Fall Faves: Let’s Get Cozy

See? I told you I’d be back today. You weren’t sure if you could believe me or not, huh? That’s okay. I did abandon you for a spell. It might take a little time to re-earn your trust :).

Shall we break some pumpkin bread and look at some of my Fall faves?

Now I’m a big fan of Summer and I always hate to see it end, but I’ve learned to embrace Fall….mostly by equating it with coziness – a feeling that’s hard to recreate in 100 degree weather. Here are a few of my favorite ways to get that cozy feeling. 

Pumpkin or hazelnut candles from Walmart…yes, Walmart. They’re from the Mainstays brand and they’re super cheap and so incredibly delicious smelling. I normally buy the type that come in a glass jar.

And nothing beats sitting by a  candle glow wrapped in a plush, soft throw.  This one from JC Penney is looking pretty darn good to me. See? Doesn’t she look happy?

And I have to share my number 1 fave: Restoration Hardware’s Luxury Plush throw.  It’s reasonably priced (at least at the moment), is SUPER soft, and comes in a variety of attractive colors.

Another thing to look forward to in the Fall? Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks. Ohhh soooo goooood. As is their Caramel Apple Cider. Mmmmm (oh dear, you don’t want to get me talking about food right now – I just downed a brownie and approximately 50 Cheetos)

Another Fall fave? New Fall pillows at Pottery Barn. I bought these Simone pillows last year and I still love them. You can pull so many great colors from them (smoky blue, deep red, wheatie golds), and they give a sophisticated but inviting vibe.

 

Finally, I look at Fall as a new opportunity to buy (or simply lust after) beautiful boots.

“Oh,  hi adorable riding boots I wish I’d bought while they were still available in my size   for $99.”

Perhaps I could comfort myself with these adorable $49 jobbies from Target instead….I’m sure my bank account will thank me for saving it a few bucks.

 

Stay tuned for more Fall faves. In the meantime, what about you? What are some things you look forward to in the Fall?

Chic Duvets Under $100?!

I’m a firm believer that nothing can give you bigger bang for your decorating buck than paint and fabric. As a result I’m always on the lookout for inexpensive curtains, pillows, bedding, etc…and I’m constantly painting and re-painting rooms…but I digress.

So imagine my glee (yes, I said “glee”), when I stumbled upon several super cute duvet covers for under $100. Let’s have a look see…

Clover Duvet Cover – F/Q $59

 

Organic Carved Circles Duvet – F/Q $79

 

Organic Imperial Duvet – F/Q $79

 

Winter Berry Duvet – F/Q $59

See what I mean? Happy shopping!

Anthropologie Dreaming

Back when I was a single gal dreaming of owning my own home, I used to imagine what it would look like. I always thought it would look like an Anthropologie store…more or less. You know – all artsy and feminine. Now that I actually own my own home, I’m not totally sure why my house looks so…well, normal. Although, it probably has something to do with not wanting to embarrass my son when his friends come over since Anthro stores can be a bit over the top. I still can dream, though. Want to dream with me?

In my dream house I would have this bed. I love this bed. I’ve big fat loved this bed for years. Yes, it’s $1500, and yes, it’s a little over the top, but we’re dreaming here. Remember?

I’d probably add this floofy fluffy white bedding. Doesn’t it look like a cloud? All feminine and dreamy-like?

And may I tell you how much I love this Astrid Chair? I even love the name. And are you noticing that absolutely nothing in my house even remotely resembles the style of this chair? Hmmm, makes one think.

I want one of these letters that I talk myself out of every time I visit Anthropologie because they’re $28. Were they $18 each I would have done it, but that extra $10 is a deal breaker for some reason – which ironically I’ve probably spent over and over again at Starbucks or McDonalds. Go figure.

For my kitchen I want these fancy measuring spoons that would make me smile each time I used them. 

Same with this adorable milkmaid butter dish. Oh c’mon. The cuteness is killing me.

And I seriously want to eat off of these dishes…or maybe even just lick them.

And after dinner I’ll retire to the study where I’ll light a few candles…

Sip some tea…

 

And read Sense and Sensibility…or just gaze at its darling cover.

Ahhh…isn’t it fun to dream.

What would you have in your dream house?

What I’m Loving Right Now

This outfit from Anthropologie. Don’t ask me why, but I want it…for a tenth of the price, of course. 

It may have something to do with this belt. Look at the adorable flowers!

