tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1848357142046965442024-03-05T01:12:51.768-08:00kinda pretty greatAllisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-73081536187022143912015-06-15T19:01:00.000-07:002015-06-16T08:46:00.765-07:00father's day gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Father's Day is just around the corner, but there's still time to pick up something special for dear old dad. Read on for my top picks to help him relax, have fun, and enjoy the day in style.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogNPOmsioUj-IR9U48K01uVQELASVY4Q2qfdSN8u19PyfQ6G1t7RmZRPkb8bE2sC_CCo-AsBaG1NjhVR-l3npEbleK1wFDdUUdwx70tGsBaQOw7Ab8lSC1s7l9GeGbuLqHNRPLJ00_OA/s1600/ruggedrukus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhogNPOmsioUj-IR9U48K01uVQELASVY4Q2qfdSN8u19PyfQ6G1t7RmZRPkb8bE2sC_CCo-AsBaG1NjhVR-l3npEbleK1wFDdUUdwx70tGsBaQOw7Ab8lSC1s7l9GeGbuLqHNRPLJ00_OA/s640/ruggedrukus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Help dad blast his Hall & Oates with a portable speaker. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Eton-Rugged-All-Terrain-Portable-Wireless/dp/B00B8PRRTI" target="_blank">Rugged Rukus</a> will play music wirelessly from a phone or mp3 player. The built-in solar panel makes it perfect for outdoor bbqs, camping, and trips to the beach. Most importantly, it really lives us to it's "rugged" name. My husband has gone through quite a few portable speakers, and this is the only one that has stood up to several years of wear and tear.<br />
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Upgrade Dad's summer flip-flops with a pair of <a href="https://www.rainbowsandals.com/products-all/mens/sandals/leather" target="_blank">Rainbow Sandals</a>. These leather sandals have been handmade in California since the 1970s. Incredibly comfortable and durable, they're a longtime favorite of surfers and beach bums everywhere.<br />
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I'm not usually a fan of coordinated t-shirts (they can be a bit cheesy), but I have to admit that these <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/232610718/fathers-day-gift-big-dipper-little?utm_source=Pinterest&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share" target="_blank">Big Dipper, Little Dipper shirts</a> are pretty adorable. The pair of shirts would make for a super cute Father's Day photo, and they're subtle enough that your family won't be embarrassed to wear them out in public!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgED80Lsn33jDOnDLQ4IsOCUf4ajizbWe_Lc3EgcCkrQl73_NIwLrv7_fzK9qaxhtF0Sp5GIdwP3q-SqzCzO76eouVok63nNQOJfIFTOHFuo8pATBJXmU5UR3QhH8bSDxc14Nx834JlRH8/s1600/mancrate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgED80Lsn33jDOnDLQ4IsOCUf4ajizbWe_Lc3EgcCkrQl73_NIwLrv7_fzK9qaxhtF0Sp5GIdwP3q-SqzCzO76eouVok63nNQOJfIFTOHFuo8pATBJXmU5UR3QhH8bSDxc14Nx834JlRH8/s640/mancrate.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Even though I included <a href="http://www.mancrates.com/" target="_blank">Man Crates</a> in my gift guide last year, I couldn't resist recommending them again. If opening a gift is half the fun, it's hard to beat one that comes sealed in a wooden crate with a mini crowbar! Plus, they've added a ton of great new <a href="http://www.mancrates.com/gifts-for-men" target="_blank">gift options</a>. My favorites are the <a href="http://www.mancrates.com/crates/oktoberfest?page_context=category&faceted_search=0" target="_blank">Personalized Oktoberfest Stein</a>, the <a href="http://www.mancrates.com/crates/coffee?page_context=category&faceted_search=0" target="_blank">Caffeine Fiend Crate</a>, and the <a href="http://www.mancrates.com/crates/morning-glory?page_context=category&faceted_search=0" target="_blank">Morning Glory Crate</a>.<br />
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If you know a dad that likes his food spicy, he's sure to want to try this <a href="http://sosusauces.com/pages/barrel-aged-sriracha" target="_blank">Barrel-Aged Sriracha</a>. Sosu's artisanal take on the spicy sauce is aged in whiskey barrels for a unique fruity, spicy, and smoky flavor. Made locally in Oakland, you can buy it <a href="http://sosusauces.com/products/barrel-aged-sriracha" target="_blank">online</a>, or find it in stores <a href="http://sosusauces.com/pages/stores" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Nothing says maxin' and relaxin' like this rad <a href="http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/do-good-hanging-chair?utm_medium=friend+referrals%26utm_source=insparq%26utm_campaign=pinterest&_isswsid=MjJkNzU5MjU2YTAyNDdjZDkwNDQ1NWRjMzlmOTY4NTc-" target="_blank">Hanging Chair</a>. It can be used as a hanging lounge seat, or stretched out to be a full-length hammock. Pour Dad a beer and let him kick back in this chair for the afternoon. And maybe you'll want to visit more often if it means a nap in this bad boy?<br />
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For more ideas, check out my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/allisonpinpin/gift-guide-fathers-day/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> page, or see last year's gift guide <a href="http://kindaprettygreat.blogspot.com/2014/06/gift-guide-fathers-day.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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[Lion photo via <a href="http://www.goodtoknow.co.uk/family/galleries/26878/funny-animal-pictures/93" target="_blank">GoodtoKnow</a>, Sandals photo via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/35769635@N02/3448702005" target="_blank">Steve Minard</a>]<br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-56355128798391489382015-06-08T22:38:00.000-07:002015-06-08T22:42:25.349-07:00nashville <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago, I went to Tennessee with three of my oldest friends. We spent half the time in Nashville, and half in Eastern Tennessee visiting Dollywood. We had a blast - we ate too much, listened to more country music than I ever have in my life, and seriously considered buying cowboy boots. Nashville is a great town, and I felt like I only scratched the surface of it in the few days we were there. Nonetheless, I thought I'd share my favorite spots for those that might be considering a trip to Music City. Read my recommendations after the jump:</div>
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<a href="http://www.lovelesscafe.com/" target="_blank">The Loveless Cafe</a> - A Nashville institution, even though it's actually about 30 minutes outside the city. They've been serving their famous biscuits since the 1950s, and they greet you with a big plate of them as soon as you sit down. Expect to wait a least an hour for a table even during the week, but there are plenty of gift shops to peruse. Something of a tourist trap, but a damn good one. If you have breakfast here, don't plan on eating for the rest of the day. </div>
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<a href="http://www.boltonsspicy.com/" target="_blank">Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish</a> - After watching <a href="http://www.pbs.org/food/features/the-mind-of-a-chef-episode-descriptions/" target="_blank">Mind of a Chef</a> (Season 2, Episode 1 - watch it on Netflix!), we knew we had to eat some Hot Chicken while we were in Nashville. Bolton's is a bit of a hole in the wall (plan on taking your food to go), but so good! And spicy! I'm a bit of a wimp, so I thought the Mild was plenty spicy. Some of my braver friends asked for Spicy and wanted to try the Extra Spicy, but that just seems crazy to me. </div>
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<a href="http://www.husknashville.com/" target="_blank">Husk</a> - If you want to splurge on a fancy dinner in Nashville, you'd be hard-pressed to do better than Husk. The restaurant is located in a gorgeous old mansion perched on a hill above the city. They work with local farmers to highlight the best in Southern produce and regional cuisine. Expect a thoroughly Southern take on fine dining: generous portions, pork in everything, and a heavy hand with the salt. I highly recommend. </div>
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<a href="http://marcheartisanfoods.com/" target="_blank">Marche Artisan Foods</a> - After a few days in Nashville, you may feel the need to eat something that isn't fried. Marche is a European-style cafe that has salads, sandwiches and lighter fare. Once inside, you could easily be fooled into thinking you were in San Francisco or Brooklyn. Even if you don't eat there, it's worth stopping at their Market for locally-made goodies like <a href="http://www.oliveandsinclair.com/" target="_blank">Olive and Sinclair Chocolates</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.heyrooster.com/" target="_blank">Hey Rooster General Store</a> - Good assortment of locally made gifts, stationery, and home goods. I'm regretting not buying these <a href="http://www.heyrooster.com/jewelry/brass-taco-studs" target="_blank">Taco Studs</a>. Don't miss the two shops next door: <a href="http://www.hangthemoonnashville.com/" target="_blank">Hang the Moon Consignment</a> for well-priced vintage clothing, and <a href="http://www.elliemonster.com/" target="_blank">Ellie Monster</a> for crazy custom Western Wear.<br />
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<a href="http://hatchshowprint.com/" target="_blank">Hatch Show Print</a> - The Hatch Show company has been printing posters since the 19th century. Their shop and gallery is located inside the Country Music Hall of Fame. Their shop features a huge display of their iconic letterpress posters, as well as a glimpse behind the scenes of the printing room.<br />
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<a href="http://richhippies.co/" target="_blank">Rich Hippies</a> - We had to check out this shop after staying at the owner's super cool <a href="http://richhippies.co/the-rich-hippies-house/" target="_blank">Airbnb</a>. This tiny shop has a really cute assortment of clothes and gifts for the hipster baby in your life. It's located in a little shopping center with some other great shops like <a href="http://ponyshownashville.com/" target="_blank">Pony Show Outlaw Vintage</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWlunP9LWD7hv6Qh0lMPjEzr-O3sZ90RIOQhR8oJ4u_GBy3B-aHTl0j2RGaAXAJSo7PbDDW2NKkqMZFG82f4Yted71T5BBJeXmvgNer3XXFO4hcUYbZyhol8ikkZyQNlImCABCO_T9zg/s1600/fun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWlunP9LWD7hv6Qh0lMPjEzr-O3sZ90RIOQhR8oJ4u_GBy3B-aHTl0j2RGaAXAJSo7PbDDW2NKkqMZFG82f4Yted71T5BBJeXmvgNer3XXFO4hcUYbZyhol8ikkZyQNlImCABCO_T9zg/s640/fun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.visitmusiccity.com/map_DowntownSoBro" target="_blank">Downtown Nashville</a> - Even if, like me, you're usually put off by neon lights and drunken crowds, you still have to visit the downtown Nashville strip. Yes, you'll have to battle through crowds of bachelorette parties (soo many bachelorette parties!), but it will seem worth it once you make your way inside one of the honky tonk bars. You can wander down Broadway and hear a different band playing in every bar until you find something you like. The amount of live music playing everywhere really is pretty unbelievable.<br />
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My two favorites were <a href="http://www.laylasnashville.com/" target="_blank">Layla's</a> and <a href="http://robertswesternworld.com/" target="_blank">Robert's Western World</a>. Robert's is one of the most famous spots on the strip, and for good reason. The live band was excellent, and you can't beat their Recession special: a fried bologna sandwich, chips and a beer for $5.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5xffPQseEMGeaPD0GBTAJ9XNe5rSG1sg3AgbSYcMj2rL4JMtLMlnLqYfPnVGyXpOCliikVITl0SVzjQeXRw8pW4yRvlBxVfen_RC58MW2oQHiEhZzH5qxKtLeQpGzHMAkQC0tVjA-M0/s1600/goldpiano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5xffPQseEMGeaPD0GBTAJ9XNe5rSG1sg3AgbSYcMj2rL4JMtLMlnLqYfPnVGyXpOCliikVITl0SVzjQeXRw8pW4yRvlBxVfen_RC58MW2oQHiEhZzH5qxKtLeQpGzHMAkQC0tVjA-M0/s640/goldpiano.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://countrymusichalloffame.org/" target="_blank">Country Music Hall of Fame</a> - Worth the price of admission just to check out Elvis' gold piano and gold limo! Great selection of amazing old costumes, instruments, and memorabilia tracing the history of country music, as well as the beginnings of Rock n' Roll. You don't have to be a huge country music fan to appreciate how it's history has shaped modern popular music.<br />
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Stayed tuned for the low down on Dollywood. Dolly Parton definitely needs her own post...<br />
