Category Archives: Style and Design

Cheeky Etsy Finds

March 25, 2015Style and Designartisans, Etsy, gift ideas, giggles, home decor, jewelry, made me laugh, online shoppingBeth Berger

Sometimes I stumble upon some real gems when perusing the hallowed pages of Etsy.com. I swear with just a SMIDGE less self-control I could blow my whole paycheck. Check out these recent cheeky favorites…

A wall hanging with an important reminder for all.

A t-shirt for folks brave enough to navigate on 2 wheels.

A cutting board for serious cooks and Netflix binge watchers.

A candle for the lady who DGAF but still wants a pretty smelling room.

A sweet fox necklace for a love-sick babe’s darling neck.

100 abandoned houses.

March 9, 2015Style and Designabandonment, affordable art, Detroit, homes, photography, prints, you go when you can no longer stayBeth Berger

Photographer Kevin Bauman began capturing abandonment in his hometown of Detroit, Michigan in the 90’s as a means of creative expression, but as the economy continued to plummet Bauman’s curiosity caused him to continue. The 100 Abandoned Houses project sheds light on the downfall of one American city and the physical buildings left behind. Bauman notes, “100 seemed like a lot, although the number of abandoned houses in Detroit is more like 12,000.” You can purchase prints from the series on the project website and I kind of think they would make a hauntingly gorgeous addition to anyone’s art collection.

(Photos by Kevin Bauman)

Introducing the illest stitches in Chicago…

February 19, 2015Style and Designaffordable art, crafting, cross stitch, embroidery, Etsy, handmade, home decor, Sick Beet StitchBeth Berger

Today, I’d love to showcase the fabulous new Etsy shop, Sick Beet Stitch. Based in Chicago, the shop offers unconventional hand-embroidery lovingly stitched by owner and creator Robyn Novak. Wouldn’t her work make the perfect addition to a gallery wall? Or a meaningful gift for the keeper of all your inside jokes? I love the collection’s mixture of tongue-and-cheek references and dainty images. And each piece seems incredibly well thought out! Did you clock the double check mark next to “silence” above? Made me laugh out loud. Check out some other pieces…

For more – visit the shop, follow on Facebook, and double tap some snaps over on Instagram!

(Photos by Robyn Novak.)

Kitchen gadgets that I don’t need but definitely want.

February 3, 2015Food, Style and Designcookies, cooking made fun, crock pot, homewares, kitchen accessories, kitchen chic, knick knacks, round-up, slow cooker, to-go cups, vegetablesBeth Berger

Here are some items that don’t NEED to find their way into my cupboards but just might! Pretty, fun, bright, sleek and FUNCTIONAL–what’s not to love about kitchen gadgets?

1. Salt and Pepper mills.

Salt & Pepper. Turn the key.

2. Retro Pyrex baking dishes.

pyrex!!!!!!!!!!

3. Star spangled spatula.

Star Spangled Spatula.

4. Lazy food hack: bell pepper edition.

5. Dia de los Muertos cookie cutters.

Sugar Skull Cookie Cutter - Set Of 4

6. Keepcup with built in cork sleeve.

KeepCup

7. Crock Pot lid pocket.

Never know where to set down your crockpot lid? This little gadget offers a solution.

(Source)

My modest art collection.

January 29, 2015Home, Style and Designaffordable art, art, framed, maps, screen prints, wall swagBeth Berger

Today, I thought I’d show you my extremely modest art collection. All of these pieces make me smile, bring me inspiration, tell a story, and have happy homes on my walls. They are all extremely affordable options to adding a little color and personality to your living space. From maps to prints torn out of books, screenprint shop finds to upcycling a speech trophy…perhaps you’ll find an idea that suits your taste.

Living Room

Chet and I found these little foxes hanging out in a thrift store in Bowling Green last summer. A Print Mafia piece, these babes have a special place in my heart. And it’s no mistake that my computer matches this print perfectly, Chet custom painted it with this print in mind(and his computer is orange!!). We love these guys!

Way back in 2002, I lived in Ireland with my family for a spell. We lived in Dublin but we spent a lot of time hiking along the cliffs of the seashore and around the Wicklow mountains. This is a map of some of those peaks. I like that the folds are still visible. I like that at some point it was probably shoved in my Dad’s pocket before it made it’s way across an ocean and into this frame.

These second-hand framed prints informed the color palette for this room. I love the yellows and blues and oranges and greens.

Bedroom

My mandala-making sister gifted me with this creation back when I was TV-less and the only thing that happened in my living room involved a mat. I called it “the yoga studio.” Now that I’ve scored a TV, this hangs in my bedroom right next to my dresser so I can look at it while I’m getting ready for my day. A gentle reminder to create my own sunshine.

