Etsy Picks 01.31.2012

Etsy is one of my favorite ways to waste time. It can be a little overwhelming at first, there is a ton of stuff for sale out there, but once you find the search method that works for you* it's easy to lose track of time.

My friend Jen (remember Jen?) recently found her way to Etsy and has quickly risen to iconic shopper status - if only such thing existed - I swear she knows all the best Etsy shops.

In fact, it was Jen that turned me onto Vintage Dutch Girl - have you heard of her? If not, you really must visit her shop, she makes the loveliest infinity scarves out of fabulous printed cotton. The fabric holds its shape like a dream, it sits and stays exactly where you tell it to.

After spotting Jen in one of these exquisite scarfs a couple months back- and telling her flat out how wonderful it was, she tipped me off** that there was a houndstooth version currently for sale. I immediately started stalking it online and, one night plainly asked  by boyfriend "Are you going to buy this for me for Christmas or should I just get it right now?".

I'll admit I set him up, know he knew how badly I wanted the scarf and there really wasn't anything he could do but get it for me. I continued to stalk the little beauty until one day it wasn't there anymore, and a little piece of my heart broke thinking that perhaps someone else had acted faster than him. 

Then, a couple days before Christmas, I met a friend for drinks and guess what she had wrapped around her neck? I tried to keep my cool as my voice went up an octave or two... "is that my Vintage Dutch Girl houndstooth scarf that you knew I wanted so bad and are flaunting in-front of my face!?!!"

Well surprise, surprise, I'm a fool. Because, on Christmas morning I opened up a box containing my very own amazing Vintage Dutch Girl houndstooth scarf! I guess she had two in stock or something, it's not important. The only thing that matters is I look fabulous in it, and it's soft and lovely, and currently smells really good due to some perfume I sampled at Anthropologie on the weekend...

The problem is, like all good things, one is really never enough. 

Enjoy!

Calli

*I like to use the Treasury, where people make their own little wish lists, as a starting point.

**Aren't friends who know your favorite patterns and enable your addictions just the best?

Perfection Found - Feminine Bedroom

From the sparkling chandelier to the crown molding, printed wallpaper, delicate room screen, and whitewashed wood floors, I am absolutely smitten with everything in this room!

And what a lovely idea to place the headboard in-front of that large bay window.

via Toasts and Spills

Enjoy!

Calli

Happy Hump Day!

via Handmade Ryan Gosling

Doesn't Ryan make everyday better? And just think - you're halfway to the weekend!

Enjoy!

Calli

Comfort Cooking - Corn, Bacon, Potato Chowder

It can be hard to get back into cooking after the holidays - Here I am acting as if they just happened when nearly a month has flown by...

I decided to make a couple different soup-style meals, which are great at using up leftovers and can be frozen for those dismal nights in January when you want to crawl under the covers and hide.

I will admit that I'm not a world-class chef, but I can follow a recipe and have everything turn out ok (most of the time). For this chowder I looked at a few different recipes but wasn't sold on any specific one so I went off script and improvised a bit.

Corn, Bacon, Potato Chowder

1 Yellow Onion, chopped

1 Red Pepper, chopped

4-6 Yukon Gold Potatoes, diced

2c. water

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

5-7 slices of bacon

2 cans Whole Kernel Corn, drained

1 can Lite Coconut Milk

1/4c. Flour

In a large pot or dutch oven, cook the onion and red pepper in 1-2 tablespoons of butter until soft. Add the potatoes, water, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the potatoes are easily pricked with a fork. The potatoes will continue to soften after this so it's important not to overcook them at this point. While the potatoes simmer, cook the bacon in a frying pan, drain, cool, and chop. Reduce heat and add the corn, bacon, and coconut milk. Mix flour with 1/2 cup of water and add to the chowder. Cook, over medium heat, until the chowder thickens, 2-5 minutes. 