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[ from top: Nashville print by <a href="http://store.countrymusichalloffame.com/products/Nashville-Skyline.html" target="_blank">Hatch Show Prints</a>, Loveless sign photo by <a href="https://instagram.com/schmevan/" target="_blank">Evan</a>, table of biscuits photo by <a href="https://instagram.com/lookwherekelsiwent" target="_blank">Kelsi Seid</a>, Bolton's photo by <a href="https://instagram.com/xxes_and_oohs/" target="_blank">Kait,</a> Husk chalkboard photo by <a href="https://instagram.com/lookwherekelsiwent" target="_blank">Kelsi Seid</a>, Shop photo from <a href="http://www.heyrooster.com/" target="_blank">Hey Rooster General Store</a>, remaining photos by yours truly]Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-67134244117262763992015-04-17T07:45:00.000-07:002015-04-17T07:45:00.508-07:00books by bloggers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySUtT-BjBu9ElrnD6Vvlodr-Oo8JTJBu2e83z_lNMFv9Ks3TqT6b-9mWl94A_WUK3wTA7C4O2I2k0IA5_x-GzbofeoVpC5QVsLLYUn8-_Nvl4zm2eH7kXEWacXIlilcJunB6Y1W2ivqc/s1600/oh_joy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySUtT-BjBu9ElrnD6Vvlodr-Oo8JTJBu2e83z_lNMFv9Ks3TqT6b-9mWl94A_WUK3wTA7C4O2I2k0IA5_x-GzbofeoVpC5QVsLLYUn8-_Nvl4zm2eH7kXEWacXIlilcJunB6Y1W2ivqc/s1600/oh_joy.png" height="640" width="586" /></a></div>
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Looks like I better clear some space on my coffee table! Is it just me, or is every design blogger coming out with a book this spring?? Here's a round-up of my favorite new books by bloggers:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTKfOnbGRkffL94xz5StAedsLFSyc9IjZJAcUOxXYARl91nR31STrLAT69PQs2QoH3QJXg2otK6uqrPBt9oYT3UhBM6RrEVYWOxysK1h0MyRYxBAu9FDK8qiG_HT6fCBznNaIlGpoCg8/s1600/The-New-Bohemians1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTKfOnbGRkffL94xz5StAedsLFSyc9IjZJAcUOxXYARl91nR31STrLAT69PQs2QoH3QJXg2otK6uqrPBt9oYT3UhBM6RrEVYWOxysK1h0MyRYxBAu9FDK8qiG_HT6fCBznNaIlGpoCg8/s1600/The-New-Bohemians1.jpg" height="640" width="558" /></a></div>
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I just got my hands on a copy of Justina Blakeney's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-New-Bohemians-Collected-Homes/dp/1617691518/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y" target="_blank">The New Bohemians</a> a few days ago and it is gorgeous! It might be worth buying for these <a href="https://instagram.com/p/1T05PUM5Rw/" target="_blank">illustrations</a> alone, but really every page is just bursting with colorful inspiration! The book features photos of twenty homes, as well as DIY guides, decorating advice, and a plant encyclopedia to help you embrace Justina's Bohemian "<a href="http://www.thejungalow.com/" target="_blank">Jungalow</a>" aesthetic. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YvzFEObWzHz7QLxZyeoBdKUozdviMCrsMrQpb-kOmDaR5PoNHgQJdnlj5trUngcfmUfeYP2b5EXa40AcZZC_rYkVdp3-bsU5wcQP4cPULPLkF1PwwNujLwc2P8G2FMdUcYC5dQQ3gHA/s1600/sf-book-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8YvzFEObWzHz7QLxZyeoBdKUozdviMCrsMrQpb-kOmDaR5PoNHgQJdnlj5trUngcfmUfeYP2b5EXa40AcZZC_rYkVdp3-bsU5wcQP4cPULPLkF1PwwNujLwc2P8G2FMdUcYC5dQQ3gHA/s1600/sf-book-2.jpg" height="640" width="528" /></a></div>
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SF Girl By Bay's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/See-San-Francisco-Through-SFGirlbyBay/dp/1452138206/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1429247835&sr=8-1&keywords=see+san+francisco" target="_blank">See San Francisco</a> doesn't come out until April 28th, but the preview images I've seen are really beautiful. With Victoria Smith's bright, clear photography, its sure to be a great coffee table book (and amazingly, she took all the photos with her phone!). We better enjoy photos of the unique sites of SF now, before Google takes over the whole city!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yT5vpjD8AnjCHKgf3XuNHgoX0VqFZOtscSrkYlpyKbP9NlmxxYEdxkuL9g-hN5oor9YPh4DHbwfrgbgCHZe4N8LiWmz29rq1VfRZL8QnTxo8c-cmx6nEoxKFue5ZnjUMW0TW6BkowUs/s1600/oh_joy_book.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6yT5vpjD8AnjCHKgf3XuNHgoX0VqFZOtscSrkYlpyKbP9NlmxxYEdxkuL9g-hN5oor9YPh4DHbwfrgbgCHZe4N8LiWmz29rq1VfRZL8QnTxo8c-cmx6nEoxKFue5ZnjUMW0TW6BkowUs/s1600/oh_joy_book.png" height="640" width="528" /></a></div>
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Like everything Joy Cho does, the new <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oh-Joy-Ways-Create-Give/dp/006234448X/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_z" target="_blank">Oh Joy</a> book is full of great style, cheery bright colors, and plenty of gold (check out the gold foil on the cover!). It features 60 projects for entertaining, cooking, decor and fashion. Even if you don't end up actually doing any of the crafts, you're sure to be inspired by the fun styling and fantastic photos! Her blog features a sneak peek inside the book <a href="http://ohjoy.blogs.com/my_weblog/2015/03/ah-its-here.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepPKDQj81R_S-HFxP7S8ukFfX5Lof3pwvRbHfcSTnqsBsguWdGoXwLD_BU6ikw7VAvU1CcTuaqVrXSKpZzzX4vYqM9wk9my8WF0wfzX6dNEgZmuvUpjXwOS2ooBC5RDBGVReyZ4bvQ3k/s1600/homemakers_gwp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepPKDQj81R_S-HFxP7S8ukFfX5Lof3pwvRbHfcSTnqsBsguWdGoXwLD_BU6ikw7VAvU1CcTuaqVrXSKpZzzX4vYqM9wk9my8WF0wfzX6dNEgZmuvUpjXwOS2ooBC5RDBGVReyZ4bvQ3k/s1600/homemakers_gwp.jpg" height="472" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.brit.co/" target="_blank">Brit + Co</a> publishes a crazy amount of content on their site, and their new book is no slacker either. The cover of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Homemakers-Domestic-Handbook-Digital-Generation/dp/0062332503/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1429249695&sr=1-1&keywords=homemakers+brit+morin" target="_blank">Homemakers</a> proclaims that it features over 1000 creative ideas for your home, and I don't think its exaggerating! Brit Morin puts a modern spin on homemaking and offers a really wide range of projects. Whether you're into decor, crafting, cooking, or health - this book's got you covered.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaPw4NcgCU741UI7mf9PJ8lqQp_4YefilS-IE8YqRNUAnpLwDHAOuI6mDaKT-uDBbdS2MRR97A5UZHQfAOR3l1YUEflRqpGmIkZG6qHkz-54u5OrQoBG23EXvZ5x0aL4nTI95Td8huIY/s1600/design+mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaPw4NcgCU741UI7mf9PJ8lqQp_4YefilS-IE8YqRNUAnpLwDHAOuI6mDaKT-uDBbdS2MRR97A5UZHQfAOR3l1YUEflRqpGmIkZG6qHkz-54u5OrQoBG23EXvZ5x0aL4nTI95Td8huIY/s1600/design+mom.jpg" height="640" width="516" /></a></div>
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I don't have kids yet, but when I do, I will certainly look to the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Design-Mom-Room-Room-Guide/dp/1579655718/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y" target="_blank">Design Mom</a> book for decorating advice. How she manages to raise six (yes, SIX!) kids in the Bay Area without her house looking like a garbage dump is beyond me. I think most of us could probably benefit from her practical storage solutions and tips for making your home a more thoughtfully designed place, whether or not kids are in the picture.<br />
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[from top: vase photo from <a href="http://ohjoy.blogs.com/" target="_blank">Oh Joy</a>, New Bohemians photo from <a href="http://www.thejungalow.com/" target="_blank">The Jungalow</a>, See San Francisco photo from <a href="http://www.sfgirlbybay.com/" target="_blank">SF Girl By Bay</a>, Oh Joy photo from <a href="http://ohjoy.blogs.com/" target="_blank">Oh Joy</a>, Homemakers photo from <a href="https://www.brit.co/" target="_blank">Brit + Co</a>, Design Mom photo from <a href="http://www.designmom.com/" target="_blank">Design Mom</a>]Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-10165283531450719152015-03-25T23:09:00.000-07:002015-03-26T08:54:45.507-07:00living room progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROLl5Ybe7VtBR9e2ZTOzreux9ZLBe0GyjlkbG4mOkcks1GlP7tbaLpkjYOWdacRlNWyXMYuv4hZszO1VIPD7qpBloObb-GMkWl2sAIR46yN-b6s1sI3driGy9HIGLR3w_TxWVXx6XIw8/s1600/living1_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjROLl5Ybe7VtBR9e2ZTOzreux9ZLBe0GyjlkbG4mOkcks1GlP7tbaLpkjYOWdacRlNWyXMYuv4hZszO1VIPD7qpBloObb-GMkWl2sAIR46yN-b6s1sI3driGy9HIGLR3w_TxWVXx6XIw8/s1600/living1_sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've been working on changing up our living room for the last few months. With the current crazy rental market in the Bay Area it doesn't look like we'll be moving any time soon, so I decided to try to make the best of the space we have and give it a little refresh. It's not quite finished yet, but I thought it might be interesting to share a bit of my process and a peak into the changes I've made so far. Read on to see the progress of our living room:<br />
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As a reminder, this is what it looked like before:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOZC59YV7h5ckZ3N1SZN52rEqz7qoaJx-EtGhmJNZWQTRPjfYbcbZLAdaOUAa98tXg6ce8rQ2H3I11MQnetP7cgce2yjkIYZNQMlBKELdMnXgUZ8nBqNX0NF8azwyGQbnzy5T7eTQ3As/s1600/plants1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOZC59YV7h5ckZ3N1SZN52rEqz7qoaJx-EtGhmJNZWQTRPjfYbcbZLAdaOUAa98tXg6ce8rQ2H3I11MQnetP7cgce2yjkIYZNQMlBKELdMnXgUZ8nBqNX0NF8azwyGQbnzy5T7eTQ3As/s1600/plants1.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
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And here's how it is now:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRE7j4IRkTFGHpNF3tsZcUj-Eiy1viS875Ho7E9hK80fdQU9Lpv2TUYxXtqpPTXSRYDuJWDjG5cZrJbMC1Rv8E9ujow7DdUsAqjYHD_rxy5oKIF04fyyoJhhdX_3CKa2C5qMJkUuYybU/s1600/living2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRE7j4IRkTFGHpNF3tsZcUj-Eiy1viS875Ho7E9hK80fdQU9Lpv2TUYxXtqpPTXSRYDuJWDjG5cZrJbMC1Rv8E9ujow7DdUsAqjYHD_rxy5oKIF04fyyoJhhdX_3CKa2C5qMJkUuYybU/s1600/living2.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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We started by re-arranging all the furniture. The first step was finding a new spot for the couch. Moving the couch really opened up the space and made it feel much bigger. Our old, beat-up couch was too big and bulky, so we replaced it with the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S59894149/" target="_blank">Karlstad</a> from Ikea (<span style="text-align: justify;">read all about my couch search </span><a href="http://kindaprettygreat.blogspot.com/2015/02/on-hunt-modern-slipcovered-couches.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">here</a>). The new couch is almost as wide as our old one, but the slimmer style body and lack of huge rolled arms really freed up a lot of visual and physical space in the room. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKOmk3Sv_fx-YnhPqC01Z4vjTHko1DUzRG_LolTdolZmLk-XB9uVSOpSs_6_ZCyFmqn5WZGd8sIWtCUMy4rHfY-uf8rbe-eXUrJ61oqAvvQZ0SGmWiT1xfetbzvGwUQ5zwV_VWNSNliU/s1600/living5_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBKOmk3Sv_fx-YnhPqC01Z4vjTHko1DUzRG_LolTdolZmLk-XB9uVSOpSs_6_ZCyFmqn5WZGd8sIWtCUMy4rHfY-uf8rbe-eXUrJ61oqAvvQZ0SGmWiT1xfetbzvGwUQ5zwV_VWNSNliU/s1600/living5_sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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The bookshelf and TV joined the other bookshelf on the opposite wall, where the blue china cabinet used to be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WDKH3iKEx8_B5FcfXEYJcfHbdaF3QnU3RSZCGmXm880AkqAfRGKGAxzgdFo7zYhoA8N0uRffBhKGjPytEFvN6ket_rjngJmjmCDwjBKVY1G6NiusJoJcciTo_YbRRYCuAwQL7rmH94w/s1600/living3_sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WDKH3iKEx8_B5FcfXEYJcfHbdaF3QnU3RSZCGmXm880AkqAfRGKGAxzgdFo7zYhoA8N0uRffBhKGjPytEFvN6ket_rjngJmjmCDwjBKVY1G6NiusJoJcciTo_YbRRYCuAwQL7rmH94w/s1600/living3_sm.jpg" /></a></div>
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I love our new couch, but I have to be sure to give a special shout out to the replacement legs I ordered from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/158040053/mid-century-style-replacement-sofa-legs?ref=shop_home_active_7" target="_blank">Thirteen Colonies.</a> I cannot emphasize enough how much they improved the look of this couch (these are the Danbury style in Mahogany finish). </div>
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The other huge change we made was our new rug! I still love my floral <a href="http://kindaprettygreat.blogspot.com/2013/02/a-floor-of-flowers.html" target="_blank">Dash & Albert rug</a>, but it was too small for the space once we re-arranged everything. We moved that rug to our office, and went with an 8x10' rug for the living room. I'll probably do a round-up of rug sources one of these days because I spent a ridiculous amount of time looking at rugs. We ended up finding this gem on clearance at the Crate & Barrel outlet.</div>
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We moved my big, crazy Kilim chair in front of the window, and replaced our larger side tables with this smaller option from <a href="http://www.target.com/p/threshold-caged-accent-table/-/A-15842664#prodSlot=medium-1-4" target="_blank">Target</a>. Crap, it looks like I've inadvertently revealed my Target addiction, as I just realized the <a href="http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-wood-pole-scholar-lighting-collection/-/A-14859251#prodSlot=medium_1_53" target="_blank">lamp</a> and larger pillow are also from Target. I might have to start calling this the "Target Nook". The smaller pillow is from <a href="http://www.westelm.com/products/hand-blocked-center-stripe-pillow-cover-rose-bisque-t1558/?cm_src=pillows||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_--_-" target="_blank">West Elm</a>, though I'm still on the fence about keeping it (but there's proof that I do shop at other stores!). </div>
