Subject: Ikea Shopping List

Melissa -

I'm not sure if you know, but Thanksgiving is next week. Seriously, what has happened to November? We are going to see my parents on the east end of I-10 and I am kind of excited because in the works is a solo trip for me down to Ikea...err, Orlando. I have been in desperate need of going, but the closest two to where I live are both 4-5 hours away. Being in Jacksonville will put me halfway there, so I will just go the rest of the way for a day trip on Friday. (So annoying that to the rest of the world it's Black Friday but to me I just need to grab a few things from Ikea...although I don't think they draw a huge Black Friday crowd, right?!)

I was kind of nervous about going by myself because the two other times I have been there I got a stomachache both times because I was completely overwhelmed and could not think straight. A friend of mine whose family is down in Orlando will be there for Thanksgiving, so we are going to mee at Ikea and offer one another moral support. I'm actually super-stoked for this trip (even the four hours in the car by myself seem nice) and have been making a shopping list to avoid any anxiety-induced stomach pains.

I wanted to run a few things by you...

First, do you remember approximately 10.5 decades ago when I told you I had found my dream bathroom mirror? Well, I finally got around to painting it and hanging it up. And I love, love it:

What I don't love? The bird print. With the darker paint color, it just does not look good anymore. And I'm kind of liking the idea of clearing the counter off - right now there are two containers holding cotton balls and Q-tips, as well as the hand towel. If I could get everything (except the soap pump that we both adore) off the counter, I think it would look cool to have a plant or something in that corner, just to bring in some color. So I am considering these from Ikea:



They hang on hooks from a bar that can be expanded to the length you need. I could hang the bar above the outlet and then hang two containers to hold the cotton balls/Q-tips on the end closest to the wall and then hang the hand towel on the other end. Thoughts? Will it be too modern looking? I will need to check to make sure they are bright white like the mirror and the rest of the trim. Sarah Richardson used them once and I kind of liked the end result.

Another item on my list are some of these spice racks, which I will then turn into some clever book storage, a la Domestic Simplicity:



So adorable, right? These will be perfect for Suz's "big girl" room. I am going to turn the space where her changing table is into a little reading nook - it's already a little alcove that's too small for any furniture. I'm going to put a few floor pillows and then these spice racks on one wall and a chalkboard on the other. I think it will be really cute. We'll still keep her little bookcase in there too because I'm a little obsessed with children's books so our collection is growing rapidly, but maybe I'll rotate some through the racks to keep things interesting.

What else am I going to get? Uh...my mind is going blank. I really need to write these things down...now!

Looking forward to your feedback!
Kara

Subject: Found It!

Melissa! So do you remember back when I told you had decided on the type of mirror I wanted for my master bathroom? But it was kind of a vintage shape, so I had no idea where I was going to find it. Remember? Remember??? Well, I found it! And seriously I am so, so excited. I get such a feeling of satisfaction when I find something that I have really been wanting (and sometimes I don't know I want it until I see it) that I don't find in a conventional store, when it is authentically aged and not mass-produced. Of course, I am not entirely opposed to mass-produced sometimes too, but I love taking something that is sort of "blah" and making it my own, which I am less likely to do with a piece I buy from Target or Pottery Barn or anywhere in between. So, without further ado: I know, not much to look at. (Excuse the view of the back of my couch!) I need to paint it, of course, but it has the same lines as the original mirror I showed you:

I was looking on Craigslist on Saturday night and found it. And what's more: the girl had two she was selling. So I bought them both! My mother-in-law has been looking for a mirror to hang above her dresser (yes, this one - the one I have yet to show you the 'after' for), so I gave her the one that was a little bit smaller.

It has really come in handy keeping the dimensions for the current mirror in my cell phone, because I never don't have my phone. The dimensions of the new mirror are very close to the new mirror. It's almost the same width, but the new one isn't as tall, which I think will be okay because I'll just center the mirror between the sink and light fixture, whereas the current, stock mirror touches the backsplash on the sink and almost touches the bottom of the light fixture.

So now i just need to paint it - probably a glossy white - and then get the wall it's going to hang on ready. Like, I'll need to patch the holes that were used to hold the brackets for the existing mirror in case. I'm hoping I won't have to paint that wall...again.

I'll keep you posted.

