Decor Inspiration: Bedroom Makeover

My home is filled with a random assortment of furniture that my fiance and I have either received as hand-me-downs or bought off of Craigs List over the years. Now that we're both working full time and about to get married, we're starting to shop around for pieces of furniture that are more reflective of our decor styles as opposed to whatever we can get on the cheap. We recently picked out this bed for our bedroom, which is the perfect combination of exactly what I wanted (ivory) and exactly what Brett wanted (anything but a fabric headboard). We still have a ways to go in making over our bedroom, so I've been searching high and low for decor ideas. My preferred decor style is one that sets a relaxing and warm mood and is filled with soft neutral colors and textures.

Photo credit: bhg.com, crystalgentilello.com, mas-fashion.com, pinterest, pinterest, cotemaison.fr, amberinteriordesign.blogspot.com, decorpad.com, cabbagerose.tumblr.com

Warm Weather Retreat

Every year around this time when the post-holiday blues have set in and the weather gets colder, I find myself longing for warmer temperatures, sandy beaches, and beautiful sunsets. It's also this time of year that stores start displaying a large inventory of spring clothing and accessories. Seeing the bright colors, cute cutouts, and flirty pieces makes me long for a vacation, especially since D.C. is currently covered in a blanket of snow. Although I don't have a warm weather retreat planned for this winter I can at least fantasize about some of the things that I would bring on a mid-winter beach vacation.

1. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent maxi dress  2. J.Crew straw hat  3. Topshop crop top  4. Victoria's Secret bikini  5. Sea skirt  6. Tom Ford sunglasses  7. Tory Burch sandals  8. Tory Burch straw tote  9. Loeffler Randall sandals

On My Bookshelf

There's nothing better than the feeling that reading a great book can give you. Books that really resonate with me can impact my mood and outlook on certain aspects of life, and almost become a part of me in a way.  Over the past several months I've read a handful of great books over a range of genres. I suggest you add these to your reading list asap, and I would love to hear what good books you've been reading lately.

The Fault In Our Stars, by John Green - This is an epic love story about a terminally ill teen and a cancer survivor who fall in love. Don't let the genre (teen/young adult) turn you off, because this novel is really intended for people of all ages. This book is so intelligent and witty, be prepared to laugh hysterically one moment and to grab for tissues the next. The movie adaptation comes out this June.

The Cross In the Closet, by Timothy Kurek - This is the true story of a man who grew up in a very conservative Christian family and was taught to hate those within the LGBTQ community. When Timothy shuns a close friend who comes out as gay, Timothy begins to question his own belief system. He decides to come out as gay to his friends and family in order to understand the lives of those about whom he's always felt extreme disgust and hate. His personal quest to learn more about himself and those he's condemned all his life is eye-opening on many levels.  

The Glass Castle: A Memoir, by Jeannette Walls - This is the most recent book that I've read and I couldn't put it down. This memoir follows the dysfunctional Walls family as the parents choose to live an unconventional existence as impoverished nomads and the children begin to realize that they're entitled to a better life. Parts of the memoir were quite disturbing and made me that much more thankful for my family and the life they provided for me and my brother growing up.

No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission That Killed Osama bin Laden, by Mark Owen and Kevin Maurer - I actually read this book a little over a year ago but I had to include it since it's probably the best book I've read over the past several years, period. Everyone remembers that evening in May 2011 when the President announced the successful operation that resulted in Osama bin Laden's death. This book is the firsthand account of that operation as told by a member of SEAL Team Six who helped carry out the mission. You can't help but feel an overwhelming amount of pride and thanks for our servicemembers and veterans when you read this book.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky - I read this book after seeing the movie, which is something that I rarely do. The movie resonated with me so much, however, that I knew I had to read the book. This is a coming of age tale, reminiscent of my all-time favorite book, The Catcher in the Rye. It's uniquely written in the format of letters from the narrator to an individual unknown to us readers, and it captures the emotions, excitement, heartbreak, and insecurities all tied to growing up and finding oneself.

Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn - If you haven't read this book yet then I'm sure you've at least heard of it. This book is suspense at its best and will have you constantly questioning whether you can believe anything the two narrators have led you to believe. Hurry up and read it before the movie starring Ben Affleck comes out in October. 

How to Style a Bar Cart

I've spent a lot of time lately dreaming of fun ways to update our home and make it feel more "us." One of my favorite decorating ideas is the styled bar cart, and if you follow me on Pinterest then you know that my love of bar carts is well documented. Even though my fiance and I aren't big drinkers, it's nice to have some drink staples on hand when friends come over and even better when they're presented in a glamorous, old-fashioned sort of way. One of my best friends recently added a perfectly styled bar cart to her place using this chic, yet affordable, bar cart, and I was inspired to dream up what my ideal bar cart would look like.

From Bottom Left: wine glasses / cocktail napkins / accent piece / cocktail shaker / decanter / art print / swizzle sticks / playing cards / striped straws / tin / whiskey rocks / tumblers / bar cart

More styled bar cart inspiration...

Photo credits: Style Me Pretty, A Refined Outlook, Pinterest, Refinery 29, Swoonworthy 

SAG Awards: Best Dressed List

{ Lupita Nyong'o in Gucci }

Growing up I always looked forward to watching the big award shows with my mom. We loved watching the glamorous celebrities strut the red carpet even if we hadn't seen the majority of the movies nominated. This weekend I made a much needed trip home to visit family, and I was thrilled to watch an award show with my mom for probably the first time since I left for college. Just like old times, my mom and I planted ourselves in front of the TV last night and picked out our best dressed celebrities. Here are our favorites of the night. 

{ Jennifer Lawrence in Dior }

{ Gretchen Mol in J. Mendel } 

{ Amy Adams in Antonio Berardi }

{ Cate Blanchett in Givenchy }

  

{ Helen Mirren in Escada }

Photo credit: EOnline

Winter Pastels

Probably one of the most talked about trends this winter is a trend usually reserved for warmer months. Pastels exude such a soft and romantic vibe that when paired with silvers, golds, and champagnes, it's no wonder that this is winter's favorite trend. Typically I reach for anything in black or white, but a frosty pastel piece adds such a happy pop of color to any outfit. Here are a few things I have my eye on.   

1. Asos satchel  2. Maison Ullens dress  3. Jil Sander t-shirt  4. Estee Lauder lilac leather polish  5. Manolo Blahnik pump  6. Forever 21 mint leaves polish  7. Raoul gown  8. Soft Joie top  9. J.Crew Factory oxford 10. Bauble Bar necklace  11. Bobbi Brown luxe eye paylette  12. Kate Spade bag  13. J.Crew Factory pencil skirt  14. Sephora sheer cotton candy pink lipstick  15. J.Crew cashmere sweater  16. Subtle Luxury scarf  17. Loeffler Randall flat   


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Mini S'mores Cups

Here's an update on an old classic that I absolutely love. I've been making these mini s'mores cups for a few years now after discovering them on Pinterest. This has become one of my go-to desserts because they are so easy to make and the taste can't be beat. If you're looking for a real crowd pleaser, then look no further.