Kick arse shoes for less

I am no huge fan of Payless Shoes but right now, I can’t get enough!  Christian Siriano and Lela Rose are teaming up to produce some kick arse shoes for Payless!  You’ll spend more than what you normally would at Payless but much less than what you’d pay at Macy’s. 

So don’t snub your nose at Payless.  Go in for a peek at these beauties!

- Tina

Pretty Packaging - Chocolate Bars

I occasionally indulge myself with sweets and I would definitely like to try some of these artisan chocolates found on French Broad Chocolates.  I love the packaging for all of these.


Taza

Askinosie

Mast Brothers

Olive & Sinclair

-Lana

Fortune Cookie Coin Purse

Diana Eng's Fortune Cookie Coin Purse is the perfect marriage of whimsy and function.  At Covet Collective, we are big fans of reusing and upcycling items, so we love that these purses are made from leather remnants!  The numbers etched on these purses represent the leather's origin.  Purses come with a dust bag and a fortune.  See Diana's blog to learn more about her approach towards design.   


(found via Oh Joy!)


-Lana

President's Day is all about Desks

For all of you in the US, Happy President's Day.  For our readers in Canada, Happy Family Day.  And of course for all our international readers, I hope you are having a great Monday.

Many of us are off work today, but I still have desks on the brain because when I think of President's Day, I think of the Oval Office...which is centered around the desk where work gets done.  Here are a few desks that caught my eye recently.

For small spaces, a floating desk is a neat idea.  Thanks Apartment Therapy.

Personally, my design tastes lean toward a great wood desk, such as a Printmakers Desk.  Pottery Barn has a great one right now.

Perhaps you have an artist in your family.  These drafting tables from Restoration Hardware are a great workspace option.

Restoration Hardware also has a very unique option for those who want to get away from a classic "desk".  Check out their Aviator design.

For lots of other design space ideas, the Home Decor Exchange is a good place to start.  Here is one example of a workspace they feature, for those who have a home office and need a lot of space and storage.

Have a wonderful day!
-Katie

BHLDN by Anthropologie

The blog world was buzzing about BHLDN, Anthopologie’s new wedding boutique site which opened on Valentine’s Day.  They have a large variety of gorgeous items which are perfect for the BIG day.  Here are some items that caught my eye. 


Tiered Tulip Gown (so romantic!)

Indigo Mist Dress

Festooned Blue Shoe Clips

Plumed Tiara

Primrose Bolero

Anemone Brooch

 

-Lana

Nursery Design by Simplified Bee

A cute blog I check in on is Simplified Bee.  She has some fun decoration ideas, especially for those of us with small spaces.  Right now I have 8 close friends that are either currently pregnant or have just given birth, so babies are on the brain.  I love some of the nursery ideas that Cristin has posted about.  Below are a few cute ideas for a boy, a girl, and the ultimate girl!

For other great nursery design ideas and resources, check out her post here.

As an added bonus, Simplified Bee is running a giveaway right now - to enter, you just have to become a new follower of her blog. 

Happy following,
-Katie

1970's Inspired Handbags

Has anyone else noticed the 70’s inspired items moving back onto the racks?  I don’t always follow trends very well when it comes to clothing, but fun new handbags…count me in!  As much as I love a great big carry-all bag, I am seeing the benefit of the small, cross-body bags that are everywhere now; you can fit your essentials, but don’t end up with shoulder cramping after a day out.  Here are a few cute 70’s inspired purse options that Urban Outfitters has available right now (both in stores and online).

The only con I see to this trend is the return of the fanny pack.  I apologize if you love the fanny pack and are so excited it has returned, but really?

If you are interested in the upcoming trends for spring, check out the Elle trend report.

-Katie

Black & White Photo Jewlery

Yesterday I was very excited to wear my new earrings that were custom made from a black and white photo.  I received a TON of compliments, and now I am convinced everyone needs a pair.

Tania of Penumbra Images takes some really amazing black and white photos, and you can buy the image, or have it made into jewlery - she is completely open to custom orders.

Here are the earrings I purchased:

And guess what?  She is having an anniversary sale through the end of February!  With every purchase over $15 you will receive a free 5x7 or 5x5 photo of your choice.  Check her Etsy store for details.

Here is the "free" photo I chose:

Don't you just love that face?  Ahhhh....horses....

