideas into my own home.
Here are a few of my favorite ideas...

Photo Credit: Top Finnish Design Shop 1. Apartment Therapy 2. Design Sponge 3.Pintrest 4. Style Me Pretty 6. Brick House 7. Via These Things Take Time 8. Style Me Pretty  9. Making it Lovely

Inspiration Thursday: Cupcake Tree

Isn't this cupcake tree amazing?

I'm always looking for creative ways to display desserts and appetizers for parties and special occasions. After spotting this unbelievable cupcake tree on Evrim Icoz's Photo Gallery, I have been inspired to look beyond the average plates and platters and think a little more creatively.

This cupcake tree idea was used for a garden wedding reception, but I think the inspiration would work perfectly for any outdoor event!

Inspiration Thursday: Design for Kids

Do you ever remember being asked to design your dream home or bedroom in grade school? Well I do! And let me tell you my dream space always included a) some sort of giant fish tank, b) a twirly slide, and c) my own private McDonald's!

When I got a little older I thought that some of my designs may have been a bit too "out there" & unrealistic to actually build.. But, I have come across some pretty "far-out" designs lately that are causing me to reconsider my past design options.

Here are a few of my favorites...

After repeatedly seeing so many fabulous sophisticated interior spaces, its easy to forget about child friendly designs. Hopefully these images will inspire us all to incorporate more playful designs into our homes! (If you don't have children there is nothing wrong with adding a swing to your living space, or a slide in your bedroom...adults need a little fun too!)

Photo Credit:  AB Rogers, & Design Boom. First Spotted on The Young Curator