Create your own mercury glass and how to get things for cheap!

The Nate Berkus Show is amazing! I had always heard it was a great show but was never home when it was on. Today I got to watch it and let me tell you I loved it. There were two segments I absolutely loved and thought I must share with you.

1. Creating your own mercury glass and mirrors
This how to is starring Erica from http://psimadethis.com/ (love her blog!)



I am definitely going to be trying this out soon! 

2. Ways to drastically cut your bill at the grocery store










Have fun saving money!
PS If you are reading this through a reader open it up so you can see the videos :)

   

Outdoor Furniture Means Summer Is On It's Way

West Elm just introduced their 2011 Outdoor collection. I am loving it! The photos make me want to hop on a plane and head to sunny Cali or Florida!

 Mood board created from Olioboard.com and photoshop. All photos from westelm.com

Wavy Building

Life has been very busy getting moved into the apartment/working. Once I get some things put together I will snap some photos to share. I found this interesting building built in South Korea. I am so envious of places in the world that feature great architecture!

 

Both photos from contemporist.com

 

DIY Trays

For those of you who don't know............I am moving into my apartment tomorrow! I couldn't be happier! Today was a long day filled with packing and moving (some) things in (not much). Unfortunately I know tomorrow is going to be worse. I can't wait to get settled and share with you some photos of the space. Speaking of photos...I just ordered a camera! It should be arriving between Wednesday and Monday of this week. Woohoo! Anyways, I want to share this great DIY with you from Martha Stewart.Everyone loves the look of trays, they are so versatile. Here you can see the directions to create your own tray using a cookie sheet, some fabric, spray adhesive, felt, and acrylic or glass. 

Tools and Materials

• 1 yard decorative fabric
• Aluminum rimmed baking sheet
• Spray adhesive
• Scissors
• Fabric glue
• Synthetic felt
• 1/4-inch-thick acrylic sheet cut to fit inside of tray, with corners rounded

Decorative Tray How-To
1. Cut fabric large enough to cover the front and wrap around the back of the baking tray. Cover the front of the tray with spray adhesive.

2. Place fabric on tray so pattern is aligned, leaving enough room to wrap fabric around all sides to the back. Smooth fabric onto tray, pressing out any bubbles.

3. Pull any extra material into corner and push around the edge. Turn tray over. Cover the back of the tray with spray adhesive.

4. Press the fabric over two edges of the tray first, then fold in on each remaining side, as if wrapping a gift. Trim any excess fabric with scissors. Use fabric glue to secure, if needed.

5. Cut a piece of felt to fit the back of the tray and conceal fabric edges. Smooth felt on the back the tray.

6. Place acrylic sheet in center of tray.

Resources
Baking sheets available from Bowery Kitchen. 3M Super 77 spray adhesive available from The Home Depot. Custom-designed fabric available from Spoonflower. Beacon Fabri-Tac permanent adhesive available from Amazon. Synthetic felt available from Aetna Felt. Custom-cut acrylic sheets available at local hardware and glass/framing stores.

From The Martha Stewart Show, December 2010

 

 

Watch the how to video Martha Stewart

Abstract Grey Rug

Today's Steal of a Deal is from Fred Meyers! I have looked at this rug several times and adore it! I love the abstract design, the plush feeling and the good price. Unfortunately it does not work with my color palette. Take advantage of this 5.25' x 7.5' "slapdown"  for $149.99!

Image taken by Kristen Peterson

Cococozy

 

How cute are these Cococozy designs?! I just adore them! Simple, modern and fun in beautiful colors! I just happened to pick the blue ones :)

All images from Cococozy

Photography Workshop

I have been wanting a DSLR camera for awhile now but am having a hard time spending the money. I would like to get one for $300-400. I just can't pick which one and make the leap. i have considered buying on craigslist but am leery of that too. Today as I was going through my reader I saw Jen from Made By Girl had posted her year old Canon Rebel for $300! Of course that was three days ago and it has sold :( I really have the itch to get a camera now especially since I got an awesome groupon deal today! $59 for a 4 hour photography class + 2 hour safari shoot at the zoo! I read all the FAQ's and saw some reviews and just had to do it. I knew I would need some education once I got  the camera and this was the perfect opportunity! Soon I will be shooting amazing photos for design, blogging and plain ol' life :)

 

Photo from We Heart It 

Does anyone have any suggestions on cameras to look at or places to look?

Kahneeta

This past fall my boyfriend and I went over to Kahneeta and stayed at the resort. I have always gone there for the day and basked in the sun and relaxed in the warm pool. The water comes from a natural hot spring and is cooled in the summer and 92 degrees in the fall and winter. It is just wonderful. 

 

Photo from their website.

Staying at the resort is a completely different experience. You have a very nice room, a casino, separate pool and hot tub, restaurants and such. Once we arrived to our room we immediatly went out on the balcony and saw this!

There were two beautiful wild horses grazing in the grace right by our room! I love horses and was very excited about this. I ended up telling the concierge and it turns out they feed up there all the time! After watching them for a while we went and explored and went to dinner. We came back to the room and they were still out there! Clearly I was amazed by this. Just wanted to share some beautiful scenery. If you live in Oregon or ever visit I highly recommend visiting Kahneeta!  

 

 

Sparky

 
How cute is this little fluff ball? Meet my baby girl Sparky! Her hair was extremely grown out there but we loved it because she was so soft! I love how far she has her tongue sticking out, she was running around with my families dog that she doesn't see very often and she was obviously having a blast!

 Via. 

 

I took her with me through the Dutch Bros drive through one time and they said she looked like a muppet! What do you think?

Pretty Painting

pierone.com

I loved this painting I saw at Pier One the other day! It is so warm cheerful :) Reminds me of sunny days. I love the shimmer and sheen it gives off in person and I believe the seeds were done in beads! $150 for a large piece of art is a pretty darn good deal.

PS again this is from my phone so not the best quality. I really need to invest in a nice DSLR.

Steal of a Deal

I found these great side tables for a major steal the other day. I was so close to buying them but didn't really need them (at all). There were two of them at Ross for $34.99! Can you believe that?! I highly considered them for my desperately needed night stands. But you really need storage for that! I'm sure they found their way to a happy home :)

These tables look just like the Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams Eartha Side Tables! They are made out of aged elm and super cool! Unfortunately, MGBW doesn't make them anymore but you can find them here Ruby Living.

 This is what the top looks like. Photo from Ruby Living.

West Elm Display

I always love West Elm displays and thought this one was particularly intriguing. I saw it this past fall so you won't catch it if you go into the store! Sorry for the poor picture I took it on my phone.