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The china cabinet moved next to the couch, which works well to hide the extra door we don't use. I found the ottoman marked down to $5 at a thrift store, probably because it was badly covered in hideous floral upholstery. When I got it home, I ripped off the offending fabric, made sure the foam was OK, and then just used a staple gun to cover it in a base of plain muslin. I've got big plans to make a slipcover with some coral velvet I just bought, but that will probably take a while, so at least we've got the muslin for now. </div>
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So here is my to-do list! I'm really happy with the big changes we've made so far, but I'm still tweaking things and searching for accessories. Fortunately, shopping for pillows and art is a lot more fun than testing out couches! I'm trying to take my time and sit with each new change for awhile before rushing to add something else. I want my home to continue to evolve over time and not just end up looking like a Target catalog. And maybe at some point I'll take down the Christmas lights, but I just love their pretty glow!</div>
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If you got this far, thank you for indulging me! I hope you enjoyed this peak at the progress of my home, and let me know what you think in the comments! </div>
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Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-18694126284126498672015-03-10T23:19:00.001-07:002015-03-10T23:21:32.189-07:00palette picks: cinnamon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK, I'm just gonna come out and say it: I think <a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/index.aspx?pg=21163&" target="_blank">Marsala</a>, Pantone's Color of 2015, is ugly. They're trying to play it up as a wine or burgundy color, but it's a brown. A weird, purple-ish brown, like a bruise on your leg that stubbornly refuses to fade. If they had asked my opinion on a brown for this year, I would have told them to ditch the purple tones and crank up the orange to create a gorgeous Cinnamon. This color is often associated with Autumn, but I think it works year round. It's a warm compliment to nearly all shades of blue or green and I love it as a contrast to white and black. It also looks fresh and vibrant when paired with what seems to be everyone's actual favorite color of the year: blush.</div>
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[All photos linked via my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/allisonpinpin/palette-picks-cinnamon/" target="_blank">Pinterest Page</a>]<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-6506800039889828302015-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:002015-02-17T07:00:04.358-08:00on the hunt: modern slipcovered couches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrUAkxtT7oQ8WSTfy3SFSasuNLrQEUHRXfFw8BkI-jJ-_7EZGBChqpJBqqfLfY7WDSuxYucquwOhcMfGc4vgZU4xG4OlwMvGbTG_WyVzEUR-biWS8m0g-T3UMyRuNBrRfsRmKXCEc4m0/s1600/jasper_268797_12e_c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrUAkxtT7oQ8WSTfy3SFSasuNLrQEUHRXfFw8BkI-jJ-_7EZGBChqpJBqqfLfY7WDSuxYucquwOhcMfGc4vgZU4xG4OlwMvGbTG_WyVzEUR-biWS8m0g-T3UMyRuNBrRfsRmKXCEc4m0/s1600/jasper_268797_12e_c.jpeg" height="404" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've spent the last few months on the hunt for a new sofa. What I was looking for seemed somewhat impossible: a comfortable sofa with modern, clean lines that was slipcovered in a fully washable fabric. And just to make it a little harder: I was trying to find something under $1000.</div>
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I found plenty of gorgeous, modern sofas that were stiff and uncomfortable, with back cushions that were comically short. Most were not the least bit washable- which seems sort of insane to me. Between our dog sleeping on the couch for 14 hours a day, and our bad habit of eating dinner in front of the tv, I knew we needed something that could be thrown in the wash when the inevitable wine or food spill occurred. Slipcovers were the obvious answer, but most slipcovered sofas have a very traditional look, with oversized rolled arms and full skirts- not what I was going for. Eventually, I was able to find some options (though most were not in my price range). Read on for my top picks:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFuvoNGB0PSET4PYdS2dizyEFh0cD6ERCJGmy4rEsnCitgtpG6vlSQiS6xQLF-ILkgKoBJryVPfRylaV6oIgWOSrUnPbtX14KaoO8P-P3boqaQTeOnGAtYFf-JHKx9BJCJZtiFxlSH2c/s1600/option1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgFuvoNGB0PSET4PYdS2dizyEFh0cD6ERCJGmy4rEsnCitgtpG6vlSQiS6xQLF-ILkgKoBJryVPfRylaV6oIgWOSrUnPbtX14KaoO8P-P3boqaQTeOnGAtYFf-JHKx9BJCJZtiFxlSH2c/s1600/option1.gif" height="320" width="640" /></a><br />
The 86" <a href="http://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/living/sofas/jasper-sofas" target="_blank">Jasper Sofa</a> from Room and Board ($1399) is a very handsome fellow. Room and Board makes great sofas, and I was very tempted by the Jasper. I spent a lot of time trying to talk myself (and my husband) into buying this sofa as an "investment". Technically, it didn't fit all my requirements because it doesn't come slipcovered, but all the cushion covers are removable (though they recommend dry cleaning). You can order a slipcover for Jasper, but it will run you about $500. I finally gave up the dream of this sofa once I actually sat on it in person. Some of the online reviews had complained about the back cushions breaking down and sagging over time. The sofa is very comfortable, but the back cushions are really soft, and I could envision them breaking down quickly. We tend to be hard on furniture, and if I'm going to invest in a nice couch, I want it to last for a very long time.<br />
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The 85" <a href="http://www.rowefurniture.com/product/N695-002.html?cover_start=0" target="_blank">Norah Slipcover Sofa</a> from Rowe ($1310+) offers a lot of great options. Rowe sofas are custom ordered through your local dealer, and then built in the USA to your specifications. They have hundreds of fabrics you can choose from (many of them machine washable), and you can specify leg finish and cushion fill (you can upgrade to super comfortable feather top cushions for about $120). The Norah model even includes four throw pillows in fabrics of your choice (though the prints to choose from are not super exciting). Unfortunately, none of my local dealers had a floor model of the Norah for me to see in person, but all the Rowe sofas I did see were comfortable and well made. I ultimately decided against this one because of price, but I'd definitely consider a Rowe sofa in the future. If you are considering one, definitely shop around between dealers- I had one local store quote me $1700 for this sofa. The best prices I found in the Bay Area were at <a href="http://www.chameleonconsignment.com/Main.aspx" target="_blank">Chameleon Consignment</a> in Lafayette.<br />
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The 84" <a href="http://www.cre8acouch.com/create-a-couch.aspx" target="_blank">Monterey Sofa</a> ($1398) from Cre8 a Couch is fully customizable (hence the cringe-inducing Cre8 name). None of their sofas come slipcovered, but you can order the Monterey with a slipcover for an additional $250. In addition to choosing from their hundreds of fabric options, you can specify the couch height, seat depth, cushion fill, or add details like nailheads. I was a little freaked out by the idea of ordering a custom (non-returnable) couch without knowing exactly what I'd end up with, but they do have a wide variety of floor models for you to try out and use as a template for your design. I ended up deciding not to take a $1800 gamble (the quoted price of the Monterey I designed, including the slipcover and delivery), but I think their custom couches are worth considering if you have the funds and are looking for an unusual size or detail.</div>
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The <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S59894149/#/S29840520" target="_blank">Karlstad Sofa</a> ($499) from Ikea is what we ended up buying. When I started searching for a sofa, I really tried to avoid Ikea. I was trying to make a responsible adult purchase, and didn't want to buy something that would just fall apart in a year or two. I'd heard mixed reviews about the longevity of their sofas, but once I read Young House Love's glowing <a href="http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/01/sectional-hunting/" target="_blank">review</a> of their Karlstad, I started to consider it as an option. Plus, it was hard to ignore that it was 1/3 the price of any of the other options (and with Ikea's flat packing, we could fit it in the car and not have to pay pricey delivery fees). It is definitely more firm than some of the cushy down-filled sofas I'd sat on, but it is quite comfortable and the cushions seem sturdy. It also fit our slipcover requirement- the cover is fully removable and machine washable. We chose the Sivik dark grey fabric because it seemed the most durable, but we can always purchase a whole new cover for only $150. Karlstad isn't quite as handsome as Jasper, but it has similar clean lines. Really it's just the chunky birch legs that scream "this couch is from Ikea!" that throw it off. Fortunately, there are several companies that make replacement legs for Ikea furniture, so I was able to order some slim mid-century style legs from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/thirteencolonies?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Thirteen Colonies</a> and it looks about a million times better now.<br />
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In conclusion, after sitting on many, many, many couches, I will attest that you definitely get what you pay for when it comes to sofas. Also, sofas are expensive. To really get the best deal, I'd advise finding a good quality sofa at a consignment store (I didn't have any luck finding anything used since I was looking for something so specific). The more expensive options I looked at were definitely better constructed and generally more comfortable. The particleboard frame of the Ikea sofa is not going to be as durable and strong as the hardwood frames of the nicer options. The Ikea sofa was not made by American craftsmen, and it definitely wasn't made to my exact specifications. It's a shame that there has to be such a huge jump between Ikea and anything else. Many of the other couches I found on the market for less than $1000 were horribly uncomfortable or just obviously terrible quality. If you can afford it, I think one of my first three options would be a great pick. Hopefully, we'll be able to upgrade from Ikea at some point, but as we're still renting and who knows where we'll end up living next, it just didn't make sense to invest a lot of dough into a couch at this point. So far, I'm quite happy with the Karlstad and think we made the right choice. Stay tuned for photos!<br />
