High Class Halloween

If Halloween was a buffet, my strategy would be simple: when it comes to candy and costumes, I'll take double portions, please.  As for the terrifying nonsense and ladies in lingerie...well, I'm gonna go ahead and avoid that with the same intensity I'd avoid a McRib sandwich.  Of all the Halloween inspiration I looked at, only one person consistently did it right- dear Martha Stewart.  I went through a ton of her archives and products and pulled a few of my favorite ideas.  Not only does she make Halloween inexplicably classy, she even brings it to the border of- dare I say it- pretty.  She's a genius, plain and simple.  A frickin genius.

Images Via Martha Stewart: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 

Design Musings

Table for Twelve: Tuscan Night

I've got one last treat for you before the weekend officially begins.  I know you thought I forgot about you this month but don't you even fret...I've got it covered.  I saved the best of the New Jersey Table for Twelves for last.  Actually, I think I can safely say this is my favorite Table for Twelve ever (yes, ever ever ever).  It had an other-worldly quality to it that I'm not even sure I can explain...like a dream, except better cause you're awake and eating incredible food with your favorite people.  My parents' yard provided the perfect backdrop to our Tuscan evening...we made pizzas in the outdoor brick oven, ate dinner under the vine covered arbor, and took family pictures under the my favorite weeping willow in all the world.  What could possibly top a night like that?

The table itself was one of the evening's great masterpieces.  We got creative with our place settings and used miniature pizza pans as plates and- believe it or not- squares of faux-wood flooring as place mats.  We used a piece of bark ribbon to accent the sets of silverware and bound it all together with twig-esque wire and a sprig of fresh rosemary (which smelled amazing, by the way).  The centerpieces were as simple to make as they were beautiful to look at, the hardest part was getting our hands on so many corks.  I thought about buying them in bulk but I wanted a more authentic look, so we tapped into my Dad's cork collection and the collections of a few of his friends.  We accented the hurricanes with fig leaves and herbs and even threw in a few lemons for good measure.  Finally, we sprinkled the table with some candlelight.  It really couldn't have been more perfect.

When your family is as big as ours and you eat as much as we do you've got to allow for some stretch room, so we set up a few areas to sit and relax in between courses.  I thought it might be fun to drag a few rugs outside to add to the atmosphere of the evening and it really helped set a lovely tone.

Everyone pitched in and helped with the food.  That whole "too many cooks in the kitchen" thing?  We don't buy it.

While the busy bees buzzed away with the pizzas, the brick oven spent a little time heating up.  Is that a sight or what?  

While we waited for the pizzas to emerge in all their glory we picked at a little antipasto...a few delicious bites of cheese here, some grapes there, a couple artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers and crackers and a crazy delicious cantaloupe, red onion, walnut and arugula salad (with orange vinaigrette- Mmmm) my Mom threw together.  And then they were ready.  The best.  Pizzas.  Ever.  And we feasted.  And then we talked and laughed and then feasted some more.

For dessert we had a variety of gelatos and my Nonnie's world famous cookies.  I could eat my own weight in Nonnie's cookies every day, so it was an extra special treat for me.  If we're really lucky, maybe I'll make a few with her this holiday season and put the recipes on The Foodie Files.  Fingers crossed.  

To say the night was fun or even special is a massive understatement.  You know what it was?  It was perfect.  We even took a few family photos.  You've gotta admit...that's a good looking bunch. :)

Hope you enjoyed our beautiful Tuscan evening (we sure did)!  For more information on this party or any other Table for Twelve (Fancy Shmancy Dinner Party, Garden Tea Party, Pool Party, Sugary Sweet Goodbye Party, Picnic in the Park, Royal Wedding, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Valentine's Day) or to find out about Design-Muse's party planning services, contact me here.