Do you like her jewlery, but want a different image?  No problem!  Just contact her via her Etsy store (convo!) and tell her what you are looking for.  I wanted an oval ring of this image, and it was ready in just a few days:

-Katie

Happy Valentine's Day

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!  (Template from Kind Over Matter.)
-Lana

Randi Brookman Harris

Such beautiful tablescapes (perfect for a wedding, bridal shower, and even Valentine's day party) by prop stylist Randi Brookman Harris.  All pictures below were taken for Martha Stewart Weddings.

-Lana

DIY Valentines

Are you in need of some ideas for Valentine’s day?  Look no further.

Want to plan a quiet night in with your significant other?  Eat Drink Chic shows you exactly what you need.  See the full details here.

Feeling like baking?  I think anyone would love these “You’ve Got Mail Cookies” from Bee in Our Bonnet.  Those cute mailboxes are from the $1 section at Target and come in white, red and pink (I have picked up several already to hold Valentines for my son’s teachers).  Cookie decorating ideas here.

Have a little girl or a gal who is a little girl at heart?  Make her this adorable necklace from One Charming Party.  

-Lana

Ban.do Hair Accessories

Vintage jewelry, feathers and millinery take center stage in Ban.do's hair accessories.  They manage to perfectly pair jewels with feathers and flowers. 

I wish I had gorgeous red hair like the model!

-Lana

Brushstrokes

I'm still feeling inspired by the Impressionism exhibit I saw not too long ago.  I catch glimpses of their influence everywhere.  I can't help but love the brushstroke accent on this Paint-Box blouse from Anthropologie and the cheerful colors in this Paint Palette pillow from CB2.

-Lana

Etsy finds

I am a stalker.  I love stalking.  It's fun.  Now, while I won't get anywhere googlestalking Ben Affleck (sigh) I will get somewhere stalking Etsy, which I have done today.  Here are my finds!

I heart this pink dress.  You can find it for sale here.

These earrings are really sweet.  You can find them here.

Cute little pin that would look great on any cardigan.  You can find it here.

I want to learn to make this coffee cuff!  You can find it here.

Visit Etsy today and see how amazing and creative people are.  Get inspired!  You can also visit our store here. We're quite partial to it.  :-)

- Tina

Super Bowl Party Planning

Super Bowl XLV is here!  If you know me, you know I love sports and you know I love a good party.  So what better excuse.  Here are some great ideas for that Super Bowl party you might be having this weekend.


I love Plum Party.  They have an array of ideas, decorations, and best of all printable party packs!  See the superbowl printable party here.  You place the order, make payment and you instantly print the pack out yourself on your home printer.  Just look at all the cute stuff!

The set includes:
Invitation (fits A7 envelope)
Cupcake toppers or Beer bottle charms
Pennant Garland "Touchdown!"
Party food labels
Wine glass tags
Napkin rings, Vase wraps or Candle wraps
Snack Box or Hamburger Sleeve
Straw markers
Placemat or Front Door sign

Okay, decorations are taken care of, now onto the food.  Best bet is to serve bar food - easy to eat and munch on throughout the game.  Here are some rockin' recipes I've found.


Pigs in a blanket

Need:
Pillsbury Cresent Rolls
Lil Smokie Sausages


Directions:
Cut each crescent roll square into 4 pieces, wrap around sausage, cook according to crescent roll package directions. Serve with dipping sauces such as mustard, ketchup, sweet & sour sauce or whatever you like.


7 Layer Dip

Need:

1 can (16 oz.) refried beans

1 tbsp taco seasoning mix

1 cup sour cream

1 cup salsa

1 cup shredded lettuce

1 cup shredded cheese

4 green onions, sliced

2 tbsp sliced black olives

tortilla chips

Directions:

Mix beans and seasoning mix, spread onto bottom of pie plate

Top with layers of all remaining ingredients except chips

Refrigerate for several hours

Service chilled with chips

Cold Corn Salad

Need:

3 cups frozen or canned corn

5 medium tomatoes, halved, seeded, chopped (I like Roma) shopping list

2/3 cup finely chopped red onion shopping list

1/2 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

mix all ingredients into a bowl and let chill in the fridge

when ready to serve add a little cider vinegar and olive oil and toss gently

Well, there you have it.  Your Super Bowl Party put together in a matter of a few hours.  

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

- Tina