Friday Pinspiration: Herringbone Tile

I’m dreaming of updating our kitchen with new floors, painting the cabinets, getting a fridge that actually fits in the fridge space and converting to a gas range.  We’re still probably over a year out on a kitchen renovation, but it’s always good to keep some inspiration for saving those pennies.

kitchenherringbonetileImage via Blue Tea

I’m loving this herringbone subway tile backsplash, grey marble counter top, and blue cabinets.  It is so bright and the light reflects nicely.

Happy Friday!

Set a positive intention for today and have a wonderful Easter weekend!

xx

-h

The Best Love Song Ever

I’m hooked on the Kid President videos. And the latest one featuring Lennon and Maisy for Valentine’s Day is amaze. (Lennon and Maisy are YouTube stars PLUS they play Rayna James’ daughters on Nashville – LOVE that show).

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1BUtr4ElcY&w=560&h=315]

Also – the best e-card option ever via Skiing Magazine.

xx

-h

Vintage Finds: Chesterfield Sofa

I’m borderline obsessed with the chesterfield sofa style (flashback to this blue one).  The leather ones remind me of old style country club’s mens’ lounges.  I’ve mentioned to R, my future sis-in-law, S, and probably everyone that I want a man cave complete with a leather tufted sofa that smells like scotch, cigars, and many leather bound books.  Even though R and I aren’t in the market for a couch right now, I regularly search craigslist for “chesterfield” or “tufted” in the hopes that someone won’t know what they’re trying to get rid of.  Homestead Seattle knows what they’re doing though. and when I recently saw this one listed, I couldn’t help but share.

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Available for delivery in the area, listed for $2,995.

I can imagine curling up with a cozy throw for a nice game of cribbage.

xx

-h

2013: The year of the wedding!

S and I don’t typically do super personal posts on here, but we do talk about goals. So…I think this fits…

My good friend from growing up just asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding! I am soooo excited, and makes the number of weddings that I am in for 2013 – 3. Yes, I will be in 3 weddings this year.  On that note, I know my family and friends have heard me say about a billion times that I want to get fit, lose weight, look hot. Blah, blah, blah. But this year, you guys, I’m serious. I have to do it. When R and I got married, I felt good. I was strong, and my dress was flattering. So my goal is to get back down to that weight-ish.

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In the past couple of years I’ve realized several things about myself, all of which, are road blocks that I’ve created myself that prevent me from getting to the goal weight I want to be.

1. I love sweets.  I’ve always worked out, I have to for my sanity. But I also find myself mentally unprepared to turn down any chance to nosh on a bit of chocolate, cookies, or dessert.  My love of baking contributes to this.  Plus, R doesn’t eat sweets, like, at all.  He’ll eat his token Reeses Egg at Easter time, but that is it. No jokes. He just doesn’t crave it like I do. So when I bake something, it’s strictly for myself, and I usually end up taking it to work or my parents house to share with them.  I have to be able to limit my sweets intake.  Just because you hit the gym for an hour or two, means you refuel with good food not sweets. #getitgirl

2.  This….
bodyjournalBefore the wedding (we got married in 2010) – I used My Fitness Pal to drop some lbs. Find me here.  Also, over the summer, I purchased a food scale.  I’ll be honest – I bought it so I could weigh out ingredients for baking. BUT, it’s a cross-over tool. So – #weighitgirl

3.  I’ve never been happy with my body, but I’m getting older. It’s time to buck up and accept my curves. For Christmas, my parents gave me personal training sessions at my gym. I’m going to take what I learn from those sessions and push myself.

Goals:

– I’m currently at 27% BMI, I would like to get to 24% by July 3 (my 26th birthday).  I’m going to concentrate on losing weight and gaining muscle. The reward for 24% – LuLuLemon Pants!!!

– Feeling happier and more confident.

– Planning meals and snacks for the week so I don’t dip in energy/willpower mid-afternoon.

xx

-h

P.S.  I’ve been following Mama Laughlin‘s blog for a while, which led me to Elle Noel. Feeling super motivated by them.

Custom Wood Headboard

You guys! My brother made this headboard and it turned out amaze! He is taking custom orders right now if you live in the Seattle area.

headboard

You can contact him: NathanCharlesBowling@gmail.com

He can make it any size and stained any color! I’m thinking an over sized version ala this room from La Dolce Vita would look so chic white washed with a upholstered neutral headboard in front for a monochromatic scheme.  Or with a bold color in front for something more dramatic.

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xx

-h

Christmas Book List 2012

Books 2012
1. The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook – long awaited, it is being raved about. I can’t wait to see the photos, I’ve heard they’re fantastic.
2. Local Pacific Northwesters know the Tom Douglas name well. This isn’t his first cookbook, but it’s definitely his sweetest: The Dahlia Bakery Cookbook.
3.  Okay, maybe I’m a little late to the Design*Sponge book party, but as an avid follower of the blog. I would love to flip through these DIY pages: Design*Sponge at Home.
4. Also one of my favorite blogs, this one is back ordered right now, but I’m hoping to have a copy before they come to Tacoma in January: Young, House, Love.
5. Okay, I’ll admit, I don’t know much about canning, but I’ve been learning the last couple of years and would love to have a go-to to work from: Canning for a New Generation.
6. I just heard a story about the Jerusalem: A Cookbook, on NPR, it sounds like it’s a mix of cookbook and cultural photography at the same time. I’m intrigued.
7. My go-to for down home cooking, The Pioneer Woman knows her strengths – comfort food, step by step photography for the recipes, and a quick wit. It reads like an actual story, and you can’t help but feel welcomed into Ree’s ranch life.
8. Admittedly, I don’t know much about The Sprouted Kitchen cookbook, and am totally judging a book by it’s cover. But, I can guess that if you’re like me, you’re trying to eat cleaner, more in-season, and more local, and this looks like it could be the inspiration ticket.
9. One that I’ve been coveting for a while: Domino.
10. 10 favorite ingredients like caramel, peanut butter, booze, and chocolate? Baking? I’m in: Baked.
11. Cupcakes and Cashmere is another one of my favorite blogs, Emily has great entertaining ideas and excellent taste. I’m sure this book is an extension of her style.
12. For the coffee table, these photos of Underwater Dogs will truly make you LOL. There is also a calendar option available.
Okay – maybe it’s a little cookbook heavy, but what can I say? I love photos of food!
xx
-h

Turquoise and Grey Bedroom

S sent me this link for ideas to decorate when she moves into her new place and I’m a little obsessed with the color scheme.

image: Nordstrom

The Pom Throw ($49) and Pom Pillow ($29) would be perfect gifts for someone this Christmas. I love the different textures and patterns but how they are all the same color scheme. Plus, who doesn’t like a Missoni accent?

xx

-h