Cheers! Kara

Subject: Antiquing Part 4

So today is the last day of the antique showcase...promise! And today it's more furniture. Trust me, I've saved the best for last. To start things off, I kind of fell in love with this chair: I kind of even like the fabric, in the right room. It had a faded quality to it that made the orange and turquoise and red seem less loud and overwhelming. Plus I think it's an interesting choice to have the chair, ottoman and throw pillow all the same color. This would be a great corner chair in a bedroom, where the walls and bedding are all neutral, and this piece is the "wow" factor. Otherwise it might seem too busy. The chair and ottoman are obviously two separate pieces, but look how the ottoman is slanted just-so so you could treat the two pieces as one big lounge chair. A cream crocheted blanket thrown over one arm would soften the busy pattern some too. Here is another ottoman, this time with a couch:

These are both new pieces - not antiques. This shop just started carrying new furniture with fabrics you can customize. I didn't look at it much, but the samples they had seemed nice and well-made. Even though both these pieces were new, they still had some great details on them that I really loved. First, the casters on the couch:

The proportion between the leg and the caster seems a little off, but at the same time really works too. And I really enjoyed the legs on the ottoman: The actual detail seems modern, but having the detail at all makes the piece feel older and more approachable. To me, modern pieces are intimidating, but I could see something like this in my house. I guess it would depend on the fabric you chose too. Moving on... This couch is obviously not new. I really liked the lines of it and it was really long, which is kind of nice: I kind of liked the green velvet with the dark would, but I'm sure painting the wood would also look really crisp with a great damask. I am a sucker for damask! And I meant to show you this a few days ago, but I love these bell jars:

I'm not sure what I would display under the ones in my house, but I love them. I especially love it when they're different heights.

Phew. I feel like I've just been shopping, showing you all these pictures!

Hope you enjoyed.

Kara

Subject: Antiquing Part 3

Okay, so now on to Day 3 of photos from my antique excursion last week (you can see my previous two entries from this series here and here). I know last time I showed you some home accessories, but today I'm going to show you some great pieces of furniture I saw. First up, I loved this little desk. The color is perfect and the distressing just right. I love the stain on the wooden top and all the little cubby holes as well.

This dresser would be amazing in a girl's room:

I am a sucker for white furniture and I love the vintage-looking pulls. It just looks so crisp and timeless at the same time. I'm kind of obsessed. Here is another dresser that I lo-o-o-ved:

It would obviously be great to paint, but I kind of love the gray-ish color of it too. You seriously cannot buy anything like this new today, with so many great details. I mean, first you have two mirrors on it. And then do you see that wide drawer at the very bottom? And the tiny drawers underneath the smaller mirror? What do you think the original owner used those little drawers for? Maybe her monogrammed vintage handkerchiefs? For a more modern use, it would be great for craft storage. The wide bottom drawer would be perfect for rolls of wrapping paper and the smaller drawers I just mentioned could hold luggage tags and labels. You could store fabric scraps in the little cabinet behind the small mirror and lots of ribbon and paper in all the other drawers. I love the idea of this piece on a really big staircase landing or in a wide hallway. So this is a little kitsch-y, but seeing this got the wheels in my brain turning:

If I were ever to have a mountain house one day, wouldn't this be so cool in the family room? I mean, I can't see myself putting this in my house now, but if I had a mountain house I would probably be renting it out, so I think something sort of rustic would be perfect. (I'm talking about the canoe bookshelf thing, by the way.) So, I'm not sure of the probability of actually having a mountain house one day, but thinking about the prospect is fun and it doesn't hurt anything to plan ahead, right?

Okay, the photo tour continues tomorrow!

Kara

Subject: Antiquing Part 2

Hiiii-eeee! So I'm back with more pictures from my latest trip to my favorite antique shop in Thomasville, Georgia. This place had some really interesting light fixtures. Really, too many to take pictures of (I didn't want to be completely obnoxious with the picture taking since half our group was under the age of 2 and not all that patient!). Here is one I wanted to share:

At first I didn't really understand, but then I read the tag and it said, "Whisk Light Fixture." Aha! So it's supposed to look like a whisk. Kind of weird, but at the same time kind of cool too. They could be really cute if you put them in the right place. It might be cool to have three of them hanging in a corner at different heights over a round table where kids color or do their homework. Or even a series of three of them along a wall over a stretch of countertop. Or what about a hanging light in a pantry? I think it's kind of cheek-y and fun, but you'd have to be careful so as it doesn't look cheese-y! I think there is an industrial element to them, which isn't necessarily my style, but the fact that they are baking-related makes me warm up to them some. Then something about these was really appealing:

