Cozy home

We had a guest over this weekend and I realized while cleaning- our house still needs to be more of a home. We have the necessities- couch, tables, chairs.... but not enough cozy. Not enough character. I partially blame this on Nicole of LovelyGirls - who has the most gorgeous style and made me want to redecorate immediately after our meeting last week. But I digress. This week has me longing for those extra touches... bowls instead of stacks of magazines. More candles, less clutter!

Source: zgallerie.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: westelm.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: westelm.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Devon on Pinterest

The perfect way to display Christmas Cards

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

I recently stumbled across these gorgeous glittery clothespins on Style Me Pretty and pinned them for wedding inspiration- but how perfect would they be strung across the mantle holding up Christmas cards?! I think this is a DIY even I could manage.

Oh, Monday.

Good morning lovelies!

Mondays can be rough, and this Monday decided to come at me swinging. I woke to a barking puppy (the usual) to find my downstairs destroyed. The Sunday paper scattered across the house, a chewed redbox movie, and my favorite Guinness coasters laying in a mangled pile of cardboard shreds amongst other things. Luckily, Miss Riley got it all out of her system early today, so she's passed out in a corner now and I was able to clean up the mess pretty quickly.

So what's a girl to do? I decided to decompress by doing some early morning blog reading- and oh there are some LOVELY things out there today. I saw over at J Crew Aficionada that there is a 20% off and free shipping promo going on today on knits and tees. Not that I didn't just buy things there (twice) this weekend, but my new favorite racerback tanks were on sale for $19.50 (review soon!). I lived in the navy version of this all weekend.

Source: jcrew.com via Devon on Pinterest

Next up on the blog roll- Dilly Dallas. I adore Dallas Shaw's style, but can never afford the pretty things she displays on her blog. Today, an early preview of a desk styling post came up and a picture caught my eye- mercury glass! My bridal brain is in love with all things sparkly and "vintage" and I've been lusting over the idea of finding some treasures at a flea market. Well- Dallas made it easy. These votives are from West Elm, and only $5 a piece! Free shipping sweetened the deal- so my little fingers clicked on the shopping cart. A little cluster of 3 will look so pretty on my mantle or corner of my desk (once I clean the darned thing up).

Source: westelm.com via Devon on Pinterest

Now that I've had my coffee and my credit card is safely tucked away, I should probably get onto the important things of the day (like tending to my sunburn. more on that later). Have a happy Monday!

Wedding Wednesday- Venue Inspiration

This morning, the boy and I visited our first venue- a beautiful historic mansion in one of Delaware's State Parks. The grounds were gorgeous (despite the fact Spring has not arrived here in the least), the coordinator sweet, but we are still looking. Here are some of the pictures guiding us on our search...

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: peach-pearl.blogspot.com via Dallas on Pinterest

Source: southernliving.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: blog.weddzilla.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: southernliving.com via Devon on Pinterest

Source: stylemepretty.com via Devon on Pinterest

The family jewels on display

This is for my friend, Kemi. I went over to her adorable apartment last night to battle with the internet company, armed with some charm and a bottle of red. After completing my conquest (free installation? Thank you!), we toasted to victory and started talking about this and that. Somehow, we got to the topic of jewelry and she showed me her fantastic collection of rings, necklaces, and bracelets...all hidden away in a plastic box :(

It's something many girls struggle with. How do a keep my baubles safe and stored away without forgetting what I have? Since I'm in the process of decorating my own little dressing area (oooh, more on that soon!), I scoped out a few organization options for Kemi that I think will fit her style, keep things safe, and display her gorgeous collection like it should be!

First- bowls. The boy has come to terms that I love pretty bowls. Our kitchen is overflowing with them, all shapes and sizes. Of course, you can never have too many! I think small bowls are the perfect vessel to store chunky rings, pins, and the like.

Glass Jewelry Dish from Urban Outfitters

I have a slight obsession with ikat. This little bowl is perfection!

Ikat mini bowl from Anthropologie

Inside out bowl from Anthropologie

For longer necklaces, I love two separate options: Wall hooks and mounted decorative knobs.

This first jewelry rack is fantastic because it not only will keep delicate chains untangled, but you can hook earrings onto the lattice work.

Lattice Jewlery Hooks from Urban Outfitters

A series of hooks does the same. To customize this affordable but boring option, I would break out some spraypaint and go to town. 

Expandable hooks from Target

Choosing a series of decorative knobs is a favorite of mine. This can be hard for renters (big holes=small security deposit return), but I think mounting them on a strip of stained or painted wood to make a custom jewelry rack is a great alternative. Even better, find some reclaimed wood for a rustic feel!

I love these from World Market, they play off the mini ikat bowl perfectly without being matchy.

Ceramic Floral Knobs (set of 4) from World Market

Aged Zinnia Knob from Anthropologie

Granita Knob from Anthropologie

The options are endless, but I think a few of these would fit great into the vintage feel of Kemi's walk up.  

How do you keep your jewelry accessible and safe?

warming things up.

Our townhouse is around 110 years old and has a ton of character, even though the interior has been remodeled half a dozen times since. Exposed brick walls, fancy woodwork around window frames, and my first real fireplace since moving out of my parents' home. With Christmas around the corner, I'm especially excited about the last part.

I've already decorated the mantle, hung a wreath and picked out stockings for Riley, the boy, and myself, but there was something missing...

Since the house is older, we have no clue when the chimney has been cleaned last. Instead of being a fire risk, I think I am going to do a candle-scape instead of a roaring fire this year.






Christmas Fireplace from younghouselove, pillar candles in white fireplace from sunset.com, rustic candles from Google images- unknown credit