I've Moved!

I've moved! Be sure to find me at my new blog New England Lane!

Flower Power

Pink rug / NuLOOM pink rug / Surya wool rug / Magical Thinking woven cotton rug / Pink rug / Loloi Rugs beige rug / Pier 1 Imports Catalina Cove Rug - 8x10

As we have finally begun to unpack, the first items I am looking forward to purchasing to spruce up our new home are rugs. They can provide such a punch of color, and can help keep your carpet or hardwood from getting worn or ruined.  They also can give that extra umf to take your room from blah to fabulous without spending a fortune.

Here are some of the girly looking rugs I'm coveting when I go to decorate my office which is going to be a much different feel from the other rooms in our home that are various muted shades of grey's and whites.

Kitchen Update

While we continue to trek away at finishing our kitchen I thought I'd share an update.  In the last two weeks, we've painted the kitchen a light gray called "Silver Drop" replaced the counter tops with a granite called Azul Patino, and removed the old backsplash and put in a new one.

Here is the before , and the current. Will share new photos once we paint the cabinets a fresh new coat of White (they are currently a beige color unlike the photo below shows.)

BEFORE:

CURRENTLY:

In the picture above it looks more green, it's all actually shades of greys and light blues with flecks of black and white.

THIS WEEK

I'll admit the last few weeks have been a bit trying. Between work, our new house, the apartment flood, and life I've been a bit overwhelmed. So when this article caught my eye this week, it was a fresh reminder that to keep your head up high and that regardless how far you fall, you will get through it.

My personal favorites:

• You have to give more then you get in return right away
• You have to care more about others then they care about you
• You have to lead when no one else is following you yet
• You have to make mistakes and look like an idiot

Hope everyone has a great weekend! Andy and I will finishing our kitchen renovation - so let's cross our fingers all goes well.

My Favorite: Lipgloss

Lip treatment / Burt s Bees lip treatment,/ Bare escentuals lip gloss / Shimmer makeup / Aveda 'Give Smiles' Gift Set

There are few things you should have at all times, a type of lip balm, lipgloss, or lipstick should be one of them. I can honestly say at one point I probably carried a minimum of five different balms, sticks and glosses. I have since minimized and on a normal day carry from 1-3.

As you can see by my picks above, I'm a HUGE C.O Bigelow fan. I worked at Bath & Body Works for six years, so that could have a lot do with it.  The Mentha Lip Shine should be a staple for any woman, and it doesn't hurt that it's got a kick of mint to freshen your breathe. Word of advice though, if you get chapped lips easily, this isn't for you. It will sting.

I tend to use a gloss if i'm going to work, or trying to bring a little additional shine to a Lipstick. If I'm just running around town, I'll use a balm, and If I'm really going out, or want to make a statement I use a Lipstick.

What are your favorite lip balms, glosses or sticks? Do you prefer one over the other?

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas: For Her

Cotton bedding / Kate Spade candles candleholder / Kate spade bracelet / Kate Spade earrings / Paloma Picasso sterling silver jewelry / Tory Burch tech accessory / Yves Saint Laurent lips makeup / Coach poppy blossom perfume

Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays. I know, I know it's a "Hallmark Holiday" but I  just love it. I've always enjoyed creating my own Valentine's cards for friends and my special Valentine's. This year will be extremely special as it is our first Valentine's Day as a married couple. We have so much to celebrate and I'm looking forward to a night out on the town just the two of us (even though we do it all the time!)

Welcome Home!

The last two weeks in one word would be: CRAZY.

As if purchasing a home wasn't a big enough hurdle, we also encountered a major flood in our apartment just days after signing the dotted line on our new home. It's as if fate knew we had to get the "hell" out.

We had until the end of January to get things set up at our new abode and then make a stress free transition. It didn't happen like that, in fact as I stood in 3 inches of water in my bedroom in my PJs I couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time.

It's been a insane two weeks jam packed with renovation, packing, cleaning, painting, more cleaning, and lots of stress. But, it will all be worth it in the end.

We had prior to the flood already been set to take out our old counter tops and put in new granite ones. They said it would take 2 1/2 weeks to get the slab cut, it only took them three days. So we had three days to remove the backsplash, demo the counter tops, and paint our kitchen to only paint our kitchen a color we ended up not liking.

Since, we've updated the backsplash, installed the granite, and repainted the kitchen a new color. We've since decided to paint the cabinets & upgrade the hardware too. The only thing left will be to get new appliances which I think will come after we file our taxes.

We have also painted our master, office, living room, and formal dining room. It's all coming together nicely, especially for only having keys for two weeks.

Hope to post the pictures soon, as we finally have internet!