Basically it looks like they took some old bright brass chandeliers and painted them apple green (have we talked about how easy and cheap it is to paint those things???). I never would have thought of it, but putting the three of them together in the right place is a really interesting idea. It reminded me of this picture I saved from an issue of Better Homes & Gardens:

As you can see from my sticky note, I liked the chandeliers over the island. I think it looks really classy and is a unique alternative to the standard pendant lights you see everywhere. These letters were all over the store, spelling out various words:

I really like the texture of them and the font they're in. I was partial to these since I have the same word spelled out in the eating section of my kitchen. I saw two similar versions of this mirror:

It looks like it was made using a head- or footboard from a brass bed. Such a creative idea!

Something about this turquoise screen door frame was really nice to me:

I like it layered with all the other things around it, but I wonder how functional it would be? It seems like it would just be one more thing to dust if it didn't have some kind of purpose. But maybe you could put some metal behind it and it could serve as a message center with some cool magnets. Or it could even work as a full-length mirror. I especially loved the trim details in the top corners.

This reminded me of an old clock:

Seeing this reminded me of this picture I saw ages ago. What a creative way to re-create a story for your children and to use such a beautiful, old piece! I love these vintage-looking food containers:

Something about this seems European...not sure why.

Okay, more to come tomorrow!

Xoxo,

Kara

Subject: Antiquing Part 1

Melissa - So, we were both a little busy last week, which explains our absence. Of course, you have a busy week ahead of you with a visit down to my neck of the woods (can't wait to be re-united over a lovely dinner), so I thought I would use this week to give you some time off and show you a few pictures. Last week I went up to Thomasville, Georgia, for the morning with my friend Holly and our daughters. It was a perfect cool, sunshine-y morning to walk around. We had chicken salad sandwiches for lunch at one of my favorite cafes and then headed back to Tallahassee in time for afternoon naps. Anyway, we went to my favorite antique shop (turns out it was Holly's fav too) and I took a TON of pictures. Instead of sharing them in one long post, I thought I would stretch out my finds over the next few days. The shop is called Relics, which I think is the perfect name for an antique store, and really what makes the shop so great is the way the owners style everything. It is like an authentic, real-life version of Anthropologie. They have lots of interesting pieces, but then they also put them together in a really great way too that is super-appealing and inspiring. I think some antique shops just look cluttered and I can't wait to get out of there, but this one is organized really well and instead of displays looking cluttered and overwhelming, they look styled and, even if there is a ton of stuff in a particular vignette, it still works really well. So, I can't wait to share! First, here is a little section that I just loved: I love the big red mirror in the background. I don't know if you can tell, but it goes all the way to the floor. The frame resembled a fireplace mantle, but it was HUGE. It was the perfect backdrop to the wooden table and the lamps, plus the chandelier too. Here is a close-up of one of the lamps:

It was wrought iron and super heavy and substantial-looking. Maybe it was made from an old gate or something. Who knows but it was really old with this great, authentic patina on it. The shade obviously isn't an antique (I think the plastic wrapping gives it away), but I think the shape of it works really well with this base. You don't want anything that will detract from the lamp, but you still want something with interest. Here is a close-up of the chandelier:

This isn't the greatest picture, but it was a nice combination of sparkle and hardware. Then this was in front of the mirror/table:

It looks like a piece of old farm equipment, but with a piece of glass on top it works as a coffee table. See what I mean? If that was just leaning against a wall, I wouldn't give it a second glance, but I think as a coffee table it's pure genius. It would be so perfect in an old farmhouse. Of course, it's probably not all that kid-friendly, but maybe our farmhouse owners are grandparents with older grandkids? Just an idea. I like how it's quirky and different, but not so far out there that it's obnoxious, if that makes sense? Here is another set of lamps that I thought was really nice:

Maybe having both would be a little much, but I liked the glossy base and the lines and proportions of the base with the shade. I also loved the big brass mirror in the background. And here is a close-up of the table under one of the lamps:

I am a sucker for side tables...if I had a bigger house I would have waaay more! I like how this one has a drawer and a little display shelf (kind of like your night stands!) and then the little casters are just perfect.