This chowder turned out really well, and received rave reviews. Overall it was really easy to make and would be even simpler with leftover ham instead of bacon (I loath cooking bacon). I've also thought about substituting one of the cans of whole corn for a can of cream corn and regular milk instead of coconut milk. 

Oh the possibilities, I'll definitely make it again!

Enjoy!

Calli

5 Ways to Add Colour to Your Space

Isn't colour great? Nothing against the monochromatic look, I'll drool over a lovely white room any day, I just can't live like that.

Although I adore colour, I've found it difficult to use correctly at times. If you're like me, your walls are probably a neutral colour (gray) and you've opted for furniture in "safer" colours (gray); ignoring the style magazines because "you might get tired of a royal blue sofa". There's nothing wrong with this approach, there have to be others out there, like me, thinking "I can add colour with accessories" - until you see a dream room on some nasty design blog featuring none other than that fabulous royal blue couch you passed up.

via Flourish Design & Style

1. Pick a Palette

If you're going to wander into the wonderful world of colour, a road-map will keep you on the right path. I don't subscribe to many decorating rules so when I say "road-map" it could be as simple as buying what you like or deciding how you want a room to feel. If you've got a rough plan for your space you'll get there, I have faith.

via Merriment Events

2. Accessorize, Accessorize, Accessorize

Old Faithful, using accessories to add a pop of colour is the fail safe approach for a reason. It's relatively straightforward, inexpensive, and easy to change, that's why everyone does it. Although it's a great first step, I find that on it's own, a few scattered accessories can leave a room feeling flat. Also, I always lean towards gray, even in accessories, it's a sickness really.



3. Say it with Paint

When you open a new notebook do you recognize the infinite possibilities of that flawlessly smooth paper staring back at you? That's how I feel about a can of paint. Yes, it may turn out wrong (a colour on a paint chip isn't a great example of how it will look in the end) but the risk is worth the reward - a colourful wall you can't stop staring at is a beautiful thing.

via Layers of Meaning

4. Opt for Pattern

Pattern can say a lot about a person. It can also intimidate the pants off you. Although a bit scary, pattern adds an energy to a room that you just can't replace. To start with, try one pattern, stripes or polka dots or floral or chevron, not all four at once. If that doesn't do it for you, why not try multiple patterns in one colour?

via Grubby Girls

5. Layer Up

I've been known to wear four tops at once, let's just say I've really embraced the whole layering look. But guess what? Layering works just as great in a room. Once you have a road-map of where your room is headed, pick a feature wall, add in some colourful accessories, pick up pattern in your pillows, and then sit back and enjoy your new space.

My Bedroom

The best thing about a room is it never stops evolving. It's never too late to switch something up or introduce a new colour or pattern.

Enjoy!
Calli

Favorite Rooms of 2011

One of the perks of spending copious amounts of time online drooling over rooms that will never be mine is that I get to bring them over here and share!

As I tried to find my footing as a new blogger this year, the gorgeous rooms I was able to showcase acted as a great distraction. In case you missed one or two of them, here's a little re-cap I've compiled - consider it a belated Christmas present!

This first room was the cherry-on-top of a post on Glorious Bathrooms back in May. It's my favorite bathroom of 2011 by far with rough cement walls, a large window, teal mosaic wall, and lush plants.

This amazing loft was part of a Bit of Brilliance post in July featuring my favorite colour, gray. Normally, modern lofts like this would utilize glass panel railings to keep everything fresh but I think that this soft gray option is just as nice, if not better!

My favorite bedroom of the year, from a post in July about Pops of Colour, is a bit of a surprise, even to me. It was  Instead of sleek, retro, and a bit minimalist, my normal go-to style, this rustic room is modernized with pops of colour in the linens and floor mats. The large windows are an amazing focal point and negate any need for a headboard.

I became so obsessed with this room after initially posting it in August that I re-used it in a post on the beloved Tulip table in September. The wide plank wooden floors, white-washed ceiling beams, and Beatles-esque print above the fireplace all meld together for a soft, modern room that's right up my alley!

