The Weeks End

Good week, bad week - that's how I feel about the last 7 days. I'm trying to focus on the good stuff mostly. Life is like that, It's really just kind of as good as you make it, but the hard stuff really likes to take over our thoughts and feelings. 

I found these pretty flower pics on my camera, just some extra shots from the little heart shaped arrangement I shared a couple weeks ago. These blooms were just too pretty not to share again.

Here's a few things you need to check out:

-Yep, PJ knows style! I want a couple things on her Wish List, especially those sunnies.

-This is a fun hashtag project, you're going to want to tag all your bright and color pics #colorblockingvibes

-If you haven't already, you must check out Studio DIY's wedding pics. So pretty!

-You had me a Baked Brie! You have to check out Sarah Heart's latest video, Baked Brie Bites. She's been making some awesome videos, be sure to check them all out!

-Maybe your tired of hearing about it, but if you haven't already GO CHECK OUT Target's new Pillowfort Kid's Home Line. So many fun pieces.

-And last but not least, be sure to take a peek at The Crafted Life's colorful Bedroom/Office makeover!

Have a great weekend friends! 

Black Cabinets

My obsession with black continues. Yes, I love it on exteriors and in entryways, and now I'm considering it for cabinets in my laundry room. When we renovated our kitchen, we took over the old laundry room space and then added on a new laundry room to the back of the house.  But, almost 6 years later, we still haven't finished this room. The washer and dryer are of course hooked up and working, but there is just a temporary cabinet in there (that has one door broken off) and plumbing for a sink that doesn't exist yet.  

Every year I say, "this is the year we finally finish the laundry room", and then every year it just doesn't happen. Not in 2016, I'm determined. Last weekend I even made a trip to IKEA to look at cabinets and start laying out this tiny space. I really just want a couple cabinets for vacuums, mops and cleaning supplies, a sink and hopefully a place to set up my sewing machine. Since this is such a small space, I'd love to try something dramatic like black cabinet doors.  Here's a few examples of black cabinets done right. 

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I'm considering the Tingsryd cabinet doors from IKEA.  They are super economical and I think they have that modern shape I'm looking for. And for hardware, I think I have no choice but to do some brass or gold nobs or pulls. What do you think?

Comfortable Ankle Boots You Can Wear All Day

This Fall, Winter and now Spring, ankle boots have been my go-to foot wear.  I love them with jeans and leggings and also with skirts and dresses. I own numbers 4. and 7. below, these are both boots that you really can walk in all day long and your feet still feel good. 

When it comes to investing in shoes these days, I no longer feel like a can wear shoes from Target or other discount stores. My feet and back just can't take it. Now I'm just sounding like an old lady, but that's kind of what I am. So, when it comes to shoes, I like to buy a brand that is known for some comfort and support.

One of my favorite online sources for good quality shoes, at great prices, is 6pm.com. You'll want to visit their site often because each day they offer a new sale and a daily deal. They carry all the brands I love, like Lucky, Clarks and Born. I've shopped around and found 7 great ankle boot options for you.

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Are you more of a brown leather or black leather person? I thought I was all about brown, but I find myself wearing my black boots quite often.

(Gold Foil Kindness is the New Black shirt available HERE!)

This post is sponsored by Groupon.  Thank you for supporting the brands that help make this blog possible. 

DIY Jewelry and Trinket Dishes

I've felt like I've been just too busy to make and create lately.  And that has left me feeling kind of drained and uninspired. So, I decided I needed to take a couple minutes to use my hands and make something. If you are looking for a quick and easy weekend project, this is a good one. Perfect for gifts or just to sit on your bedside table or bathroom counter, they serve as a fun, decorative way to organize and store your valuables. 

I played with all my favorite patterns - grid, triangles and simple brush strokes. But, the possibilities are endless. You can paint any color and any pattern, as simple or as complicated as you want.

 Here's what you'll need:

• Martha Steward Glass Paint (Black Gloss)
• Small paint brushes
• Small ceramic or porcelain appetizer plates 

Play with patterns and shapes to create a design that goes with your decor. I love black and white, but you could use any color combination. Allow the paint to completely dry (follow the instructions on the bottle), but I let these dry for a couple days. 

Have a great weekend and be sure to make a little time to create or make.

Black Exteriors

Does anyone want to buy a cabin in the woods and I'll design and decorate it for you? I love the idea of a simple weekend home that is minimally decorated and has a dramatic black exterior.  I can't get enough of these black exteriors.  I love this bold choice of color for staining wood siding or even painting brick.  It feels modern and a bit of risky choice, which I love! 

Black with Large Windows

Black Terrace

Black Two Story

Black Midcentury

Black Siding and Black Doors

Black Brick

Like the dramatic Black Entryways I found, how do you feel about this strong color choice? 

Book Review - Modern Pastoral

I have been a long time fan of Nikki Brantmark's blog My Scandinavian Home. So, when I heard that she had a new book, Modern Pastoral, I knew I needed a copy for myself. If you love good Swedish design, you MUST follow her beautiful blog. Nikki takes you into some of the most beautifully simple, clean Scandinavian homes out there. If you've followed me for long, you must know how crazy, in love I am for all things Swedish.

I'm still a sucker for a good hardcover, coffee table book. Yeah, you can find pretty much everything on Pinterest, but there is something special about taking time to hold a real book and enjoy the curated images and stories that have be crafted together.

This gorgeous book takes you through some lovely interiors photographed in Scandinavia and the United States.  "All are inspried by natural landscapes, making use of exposed wood and stone, large windows to let in light and plants and greenery - yet adding warmth, too, through color, fabrics, and all the personal touches that create a home."

The book is divided into 4 chapters - Forest, Graphical, Homestead and Waterside.  I found myself drawn to the second chapter, Graphical, the most. These homes features clean, colorless palettes with a beautiful balance between natural, rustic elements and bold, geometric patterns. The homes are far from cold and sterile, warmth and comfort are added with natural fibers, sheepskins, and plenty of foliage from the outdoors.

For the past few months I've been pinning and drooling over gorgeous black exteriors on homes and cabins. The Woodland Valley Cabin in this chapter is absolute perfection, as far as I'm concerned. Gorgeous black stained siding on the exterior is complimented by bright, white, open rooms inside. The accessories throughout this home are minimal and clean and it has me inspired to pair down and simplify my home even more.

If you love a good design book, this is one you are going to need to add to your collection.

Be sure to head over to Instagram where I am giving away a copy of this gorgeous book.  Check out THIS post for all the giveaway details.  

Black and White Pillows - The Accessory for Every Season

I think everyone is getting Spring Fever pretty bad these days. I see pastels EVERYWHERE! And I'm a fan of them as well (especially pink). If you are thinking about sprucing up your home decor this Spring, but want a style that works all year long, black & white is the answer. You just won't get sick of this timeless combination. And black and white looks good with everything, pastels, brights, patterns, and even neutrals.  

I have found you some great black and white pillows that are sure to freshen up your bed or sofa this season, and all the seasons to follow. 

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The two Kilim pillows (3 and 7) are on my sofa, and I LOVE them. Do you have a favorite in this mix?