Hamster Box Redo :: Painting

I finally did it.  I've been saying for years that I was going to paint a picture to put above my fireplace.  You remember this post, and that sad sad fireplace.  Well, I FINALLY did something about it.  I have to say painting your own picture is extremely rewarding whether it comes out good or not.  As I was going I couldn't help but smile knowing that no matter what, I was hanging something that I did myself.  Here was my inspiration.  No it didn't come out quite like it but I'm still proud of myself.  So Sunday afternoon after my parents waved good-bye and drove back to Wichita I set up shop at my dining room table and 3 1/2 hours later the magic was done!

Oh that's not intimidating at all....

Getting my paints ready...

Here we go! That dark purple heart? That is my least favorite part. Don't worry... it turns into a dinosaur later.

Filling in the spaces.  There's that dinosaur.  Other things people found I sent this to {mostly my family... thanks family} cow utters, a pig back side with a pokey tail, scotty dog, and the most important and reason why I almost just through it away...

Can you see it? 

Turn it on the side.  Did the boobs and pregnant belly disappear?

Is it gone upside down? Well oh well...

Well there it is folks.  My poor fireplace is getting there!  I still think a mantel and some picture collages are in order.  I will ask my land lord if he hates the idea of me doing some physical labor.

Next up I am REALLY going to recover those dining room chairs.  Fabric has been bought so the procrastination can't last that much longer right?

xoxo,

Molly

Hamster Box Redo :: Fire Place

Don't get too excited. No I didn't do anything crafty... yet. But I will, I mean eventually. Until then I am going to put together my inspiration for what to do above my fire place.  One issue is there is no mantel, so I literally have to hang something up there. Another is, well just take a look. It's not the easiest of fire places to decorate. You've seen it here, decorated for Christmas but now I am giving you a glimpse into my hamster box. Not just a glimpse, I am letting you see the one part of it I am not proud of at all. So, put that judgement aside. 

It looks so much sadder than it does in my living room when you single it out like that. Sorry fire place. I swear the rest of my apartment is adorable and thoroughly decorated.  Ok I'm done defending myself. 

Here are pictures of my inspiration and what I am going to try to strive for above there.  Don't hold your breath for the craft post. It won't happen until December but that's when I'm shooting for.

All 3 gallery wall pictures can be found here

I love a good gallery wall.  I'd have to scale this down and would probably only be able to do 1 maybe 2  rows but I think it'd probably make my little home a little more sophisticated.  It would go well with the rest of my black and white pictures in my living room and dining room too.  

via

Something like this over my fire place might be the perfect solution. {as you can see the options have not been narrowed down in any some of manor}.

I was also thinking about getting a canvas and painting something myself.  Then getting a plank of wood and somehow without completely destroying the fire place making my own mantel.  We will see what happens.  I'm also intrigued by these melted crayon paintings...

Directions and picture via this website

We will see what ends up happening, like I said don't hold your breath.  It will be December.

xoxo,

Molly

Hamster Box ReDo

Hello Lovely Blog Readers!!

So I don't know about you but I can't get away from Pinterest.  If you're not familiar you should take a look.  It's like the inspiration board in my room, except on my computer, and for every thing in your life.  Food? Done. Home Decor? Done. Favorite Places? Done. Fashion? Of course. It's heaven and will suck you in for HOURS so beware.

Anyway while rummaging through pictures on Pinterest {duh} I couldn't stop thinking of ways to redo my hamster box.  Here are some things I am thinking.... {not to mention trying to find a different way to have my furniture which doesn't seem will happen...}.

I have a blue chair this shape in my room.  I have been throwing around the idea of recovering it but I can't decide on a fabric.  This might have to be it! I have been looking at this print in a navy/white combo but I think that's too much considering I have pink print pillows on my bed and different colors everywhere.  I think this would be nice and soothing!