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[Top photo from <a href="http://www.roomandboard.com/catalog/pop-of-color/jasper-sofa-living-room" target="_blank">Room and Board</a>]Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-42645715696612695602015-02-10T21:28:00.002-08:002015-02-10T21:30:55.280-08:00i'm baaaaack<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYwb8-qle2NTXgQkZBnyXRr7tJcfBzkPozLo7ET5lGd59P5DwtA10_GM7vdoTOL7PXcouMwgOC-IibF3nGFyQVXPW20Wrt_Lt7HGiEBZBSj999UL8F1lhs-LZbZYptXrXMwuy8PxXXQ8/s1600/lamb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdYwb8-qle2NTXgQkZBnyXRr7tJcfBzkPozLo7ET5lGd59P5DwtA10_GM7vdoTOL7PXcouMwgOC-IibF3nGFyQVXPW20Wrt_Lt7HGiEBZBSj999UL8F1lhs-LZbZYptXrXMwuy8PxXXQ8/s1600/lamb.jpg" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hello friends! Hope you are having a happy 2015 so far. I apologize for the radio silence the last few weeks. Just before the holidays, I herniated a disc in my back, and it hasn't been fun to deal with. Slowly but surely, I'm getting better though, and should be on the mend soon. The only upside was that all the time I spent laid up on the couch inspired me to do a little makeover of our living room. Stay tuned for posts about finding a new couch, rug, and more. Until then, you'll just have to enjoy this adorable injured lamb...</div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-76009422505156585242014-12-13T22:31:00.000-08:002014-12-13T22:32:20.194-08:00gift guide: great gifts under $50<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Hey guys, does anyone know where the first half of December went? I can't be the only one that's feeling a little behind this year, right?!? If you still have a few (or a lot of) gifts to buy, allow me to help with this handy gift guide. Consider it a gift from me to you:</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">1. <a href="https://food52.com/provisions/products/791-animal-magnets-card-holders" target="_blank">Animal Magnets & Cardholders</a>: each of these animals is made of two magnets that stick together, so you can stand them up as card holders, or pull the two halves apart and stick them on the fridge!</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">2. <a href="http://www.uniqlo.com/us/product/women-cashmere-cap-patterned-132187.html#02%7C/women/accessories/hats/hats/%7C" target="_blank">Cashmere Beanie</a>: no one will ever complain about getting cashmere</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">3. <a href="https://factory.jcrew.com/mens-clothing/giftssmallgoods/PRDOVR~08169/08169.jsp?srcCode=PINT00001" target="_blank">Bottoms-up Cups</a>: you could gift these little travel cups with a bottle of something to sip in the woods and still come in under $50</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">4. <a href="http://www.ellingtonandfrench.com/festoon/christmas/decor/illume-balsam-cedar-candle-demi" target="_blank">Balsam & Cedar Candle</a>: not only does this candle make your house smell like a wonderful Christmas tree, the sparkly mercury glass container looks magical when its lit!</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">5. <a href="https://catbirdnyc.com/shop/product.php?productid=19705&cat=456&page=1" target="_blank">Gold Leaf Eyeshadow</a>: give her the perfect accessory for New Years: gold eyelids!</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">6. <a href="http://www.hanselfrombasel.com/products/mini-strawberry-crew?variant=895951039" target="_blank">Strawberry Socks</a>: I love giving and getting fun socks, and Hansel from Basel has some of the cutest socks and tights around. I just wish these strawberry socks came in adult sizes!</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">7. <a href="http://www.powells.com/biblio/18-9780307464880-0" target="_blank">Make it Ahead Cookbook</a>: The Barefoot Contessa's latest is a no-brainer. Her recipes are always great and <i>everyone</i> loves her. Go to your local bookstore- they will have it. Want more cookbook suggestions? Check out my favorites <a href="http://kindaprettygreat.blogspot.com/2014/08/new-cookbooks.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://kindaprettygreat.blogspot.com/2014/02/cookbook-party.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">8. <a href="http://emilymcdowell.com/collections/mugs/products/303-mg-it-s-too-early-for-you-to-say-things-mug" target="_blank">It's Too Early Mug</a>: Is it too dramatic to call Emily McDowell the voice of her generation? Everything she makes is genius, and her new mugs are no exception.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">9. <a href="http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=orla+kiely&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories&lnk=snav_sbox_orla+kiely" target="_blank">Orla Kiely Water Bottle</a>: Yes, there's another Orla Kiely collection at Target! Water Bottles, yoga mats, suitcases and travel bags! I love it all. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">10. <a href="http://shop-generalstore.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/ceramic-coffee-dripper" target="_blank">Ceramic Coffee Dripper</a>: If this thing got any more hip, it might spontaneously combust. Gift it with a pound of whatever the latest Blue Bottle replica is for extra cool points. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">11. <a href="http://oaktownspiceshop.com/collections/kits-and-sets" target="_blank">Spice Gift Sets</a>: Oaktown Spice Shop has an amazing selection of gift sets for all the cooks and foodies on your list, and their quality is top notch. They have hard-to-find spices, interesting salts, and even a kit for making your own tonic water!</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">12. <a href="http://thuglifeshirts.com/collections/frontpage/products/i-hate-running" target="_blank">I Hate Running Shirt</a>: I'm pretty sure everyone hates running, right? Find this and other clever shirts at Thug Life.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">13. <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/shopgifts-under-thirty/33572553.jsp#/" target="_blank">Forest Critter Garden Pot</a>: plant a little succulent in one of these adorable pots and you've got a sweet gift almost anyone would love</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">14. <a href="http://www.1face.com/" target="_blank">1:Face Charity Watch</a>: they've taken the Tom's Shoes model and applied it to watches. Buy one of these sleek, modern watches and you'll fund one of their selected charities. </span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;">15. <a href="http://shop-generalstore.com/collections/home-garden/products/stapler" target="_blank">Klizia Stapler</a>: who would have thought a stapler could be so cute?</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Still can't find something for the person who has everything? I've got more ideas over on my </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/allisonpinpin/gift-guide-great-finds-under-50/" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Pinterest </a><span style="text-align: justify;">board. Or you can always just give everyone a </span><a href="http://www.heifer.org/gift-catalog/animals-nutrition/index.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">goat</a><span style="text-align: justify;">! </span><br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-83475572454251930042014-12-07T18:42:00.000-08:002014-12-07T18:43:34.839-08:00diy wreath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Inspired by trips to the flower mart, I decided to try to make my own wreath this year. I didn't really know what I was doing, but after looking at some Pinterest inspiration and reading a few tutorials, I gave it a shot - and was pretty pleased with the results. It's a little time consuming, and will make a big mess of your living room, but it's not difficult and makes for a nice afternoon project. I highly recommend inviting a friend over and enjoying a little spiked apple cider (it really helps with the hours of wire twisting). </span><span style="text-align: justify;">I bought my foliage at the SF Flower Mart, but local florists or even well-stocked grocery stores usually carry a good selection at this time of year. Or you can always go foraging for branches in your neighborhood or backyard!</span></div>
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See below for the how-to:<br />
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You will need: 2 wire hangers, thin floral wire, wire cutters, floral tape, and floral shears.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">(from left to right) Eucalyptus branches, Tallow Berries, Seeded Eucalyptus, and Olive branches</span></div>
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Tips:<br />
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When wiring the branches to the wreath frame, don't worry</div>
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too much about keeping the wire neat. No one will see the</div>
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back, and most of the wire will be covered up once you add</div>
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more foliage (see how messy the back of mine is!).</div>
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I wanted to keep a loose, organic feel to my wreath, so I let</div>
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some of my branches stick out and be a little wild. You can</div>
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use whatever kind of foliage you like, but its good to have</div>
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a balance of both dense leaves and more wispy branches. I</div>
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used the Eucalyptus foliage to fill out my wreath and cover</div>
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up the wire form, and left some of the Olive branches and </div>
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Tallow Berry branches long for their dramatic effect. </div>
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There's really no hard and fast rules, just keep adding more</div>
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foliage until you're satisfied with the result!</div>
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If you want to make a smaller wreath, you can use just one wire hanger. Bend the hanger into a circle, then twist it into a figure eight shape, and fold the two circles on top of each other. Use floral tape to secure the two circles together into one small circle. </div>
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I tried a small wreath after making the full size one, and if I had to do it again, I just might stick to small. The smaller size was much faster and easier, and the end result is guaranteed to look cute because it's tiny! </div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-18007713554249071362014-11-11T20:16:00.000-08:002014-11-11T20:16:53.047-08:00palette picks: forest green<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lately, I've really been coming around to Forest Green. For a long time I didn't have great associations with the color: my childhood school uniform, the Ford Explorer everyone seemed to drive in the 90s (why must car colors always have that gross metallic sheen?). It's also really easy for it to look too Christmasy. Forest Green is undoubtably a very pretty color, but it can really change depending on what its paired with. I like it to brighten it up by combining it with bright, warm colors rather than the predictable navy or brown. This fall, I'm loving the fresh combination of Forest Green with peachy pink, goldenrod and rust:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcbFBAQz4JDD-UgoA3ZPITnDc7LyhaOGRb3Cf9eKu54XT5wJhyphenhyphen7Pd6LPzyGvhbLQQRkdVGY1AHn1sWAcfrI2nWF2JoeTjw8MJbpvbSg8ZKgnJ0rthBV_OdznCE0r2oGrNCUNa9bQUJiw/s1600/forest_green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJcbFBAQz4JDD-UgoA3ZPITnDc7LyhaOGRb3Cf9eKu54XT5wJhyphenhyphen7Pd6LPzyGvhbLQQRkdVGY1AHn1sWAcfrI2nWF2JoeTjw8MJbpvbSg8ZKgnJ0rthBV_OdznCE0r2oGrNCUNa9bQUJiw/s1600/forest_green.jpg" /></a></div>
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[Top Palette photo by <a href="http://www.susannavento.fi/sivu107.html" target="_blank">Susanna Vento</a>. Collage photos Clockwise from Top Left: Moroccan house via <a href="http://thefrencheye.blogspot.ca/2014/05/taroudant-morocco-colors-of-french.html" target="_blank">Through the French eye of Design</a>, Peach Green Wallpaper by <a href="http://lindsaycowlesfineart.bigcartel.com/product/125-3-peach-green-wallpaper" target="_blank">Lindsay Cowles</a>, Palm print via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/31595634861529008/" target="_blank">Alexandra Heide</a>, Nail polish by <a href="http://www.pointlesscafe.com/2013/10/illamasqua-rampage.html" target="_blank">Pointless Cafe</a>, Tilda Swinton via <a href="http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/tilda-swinton/images/9985768/title/tilda-swinton-wallpaper?ir=true" target="_blank">fanpop</a>, girl with bun via <a href="http://mlk-hny.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">milk + honey</a>, table and chairs via <a href="http://www.admagazine.ru/inter/20611_dom-v-palm-spring-v-dukhe-60-kh.php#artheader" target="_blank">Architectural Digest</a>, green skirt from <a href="http://www.larmoni.com/jumpers/Sweet-Fluffy-Oversize-Crop-Sweater" target="_blank">Larmoni</a>]Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-64522464617341685792014-10-20T15:35:00.000-07:002014-10-20T15:38:16.428-07:00kinda inspired: block shop textiles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYMg6GyKlmSG5OuyAM8kjJDrHx3E7vDCVeB9EXIhdXBGL_z7TeDwTRWb_hH1se5X_2nHmY2CRDpi6uH9yzpAaNwnQMqlziyCzTQTYN8jgSo72hnmWL3AoQO3x3-htr4GBYGCqmxQSadI/s1600/blockshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYMg6GyKlmSG5OuyAM8kjJDrHx3E7vDCVeB9EXIhdXBGL_z7TeDwTRWb_hH1se5X_2nHmY2CRDpi6uH9yzpAaNwnQMqlziyCzTQTYN8jgSo72hnmWL3AoQO3x3-htr4GBYGCqmxQSadI/s1600/blockshop.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blockshoptextiles.com/" target="_blank">Block Shop</a> is a textile company founded by sisters Hopie and Lily Stockman. They create colorful, modern scarves that are entirely handmade in Bagru, India. The sisters work with a cooperative of artists to dye and print their scarves using the traditional block printing methods that have been used for 350 years. The sisters strive to keep alive these textile traditions while ensuring they are environmentally sustainable as well. They use only natural and non-toxic dyes, and fund clean water and healthcare initiatives for the local community in Bagru.<br />
