Designlovefest/ohjoy Yard Sale & Etsy Pop up Shop at West Elm

Mar 3, 2013

Happy March! Happy new header courtesy of my amazing hubby, Anthony!

Today was a beautiful sunny day. Our spring flowers are blooming in the backyard and the honeybees are happily collecting pollen from the pink flowers on our plum tree *and causing me to sneeze out of my mind*. I picked up a few pieces from Target yesterday to brighten the kitchen.

What a wonderful day for Olivia to turn 33 months old!

Bri *designlovefest* and Joy *ohjoy* had a yard sale this morning. I was looking for rugs and possible chairs for the living room/dining room but we didn’t find what we wanted. I did score a B to add to our collection and I needed a huge bag of pink balloons.

I was thinking of this for Aimee but she might not have the room

I was almost sold on this rug, the perfect style and $40 price but it was teeny tiny for the space we need it to go.

Yeah! Rentals had some pieces in the yard sale

This vintage trunk was epic, but no room for it in my house

I really wanted to give this radio a home but we are filled to the brim with accessories, I have to stay focused on kitchen things. Yet, for $30 this guys still worked!

Liv scored an elephant that we are going to spray paint gold and turqouise

My loot and a few photos we took with my Fuji Instax camera

Bri, always smiling and fabulous

Stripes and dots and Joy!

After a quick lunch at home, we headed back out to the West Elm store to check out the etsy pop-up shop the lovely Emily Henderson was curating.

S M E G FRIDGE!!! I wannit so bad, but this guy is seriously tiny


Heirloom LA made delicious blood-orange juice with ginger

So many pretty things

I wish I got her name because she was super cute, and so was her jewelry too

We got some free soap samples from Fabled

Put a bird on that shit!

why am I obsessed with containers? Love these so much, they would look incredible on our wood countertops and our white subway backsplash

Fantastic stationery and cards

The Flashdance at work, playing all my jams

J’adore Smilebooth

My favorite designer ever, Mrs. Emily Henderson. She remembered us from the Oh Joy book signing. WOW! #blognerd

We’re going for an evening walk to the taco truck with my Mom now. Happy Happy weekend!

My Favorite Things: Birthday Edition

Feb 11, 2013

Please don’t give me a reason for making a wishlist, but my thirty–*cough* birthday is next month. I have been dropping hints in an obnoxiously unsubtle way to my sweet husband. I have my eye on ~~a few~~ many lovely things.

As they say…

What girl doesn’t love a new pair of pretty shoes?

Seychelles ‘Long Distance’ Sandal

I haven’t worn heels in quite some time but I am smitten with these beauties. The gold heel and bright green color are killing it. I walk so much better in a strappy sandal and Seychelles are super comfy. Yeah, I’ll be 7 feet tall but it’s my birfday, man!

http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/originals/ca/77/8a/ca778a86af64ff1dcb7eb7bd4302fe50.jpg

My Bff Aimee has been raving about the wonders of gel nails. I usually skip a manicure since I have a toddler so my hands are often wiping things that are so not glamorous. Yet, my Bestie has gifted me a set of my very own gellies and a pedicure *so very needed* I will give them a spin. Now to go nude or gangsta bright? Bright you say…?

http://assets.mochithings.com/products/pink_dot_fuji_instax_mini_film/photos/13041/pink_dot_fuji_instax_mini_film.png

I have a cute Fuji Instax instant camera *remember we used it at our Bebe shower?* and I’m running low on film so these pink polka dots are perfect. I also love this shop, Mochi Things. I want everything in there.

I haven’t worn a watch in years but this minty watch from Anthropologie is so sweet…and like, I can’t have a Favorite Things post without an Anthro shout out.

So I have mentioned Geronimo Balloons many times but with Valentine’s day coming up *just 4 more days guys* I am lusting hard after those lovely balloons.

As lovely as the heart shaped one is, a traditional round balloon would be so perfect for my birthday party at the Standard. My Instagram crush Christina got one for her birthday and look how adorable she is!

http://media-cache-ec2.pinterest.com/originals/6e/0f/79/6e0f79e78fd091710e5a4d6c4b55ea2d.jpg

I am a sucker for a good book. Even though it takes me an eternity to read them, I’d love to add these to my library.

A Graceful genius behind Vogue

A dirty old man that Aimee and I love

An artist I adore

FOOD!

Did you lovelies check out the 5 hour telethon called the Grammys? I’m the only person in the world who liked Adele’s dress, she can do no wrong, she’s fucking Adele! So happy Fun won, their performance was incredibly rad. Pssst, Lena Durham is dating Jack Antonoff aren’t they the cutest?

Her granny sandals are the BEST!

