nest egg

Spring Awakening

Spring is upon us!! 

And the recent catalogs are showing it. 

How about waking up in one of these fabulous bedrooms?

Are you kidding?

This room is amazing. Restoration is killin' it, lately.

 
 
To shop the rest of this room click HERE.  

Meanwhile, Wisteria's latest bedroom is looking serene and welcoming...

  

 

 To shop the rest of this room click HERE.

West Elm is going with the all-white look. Can't go wrong with that!

  

And Pottery Barn is pairing white, cream and a pretty pale blue.

I love these colors together... very refreshing.

  

A then I came upon a lovely, spring-inspired room from Anthropologie... 

    

 

Garnet Hill's Eileen Fisher collection is one of my very faves. She's a staple in my book...

I'm loving all these bedrooms-- but loving being outside MORE!

I hope you are enjoying the spring weather too...

 

  

 

ETSY art-- affordable finds!!

I started looking around ETSY for some good artwork and could. not. stop.

There is SO much affordable art out there!! So I'm here to share some original paintings I found and liked. All of these are under $300!! 

And if you are one who thinks "I have a traditional home, I can't pull off modern art. (or vice versa)" I am here to tell you- YOU CAN. When it comes to artwork I believe you should go with your gut. If you see a painting and it sings to you then believe me- your home will find a spot for it. 

Since most people have a hard time visualizing paintings in a space I included some photos of rooms with similar artwork. In other words: I'm proving my point with magazine photos. (something I do quite frequently :)

  
 
  
 

RozArt, click HERE for her shop.

 Can't visualize a cow in a living room? ... 

 

via House Beautiful, artist Linda St. Clair

 
 Nature and Art's "The Crossing", click HERE to shop. 

Could be paired with neutral paint and furnishings making a statement like this:

 

via Things That Inspire, artist unknown

 

 
Jenny Shultz, click HERE for her shop. 

I couldn't find a picture in a room like these but just visualize that lovely ballerina painting in this bedroom:

 

I'm loving these watercolor portraits...

 
  

Corinne Galla portraits, click HERE for more.
 
A collection of these in a dining room?

 

via Elle Decor, designer Nanette Lapor
   
 

Siiso abstract City painting, click HERE to shop.

The piece above reminded me of a painting I have in my own home. It was passed down from my grandparents because I loved it so much growing up. Something about it has always intrigued me... And now I get to see it every day!

  

via yours truly

 

Kaylee Hull's abstract painting, click HERE for her shop. 

Reminded me of this awesome bedroom..
 

via urban grace; artist unknown

Nancy Hughes, click HERE for her shop.

And here, a similar traditional painting in a modern setting...

via elements of style, artist unknown   
 
          

 

Abstract pieces by Sarah Giannoble, click HERE for her shop.

For some reason it reminded me of this room by Steven Gambrel...

 

via Steven Gambrel website  
    

  

  Lollie Belle's "Waterscape", click HERE for her shop.

This is my dear friend Laura. Remember her from this post?  As you all know I LOVE her work.. almost as much as I love HER. Here is a small landscape (same size as above) in my own home. I put it in my kitchen to add some color and make me happy while I cook.

 

Amy Haught's modern painting, click HERE for her shop.

Suzanne Kasler designed the room below using a very similar modern piece. I know I know, Suzanne can put anything together and make it beautiful. But atleast you get the idea...
 
via Things that Inspire, artist Dusty Griffith 

All of these beautiful original paintings can be found on etsy along with MANY others. I'm thinking about getting one myself... 

 

Screener

Pretty soon I won't be talking about fires and fuzzy sweaters- I'll be talking about green grass and bare feet!!! But while we're still here, moping around in the cold,  let's talk about fire screens. Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn have come out with great looking screens. I recommend them ALL the time. Simple, functional, handsome - all you need. 

Rip out your bulky brass inserts...

 and update it with a sleek, attractive screen. 

 

Fireplaces are almost always the focal point of a room so a simple change like this will make a world of difference.

 

For PB firescreens click here.

For Restoration ones click here.

 

Gotta Get A Gourd

A bright, colorful gourd lamp will update ANY room. Guaranteed. I find myself recommending them almost as often as I recommend changing a paint color.

(The lovely ladies above are all from HERE, around $150-$200 each)

Some other affordable ones....

 

a few from here , $105

 

 two from here, $179

 one from here, $119

And if you are near a TJ Maxx HomeGoods store you should swing by to check see if they have any gourd lamps. Nine times out of ten you'll find an inexpensive pair. I always do. Then I pace around TJ Maxx trying to decide if I should buy them or not, finally manage to awkwardly hold them while standing in a line, get irrationally annoyed after 5 minutes of waiting, put the lamps back, and walk out frustrated and empty handed. (P.S. This is how Hoyt shops ALL the time) Anyway, don't repeat after me us. If you see some good gourd lamps, think of me and wait patiently in line. 