I love bees and I love pretty much everything Cricket Press does. I also have a ridiculous love of hanging things with binder clips. (Is it tacky or cute? IDK.) I bought this tiny print at the Woodland Art Fair along with one featuring fireflies for my sister, Katie.

When my mom and sister went on a trip to Europe a few years back I requested a painting of the Eiffel Tower that they could buy for me off the street. They did not disappoint. I felt like a real grown-up when I took it to Michael’s to be professionally matted and framed. It’s pure luck that my bedroom wall color matches so well…it was painted that way when I moved in.

Kitchen

My favorite Picasso. Bold and fun colors in my kitchen, please!

I cut this lil abstract number out of a free Bowling Green publication (probably during some vision boarding phase). I received the frame with a printed certificate inside for talking pretty at Berry College one weekend. When I was about to chuck it (whoops!) I noticed the reds matched exceptionally well. So I slapped that puppy in the frame, on top of the certificate, and called it a day…and also called it art.

Dining Room

My favorite Chagall. Read: Goats. Sidenote: My mom took us to a lot of museums growing up when I was really too bratty to appreciate them. I’m #blessed to HAVE a favorite Chagall. So, thanks Mom.

Who doesn’t love Bill Murray? This beautifully-sweatered Bill was popped out of the Bill Murray coloring book gifted to me by my brother and given a frame all his own. Because Bill Murray does not belong on a shelf.

and always and forever, my Gordon Lightfoot “Summertime Dream” album.

Dwelling Envy.

January 26, 2015Home, Style and Designapartment life, Apartment Therapy, design, HGTV addicted, home decor, home inspiration, interior decorating, my favorite apartments, renters, style, tiny dwellingsBeth Berger

While the snow we got a couple nights ago was beautiful and all, I’m starting to feel the effects of Winter. The early dusk, less than favorable temperatures and general cold, wet, dreariness has resulted in a lot of time cooped up indoors. Namely, in my little one bedroom apartment. More than just a sense of going stir cray, I’m getting sick of looking at it. And binge watching all the HGTV shows the Gods recently decided to pop onto Netflix hasn’t helped either. I just want to completely DEMO, RENO and DECO (that last one’s a bit of a stretch but go with it) the shit out of this place. Here are some apartments I’ve been ogling on one of my fave internet time-sucks, Apartment Therapy. They have me turning green with “dwelling envy” but are fabulous for a bit of design INSPO (ok I’m done, sorry). Take a look!

The Chicago Apartment.

The Vancouver Apartment.

The Paris Apartment.

I love the sophisticated vintage vibe of the first, the ethereal simplicity of the second, and the Scandinavian retro aesthetic of the last. It’s so hard to pick a favorite! Which would YOU choose?

Gettin’ in your comfies.

December 16, 2014Fashion, Style and Designbuy from women, comfies, half the sky, human trafficking, India, International Princess Project, pajamas, Punjammies, saris, sex slaveryBeth Berger

I don’t know about you but I’m a get in my comfies as soon as I get home from work type of gal. Especially in the winter, there’s something so cozy about standing at the stove fixing your dinner in a pair of pj pants. I have a few well-loved flannel numbers that I crack out when the days turn dark before 6pm. But, if you share my love of jammies and also enjoy doing some good with your dollars, I’ve got just the lounge-wear for you–Punjammies. These lovely pajamas are created by women in India who wish to remain free from sex-slavery. The idea was sparked by International Princess Project as a way to offer an alternative occupation to the women physically, emotionally and economically enslaved in the brothels in India’s red light districts. Inspired by the fabric of traditional Indian saris, IPP hatched their plan. Now, over 150 women in three sewing centers are gaining confidence from their craftsmanship and new profession. Getting in THESE comfies at the end of a long day means a fair wage and a fresh start for a woman who has broken free.

And if you need proof that this sort of organization is not just feel-good consumerism but can work to help end more far-reaching, systemic problems of poverty, violence, and gender inequity; check out this article by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl Wudunn. I read it years ago and it remains a powerful reminder of the ability to create change by, at long last, placing your bets on the women in the room.

Did you know?

October 27, 2014Style and Designadvertising, cigarette cards, collections, marketing, trading cards, VintageBeth Berger

Did you know cigarette manufacturers used to issue trading cards to stiffen packs and advertise their brands? Above is Gallaher’s Cigarettes’ “How to” collection and below is Ogden’s Cigarettes’ take on my favorite child star! I love this vintage marketing. Seems like a fun thing to keep an eye out for when ambling about in antique stores and flea malls.

Ogling on Instagram.

