Friday, March 29, 2013

Five things....it's been a while

{paveish bracelet}
Love pave bracelets! Found this similar style at Banana Republic Factory Store for about $15, much cheaper than the ones I've been eyeing! 



{ruffle throw pillow}
On our guest bed. A work in progress. Hoping to make a headboard in the future!


{volume??}
See that, folks? The start of some volume for my flat flat hair! Progress! Yes!



{blush nail}
Olivia by Zoya. Blurry picture. Need to work on that. #embracetheimperfection


{white washed terra cotta planters}
Future project? I think, yes! Love the look!





Wednesday, March 20, 2013

A quick trip....

I'm taking a quick trip to FL for my dad's 60th bday! I'll be back over here next week with a few projects and my update on gluten-free and dairy-free living!

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of the week and has a lovely weekend!





Saturday, March 16, 2013

Five things...

{hanging lanterns}
I've been wanting to do this for a while. Finally got around to it! Now I need to find some flameless candles.....

{burlap lamp}
Betcha can't guess where I found this lamp???

Yeah, you're right. TJ Maxx! 

{chalkboard planters}
Current project in the works!

{countertop spray}
This stuff is my fav! Found it at the Williams & Sonoma Outlet a few years ago. Loved it so much, I stocked up. Currently down to my last bottle. 

Although it contains essential oils, I'm not sure how healthy it really is, so maybe it's time to move on anyway.


{antique napkin rings}
Would loveeee to find some of these. I see some antiquing in my future!

Forgive me for being a little behind. Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend! 






Thursday, March 14, 2013

My "green" smoothie...



For the past couple of weeks, I have been making this "green" smoothie almost every morning. It definitely doesn't taste "green" and is my way to sneak in some good-for-me ingredients that I wouldn't get in my every day diet, like spinach, coconut oil, and chia seeds. 

I am a huge fan of coconut oil because it is anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial, but not a huge fan of the taste. When mixing it into a smoothie, I can't taste it at all! 

 And, in case you aren't familiar with chia seeds, I include them for more fiber, protein, and omega 3's. 1 tablespoon has 6 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein, and 2.9 grams of omega 3's. 

Below are all of the ingredients I use.....


{ingredients}

Coconut milk- about 1 cup
Organic frozen berries- about 1 cup
Banana- 1
Coconut oil- about 1 teaspoon
Chia seeds- about 1 tablespoon
Organic local honey- few drops
Cinnamon- about 1 teaspoon
Spinach- about 2 cups

These are approximate proportions. Sometimes I will use kale instead of Spinach, but I find the spinach blends better. I don't like a chunky smoothie.




Look at all that green! Also, in case you are curious I use a Kitchen Aid blender. I like Kitchen Aid products, but you could use any blender as long as it can puree or liquefy, unless you like a chunky smoothie.

See, not green at all.

{paleo/non-dairy}


And, you could easily use almond milk, soy milk, or regular milk, but as I've said before, dairy and I don't get along, and coconut milk is my go to non-dairy option. 





Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Create vintage art {using free printables}

Ready for some easy and free vintage style art? Thanks to the New York Public Library Digital Gallery and pinterest, I found all of these prints for free! I already had the frames, some of which I repainted to better fit the style I was going for. 

The above photos can be found at the following links:
Left- French Broad River found here
Middle- Forsyth Park in Savannah found here
Right- Isle of Palms found here


Left- Bird found here
Right- C.S. Lewis quote found here {unfortunately, I don't know the original source}


And in case you are wondering, here was the process...




{search}
New York Public Library has so many images, mostly vintage and historic. Think scanned in documents from wayyy back. I found the images of places {from the first 3 frames} by searching for the place and postcard. Yes, they are actually postcards that people actually sent. Thought that was pretty cool! 

Also, there are a ton of really cool maps on their website. I'm trying to come up with a project just so I have an excuse to use one. 

{print}
I just used plain white paper, but you could use cardstock or photo paper to enhance the quality.

{insert}
I recommend measuring before just cutting.

