Spring isn’t just for the outdoors!  Bring the colors and energy of the season into your home by reupholstering a piece of furniture.  Whether the piece is from a flea market or your own house, furniture upholstery is a fun way to alter the vibe of a room without changing the entire room.  Better yet, it’s a great way to put your creativity to the test and take a small risk by experimenting with different textures, colors, and patterns.  Below are a few ideas and images to get your creative juices flowing.

The Venus Love Seat is from Maine Cottage Furniture, a delightful company that focuses on bright colors and fun patterns.  My parents own one, and it has been re-incarnated numerous times, in everything from goldenrod to mint green.

Anthropologie also makes a divine little settee.  Notice how the elegant curve of the back and arms is carried into the curvature of legs.  What a charming piece in a foyer or small reading corner!

And finally, who doesn’t want an antique chair upholstered in bubblegum pink?!  The pink velvet gives this classic chair a hip vibe that will look great in any interior, whether modern, classic, or shabby to chic.

Give it a shot.

Start with an ottoman, have it re-upholstered in a fun fabric, and I promise it’ll change your life.

Or at least the look of the room.

*(Don’t forget that rearranging the furniture on a monthly basis is an absolute must.)

Sunday Brunch

There are few things more wonderful on the weekend than having brunch.  Brunch is more than just a meal – no one needs brunch to survive, yet in so many ways, brunch is essential to a life well-enjoyed.  It can be as simple or eventful as you wish to make it, but at its core, brunch is about time spent in the company of dear friends and loved ones, delectable breakfast foods that normally don’t make it into your daily hustle and bustle, and a reason to look forward to the next weekend!

Today I had brunch at a local diner.  It was simple and straight-forward, no frills brunch.  As an avid foodie, I will be the first to admit that I love a place with a good bloody mary bar and gourmet crepe made from scratch.  However, sometimes a stack of buttermilk pancakes and mug of coffee is all it takes to hit the spot.  What are some of your favorite brunch plates and places?

Eggs Benedict at Bloomsburg Diner, Bloomsburg, PA

Bloody Mary bar at brunch, Meat & Potatoes, Pittsburgh

Bloody Mary bar at brunch, Meat & Potatoes, Pittsburgh

Brunch at Meat & Potatoes, Pittsburgh

Brunch at Meat & Potatoes, Pittsburgh

Brunch at Station, Williamsburg, NYC

Monday Musing

Make your life spectacular.

Reminscings

It’s the end of the day, and my mind finally has time to wander.  Today I found myself thinking about the past, to a time where my life revolved around blissful summers filled with popsicles, bike rides, and playing House, rather than work and rush hour.  Mid-August was a time of getting nervous and excited about the start of a new school year (did I remember how to do fractions?!), purchasing bouquets of new crayons, and maybe even a Lisa Frank folder.

I also looked back on my life 20 years ago compared to today.  My penny loafers have turned into stilettos, side ponytails controlled by a crushed velvet scrunchie have been transformed into long beach waves, and bouquets of crayons have become bouquets of lipstick.  I no longer worry about fractions; instead, I worry about financial goals at work.  Every year I question what makes more sense- going home for Thanksgiving or for Christmas?  Am I doing what I really want to do with my life?

If my mother were to read this and realize that I’m (still) worried about things, she would remind me of the timeless adage “Will this matter in five years?  One year?  Two months?” And she’s right.  Some things will be rendered trivial, but many things – family, loyalty, good humor, and kindness – will remain cornerstones of our lives.  So go ahead.  Be kind and give away your prized purple crayon.  Surprise your sister with weekend getaway.  Laugh until you are gasping for air.  And above all else, show those who are nearest and dearest to your heart, that you love them.  I promise that you will find joy in all of these things.

August may no longer mark a beginning for you, but it is as good a time as any to take a moment to sit quietly and reflect on things.  If you let your mind wander, you might be surprised what it comes up with.

 

~ C

MM

“If your hair is done properly and you’re wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything.”

~ Iris Apfel

 

MM

“Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

~ Albert Einstein

MM

“Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.”

~ Bill Cunningham

Saturday Musing

Today is Saturday.  What are you wearing?

Anyone can get dressed up and glamorous, but it is how people dress in their days off that are the most intriguing.

— Alexander Wang

Salad? Yes please!

It started several weeks ago, and I have no idea why.  I simply woke up one Monday morning and decided that I was going on what has become known as my ‘salad diet’.  Before you roll your eyes and think “Ugh, another post about dieting”, keep reading.  Because when I say salad, I don’t mean plain lettuce or mixed greens, I mean something more exciting.  Something of your own creation.  Something with fruit.  And veggies. And protein.  Maybe some pine nuts or sliced almonds.  I didn’t start the ‘diet’ in an effort to lose weight, I started it as a way to ensure that I consume fruits and vegetables in a fun and creative way.  As I established my plan for eating lots of greens, I discovered several key things:

1. Always add protein.  Fish, chicken, a hard-boiled egg…something that helps fill you up.  Buy a rotisserie chicken and you’ll have protein for several meals!

2. Build up a pep squad; having a group of cheerleaders isn’t just for sporting events.  As coworkers noticed that I was eating a lot of salad, it actually inspired them to do the same.  Now there is a group of us, and we help hold one another accountable.  That in itself is priceless.

3. Pay attention to fresh foods that are on sale at your local supermarket.  There’s usually something different every few days, which helps you vary what you add to each salad.

4. I’ll be honest.  After several weeks of eating salads, I was beginning to falter.  Nevertheless, I ran to the store to pick up a fresh batch of greens, and when I got to the register, the cashier (she is now my favorite cashier) pointed out that they were buy get one free. Boom. Right then and there I realized that I was meant to keep it up. So pay attention to the small things that will help you stick to your healthy eating.

5. And finally, don’t become obsessed, because it’s no fun for you or for those around you.  I stick to salads Monday through Friday only, and eat whatever I want on the weekend (stick to a proper serving size, mind you).

So go for it.  Eat some salad.  Throw on some blueberries and chicken. Enjoy the fact that it’s summer and it’s easy to buy fresh, local produce.

And trust me.  Your waistline will thank you.

 

~ C