The cherry blossoms in my back yard…even though every tree in the city is giving me outrageous hay fever…achoo!!! Whew! Excuse me.

This pillow from the Liberty of London line at Target. Of course, you may have noticed I have a slight fetish obsession love for pillows. It’s kind of different, but very cute in person.

 

Pretty much every room in this cottage designed by Angela at The Painted House. Check out this post, and this, and this. You won’t be sorry.

 

These ballet flats from the Gap. I have them in bronze and they’re soooo comfy. They’re available in other colors too.

This Anna Maria Horner fabric. I MUST make something with it – perhaps this shirt I’ve been coveting that Lindsey made (Um Hi Lindsey – we met at Blissdom? You know, we chatted for like 20 seconds? Any chance you want to make that top for me?)

This self tanning lotion by Mystic Tan. I like to think it gives me a convincing, natural glow.

 

Have a great day!

Perfect for the Man Cave

Okay – don’t laugh at me. This post is a little out there, but I figured “Ah heck. Just go for it. Someone else has GOT to think this is as cool as I do.” (I say crazy words like “heck” sometimes when talking to myself…little known fact).

I have a 17 year old cousin who has his own (awesome!) band and lives for music…especially his guitar. Last time I was at my Aunt’s house she showed me the coolest thing they had found for his room – a special guitar hanger (stay with me here). My cousin refused to let me take a picture of his bedroom (…and proceed to post it on the internet…go figure), but these photos from the manufacturer’s website kind of give you an idea of what it looks like.

I know…this definitely isn’t the miracle decorating cure for everyone, BUT if you happen to have a husband or son who loves to play guitar this could be a pretty cool little gizmo for you them. It not only gets the guitar off the floor, but it kind of makes it a cool showpiece – and apparently it lets you hang the guitar in any position…even upside down (if you’re into that kind of thing).

Of course you wouldn’t want in your kitchen, but it could be really neat in a den or guy’s bedroom…ah! or a man cave! Oh!…and they also work with Guitar Hero guitars! Sorry…I’m geeking out here.

Anyhoo…just had to share. If you’re interested in buying one, they’re manufactured by a company in the U.K. but I found an online company in the U.S. called Guitars in the Village that sells them for $24.00. Not too shabby.

Have a great day!

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This post is sponsored by Quality Custom Designs.

Send them your fabric and measurements, and they’ll create gorgeous window treatments for you!

New Awesomeness at Target

Um, perhaps I should reign in the “valley girl” talk, but this girl just can’t help it. Hate me…or don’t, I’d rather you don’t :).

I was buying a few groceries at Le Target the other day, and decided to do my obligatory stroll through the home decor section (What? Is it not the unspoken bonus of grocery shopping at Target that you get to experience guilt free window shopping?).  I tried (unsuccessfully) to conceal my squeal when I saw new items…squeal!. I think I even let an audible “Ooh, that’s nice” slip out as I admiringly ran my hand over new bedding and pillows…and shower curtains. Nope, not weird at all.

Here are a few things that caught my eye:

This particular bedding collection caused me to let out a gasp and an “Oh!”. You must see it in person.

 

My good friend Thomas (O’Brien) also offers a matching shower curtain (not on the website yet). Yes, the whole ensemble might be a little too matchy matchy, but it’s worth mentioning. It is seriously gorgeous in person. Have I mentioned you must see it in person?

This bedding’s kind of lovely too…I don’t think I saw it in my store though –or if I did it apparently didn’t induce crazy googly eyed swooning.

 

And is this dinnerware not pretty? It may not be for everyone, but it definitely made me abruptly stop my cart to do a double take.

And then there’s the new line by Dwell Studio. Has anyone seen the Domino Magazine-esque Suzanni patterns around? Have you noticed how expensive they are? Well Dwell Studio brings Suzanni to you for reasonable prices (I promise I’m not being paid to gush about Target here). Check out this pillow :

And Dwell Studio’s Casablanca Bedding Collection?…drool.

I’m kind of digging this Kapali comforter too. It’s very Anthropolie-esque -  but again, it’s definitely not for everyone.

Happy shopping!

Still Looking for Gifts?

Still looking for an inexpensive and unique Christmas gift? How about a gorgeous photographic print from Tim Irving (I truly love his photography)?

 

Or do you know a new mother or have a cute little niece, nephew or grandchild? Why not supply them with something cute, useful and unique from Little Ones?

 

Tune in tomorrow for pix of my Christmas mantel…yes, I actually did one this year :).

Have a great week!