And last but least $

Target one, $25 

Get a gourd, 

Thank me later. 

 
  

Chateau Love

A friend/reader sent me an email from Houston, Texas letting me know she now works at Chateau Domingue. After looking through the website she clearly meant to say heaven. I scrolled through the images sitting alone at my computer and said aloud

Oh.

my.

word.

 

Chateau Domingue is known for importing reclaimed materials and unique architectural elements from all over the world! All sorts of flooring, tiles, light fixtures and furniture. They have 15,000 sq. ft. showroom that I am going to need to see sometime very soon! I can't even imagine what beautiful pieces grace the floors.

I thought I'd spread the love before the weekend with some of their images that will make your heart flutter...

 

drooling yet ???


 

 

 
 
   
 

 

 
 

 

 
 

and my personal favorite...

 
    
Pick your chin up off the floor....

 and have a good weekend! 

<all images from chateau domingue- go check it out!!! The website a beautiful illustration of their unique vision. >
 

 

Had to share...

When I shop for my clients I shop anywhere from Hickory Chair to Target. And sometimes, hoping to score a light fixture, I shop at Overstock. I was cruising through the website today and came upon this great chandelier for a whopping $189 !!!

 

Love the simplicity of this fixture.

Love the price even more...

Found HERE.

 

New Year- New Stuff

Hey friends. Happy New Year! You  might be here because you're back at your first day of work, feeling a little depressed that the holidays are over with a stack of paperwork next to you (or on your sofa with a stack of laundry next to you) and you need an escape. If so, I'm glad you're here. This will be a great year and I hope to entertain and uplift you on days like today!! And most importantly- distract you from your work. Since that's what y'all do to me- it's only fair! :)

I'm getting over a mild case of the flu. 3 full days in pajamas, 2 gallons of ginger ale, and 1 permanent imprint-in-the-couch later I can confidently say I think I'm over it. (Knock on wood! okay, not so confidently) Besides getting cabin fever I've been flipping through all of my usual catalogs and loving all the new stuff coming out for Spring! Here are a few things I found:

From Pottery Barn...

Rattan dining chairs... would look great around a ROUND dining table (around around-??)

 
Vintage steel ladder and mirrored bedside table. Different looks but each piece makes a statement.

 
This sling stool is a nice thing to have around.. different than the popular ottoman or garden stool look but serves the same purpose.

Francis sconce- so simple! I love it. Would look great in a hallway or stairwell...

 
More unique, affordable lighting...

 
Interesting throws...

 
I also like the shape of these barstools... but I think they would look better in a bright, fun color. Maybe wait until they go on sale.

  

 
Just had to.

All of these items can be found on Pottery Barn website HERE.

Now on to Wisteria....

Everything about this bedroom is A) fabulous and B) NEW! The bedding, the bedside table, the stool, the artwork... love this combo!

 My favorite part: the slipcovered bedside table. I've been doing a lot of these in my clients' houses and have found that they are a great alternative to bedside casegoods. You can hide shelves underneath for storage while hiding your bedside mess.

 

Same thing here. All new, all great.

My favorite part? The tables.

Martini Tables- they aren't called that but I like to refer to all tiny tables that sit by your chair 'martini tables'. They are great to have around!! (martinis and/or tables)

 

 
This shockingly resembles the pricey coffee table I've always loved from Oly:

 

Black is back! Well really- did it ever leave?? 

My favorite part: the pillow that pulls it all together

Another thing I saw and liked:

Vintage map chest. I don't know if the word vintage really holds true here but if you have any really old maps I see this being a really great DIY project!!  

All of these items can be found at Wisteria website HERE.
  
There are many more new things out that I hope to share with you soon. In the mean time, happy Monday! (and New Year!)

 

 

  

  
 

  

  

  
 

 

50 Gifts under $50

Get Ready.

I have compiled 50 great gifts and have been adding to this list for a few weeks to make sure it's extra full of finds. I didn't divide them into mens, womens, kids because alot of them are gender neutral- and I don't want to offend the female readers who would like a toolkit for Christmas. Cruise through this list and I guarantee you'll find the perfect gift for someone!

