Attitude of Gratitude - Week 13

Are you ready for the biggest gratitude yet on Just Squeaks??  Wait for it....

I got an interior design job!

Can you believe it?  I still can't!  Someone is actually going to let me follow my passion and then pay me for it!  I've had the idea to move up and out from where I am now for awhile, but hadn't really done much about it.  I felt silly leaving where I was if it wasn't in pursuit of what I really wanted to do: interior design.  But I also thought that without previous experience and only a couple classes under my belt that was pretty much out of the question.

It just goes to show, you never know until you try!

When I came across a Design Assistant position at a well-known, well-respected company, I decided to submit my resume because they worst they could say to me was no.  Within a few hours I got a call, that weekend I interviewed, and the next day I was offered the job!

I am so incredibly excited to start working there and learning from all the amazing staff they have.  To be able to work for such a great brand and be doing what I love is beyond amazing, I can't even fully imagine it yet.  I know that this is going to be a life-changing experience, I can just feel it. 

If you've been following Just Squeaks (which you can do by subscribing on the right side of the home page) then you may have been wondering what the heck big life decision I was talking about in this post.  Well, now you know!  I wanted to wait and spread the word until after I had signed the offer letter and notified my current employer.  As insanely excited as I was when I got the offer (my cheeks hurt from smiling so much and calling everyone I knew to tell them the great news), I was also very nervous because of my lack of experience (I hate feeling unprepared) and because it is a little bit of a  big financial gamble to quit my full-time, salaried, benefitted job for a part-time position that offers neither and is further from my house.  I've always been very financially stable thanks to lots of hard work and saving the majority of my income.  I was worried that taking my dream job and continuing classes was going to send me to financial ruin.  Enter fortune cookie here:

I know it's silly.  But this was the message I needed...  I know myself.  I'm an extremely hard worker, even when it's something I hate.  So to be able to work on something I love?  There will be no bounds for me and I'm going to learn as much as I can and work my behind off to make sure my dreams aren't just dreams, but realities.  So thank you to Golden China for letting the universe contact me through your fortune cookies, and thank you to my soon-to-be employer for helping me check another item off my bucket list by hiring me and paying me to do what I would do for free!

What did you feel like when you got the job of your dreams?
Were you excited? Nervous? Both?

Comment to share your story, I would love to hear it!

If anyone knows of any opportunities of what else I can do part time that wouldn't conflict with a job like this please forward them along, as I will be looking for another way to make up for the cut in income.  Thanks, I appreciate all of you!

Lamp or Jewelry Holder? Try Both!

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This lamp really struck my fancy this week when I was patrolling my Google Reader and came across Kate's apartment design for her daughter.  The entire room is amazing - a beautiful mix of coral and navy with lots of beautiful furniture and accents.  But man oh man, this lamp!

I don't know how this double duty combo has never occurred to me before... But that's the beauty of blogs, you get inspired by other people and their ideas.  When I finally get to make my desk-vanity dreams come true, you can bet your tush a lamp like this will be present.  Front and center!  So go check out Centsational Girl and get inspired.

What accessories would you use on a double-duty desk/vanity?
What bloggers inspire you with fresh ideas?

Please comment and share!

Thursday Thoughts - Haters Gonna Hate

This is a story of a very drunk man and a young woman.  These happenings may or may not be true (they are) and are certain to provide at least a little chuckle to start your day.  So let's set the stage, shall we.

While working this past weekend I was introduced to a man who works in the architecture/design industry.  I couldn't seem to get the real details, as he could only ramble on about eggshell finish chairs.  When told I was working towards joining the interior design industry, the lecture began...


He proceeded to tell me that I could go into residential design and make pennies per project or commercial design and make decent money but be bored to tears because there was basically no creative freedom in hotel lobbies.  He then asked me to "pick my poison" and when I said that I loved all design in general, though I was thinking of focusing more so on residences he laughed in my face and told me it was inevitable I'd become destitute.  I told him that being happy was more important to me than having tons of money and I would find ways to get by (I'm already working two jobs and going to school, afterall).  Cue laughter.  I thought this was one - extremely rude, but two - pretty comical how much of a hipocritical turn this conversation was taking.
 