Not as cute as this girl!

Who-joo-vik Faucet

Jan 4, 2013

The world’s hardest to pronounce kitchen faucet is now all mine. The Hjuvik Faucet is sold at every Ikea and for some unknown reason they are discontinuing it so after checking online it turned out to be ONE in stock at the Burbank Ikea. Aimee and I went there today and I made my first official purchase for our kitchen remodel. This is a pretty amazing faucet! It has an industrial sleek look that will modernize our classic white kitchen design.

I also love that I will be able to rinse dishes quickly and then pop them in our dishwasher. Oh man, when I think of how wonderful having a dishwasher will be after 6 years of hand-washing dishes, I hear Angels sing. I think it will look amazing with our new sink.

Paired with my Domsjo apron sink

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/images/products/domsjo-double-bowl__57728_PE163370_S4.jpg

This is no dream, this is really happening!! YAY

2012 Holiday Renegade Craft Fair

Dec 3, 2012

Although 95% of my holiday shopping is complete, I must swing by the Renegade Craft Fair. It’s this weekend and even though Saturday Liv’s preschool is having their annual Winter Solstice, I have been thinking about those delish rosemary butter crunch treats we had in July. I also have to find something amazing for Aimee’s cute new apartment.

Just when I thought this would be a mellow week. Liv is officially two and half years old!!

City Target Downtown LA

Dec 1, 2012

Last October a new fancy schmancy City Target opened in downtown LA. I’m pretty sure out of the 469 miles of land that is Los Angeles, downtown was the only spot lacking a Target. I held off on going due to the excruciating parking situation. However, I knew my Eagle rock Target wouldn’t have the Neiman Marcus collection fully stocked so I gave it a spin. There was plenty of parking in the enormous parking structure and it was only $2.50 with validation. The store was impressive, not the largest Target but I don’t like Super Target spaces. The shelves were nicely stocked and at least 20 different salespeople asked me if I was finding everything okay. 5 people stopped me about my sweater, I’m a sucker for compliments.

I am in love with my new Kate Spade bag, my fox sweater and Deena & Ozzy Metallic Loafers

I was in pretty things heaven!!

The Marchesa dresses were so sweet, too bad I don’t have a reason to buy them

Oscar de la Renta

Alice + Olivia luggage

I couldn’t pass up the Tory Burch lunch bag

I really wanted both of these sweet Jason Wu dresses but they are so dressy and Liv really doesn’t have a need for a formal dress. I might get the polka dot dress later, I’m still undecided, maybe if it goes on sale.

for me & Aimee?

This Marc Jacobs pouch was too adorable *and shiny goooooold* to pass up. I already saw it on craigslist in Florida for $170! I’ll be holding on to mine forever.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

Neiman Marcus for Target Holiday Gifts

Nov 30, 2012

This is the biggest designer collaboration with Target ever. 24 designers are releasing 50 holiday gifts for the wallet-impaired folks such as myself.

The gang

Items are scheduled to arrive tomorrow but you know Target. The price point is $7.99 for Rodarte wrapping paper to $99.99 Marchesa dresses for girls. There are too many goodies to list them all but these are on my wishlist.

I am excited about this! First Look! Check Out the Target + Neiman Marcus Holiday Collection

I need that Marc Jacobs pouch in gold and that Derek Lam skateboard for Liv…


Alice + Olivia bicycle okay, I don’t need a new bike but it’s adorable

A gift packed with style—Alice + Olivia Luggage. From the exclusive Neiman Marcus + Target collection. #Holiday24

Alice + Olivia luggage *so perfect for our trip to Paris*


Marchesa gown so pretty for Liv to wear for our holiday card

For little girls who like to twirl: Jason Wu Girls' Printed Dress in the Neiman Marcus + Target collection. #Holiday24

These pretty Jason Wu dresses are much for sensible

Crimson curtsy cuteness: Jason Wu Girls' Solid Dress from the Neiman Marcus + Target collection. #Holiday24

…and the $59 price is in my budget

Almost too pretty to carry your lunch, the Tory Burch Lunch Bag, from the Neiman Marcus + Target collection. #Holiday24

Tory Burch lunch box *Liv’s Keroppi lunch bag is looking pretty tattered now*

Fifi and Fido can dine in style with this Oscar de la Renta Pet Bowl in the Neiman Marcus + Target collection #Holiday24

Okay, so we don’t have a dog…now, but we plan on getting one in the future and they are going to need a bowl. Who can say their dog has an Oscar de la Renta water bowl?


These Brian Atwood leather studded gloves are more Aimee-style than me. I’m disappointed he didn’t included any of his signature pumps in this collection.