I have this brown coffee table in my living room {side note: aside from the side tables EVERY actual piece of furniture in my apartment is a hand me down... score yes... random of course}. I couldn't decide what color to paint it but I love the idea of putting wall paper on the top and then put a glass top on it.  Again this brings up the problem... what print?! Something simple...

This is REALLY REALLY weird... {my mom can testify to what I'm about to say... and sisters. If anyone has figured out how to comment this might be the time...}. I LITERALLY have these dressers in my bedroom.  Well I have one that is long and one that is tall but they are the same thing as the ones above.  I found this picture on a different blog and have no idea which one now... which is annoying.  My dresser is white, with royal blue drawers, but same handle and same trim as the abover one.  They are close to 40 years old, they were literally in my sisters bedroom when my mom brought her home from the hospital {right?}. ANYWAY, again I couldn't decide what color to paint them... then I found this... DUH!! Dark navy with the gold accents is gorgeous and would go perfectly in my room.

Stay tuned for a DIY post on apartment changes!! {I mean don't hold your breath or anything... really...}.

xoxo,

Molly

Website Obsession... Society Social

So I have seen a couple of people post about this new site Society Social so I finally clicked through... OMG!  I am offically in love. She makes a impecciable hostess gown, bar tables, chairs, tables, sofas, everything you need to build your perfect party! 

I have to own one of these caftans.  Once I own a party worthy house this is exactly what I am going to be wearing when I host.

Look at this table!! It's perfect for a small apartment or a breakfast nook like they use! I love the way it looks, and it comes in tons of great bright colors perfect for anyone!

The couch comes in like 20 different combo's! Isn't it great website for decorating or throwing a great party! {FYI - I am working on a big September Issue post so until then posts will be less writing... more pictures... right to the point... but no less meaninful :) }

xoxo,

Molly

Mirror Mirror on the Wall....

.... who has the smallest bathroom of them all?  What? Are you shocked by that? Since I have repeatedly mentioned I live in a hamster box you shouldn't be.  Actually the bathroom is the one room in my apartment that I haven't been able to mask into looking much better than it is.  Anyway, I have been wistfully looking at pictures of gorgeous bathrooms online a lot lately.  Here are a few of my favorites...

I posted this little pretty on Pinterest {actually I repinned it} and after I did about 30 people repinned it! {It tells you... slightly annoyingly... every time someone repins something of yours}.  Anyway! I love windows in bathrooms to brighten it up... not to mention all over white is always clean and inviting! {as long as it's clean...}

I love the two different mirrors here! Plus candles and flowers anywhere in a house will get a thumbs up from me. I also love subway tile in a kitchen or bathroom, it instantly makes it look clean and inviting.

You remember her!! I am going to lay in that tube with my laptop someday...

I love the open storage cabinet. I feel as if it keeps you organized, neat, and tidy since everyone can see in it, but it's still practical.  I also heart that vanity although I'm not sure where this person is hiding their makeup/blow dryer/all of the tools to get ready.  It must be on the other side of the picture...

Again a the window, obviously love.  I also love the sinks and granite counter tops!

I really like this dresser.  I know I want a stand alone tub but I want mine to have vintage claw feet.

This vanity might suit me a little better.  More room for storage plus it looks like there is a tray with bath oils and perfumes on it... LOVE!!

I love the idea of a chaise in the bathroom if it's big enough.  Such a great place to lounge or have girlfriends over before a night out!

This is another from pinterest.  The tray is actually a picture frame! I love this idea and plan on stealing it probably multiple times!

Who wouldn't feel gorgeous getting ready in a girly, pretty bathroom such as these?!

xoxo,

Molly

P.S. Go to Because I'm Addicted to see the sneak peek pictures in Vogue from Missoni at Target!!!!! EEECCCCCCKKKKKK!!!