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 The conversation (I use this term loosely as I wasn't really allowed to speak, only to nod) continued as he rambled on about how you can only make money if you are asked to completely build a house from scratch and pick out all custom furniture, otherwise you'd be painting a wall pink.  Those are the only two options - full scale remodel or a solitary pink wall.  On and on about how in New York City you can be paid extra to ignore laws like OSHA and EPA, but in DC politics is so prevalent that all rules must be followed exactly, including union wages.  According to him, this turns a $9 million project into a $16 million project, but going to painters not designers.

His next point was that the design industry was fascinated by gay males.  Because I was not a homosexual man myself, no one would be interested in me or my ideas.  And if I were to get into home design I would have to become part of a large firm (otherwise I'd be out on the streets, remember?), which would inevitably be run by a gay man.  He also so kindly pointed out that he couldn't believe that I was able to succeed in the event industry.  He implied that it was near impossible and he thought I was lying to myself and others that this was how I made my living.

At this point I would like to remind you this is a real conversation I had with someone.  I can't make this shit up...

Finally after about 15 minutes of my life that I'll never get back, my roommate came over to save me from the constant lecturing and ridicule.  She told me later that after I left he told her she needed to "watch out for me because I wanted to do some pretty adventurous things" and I needed help.

It's so insane I can't even be mad.  I can only take away two things from this exchange:

One - Bitches be crazy.  People can't seem to grasp the concept of common courtesy and I've come to the conclusion that if my career in design never happens, there's always an opening in the world hosting etiquette classes to teach people what is and is not appropriate to say to people they've just met.  (Hint:  Insulting their career and life choices probably not the best option.)

Two - Haters gonna hate.  Coworkers, family, and random drunken strangers all seem to have their opinion on my life choices.  But I'm smart enough to realize I can't change their minds, nor do I need to.  I can guarantee that nothing these people have said to me are things I haven't already thought about on my own.  The difference is I believe in myself and if nothing else, have been smart enough to gain an array of skills that I can fall back on if I am forced to choose a different career path. 

Sometimes you just have to laugh and tell the haters to step back and watch you shine.

Have you ever had someone try to squash your dreams?

Comment below and share your story!

You're Making Me Blush!

Things have been extremely hectic lately.  I know I'm not the only one feeling overwhelmed so I'll spare you the details, but Saturday I really reached the max I could handle and I felt like I was losing my mind.  As much as I would love to, I can't seem to organize my thoughts enough to pull together a few well-written posts this week.  So rather than giving you crappy half-written posts, I will rely on the magic of imagery.

Lately I've been mesmerized by blush.  The color, that is.  Something about it just seems so regal and feminine, but not overly cheesy.  So here are a few blushing highlights from around the cloud.

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I promise tomorrow I'll be back in full force and you will get an earful for Thursday Thoughts.

Are you hopping on the Blush Wagon?
What color has you feeling good lately?

Curtain Heaven

Watch out people!  The first part of this post is about to get totally psychedelic on your behinds.  I just wanted to share real quick with you that the universe just seems to know everything.  And I mean everything.

Why do I think this?  It's quite simple actually.  First, my roommate and I have a few fortune cookies left over from a couple weeks ago when we got Chinese food.  Totally normal.  I have seen them every day since and never had the urge for one, until yesterday.  Again, totally normal.  I didn't want the cookie, I didn't even really seek out the fortune... It was like something took me over and before I knew it I had eaten a cookie and held a tiny paper fortune in my hand.  Not totally normal, but not too crazy either... except the fortune was literally exactly what I needed to hear.  I'm a logical person, and as much as I'd like to, I haven't ever been a huge believer in horoscopes or fortunes and things like that (though my sister is).  But sometimes it's just so dead obvious.  Unfortunately I can't get into the details of the fortune quite yet (next week, I promise so stay tuned!), but I have had to make a very big life decision this week which caused insane amounts of stress and several sleepless nights, but this fortune cookie just seemed to know what I needed to see. 