*Click on title of each gift to link to website

Art Set, (which includes practically everything a creative junky needs), Garnet Hill, $25

Horned Bottle Opener, stylish/functional (no marital arguments here!), Anthropologie, $28 

Linnea Poster Calendar, *my sweet aunt gives me these every year! And I am not really a 'calendar person' but I'm not kidding- these prints brighten my month. Frame it and prop it up in the kitchen for some extra color. Linnea Designs, $28. And if you want to be extra nice you can add an 11x14 frame to your gift. Click here for a good one. 

Mens AND Women's cashmere socks, Garnet Hill, $24 

  
Prints from Lollie, my friend and wonderful artist, check out her etsy shop for more, $35

Gift of Chicks, $20.00, Heifer International- Great charity! "Heifer helps many hungry families with a starter flock of 10 to 50 chicks. A good hen can lay up to 200 eggs a year - plenty to eat, share or sell. With Heifer recipients' commitment to pass on the offspring and training, the exponential impact of adding chickens to communities in poverty is truly a model that helps end hunger and poverty. "- click on title for more info

   

Handpainted measuring cups, set of four, Anthropologie, $32
 
 
Glove compartment tool kit- I even need one of these!, Restoration Hardware, $22 

Photo Puzzle- make a puzzle with personal pictures!, Kodak Gallery, $24.99

Leather coasters, monogrammed, Pottery Barn, $29

Colored Glass tumblers, Set of 6, Wisteria, $34

 
Neck warmer , Wuvit, Mom's will wuv it., $19

 Satin Jewelry Traveler, so handy and stylish!, comes in other colors, Jcrew, $39.50 

 
Tabletop Air Hockey!! You know you want one. JcPenney,(seen in Real Simple), $29

My Favorite Cookbook. Ok, I know that's a big claim so I'll just say it is in my top 3. Amazon, $23 

  
 
 West Elm Boxes, personalized, natural bone, or lacquered, great gift for anyone!, from $12-$49

Super stylish dog bed, (don't forget your pets!), Molly Mutt, $38 

 
 
 Penguin Hardcover classics-  Remember how I recommended taking off ugly book jackets to make your bookcases look better? Well, now you don't have to! These are beautiful editions to some of the classics like Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, etc., Amazon, around $13 each. 

 
 
 

Make Your Own Monster Kit! Fun for kids (and adults!??), Reform School Rules, (seen in Real Simple), $24

  
City Neighborhood Posters, super cool, for those that love their city. Ork Posters, $22 

 Customized Sigg Water Bottles- eco-friendly, "cool people" use them :), make it personal, $28

Marshmallow shooter,you heard me!, Neiman Marcus, $25

 

Travel Journals, Hable Construction, $35

The Good Card.  A gift certificate to the philanthropy world. You set the price, recipients pick the charity.  

 

LL Bean Classic Totes! Can't go wrong...L.L.Bean, starting at $17

Or these from Ballard Designs...

Personalized and only $25!

 
 Men's sueded jersey, Jcrew, $49

Women's Fleece pullover, Jcrew, $45 

Roberta Roller Rabbit Napkins, $8 each 

 

Duvet Footies, Restoration Hardware, 

 
  A subscription to House Beautiful or Elle Decor , $10... Come on! Keep them alive!

  
 
 Or my other 2 faves: Flower mag and  Everyday Food, $15 

Melting Bud Vase, Anthropologie, $14 

 
Catch Phrase! One of my all-time favorite games. $27 

 Baby on the way? Get them a personalized onesie made with care by Brooke from Blueprint Bliss!, $12

Monogrammed mugs, Anthropologie, $6 each

 
 Scarves from Wisteria, $29

St. Jude garment bag- all proceeds go to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, $29

 

The best winter candle ever. Thyme's Frasier Fir, $26

 
Personalized Notepads... Like lists? Me too. Like pictures to remind you that your 'to do' list is not as important as your family or friends?? Me too.     These are from Picpads- all you have to do is send them a picture, they do the rest. $32 for 2 list pads

 
UP on DVD, anyone at any age would like this movie, $16.99 

 
Nate Berkus Greek Key Tray, stylish addition to any home!, $49 

 
Dinner Conversation Napkins- for adults, kids, and teens. Great way to get the table talking! Wisteria, $23 

Tocca candles set- includes 4 different fragrances (so you're guaranteed to get atleast ONE they like!), Sephora, $42 
 

Weathered Wood Jewelry Cabinet, Urban Outfitters, $36
 

AM I AT 50 YET???

Ahhh yes, 

And a partridge in a pear tree.  Kate Spade Card set, Sax, $35

Happy Shopping! Feel free to fwd this list to your friends and family as a subtle hint.

And for more great ideas check out Style Blueprint's lists. Click here, here, and here.