Of course I wouldn’t be able to walk 3 steps in heels this high but every woman has a shoe fantasy and this man makes the most gorgeous shoes

I’m going to Target tomorrow just to browse and see what kind of madness ensues. I wish I can say I’ll be loading up my cart but I’m just about done with my holiday shopping. I’ve got two kitchens to plan *ours and Liv’s* and I know when to quit while I’m ahead. Besides, I have this lovely gift to stare at.

Happy Weekend!

These are a few of my Favorite Things

Nov 30, 2012

Oh, the world is full of lovely things, don’t you agree?

kate spade new york 'arm candy' leather pouch available at #Nordstrom

kate spade new york ‘arm candy’ leather pouch *Drool, I want candy!*

M·A·C ‘Sinfully Chic’ Face Kit *my makeup collection is lacking nude tones*

Rae Dunn by Magenta Small Fruit Colander

Non-traditional rainboots to stay dry in style

Tory Burch Fox Lace Up Rainboot *boo, these adorable guys are sold out*

A new pretty headband for Liv and a statement necklace that I ~~patiently~~ waited to go on sale

Gloves for the cold weather

Still on the hunt for the perfect pair of oxfords *I cannot resist these dots*

Deena & Ozzy Metallic Loafer I just bought these guys on sale....I love gold!!!

Deena & Ozzy Metallic Loafer *20 in store, $30 online* GOLD!

Winning Misha Lulu/Lili giveaways rule

Thanks so much Karen, we are huge Misha Lulu fans!

Some sale scores are too awesome to keep secret. I saw a post by Kate Spade on facebook late night last Monday *it really does pay to follow your fave designers on fb* about their site having technical difficulties due to the huge cyber-Monday sale. I was intrigued but had no intention to buy anything but when I saw the very first item on the home page, my jaw hit the floor. Back in August I was hunting everywhere for this sold out bag. Ebay had a bunch but they were selling for $350 and they looked like fakes. I even emailed customer support to ask if any stores might have them in stock or had any returns. They pretty much told me, “Sorry sweetie, you snooze, you lose.” So when our anniversary came around, I didn’t get the gift I’d hoped for *although the amazing pop up dinner and a surprise trip to Disneyland definitely made up for it* Not only was it the infamous Eat Cake for Breakfast bag but it was on super cyber sale marked down from the original $248 price tag. Say Whaaa?

kate spade new york ‘call to action – terry’ tote

I’m so freaking excited to get this guy *it’s supposed to arrive tomorrow evening*. It is an iconic bag and so minimalistic. It’s big enough to carry all my junk and I got it on S A L E!! High five to me. There are some new versions of it available on the Kate Spade website but if you ask me, they aren’t as cute.

And I know cute when I see it…

Liv model from sunkissis on Vimeo.

I want my PINK Christmas!

Nov 30, 2012

Every year I tell Antz this will be the year I am getting my dream pink Christmas tree.

This was from a photo shoot in Blueprint magazine *which sadly is no longer in print*

Treetopia

I tell him I’ll buy it either on Black Friday or after Christmas when it’s on clearance. Yet, I seem to talk myself out of it when I start to think about the big picture. We hope to sell this house and buy a new bigger house that will accommodate a six foot tree. Then there’s the price tag. The six foot tree comes with 500 lights is regularly priced $438. Insane, I know, which is why the clearance price of $168 seems so reasonable, right? I usually spend $15 on a cute Charlie Brown sized tree from Fresh & Easy. It’s tiny enough to sit on our congas and we have just enough ornaments to give it some charm. It’s a nice compliment to my Grandma’s porcelain tree *that still plays Silent Night*

Last Christmas

This is the only heirloom I have from my Grandma Louise

I check every year on Black Friday and Cyber Monday but the lowest it’s ever gotten is $148. Then I have to add $58 for a tree stand with wheels. I’d have to invest in a Christmas tree bag to keep it stored in the garage, that’s another $59. I haven’t even started a budget for ornaments. Anthro is killing me with these beauties…

Cast of Characters from Anthropologie on Vimeo.

Odette Swan

Elf Downy Owl

Felted Polar Bear Ornament

Glitter Drop Hummingbird

Hopefully these guys will go on sale after Christmas but I’m certain they will be gone by then. So this is my annual dilemma; Break my holiday shopping budget on my dream tree which will barely fit in our current house. Or wait until we buy our new house and go all out for our first Christmas and face the risk the most of these items will be sold out in 3 years. That swan ornament reminds me of my lovely Björk. I’m sure she would tell me to buy it in her sweet little Icelandic elfy voice. Have you lovelies trimmed the Christmas tree yet? Do you buy a fresh cut tree or you have an artificial tree you’ve had for years? My reasoning tells me it’s a lifetime investment but knowing how often I change my mind, I just may want to get this awesome guy next year.