The second reason I believe in an omniscient universe is again, a weird coincidence.  I usually try to write my blog posts ahead of time and then have them scheduled throughout the week.  This helps me during times when I have a hectic schedule, plus I've noticed I seem to get into patterns of really good, inspired writing spells and then very sad, dry writing spells.  I've had two posts this week ready to go only to scroll through my Google Reader and see a post with the same topic or photo.  And this has actually happened a few times before.  Bizarre.  Bloggers don't share a gigantic universal office; there's no way we could have known each other was planning on covering those topics.  I reiterate, the universe knows everything!  It's like the Santa Clause for grown-ups, except it doesn't come in fancy wrapping paper and bows you can cover yourself with at the end of the day.

And now that I've sufficiently convinced you of my craziness (and given you two paragraphs of proof), we can continue on to our regularly scheduled programming... 

{full frontal in all their glory}

Look at these beauties.  They go by the name of Ninni Rund and I am smitten.  As if I didn't love Ikea enough, they had to go ahead and make these lovely curtains that I just had to have in my apartment.   They were actually one of the few things my roommate and I both agreed on which meant that they were obviously meant to be.

Nice and lengthy (98") they would fit almost any window and allow you to place the rod above the window or make a nice shimmering pool at the bottom (we did both).  Another thing I love about them is that the panels provide the perfect balance of blocking the sun's rays but still allow light into the living room.  Not to mention polka dots seem to be in their height of glory lately.  And do I even need to mention the feminine, chic goodness that is the cream mixed with shiny silver?  I didn't think so...

{back}

Do you love these curtains as much as I do?
Where have you gotten window panels that you love?

After all my rambling I bet you're wondering who else posted about curtains this week, huh?  Yesterday, Tiffany Leigh mentioned seeking out some striped curtains for her new apartment, which you can read about here.

Photo Inspiration - Blue, Green, & Happy All Over


This room immediately caught my eye when I came across it on Pinterest.  (The source was a dead end so if anyone knows please tell me and I can credit appropriately.)  I figured the best way to keep track of it would be to write a post about it, since this is a blog of what inspires me, afterall.

What I like:

• The two small tables next to each other to creating a coffee table.  This is a great idea for a small space because you can separate and place them elsewhere if you need the middle of the room to be more spacious for a party, etc.
• The unique ceiling.  I can't tell exactly what it is from this photo, but it has the look of very light, paneled wood, which I wouldn't usually go for, but in this space I think it goes very nicely, especially with the abstract shape of the room.
• The color scheme.  The mix of blues and greens is very relaxing, yet cheerful.  This room also has the perfect balance of the neutrals and both colors that makes the whole thing flow together nicely.
• The layout.  I think that whoever designed this room hit the nail on the head for the best way to utilize such a small and narrow space.  Everything is open and free, yet there are obvious zones.  I would live here any day.

What I would change:

• The rug.  It dulls out the room a little too much for me with its' faded face and outdated pattern.  I would much rather see something like this beneath my feet if this room were mine.  It would definitely add a little punch to the room and create a focal point.
  
•  The armless couch.  I actually love how it looks in this space, especially because there is such a narrow walkway at one end, but I personally could never survive with an armless couch.  Where would I sit (cause you know, that's what they're actually for...), or lean on, or whatever else I love those little buggers for?!
• The popcorn machine.  I love that there's something unique in the space, but you can have your popcorn, momma loves her ice cream!  If I can have an at-home machine it's definitely going to be an ice cream maker.  With tons of cookie dough, caramel, chocolate, and other delicious add-ins at my fingertips.  Please excuse me while I daydream about all that deliciousness...

What do you think of the room?  Comment to share what you like and what you would change. 
And if you like what you see please subscribe to Just Squeaks, I'd love to have you!

Attitude of Gratitude - Week 11

Last week was such a crazy whirlwind!  Luckily the majority of that whirlwind was positive, so let's get to some gratitude up in this hizzy...

1. Classes started back again!  I know this makes me sound like an uber nerd to be so excited about it, but I'm totally alright with that.  I'd say it just goes to show that I'm learning the right things.  I am taking drafting for the first time, which sounds really scary but also really exhilarating at the same time.  This semester is 2D and next semester will be 3D.  Both are absolutely crucial in interior design so I've always felt like these would be my most important classes.  So here's to a good year with lots of learning!  

