Silhouette Art

I recently mentioned that I have begun the process of Spring cleaning. I not only want to give my place a good scrub from top to bottom and donate a substantial amount of my possessions to charity, but I also would like to do a bit of redecorating in the process.

One of my goals is to incorporate more original artwork from the many talented artists out there into the space. In addition, I have been hanging up a few pieces of my own here and there.

I think that I am going to tackle a silhouette project next. I want to hang a cluster of family silhouettes in the bedroom. Don't you just love the two displays here? I can't wait to pick up some good quality black paper and get cutting - I feel inspired!

Do you incorporate your own art/craft projects into your home decor?

{images from here, and here}

Just for Fun..

I have a fireplace in my apartment that needs some serious updating. Right now it's just full of a few pedestal candles - how unoriginal is that? I love how simple and fun this idea is! It's a great example of design that doesn't take itself to seriously, which I think is fabulous.

{image found via poppytalk}

Imagine That..

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand." - Albert Einstein

I stumbled upon this quote today during my web travels; love it.

{image from here}

New Specs!

I mentioned a while ago that I really like the bookish look of thick glasses on gals. Maybe it's the nerd in me, but I think statement-making specs are fabulous. I really can't resist the look on my boy, either..

{A. and I rockin' our thick specs}

I have been looking for a new pair, and I think I have found a winner..

I can't wait to pick them up tomorrow!

Recycled Prettiness

I love this simple DIY project for Spring. It's the perfect way to use the pile of empty glass containers I have under my sink. All it takes is a bottle of paint! These would be perfect for placing a few pretty blooms around the house, no?

{found via still dottie}

TOMS Shoes

I came across TOMS shoes this morning, and I am loving both the product and the mission of this innovative company:

"TOMS Shoes was founded on a simple premise: With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One. Using the purchasing power of individuals to benefit the greater good is what we're all about. The TOMS One for One business model transforms our customers into benefactors, which allows us to grow a truly sustainable business rather than depending on fundraising for support."

I think it's so great that creative entrepreneurs have found ways to make a living while at the same time giving back to others in a really positive way. As an economics nerd, I was sold when I read "purchasing power" in their mission statement.

Aren't these shoes just adorable? I would love a few pairs for the coming summer months.

Spring Clean..and Simplification

Do you know how some people find cleaning to be extremely relaxing and therapeutic? How about those people who get a thrill out of organizing everything from the home office desk to the spice cabinet? I know many people like this. What I can tell you with certainty, however, is that I am not one of them.

Don't get me wrong, I love a clean home as much as the next person. It's such a relief to come home to a space that is spotless, neat and organized. But, I am sure that I am not alone when I say that cleaning is a chore that I just don't like. I often find myself coming up with other, "more important" chores in order to avoid cleaning. Frankly, I would happily cook a week's worth of meals for anyone who would agree to clean my apartment!

A. and I just renewed our lease for another year, and ever since I have had the biggest urge to overhaul the place. I have grand plans to clean our apartment from top to bottom, while sifting through all of our "stuff" and getting rid of anything extra that we really don't need. We plan to move out-of-state next year and I really want to streamline our possessions, keeping only those things we really need and/or love.

I have all kinds of re-decorating ideas and projects that I want to get started on, too. Grad school is quickly winding down (four weeks, eep!), and I am excited to have some extra time to work on other things I enjoy. Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks I will have some home pictures to share with you!

Does the warm weather make you anxious to give your place a good scrub, or is it just me?

{image found here}

Weekend Baking and Other Fun Things

Happy Monday, Everyone!

How was your weekend? I had an exceptionally good one, aside from the fact that I did homework the entire day on Sunday (8AM - 11PM .. ouch).

Friday was an evening spent with my boy. We bowled a string at the local alley, which is something we really enjoy but just haven't gotten around to in over a year! I bowled a 166, with four strikes in a row! I had to end on a high note, which is the main reason for bowling only one string..

Saturday evening was spent with friends celebrating my good friend Brit's birthday. I mentioned that I would be doing a lot of baking for the occasion, and I actually have a couple of pictures to show for it!

I made these cute little tea cookies and accompanied them with some nice chai. The cookies have the lightest hint of lemon, which really gets me into the spirit of Spring!

lemon cloud cookies

I included a loaf of my favorite, no-knead bread with the gift. Brit and her husband really enjoy having bread with dipping oils and cheese, so I thought this would be perfect for them.

my favorite homemade bread

A. gave me the idea to wrap each box with heavy paper and twine. He wrapped my recent birthday gift this way, and I thought that it was fabulously simple and chic.

the finished product

I attached this cheeky little card just for fun..

My picture-taking abilities are abysmal, I know. But, I really wanted to share my weekend's work with you!

Wee Snack Packs and Birthday Baking

Full disclosure: I am a really, really big "snacker".

On any given day, I will have three to five snacks (at least). So, imagine my elation when I found these adorable little snack packs by downhomeamy! I take munchies with me everywhere I go, and these darling little snack totes will look much cuter than a lame plastic Ziploc as I pull one out of my bag to snack in class, at work, the movies (shhhh!) etc. etc. etc.

They are so cute, it's too hard to choose just one!

This weekend is my dear friend's birthday. So, that means a lot of baking today! I am making this fabulous bread (a staple in our home), along with these lemon cloud cookies I discovered on the blog of my new girl crush. I plan to pair the cookies with some nice tea and the bread with an interesting cheese. I hope to share the finished product with you tomorrow. I am horrible about taking pictures, though, so fingers crossed..

What are your plans for this beautiful, sunny (in the Northeast at least) weekend?