Becolorful

Fourth of July Flair That Doesn't Look Like It Came From A Party Shop

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I'm all for patriotism and celebrating our independence.

What I don't like is tacky big box store decor.

Where is the creativity in that?

It's the equivalent of cheap store bought Halloween costumes.

Independence flair doesn't have to be a fallback to the 1990's Americana country look either. 

#beentheredonethat

 

An understated look is what I am going for, where the impact comes from one single statement piece.

I am all about Fourth of July flair that is classic and chic.

It can be as simple as adding one flag.

 

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It can be as fun as stenciled stars,

 

 

 

 

 

 

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or as easy as adding a patriotic napkin,

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a pillow,

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or a free printable to a frame.

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A couple of small flags add a simple flourish to planters.

 

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or a centerpiece.

 

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Keeping it simple helps to focus on the sentiment behind the holiday. Plus I don't have a lot of money invested in items that I will either discard or need to store.

#keepingitsimple

 

Happy 4th and God Bless America!

xoxo,

p

 

Photo credits:

1.Carl Christensen, Still Life Photography

2.Julieblanner.com

3.Bloodandchampagne.com

4. Julieblanner.com

5.Pinterest

6. One Good Thing by Jillee

7. bhg

8. Birch Lane

9. Tidbits

10. Goodwill free printable 2014

11. At the Picket Fence

12. Unknown google image

 

 

The No Need To Read Book Club

 

 

This is true. I get into cycles. Periods where I do a lot of reading and times when I only think about it. Over the winter I spent too much time in front of the TV catching up on all of my guilty pleasures instead of tucked in a favorite chair with my iPad and a good read. Perhaps it was because my life hit a speed bump this winter and things were a bit more challenging these past two months.  While things were at their  craziest it was just easier to lose myself in a mind numbing reality show than to pick up a book. Fortunately, things are looking up now on the caregiver front and life is returning to normal. So, I decided it was the right time to get together again with a group of my besties for our loosely organized book club.

 

 

Last summer we started the No Need to Read group. It's not the traditional book club where everyone reads the same book. I remember doing that in an earlier chapter of my life.  Back then just finding the time to read was a luxury and I often resented using whatever precious down time I did have to read a book someone else had chosen or a book that wasn't really in my wheel house.  I also felt like a book club and time with my girlfriends should be something I was looking forward to. Too often, though, it seemed like the pressure to just finish the book in time took away from the thrill of getting together with friends.

This group is different. Instead of all of us reading some previously agreed up book, we each come together and share whatever it is we have been reading on our own. Some months, for some of us, the only reading we accomplish is getting though a daunting queue of emails. No judgements here. We all get it. So we share whatever it was that we did read. The list is usually diverse and it is an easy way to hear about books I never knew existed or to learn that some best seller was really nothing more than over hyped drivel. 

These are the titles the group shared this month:

My Name Is Lucy Barton

Two of us had read this book. I was one of them. My friend loved it. I was a bit more on the fence but we have both admired Elizabeth Strout as an author. Her book, Olive Kitteridge, is one of my favorites and like that book, the characters here are equally well developed and multi-faceted. If you like good writing more than just a good story I think you would like it.

 

Sacred Choices was another recommendation this week. A self-help book that looks at our indoctrination to do the "right" thing, vs what our heart wants to do. The theme seems to be that our culture, or our tribal backgrounds, are responsible for these conflicting feelings and values but with some self- realization we can find some resolution.

Another one of the women in our group has been coping with a loss and she recommended 

The Grief Recovery Handbook.

This book sounded different from most of the grief books out there. I was definitely intrigued by her review of it and I think this one would make a wonderful gift for anyone that is coping with grief.

 

My book this month was

As Close to Us As Breathing

I would definitely recommend this one. It is a haunting story of a Jewish family on the East Coast during the summer of 1948, not long after World War II. It highlights how a single tragedy can alter the lives of an entire extended family. It is a book about self denial, guilt, religion, and family. 

Not everyone had time to read so they shared their want- to- read options.Those are always interesting too.

This time around they were these two:

 

 

 

and 

Has anybody read them yet? Thoughts?

Summer is coming. What is on your list?

:D

 

 

Happy Mom's Day.

xoxo,

p

 

 

 

Spring Flowers Mirror

 

 

The American Red Cross Red Boa Ball is later this month. This is a local fundraiser that I have been a part of for several years now.

