Realistic Chic

I don't really get why these are so expensive. Yes, I'd like one, but not for $100-200. No, thanks. As much as I love Jonathan Adler, his prices are too rich for my blood on a lot of things. His lacquer trays are $150 each and, although they come in lovely colours, I can easily get the same look for under $20. How? Simple. The answer is always the same...Ikea.

This Ikea tray (made of the same material that the more expensive one is made of, and it's roughly the same dimensions) $6.99

This lacquer spray paint (range of colours to choose from available at most hardware stores) $9.99


And there you go! Lacquer paint can be hard to apply so try practicing on a flat piece of cardboard for a few coats to get the hang of the needed even application. I will be doing this project and showing my results soon. Just have to take time away from my essay writing to get to the hardware store/Ikea. Saving $130+ would be well worth it if this works out...

When we were looking for our first home, we knew that space would have to be sacrificed in order to get the location we wanted and in a building that wasn't too old. If we were willing to go over a bridge, we could have bought a two bedroom, 1100 sq. foot place, but it was in a hoodlum-y area and well out of the way of all the things we like to do. To make do, we bought the trusty Ikea Lack bookshelf as a room divider to seperate some space in our living room and create the illusion of an office. I desperately need a private nook to write all my essays (and short stories) in. I think it's actually turned out rather well:


The other side of the shelf. The open sections allow for books to be stored on both sides, thus having nice displays on both and still letting light filter through.
Two very crucial things still need to be done for me to feel like it's complete: I plan on renewing the old grey wooden box below the desk (it's a 1950's 8mm film container that's been in my family the whole time) and I've said this before, but I am DESPERATE for a new desk. I just need to be patient and keep an eye out. I mean...well, isn't this desk hideous?

I said a few weeks ago that I would post pictures of my newly redone hallway coat closet; I apologize for it taking so long to get these shots on here. I painted the inside the same colours as the hallway/living room and put everything cluttery into matching boxes from Ikea. I also bought a twill-wrapped scarf hanger for my multitudes of pashminas, then framed the above arch with a gallery-style photo display.
 Verdict?

J Crew is having a sale and as a result, I'm making mood boards to curb my temptation to buy:

From left to right:
necklace $49.99
skirt $49.99
cashmere scarf $29.99
crystal bracelet $49.99

tank $14.40
ruffled cardigan $59.99
gunmetal flats $99.99

Pricey but pretty outfit, no?

This amazing, relatively pointless, umbrella! But you don't understand...I had to. I mean, look at it. It's EXCALIBRELLA! ...I really hope I don't get in trouble for taking this onto the bus.

I was recently perusing my photo albums on my computer and remembered just how beautiful our trip to Mexico was last year. I wanted to share some of the pictures from that trip but didn't want it to be just a bunch of resort/beach shots. We went to the Mayan Riviera for a wedding and on one particular day, rented a van and drove to Chichen Itza, stopping in a few quaint, lovely towns along our way. Here are some fantastic shots taken by a friend of mine, an artist who's webside can be found here.



I fall in love with the corals and pinks in these shots every time I see them. I can't wait for summer now. Thanks for letting me post these, Jer.

I would love a new desk. I search Craigslist every so often (sometimes into the wee hours) in hopes of finding something spectacular for a next-to-nothing cost (preferably free), but to no avail. Surprise, surprise. I'm currently using some MDF nightmare in that hideous cherry-brown melamine paper finish. Wretched. I would try to re-paint it but I don't know how much of an improvement it would really make. Ideally, I'd like something with some drawers, and enough space to store my PC underneath while still getting my legs to fit under as well. Closed sides is a must since I have about 942050890 wires coming out the back.

So cute.
When I finally find my lovely new desk, I'll paint it stark white and put these handles on it:
Sorry, these images are from my personal folder for inspiration and I can't recall where they're from (although I have a good suspicion the first and last are from Domino).

OPI has done it again. Absolutely gorgeous colours!!! The new spring/summer line is inspired by the electric urban nightlife of Hong Kong. I'm partial to the Dim Sum Plum, currently on my toes. This new range is a great contrast to the soft neutral palate that's so in this year.

 Go raibh tú daibhir i mí-áidh
Agus saibhir i mbeannachtaí
Go mall ag déanamh namhaid, go luath a déanamh carad,
Ach saibhir nó daibhir, go mall nó go luath,
Nach raibh ach áthas agat
Ón lá seo amach!

Here's some lovely shots in the hue of the day (the same vibrance I'd like in my bathroom):

 Now, go drink some green beer and eat some stew, then try to finish that 8-page paper you have due tomorrow. Oh, wait...that's me.

As mentioned previously, I completed my own DIY mood board by following this site for instructions. I loved the idea of cross-hatching ribbon in a strong, contrasting colour to hold pictures and swatches. The fabric I chose is a mint ruched cotton (I don't know if you can see the texture of it in these shots) and the ribbon is a burgundy satin. In the bottom-left corner, there are quite a few references for the Marie Antionette-inspired dresses that my friends and I will be making over the summer. Fabric swatches for my future window bench and throw pillows are on the middle-top. And of course, there's a magazine tear-out of the ever so lovely Zooey Deschanel.
 My attempt at pretty photography...
 I don't think I understand compostion very well yet.

Hooray! The anthology that my short story is published in finally came out! The book launch was last Friday night and my fiance and I had a very nice time listening to readings by the other authors and eating tons of yummy desserts. My short story, "Final Jeopardy," can be found in the renowned Douglas College yearly journal, Pearls. Edition 29. There are somewhere around 1000 Creative Writing student each year at Douglas College and less than 40 make it into this anthology. I am so thrilled! I even had a few readers ask me for an autograph. With the request I had to read my children's picture book manuscript at the Writers Unplugged event last December, this is highly encouraging. Next stop: Random House 3-book deal, baby!

Jackets!!! (again)

I just can't get enough jackets. Spring Jackets!
I love the soft, feminine neutrals and prints this season! Leaves the jazz-up colour opportunity to the lipstick or handbag. I imagine almost all of these jackets going so well with a vibrant green leather hobo bag.

Regretsy. A website devoted to exploiting the crappy side of DIY trinkets for our entertainment.

As much as Etsy CAN be a great place to find cute stuff for me or my apartment, there is still a vast amount of it that seems to be useless/tacky/overpriced/etc. I did a little Etsy surfing after being inspired by Regretsy and found the following that I think is some of the worst stuff on Etsy right now...


Disclaimer: Although I'm posting some of this blasphemy here, I didn't make any of it; so please don't get bunched ginch over this post. Thanks.