   

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2. I mentioned last week that I crossed a few items off on my bucket list, and I guess I was having a really productive week because on Saturday I completed another item!  (It turns out putting pad to paper, or finger to key in this instance, really has helped me get motivated to make moves on completing the things that are important to me.  I absolutely recommend it to everyone!)  I went to see Dralion by Cirque du Soleil with my family in Baltimore.  The show was absolutely beautiful and so incredibly amazing!  I just wish it had been longer than 2 hours, I could have watched it all day!  Very entertaining and squeak-worthy to say the least!



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3. Last but certainly not least, I can't get over how adorable my baby neice is!  I'm not usually big on babies (cue disgusted gasp here), so those that know me are probably thinking they stumbled upon someone else's blog today, but I am gushing with auntly love.  I love all my nephews just as much, of course, but I was much younger when they were born so I don't think I could fully appreciate them as newborns.  I find it so interesting that you can love someone so much before you even really know them.  Ella and I have never spoke, I don't know her personality yet, or what her beliefs and thoughts are... but I know that she is amazing and that I will always be there for her whenever she needs anything.  I can't wait to watch this beautiful baby girl grow up every step of the way.

What are you grateful for this week?

Style Twins: Oscar de le Renta & Tobi Fairley

Remember a few weeks ago when I came across a chevron dress and duvet that were style twins?  Well, it's time for another set!  This time the similarities come from fashion designer Oscar de la Renta and interior designer Tobi Fairley.

 

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De la Renta's dress is from the Spring 2012 line and the room is Fairley's guest bedroom in her house.  The connection between the two is quite obvious - a heavily patterned look in black, yellow, and white.  The dress' yellow is slightly lime-ier than the bedroom, which has a more sunshiney hue.  Both the room and the dress are grounded in traditional design - a conservatively cut suit and historic-style furniture - but are made modern with bright punches of color.  This design technique is actually very common for Fairley, and one of my personal favorite ways to decorate.

I actually am generally a fan of the bumblebee color scheme, and have used it often myself.  I also really enjoy a good Oscar dress (Oscar at the Oscar's anyone?) and many of Tobi's designs, but unfortunately these both fall short for me.  So much pattern crammed together with such a loud color scheme makes my brain feel like mush.  But because I don't like being a total Negative Nancy, here are some looks these two have done that I think are beyond squeakalicious!

Oscar de la Renta



This one was actually found on Tobi's blog!



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Tobi Fairley



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What are your thoughts on the similar style pictures?  Are you a fan of Oscar and Tobi?
Comment and share your thoughts please!

Bucket List Check-In - 3x the Fun + 2x the Challenge

I'm happy to announce I can now mark three items off my bucket list this week!

1)   This past Monday, my friend Kelly generously invited me to a cooking class with her at Cookology in the local mall.  I had an absolute blast making three courses, all of which were amazingly easy and delicious!  We made vinaigrette from scratch, arroz con pollo, and then chocolate mousse from scratch topped with macerated berries.  My presentation skills were lacking so this photo doesn't do it justice, but I had a great time!  Not to mention we ended up with some leftovers so I had round 2 of deliciousness last night.

Take a cooking class.  CHECK!

2)   In addition to the 70+ fashion and design blogs I've subscribed to through my Google Reader, I wanted to "broaden my horizons" if you will with a few blogs on varying topics.  The goal I set out for was 5, which I've reached, though I hope to keep adding more on topics like psychology, etc.  So far the ones I follow include:

• Life After College - A coaching type blog set forth to cover topics about tons of life aspects like finance, career, goals
• From Shopping to Saving - A personal finance blog with an author who's voice I really enjoy reading
• The Daily Love - Posts about all things from motivation to love to losing weight along with daily quotes (which you know I'm a sucker for!)
• Get Rich Slowly - Tips on how to stay out of debt and build wealth (putting me closer to another bucket list item of finding out more about investments)
• Zen Habits - Articles on things such as simplicity, minimalism, and living in the moment

Find at least 5 blogs to follow that aren't style or design related. CHECK!