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I love the handmade look of block printing, and Block Shop has done a beautiful job of modernizing the art with their fresh color palettes and interesting geometric patterns. They just released their Fall collection and it is gorgeous! Here are my favorites:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdBbJRcBir1fDaC64W-uaod1r5SnKFuU0b6j13Jt5m3nXTITYylLGX_vL2SKsvzIaPd27XK9iNCqBc26Jx_3m2xbkgNwQGt0swN0fFXsLIBHBPkgFXrb-8Rxgg_9VacLheX4tt5d3q-U/s1600/blockshop_scarves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdBbJRcBir1fDaC64W-uaod1r5SnKFuU0b6j13Jt5m3nXTITYylLGX_vL2SKsvzIaPd27XK9iNCqBc26Jx_3m2xbkgNwQGt0swN0fFXsLIBHBPkgFXrb-8Rxgg_9VacLheX4tt5d3q-U/s1600/blockshop_scarves.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top left: <a href="http://www.blockshoptextiles.com/collections/autumn-winter-14/products/zipper-peony" target="_blank">Zipper Peony</a>, <a href="http://www.blockshoptextiles.com/collections/autumn-winter-14/products/mosaic-marigold-black" target="_blank">Mosiac Marigold</a>, <a href="http://www.blockshoptextiles.com/collections/autumn-winter-14/products/saddle-blanket-red-rock" target="_blank">Sadleblanket Red Rock</a>, and <a href="http://www.blockshoptextiles.com/collections/autumn-winter-14/products/temple-coffee" target="_blank">Temple Coffee</a> </td></tr>
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You can read more about Block Shop in <a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/10/17/block-shop-textiles-india/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0" target="_blank">T Magazine</a> and <a href="http://www.remodelista.com/posts/block-shop-wearable-art-scarves-block-printed-in-bagru-india" target="_blank">Remodelista</a>. Shop their scarves on their <a href="http://www.blockshoptextiles.com/collections/autumn-winter-14" target="_blank">website</a> and follow along on their travel adventures on their <a href="http://instagram.com/blockshoptextiles" target="_blank">Instagram</a> feed.<br />
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[Top photo from <a href="http://tmagazine.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/10/17/block-shop-textiles-india/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0" target="_blank">T Magazine</a>, Center photo and scarf photos from <a href="http://www.blockshoptextiles.com/" target="_blank">Block Shop</a>]Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-70773698167394422692014-10-14T21:12:00.000-07:002014-10-14T21:13:11.617-07:00metallic shoes: yea or nay?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWLqToqq0lZNwmOba02zua-v5IOBlLagVureV1ZU_YcCRjKmyOSJNZv75nuPqpkWJCdnymYf3DA9lMdwT046_0dINx_4fi4JL2akgWPFGpSXDVuUVyWd-TxnPxz_k7iw7mFu0YuJrvBU/s1600/metallic_shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWLqToqq0lZNwmOba02zua-v5IOBlLagVureV1ZU_YcCRjKmyOSJNZv75nuPqpkWJCdnymYf3DA9lMdwT046_0dINx_4fi4JL2akgWPFGpSXDVuUVyWd-TxnPxz_k7iw7mFu0YuJrvBU/s1600/metallic_shoes.jpg" /></a></div>
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Have you noticed metallic shoes everywhere this season? Shiny leathers that were once reserved for special occasion heels are now showing up in everyday oxfords, flats, boots and sneakers. I must say I'm on the fence about the trend. The part of me that is attracted to all things shiny is saying "yes! gold! gold everywhere!", but the more practical part of me is questioning how easy they are to wear. Plus, as someone with, ahem, not the *smallest* feet in the world, I'm wondering if I really want to draw so much attention to my feet. What about you? Will you be sporting any gold, silver, or bronze shoes this fall?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBYZMNTtjVKkGZe0T6EKszyEBGxxmQYFY5EblzecM5NDjrQZBbfVF-U-TqaL8h0dfF3wslzjn_tv9kvEsXVDkoijVXicIgLj5AUhjyk1gX8tpyarGLYywkvyMepELIrEsJRdtrxZt8ks/s1600/shiny_shoes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmBYZMNTtjVKkGZe0T6EKszyEBGxxmQYFY5EblzecM5NDjrQZBbfVF-U-TqaL8h0dfF3wslzjn_tv9kvEsXVDkoijVXicIgLj5AUhjyk1gX8tpyarGLYywkvyMepELIrEsJRdtrxZt8ks/s1600/shiny_shoes.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from top right: <a href="https://www.madewell.com/madewell_category/SHOESANDBOOTS/skimmersflats/PRDOVR~B3173/B3173.jsp?srcCode=PINT00001&srcCode=MWPINT00007" target="_blank">Silver Anouck Loafer</a>, <a href="http://needsupply.com/womens/shoes/tonk.html" target="_blank">Tonk Booties with Gold Accents</a>, <a href="http://www.zappos.com/supra-skytop-gold-black" target="_blank">Supra Gold/Black Skytops</a>, <br /><a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Shoes-Boots/Heels/AR645-PEW/Womens-Warm-Pewter-Metallic-Mary-Jane.html?NavGroupID=11" target="_blank">Pewter Mary Janes</a>, <a href="http://www.vans.com/shop/camden-glitter-leather-rose" target="_blank">Rose Gold Keds</a>, <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/g-h-bass-co-metallic-leather-loafer-flat/3518333" target="_blank">Bass Gold Loafer</a>, <a href="http://www.zappos.com/dv-by-dolce-vita-gibsin-silver-metallic-stella?mr:trackingCode=51858CBC-E811-E411-A732-001B21BCB944&mr:referralID=NA" target="_blank">DV Silver Slip-ons</a>, and <a href="http://www.bodenusa.com/en-US/Womens-Shoes-Boots/Boots/AZ187-PEW/Womens-Warm-Pewter-Metallic-Chic-Ankle-Boot.html?NavGroupID=11" target="_blank">Pewter Ankle Boot</a></td></tr>
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For even more metallic shoes, check out my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/allisonpinpin/metallic-shoes/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> page.<br />
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[Top photo via <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/31595634861474449/" target="_blank">The Shiny Squirrel</a>]<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-64837264560612720822014-09-29T19:21:00.000-07:002014-09-29T19:23:44.382-07:00tiny houses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV6c-74vyLjIebZzhoNUdNg729JccAs70yxMyfMiCup5S8rwM0vwlz9KnDD2ZnT9HcdJY9OaGxzBtwoqzi5yVT7n0FqtI3aUtfmtek8zFPiClT9hVRfPRnQYvLZvpLmikN8mDJaOAQXw/s1600/windriver-house-lgn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFV6c-74vyLjIebZzhoNUdNg729JccAs70yxMyfMiCup5S8rwM0vwlz9KnDD2ZnT9HcdJY9OaGxzBtwoqzi5yVT7n0FqtI3aUtfmtek8zFPiClT9hVRfPRnQYvLZvpLmikN8mDJaOAQXw/s1600/windriver-house-lgn.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Would you ever consider living in a tiny house? There's a whole tiny house movement happening in response to the trend of houses in the US getting bigger and more expensive (even though families are getting smaller). People live in tiny houses for a variety of reasons, but many people do it to reduce their environmental footprint, eliminating clutter, save money, live debt free, and re-connect with the world outside their front door. <span style="text-align: justify;">You can read about one family's reasons for going tiny </span><a href="http://ourfirsttinyhome.wordpress.com/about/" style="text-align: justify;">here.</a><br />
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I've lived in some pretty small apartments, but I don't know if I'd actually be able to commit to a truly tiny house (we're talking 200 sq ft here). As you may know, I'm not so good with minimalism. I can certainly get behind the idea of scaling down though, especially with rent and housing prices in the Bay Area these days. Being able to build your own home for $30K and not having to worry about a rent or mortgage payment sounds pretty amazing!</div>
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Even if you're not ready for a tiny home, I think many houses could benefit from some of the creative storage solutions that people have come up with in their tiny homes. I wish more apartments had as much built-in storage as some of these. Check out those drawers built into the stairs!<br />
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This couple built a table with hydraulic legs, so it can be raised to use as a kitchen counter, or lowered for a dining table. Oh, and the sides have hidden drawers! Why doesn't IKEA sell this?<br />
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And don't forget the most fun use of lofted space: ceiling hammocks! </div>
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Want to learn more? Watch the documentary <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2450264/" target="_blank">Tiny: A Story about Living Small</a> (its available on Netflix) and check out more of my favorite tiny houses on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/allisonpinpin/tiny-houses/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> page. Then buy your own tiny house from <a href="http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/pages/houses" target="_blank">Tumbleweed</a>!</div>
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[Photos from top to bottom: tiny cabin via <a href="http://www.countryliving.com/homes/real-estate/tiny-house#slide-12" target="_blank">Country Living</a>, built-in bookcases via <a href="http://www.jhinteriordesign.com/tiny-house/" target="_blank">Jessica Helgerson</a>, cabinet drawers via <a href="http://kokopelia.pl/garderoba-pod-schodami/" target="_blank">Kokopelia</a>, adjustable table via <a href="http://www.dwell.com/my-house/article/stow-aways" target="_blank">Dwell</a>, ceiling hammock via <a href="http://tinyhousepins.com/ceiling-hammock-sleeping-loft-for-tiny-houses/" target="_blank">Tiny House Pins</a>]</div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-85907876362554370412014-09-22T08:00:00.000-07:002014-09-22T08:00:03.292-07:00diy inspiration garland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuc2ZvxUtMPEr4otcNzP490pmJnJpDf0EggoYExZwRUPbJcx56fFhRcpYlswK7bMqoFPW4o_UtyqE_jnfnPEvEoL56cDc6BH20myjGe-U2nb-YegJQeNSJ3BKdq93s-Oec-9oesAiMzw/s1600/desk_garland4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuc2ZvxUtMPEr4otcNzP490pmJnJpDf0EggoYExZwRUPbJcx56fFhRcpYlswK7bMqoFPW4o_UtyqE_jnfnPEvEoL56cDc6BH20myjGe-U2nb-YegJQeNSJ3BKdq93s-Oec-9oesAiMzw/s1600/desk_garland4.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been adding some bright and fun decorations to our office so my desk will seem like a more pleasant place to work (it's totally worked and I'm <i>definitely</i> not typing this post from our living room couch, btw). Hanging this colorful inspiration garland added a big splash of color and pattern to the wall with a minimal amount of money and effort.<br />
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After making my <a href="http://kindaprettygreat.blogspot.com/2014/07/ive-been-working-on-organizing-and.html" target="_blank">ribbon hanger</a>, I thought I might be able to use twine to hang even more things above my desk. I wanted something akin to a bulletin board (remember those?) for hanging up photos, magazine clippings, and cards I find inspiring. Even though I love Pinterest, it's still nice to physically pin things up now and then. Rather than buying and having to hang a bulletin board, I just used mini clothespins (which I'd been wanting to buy for ages, they're so adorable!). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQivbGWaiAX5JhTVAjEbFbJ4ZiFUzxK_vBEewKUY4c7JCSYZSNlZCrxzo5iuOhn_paaYJ59GUl66sRhGNrOBHRRGHLtWIjrJusHFxI4m_4tp99uTY9dyKylT4N_mqHOhK9minFDEDb4yU/s1600/desk_garland3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQivbGWaiAX5JhTVAjEbFbJ4ZiFUzxK_vBEewKUY4c7JCSYZSNlZCrxzo5iuOhn_paaYJ59GUl66sRhGNrOBHRRGHLtWIjrJusHFxI4m_4tp99uTY9dyKylT4N_mqHOhK9minFDEDb4yU/s1600/desk_garland3.jpg" height="398" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you want to make your own, all you need is twine, mini clothespins, and tacks. I used mini clips from <a href="http://www.cavallini.com/p-accessories.php" target="_blank">Cavallini</a>, but <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/172566393/100-miniature-wooden-clothespins?ref=shop_home_active_22" target="_blank">Knot & Bow</a> also has some that are even smaller. Just measure out one or two lengths of twine, hang it between two tacks, and then start pinning up your favorite images!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGdHyEBBVUTNDrJzNCdjrfdCDGuqtby_UpdKHxEhKjn1iwVAlCyclFQtoUYTz0D7ES7K0aMVuofe45y4pvcfqU22D0jiijkA2zUu52FY5jxRa4EWCtbiSfkQ4A5kI2_zZby_cFNJGSfo/s1600/desk_garland2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGdHyEBBVUTNDrJzNCdjrfdCDGuqtby_UpdKHxEhKjn1iwVAlCyclFQtoUYTz0D7ES7K0aMVuofe45y4pvcfqU22D0jiijkA2zUu52FY5jxRa4EWCtbiSfkQ4A5kI2_zZby_cFNJGSfo/s1600/desk_garland2.jpg" height="430" width="640" /></a></div>
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The best part is, it's easy to change what's hanging up without putting more holes in the wall. If I get tired of looking at one image, I just unclip it and and replace it with another. So easy!<br />
