Valentine’s Day 2016 is right around the corner and I’ve searched Pinterest for some super cute nail inspiration to share with you guys. I’ve also linked my ‘How to paint a heart on your nails‘ post as well, which is actually quite easy, even if your’e not artistic whatsoever. Tag me in your Instagram pics so I can see your cute ideas:)
Gallery walls are having a major moment right now. Gallery walls are basically an arranged artistic display of things that matter to you most including mirrors, pictures, arts & crafts, frames, Initials etc. There are really no rules when it comes to a well hung gallery wall, it’s really all about what you think works for your space. I recently finished my gallery wall and have some tips that I want to share with you that made it easier for me.
Gallery walls are a process (mine took 6 weeks to complete) but don’t fret, YOU GOT THIS! One picture at a time.
Supplies & Art:
Hammer & nails, tacky glue, mounting putty (behind the frames that wouldn’t stay put), gold paint, sandpaper (to distress some of the frames)
*Mirror, clock, and framed elephant art available at Target.
*Twine wrapped Letter ‘F’, gold paint, decorative keys, tweed heart, and oval wood piece with keyhole ceramic piece all available at Michaels.
*Weathered brown frame (upper right) available at West Elm.
*All other frames available at Home Goods.
Gallery Wall Tips:
* Check Pinterest and Instagram Check these sites for gallery walls to see what styles, colors and arrangements you like.
*Everyone Can afford a gallery wall: My gallery wall pictured above includes only 2 pricey pieces, the rest are super affordable pieces (hello $25 mirror) mixed with DIY stuff. Don’t let your budget stop you! Also, Don’t limit yourself to only store-bought items. If you love a particular frame in your home, you can paint it to match your theme. There are youtube tutorials for EVERYTHING and you can watch step by step videos on sanding, staining and painting frames.
*Make it your own: pick a color palette. I chose ivory, black & gold. All of your art doesn’t need to match, but having 2-3 primary colors makes it more cohesive when completed. I also went with only black & white prints and photos to keep things uniform.
*Don’t be afraid to use different frames: Different sizes, shapes & colors only add to the greatness of your gallery wall.
*Lay it out: I cannot stress enough to lay out your gallery wall arrangement BEFORE putting anything on the wall. I layed mine out on the floor, changed it around a few times, took pictures and compared the pictures until I was happy with the arrangement.
*All in the family: Tie your gallery wall colors in with your surrounding couch, blankets, coffee table, and throw pillows. This keeps everything cohesive within the space.
*Hang time: Hang your artistic representation any way you want. I keep reading all sorts of rules about arranging your gallery wall, but just remember- it is YOUR gallery wall so hang it how you want. As long as it’s balanced with shapes & spacing, your gallery wall will be just fine. Speaking of spacing: The wall is your friend- the space between your art is just as important as the art itself. I started with putting my largest piece up and went from there. I chose to not put the largest piece dead center. I feel like that would be expected and it can cause your eye to be drawn toward that piece and not all of the fun stuff around it.
Breathe: You can do it!
Whether it’s for school, work, or your desk at home- great stationary can quickly liven up a space and quite frankly it can make you happy! I have been collecting cute stationary for some time now and am sharing my faves with you today 🙂 I’m not a basic stationary kind of girl, so of course I’m partial to pink, polka dots glitter!
Some of my favorite stationary right now! Can you say CA-UTE!!!!! Click links below to shop these cuties!
Laduree set complete with macaron erasers!!!!!! OMG so adorbs!
Kate Spade Polka Dot notebook.
Kate Spade ‘Eat cake for breakfast’ Journal.
‘You’re a gem’ pencil set(set of 9).
Lucite stapler with rose gold tone throughout.
Swarovski bling pen in pink.
Swarovski bling pen and USB set in pearl white.
Twig colored pencil set (set of 12)
I’m guilty of “pinning” again! At least my hour long Pinterest surf session was worthwhile- I collected some of my favorite Summer nail inspiration and am so excited to share it with you guys:) Cheers to Summer and cute manis!!!!
Attention sparkle loving girly girls! I have recently discovered the cutest pen ever! And by cute I mean that it’s super sparkly without being tacky- yes there is such a thing. This pretty pen is made with 160 sparkly Swarovski crystals (the pictures don’t do it justice). The ink can be replaced when it runs out
and they come in a variety of colors and include a velvet storage pouch, making it a great gift idea. I chose the “pearl white” which is actually a silvery white color that’s quite pretty and the swarovski crystals inside are SUPER sparkly!!!! I love it! These pens are available at Swarovski locations or by clicking the links below.
There is also a cool set that includes one pen and one mechanical pencil. $80
I love games- any and all games including cards! Every household has at least 1 deck of cards and fashionistas are no different. The question is- Why should we have the same boring deck of cards as every one else when they make super cute cards for people like us?! I must say- I really do own the cutest decks of cards I’ve ever seen and you should too. One is a completely pink set of cards by Bicycle(the card brand that’s been around for decades )and the other is a boxed set of 2 decks featuring a pink deck and a mint deck by Tiffany & Co. Whenever I bust out my cards, conversation ensues! They are THAT cute! These cards also make great gifts as well.