3)   Because I still am early on with my interior design schooling I've been sort of nervous to take the plunge and actually e-design rooms.  I'm not sure why it seems more daunting than designing one in real life since I do that all the time, but I finally decided to get over it and push myself.  So far, I've put together boards for two rooms: a nursery for my recently born niece Gabriella and a photo-inspired European dining room.

Design and post a room from scratch.  CHECK!

I also attempted to knock another one off the list, which was find good Chinese take-out in Leesburg, but so far no luck.  Sadly my Mongolian Beef was not as delicious as that of P.F. Chang's.  Maybe that's too high a standard...?

I've also added two new items to the list:

• Learning how to tie a man's tie (A skill everyone should know before becoming a wife.)
• Go ziplining (If the OC Housewives can handle it then I certainly can.)
• Participate in the 30 for 30 challenge

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What are some things you would suggest to add to my list?

What's on your bucket list?  Comment below and share!

Tuft it Out

 

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There's something about tufts that just makes any piece of furniture look divinely comfortable.   Maybe it's because tufts are usually used when there's lots of cushion or maybe my brain is just playing silly tricks on me to make me believe tuft = comfort...  Either way, I dig it and I look forward to owning a giant, ultra comfy, tufted couch one day.  Preferably in a crazy color or print.


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Nick Olsen's infamous couch screams comfort.  His DIY tufts make this blue beauty a winner!

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May I just say, this is quite possibly the coolest chair I've ever seen. The
suitcase for the traveler in me and the tufted seat for the designer in me; it's all perfection.

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Headboard (and footboard) heaven is awaiting you in this bedroom.  The minimalist
decor lets the tufts take center stage, a fully deserved spot in my opinion.

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Take about luxurious!  That jewel-toned tufted ottoman makes me want to take my
shoes on and off several times a day just for an excuse to park my rump on that baby.

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When Amy Morris used this zebra tufted R. Hughes' Porter chair she
created the ultimate dramatics.  Have you ever seen such a showstopper?

If you're as taken by tufted furniture as I am, then you should check out I <3 Tufted Furniture, which I found while writing this post.  An entire blog dedicated to this Rococo design detail, can you believe it?!  Or if you're looking to purchase, I've heard good things about Horchow, a Neiman Marcus furniture affiliate.

What's your take on tufts?  Share some of the beauties you've come across.
Got another design detail you're obssessed with?  Please comment & share!

Photo Inspiration - The Best Things in Life are Free



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This photo came to me via what I can only conclude is fate.  Of course, it didn't present itself like a little gift-wrapped package To: Katharine  From: Fate. It used Katie from Running on Happiness as the mortal transmission.  She, without a doubt, has some of the most beautiful photography I've seen from a blog, present photo included.

I could ramble on forever about how beautiful and amazing this picture is, but I'll spare you and just cover the highlights.

• A great quote (gets me every time!) that stands proud in focus.
• Rusted wrought iron goodness.
• Hello beautiful sunshine with lightly visible rays!

The print on the card immediately reminded me of Santorini - the ultimate depiction of blue and white, while the rest of the photo brings a very Italian vibe (it was taken there after all...).  This picture inspired me to create a classic, yet interesting, dining room that looks a little something like this...

1. A Currey & Company Primo Brass Chandelier is the perfect way to shed a little light in this European-inspired room.
2. These Williams-Sonoma Dinner Plates are a touch of simple elegance that can work in any dining space, but coordinate perfectly with the Santorini colors.
3. The Le Souk Stella Wrought Iron Table serves as the stage for intimate dinners and family breakfasts alike.  Tell me you don't love the shape of those legs; I know I do!
4. To bring a little cheer into the room, Valspar's Sunset Boulevard would look amazing.  I picture it popping nicely against a clean white chair-rail molding with wainscot beneath.
5. A nice medium-toned hardwood floor like the one pictured brings warmth to the space.
6. Jill Sorensen has so many great products, including this Katherine Chair, which I would love even if it didn't have such a fabulous name!  As soon as I saw it I knew it would be the perfect addition to this space.
7. Last but not least, a simple DIY from Chelsea at Two Twenty One adds a touch of fun to the table.