Last year I painted a bistro patio table for the event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This year I embellished an oversized rectangular mirror and candlestick.

 

 

I have been preoccupied these past weeks helping my mom recover from a fall and I found it very therapeutic to get out my paints and escape into an act of creativity. Once I finished the mirror I remembered that I had a plain black candlestick that I had purchased at a Hobby Lobby a couple of years ago.I  thought it was a great blank canvas and I planned on painting it. Well, it took me two years to get around to that project. I'm glad I still had it. I think they work well together and I am offering them as a package.

 

 

I hope you can join us April 30th at the Cedar Rapids Marriott as we celebrate the

American Red Cross

Red Boa Ball!

 

xoxo,

p

 

 

 

 

Selling A Childhood Memory

 

 

 

 

When I was a little girl I thought these dishes, that belonged to my grandmother, were the most beautiful dishes in the whole wide world.  As I grew up I loved them still. They reminded me of her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was especially close to my grandmother. She taught me the names of all the flowers in her garden and she instilled in me a love of decor. She had a timeless style that I learned to appreciate and tried to emulate.

 

She has been gone now for nearly ten years and these dishes that I have loved for decades have been a part of our home for quite some time. I still think they are so sweet and pretty but it is time to share them with some one that will actually use them or display them.

There are  vintage hand painted china by Lefton. Probably from the 1930's.

 

 

There are ten plates and cups in the collection and they are all in excellent condition.

 

 

 

I have a number of things in my home to remind me of Grandma. These I am ready to let go. I know she would understand.

 

I'm asking $150 for the twenty pieces. 

 

Leave a comment or email me if you are interested.

xoxo,

p

I'm A Faker

 

I'm a faker, a cheater. I'm embracing the faux.

I have succumbed. 

Every March I wonder what to put on the front door and in the urns on the porch. The left over Christmas is just wrong and it is too early for flowers. I thought about maybe putting some glass gazing balls in these pots but I couldn't find the right color. Red or green looked like left over holiday, silver doesn't show up against the white house, and everything else had a garish edge. Then I saw these faux boxwoods. I know. I know. Fake is bad. Fake is tacky. So color me tacky. I am tired of spending all the money for real flowers in the early Spring to only have them look leggy and sickly by the 4th of July. Most years I am anxiously looking forward to Fall so I can buy some inexpensive Mums and look like I've got my Martha on. I'm over it. Yes, I'm a big pretender. I am embracing these faux boxwoods that I purchased on Amazon.

Say what you will, they are heavy and will not blow away. I don't have to water them and I don't have to be concerned about freeze warnings.

My solution to the March Decor Madness.

xoxo,

p

xoxo

Color In The Middle of Winter

Who says we can't enjoy color all winter long?

Things can get pretty dreary during February in the upper Midwest. Neutral spaces are trending but sometimes the world needs a big dose of color.

I dread the snow and gray February skies but earlier this month when I walked into our family room with its walls of windows and cheery coral paint I couldn't help but smile. This is the perfect place to escape the colorless Midwest climate.

 

 

The Love pillows were a find at our local Home Goods. I thought they were a fun February nod to Valentines Day.

It is nearly impossible to be in a bad mood in this room.

Be brave and bring on the color. There are too many neutral rooms these days.

xoxo,

A flamboyant colorista

 

Kate Spade Meets Beyond Yoga

Holy bows!

Beyond Yoga collaborates with Kate Spade

and the result is jaw-droppingly cute.

 

 

 

 

If you have ever worn anything from Beyond Yoga then you know it is beyond soft and beyond comfortable.

 

 

 

It's really almost too cute to work out in but who wouldn't want to wear it while "erranding" or to meet a friend at Panera?

Love. Love. Love.

 

xoxo,

p

 

Genuinely Cool Baby Art

One clever mom, one agreeable baby, ten fingers and a jar of black finger paint? The result is priceless.

 

 

This was one of the most cherished gifts that I received this past Christmas.

Who knew baby art could actually be something you would want to frame and keep out for years to come?

Crew Hayden, my obviously very talented eleven month old grandson, finger painted this beauty with a bit of "signature help" from his mama.

I love that she chose black instead of the more expected bright colors. What a team. They are one sophisticated duo that know how to produce some genuinely cool baby art. 