Working For The Weekend

Last weekend I made four decisions that- even after just one week- already have me feeling like a new woman.  I'm so thrilled about them I can't help but share...do you mind?  (Thanks, you guys are the sweetest.)
Decision 1) Be intentional about gratitude.  My pastor challenged us to take this week and write down three things we're thankful for at the end of each day and I've gotta say, it's been a wonderful exercise.  Since I cracked open a brand new journal just for the occasion I'm thinking I may just keep on keeping on for the weeks and months ahead.  It's been so rewarding to take a moment and reflect on the day's positive aspects instead of just obsess over what still needs to be done.  I'm telling you, it's worth a try.
Decision 2) Take some step of action every time I think of something that needs to be done- if possible, do it on the spot.  At the very least, put it immediately on the calendar.  And set an alarm (seriously).  I can't begin to tell you how this changed the dynamic of my week.
Decision 3) Don't say no to an activity just because you have to go alone.  Over the last few days I've gone to a Zumba class, attended an Anthropologie crafting event and participated in a curators lecture at the Frist Museum's Northern Renaissance painting exhibit...and yes, I was all by my lonesome.  And I survived.  And made a few new friends.  And I just couldn't be happier about it.
Decision 4) Keep my house looking seriously good.  This may sound crazy to you but it's amazing how closely my feelings about my house connect to my feelings about my life.  I've noticed the more out of whack my home, the more out of control other areas of my world began to feel.  The truth is, your house is one of the few areas of life you do have control over.  Sure, you might not be able to find the exact furniture you want and the crown molding of your dreams might be out of your price range but you do have the ability to remove clutter, disorganization and otherwise unhealthy factors from your house.  It'll require some hard work and discipline on your end but you can do it.  And if you did do it, you might just feel better.  I know I do.  Ridiculously better.  Re-organizing my house has quite literally changed my life by making me realize there's a big list of things I don't have to just throw up my hands in response to.  Hence all the decision making going on around here.  Anyway- phew- thanks for bearing with me, that was a lot.  I'm just feeling very happy and I thought you might want to know why :).  Just so you know, I'm rooting for you this weekend!  Hope it's an amazing one.  Enjoy the links!

So...this is amazing...

My future daughter's halloween costume?  Probably.

Monogram jewelry.  I'm digging it.

Will you guys still be my friends if I try out this look?  Cause I really want to.

Let's go do this...who's with me?!

This girl read my mind.  Had to be said.

Good to know...very good to know.

Ooooooooh.  I want all of these.

Why hello there perfect afternoon.

Long but hilarious radio interview starring- who else- Dinner and a Suit.  So proud of them.

The Midas Touch

I'm naturally drawn to both gold and wood separately, but you put those hands together and it's more than I can resist.  These pieces caught my eye in a big way...in fact, they're so sharp they've left me wanting to gold leaf the mess out of every piece in my house (an impulse I'm choosing to fight, by the way).  Speaking of my house, I've got a few of our before and after extreme home makeover pictures to show you next week.  I'm gonna use this weekend to smooth out the last few details (read: I'm nervous to hang pictures by myself so I have to lure an unsuspecting friend over with the promise of food), but I can't wait to share!

1. Gold Leaf Wood, Diane Von Furstenberg $60  2. Lozenge Ring, Bauble Bar $82  3. Teena's Chunky Gold Faceted Wood Bangle, Fantasy Jewelry Box $31.95  4. Fold Leaf Wood Square Coaster Set, Diane Von Furstenberg $40  5. Wood Top Hammered Gold Leaf Cocktail Cube, Dovecote Decor $730 6. Tod Decorative Candleholders, P E L L E

The Foodie Files

I got to thinking about fall ingredients the other day and made a short list of recipes I'm determined to test kitchen before the season is over.  Over and over I kept coming back to figs.  It probably has something to do with missing my parents' house- they have the most ridiculous fig trees you've ever seen- but I digress.  I got the idea to do a take on a Fontina grilled cheese sandwich, but with some fig jam in the mix to give it a little something-something extra.  When I ran the idea by my Dad, he thought through the make or break factor- bread.  I found a fresh, seeded loaf at Whole Foods and it made a world of difference.  The ingredients aren't the cheapest, but the recipe is as simple as it gets.  And the taste- whoa- out of this world.