{enjoy!}

Seriously, another project that took maybe 10 minutes once I had the images. Researching was another story. I got a little sidetracked, primarily looking at maps!



Friday, March 8, 2013

Five things

{vintage print for guest bathroom}
A little preview of a project I've been working on. Full post to come probably next week.

Printed several free images from the New York Public Library and other sources to fill frames I've had for easy and cheap art! This image can be found here

{green lantern}
Let's hope the little monkey doesn't eat this one, like he did the last two. Thought it was a pretty spring green color!

{TJ's Sauvignon Blanc}
Not bad for around $5. Many of the TJ brand wines are made with organic grapes too!

{blush flats}
Very versatile and comfy! Purchased last year from DSW. 

{free vintage fonts}
Cute and free vintage fonts via Ten & Ten. I love a pretty free font!


Looks like we are going to have spring-like weather this weekend! Can't wait! Enjoy!



Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Five things {a little behind}

 {boots products}
Found at target. Love both of these products!

{coral nail}
Elodie by Zoya. Actually is lighter in real life. Pretty for spring because I.am.ready.for.spring.


{fav coffee mug}
Life is good.
{herringbone pillow cover}
From williams-sonoma, but I found one similar at TJ Maxx for much cheaper!


{linen towel}
Good reminder that we shouldn't feel bad about living in our space. #embracetheimperfection


Monday, March 4, 2013

Cilantro lime quinoa salad....


{paleo/vegan/gluten-free}

Another simple dish that you can easily make your own! I made this last week and munched on it for a few meals. I modified a recipe that I found from Yoga Journal over here

Ingredients:
organic quinoa {gf}- 1 cup
cilantro- a bunch 
tomatoes- 8 cherry toms, diced
cucumbers- half of a small, diced
avocado- 1
lime- juice from half
olive oil- 1/4 cup
garlic- 1 clove, minced
jalepeno peppers- 1/4 cup, minced


Directions:
Cook quinoa according to instructions. I used Trader Joe's organic and gluten-free quinoa. It took about 15 mins. As the quinoa is cooking, chop and prepare your ingredients. Again, you could easily use whatever you have, whatever you have a taste for, etc. 

Mix the cilantro and veggies with quinoa. Then, I actually mixed the olive oil, lime juice, and garlic to make a dressing. Toss and ready to go!

Total prep and cook time was about 20 minutes. 

I cooked 1 cup of quinoa, which serves 2-3, in my opinion.





Sunday, March 3, 2013

Snowflakes...


Saturday morning I woke up early, like before 8am early, which doesn't happen very often with me on a Saturday. So glad I did because it happened to be snowing! I love love snow, well, I mostly love watching it fall while cozy and warm inside. Something so peaceful and serene about it, and I can't help but be amazed in knowing that each snowflake is unique. 

Each snowflake is made perfectly in its own way, just like each of us. 

Amazing, isn't it?

And, this morning the snowflakes happened to be ginormous. Couldn't quite capture it in the photos, so just take my word for it. 

Secretly, I wanted to capture the perfection of one of the snowflakes, but I guess sometimes we just have to trust that it's there. 


Like this little guy, who's perfect imperfection I am learning to embrace every day.


So, when he gives me this face after chewing up our feather throw pillows, or chewing the corner of the brand new rug, or sassing me for the millionth time, my heart still can't help but swell from how much love he shows us, unconditionally, always. 







Saturday, March 2, 2013

Our master bedroom...


At first I started to tidy things up, rearrange, take things away, etc., but then I decided to reveal the room as it is on an ordinary day. So, today, you are seeing the real deal! If you look close enough you will see the wrinkles and the copious amounts of dog hair {almost impossible to keep under control}. Signs that this room is very much so lived in. #embracetheimperfection




Our picture frames and displayed photos may be one of my favorite parts about this space. So many good reminders of good memories!




And, yes, both the boys have dog beds, but they seem to spend more time up in the bed with us. #spoileddogs

Oh, and in case you are wondering, the paint color is dynasty celadon by Behr. 
It is a beautiful green/blue/grey color and varies with the light. I actually love it more at night when it is more blue/grey.