 

 

Thank you. I love it.

xoxo

Mimi 

Converting a Neutral Room to Colorful Holiday Glam Part II

 

 

Last week I was approached by Chairish to feature one of their chairs in a holiday post. Chairish is a fun resource for stylish vintage pieces at truly affordable prices. The idea is to showcase how I would incorporate this chair into a neutral room and then add in my personal holiday flair.

This is the chair that I opted to work into my design.

Available here.

 

It has been an easy challenge for me because I love this chair. The difficult part was deciding what room to put it in. It is just so versatile.

For the purpose of this post. I decided to add it to our black, white and copper living room.

 

 

But the rest of the year I think it would feel right at home bringing some spice and life to our black and white library.

 

 

 

 

I would pair it right here with my writing desk.

 

 

Adding color is my favorite thing to do but as everyone was getting on the neutral bandwagon a few years ago I found myself rethinking how I wanted our home to look. It went against my color evangelist style but I edited a lot of the color out of my rooms and went with a classic black and white theme.

 

This is how that look played out during the holidays.

 

 

Although it looks rather gold here the look was really just black and white. The only color was the greenery of the garland. It was decorated with white lights and an off white tulle.

The fireplace mantel also stayed with the black and white theme.

 

I have to say that I learned to embrace this minimal look but when Chairish asked me to introduce their chair and some color into my design I was all over it.

 

This was my concept.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Festive Dash of Color by pambecolorful featuring mid century furniture

 

 

The furniture pieces I currently have in this room are taupe and cream and my rug is a black and white tweed but I love how adding this moss green slipper chair brings in an invigorating dose of color.

 

I would also dial up the color theme with inexpensive accessories that could easily be changed out.

 

My go to holiday treatments to dress up a room are simple.

 

I usually keep this box closed on the mantel during the rest of the year but during the holidays I add greenery and this time around, some colorful pink Christmas ornaments.

 

 

 

I would steal this artwork by Kathy McCullen from another part of the house to repeat the moss green color of the chair.

 

 

 

Changing up the mantel from last year's black and white theme was also easily achieved with the addition of greenery laden with brightly colored ornaments.

 

 

 

 

Carrying this color scheme throughout the front rooms of the house helps to create a cohesive feel.

 

 

 

 

Holiday throws and pillows are another fall back idea for introducing color into a room

 

 

or tying Christmas ribbon into bows on interior doors is a thrifty way to flaunt your holiday spirit.

 

 

It doesn't have to be difficult or expensive to bring in color or that festive touch. Add a pillow, tie a ribbon on the ordinary, or drape a bit of garland or lights over a window or across the top of a piece of furniture.

 

I hope you found something here that you can incorporate into your home.

As for the Chairish chair it can be purchased here.

Happy Holiday Decorating!

xoxo,

p

 

Converting a Neutral Room to Colorful Holiday Glam Part 1

 

Recently, Chairish asked me to create a colorful holiday board for them using one of their chairs. I haven't done anything like this for awhile and I think it will be a fun challenge.

This is the chair I have chosen, a classic vintage channel back slipper chair in a rich shade of moss green

 

 

 

and this is the neutral space I am working with.

 

 

 

 

 

So how will I be bringing a festive feel into this room?  

Here are a few elements that I will be incorporating into my inspiration board...

a piece of artwork from Kathy McCullen,

 

 

along with some holiday art,

 

 

 

my Hollywood Regency touches,

 

 

 and various holiday accents using the same green of the Charish chair and bright pinks, and golds.

 

 

 

 

 

It doesn't have to be difficult to decorate for the holidays. Simple infusions of color like this green chair can make any room feel festive.

 

I hope you will stop back tomorrow to see how it all comes together.

xoxo,

p

 

A New Home For A Colorful Chest

In early 2010 I painted this piece for our own home. We needed some extra storage  and I wanted to bring a bit of the unexpected to a traditional and formal dining room.

 

 

 

 

 

It was a mix of harlequin, leopard print, stripes and florals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It only remained in our dining room for about a year.

 

 

I had procrastinated, I was running out of time before the Traveling Door sale and I needed more of my painted pieces to sell.  So I decided that I would part with this one and worry about replacing it later. 

 

The woman that purchased it nearly five years ago just recently moved away and decided that the piece wouldn't be going with her. So unbeknownst to me, my BeColorful creation moved on once more.