Ingredients:

Sliced Fontina Cheese

Seeded Bread Loaf

Fig Jam

2 Tbs Butter

Spread a thin layer of fig jam over your bread and top with cheese.  Throw on that top piece of bread and you're halfway to deliciousness.  

Melt butter on a panini press or griddle, then press the sandwich for about 90 seconds.  Lightly butter the top one additional time and press again until lightly brown.  I served mine alongside a delicious butternut squash soup.  The picture of fall, eh?

Mirror, Mirror

This little ensemble is a great illustration of a proportioned outfit.  Going for skinny on top?  Keep it loose on the bottom.  Rocking a pair of skin tight pants?  Pair them with a flowy shirt.  It's a great way to keep things classy and avoid getting lost in your clothes all at the same time.  And as for that floppy hat? This is me attempting to work up the courage to wear mine out and about sometime this fall.  Baby steps.

1. Spliced Eyelet Poncho, Anthropologie $139.95  2. Petite Red Skinny Jeans, ASOS $57.50  3. Adena Bootie, Michael Kors $165  4. Bauble Necklace, Oliphant Design $98  5. Year of Color June Ring, Kate Spade $78  6. Floppy Hat, San Diego Hat Company $36

A Nursery For Vivienne

Ever since we found out my lovely cousin is having a baby girl, I've been obsessively searching for nursery ideas.  Since Nat wants to keep the pink to a minimum (which I'm loving), we're veering towards using a soft aqua in the design.  These are still preliminary ideas, of course, but I found a couple fun colors and designs that look quite adorable with this particular blue.  The jury's still out on baby girl's name, but I like to consider myself captain of Team Vivienne (hence the headline).  Isn't it just the prettiest?!

Photos Via: OhDeeOh, LayBabyLay, CharmHome

Get It Together: My Kitchen Is For Dancing

1. Kitchen Dancing Poster Print, Not On The High Street £9.95  2. Bow Vessel, Freedom $69.95  3. Calais Chandelier, Z Gallerie $399  4. They Told Me So Dishtowel, Anthropologie $18  5. Olin 2'x6' Floor Runner, Crate&Barrel $39.95  6. Benninger Threaded Screw Bar Stool, Home Furniture Showroom $132.67  7. Stenstorp Kitchen Island, Ikea $379

E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles

Even though we got off to a rough start, I'm still holding onto bits of hope that my Eagles are gonna bring us a winning season this year.  I'm sending them lots of happy thoughts this week in particular as they get ready to face our arch nemesis, the Dallas Cowboys (booooooo), this Sunday.  For whatever reason I can never seem to remember that my Nashville cable provider doesn't broadcast Eagles games, so I'm perpetually planning parties and inviting people to come over and watch with me.  As a result of these anti-climactic shindigs, I'm now in the market for a friend with DirecTV/NFL Sunday Ticket.  I'll take care of the food, you provide the television.  Dallas fans need not apply.

1. Word Art 8x10, Etsy $18  2. Football Cupcakes, Celebrations DIY  3. Football Napkins, Party Supplies 123 $2.99 per pack of 16  4. Philadelphia Eagles Vintage Duffel Bag, Lady Fanatics $39.95  5. Referee Drink Cozy, Party City $1.99  6. Philadelphia Eagles Bottle Cork Set, Lady Fanatics $14.95

These Is For The NEWSIES!

