Weekend Finds | 2nd Edition

This weekend was a bit lackluster mostly because I skipped garage sales on Saturday and only hit up two thrift shops on Sunday. Still, I scored some fun pieces of junk that I cannot wait to get creative with! 

This pretty wicker basket in French blue reminded me of something that would be used to hold collected lavender bunches. It just needs a good cleaning and a tiny bit of repair on the lid. I will be adding it to my shoppe in the near future.

I can NEVER resist a good set of canisters. I feel they are something everyone uses in their home. Sometimes they are proudly displayed on the kitchen counter. Other times, they are neatly tucked in a pantry or under a counter. Either way, canisters are a must. I was excited to find this set of four cobalt pottery canisters. I added a fun dry erase label to each and stuck them in my shoppe right away.

It has French typography on it? Check! I didn't have to think long about this one. The frame is an unpretty wood, but I plan to give it a mini facelift with some milkpaint. 

 Isn't this mini urn just the cutest?? I have a special project in mind for it. I need to find just the right item to go with it and then I will be happy to share on the blog!

I fell in love with these little pinecone taper holders. These cuties will definitely receive a fun update this week. I hope to share the completed project with you soon! 

 

I actually found this pitcher at a big box craft store on clearance. Although it's new, it has a rustic quality to it. I will be using it for a fall floral arrangement. I love the pansies and the wreaths on this lovely trivet. I am trying to decide if I should paint the wood a pretty white. What do you think?

This stack of votive holders are going to paired up with the pinecone tapers. I am sure you can figure out what's going to be happening there! Can't wait to share the finished project with you.

Finally, I picked up a couple of trays. The pretty French blue tray is a light craft wood. I am going to leave it as is because this color seems to be extremely popular these days. The second tray is simple wicker tray. I imagine it could hold bread at family dinner or an assortment of kid friendly books on the coffee table. Both are perfect as is and will remain as I found them.

So, did you have any luck this weekend? I'd love to see what you found on my facebook page!

This is the second post of my Weekend Finds. Click here to see more!

The ABCs of Decorating | A

By definition, something that is alluring is very attractive, enticing, fascinating, and charming. My personal explanation of what alluring is, "it draws you in; you feel pulled towards it." 

How on earth does this relate to decorating? 

Something I repeatedly ask my clients when choosing decor is "Do you love it?" My question is never "Where will you put it?" or "Does this go with your color scheme?" If you find yourself drawn to an item, get it! More times than not, it will fit seamlessly into your home. 

Below are some photos of items in my home that were purchased solely because I felt drawn to them.

Since buying these zebra pillows six years ago, I have changed our living room colors from robin's egg blue to cream and flax. When I saw them at Target initially, I fell in love with them, but said to my very dear friend, "they don't go." She reminded me matchy-matchy is boring. She also brought up the most important thing to me, they reminded me of my dad. He passed away in 2005 from melanoma. Zebra print was the official "color" for the melanoma awareness ribbon.

Something else that reminds me of my dad, way more than the pillows, is this quote from Abraham Lincoln. He said, "Live a good life and in the end, it's not the years in a life, it's the life in the years." My dad was a shining example of that. He lived a good life. He always chose joy.

These silly, beautiful black and cream etched bowls from Anthropologie are my latest purchase of something I love. I was instantly drawn to it while visiting Birmingham several weeks ago. I had no idea what I'd do with one bowl, but I bought it. I LOVED it. I realized how well they go with our white dishes after I got home. So glad I picked up that one, but seriously wish I'd discovered them before they hit the clearance section!

While living in Europe, we had the opportunity to buy some really cool items. I was constantly drawn to the vintage crates, but kept coming back to that naughty question in my head, "What will I do with them?" My sweet husband bought this one for me and it is perfect on top of our bedroom armoire. This crate is from a Belgian mustard company. I love seeing it everyday as it reminds me of our amazing time living abroad. 

