Discover Your Decorating Style with Inspiration Boards

Posted on June 19, 2013 by Arica

I don’t know about you but I always had a hard time trying to decide on one particular decorating style. I would end up becoming frustrated due to my inability to make decisions and ruin the whole process… After a few goes at decorating my home, I’ve found it’s OK to mix styles and make my home about what I like rather than follow a list of rules.

I’ve also found that my decorating style is very similar to my fashion style. I am drawn to more simple clothing and usually solid colors but LOVE bold accessories with a bit of glitz. I like this because I can invest in classic pieces but have fun with trends when it comes to accessories regardless of it’s a matter of throw pillows or cocktail rings.

If you are stuck trying to figure out what you want for your home, I highly suggest taking a look at your closet, shoes and jewelry box. It may give you a hint of direction. Another way I’ve been able to hone in what I like is with physical or virtual inspiration boards. It’s not about recreating the scene in a photo you tore out of a magazine but you may find one item in particular that really speaks to you.

I still find Pinterest is easy to work with and fun. Here are a few images from my Glamorous Bedroom, Eclectic Living Room and Romantic Bathroom inspiration boards and link to view more.

Glamorous Bedroom Inspiration Board

Eclectic Living Room Inspiration Board

Romantic Bathroom Inspiration Board

However you decide to pull your thoughts together, keep it enjoyable and throw any quest for perfection out the window.

Arica

Pink + Gold Dreams

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Arica

{My bedside table}

{Pink French Macaroon Cookies}

{Gold “Fairy Dust”}

{Pink Bokeh Photography}

Arica

Image Credits: 2 | 3 | 4

Krispie Pops

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Arica

Now that Noah goes to school, I’ve already participated in two bake sales. Don’t get me wrong, if you know me, I love to bake. However, I’m low on time lately so I really wanted something easy, fun and of course yummy. My baked item of choice? Classic Rice Krispie Treats, but with a twist. I made what I’m calling, Krispie Pops.

Original Recipie:

6 cups of Rice Krispies
40 Marshmallows (one bag of the standard size)
3 tablespoons of butter or margarine

Heat the butter/margarine with marshmallows in either in a large bowl in the microwave for 3 min or in a large saucepan until melted.
Add the Rice Krispies, I suggest slowly (yeah made a mess on the floor with a bowl a bit too small).
Stir until coated and add to a greased pan based on your desired thickness.
Now, regular square-style treats are great but I wanted to shake it up and really wow those little 2 and 3-year old kiddos…
After mixing the krispies into the bowl, I placed it lightly into a pan to let it cool a little so they would be easier to handle rather than stick to everything.
Once cooled slightly, not too cool, I formed them into little balls about 1 1/2″ diameters wide. I dipped the top of the ball in sugared sprinkles and let cool a bit more.
Once all the balls were dipped and cooled, I added the stick and placed each one in a plastic treat bag and tied a ribbon.

I suggest grabbing the little treat bags that come with pre-cut ribbon and sticks from either the grocery store or Michael’s. Makes life easy.

Oh yeah, you get to scoop up whatever is left in that bowl. Purely for taste testing of course.

Happy Baking!

Arica

Displaying Children’s Artwork

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Arica

Last year I had fun creating a gallery wall in my dining area and soon after added some photographs along the wall leading upstairs. I’m now realizing the wall needs some updates. I am getting some more recent photos printed, adding some new frames and framing some of Noah’s artwork. Yes, he’s my little artist.

If you have young kids, I’m sure your refrigerator looks something like ours…

So as much as I love displaying all of his art, I’m running out of room… Plus, why not be more creative and frame it in the house?

As long as there aren’t any 3D elements, you can use any frame that fits the height and width of the art. I suggest using a piece of double-stick tape to place the art onto the back of the frame to keep it in place.

I’m still working on my wall update (will share once it’s complete) but at least now Noah’s art brightened up our trip up the stairs.

Here’s some inspiration on ways to decorate with children’s artwork:

Kids Art on Clothesline via Lonny Mag

Monochromatic Framed Art via Lonny Mag

Modern Kid’s Artwork Idea from The Modern Home

Office decorated with Children’s Artwork via Pinterest

Arica

Five Ways a Night Owl Can Get to Sleep & Wake Up Easier

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Arica

First off, not everyone wants to become a morning person. I can testify to the fact that I’ve been a night owl for most of my life and it’s one of those things that is just a part of who I am. However, it seems as I’ve grown older (going to turn 30 next month) that I’ve started to enjoy early mornings just as I enjoyed late nights. Maybe it’s just the peace and quiet. Whatever it is, I know that I am a happier person when I get adequate sleep. Since I have to be up by 6am, staying up till midnight doesn’t mesh so well with the concept of well-rested. I also HATE the stressed out feeling of rushing out the door with my hands completely full and hoping I get to work without a speeding ticket. Not a great way to start the day.

For me, I’m so wired from the day at night that it’s hare to shut down and get to that sleepy place. I’ve forced myself to do a few key things that make going to sleep earlier and waking up a little easier.

1. Start the bedtime routine earlier than you actually think you should. I found that by going to my bedroom to get ready for bed by 9:15pm makes a big difference. It gives me that leisurely time to wash my face (maybe do a mask or exfoliate), brush teeth, get dressed in comfy PJs and check in on my little guy. All that stuff takes me at least 30 minutes.

2. After feeding and playing with Noah, I like to be sure the kitchen is cleaned up. My brain has a hard time relaxing when the house is a mess. However, I know it’s not reasonable to have a clean house all of the time BUT I can take the effort to be sure the dishes don’t pile up and the counters are cleared off. Maybe it says something about me but I feel more relaxed with an uncluttered kitchen counter.

3. Before heading upstairs to bed, I prepare my coffee for the morning and a cup of tea for that night. I’m definitely a coffee person in the morning but I love the warmth of a relaxing caffeine-free tea in the evening. I especially love tea that contains lavender or rose petals.

Here are my two favorites:

Tazo Calm Chamomile Loose Leaf Tea

Republic of Teas Be Relaxed

4. Then there is the subject of your cell phone. The key here is to stop looking at my phone, computer, etc. after 9:30pm and to have it charging at least 5 feet away from where I sleep. There is something freeing about not having your phone right on your nightstand.

5. Now for all you married people, you know that it’s not always possible to have it your way all the time… My husband loves to fall asleep with TV on. The problem is I CANNOT FALL ASLEEP WITH THE TV ON! I am a firm believer that you really can’t change anyone and it’s all about compromise. Luckily, Mitch falls asleep way earlier than I do so I just let that TV be on and then make a point to shut it off after he falls asleep. However, if he puts on some movie I like, I’ll get so sucked in and end up staying up way too late… SO when I can utilize self control with the TV, I shut it off and pick up a book. It helps me get sleepy and it’s fun to look forward to each night.

The morning part I’m still working on but getting to sleep at a reasonable hour is half the battle.

For even more ideas such as exercise and the right foods to eat to become a morning person, check out this list from Real Simple. I love the idea of giving yourself a reward for not pressing snooze.

Have you crossed over and become a morning person? Please share tips!

Arica

Love and Rosen

living a girly life