Design Sponge at Home

Have you pre-ordered your copy yet?

http://www.designsponge.com/

It will be on my doorstep September 12th. While I was at it, I added this one to my shopping cart too.

amazon.com

How could I not? It was suggested after all, so I pretty much had to comply. It's like shoe shopping at Nordstrom. You ask to try on one pair, and the handsome salesman brings you 3 more "because he thought you might like them too". I usually do. Tricky bastards.

While we're on the subject of books, I just picked this one up for some beach reading on my vaca.

I've heard it's pee-your-pants funny. Can't wait to start reading!

Wood you rather...

hardwood or carpet? While I'm away taking in the sights across the pond, Mr. W will be hard at work installing our new hardwood floors...something I've been dreaming of doing since we moved in. Sometimes I forget how lucky I am to have a man who enjoys a good DIY project, and is good with power tools. Love him.

While I enjoy the warmth and cush of carpet, I really prefer the rich, classic look of hardwood floors. They are incredibly versitle, working with so many different styles and time periods. I tend to lean towards darker/rustic looks. Here are a few shots from my inpsiring pinterest board...

This might actually be the exact floor we decided on...might be a little darker but that texture is spot on. The depth between the boards just does it for me.

pinterest via isabellaandmaxrooms.blogspot.com

Love the knots in these boards. That rug ain't half bad either.

6th street design school

Dark and gorg.

pinterest via country living

This look completely steals my heart.

pinterest



And the winner is....

neither! Not long after posting the final purse contenders for my Euro-trip, I noticed a Free People ad sitting in my inbox. I'm usually quick to delete my daily advertisements but I thought I might as well check it out, and when I did, this is what I found:

She meets all of my size/cross body/color/price requirements so I snatched her up right away and she was in my mailbox 4 days later! So quick! And in a very cute paisley patterned package to boot!

This word art was recently featured on the fp blog, and it could not be more perfect for my upcoming adventure.

Oh my goodness. I can't wait. 8 days :)

Battle Royale

I started mentally packing for my Euro-trip the day after baseball season ended. My mind had been so consumed with their travel plans that I really didn't have time to get excited about my trip until I could put all of that in the books. Now it's pretty much all I can think about. My pinterest addiction is no help.

It's really unfortunate that I "need" to buy a new purse for this vaca. I've been told by many a world-wide traveler that it is important to have a cross body purse so you can keep all of your valuables as close as possible. I've narrowed my choices down to these two beauties from Urban Outfitters, which also happens to be one of my favorite decorating resources.

{Option A}

I love this little guy because it is simple enough to look nice with anything I might wear. I've spotted top handle bags everywhere lately and I'm loving their vintage feel.(Side-note: My packing list is still in progress, but I'm thinking there will be a lot of sundresses considering space limitations in my carry-on...did I mention we're not checking any bags for a 2+ week vaca? I pack 2 weeks worth of clothes for a weekend trip. It's gonna be interesting.)

{Option B}

I like that this one is a little less structured and an inch or two shorter. I'll be toting it around everywhere we go so it can't be too bulky. It's a bit slouchy too. I'm not sure why that seems like a perk, but it does. It's also less expensive ($39!) and would probably work with most outfits as well. The only downside I see here is it's color, could get a bit dirty.

Either way, I need to make a decision today since we're leaving in 15 DAYS! Holy Moses, that's fun to say/type outloud.

Any travel/packing advice would be much appreciated!

Mantel Inspiration

Since slathering our fireplace wall in Dragon's Breath by Benjamin Moore, I've been dreaming up ways to further beautify the space. Here's what has been on my mind...

Would love to do something rustic like this for the mantel, and I'm loving the fresh flowers bunched together in simple little vases.

{milk & honey home}

I think the antique gold of this mirror against the new deep charcoal gray paint would look beeeautiful.

{anthropologie}

This guy would add a little personality, and he might add a masculine touch for the Mr. There's no way his real version is making an appearance in our living room. He's lucky to have found a spot in the garage.

{urban outfitters)

I like how the giant monogram is the same color as the wall behind it. Subtle. And I want this book. Real bad.

{amazon}

One or two of these throws would look super cozy draped across my new/old wooden ladder antique store find. It's currently leaning up against the fireplace wall, but it looks a little naked.

Pretty little jar.

{anthropologie}

I love lamp. I mean lanterns.

{pottery barn)

Pinning. Please do not disturb.

Currently scheming a way to make pinning my full-time job. I know I'm not the only one. Baseball season is over, and I have a lot more time on my hands. But there are few things I would rather do with my time these days...does that make me lazy? I don't care. Time for yoga? Sorry, I'm pinning. 10 minutes late for dinner? Well, it'll be at least 20 more. It's a half hour past happy hour? Yeah...that one might win.

Anyway, while I've been slacking on the blog front, I have been quite ambitious on the pin front. If you're not following me yet, what the heck are you waiting for? Check it. www.pinterest.com/mrslw

You'll find awesome pics like this that inspired me to surprise attack my fireplace with a gallon of paint 2 nights ago...



Request an invite today. You'll love/hate me forever.