This lovely sugar bowl is something I was initially drawn to because of the lines. I love the intricate curves of the handles and the delicate blue-grey flowers on it. When I picked it up and looked at the bottom, I saw it was made in the 1800s in Bavaria. Well, that did it for me. I purchased this sugar bowl and it's matching creamer. I had intentions of reselling the sugar bowl and keeping on the creamer. (I have a thing for pitchers and creamers.) I placed the sugar bowl on our mantel just as a holding place. The longer it sat there, the more I fell in love with it. 

 It now sits opposite an old ironstone creamer I found at a local shop and I love how it all looks together. I'm even keeping an eye out for another sugar bowl or two. 

Your home should be a carefully curated collection of items that bring you peace and joy. That is the entire purpose of home decor after all. Decorating a home is personal. Each item is something special to you. It could be the colors of a painting speak to you. Perhaps you find yourself drawn to the shape and lines of a particular chair. Maybe there is an antique pitcher that reminds you of Saturday mornings in your grandmother's kitchen. Whatever the reason, if you love something, it belongs in your home. Choose heart over head in the case of home decor. 

Dreaming of Spring

The snow is still freshly fallen here in Stuttgart (and we are expecting MORE), but I am ready for spring. I am slowly getting my home ready for spring as well. We enjoyed a month of Valentine's decor to transition out of the holidays, but I am welcoming the fresh, clean looks of the approaching season. I'll be posting photos of our spring decor later this week, but today I am sharing my favorite spring decor items.

 1. IKEA Alpklocka 100% Linen Throw
At $39.99, this throw was is a little more on the expensive side, especially for IKEA. But in my opinion, it is well worth the cost. It is highly reminiscent of the linen products I saw at the weekly markets in Provence. It is soft and light, perfect for the warmer months coming up.

2. Rabbit Silhouettes

It's only natural to love bunnies at this time of year. And more and more lately, I am loving silhouettes of most anything. I have a particular fondness of items that are more natural, such as this distressed beauty from Slippin' Southern. It would make a lovely addition to any Easter or spring vignette.

 

3. IKEA Fintorp Baskets

At 2 for $14.99, these baskets are an incredible deal. The set includes this size pictured, as well as a smaller more square basket. I am in love with this basket. The sloped edges and wooden handle make it feel a little more special than the average find at IKEA.

 

4. IKEA Skurar Plant Pots

These simple tins pots are actually quite elegant with the loveliest eyelet cutouts on the rim.

 

5. IKEA Fejka Faux Potted Plants

In Germany, we don't have a lot of options as far as faux plants and flowers go. So, I was pretty happy with this selection of faux plants from IKEA. I purchased the boxwood and olive looking ones. It's a nice touch of green in our home. (and they fit perfectly in the Skurar pots!)

 

 

6. Birds' Nests

Does anything say "Spring" more than birds' nests full of little baby eggs? I have a few of these around our main living area and plan to make a wreath featuring one as well. (Germany friends, you can find a small selection of cute birds' nests at Depot!)

 

7. Birds!

Of course, you wouldn't have the nest or eggs without the birds. I have a soft spot in my heart for birds and have been using them in spots in my home for years. These can be found nearly anywhere these days including Michael's, Hobby Lobby, Target, etc. If you are in Germany, they are also at Depot.

 

 



 

 

Tuscan Cachepot {Local Find}

I've been meaning to post about these little beauties for quite a while. Having just returned from Tuscany myself, I guess I finally found my inspiration.

 

 

In the last year or so, I have seen these cachepots, urns and vases featured all over including two of my favorites: Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs. Of course Ballard and Pottery Barn are each asking up to $99!

 

 

 

Not only are my containers a sweet, inexpensive alternative to the ones found at Pottery Barn and Ballard Designs; they can also be found locally in the greater Stuttgart area. The smaller cachepot (my favorite!) was found at Idee on Königstraße for only €6.99.