Snowmageddon 2014

For anyone living in the Mid-West chances are you got clobbered with anywhere from 8-11 inches of snow today.  Compared to folks in other parts of the U.S.  it's really nothing, but for whatever reason it shuts down everything. School is already closed tomorrow for at least 400 school districts across Metro Detroit. This has me crossing my fingers that work is closed for us too. That probably won't happen though. Oh how the real world sucks sometimes.

Above is our dog Lincoln running at full speed in the snow today. Andy and I thought it would be fun to get out and run him around in the snow. He loved every second of it. Lincoln that is, but Andy too.

Hope you all have a great Snow Day!

Splurge or Save

Maples area rug / nuLOOM Moderna Dark Grey Trellis Rug

While on the hunt for new rugs for our new home, I've been finding so many gorgeous rugs that cost  nearly an arm and a leg. While the difference is typically in the material, if your just looking for something trendy to use now and switch out within the next few years finding a similar but less expensive version is at your finger tips.

I highly suggest checking Wayfair, Joss & Main or One Kings Lane  to compare prices of similar products.

What are some of your favorite home decor sites you use to compare products?

New Years Resolutions

Looking back at 2013 - it was been an absolute fabulous year. Andy and I got married. I started a new job. We bought a house.  We spent countless nights with friends. I traveled for fun, and for work. I made a few new friends. I finally got a big family, specifically two new brothers.

But this year hasn't been all rainbows and sunshine. I realized that some friends weren't really friends at all which was sometimes hard to deal with. My Dad had his second heart attack (luckily not fatal) but still a scary reality that life is fragile.

With that I'd like to start 2014 working on these few things to make me into a better, smarter and stronger person.

1. Get Healthier
2. Save More $
3. Say Yes More Often
4. Be Nicer
5. Ask More Questions
6. Wake Up Earlier
7. Run More 5k/10k Races
8. Get More Involved in the Community
9. Read More Books
10. Discover & Bake/Cook Recipes
11.  Keep in Touch w/  More Friends
12.  Use Social Media More Often
13.  Be More Fiscally Responsible
14.  Take More Pictures

What are your 2014 Resolutions?


Print above is from Note to Self ($18)  - Check out Sarah's blog here to see more.

Drought

Every New Year I always want to try a cleanse to detox my body of all the nastiness I force my body to eat and drink. Each year I fail at that cleanse. Last year, I got the worst Migraine after going an entire day and ended up taking pain meds and gorging on pizza. This year I'm still trying to find the "cleanse" of choice, but had been recommended by a friend to try Drought which serves up a variety of raw cold-pressed organic juices. 

Drought is found and distributed locally in Metro Detroit and has a storefront in Plymouth. After checking out their website and getting Andy on board we decided to try a few flavors before committing to their version of a cleanse which they call The Wash.  I've never tried a raw juice before and the menu is a little intimating based on the ingredients but why not?

Andy grabbed Apple, Pear and Ginger while I choose Green #1 which is Chard, Cabbage, Celery, Apple, Kale and Lemon.

We've tried them both and for people who don't typically try "juices" they were not that bad. I don't think I'd order Green #1 again but that's because it's got an extremely strong "grass" like taste. I guess you could say it's probably a little too advanced for my current "juicing" taste buds.

The Apple, Pear and Ginger wasn't bad, it leaves a tart after taste but given the right mind set something I'd encourage everyone to try.

Have you tried juicing before? If so what were your thoughts?

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! 

Wedding Preview: Invitations

This past weekend, we finally began to stuff our wedding invitations from Shine Invitations. Our wedding is still 5 months away, but being that it is during a popular holiday weekend and it's 4 1/2 hours away from home we wanted to make sure our guests have enough time to set up hotel accommodations. 

We went with a simple and elegant invitation in just black and white. Although colors of pink, coral and mint will make appearances at our wedding. We wanted to keep everything simple and felt black and white was the easiest.  

While most people complain about stuffing their wedding invites - we had fun. Everything was super simple to put together, and Shine Invitations did a great job getting proofs and changes made within minutes. It took less then a week to receive them and I would highly recommend them if you are looking for someone to do your wedding invites, save the dates, or any other stationary for your day. 

*Note: This post was not sponsored by Shine Invitations and is strictly opinion.

Black & White Stripes Round 2

Jeans: 7FAM | Shirt: Loft | Jacket: Lauren Conrad | Shoes: Steve Madden | Bracelet: Francescas | Watch: Michael Kors | Necklace: Etsy | Sunglasses: Target

Was it me or did this past weekend just fly by? As mentioned yesterday, my Dad came over with his new pup George. Andy and I both went out with our friends, it was nice to see everyone and better yet spend a night away from each other. Saturday night I went out with the girls and he went out with the guys. His ended a little rougher then mine did, but It was nice to have Lincoln to myself and snuggle up with him alone. Sometimes it's just great to have space, and do our own things. 

I wore this outfit Saturday just relaxing at home and quickly turned it into something to wear out with the girls by adding some heels.