A lot of things change between the time you're 10 and 26.  A lot.  Most, even.  But one thing that hasn't changed for me is my continued obsession with the movie Newsies.  In fact, I bet if I tried really hard I could quote the majority of the movie right here, right now ("In 1899, the streets of New York City echoed with the voices of newsies, peddling the papers of Joseph Pulitzer, William Randalph Hearst, and other giants of the newspaper world.  On every corner you saw them carrying the banner.  Bringing you the news for a penny a pape.  Poor orphans and runaways, the newsies were a ragged army without a leader, until one day all that changed....")  The main character, Jack Kelly, was the third great love of my life, coming in closely behind The Little Mermaid's Prince Eric and JTT.  He's the first and last "cowboy" I've ever had a thing for.  I put together a slightly updated (and in most cases, girl-friendly) round up inspired by my favorite band of singing, dancing newsboys.  Those fellas had all kinds of style!  Now that I've reminded myself (and you) of how much I adore them, I'm gonna need to put "Watch Newsies" on the agenda for this week.  Anyone care to join me??

1. Kraft 6x9 Paper Shopping Bags, Store Supply Warehouse $25.50 for 1,000  2. Black Suspenders, SW Unlimited $19.95  3. Ralph Lauren Black Label Houndstooth Wool Vest, Net-A-Porter $600  4. Metallic Tweed Women's Classics, Toms $54  5. Seize the Day Brass Pendant, Etsy $18  6. Gray Herringbone Cap, Tattoo Apparel $24.95  7. Missoni Maddalena Wool Blend Tweed Pants, Net-A-Porter $875  8. Spot Collins Quote Button, Etsy $1.75  9. Scarf, H&M $34.95  10. Insiders' Guide to Santa Fe, Amazon $14.21  11. Smokers Flask, Etsy $22

Design Musings

Working for the Weekend

This past week was quite a learning experience for me.  I found out what happens when you clean, organize and re-decorate your entire house in a matter of days (you oscillate between feeling really happy and totally exhausted), what happens when you don't come up with a thorough blogging plan in advance (you run behind schedule all week) and what happens when you don't watch TV for over a week then turn on Modern Family (you laugh so hard you contemplate hospitalization).  I'm excited to rest up a bit this weekend, but I can also promise I'll be hard at work making next week's posts all kinds of awesome.  Hope you enjoy the links for this weekend- see you Monday!

I looked to see if Aunt Martha had any advice for me after last weekend's big clean sweep.

Might try this at some point.  Except with candy instead of raisins.  Obviously.

This little lady is talented!

Someone take me here.  Stat.

MmmMmm- how incredible does this look?

Found out this week my cousin is having a baby GIRL!  Let the shopping commence! 

World's best smelling candle?  Perhaps.  It's top 5 at least.

If your Dad is as cool as mine he'd probably love this.  On second thought- lets go with half as cool as my Dad.  No one is as cool.

Because one cupcake is never enough.....

Just beautiful.

Mirror, Mirror

I don't know what it's like where you're at but I'll tell you one thing- it's getting pretty chilly here.  It always feels like the seasons change over the course of...I don't know...an hour in Nashville.  One second it's summer, the next - boom - autumn.  No transition whatsoever.  In honor of our new cold weather, today's Mirror, Mirror is all about stylish, refined (get ready for the curve ball) comfort & warmth.  I could curl up in this outfit and hibernate for the winter, or go somewhere fabulous.  That's the best of both worlds, friend.

1. MM6 Button Down Shirt, La Garçonne $180  2. Cashmere Wrap, Tomas Maier $2,080  3. Color Block Ostrich Bag, ASOS $78.57  4. Pirnie Ankle Boots, Aldo $60  5. Disc Stud Earrings, French Connection $20.95  6. Butterfly Sunglasses, Forever 21 $5.80  7. Gold Bracelet Watch, Sekonda $78.55

Get It Together: Oh So Crafty

I'm still playing a bit of catch-up, but don't you fret!  All this week's posts will go up...it's just taking me a second to get my head on straight.  So, even though this was supposed to go up yesterday (as per our Editorial Calendar) I'm feeling like this is a 'better late than never' scenario.  P.S.- How much do you adore the color of that pillow?  I'm smitten.