Last week I was quite surprised to see it again. I had gone with my mom to visit one of her friends and there, as we turned the corner just past the entry way, sat the unconventional and colorful side board that I had painted almost six years ago.

 

 

It was like seeing an old friend.

I love how she has styled it. The mirror and the martini bearing huntsman could not be any more perfect with this piece.

I'm so glad to see that it has such a good home.

Enjoy Babs!

xoxo,

p

Revisiting the Master Bedroom

 

This time two years ago we were still in the middle of a major master bedroom update. It was the last room of the house to be touched and we had lived here for almost fifteen years. It was beyond due.

Our home is a one hundred year old three story frame home and the bedrooms are all on the upper floors so building out was not an option. 

There is a small hallway that leads into the master suite and it originally had built ins on each side. 

 

 

 

As you can imagine closet space in an older home is almost non-existent so that was something that also needed to be considered. I had pinned images of cavernous closets, bedrooms and master baths but when it came down to finally creating a plan for our space we knew that our room would be considerably scaled down from those inspiration pictures.

We also wanted to think about resale. Even though we weren't ready to move anytime soon, we recognized that kitchens and bathrooms help to sell houses so we put the bulk of the budget into the bath and increased its size as much as possible.

We eliminated the built in closets  on the left side of the master entrance and gave up that space to the master bath. Then we put in an opaque glass pocket door to the bath area from this short entrance hallway .

 

 

 

We stole some real estate out of the bed area and built in a wall of closets.

 

 

We had some time to plan them out so we added interior configurations that best fit Mike's needs and built in light switches that light up the closet when the doors are opened but shut off when the doors are closed.

 

 

I liked how the beveled glass panels dressed up the doors and helped to reflect the light around the room but I am especially excited about the hardware that we went with.

It seems we have a variety of hardware in this aging old home, everything from weathered brass to nickel to glass but we had used polished nickel in the bathroom so I decided to continue that into the bedroom. In the end, this was what we did to blend the old and more contemporary looks that we love.

 

 

We dressed up our space with dark wood floors, wool rugs, and new bedroom furniture but I'm still not there.

I am definitely needing new lamps. I started out with the ivory lamps we were using before but they blocked out too much of the mirror. These are a cobbled together creation from lamps I was ready to take to the consignment shop.

So here it is two years later and I'm still shopping.

 

The space just seems to still need a nose or some dimension.

 

As I look at the photo below, I realize I need to add something to that wall with the little etching my grandma brought back to me years ago from Paris. It's a great piece but it looks totally lost.

:-/

 

 

 

Maybe it is the lack of color that is leaving me cold. Perhaps I should bring in some black? gold? navy? or a soft aqua?

 

There isn't much wall space for artwork so I will have to revisit the lamps, accent pillows and maybe a throw. I'll eventually figure it out but in the meantime any suggestions are always welcome.

:D

Have a great weekend.

xoxo

P

 

 

 

Cue Up Your Direct TV or Tivo, Million Dollar Listing LA Is About to Start

Grab the popcorn and a cocktail. Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles returns on September 2, 2015.

Mr. R and I usually record these shows and watch them with coffee on Saturday morning but I don't know if I will be able to hold off until then.

We were both fascinated with the NYC cast of this show but is it just me or is the San Francisco show sorely lacking?  The properties seem redundant. It appears  that every listing is marketed to the tech buyer, and the cast is just so one dimensional and dull. Maybe one California location is enough. Why not a Million Dollar Listing Dallas? or Chicago? Something with a different flavor. And what happened to Miami? At least that version had a totally different vibe. I'm only watching San Francisco until the real thing returns.

Love him or hate him I just can't get enough of this guy.

Bravo

 

Even if I wasn't a house junkie I would still watch just to see what fashion statements this cast create.

 

 

The bold colors,

 

the shoes,

 

 

the hair,

 

 

 

and the British flair.

 

 

Buh Bye Justin, Roe, and Andrew.

You are a poor substitute for my New York and LA Million Dollar Listing obsession.

xoxo,

p

A One Hundred Year Old Stairwell Gets An Upgrade

No, this isn't a Christmas in July post. Actually, I wanted to share the update we made to our stairwell last year while we were also remodeling our master bedroom and bath. While I was looking for some "before" pictures it became evident that most of my photos from this part of our home have been taken at Christmas time. 

 

 

 

I have always thought that the foyer is especially pretty at holiday time but then when the decorations come down it always looked so painfully plain.