Nothing like seeing these images to make you want to move and base your entire decorating scheme on these pieces!

I've only just begun and have a ton of pictures left to show you...get excited!

Until tomorrow,

Kara

Subject: Spring is in the Aisle!

Hi friend!

So, I was alone in Michael's the other day exchanging a picture frame and since there was no baby to distract me, I really took my time and looked at everything in the store. It was so relaxing and all their new inventory got me excited about spring. I think we all knew birds were big, but apparently they are here to stay...and stay and stay. There was a lot of bird-related things. Anyway, to start things off:

I really love the idea of a pair of topiaries in the window above my kitchen sink. Of course, I could do without the huge bow and fake bird glued to the branches, so I'll keep looking. (The bow could easily be removed, I think, but the bird was attached pretty strongly - believe me, I pulled on it!)

Incidentally, Down East Basics - one of my favorite clothing sites - now has home accessories! They have two types of topiaries, I think I like the double one on the right:

So, I'll keep that source in my back pocket. I was hoping I would find some really cheap when I went to the big neighborhood-wide garage sale a few weekends ago, but no. I scored some awesome 12-month clothes for Suz and a few books for her...but the light fixtures and mirrors I was imagining where not there. Boo!

And now for Michael's Bird Parade:

The cage thing would be cute on a bookshelf or stacked on some books on a table in an entryway. I like the little white bird, but I don't really understand why they have those crazy crowns? Literally, the tag said "bird with crown." What??? The bird bath is cute too. I think little tchotchkes like those are what gives a house some depth, so I am always on the lookout for cute little things like that.

Down East Basics is also bird-crazy:

 

Cream Ceramic Bird

White Bird Cages

Ceramic Blackbird

I also think these Boxwood Balls are cute:

Michael's also had this print I wanted to share, even though it's not necessarily spring-ish:

They also had a spoon version, which would be cute to have the two in a kitchen. Maybe in my kitchen??? We'll see.

Then this box was interesting to me:

I don't know if this picture does it justice, but basically it's a faux crocodile leather miniature suitcase. It would be great on a bookshelf to hide whatever you don't want to be seen - computer cords, family photos. I'm always looking for clever storage solutions so I don't feel so bad about keeping some of the crap I insist on keeping!

I kind of enjoyed taking pictures of things to show you in a store. I will have to do it again soon!

Talk to you soon -
Kara

Re: Talbots

Oh my gosh! It's so funny to me that you mentioned Talbots...we are seriously on the same brain wave. A few weeks ago I was leaving the mall and passed Talbots on my way out and saw display photos in the windows and wanted to go in and have a peek. It was like Betty Draper but with a modern twist: polished and elegant, but still youthful and...edgy? Maybe not edgy, but definitely not what I associated with Talbots before: stuffy, boxy, boring. I went in there once when I was looking for something to wear to some event - maybe a wedding? - and left the store running. The stuff wasn't terrible, but it wasn't youthful and it wasn't me. So are we totally dating ourselves with liking Talbots? Have they changed or have we? I like to think they have changed!

So then, fast forward to last week when I was reading Jordan Ferney's blog and she mentioned Talbots too. And now you bring it up. So apparently lots of people are noticing the new direction they're going in. I looked around their website some after Jordan talked about it and could not believe how stunning Julianne Moore looked. She is gorgeous! This picture, though, caused me to do a double-take:

Um, is that Julianne Moore...or Lindsay Lohan??? And I don't know who this is better for: Julianne, because she looks so young, or Lindsay because she will look like Julianne one day (which, actually, is kind of an improvement). I think Lindsay is the real winner here.

So anyway, thanks for reminding me about this place! Speaking of fashion and clothes, we are going to my sister-in-law's 30th birthday party on Friday night and we're supposed to dress in black and white. Ahh! I can't decide if I love or hate the limitations. It's kind of nice because it really narrows down my wardrobe, but then the rebel in me wants to do a splash of pink somewhere. I haven't decided what to wear yet, but I just got these shoes in black:

From where? Um, Payless. Yes, I know. Crazy. So now I'm loving the idea of wearing them with some cropped white jeans and my black swing jacket and maybe even a black-and-white striped top. I actually only own the jacket, but I'm sure I can find what I'm looking for somewhere. Plus, it just seems like a great summer ensemble. Of course JCrew has the jeans and the top:

With a pair of chandelier earrings and maybe a chunky silver bracelet. Yum. So, we'll see what I actually end up wearing, but who isn't ready for spring???

