Cupid Struck! Arrows, Arrows Everywhere (in Decor)

Happy day-after Valentine's Day!  Hope your love day was as great as mine was - I got to celebrate with the two sweetest valentines in the world...

I've been "pinning" arrows on my Pinterest page for a while now, so I thought that the day after V-Day was the perfect time to debut some of my favorite arrow decor finds with you all!  What do you think, are arrows a "Do" or a "Don't" in home decor?

 via Urban Outfitters

via EarthCadets on Etsy

I really want a pair of these antique crossed-arrow sconces...

 via One Kings Lane

via One Kings Lane

 via Travel for Design

 via The Handmade Home

Because I can't get the antique scones above...I'll buy a pair of these and "Rub 'N Buff" them gold:

via Hobby Lobby

 via Urban Outfitters

via Thompson Family-Life

via 1st Dibs

Finally, here's a pair of arrows in our own home...these ones are special as they were used in one of my husband's Boy Scouts ceremonies as a kid.  He had them hanging in the garage, and I snagged them a couple months ago and hung them inside.  (He still gives me a hard time for it!  He claims that I never would have let him hang them inside...and he's probably right)

Arrows likely won't last forever as a trend in home decor, but for right now I'm still enjoying them!  What do you say...are arrows a "Do" or a "Don't"?  If they're a "Do", how would you decorate with them?

DIY Triangle Confetti Garland

How stinkin' adorable is this homemade triangle garland?

I made it for my little one's evolving "big-girl" room which will have mostly pinks, turquoise, red, and gray for colors. The Inspiration Board for the space is {here} if you'd like to see the grand plans!

For this DIY project, I was inspired by the confetti garland from West Elm that they carried for Christmas (now out of stock):

I knew it would be a fun accent to deck the halls of my baby girl's room all-year-round.  Did I mention that this was a super cheap project?  Makes it even better!

Here's the quick and easy on how to make it...

Materials:
Several colors of paper or cardstock - scrapbook paper is awesome for this because it comes in a 12"x12" square, which makes measuring and cutting super easy
Pencil
Ruler
Scissors
Sewing Machine loaded with color-coordinated thread (I picked a basic white)

Instructions:
1. Grab your paper, pencil, and ruler.  Draw out 3"x3" squares, then cut along the lines.  (I divided each side of the 12"x12" paper into fourths (marking with the pencil) then drew a line across the paper, connecting the marks on opposing sides.)

2. Fold the squares in half, making a tight fold.  (note: for the sparkly cardstock triangles, I opted to cut triangles versus folding the thick cardstock...didn't want to bust a needle on the sewing machine)

Soon you'll have quite the collection of folded triangles...I bagged them because I was splitting the project between two days.

3. Once you're set to sew, just run the triangles through the machine one at a time.  I left a stitch between the triangles, so they'd move freely.

It will come out the other end of the machine looking just like this...

Voila!  That's it, friends...now go hang it up and enjoy.

Not bad for a DIY attempt at a West Elm product.  What do you think of the final comparison?

I love my version (totally not biased, huh?)  because it's much more custom to my little gal's room!  And, I didn't pay $20 for it!! (only about $6)  What do you think?  Let me know if you like it.

Pin It button on image hover

Graphic Green Guestroom

Being snowed-in this last weekend finally gave me some time to put together an Inspiration Board for our guest bedroom!   I'm going green, graphic, bold, and fun.  What do you think?