The all pink deck is priced at $5.46
The Tiffany & Co boxed set is priced at $35 (You can call your local Tiffany & Co. for their selection of colors)
Both sets of cards on my coffee table! Too cute! (excuse the crooked pic)
Happy Earth Day 2014 everybody:) I hope you’re enjoying this beautiful day. I also hope you take the time today to think of some “little” changes you can make that will have a Big impact on the environment. Going green doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive, and doing anything at all is better than nothing- every little bit helps!
Here are a few EASY changes that you can start with today that will make a difference immediately .
* Unplug your cell phone charger when you aren’t using it.
*Buy a canvas tote… Whether you use it at the grocery store or to take your lunch to work this can save so many plastic and paper bags over time.
*Cut your shower down by 2 minutes, YES 2 min can help (5 gallons saved)
*Fix that leaky faucet NOW! Homeowners this can save you $30 a year and 74 gallons a day. Renting? This is FREE, just call your landlord and you’ll be saving 74 gallons a day in no time.
*Turn water off while brushing your teeth, turning the water off during the recommended 2 minute brushing can save 5 gallons every day.
*Recycle electronics…. check out http://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/CompElec/ to find recycling resources in the LA area. Not in the LA area? check out your local dept. of public works website for info.
*Never throw away old clothes, they unnecessarily fill landfills and could be worn by someone in need. Always donate to your local church, goodwill or salvation army. Also look for Donation Bins in your neighborhood. There is also a really cool website ,pickupplease.org, where you can schedule a FREE pickup of your donations and they go to Veterans and their families. If the clothes are in bad condition, keep them- cut them up and use them as rags.
*Turn off lights when you’re not in the room- just do it!
*Walk whenever you can… turn your grocery trip into a workout or return your netflix by foot. Burn calories and save gas!
*Share these tips.… Most people don’t know how easy it is. Have kids? your efforts are doubled when you get your kids involved, helping them understand the why to the what.
There are so many things we can all do, The list is never-ending. I like to add something new, get comfortable with it then add something else, making new greener habits. Here are some more ways to go green……….get an environmentally friendly car (I am seriously considering a Prius) using reusable water bottles and biodegradable doggie bags. Solar panels on your home will cut your energy bills in half or more AND your State may subsidize energy-saving and alternative power. Replacing existing light bulbs with more efficient ones, composting, and running your dishwasher only when full are great ways to help save energy and waste. When doing laundry pay attention to the wash setting, if you have a small load, change the setting accordingly and wash with cold water when possible. Also, don’t forget to program those thermostats-changing it by a degree or two can save you money and energy.While we’re on the topic, Free cycle is a website you should check out asap. Shopping at farmer’s markets also saves gallons and gallons of gas-think about where your fruit and veggies come from- plane, train or automobile- they all take fuel. A super easy change to make is going paperless-paperless bill paying online saves so much paper and saves you a stamp! The list goes on and on. Do your part- for a better earth!
What are you going to do?
Happy Friday everyone!!!!!! This week’s find is from Etsy- I have found so many cute pieces on Etsy over the years! I’ve been looking for a scrabble necklace for a while now and I’ve found it! Such a fun necklace! The necklace comes on a long beaded chain that can be cut to size. I cut mine to 16 ” which is usually the size I like. Happy shopping and have a great weekend!
XO, Journey
Scrabble necklace $5 at Etsy shop Dovey Design.
This Etsy shop has other cute stuff made from scrabble pieces as well like wedding favors etc.
It’s almost that time of year again!!! Valentine’s Day is in two weeks and all of you nail art lovers need to decide what you’ll do this year for the day of love! Last year I shared some Valentine’s Day nail inspiration and it got so much traffic, so I’m doing it again this year! These are some of my favorites that I came across on Pinterest! So many cute ideas!
Click HERE for a quick and easy way to create a heart on your nails!
This weekend marked a very special occasion in the fashion world. The iconic wrap dress created by Diane von Furstenberg celebrated its 40th anniversary! Furstenberg created the first dress with NO buttons or zippers and a very flattering fit as well, which has become a staple in women’s wardrobes around the world. I have and will always say that a woman’s best friend is a wrap dress! The ‘Journey of a dress’ exhibit -which opened to the public this weekend- pays homage to the designer and the dress that changed everything! The exhibit includes 200 mannequins clad in vintage and contemporary takes of the wrap dress. If you love DVF or fashion in general, you will love this exhibit!
“Journey of a Dress,” runs from Jan. 11 to April 1.
Wilshire May Co. Building, 6767 Wilshire, Los Angeles.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free!!!!!
I had a blast!
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