Attitude of Gratitude - Week 10

We've made it to the double digits Squeaksters!  Week 10 is looking good, and here's why:

Oh Mucinex DM, how I love thee, let me count the ways. coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose...  You take care of it all!  Let me preface this gratitude bullet by saying that I am not a medicine person.  I will go days with a horrible cold and migraine before doing anything about it.  No I'm not a glutton for punishment, I just try to shy away from unnatural medicine as much as possible.  But sometimes you've gotta do what you gotta do, and working 10+ hour days when you can't breathe and feel like you've been run over with a bus just doesn't really work for me.  Last week I was hit with an awful bug and try as I did to avoid it, I had to take something.  After having this in my system for jsut a day I felt soooo much better and I kicked myself for not taking it sooner (which I do everytime).  So here is my official appreciation for modern medicine, even though we have a love-hate relationship, right now I am certainly more on the love side.



via

My sick week was brightened by this emerald beauty.  A few months ago while suit shopping I found it and have been dreaming about it ever since.  Even though I loved it, I just couldn't stomach the $80 price tag despite its' good quality.  But my level-headedness paid off because when I went to the mall for the cooking class with Kelly last week I scored this little baby for half off!  Naturally I wound up taking two home so I still spent the $80, but I now got two tops for the price of one so I don't feel guilty at all.  Woohoo, shopping success!


I was also reminded how much I love weddings this past Saturday.  I work for a wedding planner part time and this past weekend I helped out at a wedding that was so different than others I've done before.  It was actually my first church ceremony (it seems to be a lot more rare these days) and the reception was one of the most beautiful I've ever seen.  It had a very rustic yet elegant vibe that was so amazing I can barely do it justice with words.  Unfortunately we haven't gotten the pictures yet but I'm hoping to see them once the photographer shares them and once I get my hands on them I will definitely be doing a wedding feature on it because it was squeaklicious!

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What are you thankful for this week?  Share in the comment section!

So Much to Smile About

What a fitting title!  Liz of So Much to Smile About had a fabulous giveaway this week for a $50 gift card to The Limited, and as luck would have it, the winner is yours truly!  I am beyond thankful for this gift card, which honestly couldn't come at a better time.  I am in desperate need of a new suit but lacking in the cash department due to some brand new brakes needed for my car.  I figured staying alive was at least slightly  important...  But thanks to Liz I can do both and will now be checking out The Limited asap.


via So Much to Smile About

If you like to smile, which I know you do, be sure to check out Liz's blog!  A few of my favorite posts are:

 Makeup Brush 101 - For those of us who weren't quite sure of proper brush etiquette.

The White Blazer - Cute & affordable, this girl's style is impeccable. 

October Style Essentials - I loved all her picks for my birthday month.

Style Crush: Rachel Bilson - Totally have a girl crush on her too.

Golden Globe Favorites - Love checking out Hollywood favorites.

I will admit, after Wednesday's post I do feel a little guilty.  But I am taking this as the universe's way of paying me back for working every day this week, even on the holiday.  And who am I to spit in the universe's face?  With that being said, I have decided not to enter anymore blog giveaways for the foreseeable future.  I want everyone else out there to have a better chance of the happy surprises from the blogosphere.  Everyone deserves a good squeak!

Have you ever had an undeniable streak of luck?  Comment and tell me about it!
Have a good weekend!

Monogram Motif

 I uncovered a nifty little J. Crew secret to start your weekend off right!

As I was surfing Nicole Williams' website last week, I discovered when you purchase a tailored shirt, you can get your monogram sewed into the cuff for only $10.  As if J. Crew wasn't already awesome enough... what a steal!  Monogrammed cuffs instantly make you look more put together and refined.  It shows you pay attention to the little things.


via All Things Pink & Girly

  


 

 

via Shop Dabo

But the fun doesn't stop there!  There is a whole Monogram Shop where you can have your initials embroidered into cardigans, shirts, even PJs!  So the next time you go shopping, I say treat yourself.  I know I will!

   

What do you think about monograms?  Do they make you squeak with excitement?
I'd love to know your thoughts!

Nifty Neutrals

By definition, netural means lacking characteristic, but when it comes to interiors and style that is far from the case!  The list of neutrals has been growing, with people beginning to consider deep greens and even animal print as a neutral.  For design purposes, neutrals are the classic, timeless hues that can go with anybody's style, both in clothes and homes.  They set the background to let other elements shine without overpowering.  But what about pairing neutrals with themselves?  Here are a few amazing pairings that certainly don't lack characteristic.

Navy & Gray  These cool tones are such a classic combination.  They remind me of a calm ocean at night, or a cold winter's day (but in a good way!).  It risks becoming a little drab and even depressing so it's best when the colors are really saturated and bright pops of color are brought in, but as a neutral pairing the two really work great together.

EJ Interiors via DecorPad

The pale gray walls and deep blue headboard keep this space looking clean and calming.

via Christina G Photography

Gray suits and navy vests give the groomsmen a classic look with a relaxed twist. This would be perfect for a winter wedding, don't you think?

via Classic Interior Design

These cool watery tones keep this den looking luxurious and inviting. Not to mention, that wallpaper is truly amazing! 




Camel & Black  This is my favorite neutral combo of all.  I get excited just thinking about it!  Cheetah print, Burberry pattern, there's so much wonderful Camack all around!  (tTally made my own word there, just roll with it...)



Stella McCartney via Penny Loves Charlie

  
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via Style Theories

   




White & Cream  I have to admit I used to be completely annoyed by this combination.  (Insert shamed face here...)  I saw it as trying to match something but falling just shy and landing with a weird jumble of color (or in this case, lack of color).  But in the past year or so I have actually started to totally love these two together.  When done right, the creams make a space look luxurious while keeping the clean freshness gained when using white.



via Javabali

That houndstooth couch, seriously?  Can you say SQUEAK?

via Etsy

This baby girl headband is adorable as can be!

via House to Home

Open layout, natural light, and Victorian furniture make this space breathtaking.



Tell me what you think!  Do these pairings make you squeak or snooze?
How do you use neutrals in your style?



Good Morning Sunshine!

Thank you so much for stopping by Just Squeaks!

My name is Katharine and I hope to use this blog as a place to store my ideas, inspiration, and express my many quirks (trust me, there are many).  That being said, most of my posts will center around interior design with some fashion, traveling, music, quotes, and anything else random I find intriguing thrown in.  I've had a passion for interior design for as long as I can remember... always moving around furniture and pretty much living in Ikea, as I was lucky enough to have one just 10 minutes away. I studied Business Management in college (much to my parents' happiness) and immediately after started taking courses in Design at the local community college (much to my happiness).  I am on my slow and steady journey of making my career change from management to interiors so I hope you will join me on the ride!

For a little more about me and the creation of Just Squeaks check out: http://justsqueaks.blogspot.com/p/behind-scenes.html