XOSanta's Helper

Throw a Punch

  

With the cold weather approaching I find myself coming home from a long days 'playing Rachel' and all I want to do is plop on a comfortable chaise lounge and curl up under a cashmere throw.

via oyuna

Throw blankets not only add instant comfort to a room but they also can be a key design element. Which brings me to my lesson of the day:

Do not underestimate the power of a throw.

Sometimes, it is all you need to add a punch of color to your room! 

To sum it up: Throw a punch. 

And why not make it cashmere? 

 

Ever since I saw this Bobby Mcalpine bedroom in House Beautiful I have been wanting this bright baby blue cashmere throw. This particular brand is Yarnz and it's a little too pricey for me. So I've been on the lookout for the perfect blue throw ever since. I am YET to find it...under $100.

 Mcalpine tends to throw punches in many of his rooms... 
Example A: *LOVE*

Example B:

 

*that actually might be someone's shirt. Oh well....

 

That throw needs some fluffing!!

james michael howard via things that inspire

 

via country living

 

I love the purple color here. This particular blanket (on the bench) is a beautiful Sferra cashmere and runs around $400 a throw. Yikes... but Yummy. 

via Veranda

 

via cote de texas

 

 

Williams Sonoma has a popular collection of cashmere throws for $268- and as you can see they have every color of the rainbow.

Restoration Hardware's cashmere throws are on sale from $300 to $103.99 

Pretty good for 100% cashmere- might be my best bet! Has anyone been able to find a good one for less?

"A good home should gather you up in its arms like a warm cashmere blanket, soothe your hurt feelings, and prepare you to go back out into that big bad world tomorrow." - Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa)

 

first image on post- via coco and kelly

HSN

Hey eggheads!

I've been really busy these past few weeks and unfortunately the blog has taken a hit. I posted the video yesterday to distract you guys... and apparently it worked! :) 

First of all,  thank you for all of your sweet comments and emails. Not only did you make my day better yesterday but your comments always cheer me up. I realized the other day that one hard thing about being on my own is that I don't have the built-in support team of coworkers. That's one plus of working in an office- work friends, team mentality.

But in a weird, cyber-space way I really feel like you guys have been my support team.!! Even if you've never commented or we've never met in person it means a lot that you're reading... So, thank you for encouraging me and lifting me up day after day.

NOW, cheese aside, let's talk about the Home Shopping Network, shall we?

Hi Nate Berkus...

Can I have your job?? 

OK fine, can I sit on my couch and order all sorts of stylish things from your HSN line for under $200 ? Thank you.

This snazzy pillow was in the latest House Beautiful, on clearance for $19.99!! 

$19.00 each, they come in electric blue too. 

Nate also carries these pillows that resemble TIES- would be really cute in a boy's room, don't you think?

  

Pillows all on clearance for $14.95... ridiculous!

And this jute rug- Great for anywhere! 

 

$29.90, can't beat that.

 Granted, it's only 2' x 3' but maybe you could attach a bunch of them together somehow. Make a long runner...

And these rugs are cool- an 8'x10' is only $160!  

 

You could totally jazz up a room with a big striped rug. Remember this twin bedroom? Need I say more?

 

via Domino

And I'm really digging this sleek sofa by Nate... and notice the jute rug underneath:

 

I don't know if it would be practical in a den or living room where you lounge on your sofa every day- personally I like arms on mine-but for $499 throw some extra seating in your playroom,bedroom, office? 

And this slipper chair also comes in many different colors, complete with nailhead*..

$329.00 !!! 

(No, Home Shopping Network has not hired me to do this. I'm just that dorky.)

This hexagon ottoman- simple, tailored and stylish:

or in more neutral colors...

 
$399.95 each

He has good headboards too but the only downside is you're limited to white or beige-

 

SO, I would be more inclined to get his plain-jane welted headboard for a great price (a KING is $299!) 

  

and then have a slipcover made here in town. Then I can switch it up whenever my mood changes seasonally!

Today I'm thinking a pattern would be nice- much like this: 

source unknown

Bored with your bathroom? Take down your wall-to-wall, spec-house mirror that sits above your bathroom sink. Paint the newly exposed wall a fun color- something that makes you happy- and put this mirror up (for $159):

A little Nate, a little personal flare, a little smidgen from your {nestegg}.

This sunburst mirror for $179 is definitely a statement piece... Very cool. Don't believe me? Ask Veranda:

I also like this cute marble table lamp for $159-

 

LAST BUT LEAST $

A classic bolster pillow, a whopping $11.

All of these products can be found HERE.

And while you're shopping around HSN, go ahead and get a snuggie:

One size fits all but don't worry it comes in exciting patterns too:

 
You know you want one.