Bottom’s Upside-Down Christmas Tree

Antz says it looks blasphemous. Genevieve Gorder had one that hung from her ceiling and it looked so rad! I have to find the episode of Dear Genevieve that I saw it on.

A Brand new Kitchen!

Nov 26, 2012

Antz and I have been talking about our kitchen renovation we’re planning this spring and yesterday we asked a realtor to come over to give us a professional assessment. He told us it only makes sense that we replace the cabinets with new Ikea ones. The price is about $2000 but our 89 year old cabinets will look horrible, even with a new paint job and fancy new handles and knobs. I’ve been checking out the catalog and we are thinking of going with the Akurum/Applad series.


Here’s an example of the cabinets from Pinterest

This is similar to our layout with an L-Shape. I want an apron front double sink and a dishwasher. I keep going back and forth between wanting to stay on a under $6,000 budget and wanting a really nice kitchen for more. We’re gonna bite the bullet and pay Ikea to install them since, A. our house is so darn crooked it would be impossible for us to figure out how to install them properly and B. we are handy but not that handy. I feel more comfortable doing the subway tile backsplash and painting ourselves.

I’m hoping we end up with a kitchen pretty close to this one.

There is so much to love about this kitchen

I’m increasing our budget to $8,000 but for a brand new kitchen, having our plumbing repaired and getting the floors refinished, that’s a bargain. Speaking of bargains, I found the steal of century online tonight but it’s a Christmas gift so I’ll share it next month. Since we are getting a new kitchen, I thought Liv would like one too. We’re buying her a mini kitchen set but I plan to add a personal crafty touch. I am still waiting for the Melissa & Doug food sets to go on sale on Amazon but so far the price has only increased and decreased by a few dollars.

We had such a fun weekend. We caught up with family and friends and ate so much.

Bleu & Bacon burger and sweet potato fries from lunch at Granville Cafe

We’ve been so busy we never had a chance to watch Moonrise Kingdom but Liv did watch Cinderella. She liked it, particularly the mice. I have Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter from Netflix but I heard it’s pretty lame. Thank goodness next week isn’t super booked. Antz is taking Friday off so we can have a consultation at Ikea about the kitchen and we can get started on Liv’s kitchen. Oh! Antz put up the Holiday decorations in the house this morning. We’ll put up the outdoor decorations next weekend.

My Grandma’s 65 year old Porcelain Christmas tree is holding up well.

Have you started holiday shopping and decorating yet? Here’s how the bedding looks, I love it!

A Stuffed Turkey

Nov 24, 2012

We just finished the last of our wonderful Thanksgiving dinner leftovers and I am stuffed. We usually go to Antz Mom’s house for dinner but this year his brother Charles hosted the huge family.

My sister and nephew

Olivia had the best time running after her older cousins and eating sweet potatoes. I even made jalapeno cornbread muffins. Once again I totally forgot to capture the lovely meal but that usually means I’m too focused on eating to remember to grab my camera. I did get a family photo and my camera remote actually worked this time even though I had to run into the shot about 5 times. Huzzah!

Antz has promised to center it, and zoom in so you can actually see all our lovely faces

Anthropologie bummed me out this year since they aren’t carrying children’s clothes and instead of the Black Friday 50% off, they are only offering 25%. Old Navy surprised me with this gem. I snagged the last one in stock online.

Softest Printed-Crew Sweaters Just bought this guy tonight!!

It’s sold out now

I did score some home goodies from Target and Bed, Bath & Beyond. I wasn’t planning on going to the store but since I saw everything I wanted was in stock and they were offering 20% off your entire purchase, I took the trip. It was surprisingly calm in the store. No one was fighting over towels and I didn’t arrive to a shop that looked like it had been looted after an apocalypse. I browsed the bedding section

I love this Kate Spade pillow

The sale is in-store only

…and found the complete Orla Kiely set I’ve been wanting for months on clearance, along with the 20% coupon, I saved $100 off the set. I’m short one sham pillowcase but that’s what happens when you have 3 standard pillows and pillowcases are sold in a set of 2.

I am the only person with a phobia about putting new bedding on the bed?

I couldn’t be happier and to my delightful surprise Antz brings me a package from Amazon. I completely forgot I pre-ordered Moonrise Kingdom and Cinderella last month. Liv hasn’t seen Cinderella and Antz hasn’t seen Moonrise Kingdom so we’ll watch them over the weekend.

Doesn’t today feel like a Sunday? What a rad holiday we’ve had so far. I think I’ll pick up a pumpkin pie since we finished our leftovers. We’re just chillin’!