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?

Bucket List Check-In + 5 Hair Care Tips

Remember that Bucket List I started last month?  So far I've only checked off one thing - finding the perfect fitting bra thanks to our trusty gal Victoria (word around town is she has a Secret...).  Well, after this week we can check another item off the list! 

During my recent visit home I went to my salon and dyed my hair!  I've had pretty much the same hair color and style my entire life.  With super thin and curly hair, it's hard to find styles that work for me that don't take a long time.  My usual pattern is to grow it super long, cut to my shoulders and donate, then repeat the process. Over. And over. And over... I have never dyed my hair (although I have tried an at-home highlight before wayyyy back when) so I would definitely say this qualifies as "something interesting."  I wanted a big change but nothing too high maintenance or damaging so auburn was the perfect color choice for me.

Below is a picture of me two days before the salon with my natural, dark brown hair (and another cameo by the cutest little baby, Ella!).  I don't have any pictures of myself with the new 'do yet, but the celebrity photos underneath are a good compilation of about where my hair color is now.  Drastic change!  I'm still experiencing that weird feeling where you walk past a mirror and don't recognize yourself, but I'm starting to get used to it and I love it!



BEFORE

 

AFTER  (via, via, via)



I try to take pretty good care of my hair, especially since it is so thin, which is why I have avoided dying it for so long.  But even with a little color boost, you can still keep your tresses in top condition.

1.  Natural - Just because your hair color isn't natural, doesn't mean it shouldn't look like it is!  Let me pause and say that I wish I could get a pink or purple streak, but since the professional world sees that as a no-no, I've got to stick to normal hair colors, at least for now.  But what I really mean when I suggest going for natural, is go for something that looks like you could have been born with it.  I know I would never look good blonde because it's too far off my natural color, plus that would be a dual-process (bleach then dye) which is more harsh chemicals, so I went for auburn.  The red still makes it a big change but the brown undertone keeps it looking natural with my skin tone and the rest of my body hair so I didn't have to do a full-body dye!  (Full disclosure: I'm also secretly hoping it means I won't have to do as many root-touchups and save that extra $.)

2.  Pictures - If you're getting your hair done, bring in pictures of exactly how you want your hair to look - cut, color, anything.  There are countless shades of colors out there so you should really provide a visual of the look you're going for so your stylist can fully understand what it is you want, and then she can deliver.  Then you can discuss before the cuts start happening whether your hair type is actually correctly suited for the style you want.

3.  Stylist - Speaking of your stylist, if you're paying the extra money to have someone else treat your hair, put that money to good use!  Make sure you really trust them, then ask as many questions as you can.  Style tricks, brand suggestions, color advice.  This is what they do for a living, after all, so look to them for guidance on how to best treat your unique hair. 

4.  Sulfate free -  When I was talking to my stylist to figure out the best way to keep my color she said the biggest rule is to avoid sulfates.  These aren't great for you anyway so even if you don't color treat your hair I'd say go for it.  But when I went to the store to get some new shampoo you'd be amazed at how many have sulfates in them, including the salon brands.  Pretty much every single one!!!  In all of Target I found only two sulfate-free conditioners -  L' Oreal EverPure and Alba Hawaiian.  The L' Oreal was out of stock (go figure) and I didn't really enjoy the mango smell of the Alba version,  so I decided to use this opportunity as an excuse to buy some Living Proof products I've had my eye on recently. Once I get it and try it out I'll give a review of it here for all you other curly thin girls out there (pretty please tell me I'm not alone with this hair woe).

5.  TLC - I know it seems impossible, but avoid heat styling as much as possible.  I try to wear my hair in its' naturally curly state as much as possible, which of course has the added bonus of only taking about 1 minute to style.  If you have to use a blow dryer or flat iron, use a heat protectant before to safeguard your locks.  I know for me and my very fine hair it's not really an option, but if you can avoid washing everyday that can also boosts your hair health.  You want to keep as much of your natural oil as possible since your body makes it for a reason!  Cleaning, moisturizing, and safe styling will keep your hair healthier and looking beautiful longer.

In conclusion, woohoo for checking an item off my bucket list!  I also have a couple other items on my List I'll be crossing off in the next week or so, so stay tuned for another Bucket List Check-In!

Have you ever done anything crazy to your hair?

What are your secret hair care tipcs and tricks?

Comment and share!

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!



$304 via, $197 via


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 :)

Thursday Thoughts - Plans

via Pinterest

Plans are a funny thing.  Everyone is always promoting the importance of planning, and failing to do so is planning to fail.... You know, all those motivational clichés.  But no matter how much you plan, life or fate or whatever it is you believe in gets in the way.

I'm a planner through and through.  I've never been a "let the chips fall where they may" kinda gal; it just didn't suit me and my worrywart personality.  As a close friend pointed out, I know what I want, which at my age is somewhat rare.  To know what you want out of life and your relationships is certainly not a bad thing and should never be apologized for.  Sure, my ideas and paths will change over time; that's inevitable.  But I will continue to plan, even if it means I have to lap the alphabet a few times!

What plans have you made lately?  Did they force you to make your
way through a few letters?  Comment and share, I'd love to know!

Canopy of Dreams

via Fanpop

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!