1. Industrial Pendant, West Elm $99  2. Black Chalkboard Candle, Amazon $24.95  3. Glazed Ginger Velvet Lumbar Pillow, World Market $14.99  4. Apache Blanket, Zara Home 99.95€  5. Dressmaker Chair, Anthropologie $2,220  6. Wire Frame Letters, Urban Outfitters $10  7. Sparta Frame, Zara Home 17.95€  8. Beach Bicycle Key Rack, Etsy $16.99

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Guys!  I'm so sorry!  I totally dropped off the face of the earth with no warning.  The last few days have been all kinds of (good) crazy.  But insane schedule + obsession with finishing this project + hiccuping internet turned out to = neglecting you, and for that I apologize.  Won't happen again.  I've been itching to share this super legit Etsy shop I stumbled across and guess what?  Today is the day.  I ordered a few of these gorgeous personalized cut paper cards for various occasions over the last month (one for an anniversary present, the other for a birthday) and was beyond thrilled with how perfect they were.  And they were less than $8 a piece...pretty inexpensive for such a beautiful custom project, I'd say.  They remind me of Rob Ryan who, as previously discussed, I'm obsessed with.  There's a ton of different cards to choose from in their cute little store- check it out!

Design Musings

Working for the Weekend

Oh my goodness- can you believe it's already Friday!?  Where did the week go?  I don't know about you but I've got a jam packed schedule this weekend and I'm p-u-m-p-e-d about it.  My mom is flying in this morning (yay!) to help me redecorate a few areas in our house (yay again)!  It's gonna be non-stop but I'm hoping she transfers some of that Energizer Bunny anointing my way.  We make a pretty terrific team, so I'm excited to see how it all comes together.  I'll have to post a few before and after pictures when we're done.  In the meantime, get some rest and enjoy this weekend's links!

My brother's band leaves for a 5 week tour today!  Check out their schedule and make sure you go see them if they come to your town.  Doctor's orders.

I laughed at this.  Outloud.  For awhile.

Arts, Crafts & Genius.

There's a possibility I gained weight just by looking at this.  Buuuuut I have every intention of making it anyway.

Gonna make this too.

Want it.

I may have to ask a few of my friends to do this (Courtney & Nadia, I'm looking at you)

I always wondered what the secrets were behind this 'do

Cute idea.

Wish I was going to this!  If you're in NYC in early November you should get tickets!!

The Foodie Files

Over the last few weeks I've sprinkled a few of my Mom's recipes into The good 'ol Foodie Files and I'm pretty confident it's enhanced the column quite a bit.  I wanted to throw in a recipe from an equally genius chef so I gathered the recipe to one of my Dad's specialties; pizza dough.  This is- honestly- one of my favorite things anyone in the whole world  makes.  True story.  So enjoy!

Papa Joe's pizza dough

Makes 8-10 small personal pizzas

Ingredients:

2 tsp of active dry yeast

6 cups unbleached flour

2 1/2 cups of water (around 100 degrees)

3 tbs of Kosher salt

1 tbs molasses 

3 tbs extra virgin olive oil

Add yeast to water and let it proof (bubble)...this should take about 3 minutes.

Using a mixer with a dough hook, begin adding ingredients.  Let mix for 10-15 minutes.

Grease the inside of a wooden bowl with olive oil and lightly flour.  Add dough and cover with a cloth.  Let rest for 1 1/2 hours.  

Beat down, let rest for an additional hour, then you're ready to roll!  

Mirror, Mirror

Since this is one of the last weeks it's possible to go sweater free, I figured I'd take full advantage of the opportunity.  The striped/tribal print is killer!