This is one of my all time favorite rooms - like, ever. Therefore, it's no surprise I would share it in a post on the Tulip table in September. I love, love, love the deep blue of the painted chairs and the mix of deep wood on the floors, sparkle from the chandelier and mirror, and overall crisp white everywhere.

I was unable to find anything wrong with the lovely living room and therefore featured it in a Perfection Found post in September. Back then I described the room as calm, tranquil, and serene which is exactly what it is.

So there you have it - my favorite rooms featured here in 2011. Honestly, I could have added a dozen more. What do you think, any that I missed?

Enjoy!

Calli

Fantastic Etsy Finds for a Fantastic Friend

I have a wonderful friend - well I have multiple friends and they are all wonderful - but the one I'm going to introduce you to today is Jen. 

Jen is easily one of the most caring, genuine people I've ever met. She loves the colour orange and French Bulldogs, can rock an infinity scarf like no one else, and has four fur babies. A couple days ago we met for coffee (we were really supposed to go to the gym but someone forgot their running shoes) and for some reason, perhaps it's infatuation, everything I saw online that evening reminded me of her. 

It probably doesn't help that I spent the night perusing Etsy (one of her faves) and compiled a list of all the things I think she should buy (she doesn't need much encouragement).

This scarf immediately got me thinking of Jen - the wool is classic, the leather trim and buttons are a little bit rock-and-roll and she'd look lovely in this pale green-blue colour.

via Etsy

Maybe it's me who really loves these little blue tea cups but Jen likes hot beverages too and I think the little bees add just enough whimsy for her taste. Also, I've seen a mug she was given in the past, it ended up holding pens on her desk, and I know for a fact that these would be better received!

via Etsy

Did I mention that Jen loves French Bulldogs? In fact, she has two little pups I photographed back in August. I know that she would love these note cards, the only problem is that she may struggle to give them away!

via Etsy

Jen and I met at my first job out of University - she took me under her wing and introduced me to the exciting world of insurance! Although we don't get to work together anymore, a gift like these lovely botanical magnets would force her to think about me every time she reached for the filing cabinet...

via Etsy

These little pendants are completely charming and wearable. I'm such a good friend that I'd be willing to leave the orange one for Jen and take a yellow or red one instead.

via Etsy

Wasn't this fun - Don't you want to be friends with Jen too!?!

Enjoy!

Calli

Photo Gallery DIY

When I was a kid the Sears Wish Book would come each year at Christmas. I would flip through it at least a hundred times, folding over the corners to mark my favorites, while I wrote my letter to Santa. It was all very exciting.

Unfortunately I can't get away with this anymore, being a grown-up and all... I also find that there isn't much that I want for Christmas anymore. So this year, when my Dad asked for my list, I had a couple surprises on there for him. Instead of asking for stuff, I asked for help hanging some curtains and installing a photo wall.

My Dad is incredibly handy, which is wonderfully handy for me. I've received homemade toys and a cedar chest from him in previous years however, I think my request this year may have been the most difficult to date. Let's just say I get my stubbornness, temper, and short fuse from my dad.

I've had my heart set on a photo ledge for a few months, since I have tons of photos which translate into a ton of holes in my wall when hung. Also I'm a tad indecisive and I like the flexibility a photo ledge offers - I've rearranged the frames three times this week already!

The finished product - I'm so happy with how it turned out!

To start, we (we = my dad) looked at the wall, found the studs, and marked out where the ledge would sit. There were also a lot of jokes made about how to "find a stud" at this point - I took notes. Based on the size of the wall we decided to install two ledges, one above the other, offset from each other (to avoid having to line them up perfectly). Each ledge is 5 feet long, 2 inches deep, with a lip to keep the frames in place. 

There are three studs in the wall where the ledge sits. To ensure it would be well supported, we were careful to ensure that each ledge was supported by all three studs, even with the offset.  Because I am horrible at explaining things of this nature I drew up a little diagram..

