Bedroom Inspiration

Well, I'm excited to report that the quilt my mom is making for my bed is nearly complete!  I'm a very structured person and tend to tackle projects better once I have something to build the plan around.  Does that make sense?  I just read that and feel like it might not.  Oh well.  :)  In any event, this quilt will serve as the nucleus of my new bedroom; as the focal point, I plan to draw everything from the color palate to the overall "feel" of the room from it. 


I found this picture on what has fast become one of my favorite new blogs called French Country Cottage (frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com.)  I la-ove her style, and have started living vicariously through her chic cottage life.  It has been fun. 


The picture serves as inspiration for my new room; the quilt on the bed mimics the style and even colors of my quilt, so it was exciting to find. 


    Link to photo here:  http://frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/02/room-full-of-sunshine-inspirations.html
The reddish paisley intermixed with soft pastels...I just love it.  Though I'm not crazy about having quite so much stuff going on in one space, I love the warm, cozy and feminine feel.  A couple additional features of this room I plan to incorporate in mine:

• The buttery yellow walls
• The greenery in vases - so simple, and provides a little life to the space.  I think flowers would be a little overwhelming/too much, so this is the perfect compromise. 
• The cool curtains - I would actually like to use that bed sheet, no-sew curtain trick I've seen a few times on Pinterest!  No needles, thread or machine - love it!

More to come.  I'll get a picture of the quilt this weekend (perhaps with the designer herself, my lovely mom) and will also outline my game plan.  Perhaps I'll post some before pics too.  :)

Happy Wednesday Everyone!  Hope it is a great day.

M.

Travel Musts and Destination To Dos

Good Morning!

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!  Mine was spent getting internet connection, spending time with my family (namely my brother, who I feel like I haven't spent time with in way too long - we had cocktails and went shopping to the outlet mall - we shop really well together, actually!), cleaning, and working from home in my kitchen (my new kitchen island doubles quite nicely as a desk - lots of space to spread out all of my stuff!)  As I'll be out of town the next couple of weekends, it was a wonderful to get all caught up at home.  Now that I'm gearing up for a long weekend trip to Chicago, I thought I'd share my list of "musts" - both what I must bring along, and what I hope to do (although our agenda is still up in the air, there are a few for sure items on the books.)

With friends all over the country, coupled with the fact that traveling is one of my favorite ways to spend my free time, I can readily identify my list of "must have travel items" that I just can't leave town without. 

My Must Have Travel Items:

• Carry on Suitcase (I actually need to purchase a new one this week, as after 12 great years- including 2 trips overseas- my current little suitcase has broken wheels.  It has been great, though!
• Tote/large purse for reading materials, makeup and other essentials for the plane ride/car ride
• Travel hot rollers (those of you that know me well know that I *rarely* go a day without my trusty hot rollers.  It may sound silly, but I can feel the missing "pep in my step" without them.
• Heels! (Natually) ;) - Also a pair of flat sandals, for walking, etc. 
• Small purse/wristlet packed in main purse
• Cliff and/or Luna Bars (Great healthy snack on the go...always have one in my purse.) 
• Lip gloss/lipstick
• Water
• Wine (Kidding!  But I do find it quickly upon my arrival to said destination.)
• My phone (aka lifeline) - for calls, email, internet, texts, music - what don't our phones do for us these days? 
• My Kindle Fire - a newer addition to the travel must have list, however I'm in love with it!  As an avid reader, I love nothing more than having several books (and a bookstore) at my fingertips always!  Since I take public transportation to work as well, this is an item that is used on the daily by your's truly.  Plus, since it has internet, it's like a little computer...great for the airport. 

On My List for Chicago:

• Fireworks at Navy Pier (This is actually happening for sure; can't wait - I will take pictures.  I Love Fireworks!  So magical.)
• Rooftop cocktails (Maybe more than once...)
• Dinner at a few lovely spots - I'm lucky to have friends that know the city well...so I'm leaving these decisions up to them.  
• A boatride of some sort (I still haven't been on the famous Architecture Tour so I think we may do this...)

That's what I can think of right now.  I'm sure I will add on.  Until then, I'm off to a busy day of work...it will be a nutty week here at the office but fun to have a trip to look forward to!