SOURCES: 1. Terrarium ($39) - Urban Outfitters // 2. Knobs ($8 each) - Anthropologie // 3. White Ceramic Vases ($20 for small) - West Elm // 4. Wall Hook ($18) - Anthropologie // 5. YHL Large Wire Globe Fixture ($89) - Shades of Light // 6. Chevron Stripe Fabric in Kelly Green, for curtains ($27/yd) - Spoonflower // 7. Quote Print ($18) - NeueGraphic on Etsy // 8. Baxton Studios Wishbone Chair ($170) - Amazon // 9. Tangerine Sheet Set ($290) - Dwell Studio // 10. Benjamin Moore "Clover Green" 2034-10 // 11. Esme Glass Lamp ($425) - Stray Dog Designs // 12. Basnas Rug ($199) - Ikea // 13. Cowhide Rug ($199) - Ikea // 14. Knotted Trellis Ink Standard Pillow Cases ($24 for pair) - Dwell Studio // 15. Zebra Kelly Green Pillow 20"x20" ($63) - Dwell Studio // 16. Buffalo Check Pillow Cover 20"x20" ($48) - KariFisherDesign on Etsy // 17. Colorfield Collage Pillow 20"x20" ($88) - Anthropologie

You may ask, what got me going on this rather vivid color scheme?  Well, two beautiful inspirations, you see...

1) This gorgeous purse that I scored during a sale on a sale online at Kate Spade....if you hadn't heard, emerald is THE color of the year.

via

And...
2) This lovely creation of a room by the ever-talented Angela of The Painted House blog:

via

You really must check out her Guest Room Before & After blog post to see pictures of this entire space.  The design of the room is so beautiful and the mix of vivid colors is so daring and unique - I absolutely adore it!

I cannot wait for this room to come together...as the budget allows, of course.  I'll be making some adjustments to existing accessories to avoid major expenses, like the luscious lamp and sheet set shown in the inspiration board.  After all, that's the beauty of an Inspiration Board - it serves as a custom guide that can be referenced to find exact or similar (and often cheaper!) options.

(Please contact me at {inspiredwhims@gmail.com} if you'd like a custom Inspiration Board for a room in your home.  It's a super affordable way to get some great design solutions for your space!)

Midas Touch - Sunburst Mirror Gets Updated Gold Finish

I know, we see sunburst mirrors everywhere...but they're a classic, so I'm confident that they'll stick around a while.  I bought the one below about 7 years ago at Hobby Lobby for a steal, and I've displayed it all over the house since then.  In our most recent home, it has landed in our master bedroom...  

In hopes of embracing the add-a-dash-of-metallics-to-every-room trend, I decided to zoosh up the 'ol sunburst with some Rub N' Buff in Antique Gold.  What sun wouldn't look fabulous in gold?!?  Here's the quick and easy for how to use Rub N' Buff to update any accessory you might like to add some life to.

Materials:
Rub 'N Buff in Antique Gold (purchased at local craft store for about $5)
Soft Rags (one for dusting, and one for buffing)
Painter's tape

Instructions:
1. Dust off your accessory with a clean rag to remove any dirt, then tape off the parts of your mirror, frame, or whatever you're Rub 'N Buff-ing to protect the parts you don't want gold.

2. Grab your Rub 'N Buff.  Squeeze a small amount onto a clean, soft rag and buff away with an even finger sweeping motion.  (It's pretty forgiving, but it does dry quickly)

(You can opt to rub off more of the gold finish in the crevasses, if you want a more antique finish on a more detailed item.  I was going for a more consistent coverage on my mirror.)

Here we are at the half-way point, so you can see the comparison...left has the Midas touch, right does not.

3. Let dry for an hour or so, and then hang!  Yes, it was that easy...

What do you think?  Doesn't it look nice the way it contrasts more with the Smoked Oyster (Benjamin Moore 2019-40) wall hue?

I think it definitely adds a little somethin' somethin' to the space.  While I like both sunburst versions, the gold is more sophisticated and eye-catching.  Do let me know what you think of it!

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

It's almost Valentines Day!  Here are a few fun and affordable finds for those you love:

1. Doesn't everyone want a chair for love day?!?  I couldn't resist when I saw this Lexington Modern Wood Pyramid Arm Chair ($115 on Amazon) in the perfect Valentine's Day red.  The perfect pick for the design aficionado in your life...like me.

2. This adorable White Poppy Vase ($20 at Anthropologie) is so cute, I hunted it down in person yesterday so I could see it's real-life look.  It's just as cute face to face...I promise.