1. Striped Tribal Top, Forever 21 $14.80  2. Flip Lock Envelope Clutch, ASOS $31.43  3. 'Eddie' Ballerina Flat, Nordstrom $129.90  4. Black Scarf, H&M $12.95  5. Mixed Metal Caged Ring, ASOS $20.95  6. Upper Arm Cuff, ASOS $26.19  7. Jalouse Leather Skirt, Net-A-Porter $395

Get It Together: Muted & Au Natural

1. Resonance II Painting, World Market $89.99-$199.99  2. Monocle Clock, CB2 $79.95  3. Tall Wood Lamp, Shop Furbish $549  4. Portrait Pillow, Anthropologie $248  5. Stria Bed Set, West Elm $799-$999  6. Hailey Shadow Throw, Crate&Barrel $89.95  7. Empire Kilim Rug, West Elm $79-$849

Project Pep Talk

So last week I opened up a tad and shared the fact that my cousin was moving over the weekend.  And move she did.  It was a sad but excited goodbye for both of us and I think it's safe to say the next few months are gonna be an adventure.  Her last day in Nashville just so happened to be her birthday, so I had to take her going away present to a level previously unheard of.  I came up with what can only be described as my greatest idea ever so obviously it was way too awesome to keep to myself.  I know Jess is really looking forward to the challenge and excitement of a new city, but I also know...well...her in general.  Really, really well.  At some point, she's gonna come face to face with a difficulty and it literally pained me to think I might not be there to help her walk through it.  So I did what any clear headed BFF would do in this situation- I made a pep talk kit.  I labeled somewhere between 15 and 20 envelopes with scenarios and possible issues and filled them with notes, inspirational quotes, scriptures, and a paper that directed her to a corresponding treat (ex: open present G).  I put all the presents and envelopes in a small box and instructed her on what to do.  Some of the labels I came up with were...

Open when you feel:
-sad
-lonely
-tired
-grumpy
-confused
-nervous
-insecure
-angry
-discouraged
-bored

Open before you:
-go on a date
-have an interview
-have your first day of work
-walk out of the door in sweatpants -freak out that something fun is happening in TN and you're missing it
-freak out that something bad is happening in TN & you're not here to help

You get the idea.  It was a lot of work but I know she really appreciated it and it's definitely helping sleep at night.  Such a fun little project, right?!

Design Musings

Working for the Weekend

Happy Friday to you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my cousin & BFF, Jess!  If you want to wish her a happy birthday, feel free to do so on Twitter (@InappropriateJ)...she'll love that.  We've got a full day of fun ahead so I'm off to get it started.  Hope your weekend is super fantastic...enjoy the links!

My new favorite nail polish.

This is SO interesting!

Can't get over how adorable this pregnant lady is...

Iiiiiiiinteresting.  Why didn't I think of that?

I like this.  Not for me, but for someone else.

Gotta put these on my To-Do list.

What...a good...idea...

More Rue goodness.  Love it.

Proud, proud, proud me.

Once upon a dream.  Can't get it out of my head for some reason.

Marching On

Can I just get really honest for a moment?  My best friend is moving to a new city this Saturday and I'm sad about it.  Excited- cause I think it's gonna be really amazing for her- but definitely sad, too.  The fact that she's leaving hasn't totally hit me, but it's definitely starting to.  It's just gonna be weird cause she's my person, you know?  At any rate, I figured if I was gonna be bummed out I'd at least be productive and put together a roundup.  Sometimes growth is uncomfortable and uncomfortable is never fun, but I'm thinking it's gonna be a do-able, capacity-expanding, dare I say positive thing for all of us.  And if nothing else, it inspired me to find this super cute pillow...so...that's something.  Wish us luck over the next few days as we say our "see you soon"s!

1. Me Less You T-Shirt, Loverstown €10.00  2. 9ct Gold Airplane Pendant, Etsy $290  3. Sending All My Love To You Custom Pillow, Etsy $35  4. Globe Trotter Luggage, J. Crew $1,350

The Foodie Files

I hope you're ready for a treat today!  I've got another recipe, straight from my Mom's kitchen, for your viewing pleasure.  Don't let the fact that's it's lamb scare you off...you can make this.  It's so delicious and- to top it off- makes you sound like a master chef.

"What'd you make for dinner last night?"

"Hot dogs.  What'd you make?"

"Lamb.  No big deal."

See what I mean.  Impressive.