 

Our home is 100 years old this year. I love the history that goes with an old house and this one is no exception. A few of the previous owners have even shared some photos with me of their time here and these two were taken right here on the stairway. I think it is fun to see how the house has evolved over the years.

 

The Wheeler Family 

circa 1960

 

Mrs. Bloomhall

circa 1970

 

...and our sweetie modeling her choice for a sorority event.

circa 2005

 

The truth is, the entrance to a home needs some wow. Although the wallpaper from the 50's was long gone before we ever moved in, this entrance has always left me feeling underwhelmed and I always wished that the stairwell had been trimmed out more like the rest of the house.  So while the house was already torn up with a remodel we decided to add some flair to this stairway.

 It took me twelve years of living in the house  to get to this point but it only took the trim carpenter three days to create this upgrade.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

I was thrilled with the end result.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So 100 years and three days later...

 

Good things take time.

:D

xoxo,

P

A Blooming Bistro Table

The American Red Cross Red Boa Ball was earlier this month and I had wanted to create something that I could donate to the silent auction. I settled on the idea of painting one of these Ikea LINDVED bistro tables for the event.

 

They are a nice size for a small patio grouping and they come pre-painted in an easy- to- cover shade of clean white. They really are a virtual blank canvas just begging for color.

I spray painted the entire table first with Rust-Oleum 2x spray paint in glossy Spa Blue. After the paint had dried I drew on my design with white chalk. This allows me to make pattern changes with out having to repaint the table top.

 

Once my design was laid out it was just a matter of filling in the leaves and flowers with various shades of craft paint. Then I went back and outlined some of the elements with a sharpie marker to give them more definition and impact.

Next I added some stripes for interest using a flat edge one inch brush. Using this brush is a time saving short cut to avoid having to use painter's tape.

 

Finally I created a bit more interest and color by adding some dots. I like to use a pencil eraser because this helps me to be sure the dots are fairly uniform in size and shape.

 

 

 

 

Sometimes I think a project is complete and I go ahead and take some pictures for my portfolio. It's when I look at the pictures that I occasionally  realize something isn't right.

I thought my table was complete...

 

 

but then I knew it had too much open space. What to do? Fill it in with more dots!

Much better.

:D

 

I was able to complete this project in an evening and I'm happy to say that the money it raised was worth the effort.

xoxo,

p

I Feel A Table Coming On

 

It's simple, Spring = color. As the days grow a bit longer the skies become bluer, and yards greener. I'm ready to shed my black and gray winter wear for bright corals and blues and today I'm dreaming of some significant splashes of color for the house too.

 

Perhaps warmer weather and the ability to throw open the windows is also spurring my desire to start painting again. 

I painted this table a couple of years ago for a Traveling Door sale. I've featured it here before but I keep coming back to it. It sold at the sale but I'm thinking of recreating another one for myself.

I'll change the colors up a bit so it won't be exactly the same but the table is an Ikea Lindved so I can easily pick up another one.

Perhaps I'll go with hibiscus instead of the hydrangea. A bit of a tropical twist.

 

Stay tuned. I feel a table coming on.

xoxo,

p

Dorothy Draper Inspired

 

It isn't a secret that I am passionate about black and white.

Ten years ago, before Pinterest, I tore a page from a decorating magazine that featured a home office with lots of white woodwork and black walls. It was so unusual and dramatic and I loved it. I showed it to a friend that was also drawn to bold designs but I didn't get the positive reaction I was looking for. I took a safer route and It took me nine years to follow through with my black walls. I wish I had done this way back then. This room has windows at each end and two sets of french doors so there is a lot of light and white woodwork to break up the statement black.

 

 

 

I have loved pulling this room together and have had fun bringing in different accent colors throughout the year. 

 

Recently, Mike and I decided to sell our Galena getaway and purchase something in a warmer climate. So, when I had a free afternoon this week I decided to stop into Home Goods for some inspiration. I wasn't looking to buy anything. Anything I would buy here would have to be shipped there. It is usually when I'm not really looking that I end up with the best "finds" and this week wasn't any different.  While I was on the hunt for ideas for our southern abode I found, instead, something for our Linden home. The minute I saw these black and white framed pieces I was reminded of my muse, Dorothy Draper.

 

 

I felt that they were perfect for our Linden dining room and for only $14.00 each! These were definitely going home with me.