3. I love arrows, and the arrow necklace trend.  This On the Mark Necklace ($49 by Stella & Dot) is streamlined and simple.  A nice modern symbol of love, if you ask me.

4. Because most ladies simply cannot resist a good heart shape, these Be Mine Studs ($48 at Kate Spade) are the perfect earrings for any girl in your life.  I'd wear them all year long as a good classic wardrobe staple.

5. This set of 3 Heart Valentine Cards ($7 on Etsy) are too adorable to pass up.  They remind me of grade-school, but any adult would love to receive one of these.

6. For the Downton Abbey enthusiast in your life, this I Love You More Than Downton Abbey Greeting Card ($6 on Etsy) says it all.  This made me smile...I think I'd have to frame it. :)

7. A Heart Pillow Cover ($32 on Etsy) would add a dash of love and sunshine to any room in your loved one's home.  It also comes in red for all you Valentine's Day traditionalists.

8. This beautiful and cozy Wool Throw Blanket ($77 from Nalata/Nalata) is the perfect complement to any interior, and encourages plenty of cuddling.

9. A place to keep the keys to your heart (and home), this handy Magnet Key Holder ($18 from Kikkerland) is a practical and fun gift for your object of affection.

10. Art always leaves a lasting impression...this 8x10 Matted Art Print by Kristen of Whimsy Inspired ($35 on Etsy) features a gorgeous relief of a heart in turquoise, red, black, white, and gold.

11. This classic Red Umbrella ($60 from Nalata/Nalata) was handcrafted by artisans in Vancouver, Canada.   The beautiful wood handle suggests sophistication and great taste.  A true win for anyone who appreciates good design with a full dose of functionality.

12. For your beloved coffee lover, a Vintage Heart Mug ($9 on Etsy) that reminds them of your never-ending love.  No one else at work would have one just like it...

Which item would you pick, if you could choose one?  I want one of each, but the heart earrings are at the very top of my list...with the pyramid arm chair at a close second!

Super Bowl Snacks

In preparation for the big event this weekend, here are three of our favorite crowd-loving party snacks:

And, because I simply cannot leave you hanging with drool exiting your lips, here are the recipes for said snacks!

Click {here} for Buffalo Chicken Bites

Click {here} for Pull-Apart Pizza Bread

And, keep reading for the delectable yet healthy Fruit Salsa + Sweet Chips recipe....

Ingredients for Fruit Salsa:

(Fruit, any fruit, will do for this recipe, so use what you have and you won't go wrong!)

2 large apples

1/2 pear

2 kiwis

12 oz strawberries

2 Tbsp peach apricot preserves (or any kind of fruit preserves or jam)

A splash of orange juice (if you need added moisture, but I didn't this time around)

Ingredients for Sweet Chips:

8 small flour tortillas

4 Tbsp butter, melted

Cinnamon & Sugar to sprinkle

Directions:

1. To prepare the sweet chips, preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil.

2. Slice flour tortillas into small chip-sized wedges using a pizza cutter or sharp knife.

3. Lay the wedges out on foil-lined baking sheet, and brush surface of tortillas with melted butter.

(yes, that's a paintbrush...don't judge)

4. Sprinkle on the cinnamon and sugar.  Give it a generous dusting, or two.

5. Bake chips for about 15-18 minutes in preheated oven.  They'll come out golden and crispy like below.

6. To prepare the fruit salsa, cut up your fruit into equal size pieces.  And, toss them by the handful into a food processor or blender.  Your final consistency should be that of regular salsa, just a bit chunky but not too watery  (I used a blender and was careful to use the pulse function so as to not turn it into a fruit smoothie...)

7. Pour salsa out into a bowl, then add your 2 Tbsp of fruit preserves and splash of orange juice, if needed.

It's ready to serve, or you can put it in the fridge overnight.  Delicious, either way!

Now, grab your snacks, pop a squat, and enjoy the game.  (Go Ravens...only because we used to live in Baltimore and Baltimore sure does love their hometown team!)