Master Bedroom Retreat

Maxim Lighting ceiling light / Ethan allen lighting / Synthetic rug / Gray bedding / Crate and Barrel window treatment / Round mirror / Modern home decor / Crate and Barrel grey throw pillow / Upholstered bed frame / Black end table

The last few months have been absolutely crazy busy. Between our wedding, searching for a new home, homecoming, weddings, work and just life I don't know where the time has gone. But I'm happy to announce this year will end on a high note with the purchase of our first house.

After 20+ house tours, we found our dream first home and can't wait to renovate and update a 1970's colonial.

While we wait until we take possession of our new humble abode in Mid January make sure to check back for design ideas and move-in tips we've heard and experience.

Above are a few items I chose for our Master Bedroom. Some of the furniture we already own like the tufted bed frame from here,  white bedding from here, and two black end tables from here, but I can't wait to incorporate some new items to our bedroom.

Spare Bedroom Redo

Lite Source table lamp / Cityscape painting / Throw pillow / Safavieh black display shelf / Black computer desk / Uttermost accent chair / Reversible Tangier Dhurrie Indoor Area Rug - Grandin Road

It's sad to admit but we've been in our apartment since April and haven't done anything with our second bedroom but use it as storage for wedding gifts. Now that we've had some time to find places for all our gifts, it's time to change our spare into a second bedroom/office. Because both Andy and I will be sharing the office unfortunately the space has to be gender neutral in colors, it doesn't mean I can't throw in some girly flair.

I'm really loving simple throw pillows with type font's with fun sayings.  Because Andy's acquired so many law books, I need another yet another book case, and I love how the one above has some design elements to it not just your typical solid wood panels - I actually had the same one in my cart last night from Joss & Main.

I'll be posting pics as this room starts to come together - so definitely check back.

The Chronicles of House Hunting

It's been a few weeks on the house hunt. After viewing just a few houses we found one we completely fell in love with. It was a tad over our budget but our mortgage lender assured we could afford it. As we put in our counter offer, he called. He made a huge mistake, it was not in our budget.  He didn't account for the taxes which I had sent him not once but twice. He was from a reputable mortgage company, and we were heart broken.  We quickly called another mortgage lender to see if we could make it work, but unfortunately the monthly payment was far to much so we had to walk away.

From then on every house hasn't compared. I still take a browse everyday and receive updates from our realtor, but we've decided to take a break on actively searching and seeing every house imaginable. We know there will be a perfect house out there for us, it's just a matter of when.

With that heart break I splurged on some items I've wanted for the apartment for awhile. Nothing fancy but this bar cabinet, a similar headboard to this, and this bedding.  I've been extremely happy with my purchases so far.  Now it's time to take on our spare bedroom.

Fall Layers Meets Motorcycle Chic

Madewell sweatshirt / Madewell blue checked shirt / Trouvé collarless leather jacket / J.Crew pants / Steve Madden ankle booties / Tory Burch black crossbody handbag / Michael Kors pave bracelet / Warby Parker eyeglass

I've never been one to want to jump behind the wheel of a motorcycle with my hair blowing in the wind - in fact it terrifies me. But, I do love the inspired looks for those that do dare and the change in texture that leather accents bring to any outfit giving you a polished look ready to see where the night takes you.  Perhaps I'm channeling my inner Sandy from Grease - but this look has been a favorite for sometime and I don't think it's going anywhere anytime soon.

House Hunting

I have some extremely exciting NEWS to share! After seven-years of monthly credit checks, my identity being stolen not once but three times (by the same person), and down sizing and getting rid the debt of 12 credit cards I finally got through the pre-approval process to own my first home!

I was so excited that I couldn't sleep and just spent hours looking at houses online last night.

While you are probably shaking your head saying 12 credit cards? Monthly credit checks?  To sum it up turning 18 came with an emotional shopping problem and a heaping amount of debt.

But now that is well gone and over with and lessons have been learned, Andy and I couldn't be happier.  I can't tell you how many countless hours I've spent watching HGTV- scouring every real estate site available browsing future houses. Now it is finally here!

Our official hunt starts tomorrow starting with a small home in a downtown we absolutely love.

Can't wait to share our house hunting journey with all of you!

Photo Credit

Happy Birthday Lincoln!

Our precious pup turns 3 today! I can't believe how time has flown, but am I ever so glad he no longer wets in the house or chews my shoes. Each birthday we make a big deal out of the day for him, and he gets plenty of new treats and toys to celebrate. I'm sure he doesn't get why we are spoiling him so much, but he always gets a cupcake with a birthday candle (this ones a little girlier then normal) and we sing to him.  

The Strawberry Cupcake I made yesterday. Yum! 

Lincoln devouring his Strawberry Cupcake.  He made a little mess but he made sure to eat up every crumb. 

Are you as crazy about celebrating your pets birthday as I am? If so what do you do to celebrate? 

Strawberry Cupcakes

This weekend at the grocery store Andy and I found some monster strawberries that we couldn't pass up - and what better to make they Strawberry Cupcakes with them. I've used a few different Strawberry Cupcake recipes in the past and would say this is one my favorites because it is not overpowering in flavor and not too sweet. Here's what you'll need: 

Ingredients - Cupcakes: 

1 Box French Vanilla Cake Mix

1 Cup Water

1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil

3 Egg Whites

1/2 Cup Pureed Strawberries blended in blender

Mix and Bake for 18 Minutes at 350 Degrees

Ingredients - Strawberry Frosting: 

5 Cups Powdered Sugar

2 Tsp Lemon Juice

1/4 Cup Pureed Strawberries

1 Stick of Butter

For the icing - First beat the butter until creamy, then add the lemon and already pureed strawberries. After they have blended, add the powered sugar slowly giving the icing time to fluff and then get stiff. 

Voila! Nothing fancy but the perfect cupcake for those who want a little something light for those upcoming warmer days.  Enjoy!