Or if I get tired of the whole thing, I'll just pull it down and there will only be 4 tiny tack holes in the wall. No commitment!<br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-17513514236513931602014-09-08T07:00:00.000-07:002014-09-08T07:00:07.980-07:00the bookshelves of my dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGJtzYLxOnmav6sENmXqiOOutYKvAylEPBSg0pPecf63xD1nSWF3vYSquS4cVuW4Y6pqBTvFAJ982kvf1CHHphXVxKUNDtOKGw83maoryxWw4F73KoWVVZ5d6oWDoP-TOSoFhvSoP5lw/s1600/bookshelves1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTGJtzYLxOnmav6sENmXqiOOutYKvAylEPBSg0pPecf63xD1nSWF3vYSquS4cVuW4Y6pqBTvFAJ982kvf1CHHphXVxKUNDtOKGw83maoryxWw4F73KoWVVZ5d6oWDoP-TOSoFhvSoP5lw/s1600/bookshelves1.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hey, remember it was my birthday last weekend? In case you still want to get me a gift, I'll take these bookshelves and this library ladder please (oh and I'll also need a new house with really high ceilings, thanks). I have been waiting and waiting for the fall issue of <a href="http://domino.com/" target="_blank">domino</a> to come out so I could finally see these bookshelves, and I think they were worth the wait! Jenny Komenda of <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-library-bookshelves.html" target="_blank">Little Green Notebook</a> is an absolute decorating genius, and I'm green with envy over these shelves. </div>
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What's that, you wanted to see the side view? Yep, still fantastic. She styled them beautifully as well. It's so nice to see shelves actually full of books that look like they've been read and used. It seems like so many shelves you see in photo shoots these days are just full of art and vases with a few pretty books thrown in for good measure. Oh, and don't even get me started on how gorgeous those hardwood floors are. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriAGvRzd-Sy7GnzVbx6cdlR1cL3qrlKoLhpgkWjd2cXYQuU83dv-jW-U3I9ffnk478kIB7weE59FNDumVQNddt1kkZR5RUEL-JTJsU_dBOl1k3HdDwd10DRoI_GIheTtrKzW9a9fBY9s/s1600/bookshelves3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriAGvRzd-Sy7GnzVbx6cdlR1cL3qrlKoLhpgkWjd2cXYQuU83dv-jW-U3I9ffnk478kIB7weE59FNDumVQNddt1kkZR5RUEL-JTJsU_dBOl1k3HdDwd10DRoI_GIheTtrKzW9a9fBY9s/s1600/bookshelves3.jpg" /></a></div>
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OK, one more photo. Close-up on that vintage library ladder. I've been wanting one of these since I was a kid. If I had one, I'd be sliding back and forth all day LIKE IT WAS MY JOB. How does that song from Beauty and the Beast go again? Actually, maybe it's better if I don't get one...</div>
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Check out the full <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-library-bookshelves.html" target="_blank">post</a> on LGN for even more photos. And if you don't quite have the cash for custom built-ins yet, she also has a great <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/01/making-billy-bookshelves-look-like_7.html" target="_blank">post</a> on how to DIY the look using IKEA shelves. </div>
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[all photos from <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Little Green Notebook</a>]Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-54519164296105565332014-08-31T19:59:00.000-07:002014-09-29T19:22:38.225-07:00happy labor day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's my birthday this weekend, so I'm taking a little hiatus from blogging. I plan to spend the weekend picnicking, eating delicious food, and trying to soak up the last bits of summer. Hope you have a great long weekend- go outside and have some fun!<br />
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[photo from <a href="https://www.trophycupcakes.com/book" target="_blank">Trophy Cupcakes & Parties</a> via <a href="http://ablognamedscout.com/recent-work-trophy-book/" target="_blank">Scout</a>]<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-84782426003094795652014-08-20T22:54:00.000-07:002014-08-21T00:12:44.737-07:00organizing bookshelves by color<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmRLyeBtyx_n7TDPuqa6sUegJIRz5lt7-TcQjAtQ37qGBJ8LDlD1dZq0NZ4qB56_xP8JzAHfUfydJjwI2qazfxI-0mikvggDNjH4_A703VmD53r2nrexGeCuIstTUe16AhXoxLWmgros/s1600/color_bookshelf_top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwmRLyeBtyx_n7TDPuqa6sUegJIRz5lt7-TcQjAtQ37qGBJ8LDlD1dZq0NZ4qB56_xP8JzAHfUfydJjwI2qazfxI-0mikvggDNjH4_A703VmD53r2nrexGeCuIstTUe16AhXoxLWmgros/s1600/color_bookshelf_top.jpg" height="328" width="640" /></a></div>
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I recently reorganized my bookshelves by color and I'm in love with how they turned out! I previously had them organized by category, which made my inner librarian happy, but wasn't very visually appealing. Read on for a glimpse of my organizing process, and the final results:<br />
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There's really no way to do this without making a big ol' mess. I sorted all my books into stacks on the floor according to the color of their spine. Since my bookcases only have three shelves (which are not adjustable), I had to further divide each color stack into short books and tall books. Once I saw how many books I had in each color, I decided to put all the colorful books in my larger bookcase, and the black and white books in the smaller case.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DvPqCFB-Na6foOf2FbXYFo03zWPll3GQaTugl1RXNK3JuiN_PiEyj0eH8xejEENt0PoMWb5UNhLL7aJ-xWYbp7_spdXM71XCik6AOqG_AYJhanQE0UP1jezuXfG5cD20Xns42K9tP70/s1600/process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DvPqCFB-Na6foOf2FbXYFo03zWPll3GQaTugl1RXNK3JuiN_PiEyj0eH8xejEENt0PoMWb5UNhLL7aJ-xWYbp7_spdXM71XCik6AOqG_AYJhanQE0UP1jezuXfG5cD20Xns42K9tP70/s1600/process.jpg" height="622" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">There are many ways to organize the layout of your rainbow. Because of the heights of my shelves, I decided to do a full spectrum of color on each shelf. </span>This proved to be a challenge, as I had far too many red and blue books. I had to get creative with some sideways stacks to get everything to fit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG63h1cWdvcvP1Gk7eWVkEnr_yBOqvpXwvEKUsAcXbuN4x8wEV8nqlfly_392ViGuWWwhf67dKvlh8BgrsWgdfuka3-NwX7xVnzByER_5rPMfJuntTWxZovfG78zpSuLjj88SofFsBmoE/s1600/color_bookshelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG63h1cWdvcvP1Gk7eWVkEnr_yBOqvpXwvEKUsAcXbuN4x8wEV8nqlfly_392ViGuWWwhf67dKvlh8BgrsWgdfuka3-NwX7xVnzByER_5rPMfJuntTWxZovfG78zpSuLjj88SofFsBmoE/s1600/color_bookshelf.jpg" height="640" width="488" /></a></div>
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Ta da! The colorful bookshelf in all it's rainbow glory!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpU8lA0zckQ6Ji2VZFWYjFEfFKRD_cR6P6VmxyvRY6NgH2oIDdAfUMY-aCCf_LNhN2SzSTpGvGzLkreUXrFgtMpeU39UJeXTXyWAvoYXzfcoBA5uTLgJ5JELxvdx7gsw2GNghvqf-KfeI/s1600/black_white_bookshelf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpU8lA0zckQ6Ji2VZFWYjFEfFKRD_cR6P6VmxyvRY6NgH2oIDdAfUMY-aCCf_LNhN2SzSTpGvGzLkreUXrFgtMpeU39UJeXTXyWAvoYXzfcoBA5uTLgJ5JELxvdx7gsw2GNghvqf-KfeI/s1600/black_white_bookshelf.jpg" height="578" width="640" /></a></div>
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The black and white (and a little grey and gold) bookshelf. It's quite orderly, but not nearly as fun. Looks like I have to only buy colorful books from now on!<br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-11430307344581471292014-08-13T23:06:00.001-07:002014-08-13T23:08:12.766-07:00new cookbooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrjHImQ8LB5wxsvuc7IVicBJv9W3nQxIpXIjTcP5U0xwbjvf5jSTqzO7tCSvDwX8OWtNPBr_2RZ5xlT7pWyy6fzkkibdH_SxdFH7xQ4B7olk539bNGQkF2KEUyeIT4jF8rmaviJKp4OU/s1600/waffles.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrjHImQ8LB5wxsvuc7IVicBJv9W3nQxIpXIjTcP5U0xwbjvf5jSTqzO7tCSvDwX8OWtNPBr_2RZ5xlT7pWyy6fzkkibdH_SxdFH7xQ4B7olk539bNGQkF2KEUyeIT4jF8rmaviJKp4OU/s1600/waffles.jpeg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I recently got a peak at many of the new cookbooks that will be coming out this fall and can't wait for all of them to arrive in the shop! Here's my top picks for new and soon-to-be-released cookbooks:</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1452122342/?ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_nuB6tb1ZDJFDF" target="_blank">Brown Sugar Kitchen</a>: I'm pretty sure everyone in the Bay Area has been eagerly waiting for Tanya Holland to spill the beans on making her ridiculously delicious chicken and waffles.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1452113688/?ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_MqB6tb0ZKEKRX" target="_blank">Josey Baker Bread</a>: Josey Baker, another local fave, has released a beginner's guide to making bread at home. Now devotees of <a href="http://themillsf.com/" target="_blank">the Mill's</a> thick slabs of toast won't have to trek all the way to NOPA for their artisanal bread fix. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1608196755/?ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_PvB6tb11EG5FE" target="_blank">The Real Food Cookbook</a>: I'm reading Nina Planck's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Real-Food-What-Eat-Why/dp/1596913428/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y" target="_blank">Real Food</a> for book club this month (which I highly recommend!) and I can't wait to read this accompanying cookbook. Planck encourages eating real, traditional foods like whole milk, eggs, cheese and lard - yes please!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1452126461/?ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_9lB6tb0FWHK9C" target="_blank">Bar Tartine</a>: The Tartine books always have the most gorgeous photography and food styling, and this one is no exception. Their recipes for curing and pickling are sure to be interesting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdE7VVFpTDdvo2V0RLzlkon3aVbyZJw50l594rZUgyOLdUJOkO7ES2krZpCKkj2PAnbSEPuAYuhOqxoDTcvZ397ydouH2zYJiTtsvPwvxkbWXxMRanvel2NcZ_ionXQzE-zOeZ6KeFz7c/s1600/cookbook2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdE7VVFpTDdvo2V0RLzlkon3aVbyZJw50l594rZUgyOLdUJOkO7ES2krZpCKkj2PAnbSEPuAYuhOqxoDTcvZ397ydouH2zYJiTtsvPwvxkbWXxMRanvel2NcZ_ionXQzE-zOeZ6KeFz7c/s1600/cookbook2.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1452119554/?ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_.pB6tb07VCEXW" target="_blank">Flourless</a>: This looks like an excellent dessert book, whether or not you're gluten-free. Rather than using funky hard-to-find flour mixes and gums, the author focuses her recipes on ingredients that are naturally free of gluten. Genius!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1607746212/?ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_T9A6tb0J279TG" target="_blank">Plenty More</a>: I guess Yotam Ottolenghi heard the cries of the masses when we all shouted "The recipes in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Jerusalem-A-Cookbook-Yotam-Ottolenghi/dp/1607743949/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_y" target="_blank">Jerusalam</a> are amazing! We loved <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plenty-Vibrant-Vegetable-Recipes-Ottolenghi/dp/1452101248/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_z" target="_blank">Plenty</a>! Give us more! More!"</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnkjf6Zeyt30M7HMBfwEuIMFWAn-mFJP5HQXpQyIt1VDRNBalxp42GeFplpEj-sh10OCexLRpd7En7IE-YoXNFxT-GESy_T-K_QTCqZsAqvEgnjgRYvjGvLXwOerhjTS4_R_ZBpFHMQM/s1600/cookbook4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnkjf6Zeyt30M7HMBfwEuIMFWAn-mFJP5HQXpQyIt1VDRNBalxp42GeFplpEj-sh10OCexLRpd7En7IE-YoXNFxT-GESy_T-K_QTCqZsAqvEgnjgRYvjGvLXwOerhjTS4_R_ZBpFHMQM/s1600/cookbook4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0345549805/?ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_YGB6tb1KWJMKQ" target="_blank">Dinner: The Playbook</a>: I don't know about you all, but I've been in a dinner rut lately. Does a tomato salad and popcorn count as dinner? Anything to avoid making pasta again, right? I'm couting on this book to solve all my problems. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0307464881/?ref=cm_sw_r_pi_dp_cpB6tb05XCCV8" target="_blank">Make it Ahead</a>: The Barefoot Contessa is coming to help you this holiday season. Ina Garten's latest book will show you what you can prep and make ahead so you can throw a party and not be stuck in the kitchen all night. </div>
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[Top photo via <a href="http://sf.cityvoter.com/brown-sugar-kitchen/biz/598335" target="_blank">Bay Area A List</a>]<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-70237970223376411112014-08-04T22:16:00.000-07:002014-08-04T22:19:39.103-07:00papillon press dinosaur cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEDSlHDCNpbXodaG-jlL5VngoJY4i2ncoLLFs6zgLjvWJJi7hnNh6_tDg5FncHfgU7gdqwl0ZBcgS5Ki3L-xdkY-RXRL653oAVJtyrTyKluZU9siuAA0qi9W7cFCA-zx_V84JBfX7zto/s1600/trex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEDSlHDCNpbXodaG-jlL5VngoJY4i2ncoLLFs6zgLjvWJJi7hnNh6_tDg5FncHfgU7gdqwl0ZBcgS5Ki3L-xdkY-RXRL653oAVJtyrTyKluZU9siuAA0qi9W7cFCA-zx_V84JBfX7zto/s1600/trex.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://papillonletterpress.com/shop/jurassic_party/" target="_blank">Jurassic Party</a></td></tr>
