Flowers leftover from my recent shoot and new wallpaper in Dexter’s room.
I think he likes! Have a great week, friends.
xo
hello monday
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happy friday
spring in the air
A little fashion post inspired by the few days of GORGEOUS sunny warmer weather we have been fortunate enough to have lately. The mix of patterns and colors in these pics and have me eagerly awaiting Spring. I cant wait to slip in to outfits in lighter softer pastels.
Such as this sexy lace top paired with a sage pencil skirt and leather wrap-around belt.
And this lace tip with coral zigzag skirt with pockets (always a winner in my book).
Totally lusting for the these two dresses by Chloe.
And this kimono-style top…oh! dont miss that FAB clutch!
And this adorable bow top!!
Three oh-so-lovely DIYs
Sorry for the lack of posts friends. Some unexpected issues with my site dug into my blogging time. With a full schedule of tablescaping projects, digital marketing consultancy, and social commitments it has been difficult to find the inspiration for posts. Also, I noticed that nearly everything I have been wanting to blog about is all over Pinterest already. With that said, I did spot these fun DIY ideas over at Jordans’s Oh Happy Day! and Danni’s oh, hello friend that I just had to share with you. Creative ideas like these is what makes me LOVE the blogging community so much.
DIY confetti tablecloth: Adorb overload!!
DIY business cards: Original and too cute for words!
DIY gold triangle 99 cent mug : Great for last minute gifts or parties.
images: oh happy day and oh, hello friend
Easy Handmade Love Coupons for Valentine’s Day
Happy love day friends! Hope you are surrounded with smiles and warmth. I am not into the over-commercialization of this day; expensive gifts and heart-shaped everything. Instead, I prefer a more thoughtful and personal approach such as cooking your partner a lovely dinner, or putting together a mixed playlist on their itunes, washing their car, helping them with their to-do list items…get creative!!
This year, I brought back an oldie but goodie. Handmade set of love coupons. I used one sheet of cardstock, washi tape and a label printer to make 12 cards. I stacked them up and tied a strip of kraft paper and bakers twine around. Easy-peasy and took under 15 minutes to make. A great gift alone or as an add-on to one. For those looking for inspiration or last minute ideas this one is sure to be be much appreciated by your honey.
xoxo
ps: in case you missed my v-day tablescape look for Bright Bazaar, here is a teaser but make sure to check out all the details over at BB!
images styled and photographed by manvi-drona hidalgo
bedroom heaven
The slanted floor-to-ceiling window wall in this pic reminds me of my room, when I was at school, in London. Since then, I have loved this architectural detail in living spaces, especially for a home-office. The abundance of natural light flooding the space and filling it with energy. So refreshing to see a minimal bedroom in this setting. Imagine watching the stars at night, the pitter-patter of the rain, and the early morning sun! LOVE LOVE! What also catches my eye is the lemon tree; how fragrant it must make the room! when can i move in?
dog ate my homework so im blogging about decor instead
He really did. It was kind of cute and flattering. He looked like he loved it so that made me happy. But this also means you will have to wait until Friday to see what I was working on. I will tell you this, my lil Dexter does have good taste 
Until then, I pulled some pretty awesome looking rooms from my Pinterest likes.
Personal tastes aside, could we just agree on how beautifully styled these rooms are? And, the dark oversize accents/furnitures/features in white-rooms trend is making me happy. Darker-toned piece such as a chandelier, rug, window, and table anchor a bright room while adding definition. Bring in patterns and colors using throw pillows and you have a great space to build on.
chalkboard paint + white kitchens + patterned floors
I love the unfussed look of this dining room. Every element, from the herringbone hardwood floors, the neutral color palette, the darkwood dining table, the bulb-trio pendant light, and the chalkboard wall, comes together effortlessly. My favorite bit is the accent chalkboard wall which is not only practical {for reminders, appointments, to-do lists, messages etc} but adds that much needed balance and visual interest to the all-white room. The fact that it is framed makes it look even better. Im sold! I have been meaning to do a chalkboard wall in my house but I cant decide where..the kitchen? dining room? office? hallway?
For those not completely sold on chalkboard walls, this picture of Victoria’s home might convince you.
My inspiration board looks a lot like this one below! This means two things: 1, I am bursting with creative inspiration and 2, I need to de-cluttter my board asap!
How aborbs is this look for a guest room? It, naturally, had me at the exposed brick wall, but am kinda drooling for that beautiful pattern on the floor. I cant tell if its a rug on rug or painted floor, my bet is its a rug. I also like the poster and the duvet cover.