To mount the ledges, we set long screws halfway into the wall (so they still stuck out about half an inch) and cut the heads off with a hacksaw. We then drilled holes the same size as the screws into the backside of the shelf and slid it onto the screws, gently hammering it flush with the wall. As a result, you can't see any hardware and the shelves appear to be floating.

A few of my cheaper frames were a bit too meaty for the width of the ledge - simple to fix with a shopping trip on Boxing Day for replacements! I've mixed and matches black and white photos in simple black frames with some colour and I think the whole thing doesn't take itself too seriously.

This was the perfect project for a bit of an odd wall and it really ties everything together along the hallway. I still have some leftover framed photos but I'm sure I can find them homes somewhere around the house.

I got some wonderful gifts this Christmas but this is definitely one of my favorites!

Enjoy!

Calli


By the way, I'm sharing this project over at...
Brassy Apple 
Skip to my Lou 
Fun to Craft 
Today's Creative Blog
Someday Crafts 
Night Owl Crafting
Somewhat Simple
Beyond the Picket Fence 
The Shabby Creek Cottage
I'm One Project Closer!

Perfection Found - Bring the Outdoors In

I am incredibly envious of the airiness and openness of this space; the mid-century furniture, herringbone wood floor, and marvelous view aren't bad either. 

via Desire to Inspire

A girl can dream...

Enjoy!

Calli

2012 Home Goals

I stumbled upon this post over at Nesting Place and just can't help but get excited! What a great idea to not only lay out plans for the year but share them with everyone (it'll make me a heck of a lot more accountable, I can tell you that).

The Nester posed a few questions - to get the juices flowing - and I just couldn't resist answering a couple of them here. If you don't mind indulging me for a minute, I'll share my goals as soon as I'm done, promise!

What’s my favorite room in my house? Why? Easy, it's my living room - We practically live there. It's where we eat, where I blog, where we watch TV, where we entertain...  and it's home to all my favorite chairs!

How and where does my family hang out together?  What’s working for that room? What’s annoying in that room? We spend so much time in the living room that it's about time it learned to multi-task. The openness of the main floor is my favorite part of the room but it also means that a mess can be seen from miles away. Remote controllers, laptops, electrical cords, and dirty dishes are on display when they really shouldn't be.

Is there something in my home I want to do but I’m afraid?  What if I take that risk? What’s the worst that can happen? Paint my spare room purple, add a patterned feature wall to the entrance (chevron perhaps?), install graphic wallpaper anywhere - maybe a metallic? My procrastination isn't as much an issue of fear but that I can't decide what to do first!

Am I neglecting my home and not putting money into something that is needed?  Am I squandering money on something I don’t need or enjoy? We've discussed travel (backpacking before we "settle down") and as a result our house has been neglected a smidgen. It's difficult to invest in a place that you may need to rent out at some point but that instability is no reason to completely give up. Will I be investing in new stone counters for the kitchen? No, but a can of paint here or there? Bring it on!

Now for the Main Feature... 2012, here I come!

1. Spare Time for the Spare Room

There's one space that's been neglected more than any other in our home, it doesn't mean we love it less than the other rooms, it just hasn't been a priority, until now. Our storage area second bedroom needs some TLC starting with a clean sweep of the "stuff" we've hidden there. A new coat of paint, some functional furniture, and we will reclaim a whopping 120 square feet!

2. Donate, Donate, Donate

Somehow, our empty house from February 2010 is bursting at the seams. Two downsizing grandparents, passing down "treasures", can do that. I want to differentiate between whatI'm holding onto for me and what I'm holding onto for other people, then find a way to give it a new lease on life.

3. Cut the Cord

Electrical cords serve a purpose but I'm tired of looking at them. Also, laptop cords hurt when you trip on them or step on the little adapter box-thingy (technical term, if you were wondering). I'll consider it a win if we can get in the habit of putting all the computer trinkets away after use.