 

 

I still have an empty home down South but I think Dorothy would approve of my little additions here.

:D

 

xoxo,

P

Best (and worst) Dresses at the 2015 Golden Globes

 

Did you see the Golden Globes last night?

It was a great night to stay in so that's just what I did. I curled up with a glass, okay two glasses, of wine, a couple salted caramels and my "cellie" - just in case I need to post those comments I couldn't keep to myself on Facebook.

Only ten minutes in and I realized I need to consider upgrading my cable package. I have never seen Olive Kitteridge The Affair or The Normal Heart.

I look at watching a show like this as a short cut to learning what's out there that's good and what I can pass on. I also like that it doesn't matter if I am familiar with all the shows or actors, I can still appreciate what their wearing.

There seemed to be a lot of sequins and silver. This dress has received a lot of press but it wasn't one of my favorites.

Julianne Moore via Who What Wear

 

Jennifer Aniston also sported sequins albeit in black.

 

Getty image

 

She is so cute but really? The dress, a St. Laurent, is a bit of a yawn and it looks old on her. I wish she would step out of her box and surprise us by taking a fashion risk.

 

There were a few "misses" on the red carpet last night.

Most of these women have bodies that I can only dream of attaining and I understand wanting to flaunt the results of all those hours in the gym and crazy diets. Sometimes though, too much skin is just too too much. It distracts from how gorgeous these women really are.

 

 

Kate Hudson Getty image

It fits her flawlessly but the cut outs bring the dress down from chic to cheap.

 

 

Then there is Jennifer Lopez who just gets more beautiful with every year but this dress? It looks like it hurts.

via Hollywood Gossip

 

Her body is amazing but the dress is just too much - the open plunging neckline, the slit, the reptilian looking fabric PLUS a cape?  This look is just over the top. One element? Sure. All four?  #desperate. She doesn't need to do this.

 

 Rosamund Pike gave birth only a month ago and she looks fabulous but this dress is just wrong wrong wrong on so many levels.

It is so unflattering and it DOES NOT FIT!

This look screams where is my waist and either get me roll of tape or a lift.

 

I'm really not sure who could wear this. I call it

Vera Wang How Could You?

 

 

 

But Vera's slip is nothing compared to full on wipe out that is Chanel's butterfly dress worn by Kiera Knightly.

This dress is just ridiculously hideous. Yes HIDEOUS.

WTH?

There are no words.

Does her stylist hate her?

 Getty images

 

But enough with the misses, there were so many of these women that really hit the mark with their selections last night.

White was a popular choice and I loved this understated but out of the ordinary choice worn by Kristin Wig. An off the shoulder look with a drop waist, it's feminine and flattering and it drapes beautifully.

 

Getty image

 

Salma Hayek also bared her shoulders in yet another drop waist gown but this one with a full skirted silhouette. The fabric is spectacular and the belt is a brilliant edgy touch that keeps it from looking like a bridal gown.

 

Getty image via AP

 

Red on the red carpet? Yes, it works and it was a predominate color at the 2015 Golden Globes.

 

The color looks ravishing on Taylor Shilling. I'm used to seeing her in that orange jumpsuit all the time. It was so fun to see her like this.

 

via Who What Wear

 

Then there was this beaded, pleated red tulle beauty worn by Allison Williams.

Designed by Armani Prive this is a definite showstopper.

I could have done with a lighter touch on the make up but still,

Wow wow wow.

 

via Pret-a-Reporter

 

Then there is Heidi Klum's take on red.

This woman knows how to do it right.

 

Jordan Strauss photo

 

The best bod-con look has to go to

Diane Kruger.

 

 

 

Just looking at her makes me want to go work out.

 

I was also intrigued and smitten with this midriff baring pantsuit in navy worn by Lorde.

 

 

It's probably more of a love or leave it kind of look but me? I love it.

 

There were so many gorgeous gowns but in the end the one that I will remember is this dark blue beauty worn by Julia Goldani Telles.

 

 

I didn't even know who she was until last night but I saw her walk up on stage to receive an award with the cast of The Affair and I let out a gasp of admiration for her dress. It was breathtaking - literally.  She is only nineteen but she carried this off effortlessly.

I read that the dress is a  Carmen Marc Valvo design. I love his cocktail dresses but this gown is epic.

 

The color, the fullness, the dramatically plunging neckline. This look is perfection and my favorite of the evening.