This-white-on-white eat-in kitchen has instantly jumped to the top of my renovation files. The big windows, the silver industrial lights, the white marble on white cabinets, and white subway tiles, and the striped bench for the table = A.D.O.R.E.!
Happy new week friends. Hope it is off to a rocking start for you!
xo
Happy Friday
Happy weekend! I am cutting out early to arrange flowers and set the table for our little tapas-dinner party tonight.
Thank you for taking the time to visit me here. Wish you a great weekend. xo
Tablescape 101: A Valentine’s Dinner for Two
Hello February! Some of you know how much I look forward to sharing my latest tablescapes with you. Which is why I could not wait to show you my latest look for Bright Bazaar, a Valentines Dinner for TWO. Not one for crowded and over-priced fixed meals at restaurants on V-day, I created a budget-friendly, intimate and easy-to-pull together tablescape look for a cozy dinner at home. We kept things fresh, and modern and opted to skip the over-used pinks and hearts.
We decided on a sophisticated black, white and gold palette highlighted with amethyst accents. A cursive fabric becomes an easy table runner, chevron drawer liners double up as place mats and ampersands played up the menu cards and invite.
I have to say I absolutely LOVE how the look came together. Huge thank you to Claudia and Karen, your designs ROCK! And Thank you Will for making this column look spectacular! Friends, do hop on over to Bright Bazaar and check it out.
Menu and invites by Fig2design.com
Gold Chevron placemats/drawer liners by Hammocks and High Tea
Styling and photography by Manvi Drona-Hidalgo
weekend snippets + brunches + booth-style seating
Happy new week!
I’m all about brunches with my favorite people and feel fortunate to live in a city that has a good number of restaurants offering FAB brunch deals. This weekend we hit up a new spot Urbana Wine Bar and Restaurant. I fell in love with their egg-white frittata with manchego cheese and a side of arugula salad. Yum-to-the-mers. I would definitely go there again just for the frittata.
I have long loved the charm of banquette seating and have recently been toying with the idea of raising the height of my chesterfield to function as one. Any links/suggestions on how to do this? I wonder if building custom seating is a better option. I pulled a few images from my files with cozy booth-style and bench seating ideas. I really like the idea of additional storage underneath too.
How do you feel about booth-style seating?
Have a great week ahead. x
styling tip: unexpected touches
Beautifully decorated rooms are usually the result of a well-trained eye for detail, thoughtful purchases and the desire to live well. What makes them personal, warm and inviting, magazine-worthy is how they are styled.
Pick one or two pieces that bring an element of surprise to the overall look.
Like the brass lamp and patterned sidetables in this (above) guestroom,
and this brick wall that makes this dinner for two tablescape look even more inviting,
and this bubble chandelier. Little details but these make a huge impact to the decor.
images: design sponge and house beautiful
six rooms im loving
These rooms stood out to me for their simple, almost rustic and contemporary styles. I just love the look of dark/reclaimed wood against white walls and linen. Clean, textured and neutral material never fail to inspire me.
Have a successful and productive week!
via: houzz, alifesdesign and browndresswithwhitedots
Sunday brunch with the girls
Loving this soft, glitsy and edgy table setting. Soft peach-pink hues with gold accents and black/navy chevron print napkins for that graphic punch. Totally chic! While originally from a wedding in Minneapolis, I think it would make a fabulous look for Sunday brunch with the ladies.
The understated gold accents and simplicity of this table setting makes it super easy {and affordable} to pull together. Measure length of table and cut a roll of wax paper to size. Layer a garden rose fabric as a runner over it. The candle sticks can be found at Ikea, $15 for a set of three. Gilded flatware from Bed Bath and Beyond, scalloped dinner and salad plates from Home Goods. The brass goblets can be found in most thrift stores for under $3each. As for the napkins, this DIY featured on Design Sponge recently gave step-by-step instructions on how to block-print a chevron fabric. Full DIY can be found here.
This has me totally in the mood for planning a brunch party with my besties soon. I would serve pink grapefruit mimosas, mini quiches and fruity tarts to start. Do you have any brunch recipes to share?
via 100layercake
never too early…
Some may think party season is over but not me. In fact, with a whole year ahead of us, now is the perfect time to collect ideas for your next party. Give yourself a head start with gathering inspiration for upcoming birthdays, holidays, {hello?? V-day is just around the corner!!} movie and game nights, oscar night, supper club dos, and other get togethers. Personally, I think the best reason for hosting a party is simply wanting to spend time with your favorite people!
via ruffledblog, glitter guide, meredith heron, every last detail