Category Archives: Style and Design

Dreamy.

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How gorgeous is the photography and styling on this blog? I don’t even care that it is written completely in French, I could scroll through it’s pages for HOURS. Le sigh. From what I can ascertain, whomever maintains this blog creates beautiful DIYS and cooks mouth-watering treats…and that’s all one really needs to know. Especially when each of these projects and recipes are styled so magically! Care to scroll? http://www.carnetsparisiens.com is the place for you! ❤

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(All photos via Carnets Parisiens.)

Tour my shelves.

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Today, I thought I’d let you take a little tour of my bookcase shelves. I’ve been contemplating a bookshelf reorganization by color (straight up Roy G. Biv style) just to change things up but also because they look so fun and aesthetically pleasing when I see colorful book rainbows on Pinterest and Apartment Therapy. (Examples: here, here and here.) For now, though, these books live categorically–in my own little library system. So go ahead and take a peek at my bedroom bookcase. I have another smaller set of shelves in my living room for books that deserve more spotlight as well as a shelf in my dining room for cookbooks–we’ll save their tours for another day. (Remember when I said I may never whittle down ALL of my belongings to fit in an actual, real life tiny home? Haha.) Want a closer look?

Some fiction…

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Some favorite reads…

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Kid lit…

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A few for drama…

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Lit class holdovers…

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More fiction…

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Communication Studies…

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Religion and Dreams (lol)…

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A teeny, tiny German language section…

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Memoirs…

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Poetry…

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Gettin’ my learn on…

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and teachin’ younguns how to be orators…

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How do you organize your books? Do you think I should make the switch and have all these book-babies live the rainbow life? I guess if I end up hating it I can always switch it back to my current system…especially now that I have photo documentation. : ) 

Kitchen dreaming. (Farm sinks are my jam.)

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The kitchen of my dreams definitely involves a farm sink. Utilitarian (think of all the things you can do in that big basin–wash fresh vegetables straight from the garden, strain huge pots of spaghetti noodles, give your farmer’s market bouquets drinks of water in their accompanying quirky vases), bright and a great focal point amongst a slew of cabinets. I used to think not having a split basin sink would be an annoyance for the no-dishwasher life. However, after moving into an apartment with a deep, white sink I’m a total convert. What do you think?

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Summer Nails.

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Everyone seems to be rocking gorgeous, light turquoise nails this summer. Reminds me of beautiful vintage things, kissed by the (sometimes literal) sands of time.

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Here are some options if you’d like to try out this trend:

 

          turquoise_caicos      Turquoise and Caicos by Essie $8.50

cg_turnedupturquoise_849237_cropTurned Up Turquoise by China Glaze $7.50

35959Turquoise by Pop Beauty Nail Glam $10

 

Maybe it’s the nomenclature of the second color but I’m feeling this song (even though the video is super weird)…

 

Anthony Michael Hall you’ve never looked radder.

In which I share what to get a girl like me: 

This rad sweatshirt featuring a classic moment from the film “The Breakfast Club.”

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Chicks cannot hold their smoke, dat’s what it is.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched this movie. It’s one of my all time faves (and so freakin’ quotable). So, I would wear this sweatshirt at every appropriate juncture. Although there may not be many.

And just for fun: 

If you love The Breakfast Club, check out this series of posts! 

 

Bar Cart Bling

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I think it’s about time I classed up the joint with a set of these bad boys. Every bar cart needs cute, matching highball and rocks glasses.

Full disclosure: my bar cart was my Grandma’s microwave cart in a former life…but you work with what ya got.

What cocktails would taste best in these polka-dot beauties? I’m thinking a Dark and Stormy  and some nice bourbon on the rocks.

(Glasses via Bed Bath & Beyond)

Backpacks make for happy backs. <3

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So, awhile back I dug this old backpack out of my closet. I don’t recall what prompted me to do so, but as I wore it around while running errands that day, a light-bulb went off in my head. It was so comfortable! Before, on long errand expeditions or outdoor events there would always be that turning point where I would get a little grumpy simply because I was carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder. Everything would feel out of whack and no matter how many times I switched my bag back and forth it would just remain uncomfortable. But now, as long as I’m not in dress-up or professional attire, I rock my tiny bag. I love being hands free on outings. I love being able to carry all my necessities (wallet, keys, phone, liter of water, snacks, book, notebook–I take preparation for potential boredom and hunger vAAAry seriously) without feeling bogged down.  It’s sort of become a trademark and I love telling people my tiny bag is for all my tiny things! ❤

Here are four backpack-beauties from ModCloth

For the farmers market and outdoor concerts–backpack4

Swing Into Action Backpack

For a gallery hop and downtown strolls–backpack3

Park Bench Backpack

For day hikes and park picnics–

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Landmarks That I Love Backpack

And for brunch and everything that comes after it–backpack1

Backpack to the Future Backpack

Which would you choose? Do you like sportin’ a backpack? My friend Katie said when she started a new job her co-workers gave her a hard time for hers but now they’ve seen the light and are carrying them regularly. True converts!

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