Have you been inspired by a gorgeous photo like this one?
What do you think of the dining room I've created?
Leave a comment to share, I'd love to hear!

Thursday Thoughts - Design Project



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" I think the biggest design project anyone can have is their own life. "

I came across this Jessi Arrington quote this week, which really made me stop and think for a minute.  Jessi is right on the money with this one.  As interior designers it is always paramount to think about how someone lives their life, as it will directly determine how their home should be set up and what it should be filled with.  What people may not realize though, is that everyone is a designer.  You are the one and only designer of your life.  People make choices and changes every day and what they're really doing is designing a life for themselves.  So here's a little Thursday Thought to get you thinking... are you designing the life you want?

Room to Grow - A Nursery for Ella



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Yesterday I announced the birth of my neice, Gabriella and even though I just saw her, I miss her already!  I figure there's no better way to welcome the most beautiful baby girl into the family than to design a room for her, so that's what today's post is all about. 



Ella's room is already a deep green, with bamboo window treatments so I wanted to add some accents of yellow and pink to make the space a little more feminine but not overly babyish.  My sister has an affinity for dark furniture, so all of the wooden pieces are an Espresso finish.  Below are a few of the things I would put in a space designed for Ella, along with descriptions.

1. Hanging Rack:  Land of Nod straight & narrow wall rack
2. Changing Table:  Badger Basket Baby Changing Table
3. Beanbag Chair:  Ahh Products Yellow Organic Bean Bag Chair
4. Window Treatments: Bamboo Roman Shade (similar)
5. Stuffed Toy:  S.S. Noah plush monkeys - Momi & Mimi 
6. Walls:  deep green (similar to Sherwin Williams Oakmoss)
7. Rug:  Koko Company Classic Indoor/Outdoor Rug in Pink
8. Artwork:  Andy Warhol Sunsets prints (example)
9. Lamp:  Pablo Tube Top Color Table Lamp in Pink
10. Bookcases: The Land of Nod flat top bookcase

All of the furniture (with the exception of the changing table of course) can be used by my sister now and by Ella as she grows older.  They didn't really use the crib with their first-born so a changing table with storage underneath is perfect for baby #2.  I started my design with the rug as a way to bring in the accent colors.  It's an indoor/outdoor rug which means it's durable against baby messes, plus it's so cheerful and pretty!  Their home is filled with similarly patterend rugs so this one would fit right in, and the bright colors brought in the color palette without screaming "nursery."  I continued the colors in the lamp and the beanbag chair, which I knew would be perfect for the space since it's organic and Larisa goes crazy over that!  Andy Warhol paintings complete the look and are another thing that would fit in both a nursery and a college dorm.  Art for life!  Add in a stuffed monkey and my neice will be sitting pretty in her new bedroom.

What do you think of these choices?  What other things would you add to the room?
Please comment and share, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Attitude of Gratitude - Week 8

I am brimming with excitement this Monday!  Last week was so great so let's jump right into my 3 things.

My sister finally popped out her baby and I now have a niece!  Gabriella Elana is the newest and tiniest addition to our family.  She was born last Monday and I had to wait all the way until Friday to meet her, but it was so nice once I finally did.  She is so precious and I can't wait to watch her grow up.  Not to mention my 6 year old nephew, Donovan, who is already a wonderfully sweet big brother.  I am especially thankful to have such cuties in my life, even though I don't get to see them as much as I'd like.

Saturday my dad proved that even when you're in your 20s your dad can still be your hero.  I'm not sure how it happened, but I've cultivated an extreme fear of snakes over the last week even though I had never seen one in real life (except for at the zoo). Then of course what would happen on Saturday when I slept at my parent's house but a very long and slithery black snake comes after me when I'm trying to get inside!  I didn't want to wake either of my parents up since it was around midnight but I couldn't get myself to move so I was literally just standing there staring when my dad somehow woke up out of his sleep and came outside to rescue me!  I don't know how he knew I needed to be rescued, but a giant thanks and love you to my pops!