4. Accept the Imprefections

This is a toughy for me - I've always been a bit of a perfectionist - but life is more fun when you aren't absorbed in the small stuff. I'm going to accept that my house wont look like a magazine because real people live here and stop apologizing for it to guests.

I love hearing what everyone else has up their sleeves so I'm really excited for the link party at Nesting Place - I'll link to it so you can check it out too if you so desire. In the meantime, please share your goals for 2012, home related or not, I'd love to read them!

Enjoy!

Calli

Hey, Have You Heard of Casetagram?

Have I mentioned before how much I love Pinterest? The internet is so vast I don't have the time or ability to discover all the amazing things out there - but with a site like Pinterest I can quickly scan thousands of other people's ideas and save those that interest me.

Just the other day I found Casetagram via Pinterest. It's an online site that allows you to create an iPhone cover using your own Instagram* photos!

As a lover of all things personalized, I immediately wanted to start designing multiple cases for my own phone. The design process lets you select your own background and layout for $35 (for a limited time shipping is free).

Wouldn't it make a clever gift too?

Enjoy!

Calli

*Instagram is an iPhone app that lets you alter the photos you take with your phone and share them with friends.

Travelling Art DIY Revisited

If you're a return reader you may have seen a little tutorial I did in early November - taking travel patches and turning them into simple, modern, colourful art. 

all the gory details from the first time around

This project had special meaning for me, the patches I used were collected by my late grandfather, so when it turned out better than I could ever imagine AND I had leftover patches I decided to share the love and make a smaller version for my brother. 

Naturally, I took care of numero uno first and then DIYed a Christmas gift for my brother.

I went with a basic white frame, mat, and background to show off the colours in the patches - then I simply glued them onto the backing (cardstock) with a dot of hot glue.

I wrote something sweet and sappy on the back and that's it. So easy! 

When we were cleaning out my grandfather's house it was a nice surprise when photos or paintings had an inscription on the back - it was amazing to see paintings my parents had gifted to my grandparents before I was born.

Overall I think my brother likes his gift; I love adding a personal touch to gift giving!

Enjoy!

Calli

A Bit of Brilliance - Charming Polaroids

From what I've seen online lately, there seems to be a Polaroid revival occurring right now. The technology may be outdated and the photos lacking in quality but that hasn't stopped Polaroid inspired items from popping up all over the place. I have always loved  the nostalgia and retro appeal that a Polaroid offers and it seems I'm not alone.

These little Polaroid magnets are one of the best DIY ideas I've seen in a long time. I'm having a bit of a magnet fixation lately and I love that these incorporate personal photos.

via Ambrosiagirl

I am a huge supporter of photo booths at weddings, or at any party really. This large Polaroid cut-out would be easy to make and adds a lovely whimsical touch.

via Pinterest

These note cards are inspired by vintage Polaroid photos. If you're like me, you tend to buy stacks of adorable cards that you don't really need but can't put down - I'd love to have these in my collection!

via Retro To Go

What an adorable Polaroid inspired ring! It's such a brilliant option to be able to interchange the photo on a whim.

via Etsy

I really like this Polaroid planter, it's the perfect size for a lovely little succulent. Overall I adore crisp white porcelain so my affection is a no-brainer.

via Pinterest

I know I've shared this image before but I can't help myself - I LOVE this photo installation. It's size and grandeur is fabulous, and the cost of the frame and glass alone is enough to make me jealous. 

via Apartment Therapy

Perhaps a Polaroid camera is in my future, they are quite affordable now days. There are also a few other options out there - Instagram is a good one to start with...

Enjoy!

Calli

It was hiding under the tree

This Christmas I welcomed a new lens into my camera bag!

It's a 35mm Prime lens for my Nikon DSLR camera and all I can say is oh-my-gosh-my-photos-have-improved-so-much!

Check it out...

I'm hoping it will help me take better photos of my rooms (unlike the larger lenses I don't have to be 10 feet back to take a photo) and DIY projects (the images are crystal clear and the shutter speed is super fast).

Enjoy!

Calli