Bar Carts

Living in my very own studio apartment has been a great experience so far, allowing me to really decorate however I see fit, with everything I bring into my apartment reflecting my own personal style. It's a work in progress, slowly building my gallery wall, buying vases and picture frames, and just making the place me.

I've been desperately wanting to purchase and style a bar cart for my "dining" area, and every time I go to any sort of home goods or furniture store, I keep my eye out for the perfect cart. (I found my dream one at Cost Plus World Market, but unfortunately $300+ is out of my budget right now!) I can't wait to style said future cart with bar tools and pretty glasses.

In the meantime, here are a few of my favorite carts I've seen around the blogosphere over the past few months. Where did you find your bar cart? 

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I came across these beautiful leather-bound books, and fell in love. I have two of my own - a complete set of Jane Austen's books, and the Bronte sisters. I don't even read them for fear of ruining them, but keep them on display in my living room. They're gorgeous. I want more to collect. 

Anyone else collect books?

Image source

Pillows inspire travel

I recently came across this amazing Etsy shop, The Bearded Pigeon when perusing the Web, which sells these simply gorgeous pillows that are maps. If I had extra money to spend, I would most definitely buy a few of these. They make me want to travel!

Here are a few of my favorite images from this beautiful shop.

All images from The Bearded Pigeon Etsy Shop

Interior Design Envy

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Apartment organization

My new apartment already feels 10 times more like "home" than my last apartment did- I'm not sure if it's because I knew my last one was "temporary" and this one is a at least a year, or if it's because I now have a roommate. Either way, I'm loving this new apartment. Can I mention how jealous I am that one of Oprah's Favorite Things this year was $1000 custom made closet by the Container Store?? I almost fell off my couch when she said that!

Just wanted to share a few things we recently purchased for our apartment that we are eagerly awaiting- I think they'll make a huge difference in our kitchen and living room!

One thing we both do not enjoy about our apartment, is the fact that our kitchen is TINY. So, we purchased this to put our microwave/toaster oven on top of, and then it has the extra storage for additional pots and pans, silverware, etc. I will make our kitchen so.much.better. I cannot wait to be organized!

This is actually a storage Ottoman, which we will be using for extra seating and as table of sorts  as well. I'm really excited about it for some weird reason. I'm mad, because we bought this from Target.com, yesterday. TODAY, it went on sale, $20 off, which we don't get. Slightly disappointed!


What were your recent purchases for your homes?

The Container Store = Love.

As previously mentioned, I'm moving into a new apartment, very soon. In fact I probably should be packing rather than writing this! I already know I'll be losing quite a bit of storage/closet space; although my new bathroom is much bigger than mine now. I'll have to share my kitchen/living room space with my new roommate as well.  Therefore, creative storage options will be a must.

I've been spending the past hour scouring the Container Store Web site, and have decided that... well, I could easily spend oh, the next 4 pay checks there and still have things I'd want to buy. The Container Store is my new store to obsessive over. The thought of having a place to store literally every.possible.item.I.own is thrilling! I think the OCD side of me is coming out in full force tonight, particularly as I stare around my incredibly messy apartment with boxes and piles of things EVERYWHERE. I cannot wait to move and be organized again. Cant beat my new location or the price!


A few of my favorite things I'm seriously considering buying. Anyone shopped there before? What do you recommend? I'm super excited to go to the store this weekend!

Halloween, oh Halloween

 

I'm not the biggest Halloween person. I think it goes back to the 7th grade, when my Dad told me that I was "too old" for trick-or-treating, BUT he allowed my younger brother to keep doing so until high school (still a bit bitter on this one.) Since then, I don't think I've dressed up. I've never gone to a costume party and I've never felt the need. Most costumes in college are girls just seeing who can wear the least amount of clothes, and that's just not my style. I also dont like scary movies, but I've never liked them, Halloween or otherwise!

I love decorations for Halloween, however. And passing out the candy to kids. And seeing all of their adorable costumes. And caramel apples and "spooky" treats. And carving pumpkins, and pumpkin seeds, and pumpkin bread. Apple orchards, haunted houses, corn maizes. All of that stuff, I just love. I already know that when I have a home and have kids someday, I will love Halloween!

In the Halloween spirit, here are a few of my favorite photos of food and decorations; courtesy of Martha Stewart.

Happy Halloween!

Umm. PS how awesome would it be to go squash bowling?