 

 

Get ready. The Academy Awards are scheduled for February 22, 2015 and only weeks away.

:D

 

xoxo,

p

January Organizing 101

January = purge, de clutter and organize.

Perhaps it is that fresh start idea that comes with a new year or maybe it is what we realize needs to be done as we are putting away the holiday decorations. It could be that this whole house cleanse is a productive way to burn some energy during the gray cold indoor days that occur here in the Midwest. No matter the reason, this is the time of year that the organizing bug bites hard. 

Today a friend posted this link. Have you seen it?

 

 

A lot of these concepts truly are ingenious.

I do have trouble with the 40 hanger rule. Reduce my closet to 40 hangers?

That I can not do. #nothappening

Instead I try to abide by these two philosophies:

 

 

 

and this one that was included in Buzzfeed's post.

 

I couldn't have said it as eloquently but it is a concept I have tried to live by for several years now. 

 So even if I can't abide by the 40 hanger rule there were other hints here that definitely inspired me.

My favorite is the "Rule of Five"

Buzzfeed

The idea is that every time you clean a room you remove or throw out five things. Maybe it's just an old magazine or maybe it's that tchotchkie that is looking old, tired and oh so 2008. It isn't as tough as it sounds. Look around the room and if it doesn't make you happy or isn't a necessity of life, get rid of it.

 

Visual clutter unsettles me. Yes, I might be a bit OCD here, but I thought this idea for clearing off our nightstands was brilliant. These types of horizontal spaces end up being a catch all for us so the more stuff I can find an alternative spot for the better.

 

 

Buzzfeed

 

This fix, using a bit of velcro, for corralling the cord on a currently unused appliance is simple and inexpensive and it looks so much nicer and will stay in place better than having the cord looped around and tucked into itself.

 Buzzfeed

Sometimes one idea might not be the perfect solution but it triggers an offshoot idea. For example, this concept of using shower curtain hooks.

 

I prefer to either "nest" my smaller shopping bags according to size within a large bag or to hang them, like my mom did on a hanger. But, the idea of using shower hooks was new to me and even though I wouldn't use them like they have here I can see them used on a curtain rod to hang long necklaces, bracelets, or scarves.

 

pinterest

 

Adding S hooks works well for larger items.

 

pinterest 

 

This Buzzfeed article featured some excellent ideas for simplifying our on-line lives along with some thoughts on incorporating technology to help streamline and de- clutter our paper world. I'm hoping to use some of those as a jumping off point for a future organizational post. So stay tuned. I'm on a house cleanse roll.

:D

xoxo,

p

The January Door

 

The Christmas decorations are finally all tucked away for another year but the house is looking sparse and cold. It needs to be zhushed up a bit. I'm one of those women that likes to change things up through out the year so I look forward to these seasonal updates and one of my favorite places to do this is at the front door. The problem is what to do in January. I'm not a fan of keeping my holiday decor up until spring and Valentines is still too far away. So what's a girl to do to in the gray Midwest this time of year?

 

Well, a boxwood wreath is casual yet elegant and timeless.

etsy

 

This magnolia wreath is sophisticated possibility. I've always thought that  simple unadorned greenery was a smart look for a winter door but these leaves dial up the style factor.

HGTV

 

I remember my grandma used to make pine cone wreaths and I know she gave me one but this updated version, painted a soft gray, gives this perennial look a fresh vibe.

 Slice of Southern Pie

 

Berries are appropriate all winter long and add a dash of color.

 

etsy

 

Then again, I've always been a fan of something a bit unusual or whimsical and I have also been known to hang a clock on the front door,

but,

this elaborate New Year's Eve rendition is over-the-top spectacular.

 

Angela Holt Designs

 

Just look at the detail work. Amazing. I'd  be tempted to keep this up all year long.

 

An easier DIY might be this popsicle stick snowflake.

 

Ballard Bunch

 

Monograms are definitely trending and this quirky framed version is cheerful and unexpected.

Inspiration Thief

 

Lately I have been drawn to the idea of going with a winter citrus theme and I am rather obsessed with this particular wreath but I doubt it would show up on our yellow front door.

etsy

Perhaps I could use more greenery and fewer lemons. Something more like this -

 

Livingreen.com

What do you do for a little January flair? Please feel free to share you ideas and thoughts. I love hearing from you.

xoxo,

p