P.S.S.  If you enjoy reading blogs follow me on Bloglovin.  The link is on the right side of the page under the "About Me" section. It's a great way to keep your blogs together or find new ones to obsess over:)

Share the Love

I know I said I wouldn't post the rest of the weekend but this one just came to me! {to be fair it came to me yesterday and I scheduled it to post today :)}  I was perusing my favorite blogs today and came across the idea of doing a "top things I liked from other blogs" probably monthly or weekly or something post.  It's basically just pictures that inspired me or made me happy or made me think of something.  So here's the first "Share the Love" Post! I narrowed down to three blogs I read on a very regular bases but couldn't narrow down which pictures to share so there's a few of each! Enjoy!

First up is The Sartorialist which is by far one of my favorite blogs for style inspiration!  All of these pictures came from different posts.  She mostly does street style posts from Milan, Paris, New York, a little LA.  Here are a few of my favorite looks she's had recently!

I love this first one! It's a perfect pre-fall outfit. So sleek and preppy and I have been loving the top knot she's rocking lately!

I love the scarf wrapped around her wrist.  She just looks so glam.  All white is always a great statement.

 I mean come on.  Such an easy yet beautiful dress for the ridiculous summer heat!

Next is {this is glamorous}. 

I love this little nook.  This is exactly where I would want to lounge to blog, read a book or magazine, or just chat on the phone with someone.

Ok, if you have read my "About Me" you noticed I like to hoard magazines.  The problem is I only have a small built in book case in the corner of my living room.  I would love a bigger one like this for my favorite books and my stacks and stacks of Vogue, Bazaar, InStyle, W, etc!

These shoes are from Chloe's 2005 runway show that she recently blogged about.  I. WANT. THEM. NOW. Both pairs... they are amazing.

Last but not least is Design Darling.

As those of you who know me well know this quote could not be more perfect for my current situation!! I LOVE IT! I think I want it framed and put in my bathroom so that I never forget this.

Ok, so I have yet to do the "dream closet" post.  It is probably going to take me a month to prepare it but this is one of the things I have ALWAYS wanted in it.  Something similar to this picture but of my own wedding dress {when this happens} hanging with the light hitting it perfectly.  I then want to put it in a big beautiful frame and it will be my main art work in my closet {did I mention this closet is probably the size of a normal living room? Hey... don't judge I said DREAM closet}. I mean you only get to wear it once {which is SUCH a shame....} so why not at least get to admire it every day after the fact?

Take us away Miranda Kerr! I doubt I have to explain what I love about this....

xoxo,

Molly

Next Target Collaboration? MISSONI!!!

I almost fell out of my chair while I was reading this in the August issue of "Vogue" I plucked out of my mailbox yesterday.  I was sitting outside in our joint courtyard and I'm SURE I made some sort of audible noises... but OMGOMGOMG.  You thought Calypso was exciting?? Get ready for Missoni at Target! They are working on FOUR HUNDRED different items (which seems cruel because I obviously can't buy 400..) ranging from table top, pillows, clothing (women, baby, men), bicycles, dinnerware, bedsheets, luggage... my hearts beating really fast... I'm not positive I'm breathing....

If you pick up a copy of this months Vogue, on new stands now, you can get a sneak peek of pillows, rugs, the bike (which is OMG amazing... I wish people in Dallas road bike's more... Maybe my brother can store it in DC and it will be what I ride when I visit? Sounds wonderful), and canisters.  I tried to take some pictures of the pictures in the magazine... no bueno. 

Here are some teaser pictures I found on Zimbio featuring the ever talented Margherita Missoni as their lovely model.  I still haven't started breathing again... Tonights mission: clean out my apartment and sell stuff so I can have a nice stash to take when it arrives.  It starts September 13th and goes til October 22nd - which means I know what all of you are getting me for my birthday - a Target gift card mmmmkay? Thanks :)

xoxo, (still not breathing properly....)
Molly

:: Happy Sunny Weekend!! ::

Have a cocktail {or a yummy cup of coffee!} in your beautiful outdoor space this weekend!

xoxo,

Molly