seven year itch | family room inspiration

We've been in our current home for about 7 years or so.  Much of our furniture is closer to 10 years old but sadly it is drooping and fraying and really looking more like twice it's age.
Sshhhh....don't tell my couch I said that, it has served us well and I wouldn't want to part on bad terms ;)
However there's no denying that the itch has begun to freshen everything up with a new look so I thought I'd share our inspirations with all of you!

The only hurdle is exactly which family room I will be making over ;)  For any new readers out there, we are in the process of trying to sell our home and move to a smaller home in the country.  It has been a roller coaster of an experience but it will be ending soon come hell or high water!  So the question remains, will I be remodeling our current family room or one in a new house?
Your guess is as good as mine....stay tuned!

Either way this is the color scheme I will be working from, although our wood choices will probably lean more towards darker tones.  Thanks again Pinterest!  Seriously, I don't know how I ever decorated our home before without it!?!  (You can follow me here)

image via

We actually picked out a slightly more bluish gray for the walls...Rocky Mountain Sky from Behr.  Below is an example of the look I hope to be incorporating, including pieces from some of my favorite stores....Target and IKEA....can I get an AMEN!!!

1. IKEA Hemnes Coffee Table
2. Target Slipper Chair
3. IKEA Ektorp Sofa
4.  Amazon Natural Storage Bin
5.  Amazon Metro Rug
6.  Target Ruffle Shear
7.  Amazon Barnwood Trunk
8.  Amazon Chevron Accent Pillow
9.  Amazon Silver Serving Tray


I can't wait to get started!
Do any of these pieces strike your fancy?

october's opal

The opal is said to be many things including the most powerful of healing stones, the stone of hope, the stone of great achievement and inspiration.  It is said to enhance the imagination and creativity as well.

Regardless of any deeper meaning, it's just plain beautiful if you ask me :)
Fest your eyes on these fabulous beauties from a few fellow jewelry artists.

1. pink faceted opal
2. opal filigree ring
3. opal and emerald earrings
4. opal pendant necklace
5. opal and silver ring
6. opal and gold charm bracelet
7. peruvian opal earrings

Are you a lucky October baby?

Have a lovely weekend friends!

my fall fashion favorites

I love dressing for a crisp and colorful fall, it's my favorite season!  The abundant rich hues and textures of the season are meant to be celebrated!  And it's time to break out the boots, can I get an amen?

These are some looks that are inspiring me right now.  If only one or two would magically appear in my closet :)  Which look is your fav?

a classy football party

 A classy football party?  Can there really be such a thing?

When I think of a football party I usually think of greasy (albeit delicious) food and maybe some kitschy decorations.  Don't get me wrong kitschy definitely makes for a good football party, but I'm intrigued by the idea of throwing a slightly more grown-up version.  Hubsy loves him some football and I'd love to actually be able to have friends over to watch the game now that the boys are older and don't need to nap or be in bed really early.  Hmmm...maybe once our house situation is resolved.

So...how would one pull off a classy celebration of grunting, tackling, and throwing around the ol' pig skin?
Go vintage. Yep. Definitely vintage.
Instant class and credibility I tell ya.

I'd focus on the following themes:

~ Lettering
Choose classic sports fonts (like the ones seen here) for your invitations and any signage.

~ Stripes
Think striped jerseys/socks and referee stripes.  Maybe go for a striped tablecloth or napkins.
 
~ Stitching
That unmistakable football cross stitch.  Could be incorporated into food design or used on your printed materials as well.

~ Flags/Pennants
Have fun with these and string 'em up all over.  Nothing says party like a banner or pennant bunting.

Here's some additional inspiration to get you going on a sophisticated football party of your own.

1. flag cupcake toppers
2. concession stand chalkboard menu
3. penalty flag napkin holder
4. brew listing (love the use of the football's texture for the border)
5. pennant bunting

So what do you think?  Could I pull off a classy football party?  I think yes.  And you could too :)

Happy game watching!

Go Steelers!
(sorry I have to, I could not call myself a Pittsburgher if I did not give a shout out to the "Stillers" :)

gold fever

GOLD FEVER

It seems that silver has had my heart for most of my life.

But lately there's a new kid in town...gold.  Sorry silver I didn't mean to cheat on you but surely there is room to love you both?  I'm crushing on gold's refreshing warmth right now.  Maybe because it reminds me of the sun.  Are there any other sun worshipers out there?  I don't mean tanners, I mean those that need the sun, like air, just to function.  Surely I'm not the only one?  And Gold, right now your subtle fire is warming me up and keeping me energized...bless your little heart ; )

I'm adoring these finds from fellow handmade artists on Etsy, be sure to check them out!

1. tangle earrings
2. glitter earrings
3. hammered bangles
4. infinity bracelet
5. leaf chain necklace
6. tiered necklace
7. stacked ring
8. leaf ring

And I've been wearing my own creation below like its my job :)  Love the way this one turned out!

Magnesite Teardrop and Gold Necklace

Have you been faithful to just one metal or are you poly-metal like I am becoming?

gone coastal

photo via

The call of the ocean is undeniable to pretty much everyone.  It mystifies and lures the old and young alike.  Our little family is blessed to be able to take a beach vacation almost yearly and it always makes me want to bring some of the sea back with me and incorporate it into my home.  However heavily themed rooms can be overwhelming. I've always been one to gravitate more towards subtly, so these are the points I would keep in mind when putting together a room with a hint of coastal ambiance : )

- thick natural textures like wicker, sisal, and wood
- a breezy color pallet
- weathered finishes
- just a few coastal decor touches like shells, glass, and rope

Don't forget the personal touches, fill a bowl or container of shells you found or frame a photo from the beach that you took yourself.  Nothing can take the place of personal touches that speak to you and recall those memories and emotions brought to you by the sea. 

Here's an inspiration board I came up with featuring all Pottery Barn products.  I would absolutely live at Pottery Barn if I could ; )

1. Bronze Bowl
2. Carved Wood Starfish
3. Sheer Drapes
4. Wool and Natural Jute Rug
5. Oversized Sand Dollar
6. Seagrass Chairs
7. Glass Buoys

Do you have a vacation destination that seems to linger in your thoughts long after your gone?  Have you ever incorporated your favorite locale into your home?    How did it turn out?  Tell me about it, and send me pictures if you have them.  I would love to see it!