Even better than that, my larger flower pot can be found at Hofmeister for €1.99!! You simply cannot beat that deal.

Seagrass Storage Baskets { Local Finds }

I love these baskets. They are pretty. They are functional. And they will forever tell a story for me.

When we moved into our farmhouse in Simmozheim, we quickly realized we lacked one thing: STORAGE. Our house did not have a single closet or cabinet. We made do pretty well with what we had plus a few armoires from IKEA. One area that proved a little tricky was the bathroom. I don't know about you, but I have a LOT of bathroom stuff. Suddenly, I found myself sharing a bathroom with my entire family. This was going to be a challenge.

I envisioned the perfect solution to our bathroom storage dilemma. Something like this:

Or this:

Heck, even this:

One problem, I couldn't find anything remotely close to these options here in  Germany. I looked online and either the item was too expensive to be shipped over here or the option wasn't even available.

A friend of mine told me while living over here you buy what you can when you find it. Basically, you have to settle. I was okay with digging a little more and being more creative. I was not okay with settling. I admit, first I was excited about the challenge. However, my excitement quickly turned to frustration.

I kept looking and looking. Finally, at Mömax I found these lovely sea grass baskets with a hinged lid on them.

I thought they'd be perfect because I could stack them. I put the items rarely used in the bottom baskets and kept the more essentials in the top basket.

We've had them for 18 months now. They worked well at our house in Simmozheim and they have transitioned well into our house on post. I imagine they will be part of our decor family for a long time to come. I can see them having a future as toy boxes or a place to store extra curriculum. Regardless of where they end up. I am sure they will be well loved and look lovely in the process.

{PS to my local friends. If you happen to be on the lookout for products with a safe rating on the EWG's Cosmetic Database, this Pure & Natural soap has a rating of 2 and can be found at the Exchange.}

Making a Temporary House a Home | Fresh Flowers

I love fresh flowers. They have a way of turning a ho-hum day into something special. When I wake up very early in the morning and sit at the table to feed Sam, I currently see these beautiful ranunculus we picked up at the Stuttgart Market on Saturday. They just add a little something extra. I got one bunch for €7,50. This really isn't a bad price considering how many buds there are on here just waiting to open up!

My girls begged for tulips. At €4 a bunch, how could I possibly turn them down? I also want them to have those special little things in their lives whenever possible. They have some in their rooms, but I also get to look at these while I scrub pots and pans.

Also added to my collection this weekend were these lovely narcissus bulbs. Seriously, does anything scream spring more than this? I received these as a party favor at a baby shower. What a fantastic idea! We have enjoyed watching them sprout and bloom quite quickly!

Fresh flowers are an easy, inexpensive way to add a little something extra to your home. They don't have to be complicated or expensive or perfectly arranged. One of the best places I've found fresh flowers at is the local farmers' market. They are all over the world. I am sure there is one near you, too! In the States, I found extremely reasonably priced flowers at Sam's Club. My favorite were alstroemeria. I could get two bunches for less than $10 and they'd last two weeks! Also, try to stick with what's in season at the time. They will be much cheaper and easier to come by. Finally, don't overlook your own backyard. What types of flowers do you have sprouting right now? Cut a few, stick them in a simple glass or jar and sit them on your kitchen counter. They just may add a little bit of joy to your everyday chores.

Sweet Little Ceramic Bunny { Local Find }

Have you seen these cute little ceramic bunnies Pottery Barn is featuring for Easter?

They are selling for $24.50. Granted, there are two of them and they smell like spring. Nonetheless, a cheaper alternative is certainly out there.

I found this sweet little bunny at Dehner. It doesn't smell like spring. It doesn't come with a partner. (Though I'm sure you can find one!) But it only cost €1.99. I'd say that is a pretty good dupe.

PS - The ranunculus are from the Farmer's Market in Stuttgart. 

