::artist spotlight // carly waito::

Can you believe these are paintings? I love the colors and the way she makes them shine. These would make such a statement piece, blown up on a large living room wall. 

Artist Carly Waito

::copy cat::

This is the look I'm going for in my new office/studio space. It helps that I have a lot of the same pieces too: tall metal locker, antlers, wooden shelves and compartments, rustic spools, old suitcases and beautiful typographic elements. I'm really excited to add a cool light fixture. I've been collecting a few pieces for just that.

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::transitions::

In a couple weeks Jay and I will be moving into our first home. A beautiful house with room(s) to grow and play. It also means that I'm pinning places & spaces like a mad man, getting tons of ideas for decorating and making it home sweet home.

Plus, 6 petals will have it's own space, which will kick start the shops back to life! finally...

::trinkets::

If you're anything like me you have a few extra things laying around-- mostly vintage of course. They all add to the personality and uniqueness of your home. Some people (the man in the house) will never understand. 

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::things i like::

And, the more patina the better.

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::this purple works::

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::rustic interiors::

My heart goes pitter-patter when I see paint-chipped wood and rustic decor. I always wonder where the pieces have been and who used them long ago. How great is that old ladder turned shelf? Would be fairly easy to make with an old pallet. Add that one to the 'make it' list.

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::pretty clutter VS minimalism::

When it comes to decorating I usually fall into the "pretty clutter" category. As a collector, I can't help it! I come across such unique pieces in my treasure hunting that it's hard to pass up another cool item for my space. I decorate like I salt...I sprinkle it all over. Do I need it? Definitely not. This is what I'm trying to tame.

I'm also drawn to more minimalist and simple settings that let the architectural lines, nature of the materials and necessary furniture pieces speak for themselves. 

With everything, I guess it's all about finding that balance.

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::lay it down::

Cool rugs from YEAH! rentals.

::this is (not) a wedding post::

Well, maybe a little.

Even long weekends go by too fast. While Jay and I were home in Florida for Memorial Day, my mom and I snuck a peek at two different venues. Wedding ideas were thrown around and we even talked dresses. I'm so lucky to have my mom, sister and two sister-in-laws on my side to help me plan.

Nights were spent on the back porch sharing stories and surprise champagne toasts with my favorite people in the world. Family is the best. 

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::a little bbq // party details::

This past weekend, Jay and I had a little BBQ in our backyard. The plants are growing like crazy back there: flowers, vines, herbs and shrubs galore! We picked up a few growlers from Beach Brewery and some microbrew variety packs. We even had little tasting cups for people to try the different varieties. Jay manned the grill and the food was a big hit too. 

This was our first time hosting since we moved to Virginia, so it was nice to get the group together and relax at home. I get so excited about all the little details of a party. Besides decorating with some of my vintage collection, I designed little signs. Feel free to click on them and print them out if you'd like...

: this one hung on the front door in case we didn't hear them knock :

: i spent more time picking out pretty plates, strands of lights and craft beer that i didn't bake a cake. but who doesn't like oreos? :

: this one accompanied the list of beers on the drink table :

: i prefer reds, but i don't discriminate :

: just a friendly reminder :

::minty fresh::

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::let us drink tea::

My friend, Kelsie, loves having little get-togethers at her quaint vintage shop in Norfolk. This time it was a tea party, fit with mixed-matched vintage tea cups, homemade cookies + treats, and of course her little boutique filled with vintage goodness. And music. There's always a bench for local singer/songwriters to play their heart out. 

The shop was bursting with spring colors. So many pretty details in her shop and no lack of florals. Fine by me.

::pretty photos::

There's something mesmerizing about that lady up there– the hair, big eyes, sparkly top. Whenever I see boxes of vintage photos at antique stores, I must look...at all of them. Seeing what they wore, their facial expressions and black + white photos just seem more elegant. And that room, perfection.

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::decorating ideas::

Things to make, items to find and ways to display my vintage collections. Luckily, I have the perfect pair of antlers waiting for some flowers. I'm starting to look at potential HOUSES. eeek!


antlers  /  hand + 2  /  postcards

::rental business::

There's been lots of buzz lately about YEAH! rentals. The website just got a facelift and their stuff is awesome. Based in LA, YEAH! rentals provides rad tables, chairs and decor items for all kinds of events. I'm getting ready to book a bunch of antique/art shows this year and I'd love a place like this close by to rent furniture that isn't your standard pop-up table.

::ivory::

Found this little guy at an antique store begging me to take him home. I kindly agreed. The type and graphics had me at hello.

I've been playing around with my macro lens. So fun.

::a horse of a different color::

This is neat. 

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::to lay my head::

Yesterday, I tweeted about this amazing bedding I purchased Santa got me for Christmas. All of Anthropologie's sale stuff is an extra 50% off (hint hint). My mom has always been into linens, so after shopping with her for years it wore off on me. This is a dream-enducing quilt.

I couldn't help but pick up a bunch of these little mushroom knobs, too. I plan on using them on an old piece of wood to make a coat hanger. 

brag moment: my total for a king quilt, 2 euro shams + 4 mushroom knobs was $151 (regularly priced $560). It pays to be patient sometimes. 

::it's the little things::

Who knew that little pieces of fabric could look so perfect. I love how Miss James decorated for her daughter's birthday. 

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