Lately, I'm also really thankful to have the passion for interior design that I do.  This blog helps me keep up my interest and I really feel like it helps me learn because it drives me to look into things I may have overlooked before.  I actually made a few (but impactful) changes around the apartment this week and it gave me such an adrenaline rush!  I walk into my room and I just instantly get happier.  It's a truly amazing feeling, and the one I hope to give to others some day.

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How was your week?  What has excited you and spurred some gratitude?

Comment and share, I'd love to hear!

Chandelier, Darling

After Wednesday's canopy roundup, it got me thinking about other lofty eye-catchers so naturally I had a browse session on Pinterest.  Let me tell you, it is all abuzz over chandeliers!  This obviously produced some lovely picture inspiration so I have 11 of my favorites coming your way.  There's something for everyone in this post - traditional, modern, sputnik, bubbles, flowers, colors... You want it, you've got it, my faithful squeaksters!

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I just can't stop squeaking!  These lovely light fixtures seem to instantly glam up a space, no matter the size or style.  And with countless options, you're guaranteed to find something that fits your design style.  As much as I would love to have chandeliers all over my home, there are two main things stopping me.  One, affordability (haven't you heard, beauty comes with a price) and two, the lack of questionably the most important appliance in my home, my ceiling fan.  After doing a little hunting, I was actually happily surprised at the amount of affordable chandeliers that were available.  Don't believe me?  Check out two of many options below!



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Unfortunately for me, the second hurdle isn't so easily solved.  I'm not sure what it is, but no matter how low I put my thermostat, I still end up boiling throughout the night without my trusty ceiling fan.  Alas, my bedroom will be forever chandy-less.  But in the other rooms, it's game on!

Are you as swept away with chandeliers as the rest of the Pinterest world?
Can you brave the trade of your ceiling fan for a chandelier?  Comment & share!
Enjoy your weekend :)

Canopy of Dreams

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Growing up all little girls dream of having beautiful drapes encompassing their bed like a Disney princess.  Ok, maybe not all little girls... But definitely this one!  Can you blame me though?  Have you ever paid attention to the bedrooms of Belle, Aurora, Jasmine, and Ariel?  Wonderful canopies for everyone!


Even though this type of drapery started out as an additional layer for privacy and warmth, it quickly developed into a new form of decoration, which is how we know it today.  So while this style can certainly be fit for little princesses all over, canopies can be done tastefully so that any adult could be proud to sport one.  See for yourself!





  

                         Phoebe Howard creates a clean yet warm bedroom that is dainty without being overly frilly.  And talk
                         about a royal feel... look at that intricate canopy top!  I could certainly lay in bed just staring at the
                         ceiling for hours.

via Atlanta Homes



This daybed from the Italian furniture artisan, Giusti Portos, provides the relaxed feel of a hammock while bringing a touch of luxury.  Top of the squeak list!

via DigsDigs

 As if I didn't love Jonathan Adler enough already, coming across this Parker Palm Springs room certainly did the trick.  Why stop at a bed when you can canopy an entire room?  It really completes the vibe of the space and the fabric choice is perfectly dreamy.

via So Haute Style

   This grand canopy takes center stage above the bed while working in the colors of the room.  With such an open room having the drapery knotted is a perfect way to avoid making the space feel smaller.

via Pinterest

I cannot get over this one!  The lightweight drapery mixed with the large, ornate frame on the ceiling is the perfect combination for an overall glamourous space. 


via Peace, Love, & Cowboys

 
This French room is gorgeous on it's own, but I especially like how the drapery is pulled out to make the bed an even bigger focal point.  Can you believe there's an entire blog dedicated to canopy beds? 

via Canopy Bed

  The rooms at Villa Walmi in Bali show that canopies don't have to be limited to a traditional or ethnic style room.  Their luxurious modern spaces are the perfect platform for the romantic drapery.  Let's go to Bali and check them out first hand!

via Villa Walmi



If you're looking to create canopy in your own home, check out these photos below for some inspiration.



via Design Sponge, The Colors of My Mind, & Better Homes and Gardens



How do you feel about canopies?  Comment and share!