September 4, 2014Style and Designfavorite follows, food porn, instagram, pictures, smartphone pictures, snaps, style, styling, throw a filter on itBeth Berger

I’ve decided I’ve fallen hook, line and sinker in love with Instagram. And I think I’m pulled to it for the same reason print magazines are still one of my favorite guilty pleasures (even though the Internet is a much freer version)…the same reason I would pull albums out every single trip to my grandparent’s house (both sets). I like looking at pretty things and images that someone, somewhere thought were important enough to document. Sure, in the age of smart phones the impulse to capture can happen quicker, the end product may not speak to their reality as strongly but the edited version of one’s life can be just as interesting. It’s almost like a happy union between glossy magazine, family photo album, and public diary. Mmmm, when I put it like that no WONDER I love it so much. Here are a few of my favorite follows…

wholeandhealthy

those breakfasts. that food styling.

styledrifter

those outfits. that location.

ayasakai

those babies. that pup.

mileycyrus

those accessory and hair choices. that color commitment.

(bonus: she has a mini pig.)

rowdykittens

those morning views. that tiny home.

I also love youngmarysrecord, traciemorrissey, lightbycoco and so, so, SO many more!

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Do you have an Instagram account you think I should follow. Whether your own or someone you love to see pop up on your feed each day, I’d love to hear! Leave the name in the comments below! And if you’d like to follow me, you can find me at BBerg1012. I mostly take pictures of my cat, my food and fun things to see and do in Kentucky…as ya do. Happy snapping!

Let’s talk shoes.

September 1, 2014Fashion, Style and Designcapsule wardrobe, flip flops, heels, hiking shoes, mary janes, moccasins, my shoes, shoe capsule, shoe wish-listBeth Berger

These are my 5 go-to pairs of shoes. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve really noticed the effect little things like a heavy purse or uncomfortable shoes have on my mood. While I used to be able to spend hours in a black ballet flat that basically equated to a thin strip of cardboard on the sole of my foot, that just ain’t my style anymore. I definitely have other shoes in my collection that get random wear but these are what I return to again and again–

Kalso Earth Shoes–black mary janes

Some of you may think these are a less than aesthetically pleasing shoe but I quite like the looks of them and I will never apologize for my love of them. Wear these for a day when you have to be on your feet and moving about for 8-12 hours and then get back to me. You’ll change your tune. My arches are insanely high so I went looking for a more functional shoe that could take the place of a black flat when sporting biz cas. The secret behind Earth Shoes is that your toes rest higher than your heels which completely changes how you stand and carry yourself. Not only do my feet feel fine but I find it nearly impossible to slouch when wearing these so my back feels great too! If you have a job that is a little bit more active or you have to work events that require lots of standing and walking, I recommend investing in a pair of Earth Shoes.

Merrell Hiking Shoe w/ Vibram sole

For hiking, running and general urban exploration I’m loving these Merrell trail-runners. Again, due to high arches, I find these to be a much more comfortable choice than your typical athletic shoe. I have fairly strong ankles so I don’t find a boot to be necessary when hiking and climbing about. I don’t wear shoes when exercising indoors (yoga or strength workouts) so I felt it made sense to invest in a dedicated shoe for outdoors as opposed to something more versatile.

Minnetonka Moccasins

I LOVE moccasins. I wear them as slippers around the house (as they were intended) but I also wear them as shoes when I’m running errands or as easy slip-ons when travelling. If your feet get cold really easily these are definitely a must have. Admittedly, my Grandma is a huge fan of these slippers (sometimes we’re even twinsies!) but I think they look quite casual and stylish with a pair of jeans while blogging away at my local Starbucks. Who wouldn’t want to wear their slippers at Starbies?

Aerosoles red heels

While old age (lol) has made me much more mindful of shoe comfort, I still like having a go-to pair of heels for dressier occasions. In the past, I’ve always turned to black heels but if binge watching old episodes of What Not To Wear has taught me anything it’s that one shouldn’t fear a pop of color. So I break these bad boys out for the summer and fall months. I think they make my feet look adorable and really that’s all that matters.

Black flip flops

I will never be rid of my love of flip flops. In reality, I don’t really like wearing shoes AT ALL and this is the closest one can get to barefoot. I think my current pair are from Kohl’s but they’re easily replaceable from Old Navy, Target, even a corner drugstore. These are what I wear around the house or outside and what I throw on if I’m popping out to go to Kroger, Wheeler’s Pharmacy or Orange Leaf (all on my block). Maybe SOME DAY I’ll grow out of flip flops but it seems unlikely.

In hammering out my late summer/early fall capsule wardrobe, I settled on these pairs to be my shoe options. If the weather turns a bit nippy sooner rather than later I’ll swap out the flip flops for my Rocket Dog flat boots but I think I’ll develop a new capsule before then.

However, if the sky was the limit… I’ve been eyeing these choices for this season:

Rust mary-jane wedges.

Black Birkenstock sandals.

Bensimons or Toms in a fun color.

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What are your go-to pairs? Do you have a huge shoe collection? Does a shoe capsule of 5 seem too edited for your taste? Or do you get by with less? I’m feeling nosy so leave a comment and let me know! : )