Happy shopping,

Kara

Subject: Happy Birthday to YOU & Cake Prints

Melissa! My long list friend. Oh-ma-gosh...I am so sorry I have been MIA this week. No, Suz is not taking up ALL my time (although a great deal of it - who knew babies were so needy?!). However, I did spend some time this morning whipping up some homemade baby food (sweet potatoes). Can I just say: there is nothing quite like the feeling of satisfaction I get when I open up my freezer to a half-dozen bags brightly-colored, ice cube-shaped fruits and vegetables for my little girl. And the number is growing as she gets older and tries new food. (Variety is the spice of life, after all, even if you are only 8.5 months old!) And it's cheap! I bought four sweet potatoes at $.15 a pound (a POUND) and just filled up two ice cube trays, which is the equivalent of 32 meals. That is nuts!

Anyway...I just felt very accomplished and had to share. Moving on...

So, I LOVE those cake prints too! Wouldn't that be such a great birthday gift for someone to enjoy year round? Something about the sweetness (no pun intended, seriously) reminds me of the Etsy artist Janet Hill, who I am obsessed with and would one day like to own at least a print, if not an actual original. Aren't these fabulous???

The colors are amazing and would look great in my bedroom, although my uber-masculine husband may object to paintings of dresses hanging in his eyeline so it's the first thing he sees in the morning. But a girl can dream! Don't you just want to BE in these paintings? Love.

Also, I love your wish list for your birthday. I am very much intrigued with your at-home wardrobe. I am in desperate need of an alternative to pajama pants (it's bad for morale) that aren't actually jeans. Plus it's COLD here, but winter clothes always look so bulky that I feel like a big marshmallow if I layer on too much. Your JCrew sweats (I use that term losely) are the perfect choice, though. I also love the idea of something like these from the Gap:

They would be great as house shoes but also super warm to run out to the mailbox in too. I don't think I would wear them to the grocery store, but I'm not making any promises! I've realized that Stacey&Clinton (they're like one person) have no idea about staying home and the wardrobe necessities therein. I don't want or need to get dressed to the nines everyday, but I do need something that isn't pajamas. I think I could take some cues from Gwyneth's "uniform" on GOOP too.

And I love the plates from Anthro! Something about the inky blue of the octopus is really nice to me and the Ladies-in-Waiting would be adorable in your Ruffle Bathroom!

I have missed you! It's so good to finally catch up!

Kisses,
Kara

P.S. In the time that I have been writing this, Ina the Cat has climbed onto my lap and fallen asleep...and I'm on a laptop! I forget how snuggly she is in the winter!

Subject: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

So, my birthday is less than one month away.  Lately, I haven't really wanted for much, but after Hubby and I ran to the mall this weekend, I spied a few things that top my list of "I'd love to have this."

While some may say these are so early 2000, I live in my brown uggs.  When it's cold outside nothing keeps your feet warmer.  Plus they are great in the snow!  A pair in black surely makes the list.

Classic Short Ugg Boots - $140

From one JCrew lover to another, here's what I spied when returning multiple pairs of sweatpants that I purchased and did not need.

JCrew Marled Knit Snood in Ivory and Black - $49.50

JCrew Button Flap Mittens in Poppy - $25

JCrew Vintage Pajama Set in Navy - $69.50

Here's a bag that I've been eyeing for about a year now.  It also comes in gold, so the toss up is which color to choose.  I think the silver would surely make sweatpant outfit days a little more fun!  Oh, and for those interested, it's on sale at Bloomies!

Foley + Corinna Wrapped Chain Leather and Mesh Crossbody Bag - Originally $325 Now $227.50

And to round out the list, some plates I've been swooning over to hang on my dining room wall.  Here are my favorite Anthropologie picks.

Petite Fille Plate - $24.00

From the Deep Salad Plate, Octopus - $18.00

Ladies-In-Waiting Dinner Plate - $24.00

Hope you had a great weekend!  

Mel

PS - Love Gwyneth, Love GOOP, Love Apple, Moses and Chris, too.  Oh, and her mother is just so beautiful and talented as well!