Making a Temporary House a Home | Rugs

If you currently have get to live in base housing or practically anywhere overseas, you most likely do not have carpets. We actually have not had carpeting in our last three homes, so rugs have become essentials for us.

Like curtains, rugs work very well in softening a space. This one in our living area is one of my favorites. It is soft, plush and really cozy. My kids play on it. They even stack pillows and layers of blankets on it to lay on the floor and watch a movie. It wouldn't be quite so comfortable without this rug. We found this rug at IKEA in Sindelfingen. It came in several colors.

Rugs can also help to define a space. Our kitchen, living room, entryway and dining room are actually lumped together in one giant, difficult-to-arrange space. Having these coverings on the floor really help to separate the areas. This rug is a neutral, practical jute rug also from IKEA. I believe they had a few with different border colors.

Rugs can fill the void. Our apartment has a very long, kind of awkward entry way. This indoor/outdoor runner is just the right size to fill that space. The fact that it is water resistant is a fantastic bonus. German winters + ice + salt do not equal happy floors! This lovely runner was found in the Estate Sale section of Ballard Designs.

Most of our rugs are inexpensive and were found locally.  The only thing we did splurge on were the runners for our hallway. Due to the way our apartment is set up, you can hear everything going on in our home no matter where you may be. The hallway basically became a sound tunnel that would echo all of our sounds throughout the rest of the home. We knew we wanted thick runners to absorb a lot of that noise. We looked locally and didn't find anything that was visually acceptable for us. With the current exchange rate, we realized we'd end up paying just as much for something we didn't particularly love. So, we bit the bullet and ordered our runners from Pottery Barn. It was an investment. But, I am happy to say it has paid off already. Our home feels a bit more cozy and the runners have definitely helped with sound control.

Of course, rugs can be just plain functional as well. Our bathrooms are very strange sizes and shapes, so I had to be a bit more creative in there. I loved the idea of using indoor/outdoor rugs in here because they come in much larger and unique sizes than your typical bath rug. This particular rug was found at Mömax in Böblingen. You will see I have the same rug in different colors in our guest bath as well as the kitchen. Clearly, this rug works for us.

Here are a few before + after shots to show what a difference rugs can make.

The kids/guest bath before and after. This is another version of the indoor/outdoor rug from Mömax. This one is a warm taupe color.

The master bath before and after. Same Mömax rug. The version in the master bath has cool gray trim and woven throughout.

Finally, the kitchen before and after. Same rug, this one with black woven throughout.

One thing you'll notice in all three of these rooms is the same large, WHITE tile. It shows everything. It was getting very annoying seeing every speck of dust. And let's be real, who sweeps, dusts, vacuums everyday? I certainly don't. While I do still have to do those three things more often, these rugs truly help.

All in all, rugs can soften a home, hide a multitude of imperfections and deaden echoing noise. They are a great, inexpensive option to help make your temporary house feel more like home.

Home Decor Shopping {Go Local!}

This series of posts is for my local Stuttgart area friends. If you are like me, you might be having a hard time finding things for your home that you adore. I don't have a ton of time, but I do like to get out and explore my surroundings. I've been on the hunt for the perfect "go to" home accessory shop since I got here 18 months ago. I haven't found it, but I've found several great things at various locations. I'll try to feature one of my local finds on a weekly basis. If you have a really great score that you'd like to share on my blog, please contact me! I'd love to have some guest posts.

Right now, I am all about the white color family. I am drawn to anything cream, eggshell, off-white, ecru, you get the picture. My hubby and I were recently browsing the seasonal decor at Hofmeister in Leonberg when I spotted this gem.

Right away, I loved it. I knew I wanted it, but was unsure of what I'd do with it. I carried it around to show my hubby. When he saw it, he liked it too. His words were something along the lines of, "Oh great, another container."  He did say however, if it could be used to conceal some of our junk, he was all for it.

What better to hide than the hubby's watch collection?! This little beauty has found a permanent home on my dresser and I couldn't be happier.