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Are dinosaurs the new <strike>owl</strike> <strike>fox</strike> hedgehog? I sure hope so! I love dinosaurs, and I love these birthday cards from <a href="http://papillonletterpress.com/shop/category/birthday/" target="_blank">Papillon Press</a>. The letterpress studio features a variety of dinosaur designs:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi9dNvEJ_bNpDFrXqbfeiMbij3MDFj69nLP_CRiQZuMTyEvDcfV_a68wUvtiREwKx2vLirBsXm3X91UZlcroX5_Cp1lNA5u6R24msap_E3qnX5h1B5yGcou0Nhr3rqDcGDg0snwRWrMw/s1600/trice_card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzi9dNvEJ_bNpDFrXqbfeiMbij3MDFj69nLP_CRiQZuMTyEvDcfV_a68wUvtiREwKx2vLirBsXm3X91UZlcroX5_Cp1lNA5u6R24msap_E3qnX5h1B5yGcou0Nhr3rqDcGDg0snwRWrMw/s1600/trice_card.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://papillonletterpress.com/shop/bdaytriceratops/" target="_blank">Triceratops birthday</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKO2N4dObZLyxC0HaJqCDIrT9qsXWIEoLFjnVRgfclfQhx8VNglXG_VWGczXgrdzyK7J8tmp_8zXfV-VbtqLzOQXoLbMvgYZgSadfquGwtG1xutEyqbOl-8oGoHGRSesCgYS-WaUwkrTo/s1600/trex_card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKO2N4dObZLyxC0HaJqCDIrT9qsXWIEoLFjnVRgfclfQhx8VNglXG_VWGczXgrdzyK7J8tmp_8zXfV-VbtqLzOQXoLbMvgYZgSadfquGwtG1xutEyqbOl-8oGoHGRSesCgYS-WaUwkrTo/s1600/trex_card.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://papillonletterpress.com/shop/bday_trex/" target="_blank">T-Rex birthday</a></td></tr>
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If you're not a fan of dinos (what's wrong with you?), they also have some other cute party animals, like a <a href="http://papillonletterpress.com/shop/birthday_squirrel/" target="_blank">squirrel</a> and <a href="http://papillonletterpress.com/shop/bdaymoose/" target="_blank">moose</a>. As far as I'm concerned, you can never go wrong with animals in party hats. Cards available on their <a href="http://papillonletterpress.com/" target="_blank">website</a>, or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/papillonpress?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Etsy</a> page.<br />
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[All photos from <a href="http://papillonletterpress.com/" target="_blank">Papillon Press]</a><br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-58965103817433721552014-07-28T22:45:00.000-07:002014-07-29T00:05:02.280-07:00saturday weekender bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMlbE126MbP46LKQTuD2AcFUagBxHI1cdcezzAggQcOLP4AEF_eZ6TfL0_ZR5MVc-elQjv66jecSCMCaiKOffSRyexc22MTveBUZaTE1WT9vRfYN65s7AqJcG8Hlrj-xmqMkzOxEuOHM/s1600/Weekender_Banner-3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMlbE126MbP46LKQTuD2AcFUagBxHI1cdcezzAggQcOLP4AEF_eZ6TfL0_ZR5MVc-elQjv66jecSCMCaiKOffSRyexc22MTveBUZaTE1WT9vRfYN65s7AqJcG8Hlrj-xmqMkzOxEuOHM/s1600/Weekender_Banner-3.gif" height="240" width="640" /></a></div>
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This summer I've got a few shorter weekend getaways planned rather than one big vacation, so obviously I need a new weekender bag, <i>right</i>? Though suitcases with wheels can be more practical for longer trips, a duffel bag seems right when you're just going for a night or two. Plus, maybe a smaller bag would help curb my chronic over-packing?</div>
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<a href="http://www.saturday.com/" target="_blank">Kate Spade Saturday</a> has totally sold me on their <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1041717387"></span>Weekender Bag<span id="goog_1041717388"></span></a> with their super fun customization tool. You can choose between two sizes, customize the color placement, and even add a monogram! I must warn you though- the customization tool is totally addicting, I could literally spend all day coming up with new color combos. Here are a few of my favorites:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFCmWSy3e_kKjMK5jtQRZmcTWLQaZ0ezotrWZYKuVHSCHTZodqsHb7u_haRIGQy8RIM2ohI7bvAbFlrqN0hMmIhgoAjQ84np_pFSJuTqqojUZwvrQscseNAkEh0GzuN0PJqVgddNMtJ4/s1600/weekends_bags_each.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuFCmWSy3e_kKjMK5jtQRZmcTWLQaZ0ezotrWZYKuVHSCHTZodqsHb7u_haRIGQy8RIM2ohI7bvAbFlrqN0hMmIhgoAjQ84np_pFSJuTqqojUZwvrQscseNAkEh0GzuN0PJqVgddNMtJ4/s1600/weekends_bags_each.gif" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">I would totally spring for the monogram feature. I love personalized embroidery, but I never actually get my initials on things. I think it's more fun to get a word or phrase instead. This bag only gives you space for three letters or numbers, but that still gives you some options. I might do "YES" or "EEK". Which would you choose?</span><br />
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P.S. I'm also in love with the <a href="https://www.graf-lantz.com/wares/womens-canvas-shop-all-travel/parker-weekender-rustbritish-tanpink" target="_blank">Parker Weekender</a> from Graf & Lantz, though I think its a little out of my price range...</div>
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[all photos from <a href="http://www.saturday.com/weekender/kss-customize-weekender,en_US,sc.html" target="_blank">Kate Spade Saturday</a>, larger bags customized by yours truly]</div>
Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-41497924154300927622014-07-21T09:00:00.000-07:002014-07-23T23:58:15.580-07:00monday links<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYnVuQfbt4TOPhmVkZrHNCFRtliYimcsPYubgD1Z7LxN6MfKRMjLCz7GCBYcBQYlWs8qG-Ke5dNk4R7az1YMCkdShHOgQWH4TPNZuWu1Zkg23ArV6u4PWuHFu0mpMfIUQswQzWmSSe4U/s1600/lauren_conrad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVYnVuQfbt4TOPhmVkZrHNCFRtliYimcsPYubgD1Z7LxN6MfKRMjLCz7GCBYcBQYlWs8qG-Ke5dNk4R7az1YMCkdShHOgQWH4TPNZuWu1Zkg23ArV6u4PWuHFu0mpMfIUQswQzWmSSe4U/s1600/lauren_conrad.jpg" height="558" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm in LA this weekend for a quick work trip, a visit with my mom, and hopefully some sunshine. Here are a few links for your enjoyment this Monday morn:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpjIT7ihx_x6KXT2TWbXVJOAmWtGnqk_h1synRZjkjXnm5gAZIauHmXu8KZEYZvYpRvnNGjzHbLC0tU1GqBziR0Pb-Iq31wtYBG5pq6ImUm9xSShse6pQHAkopZOAQH-GBO0H2Y4O2ek/s1600/ink.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpjIT7ihx_x6KXT2TWbXVJOAmWtGnqk_h1synRZjkjXnm5gAZIauHmXu8KZEYZvYpRvnNGjzHbLC0tU1GqBziR0Pb-Iq31wtYBG5pq6ImUm9xSShse6pQHAkopZOAQH-GBO0H2Y4O2ek/s1600/ink.tiff" height="346" width="640" /></a></div>
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This <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fypi6dAJB8E" target="_blank">video</a> on how ink is made is beautiful and surprisingly mesmerizing. It kinda takes me back to this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKQHTxLdg8Y" target="_blank">classic</a> from Sesame Street. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdz7lgTys6Muf7j9C_CHe17Q9GJQ83MVWSmhQxiTli-fEQ1jz1Rnb_HIwUMyxj7dcedDTXApXEAFXLgSideV9qTzMFs0oW_2DbrjXZ_NAZ-MOfPdw6KW8nBiShMIh4_0zHRxFsSk9PRI/s1600/kaleidoscope.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdz7lgTys6Muf7j9C_CHe17Q9GJQ83MVWSmhQxiTli-fEQ1jz1Rnb_HIwUMyxj7dcedDTXApXEAFXLgSideV9qTzMFs0oW_2DbrjXZ_NAZ-MOfPdw6KW8nBiShMIh4_0zHRxFsSk9PRI/s1600/kaleidoscope.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Two Japanese artists constructed this giant <a href="http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/enormous-kaleidoscope-transforms-an-industrial-shipping-container" target="_blank">kaleidoscope</a> in a shipping container. How amazing would it be to get to go inside?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaiR35c4qa6vChwOCaSKMUwr0OWC-PX_v3BM8xXrPCHcR7MSQChUK2xDem2CiUYfumUZIpSYTOCNyoqIpHnLYpDSDhEfytzh4hi-TktcMrbPcG7eL4vVVDZzf0DkAC125F44YNXutZP8/s1600/sans_serif_rent.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAaiR35c4qa6vChwOCaSKMUwr0OWC-PX_v3BM8xXrPCHcR7MSQChUK2xDem2CiUYfumUZIpSYTOCNyoqIpHnLYpDSDhEfytzh4hi-TktcMrbPcG7eL4vVVDZzf0DkAC125F44YNXutZP8/s1600/sans_serif_rent.tiff" height="524" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tired of the Bold Italic? Check out <a href="http://www.thesansserif.com/" target="_blank">The Sans Serif</a>: San Francisco's least reliable, most entertaining source for news. </div>
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[Top photo from <a href="http://laurenconrad.com/blog/2013/05/photo-diary-spring-fever-lauren-conrad-instagram-may-2013/" target="_blank">Lauren Conrad</a>]<br />
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<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-84622904671773265702014-07-14T19:46:00.000-07:002014-09-29T19:35:01.068-07:00on the hunt: coat racks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tbzbqSfRx59H1I1mNR01o7Fp1Q99ZRAfKuJXIzk_ZUSzCvnUFYWpV3JqzzDLivG3nuVcUu4gwC9TI-Clkli6W_UDaoWZZMuQuHsTZaIbif3FRtQJ1BrURtFfF7pmDZgg0P_SYWXXn9U/s1600/peg-coat-rack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tbzbqSfRx59H1I1mNR01o7Fp1Q99ZRAfKuJXIzk_ZUSzCvnUFYWpV3JqzzDLivG3nuVcUu4gwC9TI-Clkli6W_UDaoWZZMuQuHsTZaIbif3FRtQJ1BrURtFfF7pmDZgg0P_SYWXXn9U/s1600/peg-coat-rack.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finding a coat rack that's attractive, modern, and doesn't break the bank can be a bit of a challenge. I've been on the hunt for one for our living room and was somewhat surprised by how expensive they can be! I managed to find 8 options below with clean lines, fun shapes, and a price that won't cause sticker shock:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEqTkchjttVvlCk_KSCgFWx0COi0froyGvUB_ST5Xkvt6NBrjRyaxKzAKW4xgeaJtbrNMB0aTfE6zpbgVTxuRg0WCc8KeHhj27JxwIiaZqJOHDGfNa6QTD1acH8yt5M24V0AAon8Zx_U/s1600/coat_racks_rows6.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEqTkchjttVvlCk_KSCgFWx0COi0froyGvUB_ST5Xkvt6NBrjRyaxKzAKW4xgeaJtbrNMB0aTfE6zpbgVTxuRg0WCc8KeHhj27JxwIiaZqJOHDGfNa6QTD1acH8yt5M24V0AAon8Zx_U/s1600/coat_racks_rows6.gif" /></a></td></tr>
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Top Row: <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=31047574&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS" target="_blank">Modern Aqua Rack</a> $50, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/southern-enterprises-metal-coat-rack-watermelon/-/A-15333614#prodSlot=medium_1_25" target="_blank">Metal Lime Rack</a> $64, <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00258085/" target="_blank">PS 2014 Green Rack</a> $30, <a href="http://www.target.com/p/metal-coat-rack/-/A-15329836?reco=Rec%7Cpdp%7C15329836%7CCategoryTopSellers%7Citem_page.horizontal_1&lnk=Rec%7Cpdp%7CCategoryTopSellers%7Citem_page.horizontal_1" target="_blank">White Metal Rack</a> $99</div>
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Bottom Row: <a href="http://www.cb2.com/peg-coat-rack/s349197" target="_blank">Black Peg Coat Rack</a> $99, <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/pink-coat-rack/s137564" target="_blank">Pink Framework Rack</a> $75, <a href="http://www.landofnod.com/orange-branch-coat-rack/s219278" target="_blank">Branching Orange Rack </a>$99, <a href="http://www.containerstore.com/shop/entry?productId=10028244" target="_blank">Bamboo Coat Tree</a> $69</div>
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I ended up ordering <a href="http://www.target.com/p/southern-enterprises-metal-coat-rack-watermelon/-/A-15333614#prodSlot=medium_1_25" target="_blank">this one</a> from Target (seen above in the top row). So far it seems to be good quality, and I love the lime green color! </div>
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For even more options (including some that are way, way more than a hundo) check out my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/allisonpinpin/coat-racks/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> board.<br />
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[Top photo of Peg Coat Rack from <a href="http://www.cb2.com/peg-coat-rack/s349197" target="_blank">CB2</a>]<br />