Ingredients: About 1 lb or 8 small lamb loin chops
1 1/2 cups lentils
10 oz of chicken broth
1 8oz can of diced tomatoes
1 medium size onion
3 cups of spinach
2 teaspoons salt
Pepper
1 tsp tarragon
1 tsp thyme
3 medium size laurel leaves
1/4 cup olive oil

In a medium size pot (I used a Le Creuset stock pot), bring 1/8 a cup of olive oil to 300 degrees (for searing). Brown lamb that has been washed, dried, salted and peppered on both sides. Sear both sides until brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.  Add lentils, chicken stock and 1tsp of salt. Pepper to taste and let simmer about 10 min. 

In a separate medium size sauce pan add and heat remaining olive oil.  Add onions and cook until golden in color, about 4 minutes.  Add all remaining ingredients except spinach and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add your tomato mixture to the lamb and lentils and salt and pepper to taste.  Add spinach and cook an additional 10-15 minutes.

Mirror, Mirror

I love how this little getup is a modern take on 30's fashion.  The silhouette, the sunglasses, the shoes...it's referential without coming off as costume-y.  I, for one, am diggin' it.  Any era in particular you like to take clues from?  Do tell!

1. Tulle Exclusive Faux Fur Jacket, Piperlime $89  2. Lucia, Super $150  3. Dromedary Dress, Anthropologie $228  4. Leather Ostrich Embossed Clutch, Asos $78.57  5. Double Finger Amour Ring, Asos $13.97  6. Tasse Shoe, Charles by Charles David $145  7. Hey Jade Necklace, Mod Cloth $44.99

Indiana Jones

Riddle me this- who is cooler than Indiana Jones?  No one.  The answer is no one.  As fictional characters go, he nearly gives Mr. Darcy a run for his money.  I let Indy be my style guide and gathered all his essentials below.  Just looking at this roundup makes me want to go on an adventure!

1. Paneled Leather Jacket, Rick Owens $2,875  2. Felt Panama Hat, Target $16.99  3. Cablee Boot, Steve Madden $149.90  4. Military Canteen, Vermont's Barre $2.99  5. Cameron Flap Satchel, Frye $448  6. Old World Leather Journal, Luca Natalizia & Co. $45  7. Hawaiian Wood Cup, Amazon $10.99  8. Grey Tweed Bow Tie, Swagger & Swoon $26.48  9. Snake Ring, ASOS $13.97  10. Pendleton Throw, Anthropologie $248  11. 1588 World Map, Restoration Hardware $695-$950

Get It Together: Chevron Delight

1. Black and White Vibe Techno Rug, Rugs USA $85-$315  2. Thomas Paul Goldfish Linen Pillow, Velocity Art & Design $94  3. Missoni Leeka Gold Cushion, Safari Living $436  4. Painted Bias Armchair, Anthropologie $1.598  5. Missoni Lione Large Cushion, Safari Living $422  6. Black Lamp, Walmart $15  7. Larch Organic Charcoal Blanket, Pillows and Throws $40.99

Flea Market Finds

Hola mis amigos- how was your weekend?  Things went swimmingly on this end...I fit in a trip to the flea market of all flea markets (over a mile long!), a movie night with my roomies, church, brunch, some trivia-based fun with my brother and friends and even a Sunday afternoon nap!  A delightful weekend if I don't say so myself.  After re-reading that sentence, I realize how geriatric it sounds...but...whadda ya do?  The heart wants what it wants.

I'm in a show and tell kind of mood so I wanted to share a few of the pieces I picked up during Saturday's flea market marathon.  All in all, I bought a picture for my new room (more details on that to follow), a beautiful scarf and a triple strand of pearls (a la Blair Eadie), a 16 piece gold rimmed glasses set, two old school apothecary bottles, a ladylike tea hat, a (brace yourself) red and gold turban, and- finally- a set of olive green glass plates.  I was in the zone people.  Oh, and did I mention it all came to a grand total of like...$50?!  Impressive, right!?

Design Musings