The Towering Tote

I have been eying this tote bag at paper source for a while now! Although I wish I could be that girl that could carry a purse out with me every day but I've accepted the fact that I can't! I'm always carrying Lunch, errands, lists, notebooks, extra shoes... you name it. This bag could fit everything and then some! The sturdy canvas can also stand up to the elements of the Midwest! Size: 12" x 7" x 18" with a 9" long handle.

Rocking TURQUOISE

I have been thinking about painting the wall surrounding our fireplace a dark color but I normally think of a dark color being more of a niche color where the wall recedes back from it's surrounding walls. Since ours protrudes from it's surrounding planes I was having trouble figuring out what color could transform this wall. Seeing "Casey's Artful Loft" post on apartment therapy gave me a little more comfort in the dark wall. I'm also loving the dark turquoise color! Hopefully I will find a little time so I can complete this project!

Our before shot:

Costco to the Rescue

I am a huge fan of Costco! Every time someone comes over for dinner we usually have something from the amazing warehouse. Our dog sleeps on a Costco bed and eats Costco food, my husband cannot leave without a slab of ribs (because "they are SUCH a good deal"), our car insurance is through Costco, our mini bar would not exist if Costco were not around... The list could go on and on! They never cease to amaze me with the things they sell. This stainless steel storage unit (found by apartment therapy) is pretty high up on the list of good finds. Although sold as a "tool box" I could find many other uses for this! My office could definitely use the extra wide doors for large paper as well as the durable top for gluing and cutting. Some would even say a kitchen island! What would you use the "stainless steel box for"?

White Living Room

On the contrary to yesterdays post, I am so inspired by white spaces. It's hard to fill a white space and have it looked finished. But if you find the right white and compliment it with rough wood and bright accessories like here, you get a light filled room that portrays a peaceful, clean feeling! Love the sea grass rug and half hazard places framed images on the fire place.

Dark Bathrooms

When I think of bathrooms I'm usually visualizing a bright clean space with lots of light. But i have been swooning over these dark bathrooms. It makes the space very tranquil and calm. I love the way the light "falls" down the dark tile in the first image.

Here the harsh natural light is soaked up by the dark tile. White towels add to the utilitarian feel of this bathroom with the claw foot tub and sleek hardware.

Again- here is my favorite mustard color popping out of it's dark surroundings! I also love the ornate white feet on the dark tub.

Chalkboard Headboard

I love this idea! Here, an old chalkboard acts as a headboard and also a welcome note.

Hand Carved Wood Vases

On my way to West Elm to buy these new log vases! The hand carved natural mango wood looks so rugged and no two are alike! FYI- right now you can save an additional 10% when you use your west elm card!

SATC Set Design

Living with 9 girls in college, there was always an episode of Sex and the City playing in the living room either to wind down from a long day or to get ready for a night out. The characters have become such a big part of our lives. We look up to their stylish lifestyles and can also relate to their day to day experiences. I have been so busy lately that I haven't been able to go see the sequel! But I found these pictures for a little teaser to what is in store...

Carrie and Big's living room- I LOVE the intense blue sofa with the striking yellow artwork and gray walls. Very rich.

In Carrie's words- "Hello lover!" The master closet is a functional his-and-hers space, with Big’s clothes on the left and Carrie’s (mostly) on the right. It’s more subdued than the flashier closet of the first film, set decorator Lydia Marks says: “The ‘wow’ factors are the woodwork and the hardware. It’s more grown up and sophisticated.”

Grilled Guac Recipe

Check out this grilled guacamole recipe over at "the kitchn"! The grilled avocado's look beautiful- I can't even imagine what they taste like!

Meg Ryan's Beach Home

Compliments of Elle Decor (which might be my next magazine subscription)- Here are some photo's of Meg Ryan's amazing beach home on Martha's Vinyard. You will drool over the vintage lighting, blue stone counters and shelves, reclaimed wood, white backgrounds and dark wood floors. The post-and-beam home was actually built more than a decade earlier in England, where the parts were collapsed into a puzzle like kit and barged across the ocean to be reassembled on-site! She thought the raw wood made the interior very dark and cavernous so she covered it with white paint. I am so jealous of the vintage "FLOWERS" sign hanging in the dining room which had birds nests in it when she picked it up. The bedrooms have roman numerals on the doors to identify guest rooms. Boy, do I wish I was a guest at this peaceful retreat!