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-39084931770854058502014-07-07T19:29:00.001-07:002014-07-07T20:06:02.263-07:00diy ribbon hanger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkya_3fmWAOW_AW_gMB0CAmtTAEaTI-gwajqZEZr3C7RCfBOTcWGOk_ZKNsuiEnH6Cp8EjOpVElACIqrjpY55TM7GihsupzmTz9H1UaNb2KiuUyZOP3wdcZgXxnWE7qFajnfpe9G22UY/s1600/ribbon_closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkya_3fmWAOW_AW_gMB0CAmtTAEaTI-gwajqZEZr3C7RCfBOTcWGOk_ZKNsuiEnH6Cp8EjOpVElACIqrjpY55TM7GihsupzmTz9H1UaNb2KiuUyZOP3wdcZgXxnWE7qFajnfpe9G22UY/s1600/ribbon_closeup.jpg" height="438" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I've been working on organizing and decorating our office lately, particularly my desk area. I've been looking for ways to make my desk pretty and inspiring without spending much, so I turned to the craft supplies I already have on hand. I came up with this ribbon hanger as a fun way to put my ribbon collection on display. It's easy, cheap, and a great two-for-one: it livens up the wall with colorful ribbon, and makes it easier to access ribbon for gift wrapping and projects. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2Vmr2WxWZgKa5h1XdKmrqowPSPSafZgUdcV-obH1yFog9z5TcA2EO1vV7Rl6_yTcAxW7H128nis1hfGM-jCkAwW8mHauyYiDoZuhGVVkYhAL6nXMkYftLK_K7aH5QiaBIHliorYIkCk/s1600/ribbon_holder5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2Vmr2WxWZgKa5h1XdKmrqowPSPSafZgUdcV-obH1yFog9z5TcA2EO1vV7Rl6_yTcAxW7H128nis1hfGM-jCkAwW8mHauyYiDoZuhGVVkYhAL6nXMkYftLK_K7aH5QiaBIHliorYIkCk/s1600/ribbon_holder5.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">This hanger is not hard to make (you're basically just tying some twine to a stick), but I've outlined the steps below for you:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Here's what you'll need:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">1. One 3/8" wooden dowel (can be found for less than a dollar at your local hardware store)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">2. Saw </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">3. Sandpaper</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">4. Approx. 2 yds of twine, thin rope or ribbon</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">5. Small hook for hanging</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVGKzijddy3Ak-1f7Q0BCUUIlVxvKOfNTUqeMSCYmJCp5V_EoVP1ldVxCVraHY7IpjcfaWumS6HZwKv1PMPbUpnwWaxXSddr8aA_4JhEpKBd6eDZcUS0bLz4VFxlcNjfru2MSgCgOXmY/s1600/ribbon_holder_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpVGKzijddy3Ak-1f7Q0BCUUIlVxvKOfNTUqeMSCYmJCp5V_EoVP1ldVxCVraHY7IpjcfaWumS6HZwKv1PMPbUpnwWaxXSddr8aA_4JhEpKBd6eDZcUS0bLz4VFxlcNjfru2MSgCgOXmY/s1600/ribbon_holder_1.jpg" height="454" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">How-to (steps are shown left to right, top to bottom):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><ol><li>The dowel I bought was 48" long, so it needed to be cut down quite a bit for this project. </li>
<li>Using a measuring tape, measure and mark how long you want your dowel (I made mine 21" long). Use a saw to cut the dowel (or find a helpful dude at the hardware store to do it for you). </li>
<li>Using a small hand saw, cut a small notch into each end of the dowel. I apologize that there's no photo of the cutting process, I <i>may</i> or <i>may not</i> have tried to use our serrated bread knife for this, and it's possible I cut myself in the process (note the band-aid on my finger). Be careful!</li>
<li>Use sandpaper to sand down all the rough edges and make the ends look pretty. </li>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DRQ6lI-VfM0Yf-OZRalf_fO9K-oZEyNghAjR86SIOUlJtENBtWDPU_6oiVd18-XAwzyfg1zhKqv37_ptOZJKEgSDdlinOeuflGOTvuq_VhWqvCR1T_hSEYCl6Oi-tnygl7dXaqKo7vI/s1600/ribbon_holder2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7DRQ6lI-VfM0Yf-OZRalf_fO9K-oZEyNghAjR86SIOUlJtENBtWDPU_6oiVd18-XAwzyfg1zhKqv37_ptOZJKEgSDdlinOeuflGOTvuq_VhWqvCR1T_hSEYCl6Oi-tnygl7dXaqKo7vI/s1600/ribbon_holder2.jpg" height="446" width="640" /></a></div><ol><li><span style="text-align: center;">Admire your newly sanded dowel.</span></li>
<li>Get yourself a long length of twine. Thread the twine into one of the notches in your dowel, at least 6-8" from the end of the twine. Pull the twine down so its securely wedged into the notch.</li>
<li>Wrap the end of the twine several times around the dowel (as many times as you like, this is mostly decorative). </li>
<li>Tie both ends of twine together in as fancy a knot as you can muster (I'm no boy scout, I just did a regular double knot, but you can make it more decorative if you like). </li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYZnf-FNDLc7-DHVCu9h9v2a5Dz77UEjoaR6C-F3-TPq3aKVda5422Fz8CL0gbDpcUz0foqtDDSOASv_BRjpTQRDG3xbKYsAchtg7BoVYw_PXiZW0tbVHnAyxUgDpiYCyOoulWLnOdXo/s1600/ribbon_holder4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYZnf-FNDLc7-DHVCu9h9v2a5Dz77UEjoaR6C-F3-TPq3aKVda5422Fz8CL0gbDpcUz0foqtDDSOASv_BRjpTQRDG3xbKYsAchtg7BoVYw_PXiZW0tbVHnAyxUgDpiYCyOoulWLnOdXo/s1600/ribbon_holder4.jpg" height="476" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Once you have the twine tied to one end, it's time for the fun part: adding your ribbon! Add as many spools as you'd like, leaving at least 2" of room on either side of the dowel. Once you've got your ribbon on, it's time to figure out how long you'd like your twine to be. You could use geometry, or just lay it out of the floor to see what looks good to you. My twine is 42" from end to end, which gave me about an 18" drop from the hook to the dowel. Tie the twine to the second end of the dowel using the same method as the first, and you're ready to hang it up!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzZncXIrovou7Etvtf58MFUtP4e6IghwY9OrbWU6rScbUSSjm6U7zhLiFs7oJhC01zGE4_ZciK9skN39u6cooopowyxVBP4FNrnffbixqSFThwQEoKExvFleCfo52W8Uby0IFL5P3TYA/s1600/ribbon_holder6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzZncXIrovou7Etvtf58MFUtP4e6IghwY9OrbWU6rScbUSSjm6U7zhLiFs7oJhC01zGE4_ZciK9skN39u6cooopowyxVBP4FNrnffbixqSFThwQEoKExvFleCfo52W8Uby0IFL5P3TYA/s1600/ribbon_holder6.jpg" height="640" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I used a small hook from the hardware store to hang mine. They just screw right into the wall, and are much more secure than a nail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Now, let the ribbon dispensing begin!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-82738459701399314422014-07-01T23:14:00.000-07:002014-07-01T23:17:15.009-07:00kinda inspired: kerry cassill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3B_jq7DeoYcUccLnBMsY5E8EclSVEsDBp9ngA_wNqqr2g6XHxvmw3wRXWPDVIc82kevp64GCdrp9OMWh5A-FIbHxskxNOEGTnw8GcKL0ARKmW4e2A5PZegFdNs-42qHCkAlgYN8KFdg/s1600/kerry_cassill4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3B_jq7DeoYcUccLnBMsY5E8EclSVEsDBp9ngA_wNqqr2g6XHxvmw3wRXWPDVIc82kevp64GCdrp9OMWh5A-FIbHxskxNOEGTnw8GcKL0ARKmW4e2A5PZegFdNs-42qHCkAlgYN8KFdg/s1600/kerry_cassill4.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am a big fan of mixing prints in my home, and I'm constantly being inspired by the prints of bedding and clothing designer <a href="http://kerrycassill.com/" target="_blank">Kerry Cassill</a>. All of her prints are block-printed by hand in India on the some of the softest cotton around. The block printing gives her prints an imperfect, handmade look that I love.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh7wN-jSwVoWJTS4cUcpZKmNfl17iHQAphRaGjymSDJqfFIPPnKd_k9wyLn2sbPaLlS0lMBQBUmnsX_R5AyDtTLzYE5fuSKYSylOmeWdqwnQYjcYxh9HwAb0bSOaiJGQOHs0fH4A1gpY/s1600/kerry_casill_prints2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXh7wN-jSwVoWJTS4cUcpZKmNfl17iHQAphRaGjymSDJqfFIPPnKd_k9wyLn2sbPaLlS0lMBQBUmnsX_R5AyDtTLzYE5fuSKYSylOmeWdqwnQYjcYxh9HwAb0bSOaiJGQOHs0fH4A1gpY/s1600/kerry_casill_prints2.jpg" height="460" width="640" /></a></div>
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She releases about six collections of <a href="http://kerrycassill.com/prints/" target="_blank">prints</a> per year in a wide array of florals, geometrics, stripes, and traditional Indian motifs. In spite of how often she releases new prints, she is able to keep her aesthetic constant enough that it's possible to mix and match between collections and have it all work together. </div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhykyElhmy19_THDw4SYazAAc-Yi65mgdjA20EMULqEwckaLTwMORW12HhuMJANV6bd1AE3i_DIP2QVz8eZeAgSnD6gmVdRkaOPIFLy7cTD7FUMh8GZbH6SbeO9pCy1CeLgaMzxNyr6J8A/s1600/kerry_cassill.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></div>
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My current favorite prints are (from top): <a href="http://shop.kerrycassill.com/product/pink-taffy-pillowcase" target="_blank">pink taffy</a>, <a href="http://shop.kerrycassill.com/product/teal-small-multi-pillowcase" target="_blank">teal small multi</a>, <a href="http://shop.kerrycassill.com/product/pink-plaid-pillowcase" target="_blank">pink plaid</a>, <a href="http://shop.kerrycassill.com/product/putty-ash-pillowcase" target="_blank">putty ash</a><u>,</u> and <a href="http://shop.kerrycassill.com/product/stripe-floral-pillowcase" target="_blank">stripe floral</a>. I want to combine them all to make a totally crazy (and very pink) bed! </div>
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[All images via <a href="http://kerrycassill.com/" target="_blank">Kerry Cassill</a>]Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-184835714204696544.post-20249916870412381162014-06-26T23:00:00.001-07:002014-06-26T23:11:57.459-07:00paper rosette tips<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghohsfjN5oioRU1fqb3mbxN5ORN7Whbo4scJ3Qle4zQeD1EK-dj9HymRr8hVAFkuTRaE3VuoylP3NrthCt_mvq7khwGQZ3aTMGPj-jSFpD0joemPIE8-EWIupoZcuYr3Hd4Iww5m6y_yE/s1600/graduation_party5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghohsfjN5oioRU1fqb3mbxN5ORN7Whbo4scJ3Qle4zQeD1EK-dj9HymRr8hVAFkuTRaE3VuoylP3NrthCt_mvq7khwGQZ3aTMGPj-jSFpD0joemPIE8-EWIupoZcuYr3Hd4Iww5m6y_yE/s1600/graduation_party5.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's no accident that I'm not calling this post a how-to guide. I don't quite feel qualified to give anyone a guide after the terrible time I had making these %*@&#! rosettes. I wouldn't consider myself an extremely crafty person, but I can usually follow directions and get a pretty decent result. That was not the case with these suckers- they are more complicated than they look! I ended up trying out quite a few tutorials, so I thought I'd share what I learned along the way. Perhaps you can avoid some of my mistakes...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7en_NOirO9VmzR36pEEtM8FDjPs8sUB2geZcF0u3UOxfMQi5lTZfJ-l-14Xq8nl1mfeu8csCAQgMevCJLHeqVpeY_5__urBD1_4-z0rluDrQ7MvcuerwLFbDeNWELDl5lhhTKJsKxLo4/s1600/pinwheels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7en_NOirO9VmzR36pEEtM8FDjPs8sUB2geZcF0u3UOxfMQi5lTZfJ-l-14Xq8nl1mfeu8csCAQgMevCJLHeqVpeY_5__urBD1_4-z0rluDrQ7MvcuerwLFbDeNWELDl5lhhTKJsKxLo4/s1600/pinwheels.jpg" height="386" width="640" /></a></div>
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I bought most of the paper I used from Paper Source, so I figured their website would be a good place to find a <a href="http://www.papersource.com/howto/ideas/fine-paper-projects.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a>. Wrong! Using the measurements they gave, I could barely get the two strips of paper to meet. When attached, they formed a sort of cone shape that would not lay flat without tearing. Fail!</div>
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Next stop, <a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/226257/paper-rosette-decorations" target="_blank">Martha Stewart</a>. Oh Queen of craftiness, why is your tutorial even less clear than Paper Source's?! Would some photos of the steps kill you?</div>
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OK, time to find some DIYers who know what's up. I found several tutorials using the method explained on <a href="http://catchmyparty.com/blog/diy-how-to-make-a-backdrop-out-of-paper-rosettes" target="_blank">Catch my Party</a>. It's similar to the Paper Source method, but you attach 3 fans of folded paper together instead of two. This worked a little better. I could actually get something resembling a rosette shape, but had a hard time attaching the fans with a stapler. I ended up with gaps where the fans of paper were attached (in the photo above, the top white rosette was made with this method). </div>
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The final method I tried worked the best for me. This <a href="http://www.thebrokeassbride.com/2012/04/decor-diy-a-step-by-step-how-to-guide-to-making-colorful-paper-rosettes/" target="_blank">tutorial</a> from the Broke-Ass Bride produced the cleanest and best-looking rosettes. One VERY IMPORTANT note: in this guide, you're using two 12" sheets of paper, cutting them both in half, and then glueing the four strips of paper together to make one long 6" x 48" strip. Hopefully your reading comprehension is better than mine, but this wasn't 100% clear to me in the first read-through. I made one using a 6" x 24" strip of paper and ended up with another cone. You can adjust the paper size to make bigger or smaller rosettes, but the length of your paper should always be at least six times the width for this method to work. </div>
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A final note on supplies: I used several types of paper with varying results. A medium-weight paper similar to construction paper will work best. I don't recommend using <a href="http://www.papersource.com/color/8-1-2-x-11-Cover-Weight-Paper/2505.131/833.html" target="_blank">card stock</a>, it is too thick and really a pain to fold. Paper Source's rolls of <a href="http://www.papersource.com/color/roll-wrap/3650.030/404.html" target="_blank">solid gift wrap</a> are a good weight, and a good value. The fancy <a href="http://www.papersource.com/paper/lokta-nepal-papers.html" target="_blank">fine papers</a> I used really were mighty fine. They were so soft and had a bit of stretch, but beware- they're ridiculously expensive. In retrospect, I probably should have just used <a href="http://www.michaels.com/scrapbooking-and-papercraft/paper/809188525?q=scrapbook%20paper" target="_blank">scrapbook</a> paper, but I really, really didn't want to go to Michael's...</div>
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Have you ever made rosettes? Am I the only one craft-impaired with these? </div>
<br />Allisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11551784818812972721noreply@blogger.com0